AER 817 – Systems Engineering

QUADCOPTER CAMERA
OVERVIEW
Group 6
Table of Contents
Camera Specifications .................................................................................................................................. 2
Camera Connection....................................................................................................................................... 2
Camera Mount .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Camera Mirror .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Camera Mirror Mount ................................................................................................................................... 4

List of Figures
Figure 1 - OV7670 Camera (Front & Back views) ....................................................................................... 2
Figure 2 - Preliminary Camera Mount Design .............................................................................................. 3
Figure 3 - Convex Mirror for Camera ........................................................................................................... 4
Figure 4 - Mount for Camera Mirror ............................................................................................................ 4

List of Tables
Table 1 - Camera Specifications ................................................................................................................... 2

1
Camera Specifications
The camera chosen to be mounted onto the Quadcopter is the OV7670. It is an Arduino compatible
camera module and will be ideal for the mission requirements of the project.

Figure 1 - OV7670 Camera (Front & Back views)

This camera can be purchased from ebay for $13.59 USD. The table below displays some of the
important camera specifications.

Table 1 - Camera Specifications

Array Element (VGA) 640 x 480 Sensitivity 1.3V

Power Supply Digital Core 1.8 VDC ± 10% Operating Power 60mW
Analog 2.45V to 3.0V Image Area 2.36mm x 1.76mm
I/O 1.7V to 3.0V Pixel Size 3.6µm x 3.6 µm
Temperature Operation -30oC to 70oC Lens Size 1/6”
Range Stable Image 0oC to 50oC Vision Angle 25 degree
Output YUV/YCbCr 4:2:2 GRP 4:2:2 Signal to Noise Ratio 46 dB
Formats (8-bit) RGB565/555 Raw RGB Data Camera Dimension 36.16mm x 34.29mm

Camera Connection
The camera module will be connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) that will mechanically support the
camera and electrically connect it to the Arduino board.
A Graphical User Interface (GUI) station will be built in order to read and display the received data. GUI
can be programmed on any programing software. In MATLAB is can be built in two ways:
• Using GUIDE (GUI Development Environment)
• Create code files that generate GUIs as functions or scripts
However, using GUIDE is a better option because despite the length of the files, they are well defined and
the definition is stored in its figure file not in the code. Also, it is easier to use since it provides tools that
simplify the process of creating the graphical user interfaces.

2
Camera Mount
In developing this mount the team considered several conditions that would affect the overall
development and performance of the aircraft:
 Weight
 Simplicity
 Performance
 Adaptability
Weight is relatively self-explanatory; as a lighter component will reduce the weight penalty the craft must
suffer, boosting flight performance parameters such as endurance. However, it was important to note that
a balance between weight and strength needed to be found, as a lighter component is inherently weaker
unless compensated for. The preliminary design the team has created currently weighs in at 20 grams.
Simplicity is another consideration the team took into account. If this design enters production, simpler
components take less time to manufacture and save money, increasing the profit margin or pushing down
the price, making the product more competitive. Simplicity also helps in the long term, allowing for quick
replacement if the component ever is upgraded or replaced due to wear and tear. The mount as designed
attaches with four screws, and is very simple in design, while leaving space for future improvements.
From looking at the mount, one notices that the camera points up. This is so that it may look at a mirror
reflecting a 360o view below. This allows for more situational awareness, which is of vital importance
while hovering near power lines that supply electricity to potentially millions of people. Care must be
taken to ensure that image quality does not suffer, though this system is advantageous to a camera fixed to
view in one direction with a limited field of vision.
Lastly, adaptability is key. As the structural team is still working on their components, dimensions may
change and mounting points may change. With this design, it is a matter of adjusting the angle of the arms
to intercept the frame, resulting in a quick turnaround for redesign. As the final specifications come in, the
team will adjust the design and come up with more accurate specifications for the mount itself.

Figure 2 - Preliminary Camera Mount Design

3
Camera Mirror
One convex mirror will be mounted on the frame of the quad copter using semi-sphere of foam. Foam is
used to decrease vibrations as well as weight. The plastic mount of the mirror will be removed which will
decrease the weight of the mirror by approximately 15 to 20 g.
Dimensions: 2.17 in x 2.17 in x 0.71 in (5.5 cm x 5.5 cm x 1.8 cm)
Weight: 1.31 oz (37 g)
Cost: $ 2-7

Figure 3 - Convex Mirror for Camera

Camera Mirror Mount

The mirror will be bonded to a foam backing that will be cut into a convex shape matching the mirror.
This foam block will be bonded to the main structure.
This foam block can be easily cut and is compatible with bonding agents such as epoxy. The foam’s low
density will save weight, which is welcome, because the quadcopter has limited thrust.
The estimated price a foam block will range from $7 to $12

Figure 4 - Mount for Camera Mirror