Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that includes a chassis and a gimbal module. The gimbal module includes at least one optical component that facilitates image capture, and is configured for removable connection to the chassis to facilitate repeated connection and disconnection of the gimbal module and interchangeability amongst a plurality of gimbal modules.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, for an unmanned aerial vehicle electromagnetic avoidance and utilization system. One of the methods includes obtaining a flight package indicating a flight pattern associated with inspecting a structure, the flight pattern causing the UAV to remain at a standoff distance from the structure, wherein the standoff distance is based on an electromagnetic field associated with the structure, and wherein the flight pattern is laterally constrained according to a property geofence associated with a right of way of the structure. The UAV is navigated according to the flight pattern, and the UAV captures images of the structure. For an initial portion of the flight pattern, the UAV navigates at an altitude based on the standoff distance and the property geofence towards the structure. The UAV determines a location at which to capture images of the structure, and the UAV provides the captured images to a user device.

Abstract: Autonomous aerial vehicle technology and, more specifically, environmental illumination for autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles involves, in some embodiments, a UAV including upward-facing image capture devices, downward-facing image capture devices, one or more illumination sources, and a computer system. The computer system is configured to direct the one or more illumination sources to selectively emit light into a surrounding physical environment while the UAV is in flight, process images captured by any one or more of the plurality of upward-facing image capture devices or the plurality of downward-facing image capture devices to estimate a position and/or orientation of the aerial vehicle, generate a planned trajectory for the aerial vehicle through a physical environment based on the processing of the images, and control a propulsion system and/or flight surface of the aerial vehicle to cause the aerial vehicle to autonomously maneuver along the planned trajectory.

Abstract: Autonomous return to dock and docking procedures includes a dock and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The dock includes a first fiducial and second fiducial. The UAV includes a camera, one or more processors, and one or more memories. The one or more processors configured to execute instructions stored in the one or more memories to determine to use the dock for a landing operation by processing a first image depicting the first fiducial, to determine a UAV placement for the landing operation at the dock by processing a second image depicting the second fiducial, and to perform the landing operation to land the UAV at the dock according to the UAV placement.

Abstract: A method, including receiving a first set of ultrasonic responses to first ultrasonic signals transmitted using one or more transducers; generating a confidence value based on a detection of a target value using the first set of ultrasonic responses; receiving a second set of ultrasonic responses to second ultrasonic signals transmitted using the one or more transducers; and updating the confidence value using the second set of ultrasonic responses.

Abstract: A method of docking an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a base station. The method includes landing the UAV on a landing platform of the base station; generally aligning the UAV with a charging hub of the base station; repositioning the UAV on the landing platform via engagement with the charging hub; and deflecting the charging hub to generally align electrical contacts on the UAV with corresponding electrical contacts on the charging hub.

Abstract: Provided herein are various enhancements for unmanned aerial vehicles and operations. An unmanned aerial vehicle includes a wireless communication system configured to establish a wireless link for at least flight control information for the unmanned aerial vehicle. The wireless communication system is configured to monitor the flight control information using a first wireless channel having a first bandwidth and periodically tune away to a second wireless channel having a second bandwidth wider than the first bandwidth for transmission of a beacon frame that includes remote identification information corresponding to the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A base station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that includes: a body; a landing platform that is supported by the body and which is configured to receive the UAV; and a charging hub that is configured for connection to the UAV. The charging hub is repositionable between an extended position, in which the charging hub is exposed from the landing platform, and a retracted position, in which the charging hub is concealed by the landing platform to thereby increase available landing space for the UAV on the landing platform.

Abstract: In some examples, a computing apparatus may include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media and program instructions stored on the one or more computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more processors, direct the computing apparatus to perform various steps. For example, the program instructions may continually present a graphical user interface (GUI) at the computing apparatus including a display of a current view of the physical environment from a perspective of an aerial vehicle. The program instructions may detect user interactions with the GUI while the aerial vehicle is in flight. The user interactions may include instructions directing the aerial vehicle to maneuver within the physical environment and configure parameters for scanning a three-dimensional (3D) scan volume. The program instruction may then transmit, to the aerial vehicle, data encoding the instructions for performing a 3D scan of the 3D scan volume.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for generation of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle flight plans based on triggered sensor information. One of the methods includes accessing information correlated from sensors monitoring features of weather events, and determining an upcoming weather event, the determination comprising one or more areas expected to be affected by the weather event. A likelihood of damage associated with the weather event is determined to be greater than a threshold in the areas. The weather event is monitored while areas in which the likelihood is greater than the threshold are updated accordingly. Subsequent to the weather event, properties to be inspected by unmanned aerial vehicles are determined based on severity information associated with the weather event.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle flight for performing an inspection of land, property, structures or other objects. Automated aerial surveys allow a UAV to obtain aerial data without human manual control of a UAV. For certain aerial surveys, a UAV is not capable of completing the survey without refueling, or exchanging out used batteries for fresh batteries. For such aerial surveys, a method and system is needed to allow an operator to automatically perform an aerial survey while determining battery usage and replacement. Also, in circumstances where manual control of the UAV is needed, contingency-based software controls may be needed.

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: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for reserving airspace for UAV operations. In some implementations, a flight planning system can reserve and allocate airspace for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations. For example, a UAV operator device can submit a flight plan to the flight planning system. The flight planning system can submit a flight authorization request to an airspace management system to reserve airspace necessary for the flight plan. The flight planning system can receive approval and/or a reservation of the airspace for the flight plan from the airspace management system, generate a flight data package, and send the flight data package to the operator's device.

Abstract: A method of using a base station to charge an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed. The method includes: docking the UAV with a cradle of the base station; retracting the cradle into an enclosure of the base station via a slide mechanism; and electrically connecting a power source of the UAV to a charging hub connected to the slide mechanism to thereby charge the power source.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A method includes capturing a raw video stream input using one or more camera sensors of the UAV. The method includes quantifying characteristics of motion of the UAV as commanded by a user of the UAV. The method includes quantifying characteristics of total motion of the one or more camera sensors including the motion commanded by the user. The method includes subtracting the characteristics of the motion commanded by the user from the characteristics of the total motion to generate a residual. The method includes applying electronic image stabilization to the raw video stream based on the residual to generate a stabilized video stream output. Accounting for unintended UAV motion in EIS separate and apart from the total motion being experienced by the UAV can significantly enhance a UAV user's video viewing experience.

Abstract: Sports and fitness applications for an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are described. In an example embodiment, a UAV can be configured to track a human subject using perception inputs from one or more onboard sensors. The perception inputs can be utilized to generate values for various performance metrics associated with the activity of the human subject. In some embodiments, the perception inputs can be utilized to autonomously maneuver the UAV to lead the human subject to satisfy a performance goal. The UAV can also be configured to autonomously capture images of a sporting event and/or make rule determinations while officiating a sporting event.

Abstract: A charging hub for a base station that is configured to receive an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during docking. The charging hub includes a first bracket and a second bracket that is operatively connected to the first bracket such that the second bracket is movable in relation thereto along a vertical axis of movement to thereby reposition the charging hub from a retracted position into an extended position and facilitate electrical connection of the charging hub to the UAV.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A method includes capturing a video stream using one or more camera sensors of the UAV. The method includes transmitting data representative of the video stream to a ground station communicably coupled to the UAV. The method includes determining one or more performance characteristics of a communications link between the UAV and the ground station. The method includes adjusting a resolution of the video stream according to the one or more performance characteristics of the communication link. Embodiments of the present technology provide continuity of video quality for viewing by UAV users at ground stations responsive to variations in video data transmission capacity during flight operations with minimal, or no, detrimental impact on user experience.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle modular command priority determination and filtering system. One of the methods includes enabling control of the UAV by a first control source that provides modular commands to the UAV, each modular command being a command associated with performance of one or more actions by the UAV. Modular commands from a second control source requesting control of the UAV are received. The second control source is determined to be in control of the UAV based on priority information associated with each control source. Control of the UAV is enabled by the second control source, and modular commands are implemented.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that includes: a chassis; a plurality of arms that extend outwardly from the chassis; a plurality of propeller assemblies that are supported by the plurality of arms; a canopy that is connected to the chassis so as to provide an outer cover for the UAV that is configured to protect internal components thereof; a frame that is supported by the canopy such that the frame is isolated from the chassis; and a plurality of image capture assemblies that are supported by the frame such that the frame separates the plurality of image capture assemblies from the chassis and the canopy so as to inhibit relative movement between the plurality of image capture assemblies during operation of the UAV.