Patents by Inventor Brett Michael Bethke
Brett Michael Bethke has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Publication number: 20240092483Abstract: A portion of a vertical structure is determined for inspection by an unmanned aerial vehicle. A flight plan including safe locations around the vertical structure is determined. Each of the safe locations is associated with a respective column of waypoints. The unmanned aerial vehicle navigates according to the flight plan by navigating to a first safe location of the safe locations, navigating vertically along a first column associated with the first safe location, activating sensors to obtain respective sensor information at at least some of the waypoints associated with the first safe location, navigating to a second safe location of the safe locations, navigating vertically along a second column associated with the second safe location, and activating the sensors to obtain respective sensor information at at least some of the waypoints associated with the second safe location.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Mark Patrick Bauer, Bernard J. Michini, Brett Michael Bethke
-
Patent number: 11933613Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for ground control point assignment and determination. One of the methods includes receiving information describing a flight plan for the UAV to implement, the flight plan identifying one or more waypoints associated with geographic locations assigned as ground control points. A first waypoint identified in the flight plan is traveled to, and an action to designate a surface at the associated geographic location is designated as a ground control point. Location information associated with the designated surface is stored. The stored location information is provided to an outside system for storage.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Bernard J. Michini, Brett Michael Bethke, Fabien Blanc-Paques
-
Patent number: 11874656Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2017Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Brett Michael Bethke, Bernard J. Michini, Jonathan Anders Lovegren, Patrick Michael Bouffard
-
Publication number: 20230358538Abstract: Landmarks are identified based on images of an area. A path is generated for a vehicle to traverse the area that includes the landmarks. Precise locations information indicative of locations of the vehicle and captured by a high accuracy position receiver of the vehicle while the vehicle traverses the path are received from the vehicle. At least some of the precise locations information are associated with the landmarks. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) data are received from a UAV. The UAV data include aerial images of the area captured by the UAV and UAV location information corresponding to the aerial images. A three-dimensional model of the area is generated based on at least some of the precise locations information and the aerial images.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventors: Bernard J. Michini, Brett Michael Bethke, Hui Li
-
Publication number: 20230358537Abstract: Aerial images captured by a first device are received. A landmark is identified in an aerial image of the aerial images. A determination is made, based on data in a data store, that the landmark is identified as a control point. Precise location information is associated with the control point in the data store. The precise location information indicates a location of a second device at a time that a third device that is different from the second device captured a prior image that includes the landmark. Imagery are generated using photogrammetry software based on the aerial image and the precise location information.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventors: Bernard J. Michini, Brett Michael Bethke, Hui Li
-
Patent number: 11794890Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes obtaining, from a user device, flight operation information describing an inspection of a vertical structure to be performed, the flight operation information including locations of one or more safe locations for vertical inspection. A location of the UAV is determined to correspond to a first safe location for vertical inspection. A first inspection of the structure is performed is performed at the first safe location, the first inspection including activating cameras. A second safe location is traveled to, and a second inspection of the structure is performed. Information associated with the inspection is provided to the user device.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Mark Patrick Bauer, Bernard J. Michini, Brett Michael Bethke
-
Patent number: 11725940Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial vehicle control point selection system. A first unmanned aerial vehicle can navigate about a geographic area while a second unmanned aerial vehicle can capture images of the first unmanned aerial vehicle. Location information of the first unmanned aerial vehicle can be recorded, and a system can identify the first unmanned aerial vehicle in the captured images. Utilizing the recorded location information, the system can identify landmarks proximate to the first unmanned aerial vehicle identified in the images, and determine location information of the landmarks. The landmarks can be assigned as ground control points for subsequent flight plans.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Bernard J. Michini, Brett Michael Bethke, Hui Li
-
Publication number: 20230213931Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes obtaining, from a user device, flight operation information describing an inspection of a vertical structure to be performed, the flight operation information including locations of one or more safe locations for vertical inspection. A location of the UAV is determined to correspond to a first safe location for vertical inspection. A first inspection of the structure is performed is performed at the first safe location, the first inspection including activating cameras. A second safe location is traveled to, and a second inspection of the structure is performed. Information associated with the inspection is provided to the user device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2022Publication date: July 6, 2023Inventors: Brett Michael Bethke, Hui Li, Bernard J. Michini
-
Patent number: 11550315Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes obtaining, from a user device, flight operation information describing an inspection of a vertical structure to be performed, the flight operation information including locations of one or more safe locations for vertical inspection. A location of the UAV is determined to correspond to a first safe location for vertical inspection. A first inspection of the structure is performed is performed at the first safe location, the first inspection including activating cameras. A second safe location is traveled to, and a second inspection of the structure is performed. Information associated with the inspection is provided to the user device.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Brett Michael Bethke, Hui Li, Bernard J. Michini
-
Publication number: 20220381561Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for ground control point assignment and determination. One of the methods includes receiving information describing a flight plan for the UAV to implement, the flight plan identifying one or more waypoints associated with geographic locations assigned as ground control points. A first waypoint identified in the flight plan is traveled to, and an action to designate a surface at the associated geographic location is designated as a ground control point. Location information associated with the designated surface is stored. The stored location information is provided to an outside system for storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2022Publication date: December 1, 2022Inventors: Bernard J. Michini, Brett Michael Bethke, Fabien Blanc-Paques
-
Patent number: 11421990Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for ground control point assignment and determination. One of the methods includes receiving information describing a flight plan for the UAV to implement, the flight plan identifying one or more waypoints associated with geographic locations assigned as ground control points. A first waypoint identified in the flight plan is traveled to, and an action to designate a surface at the associated geographic location is designated as a ground control point. Location information associated with the designated surface is stored. The stored location information is provided to an outside system for storage.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2017Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Bernard J. Michini, Brett Michael Bethke, Fabien Blanc-Paques
-
Publication number: 20220144419Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes obtaining, from a user device, flight operation information describing an inspection of a vertical structure to be performed, the flight operation information including locations of one or more safe locations for vertical inspection. A location of the UAV is determined to correspond to a first safe location for vertical inspection. A first inspection of the structure is performed is performed at the first safe location, the first inspection including activating cameras. A second safe location is traveled to, and a second inspection of the structure is performed. Information associated with the inspection is provided to the user device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2021Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Mark Patrick Bauer, Bernard J. Michini, Brett Michael Bethke
-
Publication number: 20220148445Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes receiving, by the UAV, flight information describing a job to perform an inspection of a rooftop. A particular altitude is ascended to, and an inspection of the rooftop is performed including obtaining sensor information describing the rooftop. Location information identifying a damaged area of the rooftop is received. The damaged area of the rooftop is traveled to. An inspection of the damaged area of the rooftop is performed including obtaining detailed sensor information describing the damaged area. A safe landing location is traveled to.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2021Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Mark Patrick Bauer, Brian Richman, Alan Jay Poole, Bernard J. Michini, Jonathan Anders Lovegren, Brett Michael Bethke, Hui Li
-
Publication number: 20220074744Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial vehicle control point selection system. A first unmanned aerial vehicle can navigate about a geographic area while a second unmanned aerial vehicle can capture images of the first unmanned aerial vehicle. Location information of the first unmanned aerial vehicle can be recorded, and a system can identify the first unmanned aerial vehicle in the captured images. Utilizing the recorded location information, the system can identify landmarks proximate to the first unmanned aerial vehicle identified in the images, and determine location information of the landmarks. The landmarks can be assigned as ground control points for subsequent flight plans.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2021Publication date: March 10, 2022Inventors: Bernard J. Michini, Brett Michael Bethke, Hui Li
-
Patent number: 11203425Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes obtaining, from a user device, flight operation information describing an inspection of a vertical structure to be performed, the flight operation information including locations of one or more safe locations for vertical inspection. A location of the UAV is determined to correspond to a first safe location for vertical inspection. A first inspection of the structure is performed is performed at the first safe location, the first inspection including activating cameras. A second safe location is traveled to, and a second inspection of the structure is performed. Information associated with the inspection is provided to the user device.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Mark Patrick Bauer, Bernard J. Michini, Brett Michael Bethke
-
Patent number: 11150089Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial vehicle control point selection system. A first unmanned aerial vehicle can navigate about a geographic area while a second unmanned aerial vehicle can capture images of the first unmanned aerial vehicle. Location information of the first unmanned aerial vehicle can be recorded, and a system can identify the first unmanned aerial vehicle in the captured images. Utilizing the recorded location information, the system can identify landmarks proximate to the first unmanned aerial vehicle identified in the images, and determine location information of the landmarks. The landmarks can be assigned as ground control points for subsequent flight plans.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2016Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Bernard J. Michini, Brett Michael Bethke, Hui Li
-
Publication number: 20210240206Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial vehicle control point selection system. A first unmanned aerial vehicle can navigate about a geographic area while a second unmanned aerial vehicle can capture images of the first unmanned aerial vehicle. Location information of the first unmanned aerial vehicle can be recorded, and a system can identify the first unmanned aerial vehicle in the captured images. Utilizing the recorded location information, the system can identify landmarks proximate to the first unmanned aerial vehicle identified in the images, and determine location information of the landmarks. The landmarks can be assigned as ground control points for subsequent flight plans.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2016Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Bernard J. Michini, Brett Michael Bethke, Hui Li
-
Publication number: 20210065563Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes receiving, by the UAV, flight information describing a job to perform an inspection of a rooftop. A particular altitude is ascended to, and an inspection of the rooftop is performed including obtaining sensor information describing the rooftop. Location information identifying a damaged area of the rooftop is received. The damaged area of the rooftop is traveled to. An inspection of the damaged area of the rooftop is performed including obtaining detailed sensor information describing the damaged area. A safe landing location is traveled to.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2018Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Mark Patrick Bauer, Brian Richman, Alan Jay Poole, Bernard J. Michini, Jonathan Anders Lovegren, Brett Michael Bethke, Hui Li
-
Publication number: 20210055721Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes obtaining, from a user device, flight operation information describing an inspection of a vertical structure to be performed, the flight operation information including locations of one or more safe locations for vertical inspection. A location of the UAV is determined to correspond to a first safe location for vertical inspection. A first inspection of the structure is performed is performed at the first safe location, the first inspection including activating cameras. A second safe location is traveled to, and a second inspection of the structure is performed. Information associated with the inspection is provided to the user device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2020Publication date: February 25, 2021Inventors: Brett Michael Bethke, Hui Li, Bernard J. Michini
-
Patent number: 10761525Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes obtaining, from a user device, flight operation information describing an inspection of a vertical structure to be performed, the flight operation information including locations of one or more safe locations for vertical inspection. A location of the UAV is determined to correspond to a first safe location for vertical inspection. A first inspection of the structure is performed is performed at the first safe location, the first inspection including activating cameras. A second safe location is traveled to, and a second inspection of the structure is performed. Information associated with the inspection is provided to the user device.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2017Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Brett Michael Bethke, Hui Li, Bernard J. Michini