Abstract:
A delivery management system comprises a communication device that receives a notification of a communication established between an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that delivers a payload and a delivery box constructed and arranged to receive the payload from the UAV when the UAV is a predetermined distance from the delivery box and moving in a direction toward the delivery box, the communication including an identity of the UAV; a verification device that processes the notification and validates the identity of the UAV; and an instruction generator that generates an instruction to the delivery box to open the delivery box in response to the verification device validating the identity of the UAV and a determination by the communication device that the communication is established between the UAV and the delivery box. The communication device includes an autolocker communication device that outputs the instruction to the delivery box.
Abstract:
An aerial observation system is described and comprises a tethered aerial platform and a plurality of ground-based monitoring devices. The aerial platform carries a payload comprising a plurality of fixed focal length cameras mounted at selected positions about the aerial platform and communication means connected to the plurality of cameras for transmitting, independently to each of the plurality of ground-based monitoring devices, a data signal comprising image data captured by one or more of the plurality of cameras. Each ground-based monitoring device is independently operable to select and display an image area of interest from the image data contained in the data signal. By utilising fixed focal length cameras instead of the normal (but much heavier, more delicate and more power-hungry) pan, tilt and zoom cameras conventionally used in such application, sensor payload on the balloon can be reduced, robustness can be increased, and battery life improved. Moreover, multiple users are able to independently access different fields of view simply by selecting different image areas out of the image data transmitted (potentially to all base stations) from the aerial platform.
Abstract:
Wind energy systems, such as an Airborne Wind Turbine ("AWT"), may be used to facilitate conversion of kinetic energy to electrical energy. An AWT may include an aerial vehicle that flies in a path to convert kinetic wind energy to electrical energy. The aerial vehicle may be tethered to a ground station via a tether. As a result of continuous circular flights paths, the tether may rotate continuously in one direction. Thus, it may be desirable to have a cable management apparatus that allows for tether rotation and helps reduce strain on the tether.
Abstract:
Mejora del sistema de control para el aterrizaje de una aeronave VTOL no tripulada sobre una plataforma móvil, consistente en la adición de un sistema de control basado en unos sensores, que miden la tensión del cable que une la aeronave con la plataforma de aterrizaje y los ángulos de orientación de dicho cable con respecto a un sistema asociado a la aeronave, y un módulo de control que toma como entradas la tensión –tanto en magnitud como en dirección-, obtenida de los citados sensores, además de las consignas de control generadas por el controlador de la aeronave. El módulo de control objeto de la invención calcula, a partir de la tensión en el cable, correcciones a introducir en las consignas de control, que se adelantan a las perturbaciones que se producirán en la posición de la aeronave como consecuencia de los cambios en la tensión del cable.
Abstract:
본 발명은 무인항공기의 추력모터 및 탑재 전자장비에 필요한 전력을 지상에서 공급받아 장기간 공중에 체류하며 임무를 수행하고, 무인항공기의 자세 및 위치제어를 통한 자율비행으로 지상의 지령에 따른 위치에서 안정되게 체공하는 유선연결 무인항공기 시스템에 관한 것이다.
Abstract:
Method for automatically controlling the movement of a winch device (2), which is adapted to pull in or let out a cable (T), to which at least one flying device 4 is connected. The method being characterized by the following subsequent steps: a) determining the relative position between the winch device 2 and the flying device (4); b) calculating the optimal length of the cable "T" as a function of the relative distance determined during the previous step; c) activating said winch device 2, so as to obtain the desired length of the cable "T" calculated during the previous step; d) repeating the sequence of steps a)- c) for a desired amount of time; in order to obtain, in real time, the optimal length of the cable (T) as a function of the changes in the relative position between the winch device (2) and the flying device (4).
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention includes an aerial robotic surveillance vehicle (robot) equipped with a camera or other payload that can be launched from a base station, maintained in an elevated position, retrieved, and relaunched as desired. The aerial robot can be operated remotely or configured to operate autonomously. The equipment comprising the aerial robot can combine with or collapse into a centralized chassis or base unit for convenient storage and transport. The base station may provide a landing and takeoff platform for the aerial vehicle. In embodiments the robot uses a plurality of motor-driven rotors to remain airborne and includes a camera for remote viewing and electronics for stabilization of the robot's orientation. In embodiments the robot can be tethered to a movable base station that provides power to the robot through an electrical conductor in the tether. In embodiments the movable base station can be a robot, that is, it can have wheels, tracks, or the like and be remotely controlled to allow it to access areas potentially unsafe for personnel as well.
Abstract:
Аэроподъёмник включает винтомоторный блок и средство удержания винтомоторного блока относительно земной поверхности, закрепленное на винтомоторном блоке на оси вращения винта выше центра тяжести винтомоторного блока. Средство удержания винтомоторного блока относительно земной поверхности включает только трос, или трос и рычаг, закрепленные внутри винтомоторного блока, или трос и раму, охватывающую винтомоторный блок полностью или частично.
Abstract:
A method, system and a floating unit. The floating unit includes a propeller, a frame, a propeller motor that is configured to rotate the propeller about a first axis; wherein the propeller motor is coupled to the frame, a movable steering element; a controller, for controlling at least one of the propeller motor and the movable steering unit to affect at least one of a location and an orientation of the floating unit; and an interfacing module for coupling a payload to the floating unit and for receiving power from a connecting element that couples the floating unit to a ground unit; wherein the power received by the power interface is utilized to power the propeller motor and the controller.
Abstract:
This disclosure involves aerial robots (1) that dispense conductive filament (110) or systems, methods, and software for supporting such aerial robots (1). One remotely powered aerial robot system includes an aerial robot (1) and a power source (100/200). The aerial robot comprises a body (25), a first propeller (3) coupled to the body and operable to provide thrust to the aerial robot, a rotatable spool (17) coupled to the body, and a conductive filament (110) that is dispensed from the spool by rotation of the spool is one direction and retrieved by rotation of the spool in another direction. The power source is coupled with, and remote from, the aerial robot via the conductive filament, where the conductive filament is operable to power the first propeller using power from the power source.