Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.