УНИФИЦИРОВАННЫЙ БОРТОВОЙ МОДУЛЬ АВИАЦИОННОГО НАБЛЮДЕНИЯ БЕСПИЛОТНЫХ ЛЕТАТЕЛЬНЫХ АППАРАТОВ

Изобретение относится к области систем управления воздушным движением беспилотных летательных аппаратов (БЛА). Унифицированный бортовой модуль авиационного наблюдения БЛА содержит вычислительный управляющий навигационный модуль, модуль связи с автопилотом БЛА, модуль обмена данными, навигационный модуль, бортовой модуль приема/передачи данных автоматического зависимого наблюдения вещательного типа (АЗН-В) стандартов 1090 ЕS и VDL-4 для других воздушных судов и службы управления воздушным движением, модуль с идентификационными метками БЛА Remote ID, модуль запоминающего устройства. При этом модуль обмена данными включает в свой состав одно из средств обмена данными - бортовой транспондер, и/или модуль связи Iridium, и/или модуль связи VDL-4. Техническим результатом заявленного изобретения является расширение функциональных возможностей бортового модуля БЛА за счет включения в состав модуля, позволяющего получать данные о параметрах полета других участников воздушного движения и передавать ...

СУРРОГАТНЫЕ ДАТЧИКИ ТРАНСПОРТНОГО СРЕДСТВА

Система сопровождения для беспилотных авиационных транспортных средств

Verfahren zum Überwachen eines Luftraums um ein Luftfahrzeug

Die Erfindung geht aus von einem Verfahren zum Überwachen eines Luftraums um ein Luftfahrzeug (2), das mit mehreren Bildmodulen (6a6h) mit jeweils zumindest einer Abbildungsoptik (10) und einem Bildsensor (12) ausgerüstet ist, bei dem die Bildsensoren (12) jeweils ein Teilbild der Umgebung aufnehmen und ein Bildverarbeitungsmittel (16) die Umgebung unter Verwendung der Teilbilder auf abgebildete andere Flugobjekte (34) untersucht. Um eine einfache Luftraumüberwachung um kleinere Luftfahrzeuge zu erreichen, die über keine umfangreiche Verkabelung verfügen, wird vorgeschlagen, dass jedes Bildmodul (6a6h) ein eigenes Bildverarbeitungsmittel umfasst, das die Flugobjekterkennung anhand der vom Bildmodul (6a6h) aufgenommenen Teilbilder durchführt und ein Erkennungsergebnis ausgibt, und der Luftraum unter Verwendung der Erkennungsergebnisse der Bildmodule (6a6h) überwacht wird.

Radio control transmissions

Autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle and method of control thereof

Systems and methods for interactive vehicle transport networks

Unmanned aerial vehicles

A UAV 100 comprises a camera arrangement 120 configurable such that a field of view of a camera within the arrangement 120 includes airspace directly above the UAV 100. A lighting arrangement 130 is configurable in an upward-facing direction. A controller 110 is operable to cause the lighting arrangement 130 to illuminate an object in the airspace directly above the UAV 100. The arrangements are intended to reduce the risk of collision with objects that may be in the vicinity of the UAV especially when the UAV is taking off or landing and when the UAV is being operated autonomously.

Methods, computer programs, computing devices and controllers

A method of controlling a mobile computing device 100 comprises receiving image data from a sensor (such as a camera 120), the received image data representing a scene including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Identification information is also received wirelessly from the UAV. Data based upon the received image data and the identification information are displayed on a display (which may be part 140 of computing device 100). The method may be used to enforce a restricted flight zone (no-fly zone). The identification and image data may be stored and/or transmitted, and additional telemetry data about the UAV may be received. The identification data may be transmitted from the UAV to a remote operator control device of the UAV, or alternatively broadcast. Map data may also be generated based upon the image data.

Radio control transmissions

Aircraft navigation system

System and method for analyzing drone flight risk

A system and method of analyzing the risk of operating a drone comprises a mobile device which determines a location of a user by accessing a location tracking system, such as GPS. The location is transmitted to a server to obtain geospatial data and temporal data for a surrounding area of the location. A risk of operating a drone for a duration of time in a given coverage area within the surrounding area using at least the geospatial data and temporal data in calculated and a quote for an insurance policy is generated. The purchase of the insurance policy is facilitated and a timer is generated indicating the remaining the policy is active for. The mobile device may monitor its location and generate a warning in the event of determining that the location is outside the given coverage area.

System and method for instructing one or more weather drones

A computer implemented method and system 100 is provided which instructs one or more weather drones 300. The method comprises analysing a first data set comprising flight path data indicative of the flight paths of one or more aircrafts over a predefined time period; identifying, based on the analysis, at least one geographical region which is not intercepted by or adjacent to any of the flight paths of the one or more aircrafts; and instructing one or more of weather drones to fly to the at least one geographical region. In a specific implementation, a monitoring step for updates to the flight path data may occur, and if it is determined that a change has occurred such that one flight path no longer passes through a given region, one of the drones is instructed to fly to the region. The flight path data may be indicative of paths traversed by aircrafts in the past or future. The invention allows for the drones to contribute to a more comprehensive weather data set, supplementing weather ...

Unmanned aircraft systems and methods

Method of managing and operating aerial vehicles

Unmanned aerial vehicles

Unmanned aerial vehicles

Method for detecting aircraft

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Erkennung von Luftfahrzeugen (1) eines bestimmten Typs in Luftraumüberwachungssystemen, wobei a) in der Vergangenheit aufgenommene Luftraumüberwachungsinformationen zur Verfügung gestellt werden, die von Luftfahrzeugen (1) dieses Typs stammen, b) anhand der aufgenommenen Luftraumüberwachungsinformationen zumindest eine Region (R1, R2), insbesondere mehrere Regionen (R1, R2), ermittelt wird, in der eine erhöhte Aktivität von Luftfahrzeugen (1) dieses Typs vorliegt, und c) in den aktuell verfügbaren Luftraumüberwachungsinformationen diejenigen Luftfahrzeuge (1; 3) als Luftfahrzeuge (1) dieses Typs angesehen werden, die sich in der ermittelten Region (R1, R2) befinden.

Broadcasting geolocation information in a radio frame transmitted from an unmanned aerial vehicle

Broadcasting geolocation information of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from the UAV by determining current geolocation of the UAV by communicating with a geolocation service and utilizing the geolocation service to geolocate the UAV. Then the UAV prepares a radio frame that includes geolocation information identifying the current geolocation of the UAV and other information associated with the UAV using a radio protocol of one of a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) radio protocol, a WiFi radio protocol, a wireless personal area network protocol and a low-power wide-area network protocol and transmits the radio frame to broadcast the current geolocation of the UAV.

Real-time optimization of autonomous vehicle routes

Techniques are provided to improve routing of autonomous vehicles through highly congested areas. In some embodiments, routes that include sequences of timed space reservations are provided to autonomous vehicles by a route reservation system. In some embodiments, the route reservation system detects route alteration states (including but not limited to an arrival of an autonomous vehicle at a waiting area), determines a new route for the autonomous vehicle that passes through the highly congested area, and transmits the new route to the autonomous vehicle for navigating from the waiting area to an endpoint.

Automated air traffic communications

AUTOMATED AIR TRAFFIC COMMUNICATIONS Apparatus and methods related to aviation communications are included. A computing device (400) can receive position data indicating a position of an aerial vehicle. The position can include an altitude. The computing device (400) can determine, from a plurality of possible airspace classifications, a first airspace classification at the position of the aerial vehicle, where each airspace classification specifies one or more communication parameters for communication within an associated airspace. The computing device (400) can select, from a plurality of communication repositories, a first communication repository that is associated with the first airspace classification, where each communication repository specifies a set of pre-defined communication components for at least one associated airspace classification. The computing device (400) can generate a communication related to the aerial vehicle using the first communication repository. The computing ...

Unmanned aircraft with a modular swarm control unit

Unmanned aircraft (1) having a drive unit (2) for permitting the aircraft (1) to fly in the airspace, and having a flight control unit (3) which is designed to receive control information from a radio remote-control system or to bring about positions of the aircraft (1) in the airspace which are characterized by stored position information, in order to control the flight path of the aircraft (1). A modular swarm control unit (6) is provided which has a first interface (7) to the flight control unit (3) and a second radio interface (8) to a ground swarm control unit (15) or to swarm control units (6) of other aircraft (1), wherein the swarm control unit (6) has signal-generating means for generating control information corresponding to the radio remote-control system or transmission means for transmitting said control information, and is designed to output via the first interface (7) to the flight control unit (3) swarm control information which is relevant for the swarm flight of at least ...

Flight control method and apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicle, and remote controller

A flight control method and apparatus for an unmanned aerial vehicle, and a remote controller. The method comprises: acquiring, from a remote controller, a plurality of pieces of positioning data obtained through performing a positioning operation (201); according to the plurality of pieces of positioning data, determining a plurality of target locations (202); according to the plurality of target locations, calculating a flight route (203); and sending the flight route to an unmanned aerial vehicle so same flies according to the flight route (204). In this method, there is no need to carry a plurality of sets of devices, thereby reducing hardware costs. Since a remote control device is integrated with a surveying and mapping function, there is no need to carry various devices, and there is also no need to exchange data between various devices, thereby improving the simplicity and convenience of operations, and improving the operation efficiency of an unmanned aerial vehicle. In addition ...

Collision avoidance system and method for unmanned aircraft

An obstacle-avoidance system for a vehicle, the obstacle-avoidance system may comprise: a communication device (338); a plurality of sensors (210, 332), the plurality of sensors (210) configured to detect collision threats within a predetermined distance of the vehicle; and a processor (314, 340). The processor (314, 340) may communicatively couple to the communication device (338) and the plurality of sensors (210, 332) and configured to receive navigation commands being communicated to a control system (306) via said communication device (338). The processor (314, 340) may also receive, from at least one of said plurality of sensors (210, 332), obstruction data reflecting the position of an obstruction. Using the obstruction data, the processor (314, 340) identifies a direction for avoiding said obstruction. In response, the processor (314, 340) may output, via said communication device (338), a command to said control system (306) causing the vehicle to travel in said flight direction ...

Augmented reality-based system and method providing status and control of unmanned vehicles

An augmented reality system identifies and controls a vehicle located within an environment. A tracking system obtains viewpoint information corresponding to a real¬ time view of the environment. A processing system receives information from one or more sensors. Information includes sensor location information and status information about the vehicle. Processing system generates graphics using said sensor location information and said viewpoint information. Graphics include visual representations of said status information and controls. A display displays the generated graphics such that the graphics are superimposed on the real-time view. The graphics appear attached to the vehicle. An interaction device activates a displayed control.

Supervisory safety system for controlling and limiting unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations

Systems, devices, and methods for determining, by a processor (304), an unmanned aerial system (UAS) (200) position relative to at least one flight boundary (206, 208, 210); and effecting, by the processor, at least one flight limitation of a UAS if the determined UAS position crosses the at least one flight boundary.

System and method for controlling autonomous flying vehicle flight paths

A method is provided for limiting access to airspace by drones. The method includes receiving position information from a user associated with a property identified by the position information. The method also includes assembling the position information with other position information to compile a comprehensive configurable flight zone database. The method further includes pushing the configurable flight zone database to at least one drone. The drone accesses the configurable flight zone database to determine if movement is allowed, and the drone is programmed to not fly into areas identified in the configurable flight zone database. In the method, the drone may be further programmed to prohibit directing a camera into the areas identified in the configurable flight zone database.

Inspection vehicle control device, control method, and computer program

A vehicle control system includes at least one imaging device attached to a vehicle and that captures multiple images, and a control circuit that generates a composite image from the multiple images and displays the composite image on a display unit. The vehicle is operated according to a user operation on a portion of the display unit on which the composite image is being displayed.

Autonomous mission action alteration

An unmanned aerial vehicle responds to mission cues during a mission. The mission cues are characteristics of image and/or sensor data. The unmanned aerial vehicle may change data gathering operations or may perform sub-missions within a mission in response to the mission cues.

Methods and systems for using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) dedicated to deployment of operational infrastructure

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR USING AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) DEDICATED TO DEPLOYMENT OF OPERATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE Example implementations may relate to using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) dedicated to deployment of operational infrastructure, with such deployment enabling charging of a battery of a UAV from a group of UAVs. More specifically, the group of UAVs may include at least (i) a first UAV of a first type configured to deploy operational infrastructure and (ii) a second UAV of a second type configured to carry out a task other than deployment of operational infrastructure. With this arrangement, a control system may determine an operational location at which to deploy operational infrastructure, and may cause the first UAV to deploy operational infrastructure at the operational location. Then, the control system may cause the second UAV to charge a battery of the second UAV using the operational infrastructure deployed by the first UAV at the operational location.

MOBILE AERIAL DRONE EARLY WARNING PRIVACY BREACH DETECT, INTERCEPT, AND DEFEND SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Systems and methods for aerial unmanned vehicle (for example, drone) early warning privacy breach detection, interception, and defense are disclosed. The system detects drones within a threshold distance of an individual or configurable location, notifies the individual of the drones' existence, tracks the drones, and executes countermeasures. The system can communicate with telecommunication networks or other sources (for example, FAA) to identify and filter out drones that are authorized to be in the airspace around the individual.

TRAJECTORY PLANNER FOR A VEHICLE

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for trajectory and route planning including obstacle detection and avoidance for an aerial vehicle. For example, an aerial vehicle's flight control system may include a trajectory planner that may use short segments calculated using an iterative Dubins path to find a first path between a start point and an end point that does not avoid obstacles. Then the trajectory planner may use a rapidly exploring random tree algorithm that uses points along the first path as seed points to find a trajectory or route between the start point and end point that avoids known or detected obstacles.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRANSPORTATION USING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for transporting a payload is provided. The UAV comprises a body and one or more propellers rotatably connected to the body. The UAV further comprises a battery mounted to the body. The battery is releasable from the bottom of the UAV. The UAV further comprises a payload container mounted to the body. The payload container is releasable from the bottom of the UAV to a landing platform associated with a UAV station.

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES PERFORMING INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

An inventory management system managing a plurality of inventory items stored in a storage area. The inventory management system includes an autonomous vehicle configured to move within the storage area and a computing device communicatively coupled to the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle includes a beacon configured to facilitate detection of a current position of the autonomous vehicle based on signal triangulation, a sensor configured to detect information indicative of a number of inventory items at the current position of the autonomous vehicle, and a wireless data link configured to transmit a signal indicative of the number of inventory items. The computing device may detect a position of the autonomous vehicle based on the signal transmitted from the beacon, and update an inventory of the storage area based on the signal indicative of the number of inventory items.

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE WITH SECONDARY CAMERA SYSTEM FOR USE WITH ENCOUNTERED EVENTS DURING TRAVEL

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to monitoring an event encountered by an autonomous vehicle. In some embodiments, an autonomous vehicle for monitoring an encountered event comprises a vehicle body, a propulsion mechanism, a plurality of sensors configured to detect travel information, a primary camera system affixed to the vehicle body, a secondary camera system including two or more cameras, wherein each of the two or more camera has a different fixed field of view, and wherein each of the two or more cameras are affixed to different portions of the vehicle body, and a control circuit, the control circuit configured to receive, from the plurality of sensors, the travel information, determine, based on the travel information, that a trigger condition has occurred, and in response to a determination that the trigger condition has occurred, cause video captured by the secondary camera system to be stored.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING PRODUCTS VIA UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES TO DELIVERY LOCATIONS DESIGNATED BY CUSTOMERS

In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided that provide for facilitating delivery, via unmanned aerial vehicles, of products ordered by a customer of a retailer to a customer-selected physical location of a person other than the customer.

DRONE-AUGMENTED EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICES

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on storage devices, for drone-augmented emergency response services. In one aspect, a monitoring system, comprising: a plurality of monitoring control units, and a monitoring application server, wherein the monitoring application server includes a network interface, one or more processors, and one or more storage devices that include instructions to perform operations. The operations include receiving an emergency event notification from a first monitoring control unit of the plurality of monitoring control units, determining a type of emergency event, and a location associated with the emergency event notification, identifying one or more drones that can be deployed to the location associated with the emergency event, and transmitting an instruction to a monitoring station server associated with a drone base station to deploy the one or more identified drones to the location associated with the emergency event.

METHOD, APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM FOR GATHERING INFORMATION

Presented are a method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for gathering information. An exemplary apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory storing computer instructions executable by the at least one processor, wherein the memory with the computer instructions and the at least one processor are configured to cause the apparatus to at least receive a flight path from a predetermined location to a location of an emergency. The apparatus is further caused to travel the flight path from the predetermined location to the location of the emergency, capture information at the location of the emergency, and transmit the captured information.

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR AUTONOMOUSLY LANDING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES WITH COLLABORATIVE INFORMATION SHARING

The present disclosure includes devices, systems, and methods for autonomously landing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with collaborative information sharing and without a central coordinating entity. In one embodiment, the present disclosure includes an unmanned aerial vehicle including a communication interface, a memory; and an electronic processor. The communication interface is configured to establish a wireless communication link with one or more unmanned aerial vehicles. The electronic processor configured to autonomously coordinate landings at a landing strip with the one or more unmanned aerial vehicles to prevent collisions exchanging messages with the one or more unmanned aerial vehicles via the wireless communication link according to a collision avoidance protocol, and wherein the autonomous coordination occurs without a central coordination entity.

APPARATUS AND METHOD OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM

An apparatus and a method of a wireless communication system, and a computer-readable storage medium are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to configure, directly or indirectly on the basis of one or more height thresholds for user equipment and a current height of the user equipment, operation of the user equipment. According to at least one aspect of the embodiments of the disclosure, configuring, on the basis of a height threshold, operation of a user equipment optimizes communication performance in an unmanned aerial vehicle communication scenario.

VEHICLE AND DRONE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The disclosure provides a system and method of delivering packages. The system may include a plurality of land vehicles that transport a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to locations within a distance of delivery destinations. The system may determine, based on a number of packages to be delivered to destinations in a geographical area, a number of land vehicles to carry the packages to within a UAV round-trip range of each of the destinations. The system may allocate the number of packages to the number of land vehicles. The system may determine a route for each land vehicle that brings the land vehicle within the UAV round-trip range of each destination. The system may dispatch the UAVs carrying the packages from the land vehicle at dispatch locations along the respective route.

DRONE STRUCTURE FOR THE TRANSPORT OF TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED MATERIAL

A system for carrying a load at a controlled temperature, said system comprising at least one drone structure (200) comprising at least one motor (210) arranged to handling the drone structure (200), an energy unit arranged to deliver electric energy, a control unit. The drone structure (200) also comprises a thermal container (100) comprising an insulating casing (110) comprising at least one layer of heat-insulating material, at least one inner temperature sensor configured to measure a value of temperature T int internal to the insulating casing (110), at least one outer temperature sensor configured to measure a value of temperature T ext external to the insulating casing (110), a thermal unit arranged to adjust or keep constant the value of temperature T int . The control unit is adapted to carry out an acquisition of a flight mission comprising a landing position of the drone structure (200), a time limit t max to reach the landing position and a condition on the values of the temperature ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE FLIGHT HIGHWAY

The present invention is a system and method for a UAV flight highway and management thereof, comprising: a ground control station, a server (for example a cloud server), a geographic locator communication device, a communication transmitter, and one or more UAVs. The present invention is operable to identify ground level topography and air space objects (e.g., buildings) within a region, as well as other restrictions to UAV flights (e.g., restricted flight zones), and generates within such region a UAV flight highway, that may be multi-lane and multi-layer, based upon specific latitudinal and longitudinal points. The present invention is operable to control the flight of one or more UAVs along such flight highway, along multiple-lanes thereof, wherein the UAVs may travel at different speeds in different lanes and different layers along the UAV flight highway.

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT STRUCTURE EVALUATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

An unmanned aircraft structure evaluation system includes a computer system with an input unit, a display unit, one or more processors, and one or more non-transitory computer readable medium. Image display and analysis software causes the one or more processors to generate unmanned aircraft information. The unmanned aircraft information includes flight path information configured to direct an unmanned aircraft to fly a flight path around the structure.

AIRCRAFT WITH SELECTIVELY ATTACHABLE PASSENGER POD ASSEMBLY

In some embodiments, an aircraft includes a flying frame having an airframe, a propulsion system attached to the airframe and a flight control system operably associated with the propulsion system wherein, the flying frame has a vertical takeoff and landing mode and a forward flight mode. A pod assembly is selectively attachable to the flying frame such that the flying frame is rotatable about the pod assembly wherein, the pod assembly remains in a generally horizontal attitude during vertical takeoff and landing, forward flight and transitions there between.

Guidance system of a dronedrone.

È descritto un sistema (1) di guida di un drone (100) comprendente: una pluralità di pali (2–10), fissati a terra ed associati ad una rete di alimentazione elettrica pubblica o privata; una pluralità di dispositivi fissati ai pali ed alimentati dalla rete di alimentazione elettrica, detti dispositivi essendo tra loro connessi in una rete wireless (40) e comprendendo un modulo di comunicazione radio con il drone; un controller (35) collegato alla rete wireless (40), atto a programmare un piano di volo (P) del drone tra due o più pali (2, 3, 4, 10) tramite l’invio ai rispettivi dispositivi della rete wireless (40) di comandi di configurazione dei moduli di comunicazione radio, dove il modulo di comunicazione radio di un palo (3) nel piano di volo (P) è configurato per guidare il drone (100) verso il modulo di comunicazione radio un palo (4) successivo nel piano di volo (P).

Guidance system of a dronedrone.

È descritto un sistema (1) di guida di un drone (100) comprendente: una pluralità di pali (2–10), fissati a terra ed associati ad una rete di alimentazione elettrica pubblica o privata; una pluralità di dispositivi fissati ai pali ed alimentati dalla rete di alimentazione elettrica, detti dispositivi essendo tra loro connessi in una rete wireless (40) e comprendendo un modulo di comunicazione radio con il drone; un controller (35) collegato alla rete wireless (40), atto a programmare un piano di volo (P) del drone tra due o più pali (2, 3, 4, 10) tramite l’invio ai rispettivi dispositivi della rete wireless (40) di comandi di configurazione dei moduli di comunicazione radio, dove il modulo di comunicazione radio di un palo (3) nel piano di volo (P) è configurato per guidare il drone (100) verso il modulo di comunicazione radio di un palo (4) successivo nel piano di volo (P).

Aircraft

Die Erfindung stellt ein Luftfahrzeug (10) mit den folgenden Merkmalen bereit: Das Luftfahrzeug (10) weist ein Nahbereichsfunkmessgerät (11) auf; und das Nahbereichsfunkmessgerät (11) ist dazu eingerichtet, eine Flugbahn (12) zu erkennen, welche anhand einer Positionserfassung (13) des Luftfahrzeuges (10) durch eine Bodenstation (14) vorgegeben wird.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY OF NAVIGATION SERVICES TO INCREASE THE NNOI RELIABILITY AND TRANSMISSION LINES DATA

Image inquirer for detecting and avoding target collision and method, and the aircraft comprising the image inqurer

A collision sense and avoidance system and method and an aircraft, such as an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) and/or Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV), including the collision sense and avoidance system. The collision sense and avoidance system includes an image interrogator identifies potential collision threats to the aircraft and provides maneuvers to avoid any identified threat. Motion sensors (e.g.,imaging and/or infrared sensors) provide image frames of the surroundings to a clutter suppression and target detection unit that detects local targets moving in the frames. A Line Of Sight (LOS), multi-target tracking unit, tracks detected local targets and maintains a track history in LOS coordinates for each detected local target. A threat assessment unit determines whether any tracked local target poses a collision threat. An avoidance maneuver unit provides flight control and guidance with a maneuver to avoid any identified said collision threat.

PROCEEDED Of LANDING FOR AIRCRAFT NOT LIVE

METHOD OF AVOIDING AN AIRCRAFT AND DRONE IS EQUIPPED WITH A SYSTEM FOR USING THE METHOD

PROCESS OF GUIDANCE Of a PLANE TOWARDS a PRESET OBJET-CIBLE AND Guidance system

Procédé de guidage de vol d'un engin volant vers un objet-cible défini par des informations d'images. On projette un modèle (PM-B) de référence (RM) de l'objet-cible ou de son environnement suivant la direction de visée actuelle de l'engin volant. A partir des données d'images de l'image actuelle (B1) de l'objet-cible, on évalue la position relative de l'engin volant et de l'objet-cible. On fait une corrélation de texture (T3-TK2 ) avec les informations de l'image actuelle et celles d'une image antérieure (B2) pour évaluer la direction de mouvement et la vitesse de l'engin volant par rapport à l'objet-cible. A partir de ces valeurs obtenues, on évalue (F-Ges) l'information de la position relative actuelle engin volant-objet-cible et de la direction de mouvement et du vecteur de vitesse réelle. A partir de ces informations, le module de guidage (LM) génère des ordres pour les actionneurs commandant les moyens de guidage aérodynamiques de l'engin volant pour le guider vers l'objet-cible.

METHOD FOR VIEWING THE TRAFFIC AROUND AN AIRCRAFT REFERENCE IN A DISPLAY AREA ACCORDING, COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT AND SYSTEM EMPLOYING THE SAME

La présente invention concerne un procédé de visualisation du trafic aux environs d'un aéronef de référence comportant les étapes suivantes : A) acquisition de la position réelle d'un aéronef environnant ; B) délimitation d'une partie de l'espace aérien autour de cette position par un contour tridimensionnel courant ; C) visualisation du contour tridimensionnel courant ; D) suivi de la position réelle de l'aéronef environnant et lorsque cette position est à l'extérieur du contour tridimensionnel courant : délimitation (110) d'une partie de l'espace aérien autour de la position réelle de l'aéronef environnant par un nouveau contour tridimensionnel courant ; visualisation (120) du contour tridimensionnel courant.

LOCATION METHOD

DRONE COLLISION AVOIDANCE TECHNOLOGY USING SINGLE ULTRASONIC SENSOR

A drone collision avoidance method using a single ultrasonic sensor according to the present invention comprises constituting a rotary shaft which automatically moves the position of the ultrasonic sensor in a flight direction according to the direction of the drone. The method is described in Figure 1 showing the bottom of the rotary shaft of the drone with the ultrasonic sensor attached, wherein the drone is operated using the single ultrasonic sensor, Figure 2 showing the side of the drone using the single ultrasonic sensor, and Figure 3 showing the movement of the single ultrasonic sensor in flight. The present invention is useful in that, without using a plurality of ultrasonic sensors, all four directions in a flight process can be detected by using only one ultrasonic sensor through such the technology. COPYRIGHT KIPO 2017 (AA) Drone body (BB) Propeller (CC) Rotation shaft (DD) Ultrasonic sensor (EE) Ultrasonic sensor fixing jig ...

Authorization of drone access to logistics centers

ESTIMATION METHOD OF POSITION OF FLYING OBJECT

The present invention relates to an estimation method of a position of a flying object. An estimation method of a position of a flying object comprises the steps of: receiving a position estimation request of a flying object through a base station; transmitting an identifier including position information and a time stamp through first beams phase-shifted until first beam reception information from the flying object is received; receiving first beam reception information including the time stamp and first spatial phase angle information from the flight object; estimating a straight-line distance with the flight object using the time stamp; transmitting second spatial phase angle information through second beams, which are narrower than the first beam and phase-shifted based on the first spatial phase angle information, until a predetermined number of second beam reception information is received from the flying object; receiving the second beam reception information which is greater than ...

SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING LOCATION AND SIMULATING AIR TRAFFIC VOLUME

The invention relates to a system for displaying the location and for simulating air traffic volume, having the following features: a) a flight plan (3) is created for at least one single flight or at least one single mission in a known manner, b) the data of the flight plan (3) are transmitted to one or more flight safety agencies (4, 5), c) the transmitted data are used in the flight safety agency or agencies (4, 5) for displaying (6) the flight or the mission and for creating a 4-D flight simulation (7).

Systems and Methods for Managing Drone Access

Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for operating a drone consistent with an access level of the drone and/or an operator of the drone. Various embodiments may include determining, by a processor of the drone, whether the drone is registered with an agency or the operator of the drone is registered to operate the drone. In response to determining that the drone and/or the operator is registered, the drone processor may operate the drone consistent with an access level of the drone and/or operator. In response to determining that the drone and/or the operator is registered, the drone processor may restrict operations of the drone.

System and method of collision avoidance in unmanned aerial vehicles

A collision avoidance system includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a UAV controller, and a safety data aggregator. The UAV includes a positional sensor, and is coupled to communicate positional data to the UAV controller, and receive commands from the UAV controller. The safety data aggregator is coupled to communicate with the UAV controller, wherein the safety data aggregator collects positional data from one or more UAV controllers, stores collected positional data in a safety data buffer, and extracts spatially relevant positional data in response to a request from the UAV controller.

Hostile takeover avoidance of unmanned vehicles

A method and system for detecting and recovering from hostile takeovers of aerial vehicles is described. In some examples, this can include receiving, at an aerial device at a first time, a first signal expected according to a communication scheme. It can be determined that a second signal was not received at a second time based at least in part on the communication scheme. In response, an alarm signal can be generated.

Flight Policy Query at Roaming

A system, method, node, and computer program for determining a flight start policy to be applied to an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, (10) is described. The UAV (10) is associated with a first UAV-Application Server, UAV-AS (100) maintaining a flight policy applicable for the geographical service area (150) where the UAV (10) is located. The method comprising the first UAV-AS (100) determining whether the UAV (10) is going to leave the geographical service area (150) towards a second geographical service area (150), wherein the second geographical service area (150) is associated with the service area of the UAV-AS a second UAV-AS (130). If so querying by the first UAV-AS (100) a flight policy applicable for the second geographical service area (150) from the second UAV-AS (130), and instructing a received flight policy applicable for the second geographical service to the UAV (10), before the UAV (10) has entered the second geographical service area (150).

DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HARVESTING AND DILUTING USING AERIAL DRONES, FOR ORCHARDS, PLANTATIONS AND GREEN HOUSES

The present invention provides an improved, autonomous unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) for harvesting or diluting fruit, and a control unit for coordinating flight and/or harvesting missions thereof, as well as a system and method for harvesting fruits.

Scanning environments and tracking unmanned aerial vehicles

Systems and methods for scanning environments and tracking unmanned aerial vehicles within the scanned environments are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes using a rangefinder off-board an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) to identify points in a region. The method can further include forming a computer-based map of the region with the points and using the rangefinder and a camera to locate the UAV as it moves in the region. The location of the UAV can be compared with locations on the computer-based map and, based upon the comparison, the method can include transmitting guidance information to the UAV. In a further particular embodiment, two-dimensional imaging data is used in addition to the rangefinder data to provide color information to points in the region.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF IDENTIFYING AND MANAGING REMOTELY PILOTED AND PILOTED AIR TRAFFIC

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved systems (200, 400) and methods (500, 600, 700, 800) of identifying and managing unmanned (230) and manned (120a-b) air traffic. The systems and methods of the present disclosure allow for the establishment of communications that both protects and shares identity and other informational data. The exemplary system is a dynamic secure identification network system enabling users of the system, including aircraft and aircraft operators 250, to engage with all users of the system and share identification information through a permission-based network system, for example, a blockchain based system. The system enables varying levels of identity and other information to be communicated about each aircraft system located within the ecosystem and being queried by a user. Aircraft systems may include operated and/or autonomous aircraft systems.

Mobile base utilizing automated aerial vehicles for delivering items

A mobile base is provided that travels through delivery areas and utilizes associated transportation units (e.g., automated aerial vehicles) for delivering items from the mobile base to delivery locations. The transportation units may be carried on the mobile base, and may travel back and forth to the mobile base when making deliveries. The mobile base may include an extraction point (e.g., an opening in the roof of the mobile base) where items may be engaged by transportation units for delivery.

Drone piggybacking on vehicles

A system for providing drone piggybacking on vehicles is disclosed. In particular, the system may enable drones or other unmanned mobile connected devices to piggyback onto various types of hosts, such as vehicles, in a symbiotic fashion. Through the symbiotic relationship created between the drones and hosts, the drones may utilize the hosts as a means for transport, such as while delivering a good to an intended destination, and the hosts may receive certain incentives in exchange for transporting the drones. Drones may be paired with hosts based on any number of factors, such as whether the host is traveling on a route that corresponds with reaching the intended destination, whether the host is capable of recharging the drone, and whether the drone has sufficient power to reach the intended destination. By enabling drones to piggyback with hosts, the required traveling range for a drone may be reduced.

METHOD FOR OPERATING UNMANNED DELIVERY DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR THE SAME

Disclosed are a method and system for operating an unmanned delivery device. One embodiment of the method includes setting at least one sampling section with respect to a travel path to a destination of at least one delivery item, determining a type of the sampling section based on location information and altitude information of the sampling section, setting a traveling range including the at least one sampling section based on the type of the sampling section, generating route information including the at least one traveling range, and providing the route information to the unmanned delivery device.

REAL-TIME LEARNING AND DETECTION OF A BORDER IN A FLIGHT PATH

A specification of an expected border of a bounded area is received. One or more images of at least a portion of the bounded area that is at least a threshold distance away from the expected border are received to generate a model of the bounded area. A current location position of the aerial vehicle is used to determine that the aerial vehicle is within the threshold distance away from the expected border. In response, an updated expected border is determined using the generated model of the bounded area and a border image of at least a portion of the expected border captured by an image sensor.

Safety motor controller for a vehicle

According to various embodiments, there is provided a safety motor controller (SMC) for installing in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) between at least one electronic speed controller (ESC) configured to use a predetermined data protocol and an existing motor controller (EMC) configured to transmit EMC motor control signals in accordance with the predetermined data protocol to the at least one ESC, the SMC including: an input port configured to receive the EMC motor control signals in accordance with the predetermined data protocol from the EMC; and a processor configured to detect a trigger event and to transmit SMC motor control signals corresponding to at least one of the EMC motor control signals in accordance with the predetermined data protocol to the at least one ESC in response to the trigger event.

Air line displaying method, apparatus and system, ground station and computer-readable storage medium

The present disclosure provides an air line displaying method and a ground station. The method includes: displaying a first air line view, the first air line view including height information of at least one waypoint in an air line; when detecting a first operation performed by a user on a waypoint of the at least one waypoint, adjusting height information of the waypoint; and sending adjusted height information of the waypoint to an aircraft. By adjusting the air line view through human-computer interaction, the air line view displayed by the ground station can be edited. This makes it convenient for the user to adjust the air line and further enables the aircraft to receive a new air line in time, thereby facilitating flight of the aircraft.

AERIAL VEHICLE-GROUND VEHICLE COORDINATION

An aerial vehicle can proceed to a target location upon receiving a message based on a ground vehicle being at an aerial vehicle deploy location. A user can be identified from an image captured at the target location. The aerial vehicle can be navigated to lead the user to a rendezvous with the vehicle.

SURVEILLANCE ROUTE MANAGEMENT FOR A DEVICE

Technologies are generally described that relate to managing and/or generating a travel route for an electronic device. Some example methods may include generating travel routes for the device with respect to a defined geographic area based on a total travel time for the device to traverse the defined geographic area, selecting a first travel route from the travel routes, and employing the first travel route for the device in response to a determination that the first travel route satisfies a defined security criterion related to an estimated time difference between a first time for the device to reach a location along the first travel route and a second time for the device to reach the location along a second travel route previously employed by the device.

AUTHENTICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING FLIGHT REGULATIONS

Systems and methods for UAV safety are provided. An authentication system may be used to confirm UAV and/or user identity and provide secured communications between users and UAVs. The UAVs may operate in accordance with a set of flight regulations. The set of flight regulations may be associated with a geo-fencing device in the vicinity of the UAV.

Systems and methods for continuous replanning of vehicle trajectories

A method and system for continuously re-planning a vehicle's path, in the face of stationary and moving obstacles, dynamically calculates a new path in real time which is both efficient and maintains minimum safety clearances relative to obstacles. Repulsion signals emanating from obstacles and propagating through delineated sections of a grid representing a geographic space are summed along with values representing the relative distance of the sections from the vehicle origin and vehicle destination. The grid sections having optimal values according to a predetermined criteria represent an efficient and safe travel path between the vehicle origin and destination.

REAL-TIME COMMUNICATION WITH MOBILE INFRASTRUCTURE

A vehicle system includes a communication interface programmed to receive a video signal from a mobile aerial vehicle. The video signal includes a live video stream and is associated with a geographic location. The vehicle system further includes a processor having a memory. The processor is programmed to command a user interface to present the live video stream in response to a user input selecting the geographic location. In some implementations, the vehicle system commands the mobile aerial vehicle to operate in a follow mode or a control mode.

POLYHEDRAL GEOFENCES

Exemplary methods and systems may generate a point cloud data generated polyhedral geofence for use in navigating a vehicle. The polyhedral geofence may be generated, or created, from point cloud data such as lidar data. Further, a vehicle may utilize propulsion devices and controllers for moving the vehicle based on a point map data generated polyhedral geofence.

Multimode unmanned aerial vehicle

A system comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to transition from a terminal homing mode to a target search mode, responsive to an uplink signal and/or an autonomous determination of scene change.

Autonomous Multimodal Logistics

An example system may comprise a docking station remotely located from a fulfillment center, a fulfillment system, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and an autonomous ground vehicle (AGV). The fulfillment system manages the fulfillment center and the docking station, receives a request to ship an item, determines an item transfer point based on a delivery point, and calculates a flight path to the item transfer point. The fulfillment system loads the item at the fulfillment center via a handling mechanism of the UAV and deploys the UAV to the item transfer point using the flight path. The AGV is coupled for wireless communication with the fulfillment system, the docking station, and the AGV. The item transfer point indicates a geographical location where the item is to be transferred from the UAV to one of the docking station and the AGV based on the delivery point.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ALLOCATING AGENT RESOURCES IN A CONTACT CENTER

Allocating agent resources in a contact center including receiving a new contact at the contact center and instantiating a contact object corresponding to the new contact. A first set of information is received by the contact center, and a first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is selected for deployment to a target destination. At least one characteristic of the first UAV is associated with the contact object; an additional set of information related to at least one of the contact object or the first UAV is received by the contact center during a travel period of the first UAV to the target destination; and a dynamic prediction is made regarding a particular agent of the contact center to connect to the contact object. The contact object is then connected to an agent device associated with the particular agent.

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE MANAGEMENT

A base module may be used to receive and house one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) via one or more cavities. The base module receives commands from a manager device and identifies a flight plan that allows a UAV to execute the received commands. The base module transfers the flight plan to the UAV and frees the UAV. Once the UAV returns, the base module once again receives it. The base module then receives sensor data from the UAV from one or more sensors onboard the UAV, and optionally receives additional information describing its flight and identifying success or failure of the flight plan. The base module transmits the sensor data and optionally the additional information to a storage medium locally or remotely accessible by the manager device.

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE AD-HOC CLUSTERING AND COLLABORATION VIA SHARED INTENT AND OPERATOR DISCOVERY

Systems and methods for establishing an ad-hoc collaboration between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are provided. A method includes: configuring intent data of a first UAV using a controller of the first UAV; configuring a collaboration plan for the first UAV and a second UAV based on a determination of a shared intent between the first UAV and the second UAV; executing the collaboration plan by flying the first UAV and gathering data using the first UAV based on the collaboration plan; and sharing the gathered data with an operator of the second UAV.

Methods and Systems for Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Dedicated to Deployment of Operational Infrastructure

Example implementations may relate to using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) dedicated to deployment of operational infrastructure, with such deployment enabling charging of a battery of a UAV from a group of UAVs. More specifically, the group of UAVs may include at least (i) a first UAV of a first type configured to deploy operational infrastructure and (ii) a second UAV of a second type configured to carry out a task other than deployment of operational infrastructure. With this arrangement, a control system may determine an operational location at which to deploy operational infrastructure, and may cause the first UAV to deploy operational infrastructure at the operational location. Then, the control system may cause the second UAV to charge a battery of the second UAV using the operational infrastructure deployed by the first UAV at the operational location.

Aerial traffic monitoring radar

An unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) aerial traffic monitoring system is provided and includes one or more UAVs comprising a transponder and at least one of a transmitter, a localization module and/or a communication module, radar systems covering and locating objects from 0° to 360° in azimuth and within a range of from −45° to 45° in elevations below and above the horizon, a cloud software stored in a non-transitory memory and configured to be executed by a processor, that stores records of operating UAVs so as to allow online and real time situational awareness of UAV aerial traffic, aerial traffic load, and aerial collision predictions.

FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM

There is provided a flight control system including a virtual path setting unit, a first evaluation unit, a path determination unit, and a flight controller. The virtual path setting unit is configured to set a plurality of virtual paths other than a current path of an aircraft at a prescribed timing. The first evaluation unit is configured to evaluate envelope protection of each of the current path and the plurality of virtual paths. The path determination unit is configured to determine a path among the current path and the plurality of virtual paths, based on an evaluation result of the envelope protection. The flight controller is configured to control flight of the aircraft based on the determined path.

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE ROOFTOP INSPECTION SYSTEM

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes receiving, by the UAV, flight information describing a job to perform an inspection of a rooftop. A particular altitude is ascended to, and an inspection of the rooftop is performed including obtaining sensor information describing the rooftop. Location information identifying a damaged area of the rooftop is received. The damaged area of the rooftop is traveled to. An inspection of the damaged area of the rooftop is performed including obtaining detailed sensor information describing the damaged area. A safe landing location is traveled to.

Systems and methods for managing restricted areas for unmanned autonomous vehicles

Methods, systems, and devices for providing data from a server to a UAV enable the UAV to navigate with respect to areas of restricted air space (“restricted areas”). A server may receive from a UAV, a request for restricted area information based on a position of the UAV. The server may determine boundaries of a surrounding area containing the position of the UAV and a number of restricted areas. The server may transmit coordinate information to the UAV defining the restricted areas contained within the surrounding area.

Unmanned aerial vehicle pick-up and delivery systems

Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

CONTROL METHOD, DEVICE, AND SYSTEM

A control method includes obtaining lock information including a flight platform identification and sending a lock message to a control device according to the lock information. The control device includes a flight platform corresponding to the flight platform identification or an adapter ring carried by the flight platform. The lock message indicates to lock a load carried by and communicatively connected to the flight platform.

Vision-based cooperative collision avoidance

Methods and apparatus are described for drone collision avoidance that includes extracting first feature information from an image. The image is captured from a first camera oriented in a direction. Second feature information is received from an external source. The second feature information is extracted from a second image of the environment captured by a second camera oriented in the direction. The first feature information and the second feature information are matched. A second local frame of reference of the second feature information is transformed to a first local frame of reference of the first feature information to determine a location of the external source. If a collision with the external source will occur is determined based on the location of the external source and a current flight trajectory.

Base station multi-vehicle coordination

Disclosed herein are example embodiments for base station multi-vehicle coordination. For certain example embodiments, at least one machine, such as a base station, may: (i) effectuate one or more communications with at least a first UFV and a second UFV; or (ii) transmit to a first UFV at least one command based at least partially on one or more communications with at least a first UFV and a second UFV. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth.

UNMANNED VEHICLE RECOGNITION AND THREAT MANAGEMENT

Systems and methods for automated unmanned aerial vehicle recognition. A multiplicity of receivers captures RF data and transmits the RF data to at least one node device. The at least one node device comprises a signal processing engine, a detection engine, a classification engine, and a direction finding engine. The at least one node device is configured with an artificial intelligence algorithm. The detection engine and classification engine are trained to detect and classify signals from unmanned vehicles and their controllers based on processed data from the signal processing engine. The direction finding engine is operable to provide lines of bearing for detected unmanned vehicles.

UNMANNED VEHICLE

An unmanned vehicle includes a vehicle body and at least one arm assembly. The arm assembly is coupled to the vehicle body. The arm assembly includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member, and a propeller. The second rotating member is coupled to the first rotating member. The propeller includes a propeller rim encircling an outer edge of the propeller and a rotatable axle coupled to the second rotating member. The the rotatable axle extends along a rotating axis. The second rotating member is configured to turn the propeller by rotating the rotatable axle about the rotating axis. The first rotating member is configured to rotate and effect a movement of the second rotating member so as to selectively adjust the rotatable axle to align the rotating axis at least with a first axial direction and a second axial direction.

Geofence Information Delivery Systems and Methods

The present invention is directed to methods and systems for requesting information from a mobile device about geofences based upon location services for the mobile device, wherein geofence information is stored and registered in a database of geofences, and each geofence is associated with a plurality of geographic designators, wherein each of the plurality of geographic designators is associated with an IP address, preferably an IPv6 address.

Trajectory-based sensor planning

According to an aspect of the invention, a method of trajectory-based sensor planning for a vehicle includes receiving an indication of a planned change in a trajectory of the vehicle. A processing subsystem determines a current field of view of a directional sensor and a planned adjustment in the current field of view of the directional sensor relative to the vehicle to align with the planned change in the trajectory of the vehicle. The planned adjustment in the current field of view of the directional sensor is initiated prior to changing the trajectory of the vehicle.

LIDAR light fence to cue long range LIDAR of target drone

A system comprising includes a plurality of three dimensional line-scanner LIDAR sensors disposed to provide a set of fanned beams that travel from one horizon into the air to the other horizon arranged to provide a light fence to detect an object that breaks the light fence and a sensor processor connected to the plurality of three dimensional multi-beam line-scanner LIDAR sensors to establish a vector of travel and a velocity of the object that passes through the multi-beam light fence at the location of where the beams are broken.

Pilotless Aircraft for Commercial and Military Use

An aircraft control system is described having an Automatic Monitoring System (“AMS”), an Aircraft Parameter Management Computer (“APC”), and a Flight Management Computer (“FMC”) to monitor the parameters of the aircraft automatically and to fly the aircraft without requiring a pilot to fly. The system respond to data within the systems and with data provided by a communication/navigation aid of the airport. The built-in systems of the aircraft process the data to allow pilotless operation of the aircraft along a predetermined route while maintaining proper spacing from prior art and other automated aircraft. An aircraft in accordance with the invention utilizes programmed software, electronics circuit and feedback system to fly the aircraft within the designated/destined routes and airports automatically while providing increased security by preventing accidents caused by incorrect or unauthorized human influence.

Alternative communications for an air vehicle

An air vehicle comprises a satellite receiver having messaging capability. The receiver is configured to process a command and control (C 2 ) message when alternative communications are required. The air vehicle further comprises avionics for taking a course of action according to instructions in a C 2 message received by the satellite receiver.

System and method for controlling unmanned aerial vehicle

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a driving unit and a control unit. The control unit detects a human figure in an image of a scene of a monitored area, determines coordinate differences between the scene image's center and the figure image's center, and determines a tilt direction and a tilt angle of a lens of the image capture unit based on the coordinate differences. If the tilt angle falls within an allowable rotation range of the lens, the control unit controls the driving unit to directly rotate the lens by the tilt angle along the tilt direction. Otherwise, the control unit controls the driving unit to rotate the lens by a threshold angle along the tilt direction, and further controls the driving unit to adjust a flight orientation and a flight height of the UAV until the figure image's center superposes the scene image's center.

Aircraft navigation system

A method and apparatus for assisting in management of unmanned aerial vehicles. Planned routes are identified for the unmanned aerial vehicles. The planned routes are displayed on a map. A set of planned routes is identified that is within a predefined distance of a selected planned route during substantially a same point in time within a viewing area on the map.

TRANSPORTATION USING NETWORK OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES

Embodiments described herein include a delivery system having unmanned aerial delivery vehicles and a logistics network for control and monitoring. In certain embodiments, a ground station provides a location for interfacing between the delivery vehicles, packages carried by the vehicles and users. In certain embodiments, the delivery vehicles autonomously navigate from one ground station to another. In certain embodiments, the ground stations provide navigational aids that help the delivery vehicles locate the position of the ground station with increased accuracy. 1. A delivery system comprising:one or more unmanned delivery vehicles configured for autonomous navigation;a plurality of ground stations configured to communicate with the one or more unmanned delivery vehicles and provide location information to the one or more unmanned delivery vehicles to aid in locating a ground station location; anda processor configured to identify a route from a first of the plurality of ground stations to a second of the plurality of ground stations based on geographic data and providing the route to the one or more unmanned delivery vehicles for use in the autonomous navigation from the first to the second ground station.2. The delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more unmanned delivery vehicles are aerial vehicles.3. The delivery system of claim 2 , wherein the aerial vehicles comprise a fixed wing and a rotor.4. The delivery system of claim 2 , wherein the aerial vehicles comprise a payload interface capable of accepting a package for transport on the delivery system.5. The delivery system of wherein the package for transport is a camera configured to couple to the payload interface.6. The delivery system of claim 4 , wherein the aerial vehicles comprise safety measures for protecting the package.7. The delivery system of claim 6 , wherein the safety measures include one or more of a parachute or an airbag.8. The delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the processor ...

Methods and systems for directing birds away from equipment

A system for directing a bird away from equipment includes an item of equipment and a detector configured to detect a bird that could be harmed by or that could harm the equipment and to determine the proximity of the bird to the equipment. The system also includes an unmanned aerial vehicle and a pilot system configured to control the unmanned aerial vehicle.

SAFETY DRIVING SYSTEM

A method for monitoring physical conditions of an operator of a driving apparatus is described. The method includes obtaining an identity of the operator, acquiring signals indicating a physical condition of the operator, and determining whether the physical condition as indicated by the signals has breached a predetermined threshold. Further, when it is determined that the physical condition as indicated by the signals has breached a predetermined threshold, the method includes generating a first status indicating the operator suffers an abnormal physical condition, obtaining a current location of the driving apparatus, generating a first notification based on the first status, the first notification indicating the identity of the operator and the current location of the driving apparatus, the first notification describing the first user suffers the abnormal physical condition, and transmitting the first notification to a data receiver in a healthcare facility. 1. A method for monitoring one or more physical conditions of an operator of a driving apparatus to improve safety , the method being implemented by a server comprising one or more of a processor configured to execute machine-readable instructions , the method comprising:managing user information for a plurality of operators including a first operator;obtaining, via a communications network, from a driving apparatus associated with the first operator, real-time driving information regarding the driving apparatus being currently operated by the first operator, the real-time driving information including a first status indicating a physical condition of the first operator whiling currently operating the driving apparatus;determining, for the first operator, whether the physical condition of the first operator has breached a predetermined threshold; determining a risk level posed by the first operator based on the physical condition of the first operator, the risk level indicating a level of danger to public ...

POSITION DETERMINATION OF MOBILE OBJECTS

An apparatus, method and computer program is described comprising: determining that a first mobile object requires positioning assistance based on one or more predetermined criteria, wherein the predetermined criteria includes whether one or more properties of a planned or predicted future position of the first mobile object have been identified as insufficient, or are predicted as being insufficient, for determining the position of the first mobile object with a required level of accuracy; and responsive to said determination, causing deployment of one or more movable devices (e.g. UAVs) to a target position for providing the required positioning assistance to said first mobile object. 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code which , when executed by the at least one processor , causes the apparatus:to determine that a first mobile object requires positioning assistance based on one or more predetermined criteria, wherein the predetermined criteria comprises whether one or more properties of a planned or predicted future position of the first mobile object have been identified as insufficient, or are predicted as being insufficient, for determining the position of the first mobile object with a required level of accuracy;responsive to said determination, to cause deployment of one or more movable devices to a target position for providing the required positioning assistance to said first mobile object.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the one or more movable devices is/are unmanned aerial vehicles.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:to determine a required level of accuracy of the first mobile object based on its type or its current application.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the planned or predicted future position of the first mobile object is determined based on the current position of the first mobile object and one or more prior locations of the first ...

TELEPRESENCE DRONES AND TELEPRESENCE DRONE SYSTEMS

A telepresence drone that is configured to navigate through an environment includes a frame, a propulsion system comprising propellers and motors coupled to the frame, an electronic control unit in communication with the propulsion system, and a hull positioned outside of the frame and the propulsion system. The hull includes a plurality of openings through which the propulsion system acts on air to navigate through the environment. 1. A telepresence drone configured to navigate through an environment , the telepresence drone comprising:a frame;a propulsion system comprising propellers and motors coupled to the frame;an electronic control unit in communication with the propulsion system; anda hull positioned outside of the frame and the propulsion system, the hull comprising a plurality of openings through which the propulsion system acts on air to navigate through the environment.2. The telepresence drone of claim 1 , wherein the hull comprises ducted portions that direct air from the environment toward the propeller.3. The telepresence drone of claim 2 , wherein the ducted portions extend from a first side of the propeller to an outer surface of the hull and from a second side of the propeller to an outer surface of the hull.4. The telepresence drone of claim 1 , wherein the hull comprises a spherical shape.5. The telepresence drone of claim 1 , further comprising:a wireless data interface in communication with the electronic control unit; anda route planner detection instruction set stored in a memory, wherein when the route planner instruction set is executed by the electronic control unit, the electronic control unit evaluates location and orientation of a user and instructs the telepresence drone to navigate to a position in front of the user.6. The telepresence drone of claim 1 , wherein the telepresence drone further comprises a route planner instruction set that claim 1 , when executed by the electronic control unit:evaluates the position and orientation of ...

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE INSPECTION SYSTEM

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes obtaining, from a user device, flight operation information describing an inspection of a vertical structure to be performed, the flight operation information including locations of one or more safe locations for vertical inspection. A location of the UAV is determined to correspond to a first safe location for vertical inspection. A first inspection of the structure is performed is performed at the first safe location, the first inspection including activating cameras. A second safe location is traveled to, and a second inspection of the structure is performed. Information associated with the inspection is provided to the user device. 1. A flight planning system comprising one or more computers and one or more computer storage media storing instructions that when executed by the one or more computers cause the one or more computers to perform operations comprising:receiving, via a user interface, a selection of a type of a vertical structure to be inspected;in response to receiving the selection of the type, presenting via the user interface, a representation corresponding to the type of selected vertical structure;receiving input via the user interface, the input indicating one or more portions of the vertical structure to be inspected by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV);presenting, via the user interface, an indication of the one or more portions of the vertical structure to be inspected; anddetermining a flight plan to perform an inspection of a real-world vertical structure that is associated with the representation of the vertical structure, the flight plan determined according to the indicated portions of the vertical structure to be inspected, wherein the flight plan causes the UAV to navigate and obtain sensor information of the real-world vertical structure.2. ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RELIABLE RELATIVE NAVIGATION AND AUTONOMOUS FOLLOWING BETWEEN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE AND A TARGET OBJECT

A method for navigating an airborne device relative to a target comprises detecting, at an optical detector on the airborne device, an optical signal generated by one or more LEDs on the target. The method also comprises comparing, by a processor on the airborne device, the detected optical signal with a previously-detected optical signal. The method further comprises determining, by the processor based on the comparison, a change in location of at least one of the airborne device or the target. The method also comprises adjusting a position of the airborne device based on the determined change in location. The method also comprises predicting, by the processor, a movement of the target based on information indicative of at least one of a position, a rotation, an orientation, an acceleration, a velocity, or an altitude of the target, wherein the position of the airborne device is adjusted based on the predicted movement of the target. The method also comprises detecting an obstacle in a flight path associated with the airborne device and adjusting a position of the airborne device is further based, at least in part, on detected obstacle information. 1. A method , comprising:causing an airborne vehicle to follow a flight path that positions the airborne vehicle at a perch position relative to a ground-based mobile target;detecting an obstacle in the flight path of the airborne vehicle;responsively adjusting the flight path of the airborne vehicle to cause the airborne vehicle to reduce altitude from the perch position to connect to an obstacle-free path traversed by the ground-based mobile target; andcausing the airborne vehicle to follow behind the ground-based mobile target on the obstacle-free path until the obstacle is no longer detected.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining that the obstacle is no longer detected; andresponsively adjusting the flight path of the airborne vehicle to cause the airborne vehicle to continue following the ground- ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PREVENTING AND REMEDYING RESTRICTED AREA INTRUSIONS BY UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES

An intrusion prevention system includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a UAV controller, and a restricted area data aggregator. The restricted data aggregator collects and stores restricted area data. The UAV controller is coupled to communicate with the UAV and the restricted area data aggregator, wherein the UAV controller receives positional data from the UAV and restricted area data from the restricted area aggregator. The UAV controller determines based on the received positional data and the received restricted area data whether the UAV is currently intruding within a restricted area or is predicted to intrude within a restricted area and wherein the UAV controller initiates actions to prevent unauthorized intrusions into restricted areas. 1. A UAV controller comprising:a controller interface for receiving a flight path corresponding with a UAV;a restricted area interface configured to communicated bi-directionally with a restricted area aggregator, wherein the restricted area interface provides the flight path or information corresponding with the flight path to a restricted area aggregator and receives in response spatially relevant restricted area data from the restricted area aggregator, wherein the spatially relevant restricted area data includes information identifying notifications/permissions required to enter restricted areas; andan intrusion prevention module configured to remedy/prevent restricted area intrusions based on the flight path and spatially relevant restricted area data, wherein the intrusion prevention module generates notification/requests for access to the restricted areas intersecting with the received flight path and communicates the notifications/requests via the restricted area interface to one or both of the restricted area aggregator and owners of the restricted areas.2. The UAV controller of claim 1 , wherein the controller interface is further configured to receive position information associated with the UAV claim 1 , ...

FLEET MANAGEMENT OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES AND FLIGHT AUTHORIZATION SYSTEM

Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for fleet management of unmanned aerial vehicles, including flight authorization. One of the methods includes maintaining one or more rules associated with authorizing UAVs to implement flight plans. A request to generate a flight plan associated with a job is received, the request including information indicating a flight pattern comprising, at least, one or more waypoints associated with geospatial references. The flight plan is generated based on the request, and an initial authorization check is determined based on the maintained rules and the generated flight plan. Upon a positive determination, access to the generated flight plan is provided by a ground control system, and the flight plan is implemented. 130-. (canceled)31. A system comprising:a memory; and maintain one or more rules associated with authorizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to implement flight plans;', 'receive a request to generate a flight plan indicating a flight pattern;', 'generate the flight plan for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV);', 'determine an authorization check based on the one or more rules and the flight plan; and', 'transmit the flight plan to the UAV based on the authorization check., 'a processor configured to execute instructions stored on the memory to32. The system of claim 31 , wherein the flight pattern comprises one or more waypoints associated with geospatial references.33. The system of claim 31 , wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions stored on the memory to:transmit the flight plan to a ground control system prior to transmission of the flight plan to the UAV based on the authorization check.34. The system of claim 31 , wherein the flight plan is transmitted to the UAV for implementation by the UAV to navigate along the flight pattern.35. The system of claim 31 , wherein upon a negative determination of the authorization check claim 31 , the flight ...

Geofence Information Delivery Systems and Methods

The present invention is directed to methods and systems for querying a database of geofences, with each geofence in the database being associated with a plurality of IP addresses, preferably IPv6 addresses, and each IP address corresponding to a specific geographic coordinate. The method and system convert location coordinates to IP addresses and determine whether a location anchor point is associated with a geofence. 1. A system for delivering geofence information , comprising:at least one device including a processor and a memory, wherein the at least one device is constructed and configured for communication with at least one server computer including at least one geofence database;wherein the at least one geofence database includes data for Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and anchor IP addresses for geofences;wherein the at least one device generates a first request comprising a geographic location and sends the first request to the at least one server computer;wherein the at least one server computer converts the geographic location to an IP address;wherein the at least one server computer matches the IP address to at least one anchor IP address;wherein the at least one server computer identifies at least one geofence associated with the at least one anchor IP address;wherein the at least one server computer creates a first response, wherein the first response includes information describing the at least one identified geofence; andwherein the at least one geofence database includes analytics for the at least one identified geofence, and wherein the analytics for the at least one identified geofence include a number of times a device has entered the at least one identified geofence.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the information describing the at least one identified geofence includes the at least one anchor IP address claim 1 , a plurality of additional IP addresses associated with the at least one geofence claim 1 , an entitlement of the at least one ...

Method and Device of Path Optimization for UAV, and Storage Medium thereof

Disclosed is a method of path optimization for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In the method, users and the positions of the users are obtained; the users are divided into K wireless multicast user groups; K initial hovering positions corresponding to the K wireless multicast user groups are determined; and a first shortest flying path connecting the K initial hovering positions is determined; and the initial hovering positions of the UAV are optimized to obtain K final hovering positions and a final flying path. The present disclosure also discloses a device of path optimization for a UAV and a computer readable storage medium. 1. A method of path optimization for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) , comprising:determining a number of wireless multicast user groups according to a number of users, a position of each user and a size of one or more files to be transmitted;dividing the users into a plurality of wireless multicast user groups according to the number of the wireless multicast user groups determined;determining a hovering position of the UAV corresponding to each wireless multicast user group;determining a first shortest flying path connecting all hovering positions of the UAV;determining a first total energy consumption of the UAV according to the size of the one or more files to be transmitted, the hovering positions of the UAV and the first shortest flying path of the UAV;optimizing the hovering positions of the UAV one by one to obtain a plurality of optimized hovering positions;determining a second shortest flying path connecting the plurality of optimized hovering positions;determining a second total energy consumption of the UAV according to the size of the one or more files to be transmitted, the optimized hovering positions of the UAV and the second shortest flying path;comparing the first total energy consumption with the second total energy consumption;on condition that the absolute value of the difference between the first total energy ...

UAV Defense System

An unmanned aerial vehicle defense system may include a sensor network having a plurality of radio receivers that are operable to detect a radio signal broadcast by the unmanned aerial vehicle. A control system operatively associated with the sensor network includes a processing system to identify the unmanned aerial vehicle detected by the sensor system. The control system also includes a countermeasures system that develops a countermeasure based on the identity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. A transmitter system operatively associated with the control system transmits the developed countermeasure to the unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle subsequently operates in accordance with the developed countermeasure. 1. An unmanned aerial vehicle defense system , comprising:a sensor network, said sensor network comprising a plurality of radio receivers, each of the radio receivers being operable to detect a radio signal broadcast by the unmanned aerial vehicle; a processing system, said processing system identifying the detected unmanned aerial vehicle;', 'a countermeasures system operatively associated with said processing system, said countermeasures system developing a countermeasure based on the identity of the unmanned aerial vehicle; and, 'a control system operatively associated with said sensor network, said control system comprisinga transmitter system operatively associated with said control system, said transmitter system transmitting the developed countermeasure to the unmanned aerial vehicle, the unmanned aerial vehicle subsequently operating in accordance with the developed countermeasure.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said sensor system comprises a plurality of radio transceivers claim 1 , and wherein said transmitter system comprises the radio transceivers of said sensor system.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein said sensor system defines a sensing area and wherein said processing system determines a position of the detected unmanned ...

FLIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR UAVS

A flight management system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), in which the UAV is equipped for cellular fourth generation (4G) flight control. The UAV carries on-board a 4G modem, an antenna connected to the modem for providing for downlink wireless RF. A computer is connected to the modem. A 4G infrastructure to support sending via uplink and receiving via downlink from and to the UAV. The infrastructure further includes 4G base stations capable of communicating with the UAV along its flight path. An antenna in the base station is capable of supporting a downlink to the UAV. A control centre accepts navigation related data from the uplink. In addition, the control centre further includes a connection to the 4G infrastructure for obtaining downlinked data. A computer for calculating location of the UAV using navigation data from the downlink. 1. A flight management system for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) , comprising: at least one 4G modem;', 'at least one antenna connected to said at least one modem for providing uplink wireless RF to the 4G network;', {'b': '42', 'a computer () connected to said modem;'}], 'UAV equipped for cellular fourth generation (4G) based flight control, said UAV carrying on board a base station capable of communicating with said UAV along its flight path;', 'an antenna in said at least one base station capable of supporting a downlink to said UAV;, 'a 4G infrastructure to support sending via uplink and receiving via downlink from and to said UAV, said infrastructure further including at least a connection to said 4G infrastructure for obtaining downlinked data;', 'a computer for calculating location of said UAV using at least data from said downlink, and', 'a connection to said 4G infrastructure for providing uplink., 'a control centre to accept navigation related data from said downlink, said centre further including at least;'}2. The flight management system as in claim 1 , wherein said UAV further comprises at least one sensor and ...

DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTING UAV FLIGHT OPERATIONS BASED ON RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNAL DATA

In some implementations, a UAV flight system can dynamically adjust UAV flight operations based on radio frequency (RF) signal data. For example, the flight system can determine an initial flight plan for inspecting a RF transmitter and configure a UAV to perform an aerial inspection of the RF transmitter. Once airborne, the UAV can collect RF signal data and the flight system can automatically adjust the flight plan to avoid RF signal interference and/or damage to the UAV based on the collected RF signal data. In some implementations, the UAV can collect RF signal data and generate a three-dimensional received signal strength map that describes the received signal strength at various locations within a volumetric area around the RF transmitter. In some implementations, the UAV can collect RF signal data and determine whether a RF signal transmitter is properly aligned. 1. A system comprising one or more processors , and a non-transitory computer-readable medium including one or more sequences of instructions that , when executed by the one or more processors , cause the system to perform the operations comprising:navigating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV);periodically monitoring radio frequency (RF) signals external to the UAV;determining a received signal strength indication (RSSI) value for the monitored RF signals at a plurality of geospatial locations during the navigation of the UAV; andstoring a plurality of RSSI values and the respective geospatial locations of where a corresponding value was monitored.2. The system of claim 1 , the operations further comprising:adjusting navigation of the UAV system to locations where the determined RSSI value of the monitored signals remains below a threshold RSSI value.3. The system of claim 1 , the operations further comprising:preventing navigation of the UAV to a position of a stored geospatial location based on the corresponding stored RSSI value.4. The system of claim 1 , the operations further comprising:obtaining ...

System and method for intelligent aerial inspection

A flight plan for an unmanned aerial vehicle is created based on a target to inspect. The plan can be based on the data obtained from one or more prior inspection flights for the same target. Flight plans can be automatically suggested to the users based on the analysis of data obtained during prior inspection flights.

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE AND SUPERVISION METHOD AND MONITORING SYSTEM FOR FLIGHT STATE THEREOF

A supervision method for a flight state of an unmanned aerial vehicle includes respectively establishing communication connections with the unmanned aerial vehicle and a supervision server, receiving identity information about the unmanned aerial vehicle and flight information about the unmanned aerial vehicle sent by the unmanned aerial vehicle, automatically sending the identity information about the unmanned aerial vehicle and the flight information to the supervision server in an on-line mode, receiving at least one of a flight restriction instruction or warning information sent by the supervision server, and forwarding the flight restriction instruction to the unmanned aerial vehicle, so that the unmanned aerial vehicle executes the flight restriction instruction, thereby restricting flight behaviour of the unmanned aerial vehicle in an on-line flight mode via the flight restriction instruction. 1. A supervision method for a flight state of an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising:respectively establishing communication connections with the unmanned aerial vehicle and a supervision server;receiving identity information about the unmanned aerial vehicle and flight information about the unmanned aerial vehicle sent by the unmanned aerial vehicle;automatically sending the identity information about the unmanned aerial vehicle and the flight information to the supervision server in an on-line mode;receiving at least one of a flight restriction instruction or warning information sent by the supervision server; andforwarding the flight restriction instruction to the unmanned aerial vehicle, so that the unmanned aerial vehicle executes the flight restriction instruction, thereby restricting flight behaviour of the unmanned aerial vehicle in an on-line flight mode via the flight restriction instruction.2. The supervision method of claim 1 , wherein:the warning information comprises at least one of heading change information, speed lowering information, or altitude ...

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD AND SYSTEM BASED ON MOVING BASE

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control method includes a takeoff process, a following process and a landing process, wherein the takeoff process includes the following steps: unlocking the UAV, and detecting the current horizontal position of the UAV in the horizontal direction and the current altitude of the UAV in the vertical direction; determining whether the current horizontal position and the current altitude meet takeoff criteria, and controlling the UAV to bounce off and enter into a takeoff state if the determination result is positive. The system provided by the present disclosure employs the above-mentioned method to control a UAV. The method and system provided by the present disclosure meet three functional requirements for a UAV on a moving base platform, namely, stable takeoff, following process and accurate landing, thus decrease the difficulties in the use of a UAV on a moving platform. 1. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control method based on a moving base , comprising a takeoff process , a following process and a landing process , wherein:the takeoff process comprises the following steps:unlocking the UAV, and detecting the current horizontal position of the UAV in the horizontal direction and the current altitude of the UAV in the vertical direction;determining whether the current horizontal position and the current altitude meet takeoff criteria, and controlling the UAV to bounce off and enter into a takeoff state if the determination result is positive;in the following process, the movement state of the moving base platform is collected by a moving base station, data is transmitted transparently with the UAV, and the UAV performs coordinated flight control of position and velocity loops after receiving the movement state of the moving base platform;in the landing process, the UAV carries out positioning and detection of the moving base platform, a return route is planned according to the real-time position of the moving base platform, the ...

Method and system for controlling attitude of rotor unmanned aerial vehicle

A method for controlling an attitude of a rotor UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) includes judging whether the rotor UAV is in a first attitude on a support base; and starting a first thrust generating device which is offset from a first side of a center of gravity of the rotor UAV, the first thrust generating device generating a thrust that faces away from the support base while working, the first side moving away from the support base, flipping the rotor UAV and switching the rotor UAV from the first attitude to a second attitude. Also, a system for controlling the attitude of the rotor UAV is provided. According to the method and the system, the rotor UAV can be switched between different attitudes without artificially assisting in adjusting a current attitude of the rotor UAV, so that the convenience in use and the satisfaction of experience are improved. 1. A method for controlling an attitude of a rotor UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) , comprising step of:judging whether the rotor UAV is in a first attitude on a support base; andstarting a first thrust generating device which is offset from a first side of a center of gravity of the rotor UAV, the first thrust generating device generating a thrust that faces away from the support base while working, the first side moving away from the support base, flipping the rotor UAV and switching the rotor UAV from the first attitude to a second attitude.2. The method claim 1 , as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a step of obtaining an inclined direction and an inclined angle of the rotor UAV in the first attitude relatively to the support base.3. The method claim 1 , as recited in claim 1 , further comprising: obtaining a continuous first predetermined duration of the rotor UAV in the first attitude claim 1 , judging and excluding instantaneous inclination of the rotor UAV claim 1 , and determining that the rotor UAV is really in the first attitude.4. The method claim 1 , as recited in claim 1 , further comprising: ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD TO OPERATE A DRONE

A method for controlling a drone includes receiving a request for information about a spatial location, generating data requests, configuring a flight plan and controlling one or more drones to fly over the spatial location to obtain data types based on the data requests, and extracting and analyzing data to answer the request. The method can include extracting data points from the data types, obtaining labels from a user for one or more of the data points, predicting labels for unlabeled data points from a learning algorithm using the labels obtained from the user, determining the predicted labels are true labels for the unlabeled data points and combining the extracted data, the user labeled data points and the true labeled data points to answer the request for information. The learning algorithm may be active learning using a support vector machine. 1. A computer implemented method for controlling one or more drones to respond to a request for information , comprising;receiving a request for information about a spatial location;generating a plurality of data requests, each data request of the plurality of data requests corresponding to a portion of data necessary to answer the request;configuring a flight plan for one or more drones over the spatial location based on the plurality of data requests;controlling one or more drones to fly over the spatial location according to the configured flight plan to obtain a plurality of data types from the spatial location based on the plurality of data requests, each data type providing a corresponding portion of the data necessary to answer the request;extracting data responsive to the plurality of data requests from the plurality of data types obtained by the one or more drones; andanalyzing the responsive data to provide an answer to the request for information.2. The computer implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the data types include one or more of data obtained from an imaging system and data obtained from one or ...

Methods and apparatus of tracking moving targets from air vehicles

Methods and apparatus of tracking moving targets from air vehicles are disclosed. An example system includes an air vehicle including a moving target state estimator to determine at least one of an estimated speed or an estimated location of a moving target, a tracking infrastructure to determine a detectability zone surrounding the moving target based on at least one of the estimated speed or the estimated location of the moving target, and generate a guidance reference to command the air vehicle to move towards a reference location, the reference location based on the estimated location, and a flight control system to cause the air vehicle to follow the moving target outside of the detectability zone based on the guidance reference.

FLIGHT CONTROL FOR FLIGHT-RESTRICTED REGIONS

Systems, methods, and devices are provided for providing flight response to flight-restricted regions. The location of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be compared with a location of a flight-restricted region. If needed a flight-response measure may be taken by the UAV to prevent the UAV from flying in a no-fly zone. Different flight-response measures may be taken based on the distance between the UAV and the flight-restricted region and the rules of a jurisdiction within which the UAV falls. 1. An unmanned aerial vehicle comprising:one or more processors individually or collectively configured to (1) obtain a location of the unmanned aerial vehicle, (2) calculate a distance between the location of the unmanned aerial vehicle and a location of a flight restricted region, and (3) assess whether the distance falls within a distance threshold; andone or more propulsion units in communication with the one or more processors, the one or more propulsion units configured to (1) permit the unmanned aerial vehicle to take off when the distance exceeds the distance threshold and (2) prevent the unmanned aerial vehicle from taking off when the distance falls within the distance threshold.2. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the location of the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises coordinates of the unmanned aerial vehicle at rest on a surface.3. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the location of the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises coordinates of an external device in communication with the unmanned aerial vehicle.4. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 3 , wherein the coordinates of the external device are received with aid of a GPS signal at the external device.5. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 3 , wherein the external device is a mobile terminal capable of receiving data from the unmanned aerial vehicle.6. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 5 , wherein the mobile terminal is capable of transmitting control data to the unmanned aerial ...

SITUATION-AWARE, INTELLIGENT DATA-SYNCHRONIZATION METHODS FOR UAV-INSPECTION APPLICATIONS

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems are described that determine when to automatically transfer telemetry data from a UAV to a ground-based computing device by monitoring one or more context states of the UAV. In some examples, a UAV system includes a UAV; a ground-based computing device; and processing circuitry configured to acquire data from one or more sensors on the UAV; store the data at a local storage device on the UAV; maintain a state machine configured to monitor one or more context states of the UAV system; determine, based on the one or more context states, that a current situation of the UAV system meets minimum criteria for transferring the data from the UAV to the ground-based computing device; and automatically transfer, based on the determination, the data from the UAV to the ground-based computing device. 1. A method comprising:acquiring data from one or more sensors of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of a UAV system;storing the data at a local storage device on the UAV of the UAV system;maintaining, by the UAV system, a state machine configured to monitor one or more context states of the UAV system;determining, by processing circuitry of the UAV system and based on the one or more context states, that a current situation of the UAV system meets minimum criteria for transferring data from the UAV to a ground-based computing device of the UAV system; andautomatically transferring, based on the determination, the data from the UAV to the ground-based computing device.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more context states comprise:a remaining battery life of the UAV;a battery recharging status of the UAV;a location of the UAV;a time of daya current flight status of the UAV;a flight schedule of the UAV;a wired or wireless data connection available to the UAV; ora telemetry-data-collection status of the UAV.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein automatically transferring the data comprises initiating a transfer of the data claim 1 , the ...

REMOTE IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARDOUS DRONES

A system to remotely detect and identify an airborne drone presenting a flight risk to piloted aircraft. A warning of the hazardous drone is presented to the piloted aircraft. An airborne drone is observed by any of several means, to include receipt of drone location or identification data broadcast by the drone or broadcast by a ground-based system, or through a piloted aircraft airborne sensor. The safety warning and real-time observation of a hazardous drone may be shared among other piloted aircraft, in particular to other subscribing aircraft approaching the airspace of the hazardous drone. 1. A hazardous drone identification system comprising:an aircraft system operating to receive drone data of a drone and to communicate broadcast data associated with the drone data to a receiving site;wherein:the aircraft system is coupled to a first aircraft; andthe drone data includes at least one of drone identification data and drone position data.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the broadcast data includes at least one of the drone identification data and the drone position data.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the receiving site is at least one of a receiving station and a second aircraft.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the receiving site is a ground-based receiving station.5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a warning system operating to warn a pilot of the first aircraft of the drone claim 1 , the warning system coupled to the first aircraft.6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the warning system provides at least one of a visual display warning and an audio warning. This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/872,004 filed May 11, 2020, and titled “Drone Detection and Warning for Piloted Aircraft,” which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/578,434 filed Sep. 23, 2019, and titled “Hazardous Drone Identification and Avoidance System,” which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application ...

MOBILE BODY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, CONTROL METHOD FOR MOBILE BODY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, AND MANAGEMENT SERVER FOR MOBILE BODY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

A management system that comprises a movement management part that: communicates via communication devices with a plurality of mobile bodies that include autonomous mobile bodies that comprise an autonomous control part that is for autonomous movement; and manages the movement of the plurality of mobile bodies. The autonomous mobile bodies comprise a display device that performs outward-facing display. The movement management part has a superiority determination part that, on the basis of individual information for the plurality of mobile bodies, determines a preference ranking for the movement of the plurality of mobile bodies. The autonomous mobile bodies comprise a display control part that controls the display of the display device in accordance with the preference ranking determined by the superiority determination part. 1. A management system comprising a movement managing section that communicates with a plurality of moving bodies via a communication apparatus and manages movement of the plurality of moving bodies , the moving bodies including an autonomous moving body that includes an autonomous control section for autonomous movement ,wherein the autonomous moving body includes a display apparatus configured to perform display directed outward,the movement managing section includes a priority/subordination determining section configured to determine priority/subordination degrees concerning movement of the plurality of moving bodies, based on individual information of the plurality of moving bodies,the autonomous moving body includes a display control section configured to control the display of the display apparatus according to the priority/subordination degree determined by the priority/subordination determining section, andthe individual information includes machine information determined based on use application of the moving body.2. The management system according to claim 1 , comprising:a map information database in which map information is ...

AUTONOMOUS NAVIGATION OF AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

A system for autonomous navigation of an unmanned aerial vehicle. 1. A method for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising:(a) sensing said unmanned aerial vehicle using an imaging device from an unmanned ground vehicle;(b) based upon said sensing a processor determining at least one of position information of said unmanned aerial vehicle and orientation information of said unmanned aerial vehicle;(c) said processor providing control information through a wireless communication to said unmanned aerial vehicle for adjusting at least one of a position of said unmanned aerial vehicle and orientation of said unmanned aerial vehicle;(d) said unmanned aerial vehicle receiving said control information and modifying control of said unmanned aerial vehicle based upon said control information, wherein said unmanned aerial vehicle is free from said modifying control based upon any inertial measurement devices within said unmanned aerial vehicle, and wherein said unmanned aerial vehicle is free from including any inertial measurement devices.2. The method of wherein said position information includes an offset position of said unmanned aerial vehicle from said unmanned ground vehicle.3. The method of wherein said position information includes a longitude and a latitude of said unmanned aerial vehicle.4. The method of wherein said orientation information includes a roll of said unmanned aerial vehicle.5. The method of wherein said orientation information includes a pitch of said unmanned aerial vehicle.6. The method of wherein said orientation information includes a yaw of said unmanned aerial vehicle.7. The method of wherein said control information is sufficient for said adjusting.8. The method of wherein said unmanned aerial vehicle is free from including a position sensor capable of determining position information of said unmanned aerial vehicle.9. The method of wherein said position sensor includes a latitude and a longitude sensor.1013-. (canceled)14. The method ...

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE NAVIGATION

System and techniques for unmanned aerial vehicle navigation are described herein. A plurality of transmission beams may be established. Here, each beam in the plurality of transmission beams is a focused photonic propagation directed to a fixed geographic area and a travel route intersects the fixed geographic areas of the plurality of transmission beams. Cell entry may be received for a vehicle transceiver entering a geographic area for a transmission beam in the plurality of beams. Scrambling codes corresponding to the plurality of transmission beams may be provided to the vehicle. A course parameter, decodable by a scrambling code of the scrambling codes, may be transmitted to the vehicle via the plurality of transmission beams. 1. A system for unmanned aerial vehicle navigation , the system comprising an eNodeB including:a transceiver to establish a plurality of transmission beams, each beam in the plurality of transmission beams comprising a focused photonic propagation directed to a fixed geographic area, a travel route intersecting the fixed geographic areas of the plurality of transmission beams;a decoder to receive cell entry for a vehicle transceiver entering a geographic area for a transmission beam in the plurality of beams; and provide scrambling codes corresponding to the plurality of transmission beams to the vehicle, each beam in the plurality of transmission beams having a different scrambling code; and', 'transmit a course parameter to the vehicle via the plurality of transmission beams., 'an encoder to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the scrambling codes are a single scrambling code that is the same for all beams participating in the route across all cells.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the course parameter is at least one of a heading claim 1 , a velocity claim 1 , or an altitude.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the course parameter is transmitted via a single beam of the plurality of transmission beams.5. The system of claim 4 , wherein ...

Apparatus for controlling unmanned aerial vehicles and passenger drones via an air traffic control system

A flying vehicle that is one of a passenger drone and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) includes a plurality of rotors disposed to a body and configured for flight; a processing device any of integrated with, disposed on, and associated with the body; wireless interfaces including hardware and antennas any of integrated with, disposed on, and associated with the body; and a control apparatus communicatively coupled to the processing device, wherein the control apparatus is configured to provide an interface between the wireless interfaces and an air traffic control system for control and/or monitoring of the flying vehicle by the air traffic control system. 1. A flying vehicle that is one of a passenger drone and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) , the flying vehicle comprising:a plurality of rotors disposed to a body and configured for flight;a processing device any of integrated with, disposed on, and associated with the body;wireless interfaces including hardware and antennas any of integrated with, disposed on, and associated with the body; anda control apparatus communicatively coupled to the processing device, wherein the control apparatus is configured to provide an interface between the wireless interfaces and an air traffic control system for control and/or monitoring of the flying vehicle by the air traffic control system.2. The flying vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the control apparatus is a dongle that connects to an interface associated with the processing device.3. The flying vehicle of claim 2 , wherein the dongle is added after manufacturing or purchase of the flying vehicle.4. The flying vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the control apparatus is a daughterboard that is added to the processing device during manufacturing of the flying vehicle.5. The flying vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the control apparatus includes instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium associated with the processing device.6. The flying vehicle of claim 1 , wherein ...

Managing detected obstructions in air traffic control systems for passenger drones

Static obstruction detection and management systems and methods include, in an Air Traffic Control (ATC) system for any flying vehicles including any of passenger drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), receiving monitored data from a plurality flying vehicles related to static obstructions; receiving external data from one or more external sources related to the static obstructions; analyzing the monitored data and the external data to populate and manage an obstruction database of the static obstructions; and transmitting obstruction instructions to the plurality of flying vehicles based on analyzing the obstruction database with their flight plan. 1. A static obstruction detection and management method comprising:in an Air Traffic Control (ATC) system for any flying vehicles including any of passenger drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), receiving monitored data from a plurality flying vehicles related to static obstructions;receiving external data from one or more external sources related to the static obstructions;analyzing the monitored data and the external data to populate and manage an obstruction database of the static obstructions; andtransmitting obstruction instructions to the plurality of flying vehicles based on analyzing the obstruction database with their flight plan.2. The static obstruction detection and management method of claim 1 , wherein the obstruction database comprises a plurality of data structures each defining a no fly zone of location coordinates based on the analyzing.3. The static obstruction detection and management method of claim 2 , wherein the data structures define one of a cylinder and a rectangle sized to cover an associated obstruction and with associated location coordinates.4. The static obstruction detection and management method of claim 2 , wherein the data structures each comprise a time to remove parameter defining either a temporary or a permanent obstruction.5. The static obstruction detection and ...

Method of determining a path along an object, system and method for automatically inspecting an object

A method of determining a path along an object includes a step of “determining a reference point of the object in absolute coordinates”, a step of “ascertaining a set of points of the object in absolute coordinates on the basis of further points of the object within a relative coordinate system, conversion of the further points of the object to the absolute coordinate system being effected on the basis of the reference point of the object”, and a step of “determining the path along the object on the basis of the set of points of the object, so that the path extends at a distance from the object”.

DIRECTION FINDING IN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE SYSTEMS

Devices and methods are provided for determining a location independent of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal in autonomous vehicles, especially in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). An exemplary device includes one or more receivers or sensors configured to receive first information, wherein the one or more receivers or sensors is configured to obtain at least a subset of the first information from an external source, wherein at least a first of the one of the one or more receivers or sensors includes a transceiver configured to communicate with other UAVs in a first subset of UAVs. The exemplary device also includes one or more processors configured to share the first information with at least a one other UAV in the first subset, receive second information from the other UAV, and determine a path to the first location based on at least the second information. 1. A device , for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) , configured to determine a location , the device comprising:one or more receivers or sensors configured to receive first information, wherein at least a first of the one or more receivers or sensors is configured to obtain at least a first component of the first information from an external source, wherein one of the one or more receivers or sensors comprises a transceiver configured to communicate with one or more other UAVs in a first subset inclusive of the UAV; andone or more processors configured to:share the first information with at least a first of the one or more UAVs in the first subset and receive second information from at least the first of the one or more UAVs in response to the sharing of the first information; anddetermine a path to the location based on at least the second information.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to determine the location independent of guidance from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) or an ultra-wideband (UWB) system.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the path to the ...

OPERATION CONTROL APPARATUS OF MOVABLE BODY, METHOD OF CONTROLLING OPERATION OF MOVABLE BODY, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM

Provided is an operation control apparatus of a movable body that carries out a task at a destination. The operation control apparatus includes a memory, an information acquiring unit, a cell dividing unit, a calculating unit, a determining unit, and a destination changing unit. The cell dividing unit divides map information into multiple cells that include a first cell including the destination, and a second cell. The calculating unit calculates an evaluation value related to a degree to which the task is impeded, of each of the multiple cells. The determining unit determines whether the evaluation value of the first cell is higher than a threshold. The evaluation value determined as higher, the destination changing unit changes the destination to a location in the second cell, the evaluation value of which is equal to or lower than the threshold and is minimal. 1. An operation control apparatus of a movable body , that carries out a predetermined task at a destination for the task , the operation control apparatus comprising:a memory that stores map information that comprises the destination for the task;an information acquiring unit that acquires surrounding information related to surrounding situation of the movable body;a cell dividing unit that divides an area indicated by the map information into multiple cells, the multiple cells including a first cell and a second cell, and the first cell including the destination for the task;a calculating unit that calculates, on a basis of the surrounding information, an evaluation value of each of the multiple cells of the map information, the evaluation value being related to a degree to which the task is impeded;a determining unit that determines, on a basis of the evaluation value, whether or not the evaluation value of the first cell is higher than a predetermined threshold; anda destination changing unit that changes the destination for the task to a location in the second cell, on a condition that the determining ...

DRONE ENCROACHMENT AVOIDANCE MONITOR

Disclosed are examples of systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products for locating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A region of airspace may be scanned with two scanning apparatuses. Each scanning apparatus may include one or more directional Radio Frequency (RF) antennae. The two scanning apparatuses may have different locations. Radio frequency signals emitted by a UAV can be received at each of the two scanning apparatuses. The received radio frequency signals can be processed to determine a first location of the UAV. 1. A method for locating operators of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) , the method comprising:scanning, with a scanning apparatus, a region exterior to the scanning apparatus, the scanning apparatus comprising one or more directional Radio Frequency (RF) antennae;receiving, at the scanning apparatus, radio frequency signals corresponding to an uplink frequency of a UAV, andprocessing, based on an angular relationship between the location of the scanning apparatus and a source of the radio frequency signals, the received radio frequency signals to determine a first location of the source of the radio frequency signals, the source of the radio frequency signals being associated with an operator of the UAV.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein processing the received radio frequency signals to determine the first location of the source of the radio frequency signals comprises:determining a signal strength associated with the radio frequency signals at the scanning apparatus;generating, using the signal strength, first data indicating an angular relationship between the location of the scanning apparatus and the source of the radio frequency signals;processing, using the location of the scanning apparatus, the first data to determine the first location of the source of the radio frequency signals.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the scanning apparatus is mounted on an aircraft.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:disseminating, via ...

DELIVERY PORT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, DELIVERY PORT MANAGEMENT METHOD, AND PROGRAM

To improve utilization efficiency of a delivery port and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a delivery port management system includes obtaining means for obtaining a delivery destination of a package that is transported by a UAV approaching a facility having a plurality of delivery ports and a plurality of delivery destinations, the delivery ports receiving packages, port selecting means for selecting a delivery port to which the UAV delivers the package among the plurality of delivery ports based on the delivery destination of the package after the UAV has departed for the facility, and guiding means for sending information for guiding the UAV to the selected delivery port. 1. A delivery port management system , comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory device that stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to:obtain a delivery destination of a package that is transported by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) approaching a facility having a plurality of delivery ports and a plurality of delivery destinations, the delivery ports receiving packages;select a delivery port to which the UAV delivers the package among the plurality of delivery ports based on the delivery destination of the package after the UAV has departed for the facility; andsend information for guiding the UAV to the selected delivery port.2. The delivery port management system according to claim 1 , whereinthe selection is executed after the UAV has reached an area that is set according to the facility.3. The delivery port management system according to claim 1 , wherein when executed by the at least one processor claim 1 , the plurality of instructions cause the at least one processor to generate a flight route for the UAV to reach the selected delivery port.4. The delivery port management system according to claim 3 , whereinthe flight route generation is based on a current position of the UAV and the ...

RENDERING LAYERS OF AIRSPACE MAP FOR UNCREWED AERIAL VEHICLE FLIGHT PLANNING

A device includes a processor. The processor is configured to execute instructions to receive first operator input and generate layers for a map based on the first operator input. The layers include features to indicate whether an Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operator should or could fly a UAV in an airspace corresponding to an area within the map. The processor is also configured to receive second operator input that specifies a path on the map, for a UAV flight. 1. A device comprising: receive first operator input;', 'generate layers for a map based on the first operator input, wherein the lagers include features relevant to operation of an Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in an airspace corresponding to an area within the map;', 'receive second operator input that specifies a path on the map, for a UAV flight;', 'send a request for authorization for the UAV flight to a Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system over a network; and', 'receive a reply, from the LAANC system over the network, that grants authorization for the UAV flight., 'a processor configured to execute instructions to2. The device of claim 1 , wherein when the processor generates the layers claim 1 , the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to:render one of the layers, wherein the one of the layers illustrates airspaces with similar flight restrictions using a same color.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein when the processor generates the layers claim 2 , the processor is further configured to:render another one of the layers, wherein the other one of the layers illustrates a potential source of radio frequency interference for a UAV in an area shown by the map.4. The device of claim 2 , wherein the processor is further configured to:render another one of the layers, wherein the other one of the layers indicates locations where people may be present.5. The device of claim 2 , wherein when the processor generates the layers claim 2 , the processor is ...

ASSURANCE MODULE

A run-time assurance module () comprises a contingency planner () arranged to generate an initial contingency plan having an associated safety-critical decision point, where the initial contingency plan (ICP) is stored as a current contingency plan in a memory (). The assurance module () receives a mission plan (MP) from a mission planner (). When the mission plan (MP) is being carried out, the contingency planner () processes at least one condition input, and generates a new contingency plan (NCP) based on the condition input. When the new contingency plan (NCP) satisfies a safety criterion and the safety-critical decision point associated with the new contingency plan (NCP) will occur later in time than the safety-critical decision point associated with the current contingency plan (CCP), the new contingency plan (NCP) is stored in the memory () as the current contingency plan (CCP). 1. A run-time assurance module comprising:a contingency planner arranged to generate an initial contingency plan having an associated safety-critical decision point, wherein said initial contingency plan is stored as a current contingency plan in a memory;said assurance module being arranged such that:the assurance module receives a mission plan from a mission planner;when the mission plan is being carried out, the contingency planner processes at least one condition input, and generates a new contingency plan based on said condition input, said new contingency plan having an associated safety-critical decision point; andwhen the new contingency plan satisfies a safety criterion and the safety-critical decision point associated with the new contingency plan will occur later in time than the safety-critical decision point associated with the current contingency plan, the new contingency plan is stored in the memory, wherein the assurance module is arranged to select the new contingency plan as the current contingency plan.2. The run-time assurance module of claim 1 , arranged to select ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CHARGING AND HOUSING OF UNMANNED VERTICAL TAKE-OFF AND LANDING (VTOL) AIRCRAFT

An apparatus and method of charging and housing of an unmanned vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is disclosed. The apparatus includes an accommodator to accommodate an aircraft, a landing platform on which the aircraft lands, a housing portion to monitor state data by housing or charging the aircraft, and a sensor to assist in landing of the aircraft by allowing the aircraft to communicate with the apparatus. The apparatus enhances operational efficiency by reducing a travel time of the aircraft. 1. An apparatus for charging and housing of an unmanned vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft , the apparatus comprising:an accommodator to accommodate an aircraft;a landing platform to be provided at a side of the apparatus, and on which an aircraft lands;a housing portion to monitor state data by housing or charging the aircraft; anda sensor to assist in landing of the aircraft by allowing the aircraft to communicate with the apparatus.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one of:a phase array antenna, an infrared (IR) ray lamp, a Lidar, a vision sensor, a sonar sensor, a beacon signal, a global positioning system (GPS) device or a differential global positioning system (DGPS) device, and light emitting diode (LED)/IR array lamps.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the communication between the aircraft and the apparatus comprises at least one of:an omni-antenna or a reflector antenna for satellite communication, a phase array antenna to trace a flight path of the aircraft, and a DGPS device.4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the Lidar is provided inside the phase array antenna claim 2 , is vertically movable claim 2 , moves to an upper portion of the phase array antenna when in use to be used for information associated with landing by implementing a three-dimensional (3D) map of a surrounding neighborhood claim 2 , and moves down to be inserted to a lower portion of the phase array antenna when not in use.5. The ...

INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD

The unmanned aerial vehicle system S identifies a landing point candidate that is a candidate for an emergency landing point for causing an UAV flying toward a destination point to make an emergency landing at other than the destination point and calculate a recovery cost regarding a recovery route candidate connecting a reference point and the landing point candidate, the recovery cost being used to determine a recovery route connecting the reference point and the emergency landing point or the emergency landing point. 1. An information processing system comprising:at least one memory configured to store program code; and at least one processor configured to access the program code and operate as instructed by the program code, the program code including:point candidate identifying code configured to cause the at least one processor to identify a landing point candidate that is a candidate for a landing point for causing an unmanned aerial vehicle flying toward a destination point to make an emergency landing at other than the destination point; andrecovery cost calculation code configured to cause the at least one processor to calculate a recovery cost regarding a recovery route candidate connecting a reference point and the landing point candidate, the recovery cost being used to determine a recovery route connecting the reference point and the landing point or the landing point.2. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the point candidate identifying code causes the at least one processor to identify the landing point candidate suitable for landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle on the basis of information of a ground surface in a predetermined area.3. The information processing system according to claim 2 , wherein the information of the ground surface includes at least one of three-dimensional shape data of the ground surface and a ground surface attribute.4. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the point ...

Magnetic Field Navigation of Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles

Embodiments include devices and methods for navigating an unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAV) based on a measured magnetic field vector and strength of a magnetic field emanated from a charging station. A processor of the UAV may navigate to the charging station using the magnetic field vector and strength. The processor may determine whether the UAV is substantially aligned with the charging station, and the processor may maneuver the UAV to approach the charging station using the magnetic field vector and strength in response to determining that the UAV is substantially aligned with the charging station. Maneuvering the UAV to approach the charging station using the magnetic field vector and strength may involve descending to a center of the charging station. The UAV may follow a specified route to and/or away from the charging station using the magnetic field vector and strength. 1. A method of navigating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) , comprising:calculating a magnetic field vector and strength of a magnetic field emanating from a charging station;navigating the UAV to the charging station using the calculated magnetic field vector and strength;determining whether the UAV is substantially aligned with the charging station; andmaneuvering the UAV to approach the charging station by maintaining the UAV substantially above the charging station while descending to the charging station using the magnetic field vector and strength in response to determining that the UAV is substantially aligned with the charging station.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining whether the UAV is substantially aligned with the charging station comprises determining whether the UAV is substantially aligned with a center of the charging station.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:recalculating the magnetic field vector and strength in response to determining that the UAV is not substantially aligned with the center of the charging station; andmaneuvering the UAV to ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

A method is provided. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is operated. A position of the UAV is determined while in flight, and a nonce is generated. A Merkel root is generated based at least in part on a timestamp and the position of the UAV. A current block is calculated based at least in part on a previous block, the Merkel root, and the nonce, and the current block, the timestamp, the nonce, the prior block, and the position of the UAV are transmitted. 1. An apparatus comprising:an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) body;a motor secured to the UAV body;a propeller secured to the motor; generate a nonce;', 'generate a Merkel root based at least in part on a timestamp and a position of the UAV;', 'calculate a current block based at least in part on a previous block, the Merkel root, and the nonce; and', 'transmit the current block, the timestamp, the nonce, the prior block, and the position of the UAV., 'a controller that is secured to the UAV body, wherein the controller is in communication with the motor, and wherein the controller is configured to2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller further comprises a position sensor that is configured to determine the position.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the position sensor further comprises a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the motor further comprises a plurality of motors that are each secured to the UAV body.5. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the propeller further comprises a plurality of propellers.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is adapted to operate in a manual mode or an autonomous mode.7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the controller further comprises an object detection sensor that is secured to the UAV body.8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the object detection sensor further comprises a camera.9. A method comprising:operating a UAV;determining a position of the UAV while in flight;generating a nonce;generating a Merkel ...

LAYERED SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE FOR AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FOR SENSING AND AVOIDING EXTERNAL OBJECTS

A monitoring system for an aircraft has sensors configured to sense objects around the aircraft and provide data indicative of the sensed objects. A sense and avoid system is designed in a plurality of software layers, each layer functioning in an independent manner. An evasion software layer is made up of fixed, non-modifiable code that meets an applicable regulatory standard. The remainder of the software layers may be made up of modifiable or non-modifiable code configured so as not to adversely impact the functioning of an evasion software layer, even when modified. Each of the software layers of the sense and avoid system may use information from the sensors and information about the aircraft to generate a recommendation which is ultimately used to determine a possible route that the aircraft can follow to avoid colliding with the sensed object. The aircraft may then be controlled, in accordance with the recommendation, to avoid collision with the object. 1. A monitoring system for an aircraft , comprising:a plurality of sensors for sensing an object external to the aircraft;a system comprising a first logic and a second logic, each of the first logic and the second logic including respective instructions for both (a) receiving data indicative of an object sensed by the plurality of sensors, and (b) generating a recommendation for avoiding the object based on the received data; anda controller configured to control a direction of the aircraft based on a generated recommendation,wherein the instructions included in the first logic are non-modifiable and the instructions included in the second logic are modifiable.2. The monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein if the instructions included in the second logic are modified claim 1 , the instructions included in the first logic are not modified in accordance with the modification to the instructions included in the second logic.3. The monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the system comprising the first logic and ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING PREDICTED RISK FOR A FLIGHT PATH OF AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for determining predicted risk for a flight path of an unmanned aerial vehicle. A previously stored three-dimensional representation of a user-selected location may be obtained. The three-dimensional representation may be derived from depth maps of the user-selected location generated during previous unmanned aerial vehicle flights. The three-dimensional representation may reflect a presence of objects and object existence accuracies for the individual objects. The object existence accuracies for the individual objects may provide information about accuracy of existence of the individual objects within the user-selected location. A user-created flight path may be obtained for a future unmanned aerial flight within the three-dimensional representation of the user-selected location. Predicted risk may be determined for individual portions of the user-created flight path based upon the three-dimensional representation of the user-selected location. 120-. (canceled)21. A system comprising: obtain a three-dimensional representation of a location, the three-dimensional representation reflecting a presence of objects and object existence accuracies for each individual object;', 'obtain a flight path for an unmanned aerial flight within the three-dimensional representation of the location; and', 'determine predicted risk for individual portions of the flight path based upon risk parameters by determining a risk confidence score for each individual object, the risk parameters including the object existence accuracies., 'one or more physical processors configured by machine readable instructions to22. The system of claim 21 , wherein the three-dimensional representation is derived from depth maps of the location generated during previous unmanned aerial flights.23. The system of claim 21 , wherein the object existence accuracies provide information about accuracy of existence of each individual object within the location.24. The ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO DETERMINE OBJECT POSITION USING IMAGES CAPTURED FROM MOBILE IMAGE COLLECTION VEHICLE

An object identification method is disclosed. The method includes obtaining images of a target geographical area and telemetry information of an image-collection vehicle at a time of capture, analyzing each image to identify objects, and determining a position of the objects. The method further includes determining an image capture height, determining a position of the image using the capture height and the telemetry information, performing a transform on the image based on the capture height and the telemetry information, identifying the objects in the transformed image, determining first pixel locations of the objects within the transformed image, performing a reverse transform on the first pixel locations to determine second pixel locations in the image, and determining positions of the objects within the area based on the second pixel locations within the captured image and the determined image position. 1. A method , comprising:obtaining a first image of a geographical area;performing a homography transform on the first image to generate a second image having uniform-pixel-distances based on a capture height and avionic telemetry information associated with an aerial vehicle that captured the first image;performing image recognition on the second image to identify an object in the second image based on trained object parameters;determining a first pixel location of the object within the second image;performing a reverse homography transform on the first pixel location to determine a second pixel location in the first image for the object;determining a position of the object within the geographical area based on the second pixel location within the first image and an image position associated with the aerial vehicle capturing the image; andstoring the determined position of the object.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein obtaining the first image of the geographical comprises:capturing, via a camera on the aerial vehicle, the first image; andrecording the avionic ...

Waypoint based flight declaration signaling

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. In some systems, a user equipment (UE) (e.g., an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)) may receive an approved flight plan including approved flight plan sectors. The UE may also receive a query from a network node, the query including an indication of a subset of the plurality of approved flight plan sectors and a request for a plurality of waypoints of the UE within the indicated subset of the plurality of approved flight plan sectors. The UE may further determine, in response to receiving the query from the network node, a flight path including the plurality of waypoints of the UE for the indicated subset of the plurality of approved flight plan sectors based on the received approved flight plan, and the UE may transmit, to the network node, a flight declaration message including the waypoints of the UE.

NETWORK OPTIMIZATIONS TO SUPPORT UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS

A device may receive a request to establish a session for a wireless communication device over a wireless network; identify the wireless communication device as an unmanned aerial vehicle; modify operating parameters of a radio access network (RAN), with which the wireless communication device has a radio resource control (RRC) link, to optimize communication between the access network and the unmanned aerial vehicle. The wireless network includes the RAN. 1. A device comprising: receive a request to establish a session for a wireless communication device over a wireless network;', 'identify the wireless communication device as an unmanned aerial vehicle;', 'modify operating parameters of a radio access network (RAN), with which the wireless communication device has a radio resource control (RRC) link, to optimize communication between the access network and the unmanned aerial vehicle,, 'a processor to execute instructions towherein the wireless network includes the RAN.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the processor further executes the instructions to:receive device data for the wireless communication device, wherein the device data indicates that the wireless communication device is an unmanned aerial vehicle, andstore the device data as part of a subscription profile,wherein when the processor identifies the wireless communication device as an unmanned aerial vehicle, the processor is configured to:receive an identifier, associated with the wireless communication device, from the wireless communication device;use the identifier to retrieve the subscription profile; anddetermine, based on the subscription profile, that the wireless communication device is an unmanned aerial vehicle.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein when the processor executes the instructions to store the device data as part of the subscription profile claim 2 , the processor is configured to:cause a Policy Control Function (PCF) in a Fifth Generation (5G) core network to send policies and ...

PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITATED DRONE DELIVERY

Systems and methods for public transport infrastructure facilitated drone delivery are provided. In example embodiments, a request to deliver a package to a drop-off destination using a drone is received. Public infrastructure information is accessed. A public infrastructure terminal from which the drone delivers the package is identified based on the public infrastructure information. An instruction is communicated to transport the package to the identified public. A drone delivery route from the identified public infrastructure terminal to the drop-off destination is determined based on the public infrastructure information. An instruction to deliver the package using the drone delivery route is communicated to the drone. 1. A system comprising:a communication module to receive a request to deliver a package to a designated location using an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”), the request including geolocation information of the designated location;a data module to access public infrastructure information that includes public infrastructure terminal location information;a geolocation module to identify a public infrastructure terminal from which the UAV delivers the package to the designated location based on the public infrastructure terminal location information and the geolocation information of the designated location;a delivery route module, implemented by at least one hardware processor of a machine, to determine a UAV delivery route from the identified public infrastructure terminal to the designated location based on the public infrastructure information; andthe communication module further to communicate, to the UAV, an instruction for the UAV to deliver the package from the identified public infrastructure terminal to the designated location using the UAV delivery route.2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:an eligibility module to determine whether the package is eligible for UAV-assisted delivery, based on one or more of package size, package ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ROUTE OF UNMANNED AIR VEHICLE

A method and a system for establishing a route of an unmanned aerial vehicle are provided. The method includes identifying an object from surface scanning data and shaping a space, which facilitates autonomous flight, as a layer, collecting surface image data for a flight path from the shaped layer, and analyzing a change in image resolution according to a distance from the object through the collected surface image data and extracting an altitude value on a flight route. 1. A method for establishing a flight route for an unmanned aerial vehicle , the method comprising:identifying an object from surface scanning data captured from a camera of an aircraft and shaping a space, which facilitates autonomous flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle, as a layer;collecting surface image data for a flight route from the shaped layer;analyzing a change in image resolution associated with the surface image data according to a distance from the object by analyzing resolution values of the surface image data varying with the flight of the aircraft and extracting an altitude value on the flight route; andestablishing an optimal flight route for the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the extracted altitude value.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:correcting a value measured by a radio altitude sensor of the unmanned aerial vehicle through route verification from the extracted altitude value.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the shaping of the space claim 1 , which facilitates the autonomous flight claim 1 , as the layer comprises:obtaining a point cloud of the object scanned by a surface scanning device loaded into the aircraft;identifying the object by analyzing the collected point cloud;extracting height values of specific points of the object identified using terrain altitude data; andshaping an area and altitude, which facilitates autonomous flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle, as the layer on a space by connecting the extracted height values of the specific points ...

Unmanned aerial system position reporting system

An unmanned aerial system (UAS) position reporting system may include an air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS) coupled with a ground control station (GCS) of a UAS and at least one network-connected remote terminal. The ATC-RS may include an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and traffic information services broadcast (TIS-B) transceiver and one or more telecommunications modems. The ATC-RS may receive position data of at least one UAS in an airspace from the GCS and the at least one network-connected remote terminal and selectively communicate the position of the at least one UAS in the airspace to a civilian air traffic control center (ATC), to a military command and control (C2) communication center, or to both through the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver. The ATC-RS may display the position of the at least one UAS in the airspace on a display screen coupled with the ATC-RS.

UAV Routing in Utility Rights of Way

Using power line rights of way for UAV routing provides a direct, uninterrupted, aerially clear path to the vast majority of lots and buildings from nearby substations and generating stations. Segmenting or separating the UAV traffic by airframe glide ratio improves safety for people on the ground and utilization of the limited airspace. Further segmenting UAV traffic by airframe speed and size allows greater traffic throughput. 1. A method for regulating flight paths of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) , the method comprising the steps of: wherein a first plurality of flight paths within the first virtual channel are along a first direction generally along the power line;', 'a second plurality of flight paths within the second virtual channel are along a second direction generally along the power line; and', 'the first direction is opposite to the second direction;, 'defining a virtual tunnel above and along a power line, the virtual tunnel including a first and second virtual channels along the power line;'}embarking by a first UAV on a first selected flight path of the first plurality of flight paths along the first direction, the first UAV moving along the first selected flight path;detecting by a first location sensor of the first UAV a location of the first UAV; andcomparing the location of the first UAV with the first selected flight path.2. The method of further comprisingembarking by a second UAV on a second selected flight path of the second plurality of flight paths along the second direction, the second UAV moving along the second selected flight path.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the virtual tunnel upper boundary matches the regulatory legal maximum altitude along that section of the power line.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the virtual tunnel has a first and second glide ratio surfaces as a lower boundary outside the power line right of way.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the angles of the first and second glide ratio surfaces are equal to ...

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE IN CONTROLLED AIRSPACE

A method performed by an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV (), or a remote control () for the UAV, for executing an operating session for the UAV in controlled airspace, comprises the steps of transmitting a request for permission to operate in the airspace to an airspace authority function () and receiving a reply to the request. If permission to operate is granted, the following steps are performed: receiving a message comprising information about a space-time region of airspace to operate in, monitoring a position of the UAV in space and time, and, if the position of the UAV is within the region and the UAV is either within a predetermined distance from a geographical border of the region, or predicted to reach the geographical border of the region within a predetermined time, activating assisted control of the UAV to keep the UAV within the region. 1. A method for executing an operating session for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in controlled airspace , the method comprising:transmitting a request for permission to operate in the controlled airspace to an airspace authority function;receiving a reply to the request for permission to operate from the airspace authority function;receiving a message comprising information about a space-time region of airspace to operate in from the airspace authority function, the space-time region being defined as at least one portion of the controlled airspace varying with time;monitoring a position of the UAV in space and time; and{'b': 10', '10', '500', '10, 'while the position of the UAV () is within the space-time region and the UAV () is either within a predetermined distance from a geographical border of the space-time region, or predicted to reach the geographical border of the space-time region within a predetermined time, activating (S), directly or after a predetermined time, assisted control of the UAV () to assist an operator of the UAV in keeping the UAV within the space-time region.'}29-. (canceled)10. A method for ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRIVACY-SENSITIVE ROUTING OF AN AERIAL DRONE

An approach is provided for routing an aerial drone while preserving privacy. The approach involves processing model data depicting at least one structure to determine one or more privacy-sensitive features of the at least one structure. The approach also involves calculating line-of-sight data between a route of an aerial drone and the one or more privacy-sensitive features. The approach further involves configuring a routing of the aerial drone based on the line-of sight data when the aerial drone is traveling near the at least one structure. 1. A method for creating a privacy preserving route for an aerial drone , the method comprising:receiving a routing request for the aerial drone;accessing privacy map data records, wherein the privacy map data records comprise one or more privacy-sensitive features of at least one structure;calculating a route for the aerial drone based on line-of-sight data, wherein the line-of-sight data is based on a technical specification of the aerial drone and the one or more privacy-sensitive features; andproviding the route in response to the routing request.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more privacy-sensitive features are previously determined by processing model data depicting at least one structure.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:matching the model data against indoor mapping data of the at least one structure, wherein the one or more privacy-sensitive features are further determined based on the matching.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more privacy-sensitive features include one or more windows claim 1 , one or more openings claim 1 , or a combination thereof of the at least one structure.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the route of the aerial drone is calculated so that a direct line-of-sight between the aerial drone and an interior location of the at least one structure through the one or more privacy-sensitive features is avoided or minimized.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ...

LANDING AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE IN A CONTINGENCY SCENARIO

An apparatus is provided for causing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to perform a contingency landing procedure. The apparatus includes memory and processing circuitry configured to cause the apparatus to at least determine candidate safe landing zones (SLZs) within an estimated current range of the UAV. Trajectories are generated for landing the UAV in respective ones of the candidate SLZs. Risk values are calculated that quantify third-party risk associated with operation of the UAV along respective ones of the trajectories to the respective ones of the candidate SLZs. A flight termination risk value is calculated that quantifies third-party risk associated with immediately landing the UAV at the current position. The lowest of the risk values is compared with the flight termination risk value, and a sequence is executed to operate the UAV along the trajectory to the selected one of the candidate SLZs, or immediately land the UAV. 1. An apparatus for causing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to perform a contingency landing procedure , the apparatus comprising:a memory configured to store computer-readable program code; and determine candidate safe landing zones (SLZs) within an estimated current range of the UAV from a current position;', 'generate trajectories for landing the UAV in respective ones of the candidate SLZs based on environmental and operational factors that affect flight of the UAV from the current position to the respective ones of the candidate SLZs;', 'calculate risk values that quantify third-party risk associated with operation of the UAV along respective ones of the trajectories to the respective ones of the candidate SLZs, a lowest of the risk values associated with a trajectory from the current position to a selected one of the candidate SLZs;', 'calculate a flight termination risk value that quantifies third-party risk associated with immediately landing the UAV at the current position;', 'perform a comparison of the lowest of the risk ...

PROXIMITY NAVIGATION OF UNMANNED VEHICLES

The presently disclosed subject matter includes an active proximity system (APS) mountable on an unmanned autonomous vehicle (UxV), the APS comprising: one or more proximity sensors and a processing circuitry; the one or more proximity sensors are configured to sense one or more proximity signals, each of the signals is indicative of the presence of a respective emitter in proximity to the UxV; the processing circuitry is configured, responsive to a sensed proximity signal, to repeatedly: generate maneuvering instructions dedicated for causing the UxV to move and increase the distance between the UxV and the respective emitter; and then generate maneuvering instructions dedicated for causing the UxV to move and decrease the distance between the UxV and the respective emitter; and thereby maintain the UxV within a certain range from the respective emitter defined by the sensed proximity signal. 1. An active proximity system (APS) mountable on an unmanned autonomous vehicle (UxV) , configured to cause the UxV to maintain a range from one or more emitters operating in the same area , the APS comprising:one or more proximity sensors and a processing circuitry operably coupled to the one or more proximity sensors; upon determining that at least one measurable parameter of the sensed proximity signal complies with a first condition, generate maneuvering instructions dedicated for causing the UxV to move and increase the distance between the UxV and the respective emitter; and then', 'upon determining that at least one measurable parameter of the proximity signal complies with a second condition, generate maneuvering instructions dedicated for causing the UxV to move and decrease the distance between the UxV and the respective emitter;', 'and thereby maintain the UxV within a certain range from the respective emitter defined by the sensed proximity signal and the first and second conditions., 'the one or more proximity sensors are configured to sense one or more proximity ...

INTELLIGENT UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT VIA AN INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK

Systems and techniques to facilitate intelligent unmanned aerial vehicle traffic management via an infrastructure network are presented. In an example, a traffic management system can include a data collection component, a flight path component, and a communication component. The data collection component receives navigation data and parameter data associated with an unmanned aerial vehicle. The navigation data is associated with a starting point and destination for the unmanned aerial vehicle. The parameter data is indicative of information associated with the unmanned aerial vehicle. The flight path component generates flight path data for the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the navigation data, the parameter data and infrastructure network data received from an intelligent sensor node network. The communication component transmits the flight path data to the unmanned aerial vehicle. 1. A traffic management system , comprising:a memory that stores computer executable components; a data collection component that receives navigation data and parameter data associated with an unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the navigation data is associated with a starting point and destination for the unmanned aerial vehicle, and wherein the parameter data is indicative of information associated with the unmanned aerial vehicle;', 'a flight path component that generates flight path data for the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the navigation data, the parameter data and infrastructure network data received from an intelligent sensor node network; and', 'a communication component that transmits the flight path data to the unmanned aerial vehicle., 'a processor that executes computer executable components stored in the memory, wherein the computer executable components comprise2. The traffic management system of claim 1 , wherein the parameter data includes distance data relating to distance between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the destination claim 1 , and wherein the flight ...

METHOD FOR FLIGHT PATH PLANNING OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES USING FLYING ROUTES OF BIRDS

A method for flight path planning of unmanned aerial vehicles using flying routes of birds includes: recording multiple pieces of flight data, wherein multiple recording devices are used to record the multiple pieces of flight data when the birds fly from a first designated point to a second designated point and are respectively installed on the birds; generating an optimal flight path, wherein an analyzing device collects the multiple pieces of flight data and calculates the optimal flight path; and controlling a UAV to fly according to the optimal flight path, wherein the optimal flight path is inputted to the UAV. By virtue of bird's nature automatically avoiding obstruction and adapting to wind direction and air flow, multiple obstruction-free recording points between two places can be acquired to form an optimal flight path with the shortest flying time or distance. 1. A method of flight path planning of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) using flying routes of birds , comprising steps of:(a) recording multiple pieces of flight data, wherein multiple recording devices are used to record the multiple pieces of flight data when the birds fly from a first designated point to a second designated point, and the multiple recording devices are respectively installed on the birds;(b) generating an optimal flight path, wherein an analyzing device collects the multiple pieces of flight data and calculates the optimal flight path; and(c) controlling a UAV to fly according to the optimal flight path, wherein the optimal flight path is inputted to the UAV.2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein in the step (a) each recording device records latitude claim 1 , longitude claim 1 , height claim 1 , UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) claim 1 , flight direction and flight speed of a corresponding bird at present every a preset fixed time period.3. The method as claimed in claim 2 , wherein step (b) further comprises steps of:(b11) generating multiple flying tracks, wherein the ...

Image Capture and Obstacle Detection Assembly Intended to be Mounted on a Platform Such as a Drone and Drone Provided with Such an Image Capture and Obstacle Detection Assembly

The image capture and obstacle detection assembly comprises a support device intended to be mounted on a platform, for example a drone, an image capture unit comprising at least one camera for capturing images and an obstacle detection unit comprising at least one obstacle sensor, the image capture unit and the obstacle detection unit being carried by the support device, the support device being configured such that the image capture unit is rotatable about at least one rotation axis and the obstacle detection unit is rotatable about at least one rotation axis. 1. An image capture and obstacle detection assembly comprising a support device intended to be mounted on a platform , for example , a drone , an image capture unit comprising at least one camera for capturing images and an obstacle detection unit comprising at least one obstacle sensor , the image capture unit and the obstacle detection unit being carried by the support device , the support device being configured such that the image capture unit is rotatable about at least one rotation axis and the obstacle detection unit is rotatable about at least one rotation axis , wherein a rotation axis of the image capture unit and a rotation axis of the obstacle detection unit are coincident and define a common rotation axis , the image capture unit and the obstacle detection unit being rotatable relative to each other about the common rotation axis.2. The image capture and obstacle detection assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the image capture unit is rotatable about three mutually perpendicular rotation axes.3. The image capture and obstacle detection assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the image capture unit comprises a single camera.4. The image capture and obstacle detection assembly claim 1 , wherein the obstacle detection unit is rotatable about a single rotation axis.5. The obstacle detection assembly according to claim 4 , wherein each obstacle sensor is oriented perpendicular to the rotation axis ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING EMERGENCY ALERTS AT EMERGENCY LANDING AREAS OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES

In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided that provide for controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) experiencing emergency landings and providing emergency alerts to the predicted emergency landing locations of the UAV. Each UAV includes sensors configured to detect at least one status input associated with the UAV during flight along its flight route. Each UAV analyzes the status inputs while in flight in order to predict an emergency landing location where the UAV would land if unable to fly due to an emergency condition. The UAV is configured to transmit an alert signal to electronic devices proximate the predicted emergency landing location to notify users of the electronic devices that the unmanned aerial vehicle is going to experience an emergency landing at the predicted emergency landing location 1. A system for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle experiencing an emergency landing and providing an emergency alert to an area proximate a predicted emergency landing location of the unmanned aerial vehicle , the system comprising:an unmanned aerial vehicle configured to transport at least one product to a delivery destination via a flight route, the unmanned aerial vehicle including at least one sensor configured to detect and transmit over a network at least one status input associated with the unmanned aerial vehicle during flight along the flight route;a computing device including a processor-based control unit and configured for communication with the unmanned aerial vehicle over a network; determine, based on an analysis of the at least one status input, that the unmanned aerial vehicle is experiencing an emergency condition that requires an emergency landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle;', 'analyze the at least one sensor input in order to determine a predicted emergency landing location of the unmanned aerial vehicle; and', 'transmit the predicted emergency landing location of the unmanned aerial vehicle to the computing device over ...

DISPENSER FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES, PLATFORMS AND SYSTEMS

A device for transporting two or more articles to two or more locations comprising: 1. A device for transporting two or more articles to two or more locations comprising:one or more holding units for carrying the two or more articles one or more orifices for loading and/or delivering the articlesa controlling unit for directing the movement and operations of the devicea flying attachment for transporting the device through air.2. A device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the device is an unmanned air borne vehicle or drone.3. A device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the one or more orifices are at each holding unit for loading and/or delivering the one or more articles it carries.4. A device as claimed in claim 1 , comprising a panel which can open at a desired angle.5. A device as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the panel is placed under the holding units or extends across the entire length or breadth of the device.6. A device as claimed in claim 1 , comprising a transceiver unit to communicate with one or more external systems.7. A device as claimed in claim 1 , comprising one or more orifice controllers for enabling the opening and closing of the orifices of each of the holding units separately or together.8. A device as claimed in claim 1 , comprising one or more sensors to sense one or more parameters of the device and/or the articles inside it and/or the surroundings.9. A device as claimed in claim 8 , wherein one or more sensors are for detecting contraband or explosives.10. A device as claimed in claim 8 , wherein one or more sensors are for detecting whether one or more holding units are empty.11. A device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein one or more sensors are for reading the pickup and/or drop addresses of two or more articles.12. A device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein two or more holding units are stacked vertically claim 1 , horizontally or diagonally claim 1 , either attached to one another or mounted individually onto a hollow frame.13. A device as ...

COORDINATION OF REMOTE VEHICLES USING AUTOMATION LEVEL ASSIGNMENTS

Systems and methods here may include computing system configured to coordinate more than one remotely operated vehicle using level of automation determination and assignments. In some examples, the method for coordinating a plurality of drones includes using a computer with a processor and a memory in communication with the plurality of drones, and a candidate problem resolver for retrieving a candidate resolution from a data storage, and sending the retrieved candidate resolution to a candidate resolution states predictor. 1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions thereon for a method of coordinating a plurality of remote drones , the method comprising:analyzing input data to determine a system state of the plurality of drones, at a system state monitor; 'wherein a problem is a variable outside a predetermined threshold;', 'sending system state variables to a problem detector,'}if a new problem is detected by the problem detector, determining candidate resolutions at a candidate problem resolver using problem threshold data; 'wherein the levels of automation are one of autonomous, veto, select, and manual;', 'determining a level of automation for each of the determined candidate resolutions,'}sending resolutions and associated level of automation assignments for each of the remote drones to a resolution recommender; andif the level of automation is autonomous, sending a top resolution as a command to each of the plurality of drones.2. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of wherein if the level of autonomy is veto claim 1 , sending commands to each of the plurality of drones unless a veto is received from the user.3. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of wherein if the level of autonomy is select claim 1 , sending manual selections for the user to select;receiving one of the manual selections; andsending the received manual selection to each of the plurality of drones.4. The non-transitory computer-readable ...

DELIVERY LANDING PADS FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVs)

Delivery landing pads for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are disclosed. A disclosed landing pad to support a UAV includes a landing surface, and a pressure sensor operatively coupled to the landing surface. The landing pad also includes a processor to determine a presence of the UAV on the landing pad and calculate a weight of a payload transported by the UAV based on a measurement of the pressure sensor to determine whether the payload has been delivered to the landing pad.

High Performance System with Explicit Incorporation of ATC Regulations to Generate Contingency Plans for UAVs with Lost Communication

The present invention is to provide a method and system for generating contingency flight plans for normal landing and flight termination (crash) of UAVs (drones) in the event of lost communications with ground control stations. The system is fast, automatic, comprehensive, and systematic. The contingency plan can be generated using laptops or PCs. The execution of contingency plans will involve the coordination of flight computer in drones, ground control station, air traffic controllers (ATC), and pilot in command (PIC). External devices such as satellites and RF towers are also involved in the process such as reestablishment of communications. 1. A lost link contingency flight plan generating system , comprising:a database generating module;a Pilot-In-Control (PIC) for flying an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV);an UAV flight computer in communication with an Air Traffic Controller;a primary flight plan for the UAV; anda lost link contingency flight plan generator.2. A lost link contingency plan generating system according to claim 1 , wherein:the database generating module includes information of FAA regulations, UAV performance models, airspace structure, ground radio towers, airport locations, flight termination points, rally/reconnection waypoints, and hovering waypoints near airports.3. A lost link contingency plan generating system according to claim 1 , further comprising:a Risk Management Plan module;a Preparedness and Prevention Plan module;an Incident Response Plan module; anda Rescue and Recovery Plan module.4. A lost link contingency plan generating system according to claim 3 , wherein:the Risk Management Plan module analyzes the risk against the causes of lost link throughout the primary flight plan with the help of a Situation Analysis module.5. A lost link contingency plan generating system according to claim 4 , wherein:the Situation Analysis module assess the risk of the lost link plan generated against multiple UAVs in the same area, and adjust the ...

WWAN Radio Link Quality Navigation for a Drone

Various embodiments include methods of navigating a drone that may include determining whether a radio link quality trigger event associated with communications with the drone has occurred while the drone travels along a set route to a destination. The radio link quality trigger event may correspond to predetermined characteristics of radio link quality. The drone may be steered to follow a search maneuver for improving radio link quality in response to determining the radio link quality trigger event has occurred. The search maneuver may follow a preconfigured deviation pattern that is configured before determining whether the radio link quality trigger event has occurred and departs from the set route. 1. A method of navigating a drone , comprising:determining, by a processor of the drone, whether a radio link quality trigger event associated with communications with the drone has occurred while the drone travels along a set route to a destination, wherein the radio link quality trigger event corresponds to predetermined characteristics of radio link quality; andsteering the drone to follow a search maneuver for improving radio link quality in response to determining the radio link quality trigger event has occurred, wherein the search maneuver follows a preconfigured deviation pattern that is configured before determining whether the radio link quality trigger event has occurred and departs from the set route.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the search maneuver is determined independent of radio link quality information.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the search maneuver is not configured to direct the drone to a known location.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining, by the processor, whether any search maneuver is assigned for immediate use by the drone; anddetermining, by the processor, a set of movements for use as the search maneuver in response to determining that no search maneuver is assigned for immediate use,wherein steering the ...

DYNAMIC IMAGE MASKING SYSTEM AND METHOD

A dynamic image masking system for providing a filtered autonomous remote sensing image through a dynamic image masking process is provided. The dynamic image masking system has a remote sensing platform and an imaging system associated with the remote sensing platform. The imaging system has an optical system and an image sensing system. The dynamic image masking system further has a multi-level security system associated with the imaging system and one or more image alteration locations located in the imaging system and the multi-level security system, wherein alteration of one or more images takes place via the dynamic image masking process. The dynamic image masking system further has a computer system associated with the imaging system. The computer system has a gatekeeper algorithm configured to send gatekeeper commands to one or more controllers that control the one or more image alteration locations through the dynamic image masking process. 1. A dynamic image masking system for providing a filtered autonomous remote sensing image through a dynamic image masking process , the system comprising:a remote sensing platform; an optical system;', 'an image sensing system;, 'an imaging system associated with the remote sensing platform, the imaging system comprisinga multi-level security system associated with the imaging system;one or more image alteration locations located in the imaging system and the multi-level security system, wherein alteration of one or more images takes place via the dynamic image masking process; anda computer system associated with the imaging system, the computer system comprising a gatekeeper algorithm configured to send gatekeeper commands to one or more controllers that control the one or more image alteration locations through the dynamic image masking process.2. The dynamic image masking system of claim 1 , further comprising a navigation system comprising a global positioning system (GPS) claim 1 , a radio based navigation system ...

AMBULATORY ROUTE MANAGEMENT BASED ON A PERSONAL DRONE

Embodiments include method, systems and computer program products for route planning and management with a drone. Aspects include receiving a destination for an individual and determining multiple routes between a position of the individual and the destination. Aspects further include deploying the drone to determine safety and accessibility risks associated with the multiple routes and determining a preferred route from the multiple routes based on the safety and accessibility risks associated with the multiple routes. 17.-. (canceled)8. A computer program product for route planning and management with a drone , the computer program product comprising:a non-transitory storage medium readable by a processing circuit and storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit for performing a method comprising:receiving a destination for an individual;determining multiple routes between a position of the individual and the destination;deploying the drone to determine one or more of safety and accessibility risks associated with the multiple routes; anddetermining a preferred route from the multiple routes based on the safety and accessibility risks associated with the multiple routes.9. The computer program product of claim 8 , further comprising providing route guidance along the preferred route to the individual by one or more of audio signals claim 8 , visual signal claim 8 , or tactile signals to the individual.10. The computer program product of claim 8 , wherein the determination of the preferred route is further based on a profile of the individual that includes medical information of the user.11. The computer program product of claim 8 , wherein a determination to deploy the drone is automatic and is based on an estimate of likely risk along the multiple routes.12. The computer program product of claim 8 , wherein the drone is configured to attach to a mobility device of the individual.13. The computer program product of claim 8 , wherein the safety and ...

System to automate a non-destructive test for stress or stress change using unmanned aerial vehicle and ultrasound

This invention discloses a system to automate a non-destructive test (NDT) for measuring stress or stress change developed within an object during a certain time period by using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and ultrasound technique. The system comprises a ground control station (GCS), UAVs and reference positioning modules as its basis. Given a test plan containing test points over a surface of a test object in 3D point coordinates, UAVs can fly autonomously to the points and perform ultrasound measurements on them with a single or a plurality of ultrasound transducers in an automated manner. Moreover, after receiving trigger signals from the GCS, a UAV can also perform the flight and the measurement synchronously with other UAVs. After a measurement, an acquired ultrasound echo signal is taken with another echo signal acquired at a different time point to compute stress or stress change. 1. A system to automate a non-destructive test for stress or stress change developed within an object , comprises: 1. the station transmits a test plan, including a single or a plurality of autopilot flight control commands, to a single or a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles;', '2. the station receives the flight state of a single or a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles;', '3. the station receives and stores ultrasound echo signals or a stress map from a single or a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles;', '4. the station retrieves ultrasound echo signals acquired at different time points from a storage and computes stress or stress change from the temporal ultrasound velocity changes with the signals for creating a stress map;, 'wherein the station comprises the following properties, 'ground control station;'} 1. the vehicle comprises a single or a plurality of ultrasound transducers for a non-destructive test;', '2. the vehicle flies autonomously to a hold point located near above a surface of a test object;', '3. the vehicle comprises a single or a plurality of distance ...

Selection of an Alternate Destination in Response to A Contingency Event

A method is provided for supporting a robot in response to a contingency event. The method includes detecting the contingency event during travel of the robot on a route to a destination. In response, the method includes determining a position of the robot, and accessing information about alternate destinations associated with the route. The method includes selecting an alternate destination from the alternate destinations based on a time to travel from the position of the robot to the alternate destination, and the information. And the method includes outputting an indication of the alternate destination for use in at least one of guidance, navigation or control of the robot to the alternate destination. 1. An apparatus for supporting a robot in response to a contingency event , the apparatus comprising:a memory configured to store computer-readable program code; andprocessing circuitry configured to access the memory, and execute the computer-readable program code to cause the apparatus to at least:detect the contingency event during travel of the robot on a route to a destination; and in response thereto,determine a position of the robot;access information about alternate destinations associated with the route;select an alternate destination from the alternate destinations based on a time to travel from the position of the robot to the alternate destination, and the information; andoutput an indication of the alternate destination for use in at least one of guidance, navigation or control of the robot to the alternate destination.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the time to travel is determined based on at least one of:an attitude of the robot;a distance from the position of the robot to the alternate destination;a velocity of the robot;an altitude of the robot;a state of the robot;a status of the robot;a state of a route to the alternate destination; ora state of the alternate destination.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the route is divided into route ...

Systems And Methods For Controlling An Intersection Of A Route Of An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

The disclosure provides systems and methods for controlling an intersection of a route of a UAV. The systems and methods provide detection of vehicles and persons in (or predicted to enter) an area of the intersection and provide a signal to the UAV so that the UAV can avoid flying over vehicles and persons.

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF COLLISION AVOIDANCE IN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES

A collision avoidance system includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a UAV controller, and a safety data aggregator. The UAV includes a positional sensor, and is coupled to communicate positional data to the UAV controller, and receive commands from the UAV controller. The safety data aggregator is coupled to communicate with the UAV controller, wherein the safety data aggregator collects positional data from one or more UAV controllers, stores collected positional data in a safety data buffer, and extracts spatially relevant positional data in response to a request from the UAV controller. 1. A collision avoidance system comprising:an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a positional sensor and a communication system configured for bi-directional communication; anda safety data aggregator coupled to receive positional data associated with UAVs detected by one or more remote sensor networks, wherein the safety data aggregator collects positional data, stores collected positional data in a geo-spatial database, receives a request for spatially relevant positional data from the UAV, wherein the request includes a position of the UAV, extracts spatially relevant positional data from the geo-spatial database within a radius or distance of the position provided by the UAV, and provides the extracted spatially relevant positional data to the UAV, wherein the UAV utilizes the spatially relevant positional data to automatically avoid collisions between the UAV and other UAVs.2. The collision avoidance system of claim 1 , wherein the safety data aggregator receives periodic updates from the one or more remote sensor networks.3. The collision avoidance system of claim 1 , wherein the safety data aggregator receives positional data directly from one or more other UAVs claim 1 , wherein the safety data aggregator stores positional info from the one or more remote sensor networks and the one or more UAVs in the geo-spatial database.4. The collision avoidance system of claim 1 ...

Method And System To Improve Safety Concerning Drones

A method and system for controlling access to restricted sectors in airspace. The method includes creating a multi-dimensional map of airspace, overlaying a sector having boundaries onto the map, wherein the sector contains a restricted flight zone and a buffer zone monitoring the flight of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), sending a command to the UAV if the UAV enters the buffer zone; and generating a response if the UAV does not leave the sector based on the command. 1. A method comprising:creating a multi-dimensional map of airspace;overlaying a sector having first boundaries and second boundaries onto the map, wherein the sector contains a restricted flight zone having the first boundaries and a buffer zone having the second boundaries;monitoring flight of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV);sending a command to the UAV if the UAV enters the buffer zone; andgenerating a response if the UAV does not leave the sector based on the command.2. The method of wherein the command is sent to the UAV via a network claim 1 , and wherein the response comprises a second command to the UAV to override a current flight plan of the UAV.3. The method of wherein the response comprises an alarm.4. The method of wherein access to the sector is based at least on one of a time of day claim 1 , authorization levels claim 1 , or a number of UAVs in the sector.5. The method of wherein the first and the second boundaries are generated based on events and then transmitted to the UAV.6. The method of wherein the first and the second boundaries are received from a second UAV and transmitted to the UAV.7. The method of wherein the first and the second boundaries move as a function of time.8. The method of wherein the first and the second boundaries move based on movement of events on the ground.9. The method of further comprising receiving a request from the UAV to enter the sector and transmitting a response to the UAV.10. A system comprising:an unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV);a command and ...

Guidance system of a drone

A guidance system for a drone is described, said system comprising: a plurality of poles fixed to the ground and associated with a private or public electric power grid; a plurality of devices fixed to the poles and powered by the electric power grid, said devices being interconnected in a wireless network and comprising a radio communication module for communicating with the drone; a controller connected to the wireless network and intended to program a flight path of the drone between two or more poles by transmitting configuration commands to the respective devices of the wireless network, for configuring the radio communication modules, wherein the radio communication module of one pole in the flight path is configured to guide the drone towards the radio communication module of a following pole in the flight path.

Provision Of Coverage For A Wireless Communication Network By Using Moving Base Stations On Robots Or Drones

A system, methods, apparatuses, and computer programs for providing coverage of a wireless communication network are described. The wireless communication network comprises radio base stations () mounted on mobile robots () and the mobile robots () are capable of communicating with a maintenance base (). The method comprises to determine a radio coverage area () to be provided by the base stations mounted on said mobile robots (). The method further comprises to deploy said mobile robots () at geographical positions suitable to provide the radio coverage area () and the maintenance base () replacing a deployed mobile robot () in order to maintain the radio coverage area (). 153-. (canceled)54. A method for providing coverage of a wireless communication network , the wireless communication network comprising radio base stations mounted on mobile robots , the mobile robots being capable of communicating with a maintenance base , the method comprising:determining a radio coverage area to be provided by the radio base stations mounted on the mobile robots;deploying the mobile robots at geographical positions suitable to provide the radio coverage area; instructing the deployed mobile robot to be replaced to return to the maintenance base;', 'deploying a further mobile robot to a vacant geographical position; and', 'rearranging the deployment of the mobile robots to geographical positions., 'in order to maintain the radio coverage area, the maintenance base replacing a deployed mobile robot by55. The method of claim 54 , wherein rearranging the deployment of the mobile robots to geographical positions comprises:determining a daisy chain loop of deployed mobile robots and the maintenance base, wherein the maintenance base is allocated to the daisy chain loop as an entry/exit element; andthe mobile robots of the daisy chain loop performing a circular shift operation within the daisy chain loop, wherein the last mobile robot of the daisy chain loop is returning to the ...

AUTOMATED SYSTEM OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL (ATC) FOR AT LEAST ONE UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV)

DroNav is a highly automated system of air traffic control (ATM) for at least one unmanned aerial vehicle (Un-manned Aerial Vehicles UAV) flying at low altitude. DroNav is composed of a hardware part (called DronAssistant, to be installed on the drone) and a software part ATM highly automated (called DronATC). 1. An automated system of air traffic control comprising:{'b': 100', '1000', '101', '112', '101', '111', '120', '120', '300, 'i': 'b', 'at least one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) () comprising a module device () including at least a first processing unit (), at least one sensor () operatively connected to said at least one first processing unit (), at least one signals receiving device (), at least one data transfer device () for transferring traffic control information to a data transfer equipment () operatively connected to a virtual system of air traffic control (VATC) (),'}{'b': 300', '301', '120', '301', '120, 'i': 'b', 'said virtual system of air traffic control (VATC) () comprising at least a second processing unit (), and the data transfer equipment (), operatively connected to the second processing unit (), and configured to exchange traffic control information with the at least one data transfer device (),'}{'b': 300', '301', '100', '101, 'being said virtual system of air traffic control (VATC) () arranged to analyze, through the at least second processing unit (), traffic control information relating to a flight plan from the at least one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (), and being able to process a flight plan and communicate executable instructions to perform said flight plan to the at least one first processing unit (),'}{'b': 120', '101, 'claim-text': [{'b': '112', 'receive and process information obtained by a scanning operation performed by said at least one sensor () of any one of said plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs),'}, {'b': '300', 'transmit the information relating to said scanning system of virtual system of air traffic ...

Providing automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast data for unmanned aerial vehicles

A device can be configured to receive flight data from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), where the flight data indicates at least one of an identifier that identifies the UAV, a location of the UAV, an altitude of the UAV, a bearing of the UAV, or a speed of the UAV. The device can be further configured to convert at least a portion of the flight data from a first format to a second format; generate automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data based on the converted flight data; and perform an action associated with the ADS-B data.

Object identification and sensing system and method

An object identification method is disclosed. The method includes obtaining images of a target geographical area and telemetry information of an image-collection vehicle at a time of capture, analyzing each image to identify objects, and determining a position of the objects. The method further includes determining an image capture height, determining a position of the image using the capture height and the telemetry information, performing a transform on the image based on the capture height and the telemetry information, identifying the objects in the transformed image, determining first pixel locations of the objects within the transformed image, performing a reverse transform on the first pixel locations to determine second pixel locations in the image, and determining positions of the objects within the area based on the second pixel locations within the captured image and the determined image position.

Management and display of object-collection data

An object identification and collection method is disclosed. The method includes receiving a pick-up path that identifies a route in which to guide an object-collection system over a target geographical area to pick up objects, determining a current location of the object-collection system relative to the pick-up path, and guiding the object-collection system along the pick-up path over the target geographical area based on the current location. The method further includes capturing images in a direction of movement of the object-collection system along the pick-up path, identifying a target object in the images; tracking movement of the target object through the images, determining that the target object is within range of an object picker assembly on the object-collection system based on the tracked movement of the target object, and instructing the object picker assembly to pick up the target object.

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) DELIVERY WITH DROP BEACON

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for drone delivery. One of the methods includes: receiving, at the UAV, information about a location of a drop beacon comprising GPS coordinates of a location of a drop beacon; navigating the UAV towards the location based on the information using GPS coordinates of the drop beacon; when reaching a proximity of the drop beacon, transmitting a first radio signal from the UAV with information relatable by the drop beacon; receiving, at the UAV, a second radio signal from the drop beacon; identifying, at the UAV, a line-of-sight signal from the drop beacon; navigating the UAV to the drop beacon based on the line-of-sight signal; and delivering, from the UAV, the goods to the location of the drop beacon. 1. An automated process for delivering goods to a location using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) , the process comprising:receiving, at the UAV, information about a location of a drop beacon comprising GPS coordinates of a location of a drop beacon;navigating the UAV towards the location based on the information using GPS coordinates of the drop beacon;when reaching a proximity of the drop beacon, transmitting a first radio signal from the UAV with information relatable by the drop beacon;receiving, at the UAV, a second radio signal from the drop beacon;identifying, at the UAV, a line-of-sight signal from the drop beacon;navigating the UAV to the drop beacon based on the line-of-sight signal; anddelivering, from the UAV, the goods to the location of the drop beacon.2. The process of claim 1 , wherein the first radio signal comprises a challenge to authenticate the drop beacon claim 1 , and wherein the second radio signal comprises a response to the challenge claim 1 , and the process further comprising:determining, at the UAV, that the drop beacon correctly responded to the challenge; andin response to determining, at the UAV, that the drop beacon did not correctly respond ...

Utilization of National Cellular Infrastructure for UAV Command and Control

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles also known as UAVs or Drones, either autonomous or remotely piloted, may be fitted with an Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) transponder for tracking and identification. Remotely piloted drones require a high bandwidth RF transceiver for video and/or control inputs, but the IFF system does not. Fully autonomous vehicles might utilize only the low bandwidth IFF transponder. This invention utilizes the existing cellular network and physical infrastructure to provide UAV command and control functionality over most of the national area. 117-. (canceled)18. A system for monitoring unmanned aerial vehicles , comprising:sensors co-located with a cellular network tower, the sensors configured to detect unmanned aerial vehicles operating in the vicinity of the cellular network tower;a transceiver co-located with the cellular network tower, the transceiver configured to receive identifying information communicated by the unmanned aerial vehicles operating in the vicinity of the cellular network tower; anda controller configured to correlate data from the sensors regarding the unmanned aerial vehicles with the received identifying information so as to determine whether any of the detected unmanned aerial vehicles are unauthorized.19. The system according to claim 18 , wherein a detected unmanned aerial vehicle is determined to be unauthorized when identifying information for the detected unmanned aerial vehicle is not correlated to the data from the sensors for the detected unmanned aerial vehicle.20. The system according to claim 18 , wherein the data from the sensors and the identifying information include location information for the unmanned aerial vehicles operating in the vicinity of the cellular network tower.21. The system according to claim 18 , wherein power is provided to the system by the cellular network tower.22. The system according to claim 18 , further comprising an interface to a cellular network claim 18 , wherein the interface is ...

OBJECT IDENTIFICATION AND COLLECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD

An object identification and collection method is disclosed. The method includes employing an image-collection vehicle to capture first images of a target geographical area, identifying one or more objects in the first images, and guiding an object-collection system over the target geographical area toward the one or more identified objects. The method further includes determining object information for each of the identified objects and guiding the object-collection system based on the object information. The method may further include capturing second images of the ground relative to the object-collection system as the object-collection system is guided toward the one or more identified objects, identifying a target object in the second images, and instructing the object-collection system to pick up the target object. 1. A method , comprising:employing an image-collection vehicle to capture a first plurality of images of a target geographical area;identifying one or more objects in the first plurality of images based on a first dataset of trained object parameters;determining object information for each of the one or more identified objects;guiding an object-collection system over the target geographical area toward the one or more identified objects based on the object information;capturing a second plurality of images of the ground relative to the object-collection system as the object-collection system is guided toward the one or more identified objects;identifying a target object in the second plurality of images based on a second dataset of trained object parameters; andinstructing the object-collection system to pick up the target object.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:capturing avionic telemetry information of the image-collection vehicle when each of the first plurality of images is captured; andreducing distortion in the first plurality of images based on the avionic telemetry information prior to identifying the one or more objects in the ...

IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM COMMUNICATING WITH UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME

A method performed by an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system of a vehicle includes identifying an out-of-sight view of the vehicle, determining that information related to the identified out-of-sight view needs to be received from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), identifying coordinates on the identified out-of-sight view to locate the UAV, based on an environment condition at a current position and at a future position of the vehicle, transmitting a signal indicating the coordinates to the UAV, and receiving the information related to the identified out-of-sight view from the UAV located at the coordinates. 1. A method performed by an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system of a vehicle , the method comprising:identifying an out-of-sight view of the vehicle;determining that information related to the identified out-of-sight view needs to be received from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV);identifying coordinates on the identified out-of-sight view to locate the UAV, based on an environment condition at a current position and at a future position of the vehicle;transmitting a signal indicating the coordinates to the UAV; andreceiving the information related to the identified out-of-sight view from the UAV located at the coordinates.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the signal indicating the coordinates comprises at least one of a latitude claim 1 , a longitude claim 1 , an elevation claim 1 , an altitude claim 1 , a mutual distance between a position of the vehicle and the coordinates claim 1 , or a direction indicating the coordinates from the vehicle.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting claim 1 , to the UAV claim 1 , updated information related to the vehicle for updating the position of the UAV.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the UAV is docked onto the vehicle.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the UAV is undocked from the vehicle.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the out-of-sight view is identified based on at least one of traffic ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SUPPORTING FLIGHT RESTRICTION OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES

A method for supporting flight restriction of aircraft includes generating a flight restriction region using one or more three-dimensional elementary flight restriction volumes, and controlling the aircraft according to the flight restriction region. The one or more elementary flight restriction volumes are configured to require the aircraft to take one or more flight response measures based on at least one of (1) location of the aircraft, or (2) movement characteristic of the aircraft relative to the one or more elementary flight restriction volumes. 1. A method for supporting flight restriction of aircraft comprising:generating, with aid of one or more processors, a flight restriction region using one or more three-dimensional elementary flight restriction volumes; andcontrolling, with aid of the one or more processors, the aircraft according to the flight restriction region;wherein the one or more elementary flight restriction volumes are configured to require the aircraft to take one or more flight response measures based on at least one of (1) location of the aircraft, or (2) movement characteristic of the aircraft relative to the one or more elementary flight restriction volumes.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more elementary flight restriction volumes comprise a three-dimensional polygonal volume claim 1 , wherein a cross-section of the three-dimensional polygonal volume is in a polygon shape.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the cross-section:remains a same shape and a same size throughout a defined height of the three-dimensional polygonal volume;has a change in shape or size along the defined height of the three-dimensional polygonal volume;remains at a same lateral location throughout the defined height of the three-dimensional polygonal volume; orhas a change in lateral location along the defined height of the three-dimensional polygonal volume.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein:a height of the three-dimensional polygonal volume is defined ...

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

A communication system for an unmanned aerial vehicle operating beyond visual line of sight may include an airborne radio and a plurality of ground radios. The airborne radio is carried by the unmanned aerial vehicle. The plurality of ground radios are in wireless communication with the airborne radio. Each of the plurality of ground radios includes a processor adapted to calculate one or more performance metrics related to communication between the airborne radio and a respective one of the plurality of ground radios. One of the plurality of ground radios is selected as an active ground radio based on the one or more performance metrics. The airborne radio is configured to receive control data only from the active ground radio. 1. A communication system for an unmanned aerial vehicle operating beyond visual line of sight comprising:an airborne radio carried by the unmanned aerial vehicle; 'a processor adapted to calculate one or more performance metrics related to communication between the airborne radio and a respective one of the plurality of ground radios;', 'a plurality of ground radios in wireless communication with the airborne radio, wherein each of the plurality of ground radios compriseswherein one of the plurality of ground radios is selected as an active ground radio based on the one or more performance metrics; andwherein the airborne radio is configured to receive control data only from the active ground radio.2. The system of wherein the airborne radio is configured as a master and each of the plurality of ground radios subscribes to the airborne radio.3. The system of wherein the processor of each of the plurality of ground radios processes data from the airborne radio.4. The system of further comprising:an open shortest path first router having a routing table containing the one or more performance metrics of each of the plurality of ground radios.5. The system of wherein the processor of the active ground radio utilizes the routing table to execute ...

AIRPLANE FLIGHT PATH PLANNING METHOD AND DEVICE BASED ON THE PIGEON-INSPIRED OPTIMIZATION

A computer-based airplane flight path planning method based on the pigeon-inspired optimization (PIO) algorithm includes steps of establishing an uncertainty prediction model, determining the path to be optimized, and obtaining an optimal path using the PIO algorithm for a flight controller onboard to execute. The PIO algorithm treats a pigeon flock as a scale-free network, applies map and compass operators to the scale-free network, and performs landmark operations to obtain the optimal path. The device that performs the path planning includes an access module for obtaining the regional environment information and a flight controller onboard the airplane. The flight controller includes a building module for setting up the trajectory prediction model including uncertainties; a determining module to determine the trajectories which need optimization; an optimization module, which uses the PIO algorithm to optimize the flight path; and a computer memory module. 2. The flight path planning method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein{'sub': 1', '2', 'K, 'each of the course angle changes θ, θ, . . . , θis constrained between −π/6 and π/6; and'}{'sub': 0', '1', 'K−1, 'each of d, d, . . . , dhas a same minimum step size L.'}3. The flight path planning method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the trajectory prediction model utilizes Rapidly-exploring Random Trees algorithm (RRT) to generate the initial flight path in step (d).4. The flight path planning method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein for the pigeon-inspired optimization algorithm in step (e) claim 1 , a virtual pigeon flock of a pigeon population is treated as a scale-free network with each virtual pigeon representing a flight path solution claim 1 , the initial flight path obtained from step (d) is used to initialize the scale-free network claim 1 , and the size of the scale-free network is grown from 1 to the pigeon population as the algorithm converges to the optimal flight path.5. The flight path planning method as ...

MOVING BODY AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAME, AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING PRIORITY

A moving body has a control unit that determines priority relating to movement on the basis of prescribed rules, the control unit comparing, on the basis of the prescribed rules, a first determination value that is the determination value for the moving body, and a second determination value that is the determination value for another moving body, whereby the priority of the moving body is determined in relation to the other moving body. 1. A moving body comprising a control section that judges priority/subordination relating to movement , based on a prescribed rule ,wherein the control section is configured to judge the priority/subordination of the moving body relative to another moving body by comparing, based on the prescribed rule, a first determination value that is a determination value of the moving body and a second determination value that is a determination value of the other moving body.2. The moving body according to claim 1 , wherein in a case where a priority/subordination level of the moving body determined by a priority/subordination determining section claim 1 , which determines the priority/subordination level concerning movement of a plurality of moving bodies including the moving body and the other moving body claim 1 , and a priority/subordination level of the other moving body determined by the priority/subordination determining section are same claim 1 , the control section judges the priority/subordination based on the prescribed rule.3. The moving body according to claim 1 , wherein the moving body is a flying body.4. The moving body according to claim 1 , wherein the prescribed rule is a rule of determining the priority/subordination based on a choice selected from among three or more choices having a priority/subordination relationship determined in advance claim 1 ,the first determination value is a choice selected by the moving body from among the three or more choices, andthe second determination value is a choice selected by the other ...

NAVIGATION DEVICES

A movable object includes a plurality of actuation devices configured to move the movable object, a processor configured to control the actuation devices and the movements of the movable object, and at least one sensor. The sensor has a coordinate system not substantially in alignment with a coordinate system of the movable object. The sensor senses the state of the movable object and the processor controls the propulsion devices and the movements of the movable object based on the sensed state. 1. A movable object , comprising:a plurality of actuation devices configured to move the movable object;a processor configured to control the actuation devices and the movements of the movable object; andat least one sensor, the sensor having a coordinate system not substantially in alignment with a coordinate system of the movable object,wherein the sensor senses the state of the movable object and the processor controls the propulsion devices and the movements of the movable object based on the sensed state.2. The movable object of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) sensor.3. The movable object of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises one or more of a three-axis accelerometer claim 1 , a three-axis gyroscope claim 1 , a two-axis accelerometer claim 1 , a six-axis sensor including a three-axis accelerometer and a three-axis gyroscope claim 1 , or a compass.4. The movable object of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises a three-axis sensor claim 1 , wherein one of three axes of the sensor is parallel to an axis of the movable object's coordinate system claim 1 , or none of three axes of the sensor is parallel to any axis of the movable object's coordinate system.5. The movable object of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor is mounted on the movable object such that a sensing range in a vertical direction in the movable object's coordinate system is greater than a sensing range along any ...

DRONE DETECTION SYSTEMS AND RELATED PRESENTATION METHODS

Methods and systems are provided for presenting unmanned vehicles, such as drones, operating in the vicinity of a planned route of travel. One exemplary method involves displaying a graphical representation of a route for a vehicle on a display device onboard the vehicle, determining a range of an unmanned vehicle based on one or more signals associated with the unmanned vehicle, and displaying a graphical representation of the range of the unmanned vehicle on the display device when at least some of the range is within a threshold distance of the route. 1. A method comprising:displaying a graphical representation of a route for a vehicle on a display device onboard the vehicle;determining a range of an unmanned vehicle based on one or more signals associated with the unmanned vehicle; andwhen at least some of the range is within a threshold distance of the route, displaying a graphical representation of the range of the unmanned vehicle on the display device.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein:displaying the graphical representation comprises displaying a graphical representation of a flight plan for an aircraft on a navigational map on the display device onboard the aircraft; anddisplaying the graphical representation of the range of the unmanned vehicle comprises displaying the graphical representation of the range of the unmanned vehicle on the navigational map.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:determining a direction of motion of an operator associated with the unmanned vehicle based on the one or more signals; anddisplaying graphical indication of the direction of motion on the navigational map in association with the graphical representation of the range of the unmanned vehicle.4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:displaying a graphical representation of the flight plan for the aircraft on a vertical profile display on the display device onboard the aircraft; anddisplaying a second graphical representation of the range of the unmanned ...

RETURN FLIGHT CONTROL METHOD AND DEVICE FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE, AND UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

A return flight control method includes obtaining return-flight-evaluation information in a return flight mode, controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to return to an alternate landing area in response to that the return-flight-evaluation information satisfies a preset requirement, and controlling the UAV to return to a return point in response to that the return-flight-evaluation information does not satisfy the preset requirement. 1. A return flight control method comprising:obtaining return-flight-evaluation information in a return flight mode;controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to return to an alternate landing area in response to that the return-flight-evaluation information satisfies a preset requirement; andcontrolling the UAV to return to a return point in response to that the return-flight-evaluation information does not satisfy the preset requirement.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:receiving return-point-indication information sent by a control terminal, the return-point-indication information being determined by the control terminal according to a detected return point setting operation;wherein controlling the UAV to return to the return point includes controlling the UAV to return to the return point indicated by the return-point-indication information.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein:obtaining the return-flight-evaluation information includes obtaining a control command sent by a control terminal;controlling the UAV to return to the alternate landing area includes controlling the UAV to return to the alternate landing area in response to that the control command includes an alternate-landing-area-indication command; andcontrolling the UAV to return to the return point includes controlling the UAV to return to the return point in response to that the control command does not include the alternate-landing-area-indication command.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein:obtaining the return-flight-evaluation information includes ...

Automated readiness evaluation system (ares) for use with an unmanned aircraft system (uas)

Methods and systems for an Automated Readiness Evaluation System (ARES), which is adapted for use with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The ARES (and UAS with such an ARES) is configured for a particular task or application selected by the user based upon their level of specific knowledge. The system may include: hardware components with communication protocols; a task, module data, and skill level repository; a user device; and an optional base system. Methods are provided for configuration, calibration, error checking, and operation of a UAS whereby the ARES serves as a mission planner by calculating the mission parameters for a user-selected task to minimize mission failure by determining the variables for task completion.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE MOVED BASED ON DISTANCE FROM EXTERNAL OBJECT AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a sensor, an actuator, and a processor. The sensor is configured to sense at least one external object in a direction of 360 degrees outside the electronic device. The actuator configured to allow the electronic device to move or yaw. The processor is configured to verify an angle corresponding to a location of the at least one external object among the 360 degrees and a distance between the at least one external object and the electronic device using the sensor. When the distance does not belong to a specified range, the processor is also configured to move the electronic device in a direction corresponding to the angle using the actuator such that the distance belongs to the specified range. 1. An electronic device , comprising:a sensor configured to sense at least one external object in a direction of 360 degrees outside the electronic device;an actuator configured to allow the electronic device to move or yaw; anda processor operably connected to the sensor and the actuator, verify an angle corresponding to a location of the at least one external object among the 360 degrees and a distance between the at least one external object and the electronic device using the sensor; and', 'when the distance does not belong to a specified range, move the electronic device in a direction corresponding to the angle using the actuator such that the distance belongs to the specified range., 'wherein the processor is configured to2. The electronic device of claim 1 , further comprising:a communication module configured to communicate with another electronic device, when receiving selection information about a partial heading angle range among the 360 degrees via the communication module, verify whether the angle belongs to the partial heading angle range; and', 'when the angle does not belong to the partial heading angle range, move the electronic device such that the angle belongs to the partial heading angle ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TARGET TRACKING

The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices related to target tracking by UAVs. The UAV may be configured to receive target information from a control terminal related to a target to be tracked by an imaging device coupled to the UAV. The target information may be used by the UAV to automatically track the target so as to maintain predetermined position and/or size of the target within one or more images captured by the imaging device. The control terminal may be configured to display images from the imaging device as well as allowing user input related to the target information. 1. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising:an imaging device;one or more wireless receivers, individually or collectively, configured to receive an instruction for starting a tracking mode to track a target and receive wireless signals from the target, wherein the wireless signals include location information of the target; andone or more processors configured to start the tracking mode based on the instruction to track the target, and to control the UAV or the imaging device to automatically track the target according to the location information of the target by automatically adjusting at least one of the UAV or the imaging device, to maintain the target substantially within a field of view of the imaging device, wherein the one or more processors are configured to assess and select one of the following: 1) to adjust the UAV, 2) to adjust the imaging device, or 3) to adjust both the UAV and the imaging device, wherein said determination is dependent upon a) number of rotational axes of the imaging device and orientation of said rotational axes relative to the UAV; b) a navigation path of the UAV; or c) a maximum angular speed allowable for the UAV or the imaging device.2. The UAV of claim 1 , wherein the location information of the target comprises a GPS location of the target.3. The UAV of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors select to adjust the UAV to ...

System and Method for Controlling an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle over a Cellular Network

A system and method of operating a system for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle over a cellular network provides capability for UAV operators to control the UAV without requiring the operator to be within a limited range of the UAV, enabling non-line-of-sight control. A command and control station is communicatively coupled to the cellular network, which is in turn communicatively coupled to the UAV. Video streaming capability is provided, in addition to a modular circuitry unit capable of accepting a wide variety of customizable circuitry units designed for various specific purposes and capabilities. 1. A system for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle over a cellular network comprises:an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV);a command and control (CAS) station;the UAV comprises a navigation system, at least one processing unit, a plurality of sensors, at least one wireless communication device, and at least one power source;the plurality of sensors comprises an optical sensor, an accelerometer, a compass sensor, a gyroscope sensor, and a global positioning system (GPS) sensor;at least one of the processing units being electronically connected to the plurality of sensors;at least one of the processing units being electronically connected to each wireless communication device;at least one of the processing units being electronically connected to the navigation system;at least one of the power sources being electrically connected to at least one of the processing units;at least one of the power sources being electrically connected to the navigation system; andthe CAC station being communicatively coupled with at least one of the at least one processing units through a cellular network.2. The system for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle over a cellular network as claimed in comprises:the cellular network being a long-term evolution (LTE) network.3. The system for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle over a cellular network as claimed in comprises:the UAV further ...

GEOGRAPHIC SURVEY SYSTEM FOR VERTICAL TAKE-OFF AND LANDING (VTOL) UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVS)

A method of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operation, including: receiving from a customer a first data request, the first data request having: a first geographic coverage area; and a refresh rate for the first geographic coverage area; planning a first plurality of flight missions to accomplish the first data request; uploading flight missions data representing the first plurality of flight missions into a UAV pod; and deploying the UAV pod 1. A method of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operation , comprising:receiving from a customer a first data request, the first data request comprising:a first geographic coverage area; anda refresh rate for the first geographic coverage area;planning a first plurality of flight missions to accomplish the first data request;uploading flight missions data representing the first plurality of flight missions into a UAV pod; anddeploying the UAV pod.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first data request further comprises one of a ground resolution or ground surface distance (GSD).3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:providing a two-rotor UAV with flight mission data for one of the first plurality of flight missions from the UAV pod;launching the two-rotor UAV from the UAV pod to perform the one of the first plurality of flight missions;receiving the two-rotor UAV on the UAV pod; andreceiving in the UAV pod a first flight survey data obtained from the one of the first plurality of flight missions from the two-rotor UAV.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising:transmitting the first flight survey data from the UAV pod.5. The method of claim 3 , further comprising:providing the UAV with second flight mission data representing a second one of the plurality of flight missions from the UAV pod;autonomously launching the two-rotor UAV from the UAV pod to perform the second one of the first plurality of flight missions;receiving the two-rotor UAV on the UAV pod after completing the second one of the first plurality of flight ...

AERIAL TRAFFIC MONITORING RADAR

An unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) aerial traffic monitoring system is provided and includes one or more UAVs comprising a transponder and at least one of a transmitter, a localization module and/or a communication module, radar systems covering and locating objects from 0° to 360° in azimuth and within a range of from −45° to 45° in elevations below and above the horizon, a cloud software stored in a non-transitory memory and configured to be executed by a processor, that stores records of operating UAVs so as to allow online and real time situational awareness of UAV aerial traffic, aerial traffic load, and aerial collision predictions. 1. An unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) aerial traffic monitoring system comprising:one or more UAVs comprising a transponder and at least one of a transmitter, a localization module and/or a communication module;a plurality of radar systems covering and locating objects from 0° to 360° in azimuth and within a range of from −45° to 45° in elevations below and above the horizon;a cloud software stored in a non-transitory memory and configured to be executed by a processor, that stores records of operating UAVs so as to allow online and real time situational awareness of UAV aerial traffic, aerial traffic load, and aerial collision predictions.2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the transponder is a device that emits an identifying signal in response to receiving an interrogating signal.3. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the communication module is selected from cellular and/or satellite communication module claim 1 , and the localization module is selected from global positioning system (GPS) claim 1 , and/or inertial navigation system (INS).4. The system according to any one of to claim 1 , wherein the data cloud is selected from a civilian data cloud or law enforcement data cloud.5. The system according to claim 4 , wherein the data cloud comprises a receiving and transmitting circuitry for communicating with the ...

Device, System, and Method for Automated Vehicle Guidance System

A device, system, and method determines a prioritized location for an automated vehicle to move. The method performed at a contact center includes performing a transaction between an electronic device and the contact center, the transaction including at least one correspondence. The method includes determining location data corresponding to the electronic device, the location data being a location of the electronic device. The method includes determining prioritized location data based upon the location data and further related data, the further related data being at least one of an analysis of the at least one correspondence, internal information of the contact center, and external information available to the contact center. The method includes transmitting the prioritized location data to an unmanned, automated vehicle (UAV), the UAV configured to automatically move to a predetermined location based upon the prioritized location data. 1. A method , comprising:at a contact center,performing a transaction between an electronic device and the contact center, the transaction including at least one correspondence between a user of the electronic device and the contact center;determining location data corresponding to the electronic device, the location data being indicative of a location of the electronic device;determining prioritized location data based upon the location data and further related data, the further related data being at least one of an analysis of the at least one correspondence, internal information of the contact center, and external information available to the contact center; andtransmitting the prioritized location data to an unmanned, automated vehicle (UAV), the UAV configured to automatically move to a predetermined location based upon the prioritized location data.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the transaction is a plurality of transactions claim 1 , each of the transactions being from a respective electronic device.3. The method of claim ...

DRONE CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD

A drone control apparatus and method are disclosed. The drone control apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication unit that communicates with a drone operation system and a drone over a wireless communication network, a storage unit that stores radio wave environment information of the wireless communication network according to a spatial position, and flight restriction information, and a determination unit that determines a flight path and a flight altitude of the drone based on a radio map, the flight restriction information, and a departure and a destination of the drone received from the drone operation system, and transmits the flight path and the flight altitude to at least one of the drone and the drone operation system via the communication unit. 1. A drone control apparatus , comprising:a communicator configured to communicate with a drone operation system and a drone, over a wireless communication network;a memory configured to store radio wave environment information of the wireless communication network and flight restriction information, the radio wave environment information indicating a quality of wireless signals of the wireless communication network at spatial locations corresponding to an altitude at a geographic location; and receive a departure location and a destination location of the drone from the drone operating system; and', 'determine a flight path between the departure location and the destination location and flight altitude information for the drone along the flight path based on the radio wave environment information, the flight restriction information, the departure location, and the destination location, and', 'transmit the flight path and the flight altitude information to at least one of the drone and the drone operation system via the communicator., 'a processor configured to2. The drone control apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flight restriction information ...

Process to Enable Prioritization of Air Space in an Environment with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Flight safety and air vehicle deconfliction are of paramount concern in the operation of manned aircraft. The introduction of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in quickly growing numbers raises the risks of mid-air collisions, near misses, and diversions from intended flight paths. This application discloses a series of linked process whereby such risks may be significantly reduced and may enable the safe integration of UAVs into the national airspaces of the United States and other nations. The disclosed process allows emergency responders and others to declare an emergency air operations zone (perhaps near the expected landing spot of a medivac helicopter) and notify UAV operators in the vicinity of that zone of the emergency and suggested or mandated actions for the UAV operators to take (i.e., land your airframe as soon as possible, do not approach this spot, be alert for emergency aircraft, etc.). The emergency or priority zone would be limited in location and time. The notifications are made to UAV operators either through an application running on a mobile phone or other connected device or by calls, texts, or other alerts to such devices. The process has uses beyond providing priority to emergency services. For example, a city could provide priority airspace to a film crew using UAVs and notify other UAV users to keep clear of a particular area for a limited time.

ENVIRONMENTALLY-AWARE LANDING ZONE CLASSIFICATION

According to an aspect, a method of performing environmentally-aware landing zone classification for an aircraft includes receiving environmental sensor data indicative of environmental conditions external to the aircraft. Image sensor data indicative of terrain representing a potential landing zone for the aircraft are received. An environmentally-aware landing zone classification system of the aircraft evaluates the environmental sensor data to classify the potential landing zone relative to a database of landing zone types as environmentally-aware classification data. Geometric features of the potential landing zone are identified in the image sensor data as image-based landing zone classification data. The potential landing zone is classified and identified based on a fusion of the environmentally-aware classification data and the image-based landing zone classification data. A final landing zone classification is provided to landing zone selection logic of the aircraft based on the classifying and identifying of the potential landing zone. 1. A method of performing environmentally-aware landing zone classification for an aircraft , the method comprising:receiving environmental sensor data indicative of environmental conditions external to the aircraft;receiving image sensor data indicative of terrain representing a potential landing zone for the aircraft;evaluating, by an environmentally-aware landing zone classification system of the aircraft, the environmental sensor data to classify the potential landing zone relative to a database of landing zone types as environmentally-aware classification data;identifying geometric features of the potential landing zone in the image sensor data as image-based landing zone classification data;classifying and identifying the potential landing zone based on a fusion of the environmentally-aware classification data and the image-based landing zone classification data; andproviding a final landing zone classification to ...

CONTEXT-AWARE LANDING ZONE CLASSIFICATION

According to an aspect, a method of performing context-aware landing zone classification for an aircraft includes accessing a landing zone map, by a context-aware landing zone classification system of the aircraft, to identify potential landing zones. A database on the aircraft includes land cover map data and impervious surface map data. The database is queried to extract context data. The context data include land cover characteristics and impervious surface characteristics associated with locations corresponding to the landing zone map. The context-aware landing zone classification system of the aircraft evaluates the potential landing zones in view of the context data to adjust classifications of the potential landing zones and produce a context-aware landing zone classification of the potential landing zones. The context-aware landing zone classification of the potential landing zones is provided to landing zone selection logic of the aircraft to select a final landing zone. 1. A method of performing context-aware landing zone classification for an aircraft , the method comprising:accessing a landing zone map, by a context-aware landing zone classification system of the aircraft, to identify potential landing zones;querying a database on the aircraft comprising land cover map data and impervious surface map data to extract context data, the context data comprising land cover characteristics and impervious surface characteristics associated with locations corresponding to the landing zone map;evaluating, by the context-aware landing zone classification system of the aircraft, the potential landing zones in view of the context data to adjust classifications of the potential landing zones and produce a context-aware landing zone classification of the potential landing zones; andproviding the context-aware landing zone classification of the potential landing zones to landing zone selection logic of the aircraft to select a final landing zone.2. The method of claim ...