By Remote Radio Signal Patents (Class 244/189)
  • Patent number: 11535373
    Abstract: A system for both onboard piloting and remote piloting an aircraft having thereon at least one onboard pilot includes an aircraft having an onboard flight control system, onboard flight control devices, and onboard condition indicators mounted proximal the pilot seat. A remote flight control system, in electronic communication with the onboard flight control system, includes remote flight control devices and remote condition indicators. At least in a remote piloting mode, the onboard flight control system transmits flight and aircraft condition-related signals to the remote flight control system, receives flight control signals from the remote flight control system, and actuates, according to the flight control signals received from the remote flight control system, onboard actuators thereby remote piloting the aircraft. In the remote piloting mode, the aircraft may be cooperatively piloted by a remote pilot and at least one alert onboard pilot as another onboard pilot rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11367081
    Abstract: Systems and methods for UAV safety are provided. An authentication system may be used to confirm UAV and/or user identity and provide secured communications between users and UAVs. The UAVs may operate in accordance with a set of flight regulations. The set of flight regulations may be associated with a geo-fencing device in the vicinity of the UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming Gong, Jin Dai, Hao Cui, Xiaodong Wang, Han Huang, Jun Wu, Wei Fan, Ning Ma, Xinhua Rong, Xingsen Lin
  • Patent number: 11319069
    Abstract: Provided is a method for delivering goods through an unmanned aerial vehicle group including a plurality of aircraft respectively connected to delivery target goods. The method comprises identifying, by a master aircraft of the unmanned aerial vehicle group, an actual load applied to each of the aircraft by the goods while the unmanned aerial vehicle group is flying to deliver the goods, and controlling the unmanned aerial vehicle group by the master aircraft to adjust the actual load applied to each of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignees: PABLO AIR Co., Ltd., PABLO AIR International, INC.
    Inventors: Seung Han Lim, Youngjoon Kim, Dong Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 11250713
    Abstract: A fixed wing unmanned aircraft and a method for operating the same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Yang Liu, Alan Bruce Hickman, Xiaodong Chen, Shuai Chen, Wenwan Feng, Lei Zhang, Yunfei Zou
  • Patent number: 10965342
    Abstract: A system for data transfer in a rotorcraft includes a power bus extending from a power source in a main fuselage of the rotorcraft to provide electrical power to electrical loads located in a tail boom section of the rotorcraft, a first power line communication node on the power bus in the tail boom section of the rotorcraft, a second power line communication node on the power bus in the main fuselage of the rotorcraft, and a digital sensor bus connected to the first power line communication node. Information from the digital sensor bus is transmitted to the first power line communication node and across the power bus to the second power line communication node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Lynch, David F. Larsen
  • Patent number: 10717525
    Abstract: An aircraft control system and control method are disclosed. The system comprises a remote control apparatus with a first control rod and a flight controller associated with an aircraft. The first control rod is configured to move in a first movement direction to control a motion of the aircraft in a first motion direction when an external force is applied on the first control rod and after a withdrawal of the external force, the first control rod returns to a preset position. The remote control apparatus operates to generate one or more control signals corresponding to the withdrawal of the external force. The flight controller controls the aircraft to maintain a flight state based on said control signals and one or more state signals, which are generated based on a measurement of the flight state by a flight controller associated with the aircraft state measurement sensors carried by the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao
  • Patent number: 10666900
    Abstract: An ambulatory system to communicate visual projections. An embodiment of an apparatus for ambulatory communication includes: a propulsion system to enable the apparatus to fly, including to hover in place and to follow a user; a stereo camera to record an image of a user of the apparatus or a scene nearby the user of the apparatus; a transmitter to transmit video data generated by the stereo camera to a second apparatus via network for a communication with a remote user; a receiver to receive video data via the network from the remote user; and a video projection mechanism to project an image including the received video to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert L. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 10665112
    Abstract: A method of teaming a manned aerial vehicle and an unmanned aerial vehicle includes inputting to a controller in a manned vehicle coordinates for an area of interest, plotting a course to the area of interest in a navigation computer operatively connected to the controller, identifying one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) near the area of interest, communicating to a ground controller rendezvous coordinates for one of the one or more UAVs, and negotiating a control hand-off of the one of the one or more UAVs from the ground controller to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cherry Cwalina, Gary Howland, Luca F. Bertuccelli, Margaret M. Lampazzi, Robert Pupalaikis, Thomas Guido, James S. Magson, John G. Schoenfeld
  • Patent number: 10607461
    Abstract: A drone security system with at least a drone and a drone base having been setup with locations that are part of a tradition security systems and where the traditional security system is in communication with drone base enabling the drone to respond to events that occur in the traditional security system and for the drone to also follow a predetermined path with checkpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventor: Albert Williams
  • Patent number: 10571929
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a control method thereof. The mobile terminal according to the present invention comprises: a camera; a wireless communication unit for communicating with an external mobile photographing device; a display unit for outputting a preview image captured by the camera and detecting a touch input for designating a photographing region to be photographed by the mobile photographing device; and a control unit for controlling the wireless communication unit such that photographing guide information calculated on the basis of the photographing region is transmitted to the mobile photographing device on the basis of applying the touch input for designating the photographing region to the preview image and a preview image captured by the mobile photographing device according to the photographing guide information is received, and controlling the display unit such that the preview image captured by the mobile photographing device is outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Juneseok Hur
  • Patent number: 10515560
    Abstract: An aerial system includes a body, a lift mechanism coupled to the body, a processing system, and at least one camera. The aerial system also includes a first motor configured to rotate the at least one camera about a first axis and a second motor configured to rotate the at least one camera about a second axis. The processing system is configured to determine a direction of travel of the aerial system and to cause the first motor and the second motor to automatically orient the at least one camera about the first axis and the second axis such that the at least one camera automatically faces the direction of travel of the aerial system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Hangzhou Zero Zero Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lei Zhang, Xian Su, Zhaozhe Wang, Wei Sun, Tong Zhang, Mengqiu Wang
  • Patent number: 10460611
    Abstract: Flight path determination for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in which three-dimensional coverage information, corresponding to a wireless network, is used to optimize the flight path to ensure that the UAVs maintain network coverage throughout the flight. The flight path information may be provided as a service to UAV operators. In one implementation, network coverage for a network may be mapped in a three-dimensional manner. That is, the radio signal strength of the network may be mapped at various heights that correspond to heights at which UAVs are likely to fly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Lalit R. Kotecha
  • Patent number: 10452063
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, an electronic device for controlling a movement of an unmanned aerial vehicle, the electronic device comprising: a display that displays information associated with the movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle; a user interface disposed to be rotatable around the display and configured to detect an input; at least one processor configured to generate a control signal to control the movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle based on an input through at least one of the display and the user interface; and a communication interface that is configured to transmit the control signal to the unmanned aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-Eun Ha, Chang-Sik Kim, Han-Bit Kim, In-Hyuk Choi, Jae-Woo Choi, Youn-Lea Kim, Ha-Sik Moon
  • Patent number: 10178315
    Abstract: This disclosure describes optimizing a clarity of images captured by a camera exposed to vibrations, such as a camera mounted on an aerial vehicle. The vibrations can be caused by rotors, motors, forces (e.g., lift, drag, etc.) acting on the UAV, environmental factors (e.g., wind, turbulence, etc.), or any other force that may cause asymmetry. An inertial measurement unit can measure the vibrations and determine a vibrational pattern imposed upon the camera. The inertial measurement unit can identify one or more dead points in the vibrational pattern, and times associated therewith. The inertial measurement unit can send the one or more dead points and/or the times associated therewith to the camera, and cause the camera to capture and/or store images at times corresponding to the one or more dead points to enable capture of images with little or no blur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Buchmueller
  • Patent number: 10163328
    Abstract: The invention is a system and method for communicating emergency information from an aircraft in response to an emergency or technical problem detected by monitoring avionics data at an onboard autonomous aircraft SATCOM transceiver activation device, the emergency detection functioning to automatically activate and control an aircraft SATCOM transceiver which then (i) automatically triggers real-time tracking of the aircraft via satellite, (ii) provides aircraft positioning on broadcast distinctive signals and data in designated frequencies; and (iii) monitors, processes, and automatically communicates the avionics data in conformance with ICAO standards for GADSS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: InFlight Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Bekanich
  • Patent number: 10158168
    Abstract: Improved radio-transparent communication tower panel security devices that can be easily mounted to and strapped around the cover panels of communication towers, including flag-supporting cellular communication towers, so as to band and secure the cover panels thereto and prevent them from falling off in high winds and/or other adverse weather conditions, while preventing wear and tear of flags and their lanyards. Preferably, the communication tower panel security device employs a flexible plastic tubing assembly and a ratchet-based connecting/tensioning assembly for safely securing radiation-transparent panels covering antenna service bays of a wireless telecommunication tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher C. Dundorf, Patrick Melvin, David M. Dundorf
  • Patent number: 10152052
    Abstract: A single-handed hand held remote control for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is disclosed. The remote control includes a throttle control and a motion sensor(s) to detect various hand movements that can be mapped to various degrees of freedom. As the user moves the remote control, a micro-processor takes sampled data from the motion sensor(s) and determines a hand gesture which is used to identify a control instruction for the UAV. The control instruction is then transmitted via radio signal to the UAV to move the UAV accordingly. Some embodiments include a wrist member with its own motion sensor to improve on the movement sensing and provide enhanced control features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Ning Lu
  • Patent number: 10124892
    Abstract: A method for controlling a flying object floating in the air includes the steps of: a) maintaining the flying object at a current position in the air; b) determining whether a first user input is received; c) in the affirmative, allowing the flying object to be moved arbitrarily without use of a remote controller and without returning to the current position; d) detecting position information of the flying object; e) determining whether a second user input different from the first user input is received; and f) in the affirmative, repeating steps a) to e) with the current position being updated according to the position information detected in step d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Chaoyang University of Technology
    Inventor: An-Chin Cheng
  • Patent number: 10074226
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing UAV-based digital escort drones in visitor management and access control systems are provided. A visitor management and access control system can identify a need for escorting a visitor through a region and transmit a signal to a drone that identifies a starting location and a destination location in the region. Responsive to receiving the signal, the drone can escort the visitor along a path from the starting location to the destination location, and an access privilege device carried by the drone can open a secured door or access a secured area along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Deepak Sundar Meganathan
  • Patent number: 10066944
    Abstract: Systems for multi-mode receiver (MMR)-based inertial integration of position solutions replace expensive IRUs with lower-grade but high-performance inertial sensors and GNSS-assisted MMRs, collecting inertial position data indicative of an aircraft position and integrating the inertial data with georeferenced position data within the MMRs. The inertial sensors may include microelectromechanical attitude and heading reference systems capable of generating coasted position solutions based on secondary inertial data and integrated with georeferenced data when it is available. The coasted position solutions may be used as a standby alternative to primary integrated solutions, or serve as an additional primary position solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. McNamara, James H. Doty, Vladislav Gavrilets, Gilles Tatham, Jesse W. Oltrogge
  • Patent number: 9998946
    Abstract: A mobile local delivery server (MLDS) may include a system controller configured to determine an anticipated location of an aircraft based on information received from one or more flight information sources and a data loading processor communicably coupled with the system controller and configured to execute one or more software applications. The one or more software applications may configure the MLDS to exchange data with the aircraft. The MLDS may further include a mass storage device communicably coupled with the data loading processor and configured to store data exchanged between the MLDS and the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Lentz, Fraser R. Chisholm, Scott J. Zogg
  • Patent number: 9984522
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an on board microprocessor that is programmed to receive and transmit multiple authentication factors or a key derived therefrom to a remote server to authenticate the vehicle or a vehicle occupant to a remote server. The multiple authentication factors comprise a plurality of an electronic address of a portable communication device of the occupant sensed by an on board sensor, a wireless remote signal description sensed by an on board sensor, a vehicle-related identifier, a vehicle parameter sensed by the on board processor, an environmental parameter sensed by the on board processor, and a passcode received by the microprocessor from the remote server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. Ricci
  • Patent number: 9898003
    Abstract: Embodiments of the subject matter described herein provide an innovative method and system capable of enabling external ground control of a manned aircraft without a pilot or crew, in order to (i) move the aircraft, and (ii) command various subsystems of the aircraft. The provided method and system supports secure wireless communication between the aircraft and a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Warpinski, Andrew Fannon Lamkin, Duke Buster
  • Patent number: 9876959
    Abstract: The drone comprises a camera, an inertial unit measuring the drone angles, and an extractor module delivering data of an image area (ZI) of reduced size defined inside a capture area (ZC) of the sensor. A feedback-control module dynamically modifies the position and the orientation of the image area inside the capture area, in a direction opposite to that of the angle variations measured by the inertial unit. The sensor may operate according to a plurality of different configurations able to be dynamically selected, with a base configuration using a base capture area (ZCB) for low values of roll angle (?), and at least one degraded mode configuration using an extended capture area (ZCE) of greater size than the base capture area (ZCB), for high values of roll angle (?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: PARROT DRONES
    Inventor: Pierre Eline
  • Patent number: 9870566
    Abstract: Systems and methods for UAV safety are provided. An authentication system may be used to confirm UAV and/or user identity and provide secured communications between users and UAVs. The UAVs may operate in accordance with a set of flight regulations. The set of flight regulations may be associated with a geo-fencing device in the vicinity of the UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Ming Gong, Jin Dai, Hao Cui, Xiaodong Wang, Han Huang, Jun Wu, Wei Fan, Ning Ma, Xinhua Rong, Xingsen Lin
  • Patent number: 9823656
    Abstract: The present subject matter is related to a safety mechanism that comprises method and system for automatically performing safety operations to prevent crash of an airborne vehicle. When there is a deviation of current airborne vehicle path from predefined airborne vehicle path, the airborne vehicle safety system sends a notification to receive authentication of all aircraft operators in the airborne vehicle, as a safety measure. If the authentication is provided, then the airborne vehicle proceeds along the current path, otherwise control of the airborne vehicle is switched from manual control to automatic control that proceeds along the predefined path. Therefore, the airborne vehicle safety system prevents intentional crash or deviation from the current path. Further, the airborne vehicle safety system unlocks cockpit door of the airborne vehicle when authentication is not received from the aircraft operator in cockpit so that necessary measures can be taken to prevent the crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: WIPRO LIMITED
    Inventors: Melwyn Anthony Dsouza, Usman Ali Abdul Rahiman
  • Patent number: 9824689
    Abstract: Voice-operable avionic systems and methods supporting utilization of speech recognition to facilitate control of avionic systems are disclosed. Utilizing speech recognition to control avionic systems may help reduce the head-down time of the flight crew. Safety features may also be implemented to ensure safety-critical commands are carried out as intended when commands are received through speech recognition. In addition, voice-operable avionic systems configured in accordance with embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be implemented in manners that can help reduce the complexity and cost associated with obtaining certifications from aviation authorities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 9818303
    Abstract: Flight path determination for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in which three-dimensional coverage information, corresponding to a wireless network, is used to optimize the flight path to ensure that the UAVs maintain network coverage throughout the flight. The flight path information may be provided as a service to UAV operators. In one implementation, network coverage for a cellular network may be mapped in a three-dimensional manner. That is, the radio signal strength of the network may be mapped at various heights that correspond to heights at which UAVs are likely to fly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Lalit R. Kotecha
  • Patent number: 9766622
    Abstract: A method for controlling a UAV using a remote terminal. The remote terminal is capable of wirelessly communicating with the UAV. The method comprises detecting, via a physical input device of the remote terminal, at least one user's action applied to the physical input device; generating a control instruction in response to the detected at least one user's action; and transmitting the control instruction to the UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: ZEROTECH (SHENZHEN) INTELLIGENCE ROBOT CO., LTD
    Inventors: Jianjun Yang, Kaiben Sun, Bin Cheng, Wanhong Cai
  • Patent number: 9701398
    Abstract: A system for augmented pilot operations is provided to perform checks and balances between navigable systems and a plurality of controlling parties of a Fly-By-Wire vehicle. A ground based control system having at least one of manual controls and an autonomous piloting system, an electronic communication system including at least one of an onboard communication system, a ground based communication system, and a programmable interface for inter party communication. An on board flight control system including at least one of a primary power unit, manual flight controls, and a programmable flight management system may be provided. An onboard auxiliary navigation system including at least one of an auxiliary power control unit, a ground operated control/navigation unit, a physical barrier may prevent manual override from within the plane or cockpit, and an assignment device. A disagreement detection system may be configured to detect unauthorized use of the Fly-By-Wire vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: Douglas Allen Schultz
  • Patent number: 9679391
    Abstract: An image pickup system is an image pickup system in which an image pickup section and a confirmation section that displays a picked-up image from the image pickup section are separable, the image pickup system including: a first motion determination section that determines a motion of the image pickup section; a second motion determination section that determines a motion of the confirmation section; and a control section that controls at least one of the image pickup section and the confirmation section by obtaining a relationship between the motion of the image pickup section and the motion of the confirmation section based on determination results of the first and second motion determination sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Akinobu Sato, Saori Matsumoto, Koji Sakai, Hiroki Amino, Kensuke Ishii, Tsuyoshi Yaji, Osamu Nonaka
  • Patent number: 9663236
    Abstract: Aerial vehicles may include propulsion units having motors with drive shafts that may be aligned at a variety of orientations, propellers with variable pitch blades, and common operators for aligning the drive shafts at one or more orientations and for varying the pitch angles of the blades. The common operators may include plate elements to which a propeller hub is rotatably joined, and which may be supported by one or more linear actuators that may extend or retract to vary both the orientations of the drive shafts and the pitch angles of the blades. Operating the motors and propellers at varying speeds, gimbal angles or pitch angles enables the motors to generate forces in any number of directions and at any magnitudes. Attributes of the propulsion units may be selected in order to shape or control the noise generated thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic Timothy Shiosaki, Ricky Dean Welsh
  • Patent number: 9650155
    Abstract: An aircraft control apparatus, control system, and control method are disclosed. A control apparatus includes: a first control rod configured to have a movement in a first movement direction controlling a motion of an aircraft in a first motion direction, wherein after an external force on the first control rod in the first movement direction is removed, the first control rod automatically returns to a preset position in the first movement direction; wherein the preset position which the first control rod automatically returns to corresponds to the aircraft in the first motion direction maintaining a state of flight; wherein the maintaining state of flight depends on control signals received by the aircraft generated resulting from changes in the external force applied to the control rod in the first movement direction and state signals measured by state measurement sensors carried by the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao
  • Patent number: 9646502
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an automated unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) self-identification system, devices, and techniques pertaining to the automated identification of individual UAVs operating within an airspace via a mesh communication network, individual UAVs and a central authority representing nodes of the mesh network. The system may detect nearby UAVs present within a UAV's airspace. Nearby UAVs may self-identify or be identified via correlation with one or more features detected by the UAV. The UAV may validate identifying information using a dynamic validation policy. Data collected by the UAV may be stored in a local mesh database and distributed to individual nodes of the mesh network and merged into a common central mesh database for distribution to individual nodes of the mesh network. UAVs on the mesh network utilize local and central mesh database information for self-identification and to maintain a dynamic flight plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Kristofer Gentry
  • Patent number: 9599991
    Abstract: A device for automatically engaging an automated emergency descent of an aircraft. The device comprises a monitoring unit configured to automatically compare, repetitively, a current cabin altitude of the aircraft to an engagement threshold representing an altitude value, an activation unit configured to automatically engage the automated emergency descent when the current cabin altitude reaches the engagement threshold called main engagement threshold, and a unit for generating at least one engagement threshold configured at least to adapt the main engagement threshold according to the terrain, the main engagement threshold corresponding to the sum of a terrain altitude and a predetermined margin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Florent Lanterna, Frederic Dewasne
  • Patent number: 9589448
    Abstract: A safety and security device is housed on either an unmanned aerial vehicle or its land-based docking station and is combined with a cellular telephone for self-defense purposes. The phone broadcasts both recorded audio and video warnings on the device. A flashing light may be activated on the aerial platform or the docking station. The device may be integrated into a modular unit that combines numerous defensive mechanisms. These defensive mechanisms operate autonomously and respond to perceived threats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Schneider, Lee Bryan, Patricia L. Scott, Vladimir F. Kogan, Wendy C. Scully, Jack T. Scully
  • Patent number: 9579586
    Abstract: In some embodiments, extemporaneous control of remote objects can be made more natural using the invention, enabling a participant to pivot, tip and aim a handheld display device to control a remote-controlled toy or full-sized vehicle, for example. If the vehicle is outfitted with a camera, then the participant may see the remote location from first-person proprioceptive perspective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: MONKEYmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Justin Gould Bear, Rachel M. Strickland, Jim McKee
  • Patent number: 9563202
    Abstract: In some embodiments, extemporaneous control of remote objects can be made more natural using the invention, enabling a participant to pivot, tip and aim a head-mounted display apparatus to control a remote-controlled toy or full-sized vehicle, for example, hands-free. If the vehicle is outfitted with a camera, then the participant may see the remote location from first-person proprioceptive perspective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: MONKEYmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Justin Gould Bear, Rachel M. Strickland, Jim McKee
  • Patent number: 9546005
    Abstract: A voice router for a vehicle and a method for operating a voice router are provided. The voice router, for example, may include, but is not limited to, an interface configured to be coupled to a microphone and a plurality of subsystems of an aircraft, and a processor coupled to the interface, the processor configured to receive, from the microphone, voice command audio data, convert, using an avionic language model, the voice command audio data into voice command text data, determine, using a distribution model, whether a command corresponding to the voice command text data can be executed, transmitting, to at least one of the plurality of subsystems, instructions to execute the command when the voice router determines that the command can be executed, and providing, using the output system, feedback when the command is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Chao Li, Lucas Chen
  • Patent number: 9454151
    Abstract: A device receives a request for a mission that includes traversal of a flight path and performance of mission operations, and presents a first user interface that requests mission information. The device receives the mission information, and determines recommended UAVs for the mission based on the mission information. The device presents information associated with the recommended UAVs, and receives a selection of a particular UAV via the first user interface. The device determines recommended mission plans based on the mission information and the particular UAV, and presents the recommended mission plans via a second user interface. The device receives a selection of a particular mission plan via the second user interface, and generates mission plan instructions for the particular mission plan. The device provides the mission plan instructions to the particular UAV to permit the particular UAV to travel the flight path and perform the mission operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC.
    Inventors: Ashok N. Srivastava, Douglas M. Pasko, Hani Batla, Igor Kantor, Gurpreet Ubhi
  • Patent number: 9441985
    Abstract: A present novel and non-trivial system, device, and method for generating a future scene of a remotely-operated vehicle (“ROV”) are disclosed. A future scene generator (“FSG”) may receive remote navigation data from the ROV; receive engine control and steering control (“ECSC”) data representative of engine and steering commands; predict future navigation data based upon the remote navigation data, the ECSC data, and a time delay; retrieve object data corresponding to the future navigation data; generate an image data set based upon the future navigation data and the object data, where the image data set is representative of an image of a future scene located outside the remote vehicle; and provide the image data set to a display unit. If the ROV is an unmanned aerial vehicle, the ECSC data could be engine control and flight controls data, and the image of a future scene could be a three-dimensional perspective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitchell A. Riley
  • Patent number: 9445280
    Abstract: Multiple mobile cellular network (MCN) communication systems can be networked together to form a network of MCN communication systems (NOM). Each MCN communication system within the NOM can operate as an independent cellular network to provide communications between user equipment within a covered area. The MCN can be managed by a network management control center (NMCC). The NMCC can be configured generate coverage maps of the NOM and NMC system coverage areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: OCEUS NETWORKS INC.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Uelk, Chris Hill
  • Patent number: 9324189
    Abstract: An ambulatory system to communicate visual projections. An embodiment of an apparatus for ambulatory communication includes: a propulsion system to enable the apparatus to fly, including to hover in place and to follow a user; a stereo camera to record an image of a user of the apparatus or a scene nearby the user of the apparatus; a transmitter to transmit video data generated by the stereo camera to a second apparatus via network for a communication with a remote user; a receiver to receive video data via the network from the remote user; and a video projection mechanism to project an image including the received video to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 9304514
    Abstract: A calculation unit configured to define a safety corridor, whose width is increased compared with a nominal width, at least by one width of an escape trajectory with a spiral climb of the aircraft, wherein the safety corridor that is thus defined by the calculation unit is used by a construction unit for forming a flight trajectory for a low level flight of an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Boris Kozlow, Yohann Roux, Julien Nico
  • Patent number: 9038962
    Abstract: A system and method for mitigating an aircraft incident is provided. The invention includes an aircraft panic component coupled to a terminal component. The aircraft panic component facilitates identification of a panic situation and communicates information associated with the panic situation to the terminal component. The aircraft panic component is further operative to at least partially disable a navigation system and/or operational system of an aircraft. The aircraft can then be sent to a safe zone, navigated remotely and/or a course of action for the aircraft can be determined. A safe zone component is adapted to facilitate identification of a course of action for the aircraft based at least in part upon aircraft positional information, aircraft condition information and/or aircraft resource(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventors: David J. Akers, Carrie Ann Temel
  • Patent number: 9022324
    Abstract: A system and method of coordination of aerial vehicles through a central server are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a central server and an Internet protocol network. A first aerial vehicle is communicatively coupled with the central server through the Internet protocol network and a second aerial vehicle is communicatively coupled with the first aerial vehicle when a command is transferred through the central server using the Internet protocol network. A first computing device of a first user of the first aerial vehicle operatively controls the first aerial vehicle and a second computing device of a second user of the second aerial vehicle operatively controls the second aerial vehicle. At least one of the first computing device of the first user and the second computing device of the second user communicate the command to the first aerial vehicle through the central server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Fatdoor, Inc.
    Inventor: Raj Abhyanker
  • Patent number: 8958928
    Abstract: The appliance includes a touch screen and wireless data transmission implementation for communicating with the drone. Drone piloting commands are activated by fingers contacting and/or moving over locations of corresponding piloting symbols displayed on the screen. The method proceeds by: detecting finger contact at an arbitrary contact point in at least one predefined zone of the screen on which piloting symbols are not already displayed; displaying a piloting icon on the screen at the contact point, the piloting icon including a movable icon displayed at a position that tracks any movement of the finger contact point over the screen from an initial position to an offset position; detecting the movement of the movable icon; on detecting the movement, analyzing the direction and/or the amplitude of the movement relative to the initial position; and activating a piloting command as a function of the result of the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Parrot
    Inventors: Henri Seydoux, Frederic D'Haeyer
  • Patent number: 8924040
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for reversing an aircraft on the ground comprising driving the aircraft using at least one self-propelled undercarriage wheel. An apparatus for controlling at least one of speed and at least one direction of an aircraft having a self-propelled nosewheel, on the ground, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a control arm; a control unit; means for transmitting information to said self-propelled nosewheel; means for receiving information at said self-propelled nosewheel; and means for controlling at least one of the speed and direction of said nosewheel; whereby airport ground staff can intuitively control the movements of said aircraft by holding said arm and moving it in the direction of required movement of said aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan Sidney Edelson, Isaiah Watas Cox
  • Patent number: 8903568
    Abstract: The present application discloses a remote control method and apparatus for controlling the state of a movable object and/or a load carried thereon. The remote control method comprising: receiving, via an apparatus, a state signal that corresponds to a user's position; remote-controlling the state of the a load being carried on a movable object based on the state signal; wherein the state of the load is the result of combining the movement of the load relative to the movable object and the movement of the object relative to its environment. For example, the control of the state can be achieved through the state of the apparatus itself, a user's state captured by an apparatus, a graphical interface on a screen of an apparatus, or a voice command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Mingyu Wang
  • Patent number: 8855846
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle with a camera and conventional sensors, where the processor navigates the vehicle based at least in part on the image data and the sensor data. A method for navigating an unmanned aerial vehicle where a processor navigates the vehicle based at least in part on image data corrected by traditional sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Jason W. Grzywna