Training Modules

 

Training Overview

Participants complete 6 training modules over the course of the experiment, as shown below. Each module provides a link to download the Powerpoint slides used in each type of training (Manual/Supervisory & Manual/Supervisory).

 

Module 1: UAV Basics (M/S&M/S) – Teaches the participant the basics properties of UAVs and the directions of flight

 

Module 2: App Interface (M/S&M/S) – Teaches the participant the general layout and elements of the app interface

 

Module 3: Takeoff and Landing (M/S&M/S) – Teaches the participant how to command the UAV to takeoff from the starting position, and how to land the UAV once a mission has been completed

 

Module 4: Navigation (M/S&M/NA) – Teaches the participant how to move the UAV about the environment, including how to control altitude, lateral position, and heading. On the manual interface this consists of joystick manipulation, while in the supervisory interface this consists of waypoint creation/deletion and flightplan execution.

 

Module 5: Camera Operation (M/S&M/S) – Teaches the participant how to utilize the UAV’s onboard camera to assist with navigation as well as to complete tasks.

 

Module 6: Emergency Handling (M/S&M/NA) – Teaches the participant potential issues that could arise and limitations of the vehicle autonomy, as well as how to use the onboard camera to identify and avoid obstacles in the environment.

 

Multiple-Choice Tests

After each training module, the participant is asked to complete a short multiple choice test regarding the material contained in the module. The links below allows you to download the multiple choice test for each module.

 

Module 1 Multiple-Choice Test

 

Module 2 Multiple-Choice Test

 

Module 3 Multiple-Choice Test

 

Module 4 Multiple-Choice Test

 

Module 5 Multiple-Choice Test

 

Module 6 Multiple-Choice Test

 

Practice Flight Tests

From Module 3 onwards, after the multiple-choice test the subject is asked to complete a hands-on practice flight test regarding the material contained in the module. For each module, the experimenter provides a short briefing with instructions and notes, shown below. The practice flight test after Module 6 is a “check ride”, meaning that this hands-on test comprehensively covers all skills and knowledge learned through all 6 modules.

 

Module 3: Takeoff and Landing

[lecture]

During this module, your goal is to have the drone to take off at the start point, hover for 5-10 seconds, and then land the drone at the same start point. Please do not press the takeoff and land button too long when taking off or landing the drone.

 

[lecture]

NOTES:

  1. You can only operate the drone from this control room. Do not walk outside the room.
  2. This exercise only includes the takeoff and landing operation in this module, and do not move the position of the drone.

 

Module 4: Navigation

[lecture]

During this module, your goal is to navigate the drone around a barrel. Set a path to take off at the start point, fly in a counterclockwise circle around the barrel at a height of 1.5-meter, and then return to land at the start point, based on the information obtained from map and video feed.

Fly Path Module 4

 Fig 1. Module 4 fly path

 

Module 5: Camera Operation

[lecture]

During this module, your task is to read the number of green color shapes of signs on the control panel (Fig. 3, Fig. 4). Command the drone to first take off at the start point, fly to the Control Panel B, and adjust the altitude (under 2 meters) and rotation of the camera to make sure the control panel is clearly shown in the video feed window. read the number of green color shapes on the control panel to the researcher A, and then return to the start point.

Fly Path Module 5

Fig 2. Module 5 fly path

 

Control Panel Sample

Fig 3. Sample Control Panel

 

Position of Control Panel

Fig 4. Position of Control Panel

 

[lecture]

NOTES:

  1. There’s a barrel between the start point and the control panel. Set a flight path to avoid it.
  2. Report to the researcher the number of green shapes on the control panel;
  3. Change the height and rotation of the drone camera to make sure the control panel is clearly shown in the window.
  4. Take off and return to the same start point.
  5. Please keep the drone flying under 2m.

 

Check-ride:

[lecture]

This module is designed to examine your integrated drone-flying skills from the previous 6-module training. During this module, your goal is to take off from the start point, reach the control panel (Fig 3. Control Panel) while avoiding several obstacles in the path, report the number of black colors on the control panel, and then go back to the return point.

 

[lecture]

Notes:

  1. The drone cannot fly above the obstacles to avoid them;
  2. The drone should fly through the middle of gates. Use Inspection Mode to check whether the height is correct when entering the gates. The middle of the left PVC gate is about 0.9m, and the middle of the right gate is about 0.6m.
  3. The drone should reach the control panel and report the number of black colors on the control panel to the supervisor.
  4. The position of the walls may not match perfectly to the map, so please avoid the walls.
  5. You still have chances to complete this check-ride till you succeed this check-ride.

 

Check Ride Fly Path

Fig 5. Check-ride fly path