Electric Course Control Patents (Class 244/175)
  • Patent number: 11922660
    Abstract: The method includes a step of acquisition of an image of the leading aircraft, a step of extraction of the outline, an adjustment step including implementing an outline registration algorithm, to determine an optimized profile from a comparison of the outline of the leading aircraft with a profile of the leading aircraft determined from a three-dimensional model of the leading aircraft and from an initial position of the following aircraft with respect to the leading aircraft, and a step of determination of the positioning according to six degrees of freedom of the following aircraft with respect to the leading aircraft, from the optimized profile and from the three-dimensional model of the leading aircraft. The method thus makes it possible to rapidly and accurately determine the positioning of the following aircraft with respect to the leading aircraft, this positioning being used to implement a formation flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignees: Airbus (S.A.S.), Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Philippe Foucault, Maxime Lefort, Quentin Demoulin
  • Patent number: 11851088
    Abstract: In one embodiment, method for determining capability boundary of a safety redundancy of an autonomous driving vehicle (ADV) includes obtaining a sensor layout associated with the ADV representing a system having a plurality of sensors mounted on a plurality of locations of the ADV. A zone failure risk of one or more sensors within the predetermined zones is estimated based on statistical operational data of the one or more sensors for each of the plurality of predetermined zones. An overall failure risk of the sensors is determined based on the zone failure risks of the predetermined zones based on relative locations of the sensors across the predetermined zones. A dynamic risk adjustment is determined based on the overall failure risk of the sensors, the dynamic risk adjustment representing a reliability of a sensor system associated with the ADV for estimating a safety of autonomous driving of the ADV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: BAIDU USA LLC
    Inventors: Xiaodong Liu, Ning Qu
  • Patent number: 11840324
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In one embodiment, a system comprises a processor, a first inceptor, communicatively coupled to the processor, the first inceptor configured to accept longitudinal and lateral linear movements as manual input and provide corresponding signals to the processor, and a second inceptor, communicatively coupled to the processor, the second inceptor configured to accept longitudinal and lateral linear movements as manual input and provide corresponding signals to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to control a heading of an aircraft using a signal received from the second inceptor corresponding to lateral linear movement of the second inceptor. Some embodiments may additionally include at least one sensor and a thumb stick for each inceptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Archer Aviation, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Thomas Depenbusch, Jeffery Scott Greenwood
  • Patent number: 11822349
    Abstract: An aircraft and method of operating an aircraft include a flight formation control unit configured to automatically transition the aircraft into an automatic flight formation mode in response to the aircraft being within one or both of a predetermined speed or a predetermined range in relation to at least one other aircraft flying within the automatic flight formation mode. The flight formation control unit can be further configured to automatically transition the aircraft out of the automatic flight formation mode in response to detection of a control signal received from one or more flight controls of the aircraft. The flight formation control unit can be further configured to automatically cycle the aircraft and the at least one other aircraft to different positions during the automatic flight formation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Bryan Kashawlic, Bryan C.H. Chu, Russell Enns, Alex Salem Bourreza, Stephen Alexander Mohammed, Erik Bellandi
  • Patent number: 11787559
    Abstract: Systems and methods for lag optimization of pilot intervention is provided. A critical event may be identified while an electric aircraft is in an autopilot mode and operating primarily under autonomous functions; as a result, a flight controller of the system may switch from an autopilot mode to a manual mode, allowing pilot intervention. System made determine a lag duration as a function of the critical event and a phase of operation of the electric aircraft to determine a lag duration before pilot intervention occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Moy, Collin Freiheit, Joshua E. Auerbach
  • Patent number: 11766841
    Abstract: Tape layup systems and associated methods. A tape layup system includes a feed spool and an uptake spool. The feed spool is configured to carry a tape roll of tackifier tape that includes a tackifier material and a backing material, and the uptake spool is configured to carry a backing material roll of the backing material. The tape layup system further includes a torque transmission system configured to convey a torque from the feed spool to the uptake spool. The tape layup system is configured such that conveying a torque from the feed spool to the uptake spool operates to draw the backing material onto the backing material roll. A method of operating a tape layup system includes generating tension in a tackifier tape to rotate a feed spool and consequently rotating an uptake spool to draw a backing material onto a backing material roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Allen Halbritter
  • Patent number: 11761937
    Abstract: An apparatus for trace gas detection includes an unmanned aerial vehicle and a sensor package including an ambient environmental parameter sensor and a gas sensor for trace gas detection. A trace gas detection system includes two such unmanned aerial vehicles and a ground station all adapted for monitoring ambient environmental parameters and trace gas detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Marcelo I. Guzman, Travis J. Schuyler
  • Patent number: 11760479
    Abstract: An unmanned aircraft includes: at least two generators generating forces to fly the unmanned aircraft, each including a rotor blade generating an airflow; a sensor detecting a tilt of the unmanned aircraft; and a processor controlling the generators to control flight of the unmanned aircraft. The processor: obtains an output force adjustment trigger for the generators; obtaining the trigger, causes each generator to individually operate at least until the tilt of the unmanned aircraft detected by the sensor satisfies a predetermined condition; determines a reference value related to an output force of each generator from a value related to the output force of each generator when the tilt of the unmanned aircraft satisfies the predetermined condition and a positional relationship between the generators; and controls the flight of the unmanned aircraft, using the reference values determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuo Inoue, Kazunobu Konishi, Stephen John, Katsuhiko Asai, Shunsuke Kuhara
  • Patent number: 11762384
    Abstract: A system and method for safely terminating navigation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A method includes generating a navigation plan for the UAV, the UAV including a propulsion system, wherein the navigation plan includes at least a start point, an end point, and a virtual three-dimensional (3D) tunnel connecting the start and end points; and configuring the UAV to execute the navigation plan by navigating from the start point to the end point, wherein the UAV is configured such that the UAV executes the navigation plan by navigating from the start point to the end point, wherein the UAV is further configured such that the UAV terminates navigation by terminating power to the propulsion system of the UAV and deploying a failsafe, wherein the UAV is configured to terminate navigation when the UAV is outside of the 3D tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: FLYTREX AVIATION LTD.
    Inventors: Yariv Bash, Amit Regev
  • Patent number: 11735057
    Abstract: A method for operating a transport system for passenger transportation, including the following steps: providing a plurality of vertically taking-off and vertically landing aircraft for passengers; providing a plurality of handing facilities for the take-off and landing of aircraft, wherein each handling facility has parking spaces for a plurality of aircraft; setting-up air routes between the handing facilities so that each handing facility is connected to at least one further handling facility via an air route, wherein there is continuous air traffic of aircraft on the air routes, at least in one flight direction, with automated take-off, automated flight along the air routes, and automated landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Volocopter GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Zosel, Florian Reuter
  • Patent number: 11731735
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrofoil system for a waterborne vessel, the hydrofoil system comprising a controller, a foil for engagement with the waterborne vessel, the foil comprising a plurality of adjustment members operable to vary the lift characteristics of the waterborne vessel, a propeller, an engine and gearbox located adjacent the foil and operable/in mechanical communication with the propeller, a plurality of sensors in electrical communication with the controller, each sensor configured to monitor flight parameters of the waterborne vessel and generate measured flight parameter data, wherein the controller is in communication with the adjustment members, the engine and the sensors and wherein the controller is configured to receive measured flight parameter data from the sensors and to control the operation of the engine and the position of the adjustment members in dependence upon the received measured flight parameter data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: ARTEMIS TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Iain Percy, Romain Ingouf
  • Patent number: 11720096
    Abstract: A system and method for safely terminating navigation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A method includes generating a navigation plan for the UAV, the UAV including a propulsion system, wherein the navigation plan includes at least a start point, an end point, and a virtual three-dimensional (3D) tunnel connecting the start and end points; and configuring the UAV to execute the navigation plan by navigating from the start point to the end point, wherein the UAV is configured such that the UAV executes the navigation plan by navigating from the start point to the end point, wherein the UAV is further configured such that the UAV terminates navigation by terminating power to the propulsion system of the UAV and deploying a failsafe, wherein the UAV is configured to terminate navigation when the UAV is outside of the 3D tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: FLYTREX AVIATION LTD.
    Inventors: Yariv Bash, Amit Regev
  • Patent number: 11702191
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In one embodiment, a system comprises a processor, a first inceptor, communicatively coupled to the processor, the first inceptor configured to accept longitudinal and lateral linear movements as manual input and provide corresponding signals to the processor, and a second inceptor, communicatively coupled to the processor, the second inceptor configured to accept longitudinal and lateral linear movements as manual input and provide corresponding signals to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to control a heading of an aircraft using a signal received from the second inceptor corresponding to lateral linear movement of the second inceptor. Some embodiments may additionally include at least one sensor and a thumb stick for each inceptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: ARCHER AVIATION, INC.
    Inventors: Nathan Thomas Depenbusch, Jeffery Scott Greenwood
  • Patent number: 11699351
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for assisting in determining the best course of action at any point inflight for an emergency. The system may monitor a plurality of parameters including atmospheric conditions along the flight path, ground conditions and terrain, conditions aboard the aircraft, and pilot/crew data. Based on these parameters, the system may provide continually updated information about the best available landing sites or recommend solutions to aircraft configuration errors. In case of emergency, the system may provide a pilot with a procedure for execution for landing the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Otto Aero Company
    Inventors: Sean Patrick Suiter, Richard Andrew Kruse
  • Patent number: 11692494
    Abstract: An engine vibration monitoring and control system includes an aircraft autopilot and a flight management system (FMS). The FMS is in operable communication with the aircraft autopilot and is configured to determine when the aircraft autopilot is engaged and disengaged. The FMS is also adapted to receive vibration data from an engine vibration data source and is configured, upon determining that the aircraft autopilot is engaged, to: process the vibration data to determine when engine vibrations exceed one or more first thresholds, and when the engine vibrations exceed the one or more first thresholds, supply commands to the autopilot that cause the autopilot to take corrective actions to reduce the engine vibrations below the one or more first thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Anil Kumar, Rohith S, Rajan Gupta, Chakkaravarthy Vairavan
  • Patent number: 11681302
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for predicting ground effects along a flight plan. The systems and methods provide a processor executed process including the steps: receiving a flight plan for a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft; receiving terrain and obstacles geospatial data for the flight plan from the database; determining weight of the VTOL aircraft along the flight plan; determining temperature of the environment along the flight plan; determining ground effect data along the flight plan based on the temperature and the weight; and generating one or more commands to control a system of the VTOL aircraft based on the ground effect data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Sriram P R, Lisa Fem, Sivakumar Kanagarajan
  • Patent number: 11651694
    Abstract: In an aspect an apparatus for encrypting external communication for an electric aircraft. The apparatus may comprise a communication component configured to communicate with a network node. The apparatus may also include a battery pack configured to power the electric aircraft and a battery sensor, wherein a battery senor is configured to generate battery datum. A computing device may be included within the apparatus. The computing device may be configured to be receive the battery datum, encrypt the battery datum using an encryption process, identify the network node and transmit the encrypted battery datum to the network node using the communication component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Camron Guthrie
  • Patent number: 11634238
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a system includes a frame configured to support a load, a first set of wheels provided on the frame, a second set of wheels provided on the frame, and a controller. The first set of wheels is configured to descend or ascend in response to the controller, and is oriented to move in a first direction. The second set of wheels is configured to descent or ascend in response to the controller, and is oriented to move in a different direction from the first direction. The controller configured to control the descent and ascent of the second set of wheels and the first set of wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Kitty Hawk Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Titus Waithaka Kiiru, Todd Reichert, Cameron Robertson
  • Patent number: 11631337
    Abstract: An optimal-route generating system for generating an optimal route for achieving a predetermined state relative to a target includes a route candidate generator and an optimal route generator. The route candidate generator is configured to generate a plurality of route candidates for allowing a first craft to reach a predetermined state relative to the target after a predetermined elapsed time period from a current state of the first craft by changing the acceleration of the first craft among a current position, speed, and acceleration of the first craft. The optimal route generator is configured to generate the optimal route by selecting a route candidate with an optimal evaluation result based on an evaluation function from among route candidates, included in the plurality of generated route candidates, not deviating from a predetermined limitation and unlikely to collide with another object including either one of a ground and the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoaki Itabashi, Mitsuru Kono, Tomoki Kabayama
  • Patent number: 11603185
    Abstract: A mechanical synchronization device for a distributed system. A plurality of actuators actuate movement of control surface components of an aircraft. Each actuator has a first end coupled to a structure of the aircraft and a second end coupled to a control surface component, and a drive path from a motion provider to the control surface component, the control surface component being configured to move along the respective drive path. A power module controller is operable to simultaneously output motor drive power from a power module through an electrical bus to at least two of the motion providers in a synchronous or nearly synchronous manner to actuate movement of control surface components. The mechanical synchronization device is between at least two of the actuators and transfers torque between the actuators to maintain symmetry between the actuators. A load limiting device may limit the power transferred through the mechanical synchronization device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Eric A. Polcuch, David J. Bouman
  • Patent number: 11597484
    Abstract: An underwater vehicle having a hovering system using a tube type launcher. The underwater vehicle includes a streamlined body and a hovering system connected to a rear of the streamlined body to generate a kinetic force of the streamlined body. The hovering system includes an extension shaft extended to be connected to the rear, a connection assembly connected to the rear through the extension shaft, and an auxiliary propeller assembly connected to the connection assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Kun Chul Hwang, Dong Hoon Lee, Jun Ho Lee, Jae Moon Yoon
  • Patent number: 11584542
    Abstract: Systems and methods for lag optimization of pilot intervention is provided. A critical event may be identified while an electric aircraft is in an autopilot mode and operating primarily under autonomous functions; as a result, a flight controller of the system may switch from an autopilot mode to a manual mode, allowing pilot intervention. System made determine a lag duration as a function of the critical event and a phase of operation of the electric aircraft to determine a lag duration before pilot intervention occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Moy, Collin Freiheit, Joshua E. Auerbach
  • Patent number: 11549785
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a director mount arrangement for automatic alignment of a subsystem relative to a platform, wherein said director mount arrangement is arranged to pivotably support the subsystem. The director mount arrangement comprises a pivot frame arrangement and a control system. The control system comprises a control unit arranged to generate control signals so as to control the orientation of and stabilize the subsystem. The control signals are generated based on angular rate of subsystem and orientation operating commands provided from an operator. The control unit further generates estimated control signals based on platform orientation information and determine a difference between the control signals and the estimated control signals, wherein the difference is indicative of mechanical misalignments between the subsystem and the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Fredrik Söderström
  • Patent number: 11551559
    Abstract: A drone is provided that includes a controller, a time measurer that measures a present time, a position measurer that obtains a current position of the drone, and a storage that stores a time period for which the flight of the drone is permitted. The controller performs operations including determining a possible flight area of the drone in accordance with a difference between an end of the time period for which flight of the drone is permitted and the present time, and determining whether the drone is located within the possible flight area on the basis of the current position of the drone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventor: Shunsuke Kuhara
  • Patent number: 11545040
    Abstract: A computer apparatus includes a touchscreen display. The computer apparatus generates a graphical user interface on the touchscreen display and receive user inputs via the touchscreen display. The graphical user interface includes symbology representing a flight path of multiple unmanned teamed assets from a current position to a current objective. The graphical user interface also includes symbology representing a card associated with each of the unmanned teamed assets. By the touchscreen display, an operator selects one of the unmanned teamed assets, for emphasis of the flight path. The flight paths of the non-selected unmanned teamed assets remain displayed when the selected flight path is emphasized. The operator may select the unmanned teamed asset by the flight path or by the unmanned teamed asset card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: James Kleveland, Korey Breger
  • Patent number: 11536570
    Abstract: A method for determining an optimized trajectory to be followed by an aircraft, the method being implemented by a determining system of the aircraft and comprising: a first step for acquiring at least one constraint relative to at least one parameter of the trajectory to be followed, the constraint being determined by a control system of a remote station as a function of the air traffic and/or the aircraft mission; a step for calculating a desired trajectory as a function of the constraint; a step for transmitting the desired trajectory to the remote station; a second step for acquiring an instruction comprising an authorization to follow the desired trajectory or a refusal of the desired trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Nicolas Rossi, Benoît Dacre-Wright, Cédric D'Silva
  • Patent number: 11505317
    Abstract: A flying object (drone) has a propeller drive unit provided in a fuselage thereof, and flies through the air by being driven by the propeller drive unit. The drone has a gravitational center movement device which is provided in the upper section of the fuselage and is capable of moving the total gravitational center position of the entire drone. The drone is equipped with a movement controller which moves the total gravitational center position to a target position by acquiring the total gravitational center position and controlling operation of the gravitational center movement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideo Murakami, Yoshitaka Minagawa, Koji Muraoka, Ayatoshi Yokokawa
  • Patent number: 11492101
    Abstract: An airflow separation detecting method includes: applying an alternating-current voltage having a predetermined voltage value to a plasma actuator, the plasma actuator being disposed on a part of a surface of an object; and detecting that separation, from the surface of the object, of an airflow flowing on the surface of the object is occurring, in a case where an absolute value of a temporal variation rate of an electric power consumption value of the plasma actuator or an absolute value of a temporal variation rate of a current value of the plasma actuator is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the temporal variation rate being a rate of variation relative to time, the electric power consumption value or the current value of the plasma actuator being measured under application of the alternating-current voltage having the predetermined voltage value to the plasma actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroki Kato
  • Patent number: 11485493
    Abstract: A method for managing connections between an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and one or more associated UAV devices is described. The method includes determining, by a radio control management service, that one or more associated UAV devices are attached to a wireless network; determining, by the radio control management service, that one or more UAVs are attached to the wireless network; and routing, by the radio control management service in response to determining that the one or more associated UAV devices and one or more UAVs are attached to the network, at least one of (1) communications from at least one of the one or more UAVs to at least one of the one or more associated UAV devices and (2) communications from at least one of the one or more associated UAV devices to at least one of the one or more UAVs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Heikki Mahkonen, Ravi Manghirmalani, Attila Takács
  • Patent number: 11488494
    Abstract: Innovative instrument holders used for minimally invasive surgical simulation and training are disclosed when used in conjunction with a smartphone, tablet or mini-tablet computer enabling visualization of the surgical field. The surgical field used with these instrument holders can include animal models, physical models, and both virtual and augmented reality models. Some embodiments can be used with applications that can be downloaded to the smartphone, tablet or mini-tablet computer in order to enhance specific hand-eye coordination tasks. Some embodiments can be used as an adjunct surgical trainer for endoscopy, colonoscopy, and other minimally invasive gastrointestinal and gynecological surgical procedures using surgical instruments that incorporate fiber optics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventor: Jose Luis Mosso Vazquez
  • Patent number: 11482118
    Abstract: A system for flight tracking of an electric aircraft is presented. A system includes a non-volatile data storage unit. A non-volatile data storage unit is housed within a protective barrier of an electric aircraft. A non-volatile data storage unit is configured to receive flight data of an electric aircraft from a computing device. A non-volatile data storage unit is configured to record flight data. A non-volatile data storage unit is configured to categorize flight data to at least two flight data groups. A system includes a computing device. A computing device is housed within an electric aircraft. A computing device is configured to receive flight data from at least a sensor of an electric aircraft. A computing device is configured to convey flight data to a non-volatile data storage unit. A computing device is configured to transmit flight data to at least an external computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob Nealy, Jordan Potvin
  • Patent number: 11454517
    Abstract: A system and to a method of analyzing and monitoring interfering movements of an inertial unit of an aircraft during a stage of statically aligning the inertial unit. During the static alignment stage, measurements of the velocity of the aircraft relative to the ground are acquired, and states of a mirror process having a model that is close to the model of the process of aligning the inertial unit are estimated. The states of the mirror process are estimated from observations constituted by the measurements of velocity relative to the ground. Finally, the estimates of the states are compared with respective validation thresholds in order to validate or not validate said alignment of the inertial unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventor: Jean Paul Petillon
  • Patent number: 11454964
    Abstract: A first pattern associated with a performer may be recognized based upon visual information. A sensor carried by an unmanned aerial vehicle may be configured to generate output signals conveying the visual information. A first distance may be determined between the first pattern and the unmanned aerial vehicle. A second pattern associated with a performee may be recognized based upon the visual information. A second distance may be determined between the second pattern and the unmanned aerial vehicle. Flight control may be adjusted based upon the first distance and the second distance. A flight control subsystem may be configured to provide the flight control for the unmanned aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Pablo Lema, Shu Ching Ip
  • Patent number: 11360491
    Abstract: A loss-of-control prevention and recovery automatic control system of an aircraft is provided having a plurality of flight control mode, including a nominal flight control mode, a loss-of-control prevention control mode, a loss-of-control arrest control mode, and a nominal flight restoration control mode, as well as a supervisory control system capable of monitoring the flight states and flight events of the aircraft and determining which flight control mode to activate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventors: Jianchao Zhu, Yue Zhao
  • Patent number: 11307584
    Abstract: A technique is described for developing and using applications and skills with an autonomous vehicle. In an example embodiment, a development platform is provided that enables access to a developer console for developing software modules for use with an autonomous vehicle. Using the developer console, a developer user can specify instructions for causing an autonomous vehicle to perform one or more operations. For example, to control the behavior of an autonomous vehicle, the instructions can cause an executing computer system at the autonomous vehicle to generate calls to an application programming interface (API) associated with an autonomous navigation system of autonomous vehicle. Such calls to the API can be configured to adjust a parameter of a behavioral objective associated with a trajectory generation process performed by the autonomous navigation system that controls the behavior of the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Skydio, Inc.
    Inventors: Roshan Neel Jobanputra, Jeffrey Robert DeCew, Matthew Joseph Donahoe, Mark Edward Rubin, Adam Parker Bry, Abraham Galton Bachrach, Jack Louis Zhu, Kristen Marie Holtz
  • Patent number: 11275385
    Abstract: The driving support device executes self-position estimation of an own vehicle by odometry. In the case where landmarks around the own vehicle are detected, the driving support device corrects the self-position and creates an environment map. Next, the driving support device estimates the correction accuracy of the estimated self-position. In the case where the correction accuracy is high, the driving support device selects a first operating mode of driving support. In the case where the correction accuracy is low and the accuracy of odometry is also low, the driving support device selects a second operating mode of driving support. The second operating mode is a mode in which the degree of driving support is lower than that in the first operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryo Takaki
  • Patent number: 11181934
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for predicting ground effects along a flight plan. The systems and methods provide a processor executed process including the steps: receiving a flight plan for a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft; receiving terrain and obstacles geospatial data for the flight plan from the database; determining weight of the VTOL aircraft along the flight plan; determining temperature of the environment along the flight plan; determining ground effect data along the flight plan based on the temperature and the weight; based on the terrain and obstacles data, the ground effect data and the flight plan, predict where, along the flight plan, the VTOL aircraft will traverse a ground effect region, thereby providing prediction data; and generating one or more commands to control a system of the VTOL aircraft based on the prediction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Sriram P R, Lisa Fern, Sivakumar Kanagarajan
  • Patent number: 11176007
    Abstract: A redundant processing fabric in an autonomous vehicle may include processing, by a first processing unit of a plurality of processing units, sensor data from a first sensor of a plurality of sensors, where the plurality of processing units are coupled to the plurality of sensors via a switched fabric, wherein the plurality of processing units and plurality of sensors are included in the autonomous vehicle; determining a failure in processing the sensor data by the first processing unit; and redirecting, via the switched fabric, sensor data from the first sensor a redundant processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: GHOST LOCOMOTION INC.
    Inventors: John Hayes, Volkmar Uhlig
  • Patent number: 11089208
    Abstract: The disclosure describes systems and methods for a stabilization mechanism. The stabilization mechanism may be used in conjunction with an imaging device. The method may be performed by a control system of the stabilization mechanism and includes obtaining a device setting from an imaging device. The method may also include obtaining a configuration of the stabilization mechanism. The method includes determining a soft stop based on the device setting, the configuration, or both. The soft stop may be a virtual hard stop that indicates to the stabilization mechanism to reduce speed as a field of view of the imaging device approaches the soft stop. The method may also include setting an image stabilization mechanism parameter based on the determined soft stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Enke, Kielan C. Crow, Pascal Gohl
  • Patent number: 10960971
    Abstract: An automatic yaw enhancement method for an aircraft having at least one propeller includes providing to a flight controller a pilot command from a pilot interface and avionic data for an airspeed, an angle of attack, and a thrust. A P-factor compensation is determined based on one or more of the airspeed, the angle of attack, and the thrust. A command to a trim device is determined based on a P-factor compensation. When a rudder bias persists, the command to the trim device is repeatedly updated until a rudder force input is nullified. The methods provide automatic pilot assistance for controlling yaw during asymmetric flight conditions and automatic turn coordination while allowing intentional side-slip for facilitating crosswind landings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: Steven G. Hagerott, Philippe A. Ciholas
  • Patent number: 10814842
    Abstract: A braking system and method utilizing a simplified estimate of a distance between two locations on the earth based on spherical geometry. A braking system utilizing the aforementioned simplified estimate does not require computationally intensive calculations and is more efficient and better equipped to handle real-time generation of distance estimates for braking needs and variable conditions. In the present invention, geodesics evaluations are not used; rather, a modified Haversine formula that simplifies computations is used, including a one-time computation of the cosine of latitude coordinate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Hydro-Aire, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Brett Slatkin
  • Patent number: 10692389
    Abstract: Methods and systems may allow for automatic initiation of a contingency maneuver, to prevent mid-air collisions between an aerial vehicle and another aircraft or other obstacle, without requiring input from an operator. Generally, a processing unit on board the aerial vehicle detects potential conflicts via a navigation system on board the aerial vehicle. Said navigation system may receive, for example, automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) signals and global positioning system (GPS) data. Disclosed systems automatically initiate one or more contingency maneuvers to change the flight (e.g., speed, position, direction, and/or altitude) of the aerial vehicle to avoid close calls or colliding with a potential conflict in the surrounding airspace. Such contingency maneuvers provide an automatic flight modification that may occur independently from any operator input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Aurora Flight Services Corporation, a subsidiary of The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jason Solomon Fine
  • Patent number: 10691140
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating a rotorcraft includes transitioning from a first mode to a second mode when a velocity of the rotorcraft exceeds a first velocity threshold. Transitioning between the first and second modes includes fading out a gain of a dynamic controller over a first period of time, and decreasing a value of an integrator of the dynamic controller over a second period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Sung Kyun Kim
  • Patent number: 10665115
    Abstract: A method, device, framework, and system provide the ability to control an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to avoid obstacle collision. Range data of a real-world scene is acquired using range sensors (that provide depth data to visible objects). The range data is combined into an egospace representation (consisting of pixels in egospace). An apparent size of each of the visible objects is expanded based on a dimension of the UAV. An assigned destination in the real world scene based on world space is received and transformed into egospace coordinates in egospace. A trackable path from the UAV to the assigned destination through egospace that avoids collision with the visible objects (based on the expanded apparent sizes of each of the visible objects) is generated. Inputs that control the UAV to follow the trackable path are identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Anthony T. S. Fragoso, Larry H. Matthies, Roland Brockers, Richard M. Murray
  • Patent number: 10656642
    Abstract: A method for providing mode data during operation of a Flight Management System (FMS) using a Vertical Navigation (VNAV) Autopilot Mode, is provided. When the FMS has disengaged a Lateral Navigation (LNAV) Autopilot Mode, the method detects a changed aircraft position indicating divergence from a flight path, wherein the changed aircraft position comprises a current aircraft position; calculates a future aircraft position for VNAV Autopilot Mode disengagement, based on the changed aircraft position, a predicted cross-track error, and the divergence from the flight path; and presents the changed aircraft position and the future aircraft position when operating in the VNAV Autopilot Mode, via a display device. When the future aircraft position is not on the flight path, the method disengages the VNAV Autopilot Mode, based on the changed aircraft position and the future aircraft position; calculates a descent path for the aircraft, after disengagement; and presents the descent path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Kiran Mancheiah Venkataramana
  • Patent number: 10642284
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may navigate to place a ground structure, having a known location, into a field of view of a camera and capture imagery of the ground structure. Algorithms may be used to identify the ground structure to determine its known location. Ground structures may include identifiers that provide the known location and/or other information to enable determination of the known locations. Algorithms may determine an offset distance of the UAV from the ground structure to enable determination of a location of the UAV. For example, the images may be used to determine a distance and angle(s) from the ground structure when the ground structure is shown in a perspective view and has features that indicate orientation. In some embodiments, the UAV may transmit its location to other UAVs, and/or may create and/or transmit a corrected GPS location based on the location determined by the ground structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gideon Barazovsky
  • Patent number: 10583845
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting security threats during vehicle operations. For instance, retrieving a route plan for a route of a vehicle from a database of the vehicle; identifying either a portion of the route or a portion of the route plan as a security threat based on an analysis of the route plan; and in response to identifying the portion of the route or the portion of the route plan as the security threat, transmitting an alert of the security threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: James Alexander Nicholls, John Stokely, Dereck Clark, Yasuo Ishihara
  • Patent number: 10586460
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for operating an unmanned delivery device. One embodiment of the method includes setting at least one sampling section with respect to a travel path to a destination of at least one delivery item, determining a type of the sampling section based on location information and altitude information of the sampling section, setting a traveling range including the at least one sampling section based on the type of the sampling section, generating route information including the at least one traveling range, and providing the route information to the unmanned delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventor: Moon Sung Park
  • Patent number: 10577081
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a sensor and a proactive vehicle controller that is capable of proactively altering one or more vehicle operating parameters in response to detecting a force caused by an environmental event that will be exerted on a chassis of the vehicle. The sensor has a field-of-view that includes the direction of travel of the vehicle. The sensor may detect objects in the field-of-view and, based at least in part on the behavior of the objects in the field-of-view, predicts the force exerted on the object by an environmental event. Based on the predicted force, the proactive vehicle controller proactively adjusts one or more vehicle operating parameters to minimize the effect of the force that will be exerted on the vehicle by the environmental event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Jim S. Baca, Alec Iverson, Rita H. Wouhaybi
  • Patent number: 10539421
    Abstract: An inertial measurement system (200) for a longitudinal projectile, comprising a first, roll gyro to be oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the projectile; a second gyro and a third gyro with axes arranged with respect to the roll gyro such that they define a three dimensional coordinate system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: ATLANTIC INERTIAL SYSTEMS, LIMITED
    Inventors: John Keith Sheard, Nicholas Mark Faulkner