公开(公告)号：US09646283B2

公开(公告)日：2017-05-09

申请号：US14282419

申请日：2014-05-20

Applicant: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.

Inventor： Igor Kantor ,  Ashok N. Srivastava ,  Douglas M. Pasko ,  Hani Batla ,  Gurpreet Ubhi

IPC: G06Q10/08 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64D1/02 ,  G08G5/00

CPC classification number: G06Q10/08355 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64D1/02 ,  G08G5/0013 ,  G08G5/0026 ,  G08G5/0034 ,  G08G5/006 ,  G08G5/0069

Abstract: A device receives a request for a flight path for a UAV to travel from a first location to a second location, and determines capability information for the UAV based on component information of the UAV. The device calculates the flight path based on the capability information, and generates flight path instructions that include delivery confirmation instructions. The device provides the flight path instructions to the UAV to permit the UAV to travel from the first location to the second location to deliver a payload, and obtains, based on the delivery confirmation instructions, user credentials associated with a user at the second location. The device determines whether the user is an authorized recipient of the payload, based on the user credentials, and causes the UAV to selectively deliver the payload to the user based on whether the user is the authorized recipient of the payload.

公开(公告)号：US09639091B2

公开(公告)日：2017-05-02

申请号：US14794054

申请日：2015-07-08

Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.

Inventor： Richard Carpenter

IPC: B60T17/18 ,  G05D7/06 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/108 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  B64C2201/208 ,  B64D1/22 ,  G01N1/10

Abstract: A system for collecting a fluid sample from a machine having a fluid module is provided. The system includes a docking station disposed on the machine. The system also includes a pump selectively disposed in fluid communication with the fluid module of the machine. The pump is configured to draw a fluid from the fluid module. The system further includes an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The UAV is configured to detachably dock onto the docking station. The UAV is also configured to collect the fluid sample from the pump.

公开(公告)号：US20170115668A1

公开(公告)日：2017-04-27

申请号：US15401893

申请日：2017-01-09

Applicant: SUNLIGHT PHOTONICS INC.

Inventor： SERGEY V. FROLOV ,  JOHN PETER MOUSSOURIS ,  MICHAEL CYRUS

IPC: G05D1/10 ,  B64C3/56 ,  B64C29/00 ,  G08G7/02

CPC classification number: G05D1/104 ,  B64C3/56 ,  B64C29/0016 ,  B64C37/02 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/066 ,  B64C2201/088 ,  B64C2201/102 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  B64C2201/143 ,  B64C2201/145 ,  B64D1/02 ,  G05D1/0022 ,  G05D1/0027 ,  G05D1/005 ,  G05D1/0212 ,  G05D1/0669 ,  G05D1/102 ,  G08G5/0008 ,  G08G5/0013 ,  G08G5/0017 ,  G08G5/0021 ,  G08G5/003 ,  G08G5/0065 ,  G08G5/0069 ,  G08G5/025 ,  G08G5/045 ,  G08G7/02 ,  Y02T50/14

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an alternative distributed airborne transportation system. In some embodiments, a method for distributed airborne transportation includes: providing an airborne vehicle with a wing and a wing span, having capacity to carry one or more of passengers or cargo; landing of the airborne vehicle near one or more of passengers or cargo and loading at least one of passengers or cargo; taking-off and determining a flight direction for the airborne vehicle; locating at least one other airborne vehicle, which has substantially the same flight direction; and joining at least one other airborne vehicle in flight formation and forming a fleet, in which airborne vehicles fly with the same speed and direction and in which adjacent airborne vehicles are separated by distance of less than 100 wing spans.

公开(公告)号：US20170081045A1

公开(公告)日：2017-03-23

申请号：US15364852

申请日：2016-11-30

Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Charles Calvin Byers ,  Gonzalo Salgueiro

IPC: B64F5/60 ,  B64F1/00 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64F5/60 ,  A47G29/14 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/00 ,  B64C2201/024 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/066 ,  B64C2201/08 ,  B64C2201/108 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/162 ,  B64C2201/18 ,  B64D1/00 ,  B64F1/00 ,  B64F1/04 ,  B64F1/12 ,  G06Q10/0832

Abstract: In one embodiment, a controller instructs an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) docked to a landing perch to perform a pre-flight test operation of a pre-flight test routine. The controller receives sensor data associated with the pre-flight test operation from one or more force sensors of the landing perch, in response to the UAV performing the pre-flight test operation. The controller determines whether the sensor data associated with the pre-flight test operation is within an acceptable range. The controller causes the UAV to launch from the landing perch based in part on a determination that UAV has passed the pre-flight test routine.

公开(公告)号：US09586683B1

公开(公告)日：2017-03-07

申请号：US14580066

申请日：2014-12-22

Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： Daniel Buchmueller ,  Gur Kimchi ,  Louis LeRoi LeGrand, III ,  Samuel Park ,  Christopher Hammond Sczudlo ,  Ricky Dean Welsh ,  Neil Whitney Woodward, III

IPC: G05D1/10 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/027 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  B64C2201/108 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64C2201/165 ,  G05D1/0005 ,  G05D1/0858 ,  G05D1/101

Abstract: This disclosure describes a configuration of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that will facilitate extended flight duration. The UAV may have any number of lifting motors. For example, the UAV may include four lifting motors (also known as a quad-copter), eight lifting motors (octo-copter), etc. Likewise, to improve the efficiency of horizontal flight, the UAV also includes a thrusting motor and propeller assembly that is oriented at approximately ninety degrees to one or more of the lifting motors. When the UAV is moving horizontally, it may be determined if the horizontal airspeed of the UAV exceeds an airspeed threshold. If the horizontal airspeed exceeds the airspeed threshold, the thrusting motor may be engaged and the thrusting propeller will aid in the horizontal propulsion of the UAV.

Abstract translation: 本公开描述了将有助于延长飞行持续时间的无人驾驶飞行器（UAV）的配置。 无人机可能有任何数量的起重马达。 例如，无人机可以包括四台提升马达（也称为四通机），八台起升马达（八重直升机）等。同样地，为了提高水平飞行的效率，无人机还包括推进马达和推进器 组件，其定向在一个或多个起重马达上大约九十度。 当UAV水平移动时，可以确定UAV的水平空速是否超过空速阈值。 如果水平空速超过空速阈值，则推力马达可以接合，并且推进螺旋桨将有助于UAV的水平推进。

公开(公告)号：US09580173B1

公开(公告)日：2017-02-28

申请号：US14584195

申请日：2014-12-29

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： James Ryan Burgess ,  Joanna Cohen

IPC: B64D1/12 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  B64D1/22

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that includes a retractable payload delivery system. The payload delivery system can lower a payload to the ground using a delivery device that secures the payload during descent and releases the payload upon reaching the ground. The location of the delivery device can be determined as it is lowered to the ground using image tracking. The UAV can include an imaging system that captures image data of the suspended delivery device and identifies image coordinates of the delivery device, and the image coordinates can then be mapped to a location. The UAV may also be configured to account for any deviations from a planned path of descent in real time to effect accurate delivery locations of released payloads.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种包括可伸缩有效载荷传送系统的无人驾驶飞行器（UAV）。 有效载荷传送系统可以使用在下降期间固定有效载荷并在到达地面时释放有效载荷的传送装置将有效载荷降低到地面。 输送装置的位置可以通过使用图像跟踪降低到地面来确定。 UAV可以包括成像系统，其捕获悬挂的传送设备的图像数据并且识别传送设备的图像坐标，然后可以将图像坐标映射到位置。 UAV还可以被配置为实时地考虑到计划的下降路径的任何偏差，以实现已发布的有效载荷的准确传送位置。

公开(公告)号：US20170046873A1

公开(公告)日：2017-02-16

申请号：US15338700

申请日：2016-10-31

Applicant: Charlie TERRY ,  Jordan BATES ,  Alan LOMBADU ,  Josh GODWIN ,  Richard MURPHY ,  Lee PRIEST

Inventor： Charlie TERRY ,  Jordan BATES ,  Alan LOMBADU ,  Josh GODWIN ,  Richard MURPHY ,  Lee PRIEST

IPC: G06T17/05 ,  H04N13/02 ,  B64C39/02 ,  H04W16/18

CPC classification number: G06T17/05 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/123 ,  B64C2201/127 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  G05D1/0094 ,  H04N13/221 ,  H04N13/275

Abstract: Systems and methods for developing a three-dimensional (3D) model of a cell site using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to obtain photos and/or video include preparing the UAV for flight and programming an autonomous flight path about a cell tower at the cell site, wherein the autonomous flight path comprises a substantially circular flight path about the cell tower with one or more cameras on the UAV facing the cell tower; flying the UAV around the cell tower in a plurality of orbits comprising at least four orbits each with a different set of characteristics of altitude, radius, and camera angle, wherein the flying comprises of at least four orbits for a monopole cell tower and at least five orbits for a self-support/guyed cell tower; obtaining photos and/or video of the cell tower, the cell site, and cell site components during each of the plurality of orbits; and using the photos and/or video to develop the point cloud three-dimensional (3D) model of the cell site.

Abstract translation: 使用无人驾驶飞行器（UAV）开发三维（3D）模型的获取照片和/或视频的系统和方法包括准备无人机以进行飞行和编程关于细胞塔的自主飞行路径 其中所述自主飞行路径包括围绕所述细胞塔的基本上圆形的飞行路径，所述无人机的一个或多个照相机面向所述细胞塔; 在包括至少四个轨道的多个轨道中的无人机周围飞行无人机，每个轨道具有不同的高度，半径和摄像机角度的特征集，其中飞行包括用于单极单元塔的至少四个轨道，并且至少 五个轨道用于自支撑/人造细胞塔; 在所述多个轨道的每一个期间获得所述细胞塔，细胞部位和细胞部位组分的照片和/或视频; 并使用照片和/或视频来开发小区站点的点云三维（3D）模型。

公开(公告)号：US20170043871A1

公开(公告)日：2017-02-16

申请号：US15339400

申请日：2016-10-31

Applicant: X Development LLC

Inventor： Leila Takayama ,  Matthew Ball ,  Joanna Cohen ,  Roger William Graves ,  Mathias Samuel Fleck ,  Andrew Lambert ,  James Ryan Burgess ,  Paul Richard Komarek ,  Trevor Shannon

IPC: B64D1/02 ,  B64D47/06 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64D1/02 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  B64C2201/141 ,  B64C2201/146 ,  B64D1/12 ,  B64D1/22 ,  B64D47/06

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that includes a retractable payload delivery system. The payload delivery system can lower a payload to the ground using an assembly that secures the payload during descent and releases the payload upon reaching the ground. The assembly can also include a bystander communication module for generating cues for bystander perception. While the assembly securing the payload is being lowered from the UAV, the bystander communication module can generate an avoidance cue indicating that bystanders should avoid interference with the assembly. The assembly also includes sensors that generate data used, at least in part, to determine when the descending assembly is at or near the ground, at which point the assembly releases the payload. The bystander communication module can then cease the avoidance cue and the UAV can retract the assembly.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种包括可伸缩有效载荷传送系统的无人驾驶飞行器（UAV）。 有效载荷传送系统可以使用在下降期间固定有效载荷并在到达地面时释放有效负载的组件将有效载荷降低到地面。 组件还可以包括旁路通信模块，用于产生旁观者感知的线索。 当固定有效载荷的组件正在从UAV降低时，旁路通信模块可以产生避免提示，指示旁观者应避免干扰组件。 组件还包括生成数据的传感器，至少部分地用于确定下降组件何时位于或接近地面，在该点组装件释放有效载荷。 旁观者通信模块可以停止回避提示，并且UAV可以收回组件。

公开(公告)号：USD776571S1

公开(公告)日：2017-01-17

申请号：US29529811

申请日：2015-06-10

Applicant: University of Kansas

Designer： Ronald M. Barrett ,  Robert B. Honea ,  Richard B. Bramlette

CPC classification number: A63H27/12 ,  A63H27/02 ,  A63H33/003 ,  B64C25/06 ,  B64C29/02 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/104 ,  B64C2201/108 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  B64C2203/00 ,  B64D27/02

Abstract: An aerial vehicle capable of convertible flight from hover to linear flight includes a body having a longitudinal body axis, a plurality of forward wings, a plurality of aft wings, at least one motor, and at least three aerodynamic propulsors driven by the at least one motor. Each forward wing extends a forward wing plane. Each aft wing extends from an aft wing plane. The aerodynamic propulsors are mounted longitudinally between the plurality of forward wings and plurality of aft wings.

Abstract translation: 能够从悬停到线性飞行的可转换飞行的飞行器包括具有纵向轴线的主体，多个前翼，多个后翼，至少一个马达以及由至少一个驱动的至少三个空气动力推进器 发动机。 每个前翼延伸一个前翼平面。 每个后翼从后翼平面延伸。 空气动力学推进器纵向安装在多个前翼和多个后翼之间。

公开(公告)号：US20170011338A1

公开(公告)日：2017-01-12

申请号：US14795566

申请日：2015-07-09

Applicant: HERE Global B.V.

Inventor： Leon STENNETH ,  Leo MODICA

IPC: G06Q10/08

CPC classification number: G06Q10/0832 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  G01C21/32 ,  G06K9/00637 ,  G06Q10/083 ,  G06Q50/30 ,  G08G5/0013 ,  G08G5/0026 ,  G08G5/0069 ,  G08G5/0086 ,  G08G5/025

Abstract: An approach is provided for providing geographic delivery location for aerial package delivery. The approach involves determining building footprint information for at least one building associated with at least one geographic address. The approach also involves determining source data associated with the at least one building, the at least one geographic address, or a combination thereof. The approach further involves processing and/or facilitating a processing of the building footprint information and the source data to determine one or more entrances associated with the at least one building. The approach also involves processing and/or facilitating a processing of the source data associated with the one or more entrances to determine one or more delivery surfaces for the at least one geographic address.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于提供空中包装递送的地理交付位置的方法。 所述方法涉及确定与至少一个地理地址相关联的至少一个建筑物的建筑物足迹信息。 该方法还涉及确定与至少一个建筑物，至少一个地理地址或其组合相关联的源数据。 该方法还涉及处理和/或促进对建筑物足迹信息和源数据的处理，以确定与至少一个建筑物相关联的一个或多个入口。 该方法还涉及处理和/或促进与一个或多个入口相关联的源数据的处理，以确定至少一个地理地址的一个或多个递送表面。