Patents by Inventor Volkan Gurel

Volkan Gurel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11854413
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle visual line of sight flight operations. A UAV computer system may be configured to ensure the UAV is operating in visual line of sight of one or more ground operators. The UAV may confirm that it has a visual line of sight with the one or more user devices, such as a ground control station, or the UAV may ensure that the UAV does not fly behind or below a structure such that the ground operator would not be able to visually spot the UAV. The UAV computer system may be configured in such a way that UAV operation will maintain the UAV in visual line of sight of a base location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Skydio, Inc
    Inventors: Volkan Gurel, Bernard J. Michini, Edward Dale Steakley
  • Patent number: 11768508
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for a sensor activation and correlation system. One of the methods includes obtaining information describing a flight plan for implementation. A trigger associated with activating a camera included in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is determined to be satisfied. Information indicating that the camera is to capture an image is provided to the camera. A first timestamp associated with the image is obtained and stored. Information indicating that the image was captured is received and associated with the obtained first timestamp. Information indicating that the camera captured the image is provided to a user device in communication with the UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Skydio, Inc.
    Inventors: Hui Li, John Bressler, Volkan Gurel, Bernard J. Michini
  • Publication number: 20230236611
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) logs first UAV information at a first frequency. The UAV triggers a camera associated with the UAV to capture an image. In response to triggering the camera to capture the image, the UAV logs second UAV information at a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency. A device that is separate from the UAV identifies a location of the UAV corresponding to the image based on a capture timestamp of the image received from the camera, the first UAV information, and the second UAV information. The device generates a geo-rectified imagery based on the image and the location of the UAV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Hui Li, John Bressler, Volkan Gurel, Bernard J. Michini
  • Publication number: 20220392353
    Abstract: Disclosed in this specification are methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on non-transitory computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight operation and privacy controls. Based on geofence types, and UAV distance from a geofence, sensors and other devices connected to a UAV are conditionally operational. Image data collected during a UAV flight may be obfuscated by the UAV while in flight, or via a post-flight process using log data generated by the UAV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Dana Livonia Contreras, Lucas Palage Doyle, Justin Eugene Kuehn, Volkan Gurel, Eric David Johnson, Edward Dale Steakley
  • Patent number: 11361665
    Abstract: Disclosed in this specification are methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on non-transitory computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight operation and privacy controls. Based on geofence types, and UAV distance from a geofence, sensors and other devices connected to a UAV are conditionally operational. Image data collected during a UAV flight may be obfuscated by the UAV while in flight, or via a post-flight process using log data generated by the UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Skydio, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana Livonia Contreras, Lucas Palage Doyle, Justin Eugene Kuehn, Volkan Gurel, Eric David Johnson, Edward Dale Steakley
  • Publication number: 20220176846
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight planning. One of the methods includes receiving a location for an aerial survey to be conducted by a UAV. One or more images depicting the location are obtained, and a geofence boundary to limit flight of the UAV is determined. A survey area is determined, and a flight data package is created for transmission that includes information describing a flight plan. After the flight plan is conducted, flight log data and sensor data are received. The flight log data and sensor data are processed, and at least a portion of the processed sensor data is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Eric David Johnson, Alan Jay Poole, Donald Curry Weigel, Mark Patrick Bauer, Volkan Gurel, Jesse Daniel Kallman, Adam Sax
  • Publication number: 20220148438
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle visual line of sight flight operations. A UAV computer system may be configured to ensure the UAV is operating in visual line of sight of one or more ground operators. The UAV may confirm that it has a visual line of sight with the one or more user devices, such as a ground control station, or the UAV may ensure that the UAV does not fly behind or below a structure such that the ground operator would not be able to visually spot the UAV. The UAV computer system may be configured in such a way that UAV operation will maintain the UAV in visual line of sight of a base location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Volkan Gurel, Bernard J. Michini, Edward Dale Steakley
  • Patent number: 11189180
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle visual line of sight flight operations. A UAV computer system may be configured to ensure the UAV is operating in visual line of sight of one or more ground operators. The UAV may confirm that it has a visual line of sight with the one or more user devices, such as a ground control station, or the UAV may ensure that the UAV does not fly behind or below a structure such that the ground operator would not be able to visually spot the UAV. The UAV computer system may be configured in such a way that UAV operation will maintain the UAV in visual line of sight of a base location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Skydio, Inc.
    Inventors: Volkan Gurel, Bernard J. Michini, Edward Dale Steakley
  • Publication number: 20200402410
    Abstract: Disclosed in this specification are methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on non-transitory computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight operation and privacy controls. Based on geofence types, and UAV distance from a geofence, sensors and other devices connected to a UAV are conditionally operational. Image data collected during a UAV flight may be obfuscated by the UAV while in flight, or via a post-flight process using log data generated by the UAV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Dana Livonia Contreras, Lucas Palage Doyle, Justin Eugene Kuehn, Volkan Gurel, Eric David Johnson, Edward Dale Steakley
  • Patent number: 10762795
    Abstract: Disclosed in this specification are methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on non-transitory computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight operation and privacy controls. Based on geofence types, and UAV distance from a geofence, sensors and other devices connected to a UAV are conditionally operational. Image data collected during a UAV flight may be obfuscated by the UAV while in flight, or via a post-flight process using log data generated by the UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Skydio, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana Livonia Contreras, Lucas Palage Doyle, Justin Eugene Kuehn, Volkan Gurel, Eric David Johnson, Edward Dale Steakley
  • Publication number: 20180109767
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for a sensor activation and correlation system. One of the methods includes obtaining information describing a flight plan for implementation. A trigger associated with activating a camera included in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is determined to be satisfied. Information indicating that the camera is to capture an image is provided to the camera. A first timestamp associated with the image is obtained and stored. Information indicating that the image was captured is received and associated with the obtained first timestamp. Information indicating that the camera captured the image is provided to a user device in communication with the UAV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Hui Li, John Bressler, Volkan Gurel, Bernard J. Michini
  • Patent number: 9915946
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes receiving, by the UAV, flight information describing a job to perform an inspection of a rooftop. A particular altitude is ascended to, and an inspection of the rooftop is performed including obtaining sensor information describing the rooftop. Location information identifying a damaged area of the rooftop is received. The damaged area of the rooftop is traveled to. An inspection of the damaged area of the rooftop is performed including obtaining detailed sensor information describing the damaged area. A safe landing location is traveled to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: UNMANNED INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventors: Alan Jay Poole, Mark Patrick Bauer, Volkan Gurel, Bernard J. Michini, Justin Eugene Kuehn
  • Publication number: 20180025649
    Abstract: Disclosed in this specification are methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on non-transitory computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight operation and privacy controls. Based on geofence types, and UAV distance from a geofence, sensors and other devices connected to a UAV are conditionally operational. Image data collected during a UAV flight may be obfuscated by the UAV while in flight, or via a post-flight process using log data generated by the UAV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Unmanned Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: Dana Livonia Contreras, Lucas Palage Doyle, Justin Eugene Kuehn, Volkan Gurel, Eric David Johnson, Edward Dale Steakley
  • Publication number: 20180025473
    Abstract: Disclosed in this specification are methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on non-transitory computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight operation and privacy controls. Based on geofence types, and UAV distance from a geofence, sensors and other devices connected to a UAV are conditionally operational. Image data collected during a UAV flight may be obfuscated by the UAV while in flight, or via a post-flight process using log data generated by the UAV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Unmanned Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: Dana Livonia Contreras, Lucas Palage Doyle, Justin Eugene Kuehn, Volkan Gurel, Eric David Johnson, Edward Dale Steakley
  • Publication number: 20170229022
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle visual line of sight flight operations. A UAV computer system may be configured to ensure the UAV is operating in visual line of sight of one or more ground operators. The UAV may confirm that it has a visual line of sight with the one or more user devices, such as a ground control station, or the UAV may ensure that the UAV does not fly behind or below a structure such that the ground operator would not be able to visually spot the UAV. The UAV computer system may be configured in such a way that UAV operation will maintain the UAV in visual line of sight of a base location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: Unmanned Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: Volkan Gurel, Bernard J. Michini, Edward Dale Steakley
  • Publication number: 20170192424
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes receiving, by the UAV, flight information describing a job to perform an inspection of a rooftop. A particular altitude is ascended to, and an inspection of the rooftop is performed including obtaining sensor information describing the rooftop. Location information identifying a damaged area of the rooftop is received. The damaged area of the rooftop is traveled to. An inspection of the damaged area of the rooftop is performed including obtaining detailed sensor information describing the damaged area. A safe landing location is traveled to.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Alan Jay Poole, Mark Patrick Bauer, Volkan Gurel, Bernard J. Michini, Justin Eugene Kuehn
  • Patent number: 9613538
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes receiving, by the UAV, flight information describing a job to perform an inspection of a rooftop. A particular altitude is ascended to, and an inspection of the rooftop is performed including obtaining sensor information describing the rooftop. Location information identifying a damaged area of the rooftop is received. The damaged area of the rooftop is traveled to. An inspection of the damaged area of the rooftop is performed including obtaining detailed sensor information describing the damaged area. A safe landing location is traveled to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: UNMANNED INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventors: Alan Jay Poole, Mark Patrick Bauer, Volkan Gurel, Bernard J. Michini, Justin Eugene Kuehn
  • Patent number: 9588516
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle visual line of sight flight operations. A UAV computer system may be configured to ensure the UAV is operating in visual line of sight of one or more ground operators. The UAV may confirm that it has a visual line of sight with the one or more user devices, such as a ground control station, or the UAV may ensure that the UAV does not fly behind or below a structure such that the ground operator would not be able to visually spot the UAV. The UAV computer system may be configured in such a way that UAV operation will maintain the UAV in visual line of sight of a base location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Unmanned Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: Volkan Gurel, Bernard J. Michini, Edward Dale Steakley
  • Publication number: 20160307447
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight planning. One of the methods includes receiving a location for an aerial survey to be conducted by a UAV. One or more images depicting the location are obtained, and a geofence boundary to limit flight of the UAV is determined. A survey area is determined, and a flight data package is created for transmission that includes information describing a flight plan. After the flight plan is conducted, flight log data and sensor data are received. The flight log data and sensor data are processed, and at least a portion of the processed sensor data is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Eric David Johnson, Alan Jay Poole, Donald Curry Weigel, Mark Patrick Bauer, Volkan Gurel, Jesse Daniel Kallman, Adam Sax