Abstract: A method is provided for semi-automatic operation of a portable control device for a remote-controlled, unmanned vehicle. The method includes the steps of monitoring parameters of an operational environment of the portable control device, switching from a manual operation mode to a semi-automatic operation mode in response to occurrence of predetermined criteria within the operational environment, and presenting a semi-automatic operation graphical user interface to a user of the portable control device. The semi-automatic operation graphical user interface includes a reduced set of user interfaces for the semi-automatic operation mode presented by the portable control device.

Abstract: A method is provided for semi-automatic operation of a portable control device for a remote-controlled, unmanned vehicle. The method includes the steps of monitoring parameters of an operational environment of the portable control device, switching from a manual operation mode to a semi-automatic operation mode in response to occurrence of predetermined criteria within the operational environment, and presenting a semi-automatic operation graphical user interface to a user of the portable control device. The semi-automatic operation graphical user interface includes a reduced set of user interfaces for the semi-automatic operation mode presented by the portable control device.

Abstract: Methods are provided for generating a flight plan for an aerial vehicle equipped with a surveillance module by using a control unit having a display device. A method comprises graphically identifying, on a map displayed on the display device, a desired target for the surveillance module. A flight plan generated based on the desired target such that a predicted camera path for the surveillance module overlaps the desired target.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for displaying a video data stream captured by a surveillance module associated with an aerial vehicle during execution of a flight plan. A method comprises displaying a timeline corresponding to the video data stream on a display device associated with the aerial vehicle and displaying a first indicator on the timeline. In accordance with one embodiment, the first indicator corresponds to a first waypoint of the flight plan, wherein the first indicator is positioned on the timeline such that the first indicator corresponds to a first segment of the video data stream at a first time. The first time is based at least in part on a position of the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for displaying streaming video on a display device of a control unit associated with a surveillance module. A method comprises buffering a video data stream captured by the surveillance module to obtain a buffered video data stream and displaying a first segment of the buffered video data stream in a viewing area on the display device. The first segment corresponds to content captured at a first time. The method continues by receiving a notification signal from the unmanned vehicle that is indicative of a triggering event, and in response to the notification signal, displaying a second segment of the buffered video data stream in the viewing area.