Abstract: A method of using a base station to charge an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed. The method includes: docking the UAV with a cradle of the base station; retracting the cradle into an enclosure of the base station via a slide mechanism; and electrically connecting a power source of the UAV to a charging hub connected to the slide mechanism to thereby charge the power source.

Abstract: A charging hub for a base station that is configured to receive an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during docking. The charging hub includes a first bracket and a second bracket that is operatively connected to the first bracket such that the second bracket is movable in relation thereto along a vertical axis of movement to thereby reposition the charging hub from a retracted position into an extended position and facilitate electrical connection of the charging hub to the UAV.

Abstract: A reconfigurable landing platform for a base station that is configured to receive an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The landing platform includes alignment members, which are configured for engagement with the UAV, and a drive mechanism, which is connected to the alignment members to facilitate repositioning of the alignment members from an extended position into a retracted position to thereby reposition the UAV on the landing platform. The drive mechanism includes a drive member and pulley assemblies, which engage the drive member and are configured to vary a lateral tension and an axial tension therein.

Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.

Abstract: A base station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that includes a base that includes a body defining a cavity therein and a landing platform supported by the body and configured to support the UAV. The base station also includes a roof assembly movably coupled to the base to move between a closed position, in which the roof assembly is configured to enclose the landing platform, and an open position, in which the roof assembly is located such that the landing platform is unobstructed by the roof assembly.

Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for a stabilization system configured, in some embodiments, for stabilizing image capture from an aerial vehicle (e.g., a UAV). According to some embodiments, the stabilization systems employs both active and passive stabilization means. A passive stabilization assembly includes a counter-balanced suspension system that includes an elongated arm that extends into and is coupled to the body of a vehicle. The counter-balanced suspension system passively stabilizes a mounted device such as an image capture device to counter motion of the UAV while in use. In some embodiment the counter-balanced suspension system passively stabilizes a mounted image capture assembly that includes active stabilization means (e.g., a motorized gimbal and/or electronic image stabilization). In some embodiments, the active and passive stabilization means operate together to effectively stabilize a mounted image capture device to counter a wide range of motion characteristics.

Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.

Abstract: A landing platform for a base station that is configured to receive an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The landing platform includes alignment members that are configured for engagement with the UAV and which are repositionable from an extended position into a retracted position to generally center the UAV on the landing platform.

Abstract: A method of regulating a temperature of a UAV docked within a base station. The method includes: drawing air into a first air circuit; directing the air through the first air circuit and across a first end of a heatsink stack; drawing air into a second air circuit; directing the air through the second air circuit and across a second end of a heatsink stack to thereby thermally condition the air; and directing thermally conditioned air across the UAV.

Abstract: A reconfigurable landing platform for a base station that is configured to receive an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The landing platform includes alignment members, which are configured for engagement with the UAV, and a drive mechanism, which is connected to the alignment members to facilitate repositioning of the alignment members from an extended position into a retracted position to thereby reposition the UAV on the landing platform. The drive mechanism includes a drive member and pulley assemblies, which engage the drive member and are configured to vary a lateral tension and an axial tension therein.

Abstract: A base station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that includes: a body; a landing platform that is supported by the body and which is configured to receive the UAV; and a charging hub that is configured for connection to the UAV. The charging hub is repositionable between an extended position, in which the charging hub is exposed from the landing platform, and a retracted position, in which the charging hub is concealed by the landing platform to thereby increase available landing space for the UAV on the landing platform.

Abstract: A method of docking an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a base station. The method includes landing the UAV on a landing platform of the base station; generally aligning the UAV with a charging hub of the base station; repositioning the UAV on the landing platform via engagement with the charging hub; and deflecting the charging hub to generally align electrical contacts on the UAV with corresponding electrical contacts on the charging hub.

Abstract: A base station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that includes a body, a landing platform supported by the body and configured to support the UAV, and a roof assembly movably coupled to the base. The roof assembly includes a cover defining a cavity therein and one or more ears coupled to the cover and movably coupled to the body such that the roof assembly is movable between a closed position, in which the cover is configured to enclose the landing platform and the UAV supported thereon, and an open position, in which the cover is located at least partially below the landing platform with respect to an elevational direction such that the landing platform is unobstructed by the cover to facilitate takeoff and landing of the UAV. The roof assembly is rotatable through an angular range of motion that is defined by the one or more ears.

Abstract: A base station for a UAV including a temperature control system to regulate (e.g., lower or raise) the temperature of the UAV. The temperature control system includes: a heatsink stack; an intake duct, which defines a first air circuit that balances the temperature and the humidity within the base station; an ambient duct, which defines a second air circuit that directs air across a first end of the heatsink stack; and a treated duct which directs air across a second end of the heatsink stack to thereby thermally condition the air therein.

Abstract: A base station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a reconfigurable landing platform including alignment members, which engage the UAV and are repositionable between extended and retracted positions, and a drive mechanism, which is connected (secured) to the alignment members to facilitate extension and retraction thereof. During retraction, the alignment members engage the UAV and generally align a power source on the UAV with a charging hub of the base station, which facilitates not only charging of the UAV but proper closure of the base station.

Abstract: A landing platform for a base station that is configured to dock with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The landing platform includes: a stage that defines landing areas, which are configured to receive the UAV during docking; alignment members that are configured to engage and reposition the UAV during a first stage of alignment; and a charging hub that is configured for electrical connection to the UAV. The charging hub includes a registration member, which is configured to mechanically interface with and reposition the UAV on the landing platform during a second stage of alignment, and a charging head that is repositionable in relation to the registration member from a normal position into a deflected position during a third stage of alignment to facilitate engagement of corresponding electrical contacts on the UAV and the charging head.

Abstract: A charging hub for a base station that is configured to receive an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during docking. The charging hub includes a first bracket and a second bracket that is operatively connected to the first bracket such that the second bracket is movable in relation thereto along a vertical axis of movement to thereby reposition the charging hub from a retracted position into an extended position and facilitate electrical connection of the charging hub to the UAV.

Abstract: A landing platform for a base station that is configured to receive an unmanned aerial vehicle. The landing platform includes: a drive member; alignment members that are operatively connected to the drive member such that movement of the drive member causes corresponding movement of the alignment members; and pulley assemblies that support the drive member.