Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) storage and launch system includes a UAV pod having a UAV pod processor and a UAV selectively enclosed in the UAV pod, the UAV having only two rotors.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle is described having a support frame, a sensor arrangement consisting of a sensor array including at least one sensor, the sensor array having a limited detection field of up to approximately 90 degrees. The at least one sensor is fixedly mounted to the support frame. The at least one sensor is arranged in a flight direction of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle further includes a holding structure having a camera holder. The holding structure is mounted to the support frame. The holding structure is configured to provide a continuous 360 degree movement of the camera holder. The unmanned aerial vehicle further includes a first circuit configured to receive sensor data from the at least one sensor. The first circuit is further configured to determine obstacle avoidance data based on the sensor data. The unmanned aerial vehicle further includes a second circuit configured to receive image data from a camera mounted in the camera holder.

Abstract: A laser tracker is installed on the ground, and an active target is mounted on an air vehicle. A reference coordinate system is set for the laser tracker, and a flight scenario created in advance based on a 3D model is used. Flight of the air vehicle is performed while an amount of deviation from the flight scenario is being calculated using position information obtained by the laser tracker, and corrections are being made. The air vehicle is instructed not only on an amount of movement but also on speed, so that efficient flight can be performed in consideration of battery capacity.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, circuits, devices, systems and functionally associated machine executable code for powering a machine monitoring unit. A machine monitoring unit (MMU) monitors operational parameters of a machine during operation. A set of machine emissions sensors, convert a machine emission of a specific type, generated by the machine during machine operation, into an electric signal containing information about one or more characteristics of the respective converted emission. Communication circuits to enable communication of the information within the signal to another device. A machine emission energy harvester harvests and converts energy emissions from the monitored machine into electric energy suitable to provide power for operation of the MMU.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle flight operations near physical structures or objects. In particular, a point cloud of the physical structure is generated using aerial images of the structure. The point cloud is then referenced to determine a flight path for the UAV to follow around the physical structure, determine whether a planned flight path to desired locations around the structure is possible, determine the fastest route to return home and land from a given position around the physical structure, determine possibility of inflight collision to surface represented in point cloud, or determine an orientation of a fixed or gimbaled camera given a position of the UAV relative the point cloud.

Abstract: An electric unmanned aerial vehicle includes a position sensor, a memory, and a controller in communication with the position sensor and the memory. The position sensor is configured to obtain coordinate information of a present position of the electric unmanned aerial vehicle in real-time. The coordinate information includes a plane coordinate on a horizontal plane and a height coordinate in a vertical direction. The memory stores coordinate information of a preset position of the electric unmanned aerial vehicle. The controller is configured to calculate a safety electricity amount needed by the electric unmanned aerial vehicle to perform a safety protection command based on the plane coordinate and the height coordinate, compare the safety electricity amount with a present remaining electricity amount of a battery of the electric unmanned aerial vehicle, and perform a safety protection command if the present remaining electricity amount is not greater than the safety electricity amount.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method, apparatus and system for controlling UAV, which relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The method includes: receiving one or more UAV control instructions sent by a ground station device, and each UAV control instruction includes a variable identification for identifying an UAV; for each of the UAV control instructions, acquiring an address identification of the corresponding UAV according to the variable identification in the UAV control instruction, and sending the corresponding UAV control instruction to a communication module of the UAV corresponding to the address identification via a mobile network, so that the UAV executes an operation corresponding to the received UAV control instruction, and the communication module of the UAV includes the address identification of the UAV.

Abstract: Electronic system for the remote control (3) of drones (2), designed to detect a risk of passing authorized flight zone limits as a function of authorized flight zone limit definition data of the authorized flight limit(s) and the geographical location of the drone or a remote control command received and for determining, as a function of the control command and extrapolation over time of control according to this command, a limit-passing status, and triggering an alarm as a function of the determination; or determining another remote control command intended for the drone to prevent the passing of a flight zone limit; or blocking the transmission to the drone of the remote control command received in order to prevent the drone passing the flight zone limit.

Abstract: A system for intelligent non-disruptive airspace integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is disclosed. The system includes an onboard positioning system and altimeter that determine a current position and altitude of the UAS. Under normal conditions, the UAS remains in inert mode: a transceiver listens for and decodes transmissions from nearby aircraft and ground-based traffic and control facilities. If certain conditions are met (e.g., proximate aircraft, altitude ceilings, controlled or restricted airspaces) the system may declare an alert mode. When in alert mode, the transceiver broadcasts position and identifier information of the UAS to alert neighboring aircraft to its presence. Intelligent transmission strategies regulate the power level or rate of alert-mode transmissions to reduce spectrum congestion due to high UAS density. Alert-mode transmissions continue until the underlying conditions change and inert mode is resumed.

Abstract: Various navigation and other instrumentation systems may benefit from appropriate methods for display of traffic. For example, certain avionics systems may benefit from systems and methods for providing an ADS-B In display and control system. A system can include a traffic computer, such as a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) computer. The system can also include a TCAS traffic display, the traffic computer is configured to display Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) In information on the TCAS traffic display. Optionally, the system can further include a graphical ADS-B In Guidance Display (AGD) operationally connected to the traffic computer. The system can additionally include a Multi-Purpose Control Display Unit (MCDU) operationally connected to the traffic computer. The TCAS traffic display and MCDU, and optionally the graphical AGD, can be configured to substitute for a Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI).

Abstract: A method for determining geolocation of a UAV near a power grid includes detecting, via a transceiver, a carrier signal transmitted from a first grid node to identify the node's fixed geolocation. A response signal may be transmitted from a second grid node in response to the carrier signal to identify a fixed geolocation of the second grid node, or the UAV may process the carrier signal. A processor determines time-of-flight of the carrier signal, e.g., using the response signal, and derives the UAV's geolocation using the time-of-flight. Determining time-of-flight may include referencing a lookup table indexed by time-of-arrival at the transceiver of the modulated carrier and response signals. A timestamp may indicate time-of-transmission of the carrier and response signals, respectively. Deriving geolocation may include subtracting time-of-transmission of the response signal from that of the carrier signal. A system includes the processor and transceiver.

Abstract: An autonomous driving system includes a lane change control device that performs lane change control for making a lane change from a first lane to a second lane during autonomous driving of a vehicle. From start to completion of the lane change control, the lane change control device determines whether or not a driver's operation is performed as an abort request operation that requests to abort the lane change control. Specifically, the lane change control device: calculates abort necessity level indicating necessity to abort the lane change control, based on driving environment information indicating driving environment for the vehicle; sets criterion for determination such that the criterion becomes more easily satisfied as the abort necessity level increases; and when the driver's operation satisfies the criterion for determination, determines that the driver's operation is performed as the abort request operation.

Abstract: A first sensitivity level is used to interpret an input signal received from an input device in a vehicle while the vehicle is in a first region. A second sensitivity level is used to interpret the input signal received from the input device in the vehicle while the vehicle is in a second region, wherein the second sensitivity level is greater than the first sensitivity level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a direction-based interface selection method, carried out by a communication control module (8) in a vehicle (1), for establishing and retaining a wireless high-frequency communication connection between a communication interface of a moving vehicle (1) and a communication interface of at least one counterpart station. In this case, position data and an orientation of the vehicle with respect to a global coordinate system are determined. A position data record is determined by at least one counterpart station and the position data (12) contained therein are extracted. A direction vector (13) from the vehicle (1) to the counterpart station is then determined and an assignment to a sectoral radiation characteristic of a transmission apparatus is determined for said vector. This transmission apparatus is then connected to a communication device (7) via a communication position switch (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to projectiles and munitions, and more specifically to such in flight. More particularly the present invention relates to projectiles and munitions in flight equipped with one or more image sensors adapted for acquiring image data of the environment surrounding the projection or munition in flight. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for correcting or stabilizing motion effects and artifacts present in the image data related to the movement or motion of the projectile or munition in flight, including spin or rotation of the projectile or munition.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are directed to intelligent drone traffic management via a radio access network (“RAN”). As disclosed herein, a RAN node, such as an eNodeB, can receive, from a drone, a flight configuration. The flight configuration can include a drone ID and a drone route. The RAN node can determine whether capacity is available in an airspace associated with the RAN node. In response to determining that capacity is available in the airspace associated with the RAN node, the RAN node can add the drone ID to a queue of drones awaiting use of the airspace associated with the RAN node. When the drone ID is next in the queue of drones awaiting use of the airspace associated with the RAN node, the RAN node can instruct the drone to fly through at least a portion of the airspace in accordance with the drone route.

Abstract: A viewing device for an aircraft pilot, the device comprising: a support for positioning on the head of the aircraft pilot; a display surface; display means carried by the support and arranged to display augmented reality objects on the display surface; acquisition means arranged to act in real time to acquire first data representative of the position and of the orientation of the support, second data representative of the position and of the orientation of a cockpit of the aircraft, and third data defining congested zones occupied by equipment of the cockpit, and to acquire the augmented reality objects; and processor means arranged to act in real time to define positions for the augmented reality objects, so that all of the augmented reality objects are positioned outside the congested zones when they are displayed on the display surface.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes: collecting usage and maintenance data for a rotorcraft at a computer of the rotorcraft; sending the usage and maintenance data to a fleet management server; generating individualized equipment data for the rotorcraft according to the usage and maintenance data at the fleet management server, the individualized equipment data including a lightweight digital representation of the rotorcraft and technical publications for the rotorcraft, the lightweight digital representation including mesh-based 3D visualizations of each component of the rotorcraft, the technical publications having views referencing the mesh-based 3D visualizations; sending the individualized equipment data to the computer of the rotorcraft; and persisting the individualized equipment data at the computer of the rotorcraft.

Abstract: An automated system and method for controlling a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is described. The system can include a receiver, a transmitter, and at least one processor in communication with a memory. The receiver receives first telemetric data from the plurality of UAVs. The transmitter is configured to transmit control data to the plurality of UAVs. The memory stores processor-issuable instructions to: substantially simultaneously determine a plurality of plans for each of the plurality of UAVs and for a predetermined time period based at least on the first telemetric data; and iteratively revise the plurality of plans.

Abstract: A mobile communications network comprising a plurality of nodes, each node being disposed on a vehicle, wherein the plurality of nodes are configured to be connected to any one or more of a plurality of mobile devices, and the mobile communications network further comprising a planning and control module configured to: receive or obtain first location data representative of a first location of at least one of the plurality of mobile devices and receive, periodically or otherwise, respective updated location data representative of the current location of the respective mobile devices; receive, periodically or otherwise, second data from each of the nodes, the second data being representative of the respective coverage capability of the nodes; receive data representative of a coverage requirement associated with a specified one or more of the mobile devices; and generate, using the updated location data and the second data, an output to cause the coverage capability of one or more of the nodes to be adjusted

Abstract: An autopilot nonlinear compensation method includes providing an autopilot command for executing an aircraft maneuver, determining a desired aerodynamic moment of the aircraft based on the autopilot command, providing a measured pilot interface position, determining a total aerodynamic moment of the aircraft based on the measured pilot interface position and the autopilot command in combination with the desired aerodynamic moment, determining a ratio of the desired aerodynamic moment to the total aerodynamic moment, and adjusting the autopilot command with a corrective command based on the ratio. The method may be used to stabilize autopilot control of an aircraft following nonlinear deployment of a control surface.

Abstract: A method of displaying, on a screen of a mobile device, time on target information for an aircraft in flight. The method includes displaying a current location of the aircraft on a map, a waypoint between a departure point and a destination point, a symbol indicating the waypoint in a first area of the screen overlapping the map, and a first pop-up window in a second area of the screen overlapping the first area. The first pop-up window displays a current arrival time at the waypoint and an input area to receive an adjustment to the current arrival time. Responsive to receiving the input, second pop-up window in a third area of the screen displays a recommendation to perform a speed change to achieve the adjustment, and a second recommendation that indicates a numerical value of a recommended speed change to achieve the adjustment.

Abstract: A method for the management and maintenance of an aircraft including a zone with a high degree of security, a man-machine interface of the aircraft being included in the zone with a high degree of security and necessary for a maintenance operation to be performed by a maintenance operator on a device of the aircraft to be maintained placed outside the zone with a high degree of security. The method includes: connection of a first device to the high-security zone; connection of a second device to a third device; reception of the first device by the second device of the man-machine interface of the aircraft and transfer of information for display of the man-machine interface of the aircraft to the third device; and connection of the second device to a server by means of the telecommunication network in order to obtain information from the server intended for the third device.

Abstract: A method provides communication between a meter and a flying device. The meter records consumption data. The flying device performs flight movements to a prescribed target position of the meter. Radio signals are received by a reception device and information is ascertained, relating to the transmission quality of a radio channel, based on the received signals. A poor transmission quality, satisfaction of which is dependent on the quality of the information, results in the reception of received signals and the ascertainment of the information being repeated after a communication protocol for communication with the meter has been changed, a position of the flying device being altered and/or a directivity of the reception device is altered until the transmission quality or a termination condition is satisfied. Upon having a satisfactory quality condition, meter information is captured and a message for controlling the operation of the meter is sent to the meter.

Abstract: Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft can provide opportunities to incorporate aerial transportation into transportation networks for cities and metropolitan areas. However, VTOL aircraft may be noisy. To accommodate this, the aircraft may utilize onboard sensors, offboard sensing, network, and predictive temporal data for noise signature mitigation. By building a composite understanding of real data offboard the aircraft, the aircraft can make adjustments to the way it is flying and verify this against a predicted noise signature (via computational methods) to reduce environmental impact. This might be realized via a change in translative speed, propeller speed, or choices in propulsor usage (e.g., a quiet propulsor vs. a high thrust, noisier propulsor). These noise mitigation actions may also be decided at the network level rather than the vehicle level to balance concerns across a city and relieve computing constraints on the aircraft.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing vehicle data to a mobile device is disclosed. The method may include: receiving raw vehicle data from one or more vehicle data streams using one or more protocols; recording the received raw vehicle data from the one or more vehicle data streams in a file format; and transmitting the recorded vehicle data to a mobile device having at least one application configured to interpret the transmitted vehicle data.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling an aircraft are described. A computing device can receive a flight plan from an origin to a destination via waypoint(s) and can calculate a flight trajectory for the flight plan. While controlling the aircraft to fly along the flight trajectory, the computing device can receive inputs that change the flight plan resulting in trajectory recalculation. After determining that the inputs include the inputs to change the flight plan resulting in trajectory recalculation, the computing device can calculate a new flight trajectory for the new flight plan. After calculating the new flight trajectory, the computing device can switch from the flight trajectory to the new flight trajectory, where the aircraft maintains continuous flight along the flight trajectory during the switch.

Abstract: Example implementations may relate to using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) dedicated to deployment of operational infrastructure, with such deployment enabling charging of a battery of a UAV from a group of UAVs. More specifically, the group of UAVs may include at least (i) a first UAV of a first type configured to deploy operational infrastructure and (ii) a second UAV of a second type configured to carry out a task other than deployment of operational infrastructure. With this arrangement, a control system may determine an operational location at which to deploy operational infrastructure, and may cause the first UAV to deploy operational infrastructure at the operational location. Then, the control system may cause the second UAV to charge a battery of the second UAV using the operational infrastructure deployed by the first UAV at the operational location.

Abstract: A modular platform is provided and includes a platform having upper and lower surfaces. The modular platform further includes one or more propulsion units, mesh coverings, jack elements and a lock mechanism. The one or more propulsion units are embedded within the platform to generate upward thrust. The mesh coverings overlay each of the one or more propulsion units in the upper surface. The jack elements are coupled to the lower surface and support the platform above an underlying substrate. The lock mechanism connects the platform to a neighboring platform. A power storage unit is embedded in the platform and powers the one or more propulsion units, the jack elements and the lock mechanism. A control unit is embedded in the platform and controls operations of the one or more propulsion units, the jack elements and the lock mechanism.

Abstract: A monitoring system that is configured to monitor a property is disclosed. In one aspect, the monitoring system includes one or more sensors that are located throughout the property and that are configured to generate sensor data. The monitoring system further includes a drone that is configured to move throughout the property and generate additional sensor data. The monitoring system further includes a drone dock that is configured to receive the drone, wherein the drone is configured to continue generating the additional sensor data while the drone dock is receiving the drone. The monitoring system further includes a monitor control unit that is configured to receive the sensor data and the additional sensor data, analyze the sensor data and the additional sensor data, determine a status of the property, and provide, for output, data indicating the status of the property.

Abstract: In the present invention, a short-term route (provided at a timing for starting automatic driving) for automatic driving control that uses local environment map information generated constantly by a local environment map generation unit is generated continuously even when automatic driving is not set to an on state by an automatic driving switch. As a result, it is possible to instantly control the automatic driving of a vehicle by the continuously generated short-term route after transitioning to the on state of the automatic driving switch.

Abstract: A method and a device for communication failure detection are provided. The method includes the following steps. Obtaining a piece of located path information of an unmanned vehicle. The piece of located path information indicates the unmanned vehicle is located at the located path of a plurality of paths in a route. Selecting one of a plurality of allowable periods as a located path allowable period according to the located path information. Setting a timer and starting the timer according to the located path allowable period. Under a condition that a communication module receives a periodic message before the timer reaches the located path allowable period, resetting the timer. Under a condition that the communication module does not receive the periodic message when the timer reaches the located path allowable period, determining that a communication failure occurs.

Abstract: Devices or systems such as aerial vehicles may determine that they are located within a common locality based on data captured during an event, such as the emission of light, sound or other matter or energy. Where sensors associated with such devices or systems are each determined to have captured data associated with the event, the devices or systems may be determined to have been located within a common locality during the event. The locality may be defined with respect to the data or the devices or systems, e.g., a range associated with the data or the event, on any basis. A relative distance between the devices or systems may be determined based on the data captured during the event. Additionally, where two or more devices or systems are determined to have been located within a common locality, data exchanged therebetween may be trusted by each of such devices or systems.

Abstract: A charging station for an unmanned aerial vehicle includes a landing surface having a first charging terminal formed of a first electrically conductive material, a second charging terminal formed of a second electrically conductive material and spaced apart from the first charging terminal, and an electrically insulating material disposed between the first charging terminal and the second charging terminal. A centering wheel is rotatably associated with the landing surface and has a center hub and spokes extending from the center hub. A rotator coupled to the centering wheel can rotate the centering wheel to align the unmanned aerial vehicle with the first charging terminal and the second charging terminal.

Abstract: A traffic control system, a controller and an associated method are provided to direct a vehicle to slow or, in some instances, stop at a defined spatial location along the roadway. In the context of a controller, the controller includes at least one processor and memory including computer program code with the memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the controller to receive information indicative of at least one characteristic of the behavior of the vehicle as the vehicle approaches a defined location. Based on the information, the controller is caused to compare the behavior of the vehicle to a defined criterion and, in response, to cause an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) to maintain a hovering position in which the UAV hovers above the roadway so as to be within the path of travel of the vehicle on the roadway.

Abstract: Systems and methods for jam mitigation in aircraft fly-by-wire systems are described herein. An example method of controlling an aircraft with a fly-by-wire system includes determining a current position of a pilot cockpit controller of the fly-by-wire system, determining an amount of pilot input force applied to the pilot cockpit controller, determining an expected pilot input force value that corresponds to the current position of the pilot cockpit controller, and, if the amount of pilot input force applied exceeds the expected pilot input force value by a threshold, generating a pilot command based on the amount of pilot input force applied and not the current position of the pilot cockpit controller.

Abstract: A method for docking an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) equipped with a wireless communications system. The method includes coupling the UAV to a docking device that is configured to provide power and data communication to the UAV via a physical interface. The method further includes receiving, at a docking device controller, an identity of the UAV, and determining, based on the received identity of the UAV, an organization associated with the UAV. The method also includes accessing, via the docking device controller, a collaborative operating profile associated with the determined organization and the identity of the UAV. The method further includes providing access to one or more resources associated with the docking station based on the collaborative operating profile.

Abstract: A flight control method and device for an unmanned aerial vehicle and a remote controller are provided. The method includes that: multiple pieces of locating data obtained by a locating operation are acquired in a remote controller; multiple target positions are determined according to the multiple pieces of locating data; a flight route is calculated according to the multiple target positions; and the flight route is sent to the unmanned aerial vehicle for flight according to the flight route. According to the method, carrying of multiple sets of equipment is avoided, and hardware cost is reduced.

Abstract: Techniques for verifying a location and identification of a landing marker to aid an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to deliver a payload to a location may be provided. For example, upon receiving an indication that a UAV has arrived to a delivery location, a server computer may process one or more images of an area that are provided by the UAV and/or a user interacting with a user device. A landing marker may be identified in the image and a representation of the landing marker along with instructions to guide the UAV to deliver the payload to the landing marker may be transmitted to the UAV and implemented by the UAV.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) rendezvous with and transfers a product to a receiving vehicle that is en route to a destination-location. The UAV is dispatched with the product along a flight path that intercepts with a predetermined route that the receiving vehicle is expected to travel along toward the destination-location. Once the UAV is within the vicinity of the receiving vehicle, the UAV approaches the receiving vehicle and utilizes cargo release equipment to transfer the product to the receiving vehicle. In one example, the UAV flies above the receiving vehicle at a synchronized velocity and drops the product through an opening in the roof of the receiving vehicle. In another example, the UAV flies above the receiving vehicle and suspends the product adjacent to a side-window opening of the receiving vehicle to enable an occupant of the receiving vehicle to reach out and retrieve the product.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for optimizing aircraft operations using uplink weather data to identify predicted turbulent conditions. The method comprises uploading current weather data to a flight management system (FMS) of an aircraft. Areas of turbulence are identified according to the uploaded weather data including areas of turbulence along the client flight trajectory stored in the FMS of the aircraft. An optimal turbulence penetration speed is planned for each identified area of turbulence. The estimated time of arrival (ETA) and minimum and maximum estimate time of arrival (ETA min/max) for the aircraft is recalculated based on the optimal turbulence penetration speeds. The recalculated ETA and ETA min/max is automatically transmitted to an air traffic control (ATC) authority with the FMS of the aircraft.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for providing flight response to flight-restricted regions. The location of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be compared with a location of a flight-restricted region. If needed a flight-response measure may be taken by the UAV to prevent the UAV from flying in a no-fly zone. Different flight-response measures may be taken based on the distance between the UAV and the flight-restricted region and the rules of a jurisdiction within which the UAV falls.

Abstract: Described is a system and method through which (a) information related to detected moving objects can be received, processed and confirmed, (b) such information can be evaluated—with the information from differing receiving, processing and confirming sources being aggregated and integrated, thereby increasing the overall efficiency and accuracy of the system and method, and with the elements of the system and the practice of the method resulting in the sharing of such information with such elements controlling various aspects of their own operation—to assess the possible impacts of the presence and/or operation of such detected moving objects within a specific environment, and as a result of such evaluation (c) actions can be initiated based upon (x) the identification of the detected moving object and (y) the possible impacts thereof within such specific environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed to receive location data identifying the current location of a vehicle, for example an automobile or aircraft. A database, storing radio device records, is then queried. Each radio device record in the database identifies a radio device and its location. Radio device records associated with radio devices likely to be within communication range of the vehicle may then be retrieved from the database. The radio device records may be used to generate information for individual ones of radio devices which are likely to be within range of the vehicle and display that radio device information to a vehicle operator via an electronic display. The display may be updated as the vehicle travels to display radio device information as the radio devices come into range of the vehicle and remove radio device information from the display as the vehicle travels out of range.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle is caused to fly by avoiding a no-fly zone, which changes as a moving object moves. Provided is an unmanned aerial vehicle control system, including: moving object position acquisition means for acquiring moving object position information on a current position of a moving object moving above a surface of an earth; zone setting means for setting a no-fly zone in which a flight of an unmanned aerial vehicle is inhibited based on the moving object position information; and flight control means for controlling the flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle so that the unmanned aerial vehicle avoids the no-fly zone set based on the moving object position information.

Abstract: A system includes a memory and at least one processor to acquire a hyperspectral image of an object by an imaging device, the hyperspectral image of the object comprising a three-dimensional set of images of the object, each image in the set of images representing the object in a wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum, normalize the hyperspectral image of the object, select a region of interest in the hyperspectral image, the region of interest comprising at least one image in the set of images, extract spectral features from the region of interest in the hyperspectral image, and compare the spectral features from the region of interest with a plurality of images in a training set to determine particular characteristics of the object.

Abstract: A method for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes receiving first sensor data relative to a first coordinate system and second sensor data relative to a second coordinate system from a first sensor and a second sensor, respectively. The first and second sensor data includes first and second obstacle occupancy information indicative of relative locations of a first and a second sets of obstacles in reference to the UAV in the first and second coordinate systems, respectively. The first and second sets of obstacles have at least a subset of obstacles in common. The method further includes converting the first and second sensor data into a single coordinate system using sensor calibration data to generate an obstacle occupancy grid map based on the first and second obstacle occupancy information, and effecting the UAV to navigate using the obstacle occupancy grid map to perform obstacle avoidance.

Abstract: A system includes a memory and at least one processor to acquire a hyperspectral image of a food object by an imaging device, the hyperspectral image of the food object comprising a three-dimensional set of images of the food object, each image in the set of images representing the food object in a wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum, normalize the hyperspectral image of the food object, select a region of interest in the hyperspectral image, the region of interest comprising a subset of at least one image in the set of images, extract spectral features from the region of interest in the hyperspectral image, and compare the spectral features from the region of interest with a plurality of images in a training set to determine particular characteristics of the food object and determine that the hyperspectral image indicates a foreign object.

Abstract: A moving body includes a drive that causes the moving body to move, a light emitter that emits light, and a receiver that receives response information indicating that an operator who operates the moving body, an observer who observes the moving body, or a supervisor who supervises the moving body sees the light. The moving body also includes a detector that detects a position of the moving body, a recorder that records the position of the moving body, and a controller that, when the receiver receives the response information within a fixed time since the light emitter emitted the light, causes the recorder to record the detected position of the moving body, and when the receiver does not receive the response information within the fixed time, outputs to the drive a control command that causes the moving body to move to the last recorded position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an auto-land system for a rotorcraft are provided. The system includes, a search light (SL) assembly configured to receive user input directing the SL to a point of interest (POI) and determine an actual SL orientation and an actual SL range to the POI; and, a searchlight controller operationally coupled to the search light assembly, and configured to: responsive to receiving a command to auto-land at the POI, begin (i) generating a desired trajectory from the rotorcraft actual orientation and rotorcraft actual range to the POI; (ii) generating guidance commands for navigating the rotorcraft in accordance with the desired trajectory; (iii) monitoring an actual SL range and an actual SL orientation; and (iv) generating controlling commands for the searchlight assembly in accordance with the coordinates of the POI.