Abstract:
A reconfigurable unmanned aircraft system is disclosed. A system and method for configuring a reconfigurable unmanned aircraft and system and method for operation and management of a reconfigurable unmanned aircraft in an airspace are also disclosed. The aircraft is selectively reconfigurable to modify flight characteristics. The aircraft comprises a set of rotors. The position of at least one rotor relative to the base can be modified by at least one of translation of the rotor relative to the boom, pivoting of the boom relative to the base, and translation of the boom relative to the base; so that flight characteristics can be modified by configuration of position of at least one rotor relative to the base. A method of configuring an aircraft having a set of rotors on a mission to carry a payload comprises the steps of determining properties of the payload including at least mass properties, determining the manner in which the payload will be coupled to the aircraft, determining configuration for each of the rotors in the set of rotors at least partially in consideration of the properties of the payload, and positioning the set of rotors in the configuration for the aircraft to perform the mission.
Abstract:
A reconfigurable unmanned aircraft system is disclosed. A system and method for configuring a reconfigurable unmanned aircraft and system and method for operation and management of a reconfigurable unmanned aircraft in an airspace are also disclosed. The aircraft is selectively reconfigurable to modify flight characteristics. The aircraft comprises a set of rotors. The position of at least one rotor relative to the base can be modified by at least one of translation of the rotor relative to the boom, pivoting of the boom relative to the base, and translation of the boom relative to the base; so that flight characteristics can be modified by configuration of position of at least one rotor relative to the base. A method of configuring an aircraft having a set of rotors on a mission to carry a payload comprises the steps of determining properties of the payload including at least mass properties, determining the manner in which the payload will be coupled to the aircraft, determining configuration for each of the rotors in the set of rotors at least partially in consideration of the properties of the payload, and positioning the set of rotors in the configuration for the aircraft to perform the mission.
Abstract:
Described embodiments include a self-propelled vehicle, method, and system. The self-propelled vehicle includes an autonomous driving system configured to dynamically determine maneuvers operating the vehicle along a route in an automated mode without continuous input from a human driver. The vehicle includes an input device configured to receive a real-time request for a specific dynamic maneuver by the vehicle operating along the route from the human driver. The vehicle includes a decision circuit configured to select a real-time dynamic maneuver by arbitrating between (i) the received real-time request for the specific dynamic maneuver from the human driver and (ii) a real-time determination relative to the specific dynamic maneuver received from the autonomous driving system. The vehicle includes an implementation circuit configured to output the selected real-time dynamic maneuver to an operations system of the vehicle.
Abstract:
Described embodiments include a self-propelled vehicle, method, and system. The self-propelled vehicle includes an autonomous driving system configured to dynamically determine maneuvers operating the vehicle along a route in an automated mode without continuous input from a human driver. The vehicle includes an input device configured to receive a real-time request for a specific dynamic maneuver by the vehicle operating along the route from the human driver. The vehicle includes a decision circuit configured to select a real-time dynamic maneuver by arbitrating between (i) the received real-time request for the specific dynamic maneuver from the human driver and (ii) a real-time determination relative to the specific dynamic maneuver received from the autonomous driving system. The vehicle includes an implementation circuit configured to output the selected real-time dynamic maneuver to an operations system of the vehicle.
Abstract:
A system and method for management of airspace for unmanned aircraft is disclosed. The system and method comprises administration of the airspace including designation of flyways and zones with reference to features in the region. The system and method comprises administration of aircraft including registration of aircraft and mission. A monitoring system tracks conditions and aircraft traffic in the airspace. Aircraft may be configured to transact with the management system including to obtain rights/priority by license and to operate in the airspace under direction of the system. The system and aircraft may be configured for dynamic transactions (e.g. licensing/routing). The system will set rates for licenses and use/access to the airspace and aircraft will be billed/pay for use/access of the airspace at rates using data from data sources.
Abstract:
A system and method for repowering an unmanned aircraft system is disclosed. The system and method may comprise use of a utility transmission system configured to function as power system/source for UAV/aircraft and UAV/aircraft configured to interface with the power source/system. Systems and methods provide access and for administrating, managing, and monitoring access and interfacing by UAV/aircraft with the power system/source. UAV/aircraft system can be configured and operated/managed to interface with and use the power system/source (e.g. network of power lines from a utility transmission system) to enhance range and utility (e.g. for repowering and/or as a flyway or route). The system comprises an interface between the aircraft and the power source for power transfer; a monitoring system to monitor the aircraft; and an administrative/management system to manage interaction/transaction with the aircraft. The power source for power transfer may be a power line; power transfer to the aircraft may be by wireless power transfer (capacitive or inductive or optical) of an aircraft while at or operating along the power line. The aircraft may comprise a connector configured to interface with the power source/line; the power line may be configured to interface with the connector/aircraft. Data communications between the aircraft and system may be facilitated for interaction/transaction.
Abstract:
A system and method for management of airspace for unmanned aircraft is disclosed. The system and method comprises administration of the airspace including designation of flyways and zones with reference to features in the region. The system and method comprises administration of aircraft including registration of aircraft and mission. A monitoring system tracks conditions and aircraft traffic in the airspace. Aircraft may be configured to transact with the management system including to obtain rights/priority by license and to operate in the airspace under direction of the system. The system and aircraft may be configured for dynamic transactions (e.g. licensing/routing). The system will set rates for licenses and use/access to the airspace and aircraft will be billed/pay for use/access of the airspace at rates using data from data sources.
Abstract:
A system and method for management of airspace for unmanned aircraft is disclosed. The system and method comprises administration of the airspace including designation of flyways and zones with reference to features in the region. The system and method comprises administration of aircraft including registration of aircraft and mission. A monitoring system tracks conditions and aircraft traffic in the airspace. Aircraft may be configured to transact with the management system including to obtain rights/priority by license and to operate in the airspace under direction of the system. The system and aircraft may be configured for dynamic transactions (e.g. licensing/routing). The system will set rates for licenses and use/access to the airspace and aircraft will be billed/pay for use/access of the airspace at rates using data from data sources.