Abstract: A system for guiding a drone to an intended destination using a remote guidance system, independent of a global positioning system installed on the drone and independent of radio guidance. The system uses a two-way optical communication channel between the guidance system and the drone. The drone and the guidance system each have a light source emitting a beam of encoded light, such as a modulated laser beam, and having an extended field of illumination, and a detector receiving the impinging light beam. The guidance system can detect the angular location of the drone emission, and can transmit instructions optically to the drone, while the drone can receive flight path instructions from the guidance system. The drone can be launched from a position that is not in the line of sight of its intended destination and guided optically from the launch position to its intended target destination.

Abstract: A system for guiding a drone to an intended destination using a remote guidance system, independent of a global positioning system installed on the drone and independent of radio guidance. The system uses a two-way optical communication channel between the guidance system and the drone. The drone and the guidance system each have a light source emitting a beam of encoded light, such as a modulated laser beam, and having an extended field of illumination, and a detector receiving the impinging light beam. The guidance system can detect the angular location of the drone emission, and can transmit instructions optically to the drone, while the drone can receive flight path instructions from the guidance system. The drone can be launched from a position that is not in the line of sight of its intended destination and guided optically from the launch position to its intended target destination.

Abstract: An airborne device for surveillance of an enclosed area, comprising a platform having illuminating imaging devices, and an attached lighter than air balloon. A vertically aligned rotor provides additional lift, a rotor directed along the length of the platform provides forward and backward motion, and additional rotors aligned sideways steer and rotate the device. The rotors are driven by electric motors powered by an on-board battery. A vertically directed distance sensor measures and controls the hovering distance of the device from the roof. A reel of optical fiber is installed at the rear end of the platform, and the optical fiber unwinds from the reel and deploys behind the device as it moves forward. This optical fiber carries image data back to a monitor. The length of fiber deployed, combined with directional and accelerometer readings can be used to determine the absolute position of the device.

Abstract: An airborne device for surveillance of an enclosed area, comprising a platform having illuminating imaging devices, and an attached lighter than air balloon. A vertically aligned rotor provides additional lift, a rotor directed along the length of the platform provides forward and backward motion, and additional rotors aligned sideways steer and rotate the device. The rotors are driven by electric motors powered by an on-board battery. A vertically directed distance sensor measures and controls the hovering distance of the device from the roof. A reel of optical fiber is installed at the rear end of the platform, and the optical fiber unwinds from the reel and deploys behind the device as it moves forward. This optical fiber carries image data back to a monitor. The length of fiber deployed, combined with directional and accelerometer readings can be used to determine the absolute position of the device.