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Posts Tagged ‘drones’

Judge rules DJI infringed patent, recommends ceasing sales and imports of most DJI drones

18 May

On March 2nd, Steptoe, a leading international law firm, secured a major trial victory for Autel Robotics USA at the US International Trade Commission (ITC). The ITC’s chief administrative law judge found that SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd., the world’s largest manufacturer of consumer drones, and 7 related entities collectively known as ‘DJI,’ violated Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended. DJI has been importing and selling drones that infringe on Autel’s US Patent No. 9, 260,184.

The ITC’s chief administrative law judge recommended barring the following DJI products from importation into the United States: the Mavic Pro, Mavic Pro Platinum, Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic 2 Zoom, Mavic Air, and Spark. The judge also recommended a cease and desist order prohibiting DJI from selling any of these products that are already in the U.S. when the exclusion order issues. If upheld, all of these products could be removed from the U.S. market as early as July.

Autel scored another victory with the ITC. DJI was forced to post a 9.9% bond during the 60-day presidential review period following the exclusion order. Autel also filed a petition to prevent other DJI products from being sold including the Phantom 4 and Inspire series of drones. It is worth noting that DJI’s Inspire 1 and most of its Phantom 4 line has been discontinued, with the exception of the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0. The Spark and original Mavic Pro models are also no longer produced.

Representatives from DJI declined to comment on the matter at this time.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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US Interior Department grounds Chinese-made drones in its fleet citing ongoing security concerns

31 Jan

Yesterday, the United States Interior Department signed an order to ground its fleet of more than 800 drones for non-emergency operations following ongoing concerns of cybersecurity threats.

As reported by NPR, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt didn’t specifically say the fleet of drones were capable of being hacked in the order, but did note that information collected by the drones could potentially be ‘valuable to foreign entities, organizations and governments.’

This new order cements a ‘pause’ Bernhardt ordered roughly three months ago to cease the use of Chinese-manufactured drones for Interior Department business, with the exception of emergency use-cases. In a statement given to The Verge at that time, Interior spokesperson Melissa Brown said ‘the Secretary has directed that drones manufactured in China or made from Chinese components be grounded unless they are currently being utilized for emergency purposes, such as fighting wildfires, search and rescue, and dealing with natural disasters that may threaten life or property.’

No specific companies were mentioned in the initial order, nor yesterday’s, but it’s clear Chinese drone manufacturer DJI is in the crosshairs.

Following yesterday’s order from Bernhardt, Chinese drone manufacturer DJI issued a statement on its website, saying:

‘[DJI] is extremely disappointed by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) order released today which inappropriately treats a technology’s country of origin as a litmus test for its performance, security and reliability […] We are opposed to the politically-motivated country of origin restrictions masquerading as cybersecurity concerns and call for policymakers and industry stakeholders to create clear standards that will give commercial and government drone operators the assurance they need to confidently evaluate drone technology on the merits of performance, security and reliability, no matter where it is made.’

DJI manufactures specific ‘government edition’ versions of its Matrice 600 Pro and Mavic Pro drones, both of which are currently listed in the Interior Department’s fleet. These specific models use special firmware and software to fit the needs of the Interior Department and were previously signed off for use by the Interior Department following a 15-month testing period that concluded with a 53-page report. Other drones in the U.S. agency’s fleet include the Autel Evo, Parrot Anafi, FireFLY Pro/S, 3DR Solo Quadcopter and Pulse Vapor 55TM Helicopter.

DJI’s Matrice 600 Pro drone is just one of the half-a-dozen different drone models in the Interior Department’s drone fleet.

This new order will, like the pause announced back in October 2019, will remain in effect until a subsequent order overturns it, as there is no end-date mentioned. Like the pause back in October, emergency use-cases ‘will continue to be allowed in approved situations for emergency purposes, such as fighting wildfires, search and rescue, and dealing with natural disasters that may threaten life or property,’ according to an Interior Department spokesperson.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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New UK bill would enable police to stop, search and seize drones

30 Jan

The United Kingdom is cracking down on the unsafe and potentially illegal use of drones via the new Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Bill, which went before the UK’s Parliament for a second reading on January 27. According to an announcement from Parliament, this bill would give UK Police the power to order a drone to land, inspect it and, when applicable, seize it.

This new bill would grant the UK police a variety of new powers, including the option to stop and search drones being operated around airports and prisons, both sensitive locations where drones can be used for everything from drug smuggling to wreaking havoc on society.

As part of an amendment to the Police Act 1997, UK Police forces, as well as ‘senior prison authorities,’ will be granted the powers to use counter-drone measures in cases where drones are being used illegally. As well, this bill would make it possible for police to fine drone operators ‘on the spot’ if they commit certain offenses, including failure to prove that they have the right permissions or exemptions that authorize them to violate any rules they’re caught breaking (flying too close to a particular building, for example).

The UK government stresses that this bill would only impact drone operators who are illegally flying UAVs and who are putting other people at risk. Photographers are specifically mentioned as one of the groups of people who will still be able to operate drones, assuming they follow all of the local laws and regulations, of course.

The full bill, as well as minutes of the proceedings, can be found on Parliament’s website.

Via: DroneDJ

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Moment launches new line of variable ND filters for DSLRs, mirrorless cameras and drones

29 Jan

Moment has announced the launch of its first variable ND filters for cameras and drones. The company is offering a total of four variable ND filter products at this time, one designed for the DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone. According to the company’s website, it designed its new filters to ‘hit the sweet spot on affordability, functionality, and quality.’

The Moment variable ND filters are made with machined aerospace-grade aluminum and Schott B270 Pro Cinema Glass. The three products designed for use with cameras utilize ‘unique geometry and laser-etched graphics’ that enable photographers to view the stop using the viewfinder. As well, the camera filters feature a design that prevents cross-polarization when rotating the filter.

In addition to the camera filters, Moment has also launched a filter for drones, specifically the Mavic 2 Pro. According to the company, this is the first cinema-grade variable ND filter for the Mavic 2 Pro. Offered in 2-5 Stop and 6-9 Stop varieties, this product is made from fused silica glass coated for ‘cinematic color and rugged durability.’ As with the camera filters, these drone filters are designed to prevent cross-polarization.

All four new variable ND filter products are available from Moment now. The Mavic 2 Pro Cine Variable ND filters are priced at $ 80 each; the camera filters are available in 67mm, 77mm and 82mm sizes for $ 150, $ 160 and $ 170, respectively.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DJI expected to release at least 3 new drones in 2020, starting February

24 Jan
The Mavic 2 is suspected to be succeeded by the next-generation Mavic drone.

Last May, DJI made an important announcement: starting January 1, 2020, every drone model weighing over 250 grams will have AirSense Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) receivers installed. By identifying helicopters and airplanes nearby, drones equipped with ADS-B sensors will be able to detect obstacles and avoid collisions. It would only make sense that DJI plans on rolling out new models soon, especially after a relatively quiet 2019.

A DJI Mavic 3 was expected by the end of this month. However, according to DroneDJ, invites for an industry release party have yet to be sent out. This is certainly not a promising sign. There are two reasons for this possible delay – the Skydio 2 and Autel EVO II. The latter is the most concerning as it blows the Mavic series out of the water with superior specs including the first consumer-grade 8K camera.

A delay in the Mavic 3 may mean the DJI Mavic Air 2 will be the first consumer-grade model featuring ADS-B technology to be released in 2020. Rumored upgrades to the original Mavic Air include longer battery life, 360º obstacle avoidance, aerodynamic propellers for quieter flights, and improved 4K video with an Ambarella processor.

The Matrice 300 is expected to arrive before the end of February. The Matrice 200 and 210 models are primarily used by search and rescue teams, police forces, and firefighters. The enterprise-grade drones started malfunctioning and falling from the sky, according to a report by the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch. A Matrice 600 is also a possibility toward the third or fourth quarter of this year.

Keep in mind these are only rumors. DPReview has not received any confirmation on new releases for 2020 from our contacts at DJI.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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GoPro Karma drones around the world were grounded due to GPS glitch

07 Jan

GoPro introduced its first—and only—drone in September 2016 to much fanfare. Unfortunately, the Karma, as the action camera company named it, was plagued with issues from the very beginning. Besides poor reviews that pointed out its lack of standard safety features, reports of Karma drones losing power, mid-flight, and falling from the sky became rampant to the point where GoPro recalled it on the same night as the U.S. Presidential election in November 2016.

While the number of sales is undisclosed, the Karma was purchased by drone enthusiasts even after it was discontinued in January 2018. The users that held onto their Karma discovered that it wouldn’t take off at the beginning of this year due to a glitch in the GPS and GLONASS systems of the drone. User complaints surfaced in dozens of forum posts and tweets as first pointed out by The Verge.

‘I recently got a karma and am having an issue with compass calibration. For some reason this doesn’t work: as soon as I select compass calibration in the controller, within half a second (not enough time to pick up the drone and start calibrating), I get the message ” calibration failed, try again”. It also gives a message about not being able to calibrate the compass without a GPS signal. I am trying this in a field and had the drone there for at least 10 minutes…’ lamented one user in GoPro’s forum. The Karma’s firmware has not been updated since September 26, 2018.

Most tech companies update their software consistently to avoid the same issues the Karma experienced as the new year rolled in. GoPro’s dilemma is likely the result of the GPS clock “rollover” phenomenon, which happens once every 1,024 weeks, or every 19.7 years. If a company’s software is not updated, it may automatically reset the date which can corrupt navigation data and throw off location estimates. GPS needs these precise figures to properly function.

After receiving enough media attention, a GoPro spokesperson has announced that the company’s engineering team is “actively troubleshooting” the issue.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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PowerVision to launch PowerEgg X AI camera for drones at CES

05 Jan

PowerVision, a California-based robotics company, will launch its latest product, the PowerEgg X, at next week’s CES 2020 conference and trade show. The compact, egg-shaped device has multiple uses. It can operate as an autonomous personal AI camera, a handheld 3-axis AI camera, or as a drone. The PowerEgg X was created to fill a consumer demand for an all-in-one versatile and affordable camera that allows users to instantly share content, according to PowerVision.

The PowerEgg X took over 3 years to create, involved over 300 engineers, and 100 technology patents. The device weighs 522 grams (1.15 pounds) and measures at 165x100x100 mm (6.5×3.9×3.9 inches). Its 4K/60p camera has 1/2.8 inch CMOS 12MP sensor with a 78.4º field of view. It boasts facial recognition along with deep learning features that track and recall subjects, even if they’ve left the field view, plus it responds to hand gestures. In handheld mode, the device transforms into a 3-axis gimbal that produces stabilized UHD images with a battery life of up to 3.5 hours.

In drone mode, the PowerEgg X can fly up to 30 minutes in 19-24 mph winds. It features obstacle avoidance, precise landing, and comes with a waterproof case and landing pad allowing it to take off and land in the water. PowerVision claims it can fly in the rain, a first for the drone industry. Another is the ability for users to narrate in real-time by using their mobile phone’s microphone or a wireless earphone. Its proprietary SyncVoice technology automatically synchronizes with pictures, ‘effectively ending silent-aerial photography.’

“‘Innovate the Future’ is our mission and innovation is in our DNA,” said Wally Zheng, Founder and CEO of PowerVision. “Three years in development, PowerEgg X pulls together the technology consumers are seeking and puts it in a small, elegant egg shape. With smart-image recognition tracking, image mechanical stabilization, and simple video-editing tools, it is easy for anyone to shoot material as if they were a professional-grade videographer. By creating a multi-purpose device, PowerVision has reduced the user’s total purchase cost, storage requirement, increased ease-of-use, and giving the user unprecedented convenience.”

Starting at $ 899, the PowerEgg X will be available for purchase on PowerVision’s site along with other approved retailers including BestBuy, B&H Photo and Amazon on January 7th. Those attending the annual CES 2020 show can view it at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the South Hall, booth #26415, from January 7th – 10th.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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FAA releases ‘Notice of Proposed Rulemaking’ for Remote ID on drones

28 Dec

Remote ID, the concept that drones should have a digital license plate, has experienced numerous delays. As promised, though, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finally announced their Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft Systems on Thursday. The 319-page document will be published on December 31st. From there, the general public will have 60 days to post comments for the FAA’s consideration. Those interested in reading through the NPRM, to prepare their comments, can download the unpublished PDF version.

‘The widespread adoption of Remote Identification is expected to clear a path for routine use of drones in more complex and beneficial operations, such as flights over people, at night or beyond the pilot’s line of sight,’ states an announcement from DJI, the world’s leading drone manufacturer. The new rules proposed by the FAA would require almost every drone owner, both commercial and recreational, operating an unmanned aerial vehicle weighing at or over 0.55 pounds (0.25 kilograms), to broadcast their location along with their identity via radio frequency when flying. Two years after the regulations are implemented, new drones would be required to include tamper-resistant tracking devices.

Under the new proposed rules, remote pilots would have the option to eschew radio broadcasting and upload their information to the Internet. On the downside, that would limit them to flying their aircraft at a maximum distance of 400 feet. If you aren’t able to connect to the Internet, a strong possibility in rural areas, you won’t be able to take off at all unless you’re operating ‘within an FAA-recognized identification area,’ according to one section of the NPRM.

The current NPRM for Remote ID is subject to change based on how the FAA takes comments from industry stakeholders and the public into consideration. Once finalized in an estimated 12-18 month period, it is expected to take 3 more years to implement. Alphabet’s Wing and Amazon Prime plan on rolling out drone delivery networks nationwide and finalized rulemaking for Remote ID is the key to making it possible. Over a 10-year span, the costs to drone operators and the industry, as a whole, are expected to exceed over $ 500 million dollars. ‘As we review the FAA’s proposal, we will be guided by the principle, recognized by the FAA’s own Aviation Rulemaking Committee in 2017, that remote identification will not be successful if the burdens and costs to drone operators are not minimized,’ Schulman said in an emailed statement to Bloomberg.

To date, the FAA has registered over 1.5 million drones. As of June 2019, over 8,700 reports have been filed with the FAA regarding rogue drones operating unsafely and/or illegally. Two collisions between a drone with a helicopter and a hot air balloon have been confirmed by the National Transportation Safety Board. ‘Remote ID technologies will enhance safety and security by allowing the FAA, law enforcement, and federal security agencies to identify drones flying in their jurisdiction,’ said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao in a press release.

Some industry stakeholders have already expressed their frustration over the lengthy time period expected from the moment of finalization to actual implementation. Lisa Ellman, partner at international law firm Hogan Lovells and Executive Director at the Commercial Drone Alliance, states ‘our main concern is the implementation period, which is needlessly up to 3 years. Until Remote ID is implemented, the American public will be deprived of many of the vast safety, humanitarian and efficiency benefits of commercial drones…We need implementation yesterday, not 3 years from now.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Best drones of 2019

23 Nov

Until recently, aerial photography (and videography) was a costly proposition requiring helicopters, airplanes, or build-it-yourself rigs. Thanks to inexpensive drones this is no longer true, and it’s not surprising that so many photographers have discovered drone photography and the unique perspectives it can provide.

All of the products in this guide fall into the ‘buy and fly’ category, meaning they require no extra components or customizations. Our picks are ready to fly right out of the box or with minimal assembly. Options range from personal ‘selfie’ drones to advanced models capable of producing Hollywood-grade photos and video.

Our pick: DJI Mavic 2 Pro

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is our top pick for professionals or enthusiasts aiming to capture the highest quality imagery possible with a small, foldable, compact drone that can be taken anywhere. The first consumer-grade drone to feature a Hasselblad camera, the 20MP 1″-type CMOS sensor also takes advantage of Hasselblad’s Natural Color Solution (HNCS) technology to ensure increased color accuracy.

This model includes DJI’s very robust OcuSync transmission system, a 3-axis mechanical gimbal to stabilize the camera, and the 10-bit Dlog-M color profile as well as 4K 10-bit HDR video support. It can capture UHD 4K/30p, 2.7K/60p, and HD/120p footage with a 70° Field of View, and video can be recorded using either H.264 or H.265 codecs at up to 100Mbps. Quickshots settings including Hyperlapse, plus an improved Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) which detects obstacles on all sides of the aircraft and enables it to fly around them, allowing the pilot to focus on capturing stellar footage.

The Mavic 2 Pro is ideal for most professionals and serious hobbyists interested in creating crisp, clear, detailed imagery. Professional cinematographers may want to look at an Inspire while those looking to get a close up of an object from a distance might prefer the Mavic 2 Zoom.

Alternate pick – most travel-friendly: DJI Mavic Mini

The DJI Mavic Mini is our top pick for users for whom portability and fun outweigh absolute image quality. This affordable, ultra-compact model is small enough to be a true ‘take anywhere’ drone. Despite its small size it boasts 30-minute battery life and includes a 3-axis gimbal for smooth, stable video recording.

It can record 2.7K/30p video using a 40 Mbps codec, generating pleasing video footage, though photos are limited to Jpeg format. The Mini includes several of DJI’s QuickShots settings including Dronie, Rocket, Circle and Helix.

Between its minuscule size, long battery life, and pleasing photos and video, the Mavic Mini should meet the needs of most casual users and travelers. If getting the absolute best image quality possible is your top priority, however, take a look at our top pick with a larger image sensor.

We considered all of the drones below when selecting our winners. Choosing the right drone is a very personal choice that depends on the specific combination of factors that matter most to you, so take a look at all the drones for a detailed breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses.

  • Our pick: DJI Mavic 2 Pro
  • Alternate pick: DJI Mavic Mini

Also Consider:

  • Autel EVO
  • DJI Inspire 2 + Zenmuse X7
  • DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
  • DJI Mavic Air
  • DJI Mavic Pro Platinum
  • DJI Phantom 4 V2.0
  • DJI Spark
  • Parrot ANAFI
  • Skydio 2
  • Yuneec Mantis G
  • Yuneec Typhoon H3

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Remote identification ruling for drones delayed once again

10 Sep

Remote Identification (Remote ID) is the concept that drones should have a digital license plate. If officials can track who is flying where, when, and for what purpose, then drones may be permitted to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and above people. DJI’s Vice President of Policy & Legal Affairs, Brendan Schulman, along with Mark Aitken, who serves on the drone manufacturer’s D.C. Advocacy Team, had brought a proposal to the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International’s (AUVSI) annual XPONENTIAL conference over two years ago.

The lack of progress on this initiative, which will open up opportunities for commercial remote pilots, and safely integrate drones into the National Airspace System (NAS), is frustrating to both industry stakeholders and small business owners. Senators on opposing sides of the political spectrum recently united and urged U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to take action. Rulemaking, which was initially scheduled to commence this past May, has been delayed to a proposed date of December 20, 2019.

The USDOT website has confirmed another delay on rulemaking for Remote ID.

This latest postponement has been confirmed in the August 2019 rulemaking report from the US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) website. The report reads ‘This action would implement system(s) for the remote identification of certain unmanned aircraft systems. The remote identification of unmanned aircraft systems in the national airspace system would further address security and law enforcement concerns regarding the further integration of these aircraft into the national airspace while also enabling greater operational capabilities by these same aircraft.’

Commenting on the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) has been pushed back from October 29th to February 1, 2020. These are projected dates, meaning that the publication of and commenting on the NPRM could potentially be delayed even further. AUVSI’s president and CEO, Brian Wynne, released the following statement regarding the USDOT’s latest significant rulemaking report:

It’s disappointing the rulemaking for remote identification has been delayed again. The need for remote identification cannot be overstated, as the advancement of the UAS industry depends on identifying and tracking UAS flying in the airspace.

‘It’s disappointing the rulemaking for remote identification has been delayed again. The need for remote identification cannot be overstated, as the advancement of the UAS industry depends on identifying and tracking UAS flying in the airspace. Remote ID is necessary for enabling advanced and expanded operations such as flights over people and beyond line of sight, which will provide significant benefits throughout our economy and society. Most importantly, remote ID is critical for ensuring airspace safety by helping law enforcement identify and distinguish authorized UAS from those that may pose a security threat. We urge the FAA to move as quickly as possible with rulemaking for remote identification to keep the skies safe for all aircraft — both manned and unmanned.’

Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Deputy Administrator, Daniel K. Elwell, had publicly stated that ‘we are making progress toward the full integration of drones’ and ‘the idea is to crawl, walk, and run, but we are doing so rapidly.’ Given this latest setback, coupled with another delay on the proposed rule for Section 2209, which will provide protections for drone flights near critical infrastructure, it seems like the FAA needs make an effort to ensure their actions are consistent with their words.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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