Abstract: An aviation system to identify and avoid airborne drones presenting a flight risk to piloted aircraft. Hazardous drones are identified through piloted aircraft airborne sensors and combined with any available knowledge of anticipated drone activity to provide a safety warning to the piloted aircraft. The safety warning and real-time identification of hazardous drones may be shared among multiple piloted aircraft, to include aircraft unequipped with airborne sensors.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide enhanced resolution imaging systems comprising: a mounting; an electro-optical image capture system; an angular jitter sensor system; an illumination source system; and an image capture control circuit is configured to: receive ling of sight displacement data; obtain, during the capture frame, an angular displacement of the image capture system and monitor when the detected angular displacement of the image capture system, based on the LOS angular displacement data, is beyond an angular displacement threshold envelope; and activate exposure of the image capture system to illumination, during the capture frame, when the detected angular displacement of the image capture system is within the angular displacement threshold envelope, and control a level of exposure of the image capture system to illumination, during the capture frame, when the detected angular displacement is not within the angular displacement threshold envelope.

Abstract: A flight-time variable associated with an aircraft is determined including by determining the flight-time variable while the aircraft is flying. It is determined whether the aircraft is airworthy based at least in part on the flight-time variable. In response to determining that the aircraft is not airworthy, the aircraft is automatically landed.

Abstract: A method is provided for sending a drone to a user on request. The method includes providing software, an instance of which is installed on a plurality of mobile technology platforms, wherein each mobile technology platform is associated with a user and is equipped with a tangible, non-transient medium having an instance of the software installed therein. The software contains suitable programming instructions which, when executed by a processor, perform the steps of (a) displaying, on a display associated with the mobile technology platform, a graphical user interface (GUI) having a user selectable object displayed thereon, (b) determining when the user selectable object has been selected by a user, and (c) when the user selectable object has been selected by the user, (i) determining the current location of the user via the location awareness functionality, and (ii) transmitting a request for a drone, wherein the request includes the determined current location of the user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus processing acceleration data of a sensing device to determine whether the device is located on an aircraft during landing or taking off or in the air or landed. Based on a state of the sensing device, such as take-off, the sensing device is prevented from transmitting signals. In embodiments, the sensing device compares network identifying information stored in memory of the sensing device and locally received network identifying information. For at least one positive comparison of the network identifying information stored in the memory and the locally received network identifying information, the sensing device is prevented from transmitting signals. In embodiments, the acceleration data and the network identifying information provide independent ways to selectively prevent the sensing device from transmitting signals.

Abstract: Techniques for managing a flow of an unmanned vehicle within a space may be described. In particular, the unmanned vehicle may be determined as being location within the space. The space may be associated with metric that may be based on a plurality of other unmanned vehicles also located within the space. Pairs of location and time data may be computed for the unmanned vehicle. The pairs may represent a path for the unmanned vehicle to use within the space. The pairs of location data and time data computed based on data associated with the unmanned vehicle, data associated with at least one of the other unmanned vehicles, and the metric associated with the space. Once computed, the pairs may be provided to the unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: A method for providing an omnidirectional image of the surroundings of a vehicle including distance information comprises a plurality of mono cameras placed at different positions of a vehicle's obtaining a plurality of images with different field of views; an image processing device disposed in the vehicle's combining the plurality of images into an omnidirectional image showing the surroundings of the vehicle; the image processing device's selecting two images with overlapping regions from among the plurality of images and generating a stereo image for the overlapping region by using the two images; a display device disposed in the vehicle displaying an omnidirectional image and displaying information about objects recognized through the stereo image.

Abstract: An example computing device may detect through a sensor that an aircraft started a particular phase of flight. The computing device may autonomously take independent actions on behalf of service operators to automatically allocate and assign resources to the aircraft based on availability of the resources and the flight phase of the aircraft. The computing device may thus trigger preparation of a particular service ahead of arrival of the aircraft, such that the associated service equipment is ready when the aircraft arrives at the gate.

Abstract: An aircraft and a roll method thereof. The aircraft comprises an aircraft body and a remote control, a motor, a power supply, a controller, a six-axis inertial sensor and an H-bridge chip. The remote control is configured for a user to input a desired inclination angle of the aircraft, and transmit the desired inclination angle to the controller, the desired inclination angle being 180° or 360°. The six-axis inertial sensor is configured to detect a current real-time inclination angle of the aircraft relative to a horizontal plane, and transmit the real-time inclination angle to the controller. The controller is configured to compute a difference value between the desired inclination angle and the real-time inclination angle, and compute a roll voltage according to the difference value. The controller is further configured to control the H-bridge chip so that the roll voltage is input to the motor.

Abstract: A method of controlling at least one actuator for controlling an aircraft. The method comprises data acquisition steps performed using at least two mutually distinct sensors, the sensors being suitable for taking mutually distinct measurements of at least one flight parameter of the aircraft. Calculation steps generate at least two mutually distinct control laws for controlling the actuator(s). The control laws are functions of the respective measurements. The method controls the actuator(s) sequentially with a first control law in alternation with a second control law.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a variable inlet geometry mechanism of an aircraft engine. At least one first input signal indicative of at least one operating parameter of an aircraft engine is received. At least one second input signal indicative of a level of crosswind experienced by the aircraft and of an airspeed of the aircraft being below a predetermined threshold is received. A schedule is determined for positioning a the variable inlet geometry mechanism based on the at least one first input signal and of the at least one second input signal. The variable inlet geometry mechanism is then positioned in accordance with the schedule.

Abstract: A method for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is described. In one example, the method includes: detecting, by one or more processors of a controller within a UAV, whether flight control surfaces of the UAV are operating nominally; switching, by the one or more processors of the controller, in response to detecting that one or more of the flight control surfaces of the UAV are not operating nominally, to implementing a backup control mode configured to operate the UAV in flight with non-nominal operability of one or more of the control surfaces of the UAV; and operating, by the one or more processors of the controller, the UAV in the backup control mode.

Abstract: System and methods for managing one or more unmanned aerial vehicles. The system can include an unmanned aerial vehicle, a landing station for the unmanned aerial vehicle, and a loading station for receiving a package and unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle can be configured to: (i) determine a first confidence level for landing on the landing station, (ii) travel, based on the first confidence level, to the landing station, and (iii) determine a second confidence level for delivering the package to a delivery destination. The loading station can be configured to: (i) receive the second confidence level to deliver the package to the delivery destination from the unmanned aerial vehicle, and (ii) confirm, based on the second confidence level, the unmanned aerial vehicle is capable of delivering the package to the delivery destination.

Abstract: An approach is provided for generating delivery data models for aerial package delivery. The approach involves determining at least one delivery surface data object to represent one or more delivery surfaces of at least one delivery location, wherein the one or more delivery surfaces represents at least one surface upon which to deliver at least one package. The approach further involves causing, at least in part, a creation of at least one complete delivery data model based, at least in part, on the at least one delivery surface data object to represent the at least one delivery location. The approach further involves causing, at least in part, an encoding of at least one geographic address in the at least one complete delivery data model to cause, at least in part, an association of the at least one complete delivery data model with at least one geographic location.

Abstract: A method for controlling a flying projectile which rotates during flight, comprising: determining an angle of rotation of an inertial mass spinning about an axis during flight; and controlling at least one actuator for altering at least a portion of an aerodynamic structure, selectively in dependence on the determined angle of rotation and a control input, to control aerodynamic forces during flight. An aerodynamic surface may rotate and interact with surrounding air during flight, to produce aerodynamic forces. A sensor determines an angular rotation of the spin during flight. A control system, responsive to the sensor, produces a control signal in dependence on the determined angular rotation. An actuator selectively alters an aerodynamic characteristic of the aerodynamic surface in response to the control signal.

Abstract: Remote electronic units effective to generate output data for an actuator are described. A remote electronic unit may include first, second, and third lanes. The first, second, and third lanes may receive input data including an actuator command. The first, second, and third lanes may generate first, second, and third output data, respectively, based on the input data. The first, second, and third lanes may respectively send the first, second, and third output data to a voter. The first and second lanes may respectively send the first and second output data to a multiplexer. The voter may output a selection signal to the multiplexer if at least two out of the first, second, and third output data are identical. The multiplexer may select one of the first and the second output data based on the selection signal and transmit the selection to the actuator via an actuator control electronics.

Abstract: Videography of surfaces and improved positional control of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are disclosed. Embodiments include a “panning” piloting scenario. The panning can include control parameters relative to a normal vector to a point P of a plane representing a surface, or relative to a direction of gravity and attributes of the surface. For example, the UAV can be programmed, or controlled, to “pan” about the point on the plane maintaining a certain distance therefrom while rotating about angles to the normal vector. Methods of estimating a surface include determining a plane including three non-collinear points of the surface. The plane determined can be relative to the direction of gravity, such as vertically parallel to gravity. A piloting routine can include piloting a UAV to various angles relative to the vector normal to the plane and distances to the location on the surface and/or point on the plane.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless network service provider selection are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises: determining when there is there a positive balance of an unutilized allowance for at least one of a plurality of available wireless network service providers; when there is a positive balance of an unutilized allowance, designating one service provider from the plurality of available wireless network service providers as a selected wireless network service provider based at least in part on the unutilized allowance; and adjusting operation of one or more radio communication transceivers to establish a communication link via the selected wireless network service provider.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are related to a method, apparatus and system for joint motion planning and trajectory estimation, comprising: determining a cost function to describe system kinematics comprising trajectories, speeds, and accelerations of a host vehicle and of one or more other vehicles for each possible intention of the host vehicle and of the other vehicles, wherein the trajectories are described with spline functions; and determining jointly the trajectories of the host vehicle and of the other vehicles.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a fog drone that selects, organizes, monitors, and controls a plurality of drones in a fleet. The fog drone receives a job to be completed from a dispatcher and identifies the resources for accomplishing the job such as the amount of material (e.g., fiber optic cable) or the type of drones (e.g., drones with RF antennas or digging implements) needed to execute the job. Using the identified resources, the fog drone estimates the number of drones needed to complete the job and can recruit available drones to form the fleet. Once the fleet is formed, the fog drone determines a number of drones to place on standby to replace active drones if those drones need to recharge or malfunction.

Abstract: Provided is a drone having a reconfigurable shape, more specifically, a drone having a reconfigurable shape that is capable of being horizontally flown without a rotation motion of the drone by configuring unit module drones having a rectangular parallelepiped shape that may apply thrusts in six directions and is capable of being flown singly or flown in various shapes by forming an assembly drone by coupling between the unit module drones.

Abstract: A flight management system (FMS) including a plurality of FMS components that can include a civil FMS component and a tactical FMS component. Each FMS component can have a processor programmed to execute an FMS software product. The FMS can also include a multi core FMS manager configured to control a plurality of flight management systems and coupled to the plurality of FMS components. The multi core FMS manager can include a plurality of FMS managers, each coupled to one of the FMS components, and a platform interface manager coupled to an avionics system. Each FMS manager can be adapted to transmit flight management data to, and to receive flight management data from, the FMS component to which it is coupled. The platform interface manager can be adapted to provide each FMS component access to the avionics system, such that an aircraft operator can control each FMS component via the FMS.

Abstract: A device, system and method is provided for obtaining and processing turbulence data via communication devices located on-board airplanes. Turbulence data obtained by a plurality of communication devices may be received during flights on-board respective ones of a plurality of airplanes. Turbulence map data may be generated by super-positioning the turbulence data received from the plurality of communication devices onto a single tempo-spatial frame of reference. The turbulence map data may be distributed to one or more of the communication devices. A device, system and method is also provided for generating turbulence map data that may reduce or eliminate “false positive” turbulence events. A device, system and method is also provided for communicating with on-board communication devices operating in a “flight crew mode” or a “passenger mode.

Abstract: An actuator device including two actuators associated with command circuits and monitoring circuits that are segregated. A control and monitoring card. Calculation means.

Abstract: Techniques are described for an autonomous asset management system that integrates autonomous devices, such as drone devices and other robotic devices, with a home security system of a property to enable management, monitoring, and/or tracking of various assets located within the property. In some implementations, an indication of an asset associated with a property is obtained by an autonomous device. Sensor data collected by one or more sensors of the property is obtained by the autonomous device based on the indication of the asset. A present status of the asset is determined by the autonomous device based on the sensor data. A determination that the present status of the asset does not correspond to an expected status of the asset is made by the autonomous device. In response, the autonomous device navigates to the particular location of the property.

Abstract: A fact checking system utilizes social networking information and analyzes and determines the factual accuracy of information and/or characterizes the information by comparing the information with source information. The social networking fact checking system automatically monitors information, processes the information, fact checks the information and/or provides a status of the information, including automatically modifying a web page to include the fact check results. The fact checking system is able to be implemented utilizing a drone device.

Abstract: A technique is provided to enable reduction in cost relating to installation of orientation targets in aerial photogrammetry. A survey data processing device includes a positioning data receiving unit, a relative orientation unit, an absolute orientation unit, and an adjustment calculation executing unit. The positioning data receiving unit receives positioning data obtained by tracking and positioning a reflective prism of an aerial vehicle by a total station. The aerial vehicle also has a camera. The relative orientation unit calculates relative exterior orientation parameters of the camera by relative orientation using photographed images taken by the camera. The absolute orientation unit provides a true scale to the relative exterior orientation parameters by absolute orientation using the positioning data and the relative exterior orientation parameters.

Abstract: In an example, a method determines one or more characteristics of an intersection of two or more lanes of a roadway and determines a plurality of compatible movement groups representing allowable movement options of vehicles approaching the intersection. The method further calculates delays for the compatible movement groups, respectively, selects a compatible movement group from the plurality of compatible movement groups based on the delays, and provides control instructions to a set of the vehicles in a control region of the intersection associated with the compatible movement group to control one or more dynamics of each of the vehicles of the set as the vehicles of the set traverse the intersection.

Abstract: A device may receive first information associated with an emergence area. The first information may include imagery data of the emergence area. The device may determine an expected commodity quantity value based on the first information. The device may determine an actual commodity quantity value based on the imagery data. The device may determine an emergence value, associated with the emergence area, based on the expected commodity quantity value and the actual commodity quantity value. The device may receive second information associated with a commodity, and may determine one or more conditions based on the second information and the emergence value. The device may determine a recommendation based on the one or more conditions, and may provide the recommendation to permit and/or cause an action to be performed in association with the emergence area.

Abstract: The invention discloses a vehicle management system which is energy centric. The system may be configured to operate on a terrestrial vehicle, a nautical or on an aerial vehicle. It is configured to allow a user input a route comprising legs, each leg associated with an activity and an energy consumption mode. The system captures parameters from sensors or sensor emulators to compute a position of the vehicle and a predicted energy consumption per leg. The system comprises a display unit which associates graphically the activities, their energy consumptions and their duration. It allows the user to simulate what-if scenarios, to continuously visualize the impact of modifications of some of the parameters of energy consumption on an energy/time/range budget. The invention discloses a vehicle energy management system wherein the simulation capability is configured to display the time spent on each activity in a scale which is commensurate to the energy consumption.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes obtaining fault information regarding a fault associated with a first drone. The computer-implemented method additionally includes obtaining context parameter data of the first drone. The computer-implemented method additionally includes, responsive to obtaining the fault information and the context parameter data, determining to apply a first test case of a plurality of test cases based on a first risk value determined for the first test case using the context parameter data. The first test case is associated with the fault. The computer-implemented method additionally includes causing the first drone to initiate execution of the first test case.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having a powertrain including an engine and an electric machine, and controllers configured to derate powertrain output torque below a nominal maximum to a fault-torque limit, in response to a vehicle fault or issue. The vehicle and controllers are also configured to transiently increase powertrain torque output above the fault-torque limit in response to a torque demand that exceeds the limit, and which is needed to enable a predicted vehicle maneuver. The controller also establishes a predicted duration for the predicted interim vehicle maneuver and for override of the fault-torque limit and delivery of the additional torque from the torque-demand signal and other signals. The predicted duration includes a time span to maneuver through roadway obstacles and traffic, but does not exceed a limited operation time or a limited power output established by the controller from the vehicle issue or fault identified by the fault signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for creating customized delivery paths for unmanned aerial vehicle deliveries are provided. Aspects include receiving, from a delivery recipient, one or more delivery locations for a delivery of a package and receiving, from the delivery recipient, a flight plan associated with each of the one or more delivery locations, wherein at least one of the flight plans include an authorized path across a private property. Aspects also include receiving, from the delivery recipient, a set of delivery recipient preferences that are used to determine which of the one or more delivery locations should be used to deliver the package and storing, by a processor in a computer readable medium, the set of delivery recipient preferences for use in determining a delivery location for a package to the delivery recipient.

Abstract: Systems for mobile launch and retrieval of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) include a rail-based, ground-based, or water-based mobile platform carrying a mobile station for launching and retrieving vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) or non-VTOL UAS while the platform is in motion, based on current position and weather conditions. The mobile platform may include facilities for communicating with the airborne UAS, stowing a retrieved UAS, and reloading/refitting a stowed UAS. The mobile platform may include positionable wake control devices and a partially positionable launch and retrieval mechanism for alleviating turbulence or crosswinds. The mobile platform may include long-range sensors for detecting or identifying obstacles near a rail-based platform that may interfere with the operating envelope of the launch and retrieval mechanisms. The launch and retrieval system may be intermodal and scalable either up or down as mission parameters demand.

Abstract: A launch platform may include sensor(s) that detect movement of a platform that supports an aircraft. The platform may move in response to departure of the aircraft from the platform. In response to a change in a signal or signal state of the sensor(s), a timer may initiate timing of a race. The timer may be stopped in response to a second or later change in a signal or signal state of the sensor(s). A target may extend above the platform and, when impacted by an aircraft, may cause the second or later change in the signal or signal state of the sensor(s). By using the target, the aircraft may stop the timer by impacting or colliding with the target rather than landing on the platform. In some embodiments, the launch platform may be configured to track time for a race that includes a predetermined number of laps.

Abstract: A fact checking system utilizes social networking information and analyzes and determines the factual accuracy of information and/or characterizes the information by comparing the information with source information. The social networking fact checking system automatically monitors information, processes the information, fact checks the information and/or provides a status of the information, including automatically modifying a web page to include the fact check results. The fact checking system is able to be implemented utilizing a drone device. The drone device is able to be implemented in conjunction with a security system.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle includes a camera, one or more sensors, memory storing first instructions that define an overall mission, and memory storing one or more mission cues. The vehicle further includes one or more processors configured to execute a first part of the first instructions to perform a first part of the overall mission. The processors are configured to process at least one of the image data and the sensor data to detect a presence of at least one of the mission cues. The processors are configured to, in response to detecting a mission cue, interrupting execution of the first instructions and executing second instructions to control the unmanned aerial vehicle to perform a first sub-mission of the overall mission. The processors are configured to after executing the second instructions, performing a second part of the overall mission by executing a second part of the first instructions.

Abstract: A method, preferably including: sampling inputs, determining aircraft conditions, and/or acting based on the aircraft conditions. A method, preferably including: sampling inputs, determining input reliability, determining guidance, and/or controlling aircraft operation. A method, preferably including: operating the vehicle, planning for contingencies, detecting undesired flight conditions, and/or reacting to undesired flight conditions. A system, preferably an aircraft such as a rotorcraft, configured to implement the method.

Abstract: A method for automatically delivering a physical mail includes receiving, by an unmanned aerial vehicle from an unmanned aerial vehicle management system, a delivery information, the delivery information includes information about a first secure mailbox and information about a second secure mailbox, the first secure mailbox being related to a first target user, delivering the physical mail to the first secure mailbox, and rerouting the unmanned aerial vehicle carrying the physical mail from the first secure mailbox to the second secure mailbox in response to the physical mail being delivered to the first secure mailbox.

Abstract: In some embodiments, unmanned aerial task systems are provided that comprise multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) each comprising: a UAV control circuit; a motor; and a propulsion system coupled with the motor and configured to enable the respective UAVs to move themselves; and wherein a first UAV control circuit of a first UAV of the multiple UAVs is configured to identify a second UAV carrying a first tool system configured to perform a first function, cause a notification to be communicated to the second UAV directing the second UAV to transfer the first tool system to the first UAV, and direct a first propulsion system of the first UAV to couple with the first tool system being transferred from the second UAV.

Abstract: A system has a flight measurement sensor configured to provide a flight measurement of an aircraft, a regime engine configured to identify a plurality of flight regimes that the aircraft operated in during a period of time, a component engine configured to assign a first flight regime of the plurality of flight regimes to a first component of the aircraft for the period of time, and a health assessment system configured to determine an amount of damage inflicted on the component as a result of the first component spending time in the first flight regime assigned by the component engine.

Abstract: In some embodiments, unmanned task systems are provided that comprise multiple unmanned vehicles each comprising: a control circuit; a motor; and a propulsion system coupled with the motor and configured to enable the respective unmanned vehicles to move themselves; and wherein a first control circuit of a first unmanned vehicle of the multiple unmanned vehicles is configured to identify a second unmanned vehicle carrying a first tool system configured to perform a first function, cause a notification to be communicated to the second unmanned vehicle directing the second unmanned vehicle to transfer the first tool system to the first unmanned vehicle, and direct a first propulsion system of the first unmanned vehicle to couple with the first tool system being transferred from the second unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system generates a number of possible decisions for routing the ADV from a first location to a second location based on perception information perceiving a driving environment surrounding the ADV, including one or more obstacles in view of a set of traffic rules. The system calculates a number of trajectories based on a combination of one or more of the possible decisions. The system calculates a total cost for each of the trajectories using a number of cost functions and selects one of the trajectories with a minimum total cost as the driving trajectory to control the ADV autonomously. The cost functions include a path cost function, a speed cost function, and an obstacle cost function.

Abstract: This disclosure involves a method of controlling a safety critical control device, the method comprising: sending user inputs to a first state machine, identifying user inputs by the first state machine, determining the correct state to communicate to a second state machine, the correct state being determined by selecting one state of a plurality of states depending on the user inputs, communicating the correct state to a second state machine through a control bus, and determining the correct state for the second state machine based on communication from the control bus.

Abstract: Braking control systems, such as for an aircraft, use a hydraulic failure isolation valve intermediate an accumulator power source and a dual valve assembly for mechanical operation when a hydraulic power source experiences a disruption.

Abstract: A drone printer configured to print an image on a destination surface includes a flying management module (FMM) and a printing system (PS). The FMM comprises a positioning system configured to detect position of the drone printer in 3-Dimensional (3D) space, and generate a rendering flight plan (RFP) in the 3D space, said RFP being representative of routing path that the drone printer is to follow during printing of the image on the destination surface; and a stabilizer system configured to stabilize the drone printer in the 3D space during any or a combination of flying, aerial manoeuvring, and homing. The PS can include at least one colorant tank; and at least one printing device configured to draw colorant from the at least one colorant tank, and apply the colorant on the destination surface so as to print the image along at least a part of the RFP.

Abstract: In some embodiments, unmanned aerial task systems are provided that include a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) each comprising: a UAV control circuit; a motor; propulsion system; and a universal coupler configured to interchangeably couple with and decouple from one of multiple different tool systems each having different functions to be put into use while carried by a UAV, wherein a coupling system of the universal coupler is configured to secure a tool system with the UAV and enable a communication connection between a communication bus and the tool system, and wherein the multiple different tool systems comprise at least a package securing tool system configured to retain and enable transport of a package while being delivered, and a sensor tool system configured to sense a condition and communicate sensor data of the sensed condition to the UAV control circuit over the communication bus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of correcting at least one result of calculating at least one flight characteristic of an airplane, based on in-flight measurements and on values calculated from the measurements, the in-flight measurements being taken in at least one determined flight condition defining a determined flight point, each flight condition being defined by particular flight parameter values, the measurements and values being in particular: ?measure the measured pitch angle of the airplane and ?model the angle of attack calculated by solving a lift equation and an aerodynamic model associating the angle of attack ? of the airplane with at least one flight parameter, which is the lift coefficient Cz of the airplane. The pitch angle measurements ?measure are corrected by a pitch angle correction term ??0 that is a particular constant for each flight, and the calculated angles of attack ?model are corrected by an angle of attack correction term ??(Cz . . . ).

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for identifying, on an autonomous vehicle which is traveling, a loss of a primary location system, and activating a secondary location system. The secondary location system performs a radio frequency sweep of a geographic area around the autonomous vehicle to identify radio frequency beacons, compares the radio frequency beacons to known ground stations, performs a visual scan of the geographic area to identify visual beacons, each visual beacon having a particular visual frequency, and compares the particular visual frequency of each of the visual beacons to known visual beacons. The secondary location system then identifies a current location of the autonomous vehicle by triangulating the verified radio frequency beacons and the verified visual beacons and the autonomous vehicle generates a route to a stopping location based on the current location produced by the secondary location system.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to an Unmanned Aerial Device (UAV) that uses a removable computing device for command and control. The UAV may include an airframe with rotors and an adjustable cradle to attach a computing device. The computing device, such as a smart phone, tablet, MP3 player, or the like, may provide the necessary avionics and computing equipment to control the UAV autonomously. For example, the adjustable cradle may be extended to fit a tablet or other large computing device, or retracted to fit a smart phone or other small computing device. Thus, the adjustable cradle may provide for the attachment and use of a plurality of different computing devices in conjunction with a single airframe. Additionally the UAV may comprise adjustable arms to assist in balancing the load of the different computing devices and/or additional equipment attached to the airframe.