Abstract:
Methods and systems are described for new paradigms for user interaction with an unmanned aerial vehicle (referred to as a flying digital assistant or FDA) using a portable multifunction device (PMD) such as smart phone. In some embodiments, a magic wand user interaction paradigm is described for intuitive control of an FDA using a PMD. In other embodiments, methods for scripting a shot are described.
Abstract:
The present invention discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of transforming its shape, comprising a) a control apparatus b) one or more propellers being fixed to the control apparatus, c) a multitude of flaps which are foldable reversibly from an open to a closed position, wherein the flaps provide i) in open position about a disc shape which is about in parallel to the plane of the rotating propeller, and ii) in closed position a shuttlecock shape, wherein, at least one of the flaps comprises a battery recharge element, such as a solar panel, photovoltaic element or elements, an electromagnetic harvesting element, a thermoelectric generator and/or a solar thermoelectric generator. The present invention relates also to a rotating disc being suitable for the vehicle, as well as the use of the vehicle and the rotating disc.
Abstract:
A flight system comprising an aircraft equipped with at least four rotors and having a payload, a number of rotors rotating in one direction and a number of rotors rotating in the other direction, as well as a remote control, the aircraft being connected to the remote control, so as to transmit data, via respective transmitter/receiver units, both the aircraft and the remote control having a data processing device connected to the respective transmitter/receiver unit, both the aircraft and the remote control having the same sensors for flight attitude detection, where, when there is an angle change in the remote control around its X- and/or Y- and/or Z-axis, the amount of the angle change correlates with a definable speed of the aircraft, the speed specified according to the angle change being transmitted as a target value of the data processing device of the aircraft and/or of the remote control.
Abstract:
A system for flock-based control of a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system includes UAVs each including a processor executing a local control module and memory accessible by the processor for use by the local control module. The system includes a ground station system with a processor executing a fleet manager module and with memory storing a different flight plan for each of the UAVs. The flight plans are stored on the UAVs, and, during flight operations, each of the local control modules independently controls the corresponding UAV to execute its flight plan without ongoing control from the fleet manager module. The fleet manager module is operable to initiate flight operations by concurrently triggering initiation of the flight plans by the multiple UAVs. Further, the local control modules monitor front and back end communication channels and, when a channel is lost, operate the UAV in a safe mode.
Abstract:
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes determining, by an electronic system in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an estimated fuel remaining in the UAV. An estimated fuel consumption of the UAV is determined. Estimated information associated with wind affecting the UAV is determined using information obtained from sensors included in the UAV. Estimated flights times remaining for a current path, and one or more alternative flight paths, are determined using the determined estimated fuel remaining, determined estimated fuel consumption, determined information associated wind, and information describing each flight path. In response to the electronic system determining that the estimated fuel remaining, after completion of the current flight path, would be below a first threshold, an alternative flight path is selected.
Abstract:
The method and system may be used to control the movement of a remote aerial device in an incremental step manner during a close inspection of an object or other subject matter. At the inspection location, a control module “stabilizes” the remote aerial device in a maintained, consistent hover while maintaining a close distance to the desired object. The control module may retrieve proximal sensor data that indicates possible nearby obstructions to the remote aerial device and may transmit the data to a remote control client. The remote control module may determine and display the possible one or more non-obstructed directions that the remote aerial device is capable of moving by an incremental distance. In response to receiving a selection of one of the directions, the remote control module may transmit the selection to the remote aerial device to indicate the next movement for the remote aerial device.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a launched aerial surveillance vehicle, more specifically to a grenade or under-slung grenade launcher (UGL) aerial surveillance vehicle, a surveillance system and methods of providing rapid aerial surveillance.The vehicle once deployed is capable of autonomous flight paths, with basic inputs to change the circular flight paths, so as to build up surveillance for an area of interest. The vehicle comprises at least on optical sensor, which may be IR or visible range, to survey the area of interest, and feed the images back to at least one remote user.
Abstract:
A system and method for time-space-position-information (TSPI) includes at least one air-based platform having an on-board navigation system. The on-board navigation system includes a dedicated on-board transmitter and a dedicated on-board receiver. A plurality of ground-based receiver nodes are in communication with the on-board transmitter of the air-based platform. A plurality of ground-based pseudolite transmitter nodes are in communication with the on-board receiver of the air-based platform. The system can provide TSPI solutions for the air-based platform during range and field testing. A ground-based station controls and monitors system components and processes data.
Abstract:
Devices, systems and methods for utilizing a remotely-controlled aerial vehicle for emergency situations are disclosed. In an aspect of the present disclosure, a remotely-controlled aerial vehicle consisting of a rotor with interchangeably attached blades, a camera, an antenna for transmitting data, and rescue equipment which may be used to assist an endangered person on location is disclosed. In another aspect, the aerial vehicle further comprises a light source to assist in the use of the device at night, a pressure gun to assist in the delivery of rope or other materials in mountain side situations, an explosive device dropping mechanism, and a cable hoist.
Abstract:
A system and method are provided for controlling a plurality of vehicles to affect positioning of a common payload. The system comprises of multiple vehicles having positioners to change the location of the common payload, where the group of vehicles form a swarm that is controlled by a driver or pilot station. Each vehicle is autonomously stabilized and guided through a swarm electronics unit, which further includes sensor, communication, and processing hardware. At the driver or pilot station, a system or a person remotely enters payload destinations, which is processed and communicated to each vehicle. The method for controlling a multi-vehicle system includes inputting the desired location of the payload and determining a series of intermediary payload waypoints. Next, these payload waypoints are used by the swarm waypoint controller to generate individual waypoints for each vehicle. A controller for each vehicle moves the vehicle to these individual waypoints.