Date of Award

12-2010

Degree Name

MS in Electrical Engineering

Department/Program

Electrical Engineering

Advisor

Xiao-Hua (Helen) Yu

Abstract

On-board gimbal systems for camera stabilization in helicopters are typically based on linear models. Such models, however, are inaccurate due to system nonlinearities and complexities. As an alternative approach, artificial neural networks can provide a more accurate model of the gimbal system based on their non-linear mapping and generalization capabilities.

This thesis investigates the applications of artificial neural networks to model the inertial characteristics (on the azimuth axis) of the inner gimbal in a gyro-stabilized multi-gimbal system. The neural network is trained with time-domain data obtained from gyro rate sensors of an actual camera system. The network performance is evaluated and compared with measured data and a traditional linear model. Computer simulation results show the neural network model fits well with the measured data and significantly outperforms a traditional model.

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