Open Access

ARTICLE

Object Tracking-Based “Follow-Me” Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) System

Olubukola D. Adekola^1,*, Onyedikachi Kenny Udekwu², Oluwatobi Tolulope Saliu², Damilola Williams Dada², Stephen O. Maitanmi¹, Victor Odumuyiwa³, Olujimi Alao², Monday Eze², Funmilayo Abibat Kasali⁴, Ayokunle Omotunde²
1 Department of Software Engineering, Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
2 Department of Computer Science, Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
3 Department of Computer Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, Nigeria
4 Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Mountain Top University, Ogun State, Nigeria
* Corresponding Author: Olubukola D. Adekola. Email:
(This article belongs to this Special Issue: Advances in Computational Intelligence and its Applications)

Computer Systems Science and Engineering 2022, 41(3), 875-890. https://doi.org/10.32604/csse.2022.021029

Received 20 June 2021; Accepted 29 July 2021; Issue published 10 November 2021

Abstract

The applications of information technology (IT) tools and techniques have, over the years, simplified complex problem solving procedures. But the power of automation is inhibited by the technicality in manning advanced equipment. To this end, tools deliberately combating this inhibition and advancing technological growth are the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). UAVs are rapidly taking over major industries such as logistics, security, and cinematography. Among others, this is a very efficient way of carrying out missions unconventional to humans. An application area of this technology is the local film industry which is not producing quality movies primarily due to the lack of technical know-how in utilizing these systems. This study therefore aim to devise an autonomous object tracking UAV system that would eliminate the complex procedure involved in stabilizing an aerial camera (aerial bot) midair and promote the creation of quality aerial video shooting. The study adopted Unified Modeling Language (UML) tools in modeling the system’s functionality. The traditional Server-Client model architecture was adopted. The OpenCV library employed proved highly efficient in aiding the tracking procedure. The system provided a usable web controller which provides easy interaction between the pilot and the drone. Conclusively, investments in UAVs would enhance creation of quality graphic contents.

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Keywords

Artificial intelligence; cinematography; unmanned aerial vehicles; drones; object tracking

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