Patents by Inventor Donald Curry Weigel

Donald Curry Weigel 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).

  • Patent number: 11835350
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for determining asset efficiency. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) may be used to obtain aerial images of locations, property or structures. The aerial images may be geo-rectified, and a ortho-mosaic, digital surface model, or a point cloud may be created. In the context of an operation where mobile assets are used, such as construction or earth moving equipment, location-based event information may be obtained. The location-based event information may be used to determine road segment conditions or road topology where problematic road conditions likely exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Skydio, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabien Blanc-Paques, Mark Christian, Donald Curry Weigel
  • Publication number: 20230334993
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes determining, by an electronic system in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an estimated fuel remaining in the UAV. An estimated fuel consumption of the UAV is determined. Estimated information associated with wind affecting the UAV is determined using information obtained from sensors included in the UAV. Estimated flights times remaining for a current path, and one or more alternative flight paths, are determined using the determined estimated fuel remaining, determined estimated fuel consumption, determined information associated wind, and information describing each flight path. In response to the electronic system determining that the estimated fuel remaining, after completion of the current flight path, would be below a first threshold, an alternative flight path is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden
  • Patent number: 11610495
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes determining, by an electronic system in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an estimated fuel remaining in the UAV. An estimated fuel consumption of the UAV is determined. Estimated information associated with wind affecting the UAV is determined using information obtained from sensors included in the UAV. Estimated flights times remaining for a current path, and one or more alternative flight paths, are determined using the determined estimated fuel remaining, determined estimated fuel consumption, determined information associated wind, and information describing each flight path. In response to the electronic system determining that the estimated fuel remaining, after completion of the current flight path, would be below a first threshold, an alternative flight path is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Skydio, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden
  • Publication number: 20220176846
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight planning. One of the methods includes receiving a location for an aerial survey to be conducted by a UAV. One or more images depicting the location are obtained, and a geofence boundary to limit flight of the UAV is determined. A survey area is determined, and a flight data package is created for transmission that includes information describing a flight plan. After the flight plan is conducted, flight log data and sensor data are received. The flight log data and sensor data are processed, and at least a portion of the processed sensor data is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Eric David Johnson, Alan Jay Poole, Donald Curry Weigel, Mark Patrick Bauer, Volkan Gurel, Jesse Daniel Kallman, Adam Sax
  • Publication number: 20210396530
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for determining asset efficiency. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) may be used to obtain aerial images of locations, property or structures. The aerial images may be geo-rectified, and a ortho-mosaic, digital surface model, or a point cloud may be created. In the context of an operation where mobile assets are used, such as construction or earth moving equipment, location-based event information may be obtained. The location-based event information may be used to determine road segment conditions or road topology where problematic road conditions likely exist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Fabien Blanc-Paques, Mark Christian, Donald Curry Weigel
  • Patent number: 11073401
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for determining asset efficiency. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) may be used to obtain aerial images of locations, property or structures. The aerial images may be geo-rectified, and a ortho-mosaic, digital surface model, or a point cloud may be created. In the context of an operation where mobile assets are used, such as construction or earth moving equipment, location-based event information may be obtained. The location-based event information may be used to determine road segment conditions or road topology where problematic road conditions likely exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Skydio, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabien Blanc-Paques, Mark Christian, Donald Curry Weigel
  • Publication number: 20210049916
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes determining, by an electronic system in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an estimated fuel remaining in the UAV. An estimated fuel consumption of the UAV is determined. Estimated information associated with wind affecting the UAV is determined using information obtained from sensors included in the UAV. Estimated flights times remaining for a current path, and one or more alternative flight paths, are determined using the determined estimated fuel remaining, determined estimated fuel consumption, determined information associated wind, and information describing each flight path. In response to the electronic system determining that the estimated fuel remaining, after completion of the current flight path, would be below a first threshold, an alternative flight path is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden
  • Patent number: 10755585
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes determining, by an electronic system in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an estimated fuel remaining in the UAV. An estimated fuel consumption of the UAV is determined. Estimated information associated with wind affecting the UAV is determined using information obtained from sensors included in the UAV. Estimated flights times remaining for a current path, and one or more alternative flight paths, are determined using the determined estimated fuel remaining, determined estimated fuel consumption, determined information associated wind, and information describing each flight path. In response to the electronic system determining that the estimated fuel remaining, after completion of the current flight path, would be below a first threshold, an alternative flight path is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Skydio, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden
  • Publication number: 20170154535
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes determining, by an electronic system in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an estimated fuel remaining in the UAV. An estimated fuel consumption of the UAV is determined. Estimated information associated with wind affecting the UAV is determined using information obtained from sensors included in the UAV. Estimated flights times remaining for a current path, and one or more alternative flight paths, are determined using the determined estimated fuel remaining, determined estimated fuel consumption, determined information associated wind, and information describing each flight path. In response to the electronic system determining that the estimated fuel remaining, after completion of the current flight path, would be below a first threshold, an alternative flight path is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden
  • Patent number: 9607522
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes determining, by an electronic system in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an estimated fuel remaining in the UAV. An estimated fuel consumption of the UAV is determined. Estimated information associated with wind affecting the UAV is determined using information obtained from sensors included in the UAV. Estimated flights times remaining for a current path, and one or more alternative flight paths, are determined using the determined estimated fuel remaining, determined estimated fuel consumption, determined information associated wind, and information describing each flight path. In response to the electronic system determining that the estimated fuel remaining, after completion of the current flight path, would be below a first threshold, an alternative flight path is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: UNMANNED INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden
  • Publication number: 20160307447
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight planning. One of the methods includes receiving a location for an aerial survey to be conducted by a UAV. One or more images depicting the location are obtained, and a geofence boundary to limit flight of the UAV is determined. A survey area is determined, and a flight data package is created for transmission that includes information describing a flight plan. After the flight plan is conducted, flight log data and sensor data are received. The flight log data and sensor data are processed, and at least a portion of the processed sensor data is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Eric David Johnson, Alan Jay Poole, Donald Curry Weigel, Mark Patrick Bauer, Volkan Gurel, Jesse Daniel Kallman, Adam Sax
  • Publication number: 20160260332
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes determining, by an electronic system in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an estimated fuel remaining in the UAV. An estimated fuel consumption of the UAV is determined. Estimated information associated with wind affecting the UAV is determined using information obtained from sensors included in the UAV. Estimated flights times remaining for a current path, and one or more alternative flight paths, are determined using the determined estimated fuel remaining, determined estimated fuel consumption, determined information associated wind, and information describing each flight path. In response to the electronic system determining that the estimated fuel remaining, after completion of the current flight path, would be below a first threshold, an alternative flight path is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden
  • Patent number: 9406237
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes determining, by an electronic system in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an estimated fuel remaining in the UAV. An estimated fuel consumption of the UAV is determined. Estimated information associated with wind affecting the UAV is determined using information obtained from sensors included in the UAV. Estimated flights times remaining for a current path, and one or more alternative flight paths, are determined using the determined estimated fuel remaining, determined estimated fuel consumption, determined information associated wind, and information describing each flight path. In response to the electronic system determining that the estimated fuel remaining, after completion of the current flight path, would be below a first threshold, an alternative flight path is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: UNMANNED INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden
  • Publication number: 20160140852
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes determining, by an electronic system in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an estimated fuel remaining in the UAV. An estimated fuel consumption of the UAV is determined. Estimated information associated with wind affecting the UAV is determined using information obtained from sensors included in the UAV. Estimated flights times remaining for a current path, and one or more alternative flight paths, are determined using the determined estimated fuel remaining, determined estimated fuel consumption, determined information associated wind, and information describing each flight path. In response to the electronic system determining that the estimated fuel remaining, after completion of the current flight path, would be below a first threshold, an alternative flight path is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden
  • Patent number: 9311760
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes maintaining, in a datastore, flight operation information associated with UAV flight operations. A request to generate a risk assessment report is received, with the request including aspects of a UAV flight operation, with the risk assessment report describing risk associated with each aspect. Flight operation information accessed from the datastore is analyzed. Performance characteristics are determined based at least in part on the analysis of the flight operation information, with the performance characteristics including information that can inform, or affect, a safe or functional UAV flight operation. Risk assessments for each aspects in the request are determined using the performance characteristics. The risk assessment report is generated using the determined risk assessments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: UNMANNED INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden
  • Patent number: 9256225
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes determining, by an electronic system in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an estimated fuel remaining in the UAV. An estimated fuel consumption of the UAV is determined. Estimated information associated with wind affecting the UAV is determined using information obtained from sensors included in the UAV. Estimated flights times remaining for a current path, and one or more alternative flight paths, are determined using the determined estimated fuel remaining, determined estimated fuel consumption, determined information associated wind, and information describing each flight path. In response to the electronic system determining that the estimated fuel remaining, after completion of the current flight path, would be below a first threshold, an alternative flight path is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: UNMANNED INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden
  • Patent number: 9256994
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes maintaining, by a cloud system in wireless communication with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), allocated geofence envelopes for one or more of the UAVs, with each geofence envelope being a virtual barrier for a real-world geographic area. A request for approval of an updated geofence envelope is received from a first UAV in flight. The cloud system determines that the updated geofence envelope has not been allocated and/or the updated geofence envelope does not interfere with allocated geofence envelopes. In response to the determination, a response indicating approval of the request is generated. The generated response is provided to the first UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: UNMANNED INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden
  • Publication number: 20150323931
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes maintaining, by a cloud system in wireless communication with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), allocated geofence envelopes for one or more of the UAVs, with each geofence envelope being a virtual barrier for a real-world geographic area. A request for approval of an updated geofence envelope is received from a first UAV in flight. The cloud system determines that the updated geofence envelope has not been allocated and/or the updated geofence envelope does not interfere with allocated geofence envelopes. In response to the determination, a response indicating approval of the request is generated. The generated response is provided to the first UAV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden
  • Publication number: 20150325064
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes maintaining, in a datastore, flight operation information associated with UAV flight operations. A request to generate a risk assessment report is received, with the request including aspects of a UAV flight operation, with the risk assessment report describing risk associated with each aspect. Flight operation information accessed from the datastore is analyzed. Performance characteristics are determined based at least in part on the analysis of the flight operation information, with the performance characteristics including information that can inform, or affect, a safe or functional UAV flight operation. Risk assessments for each aspects in the request are determined using the performance characteristics. The risk assessment report is generated using the determined risk assessments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden
  • Publication number: 20150323930
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes determining, by an electronic system in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an estimated fuel remaining in the UAV. An estimated fuel consumption of the UAV is determined. Estimated information associated with wind affecting the UAV is determined using information obtained from sensors included in the UAV. Estimated flights times remaining for a current path, and one or more alternative flight paths, are determined using the determined estimated fuel remaining, determined estimated fuel consumption, determined information associated wind, and information describing each flight path. In response to the electronic system determining that the estimated fuel remaining, after completion of the current flight path, would be below a first threshold, an alternative flight path is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden