Abstract: To replace a depleted battery in a drone with a fresh battery, the drone first lands on the exchange and charging system, aligned between two battery holders. A freshly charged battery, in a docking bay in one battery holder, is then moved against the drone's depleted battery. The depleted battery, in turn, is moved out of the drone into the other battery holder, and the fresh battery takes its place. While in the battery holders, the batteries are charged. After a battery exchange, the battery holders track round so that another battery and vacant docking bay are brought into place for a subsequent exchange.

Abstract: A reality-based model object recognition system using cross-sections includes using photogrammetry to obtain various views of a 3-dimensional (3D) object (e.g. 3D model, 3D reality model, mesh, etc.). The process then generates 2-dimensional (2D) slices, i.e. cross-sections, of the 3D object at various elevations and angles. The relation between the slices is critical for identification. The 2D slices are used as building blocks for automatic recognition and identification and location (e.g. x,y,z+angle) of a real-world equipment mounted on the 3D object and identifying any anomaly in the equipment so that remedial action may be ordered, if needed.

Abstract: Simultaneous control of an unmanned vehicle and an on-board sensor is facilitated by the use of an intelligent gimbal assembly. The assembly includes a gimbal for carrying the sensor and a node controller for controlling the gimbal, sensor and the unmanned vehicle to which the gimbal assembly is attached. The node controller controls the flight or navigation controller of the unmanned vehicle via an application programming interface in the vehicle. The node controller can include drivers for controlling different vehicles and different gimbals.

Abstract: To replace a depleted battery in a drone with a fresh battery, the drone first lands on the exchange and charging system, aligned between two battery holders. A freshly charged battery, in a docking bay in one battery holder, is then moved against the drone's depleted battery. The depleted battery, in turn, is moved out of the drone into the other battery holder, and the fresh battery takes its place. While in the battery holders, the batteries are charged. After a battery exchange, the battery holders track round so that another battery and vacant docking bay are brought into place for a subsequent exchange.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can automatically guide itself to the vicinity of a charging station of an automated landing, charging and takeoff system, which then assists with the close-range laser guidance of the UAV in order for it to dock, without the need for landing gear. The dock has locating valleys that help the booms of the UAV to self-align under the force of gravity. Electrical connections are automatically made for data download and charging. A cover may be closed over the UAV during charging.

Abstract: A rotor arm assembly has a mechanical alignment and electrical connector for fitting to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV has a corresponding fitting for aligning the rotor arm assembly, making an electrical connection with it and retaining it in position. Such rotor arm assemblies are easily and quickly replaced due to their modular construction. UAVs with this construction are easily transported and stored.

Abstract: A flight plan for an unmanned aerial vehicle is created based on a target to inspect. The plan can be based on the data obtained from one or more prior inspection flights for the same target. Flight plans can be automatically suggested to the users based on the analysis of data obtained during prior inspection flights.

Abstract: Points of interest are added to a flight plan overlaid on a map. Camera switch-on and switch-off locations are automatically added to the nearest leg of the flight plan. An observation triangle joining the point of interest and the camera on and off locations is displayed so that the user can easily visualize the range of angles from which the point of interest is viewed. The triangle may be colored and/or partially transparent. Adjustment of the camera on and off locations is possible, with the system automatically adjusting the observation triangle. In a similar way, lines of interest and curves of interest may be added to the flight plan.

Abstract: A rotor arm assembly has a mechanical alignment and electrical connector for fitting to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV has a corresponding fitting for aligning the rotor arm assembly, making an electrical connection with it and retaining it in position. Such rotor arm assemblies are easily and quickly replaced due to their modular construction. UAVs with this construction are easily transported and stored.

Abstract: Simultaneous control of an unmanned vehicle and an on-board sensor is facilitated by the use of an intelligent gimbal assembly. The assembly includes a gimbal for carrying the sensor and a node controller for controlling the gimbal, sensor and the unmanned vehicle to which the gimbal assembly is attached. The node controller controls the flight or navigation controller of the unmanned vehicle via an application programming interface in the vehicle. The node controller can include drivers for controlling different vehicles and different gimbals.

Abstract: A return-to-home command for securing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from flying away. Flight plan updates that may be uploaded to the UAV can be interrupted at any time by uploading a modified flight plan or by instructing the UAV to pause while manual flight commands are given. The modifications to the original flight plan always ensure that a return-to-home step is present in the instructions on board the UAV, so that if the radio communications link between the remote controller and the UAV is lost, the UAV will fly home.

Abstract: Points of interest are added to a flight plan overlaid on a map. Camera switch-on and switch-off locations are automatically added to the nearest leg of the flight plan. An observation triangle joining the point of interest and the camera on and off locations is displayed so that the user can easily visualize the range of angles from which the point of interest is viewed. The triangle may be colored and/or partially transparent. Adjustment of the camera on and off locations is possible, with the system automatically adjusting the observation triangle. In a similar way, lines of interest and curves of interest may be added to the flight plan.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can automatically guide itself to the vicinity of a charging station of an automated landing, charging and takeoff system, which then assists with the close-range laser guidance of the UAV in order for it to dock, without the need for landing gear. The dock has locating valleys that help the booms of the UAV to self-align under the force of gravity. Electrical connections are automatically made for data download and charging. A cover may be closed over the UAV during charging.