Abstract: A data collection method and system for a drone aircraft. The system includes a data collection device, an extension mechanism having one end connected to the drone aircraft and an opposite free end connected to the data collection device, and a control system for controlling operation of the extension mechanism. The extension mechanism is extendable from a retracted position in which the data collection device is stowed in or maintained proximate to the drone aircraft to one or more extended positions in which the data collection device is extended away from the drone aircraft, and is also retractable to bring the data collection device back to the retracted position. The control system controls operation of the extension mechanism to position the data collection device to a desired position beyond a given obstacle to enable the data collection device to capture data relating to an object or region of interest.

Abstract: A data collection method and system for a drone aircraft. The system includes a data collection device, an extension mechanism having one end connected to the drone aircraft and an opposite free end connected to the data collection device, and a control system for controlling operation of the extension mechanism. The extension mechanism is extendable from a retracted position in which the data collection device is stowed in or maintained proximate to the drone aircraft to one or more extended positions in which the data collection device is extended away from the drone aircraft, and is also retractable to bring the data collection device back to the retracted position. The control system controls operation of the extension mechanism to position the data collection device to a desired position beyond a given obstacle to enable the data collection device to capture data relating to an object or region of interest.

Abstract: A data collection method and system for a drone aircraft. The system includes a data collection device, an extension mechanism having one end connected to the drone aircraft and an opposite free end connected to the data collection device, and a control system for controlling operation of the extension mechanism. The extension mechanism is extendable from a retracted position in which the data collection device is stowed in or maintained proximate to the drone aircraft to one or more extended positions in which the data collection device is extended away from the drone aircraft, and is also retractable to bring the data collection device back to the retracted position. The control system controls operation of the extension mechanism to position the data collection device to a desired position beyond a given obstacle to enable the data collection device to capture data relating to an object or region of interest.

Abstract: Methods and system are disclosed for guiding an autonomous drone aircraft during descent to a landing target. The method features the steps of: (a) acquiring an image using a camera on the drone aircraft of an active fiducial system at the landing target; (b) verifying the active fiducial system in the image by comparing the image to a stored model or representation of the active fiducial system; (c) determining a relative position and/or orientation of the drone aircraft to the landing target using data from the image; (d) using the relative position and/or orientation determined in step (c) to guide the drone aircraft toward the landing target; and (e) repeating steps (a) through (d) a plurality of times.

Abstract: A structure for wireless communication having a plurality of insulator layers, a conductor layer separating each of the insulator layers, and at least one connector connecting two conductor layers wherein an electrical resistance is reduced when an electrical signal is induced in the resonator at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A structure for wireless communication having a plurality of conductor layers, an insulator layer separating each of the conductor layers, and at least one connector connecting two of the conductor layers wherein an electrical resistance is reduced when an electrical signal is induced in the resonator at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A structure for wireless communication having a plurality of conductor layers, an insulator layer separating each of the conductor layers, and at least one connector connecting two of the conductor layers wherein an electrical resistance is reduced when an electrical signal is induced in the resonator at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A structure for wireless communication having a plurality of insulator layers, a conductor layer separating each of the insulator layers, and at least one connector connecting two conductor layers wherein an electrical resistance is reduced when an electrical signal is induced in the resonator at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A structure for wireless communication having a plurality of conductor layers, an insulator layer separating each of the conductor layers, and at least one connector connecting two of the conductor layers wherein an electrical resistance is reduced when an electrical signal is induced in the resonator at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A structure for wireless communication having a plurality of conductor layers, an insulator layer separating each of the conductor layers, and at least one connector connecting two of the conductor layers wherein an electrical resistance is reduced when an electrical signal is induced in the resonator at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A structure for wireless communication having a plurality of conductor layers, an insulator layer separating each of the conductor layers, and at least one connector connecting two of the conductor layers wherein an electrical resistance is reduced when an electrical signal is induced in the resonator at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A structure for wireless communication having a plurality of conductor layers, an insulator layer separating each of the conductor layers, and at least one connector connecting two of the conductor layers wherein an electrical resistance is reduced when an electrical signal is induced in the resonator at a predetermined frequency.