Abstract:
Embodiments described herein are methods and systems that relate to delivery of a payload to a particular delivery surface. A payload is collected at a first physical location using a retractable delivery mechanism of a UAV, and the UAV flies to a designated second physical location, whereupon sensor data is obtained using one or more sensors of the UAV. The sensor data is used to obtain characteristics of an area which may be used as a delivery surface at the second physical location. An actual delivery surface is selected based on criteria in the form of rule data specifying an appropriate delivery surface and the sensor data. Once the delivery surface has been selected the retractable delivery lowers the payload towards the selected delivery surface.
Abstract:
The disclosed embodiments include methods, apparatuses, systems, and UAVs configured to an interactive and automatic initialization of the tracking systems. The disclosed embodiments observe an object of interest in a surrounding of the movable object and detect a feature of the object of interest, which acts as a trigger for automatically initializing the tracking system. As a result, the disclosed embodiments may provide efficiency and reliability to initializing a robotic system.
Abstract:
A centering system for positioning an Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle (UAV) is provided with two or more supporting extremities rigidly connected thereto, comprising a pair of displaceable positioning elements provided with surfaces sloped relative to each other, which create trapping areas such that when said positioning elements are caused to move one relative to the other, said two or more supporting extremities are caused to be trapped in said trapping areas.
Abstract:
A system for servicing an object and methods for making and using same. A mobile platform can perform one or more tasks for the object while maintaining a distance from the object. The mobile platform can thus avoid colliding with the object during service. A service point of the object can be updated, as needed, if a position or orientation of the object changes during service. Service can include performance of one or more tasks for the object, and the mobile platform advantageously can include one or more payloads for performing one or more selected tasks. Servicing the object thereby can advantageously be automated and require less human involvement.
Abstract:
Certain embodiments herein relate to location verification for autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (also referred to as "drones"). In some embodiments, an unmanned aerial vehicle engaged in autonomous flight may determine its location using a satellite-based navigation system. The location may be evaluated against location data obtained from one or more secondary factors, such as public broadcast beacons, cellular towers, wireless network identifiers, visual markers, or any combination thereof. If the location is determined to be invalid, the unmanned aerial vehicle may be instructed to take a mitigation action. Additionally, certain embodiments also include the verification of a flight plan for the unmanned aerial vehicle using secure no-fly logic to verify a flight plan does not violate no-fly zones. If the flight plan is verified, the flight plan may be signed using a cryptographic signature and provided to a navigation module that verifies the signature and executes the flight plan.
Abstract:
The presently disclosed subject matter is related to avoidance of violation of a flight constraint by an autonomously controlled aircraft. Responsive to information indicative of a flight constraint, a bank angle which allows the aircraft to proceed towards a desired destination along a flight path without violating the flight constraint is calculated; and instructions to aerial control devices for guiding the aircraft along the flight path are generated accordingly.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
A hardpoint relief pad (300) is described and includes a base surface (310), a hardpoint overlay (320), and a first stress relief area (330A). The base surface is configured to conform to and be fixedly attached to an interior surface (331) of an aerial vehicle wing. The hardpoint overlay (320) protrudes above adjacent areas of the hardpoint relief pad and is adapted to conform to a hardpoint (323). The hardpoint protrudes from the interior surface of the wing and is configured to carry a load fixed to the hardpoint. The hardpoint overlay includes an oculus (322) that is configured to allow the load to be fixed to the hardpoint through the hardpoint overlay. The first stress relief area (330A) protrudes above adjacent areas of the hardpoint relief pad and also forms a hollow cavity (332) between the first stress relief area and the interior surface of the wing.
Abstract:
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.