Abstract:
A system provides one or more support operations for a land vehicle using an unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAV) such as an aerial drone. The support operations are provided via operation of a UAV accessory or accessory module while the UAV is deployed away from the land vehicle. The UAV accessory can obtain information pertaining to the terrain at a terrain mapping zone, and this information can assist in guiding the land vehicle along a selected path to safely traverse the terrain. Wade depth mapping of a water feature is an example of terrain mapping that can be performed by the system. Other types of support operations include emergency support operations, extending the effective reach of wireless signals to and from the land vehicle, and capturing recreational images of the land vehicle.
Abstract:
A drone control method includes commanding a drone launched from a vehicle to execute a predefined schedule of flight commands such that the drone occupies a series of locations within a predefined radius from a buoy, which is also launched from the vehicle, to identify a drone position relative to the buoy associated with a maximum signal strength of the communication signal. The execution of the predefined schedule may be in response to receipt of a communication signal from an emergency responder.
Abstract:
In one aspect, an example system includes: (i) a base including a bottom surface and a first coupling-point; (ii) a vertically-oriented elongate structure comprising a lower end, an upper end, and an inner channel, wherein the inner channel comprises an upper access-point disposed proximate the upper end, wherein the base is coupled to the elongate structure proximate the lower end; (iii) a deployable cushioning-device coupled to the elongate structure; and (iv) a tether comprising a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion, wherein the first portion is coupled to the first coupling-point, the second portion is coupled to a second coupling-point of the UAV, the third portion extends through the inner channel, the fourth portion extends from the upper access-point to the second coupling-point, and the fourth portion has a length that is less than a distance between the upper access-point and the bottom surface.
Abstract:
Various embodiments include methods for piggybacking an unmanned aerial vehicle UAV (100) on a vehicle (210), e.g., motor vehicles and trailers coupled to motor vehicles, to reach a destination (B). Various embodiments may include determining whether to dock on a vehicle (210). One or more candidate vehicles (210, 213, 215) may be identified for docking. Travel profile characteristics of the one or more candidate vehicles may be identified. A first vehicle (210) may be selected from the one or more candidate vehicles based on one or more travel profile characteristics that assist the UAV in reaching the UAV destination (B). The UAV may dock with the first vehicle. While docked to the first vehicle (210) the UAV (100) may charge an onboard battery (150) via an electrical connection (415) in a docking structure (410) or by harvesting energy in the wind caused by movement of the vehicle by configuring the UAV rotors (101) to charge the battery.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for docking an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a vehicle. The UAV may be able to distinguish a companion vehicle from other vehicles in the area and vice versa. The UAV may take off and/or land on the vehicle. The UAV may be used to capture images and stream the images live to a display within the vehicle. The vehicle may control the UAV. The UAV may be in communication with the companion vehicle while in flight.
Abstract:
무인 수직이착륙 비행체의 충전 및 격납을 위한 장치 및 그 방법이 개시된다. 비행체를 수용하는 장치, 장치의 외측에 구비되며, 비행체가 착륙하는 착륙부, 비행체를 격납 또는 충전하여 상태 데이터 모니터링을 하는 격납장치부, 비행체와 장치가 통신하여, 착륙할 수 있도록 돕는 센서부로 구성될 수 있다. 이는, 복수개의 비행체를 격납 및 충전시키면서 이동할 수 있어, 비행체의 이동시간을 단축시킴으로써, 운용의 효율성을 증가시킬 수 있다.
Abstract:
A system and method for deploying a payload with an aerostat uses a mobile transporter for moving the system to a deployment site. Structurally, the system includes a base unit with a rotation head mounted thereon. An envelope container for holding a deflated aerostat is mounted on the rotation head and a rotation of the container on the rotation head positions the aerostat for optimal compliance with the existing wind condition. Also included in the system is an inflator that is mounted on the base unit to inflate the aerostat with a Helium gas. And, the system includes a tether control unit for maintaining a connection with the aerostat during its deployment, in-flight use, and recovery. Preferably, a deployment computer is used for a coordinated control of the rotation head, inflator and tether.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses provide surveillance of a convoy (12). At least one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (10) obtains images around the convoy's position to provide information about potential hostile activity while th UAV follows a generally curvilinear path around the convoy as instructed by one of the convoy vehicles. Path planner algorithm software is executed by the controlling convoy vehicle in which position and velocity information regarding the unmanned aerial vehicle and the convoy are processed to determine values of control variables. The determined values are sent to the unmanned aerial vehicle over a wireless communications channel. The path of the surveillance vehicle may be changed in order to provide evasive measures to avoid an attack on the surveillance vehicle by an adversary.
Abstract:
A flying micro-rotorcraft unit is provided for remote tactical and operational missions. The unit includes an elongated body having an upper and a lowe end. The body defines a vertical axis. The unit further includes a navigation module including means for determining a global position of the elongated body during flight of the unit. Rotor means of the unit is coupled to the upper end of the elongated body for generating a thrust force that acts in a direction parallel to the verical axis to lift the elongated body into the air. The rotor means is located between the elongated body and the navigation module.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus comprising a body including a cavity for storing one or more packages, and a conveyor belt disposed above a top surface of the body. The belt is shaped to receive one or more packages, and the belt is controllable to rotate a package placed on the belt either from the top surface to the cavity for storage or from the cavity to the top surface for dispatch. A package comprises at least one of a drone and a payload transported by the drone. The apparatus further comprises a landing mechanism for stabilizing a drone landing on the apparatus.