Patents by Inventor David S. Duggan
David S. Duggan 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).
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Patent number: 9108729Abstract: A control module for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. In one example, the control module includes a plurality of control modes, wherein each control mode represents a different autonomy setting, a command generator configured to generate a command causing a selection of a first of the plurality of control modes for the unmanned aerial vehicle, and an intelligence synthesizer that automatically switches the unmanned aerial vehicle between the selected first of the plurality of control modes and a second of the plurality of control mode upon detection of a trigger event.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: L-3 Unmanned Systems, Inc.Inventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Billy B. Pate, Vince R. Longhi, Jerry L. Petersen, Mark J. Bergee
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Publication number: 20140324253Abstract: A control module for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. In one example, the control module includes a plurality of control modes, wherein each control mode represents a different autonomy setting, a command generator configured to generate a command causing a selection of a first of the plurality of control modes for the unmanned aerial vehicle, and an intelligence synthesizer that automatically switches the unmanned aerial vehicle between the selected first of the plurality of control modes and a second of the plurality of control mode upon detection of a trigger event.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: L-3 Unmanned Systems, Inc.Inventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Billy B. Pate, Vince R. Longhi, Jerry L. Petersen, Mark J. Bergee
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Patent number: 8768555Abstract: An autonomous control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. In one example, the control system includes a first control mode component configured to generate a first command to provide a first autonomous control mode for the unmanned aerial vehicle, a second control mode component configured to generate a second command to provide a second autonomous control mode for the unmanned aerial vehicle, and an intelligence synthesizer configured to resolve functional conflicts between the first and second autonomous control modes.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: L-3 Unmanned Systems, Inc.Inventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Billy B. Pate, Vince R. Longhi, Jerry L. Petersen, Mark J. Bergee
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Publication number: 20130345920Abstract: An autonomous control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. In one example, the control system includes a first control mode component configured to generate a first command to provide a first autonomous control mode for the unmanned aerial vehicle, a second control mode component configured to generate a second command to provide a second autonomous control mode for the unmanned aerial vehicle, and an intelligence synthesizer configured to resolve functional conflicts between the first and second autonomous control modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: L-3 Unmanned Systems, Inc.Inventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Billy B. Pate, Vince R. Longhi, Jerry L. Petersen, Mark J. Bergee
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Patent number: 8380425Abstract: Autonomous collision avoidance systems for unmanned aerial vehicles are disclosed. Systems illustratively include a detect and track module, an inertial navigation system, and an auto avoidance module. The detect and track module senses a potential object of collision and generates a moving object track for the potential object of collision. The inertial navigation system provides information indicative of a position and a velocity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The auto avoidance module receives the moving object track for the potential object of collision and the information indicative of the position and the velocity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The auto avoidance module utilizes the information to generate a guidance maneuver that facilitates the unmanned aerial vehicle avoiding the potential object of collision.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: L-3 Unmanned Systems, Inc.Inventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Craig S. Askew
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Patent number: 8355834Abstract: Multi-sensor autonomous control of unmanned aerial vehicles systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a variable autonomy control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle include a variable autonomy processing unit. The variable autonomy processing unit illustratively receives inputs from multiple sensors. It utilizes the inputs to generate commands to control the unmanned aerial vehicle at variable autonomy levels.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: L-3 Unmanned Systems, Inc.Inventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Billy B. Pate, Vince R. Longhi, Jerry L. Petersen, Mark J. Bergee
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Publication number: 20120123628Abstract: Multi-sensor autonomous control of unmanned aerial vehicles systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a variable autonomy control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle include a variable autonomy processing unit. The variable autonomy processing unit illustratively receives inputs from multiple sensors. It utilizes the inputs to generate commands to control the unmanned aerial vehicle at variable autonomy levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: Geneva AerospaceInventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Billy B. Pate, Vince R. Longhi, Jerry L. Peterson, Mark J. Bergee
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Patent number: 8103398Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicle control systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle includes transmitting an indication of a take-off or landing location to the unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle is launched. A control mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle is switched from an autonomous mode to a manual mode. The control mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle is switched from the manual mode to another autonomous mode, and the unmanned aerial vehicle is landed at the landing location.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: L-3 Unmanned Systems, Inc.Inventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Billy B. Pate, Vince R. Longhi, Jerry L. Petersen, Mark J. Bergee
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Patent number: 8082074Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle variable autonomy control system is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a control mode interface that provides a plurality of selectable control modes for an unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein one of the plurality of selectable control modes comprises a target tracking mode. Also included is a target editor interface provided in response to a selection of the target tracking mode, wherein the target editor interface facilitates receipt of an input indicative of a ground based moving target. The system also includes a communications component that transmits a command to the unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the command is based at least in part on the input indicative of a target.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: L-3 Unmanned Systems Inc.Inventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Billy B. Pate, Vince R. Longhi, Jerry L. Petersen, Mark J. Bergee
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Patent number: 8068950Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicle take-off and landing systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of landing an unmanned aerial vehicle includes programming a landing location for the unmanned aerial vehicle utilizing a user input device. The unmanned aerial vehicle is launched. Communications between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the user input device are interrupted, and the unmanned aerial vehicle is landed at the landing location based on the programmed landing location and not based on any real-time communication between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the user input device.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: L-3 Unmanned Systems, Inc.Inventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Billy B. Pate, Vince R. Longhi, Jerry L. Petersen, Mark J. Bergee
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Patent number: 8068949Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle variable autonomy control system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a control mode interface that provides a plurality of selectable control modes for an unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein one of the plurality of selectable control modes comprises an autonomous landing mode. Also included is a route editing interface that, following a selection of the autonomous landing mode, facilitates a receipt of an input indicative of a landing location. The system also includes a communications component that transmits a command to the unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the command is based at least in part on the input indicative of the landing location.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: L-3 Unmanned Systems, Inc.Inventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Billy B. Pate, Vince R. Longhi, Jerry L. Petersen, Mark J. Bergee
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Publication number: 20110184590Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicle take-off and landing systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of landing an unmanned aerial vehicle includes programming a landing location for the unmanned aerial vehicle utilizing a user input device. The unmanned aerial vehicle is launched. Communications between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the user input device are interrupted, and the unmanned aerial vehicle is landed at the landing location based on the programmed landing location and not based on any real-time communication between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the user input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: Geneva AerospaceInventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Billy B. Pate, Vince R. Longhi, Jerry L. Petersen, Mark J. Bergee
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Publication number: 20110130913Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicle control systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle includes transmitting an indication of a take-off or landing location to the unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle is launched. A control mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle is switched from an autonomous mode to a manual mode. The control mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle is switched from the manual mode to another autonomous mode, and the unmanned aerial vehicle is landed at the landing location.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: Geneva AerospaceInventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Billy B. Pate, Vince R. Longhi, Jerry L. Petersen, Mark J. Bergee
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Publication number: 20100332136Abstract: Autonomous collision avoidance systems for unmanned aerial vehicles are disclosed. Systems illustratively include a detect and track module, an inertial navigation system, and an auto avoidance module. The detect and track module senses a potential object of collision and generates a moving object track for the potential object of collision. The inertial navigation system provides information indicative of a position and a velocity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The auto avoidance module receives the moving object track for the potential object of collision and the information indicative of the position and the velocity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The auto avoidance module utilizes the information to generate a guidance maneuver that facilitates the unmanned aerial vehicle avoiding the potential object of collision.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: GENEVA AEROSPACE INC.Inventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Craig S. Askew
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Publication number: 20100292874Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle variable autonomy control system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a control mode interface that provides a plurality of selectable control modes for an unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein one of the plurality of selectable control modes comprises an autonomous landing mode. Also included is a route editing interface that, following a selection of the autonomous landing mode, facilitates a receipt of an input indicative of a landing location. The system also includes a communications component that transmits a command to the unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the command is based at least in part on the input indicative of the landing location.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: GENEVA AEROSPACEInventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Billy B. Pate, Vince R. Longhi, Jerry L. Petersen, Mark J. Bergee
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Publication number: 20100292873Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle variable autonomy control system is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a control mode interface that provides a plurality of selectable control modes for an unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein one of the plurality of selectable control modes comprises a target tracking mode. Also included is a target editor interface provided in response to a selection of the target tracking mode, wherein the target editor interface facilitates receipt of an input indicative of a ground based moving target. The system also includes a communications component that transmits a command to the unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the command is based at least in part on the input indicative of a target.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: GENEVA AEROSPACEInventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Billy B. Pate, Vince R. Longhi, Jerry L. Petersen, Mark J. Bergee
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Patent number: 7818127Abstract: A method and apparatus for at least semi-autonomously controlling a vehicle so as to avoid collisions are provided. A sensor is utilized to scan an area proximate the vehicle for a potential object of collision. The apparatus calculates navigational states of the potential object of collision relative to the vehicle to determine that the vehicle is on a course to enter within a predetermined miss distance relative to the potential object of collision. The apparatus alters the course of the vehicle based on the calculated navigational states.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Geneva Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Craig S. Askew
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Publication number: 20100256909Abstract: A method and apparatus for at least semi-autonomously controlling a vehicle so as to avoid collisions are provided. A sensor is utilized to scan an area proximate the vehicle for a potential object of collision. The apparatus calculates navigational states of the potential object of collision relative to the vehicle to determine that the vehicle is on a course to enter within a predetermined miss distance relative to the potential object of collision. The apparatus alters the course of the vehicle based on the calculated navigational states.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: Geneva Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Craig S. Askew
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Publication number: 20090125163Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for a vehicle control system and related sub-components that together provide an operator with a plurality of specific modes of operation, wherein various modes of operation incorporate different levels of autonomous control. Through a control user interface, an operator can move between certain modes of control even after vehicle deployment. Specialized autopilot system components and methods are employed to ensure smooth transitions between control modes. Empowered by the multi-modal control system, an operator can even manage multiple vehicles simultaneously.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: Geneva AerospaceInventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Billy B. Pate, Vince R. Longhi, Jerry L. Petersen, Mark J. Bergee
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Patent number: 7343232Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for a vehicle control system and related sub-components that together provide an operator with a plurality of specific modes of operation, wherein various modes of operation incorporate different levels of autonomous control. Through a control user interface, an operator can move between certain modes of control even after vehicle deployment. Specialized autopilot system components and methods are employed to ensure smooth transitions between control modes. Empowered by the multi-modal control system, an operator can even manage multiple vehicles simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Geneva AerospaceInventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Billy B. Pate, Vince R. Longhi, Jerry L. Petersen, Mark J. Bergee