Technology

DJI Phantom 4: Artificial Intelligence for Aerial Video Service

DJI just introduced its new Phantom 4, the competition have some real concerns to worry about!

DJI Drone 4The new generation of the already mythical DJI Phantom is the result of concepts and discussions that took into account almost all the wishes, and even dreams. Specialized drone pilots in aerial photography for amateurs or professionals. Avoidance of obstacles to the intelligent recognition reliefs territory, automatic tracking subjects programming trajectories, all there, and more.

This small technology monster may truly revolutionize aerial photography, to the point that Parliament would do well to consider its capabilities and performance to adapt, so relax, again the rules and constraints on the use of drones.

Do not say “drone” say “Intelligent Aerial Camera”

Moreover, we note in passing the semantic evolution initiated by DJI: the term “drone” is definitely too connoted (one thinks immediately to the US war drones Air Force or intrusive machine to spy on us) , DJI now speak intelligently aerial camera, or even quadrille-rotors to air films.

In short, the DJI Phantom totally designed with a single obsession in mind: to make the aerial view easier and put it within the reach of everyone, from the seasoned professional to the general public as beginner. Basically, the machine can normally  do the work of at least two operators: Steering and framing. Thanks to these three new features that will surely Date: Obstacle Avoidance, Active Track and TapFly.

Finally an obstacle sensor on a mainstream drone

It was certainly one of the most anticipated features of Dronists: A machine that detects the obstacles rather than going over in nag mode, slightest moment of inattention of the driver or during a fault steering or loss of control. It’s done: The Phantom 4 obstacle detector consists of two optical sensors pointing forward, which detect obstacles and thus enable the drone to bypass automatically when possible, reducing the risk of collisions, while assuring the same flight destination. If the system detects an obstacle that can not be bypassed, then it will hover until the user indicates a new direction. The obstacle avoidance system is also triggered when the user uses the “Return to home”, avoiding collisions and reducing the drone to its starting safety point.

Active Track: Self monitoring of a moving subject

This is one of the major trends in the drones technology: The ability to automatically track and film a moving subject. The Hexoplus of Grenoble were the first to introduce this technology, followed notably by 3D Robotics. Except that their respective system requires moving subjects ( Joggers, Cyclists, Surfers …) is equipped with a module allowing the drone to spot and connect them by radio or WiFi. With the Phantom 4 DJI goes one step further as it is no longer necessary to have strings attached. With its Phantom 4 ActiveTrack function allows users of the app DJI Go for iOS and Android to track and keep the camera focused on a moving target, simply by selecting on the screen of their Smartphone or Tablet. For perfect frame when capturing runners or cyclists, for example, it’s now sufficient to enable Active Track function in the application. The Phantom 4 perceives images in three dimensions and uses learning machine to keep its target in the frame, even when the machine changes shape or direction. Users retain full control of the camera during activation of the Active Track mode and can even rotate around the moving target, the Phantom 4 maintain it at the center of the image automatically. The “pause” button on the remote control allows the user to interrupt the autonomous flight of the drone, it then putting hovering.

Tapfly: The flight destination programmed a click

Equally baffling, the Tapfly functionality allow you to program the flight destination in advance. Integrated in the DJI Go application, Tapfly allows users to select a destination flight by pressing twice on their screen, the Phantom 4 will then automatically calculate the optimal route to reach it while avoiding obstacles in its path.

Side autonomy, better optimization of aerodynamics and improved engine efficiency give this new generation of drones the ability to achieve 28 minutes flight time with one battery. Note also the Sport mode allows the DJI Phantom 4 to reach a top speed of 70 km/h.

The Phantom 4 camera can capture aerial images in 4K. It has been improved to make the corner of the picture clearer and reduce chromatic aberration. Phantom 4 is equipped with an HD embedded video transmission DJI Light bridge system, allowing users to see what they are filming in real time and within 5 km.

The new Phantom 4 DJI hits hard and might hurt competition, which certainly wouldn’t take long to respond. However, only the price of the machine will eventually curb some enthusiasm, but for 1.599$ there is currently nothing comparable on the market. The drone war has begun, but it will play in the economic field.

Are you ready for the next generation of Drones?

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