Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device and method for extending the operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle.SOLUTION: A method includes: (a) a step of detecting that an energy storage device 110 on board an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 100 is depleted below a threshold level; (b) a step of operating the UAV so as to land at a base station 200; and (c) a step of at least initiating operation of the base station to cause a replacement mechanism 220 thereof to remove the energy storage device on board the UAV from the UAV, and to replace this with another energy storage device 120. Other steps are also disclosed. In addition, the UAV 100, the base station 200 and a command-and-control device 400 arranged to carry out steps of the method are disclosed.
Abstract:
Techniques for an unmanned aerial system that embeds data into power sent from a control system to one or more motors so that one or more wires between the control system and the one or more motors can be used to transmit power and data are described. As one example, an unmanned aerial system includes a sensor, a control system comprising alternating current power generation circuitry and first embedded data communication circuitry, and a motor system coupled to the control system via a set of one or more wires and comprising at least one motor to provide propulsion from power generated by the alternating current power generation circuitry and second embedded data communication circuitry to embed data from the sensor into the power generated by the alternating current power generation circuitry to produce modulated power, wherein the first embedded data communication circuitry is to extract the data from the modulated power. The unmanned aerial system may include a second set of one or more wires dedicated to send the data from the sensor to the control system.
Abstract:
A manned or unmanned aircraft has a main body with a circular shape and a circular outer periphery. One or more rotor blades extend substantially horizontally outward from the main body at or about the circular outer periphery. In addition, one or more counter-rotation blades extend substantially horizontally outward from said main body at or about the circular outer periphery, but vertically offset from the main rotor blades.
Abstract:
Management of available energy among multiple drones is provided by identifying tasks to be completed by the multiple drones, and determining energy requirements of one or more drones of the multiple drones to facilitate completing one or more tasks of the tasks to be completed by the multiple drones. Further, the approach includes identifying an energy sharing approach for completion of the task(s) by the drone(s) where one or more other drones of the multiple drones transfer energy in operation to the drone(s) to facilitate completion of the task(s). In operation, the multiple drones may be detachably coupled, and the approach may include implementing the energy sharing approach by transferring energy from the other drone(s) to the drone(s) to facilitate completion of the task(s), for instance, prior to decoupling of the other drone(s) from the drone(s).
Abstract:
The invention relates, among others, to an aircraft (10) comprising at least one electromotive drive (11a, 11b) and a controller (12) with which the aircraft can permanently maintain a set flight position, wherein the aircraft can be connected to the ground station (19) via a cable arrangement (16), and wherein the cable arrangement comprises at least two electric conductors (17a, 17b) for supplying voltage to the drive, as well as a fiber-optic cable (18) for the communication of data and/or signals.
Abstract:
The present invention discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle and a battery thereof. The battery includes a battery body and a shell disposed on one end of the battery body. The shell has a clamp button disposed on the side opposite the unmanned aerial vehicle. One end of the clamp button is fixed on the shell and the other is used for detachably connecting with the unmanned aerial vehicle. The clamp button makes the battery detachably connect with the main body of the unmanned aerial vehicle be possible and it is very convenient for changing the battery.
Abstract:
A system is provided for maneuvering a payload in an air space constrained by one or more obstacles, and may include first and second aerial vehicles coupled by a tether to a ground station. Sensor systems and processors in the ground station and aerial vehicles may track obstacles and the tether's and the vehicles' positions and attitude to maneuver the payload and the tether to carry out a mission. The sensor system may include airborne cameras providing data for a scene reconstruction process and simultaneous mapping of obstacles and localization of aerial vehicles relative to the obstacles. The aerial vehicles may include a frame formed substantially of a composite material for preventing contact of the rotors with the tether segments.
Abstract:
Disclosed here are unmanned aerial vehicle embodiments including some embodiments having a fuselage, tail, and wings including example embodiments with an adaptable payload section, alternatively or additionally, modular flight surfaces including tail, wings and motor, alternatively or additionally the vehicle configured for short landings with reversible thrust, alternatively or additionally, the unmanned aerial vehicle configured with direct connection to moveable flight control surfaces.