Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing
Real-Time Object Detection Using
YOLOv8, DJI Tello, and Flutter
1. Training the Model on Roboflow
Step 1: Prepare the Dataset
- Collect and annotate your images.
- Upload the dataset to Roboflow.
Step 2: Train the Model
- Select YOLOv8 as the model architecture in Roboflow.
- Configure your training parameters (e.g., epochs, batch size).
- Train the model until you achieve satisfactory results.
Step 3: Export the Model
- Once training is complete, export the best.pt file (YOLOv8 PyTorch model) from Roboflow.
2. Setting Up the DJI Tello for Real-Time Video Capture
Step 4: Connect DJI Tello
- Set up the DJI Tello drone and connect it to your development environment (e.g., using
TelloPy or DJI SDK for Python).
- Ensure you can stream video from the Tello camera.
Step 5: Stream Video to Your Application
- Capture the video feed from the Tello camera and stream it to your local system or cloud
server.
3. Deploying the Model for Real-Time Detection
Step 6: Setup YOLOv8 Inference
- Install YOLOv8 on your local system or cloud server.
- Load the best.pt model using YOLOv8.
- Set up a script that takes input from the DJI Tello's video stream and performs real-time
inference.
4. Choosing the Right Cloud Database
Step 7: Select a Cloud Database
- Firebase Firestore: Real-time, NoSQL database with good Flutter integration. Suitable for
storing detection logs, user data, etc.
- Google Cloud Storage: For storing larger files, such as images or videos.
- Firebase Realtime Database: Alternative to Firestore, but less flexible for complex queries.
- AWS S3 + DynamoDB: Alternative to Firebase with similar features, but more
customizable and potentially more complex.
Step 8: Integrate with the Cloud
- Store your model outputs, detections, and other data in the chosen cloud database.
- Ensure data is synchronized in real-time with the mobile app.
5. Developing the Mobile App with Flutter
Step 9: Setup Flutter and Firebase
- Install Flutter and set up a new project.
- Integrate Firebase SDK into your Flutter app.
- Set up Firebase Authentication if user login is required.
Step 10: Develop the UI
- Design the UI for real-time detection, e.g., a live camera feed with bounding boxes around
detected objects.
Step 11: Integrate YOLOv8 with Flutter
- Create an API using Flask (or FastAPI for better performance) that serves the YOLOv8
model.
- The Flask API will receive video frames from the mobile app, run detection, and return
results.
- Integrate this API into your Flutter app, making HTTP requests to the Flask server.
6. Deploying Flask on a Cloud Server
Step 12: Deploy the Flask API
- Set up a cloud server (e.g., AWS EC2, Google Cloud VM).
- Deploy your Flask API to the server.
- Ensure your Flask server can handle video streams and respond quickly.
7. Real-Time Detection in the Mobile App
Step 13: Real-Time Detection Pipeline
- Capture video frames in the Flutter app using the camera plugin.
- Send frames to the Flask API for inference.
- Display the results (bounding boxes, labels) on the live video feed in real-time.
8. Optimizing and Testing
Step 14: Optimize for Performance
- Optimize the Flask API for faster inference.
- Compress video frames before sending them to the server.
- Use async/await in Flutter to keep the UI responsive.
Step 15: Testing
- Test the app on different devices and network conditions.
- Ensure that the app runs smoothly with minimal latency in detection.
9. Final Deployment and Scaling
Step 16: Final Deployment
- Deploy your mobile app on platforms like Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
- Monitor the performance and scalability of your Flask server and Firebase database.
