• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The invention relates to an unmanned aerial vehicle binding system comprising: a base (202) having a bottom surface (212) and a first interface (216); a vertically oriented elongated structure (204) having a lower end (218), an upper end (220) and an inner channel (222), the inner channel (222) including an upper access point (226) proximate the upper end (220 ), wherein the base (202) is coupled near the lower end (218) to the elongated structure (204); a UAV (206) having a second interface (228); and a tether (208) comprising a first portion (234), a second portion (236), a third portion (238) and a fourth portion (240), the first portion (234) being connected to the first interface (216 ), the second portion (236) is coupled to the second interface (228), the third portion (238) extends through the inner channel (222), the fourth portion (240) extends from the upper access location (226) the second interface (228) and the fourth section (240) has a length that is less than a distance between the upper access point (226) and the bottom surface (212).
    公开号:CH713568B1
    申请号:CH00911/18
    申请日:2017-01-03
    公开日:2019-08-15
    发明作者:J Hundemer Hank
    申请人:Tribune Broadcasting Co Llc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    description
    Related Disclosure This disclosure claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/273 728, filed December 31, 2015, and US Patent Application No. 15/210 039, filed July 14, 2016, both are hereby fully incorporated by reference.
    Linguistic usage and terminology In this disclosure, "a" or "an", unless otherwise stated and / or the respective context clearly specifies something else, means "at least one" or "at least one", and "the" or . "Which" or "that" means and "the at least one" or "the at least one" or "the at least one".
    Background of the Invention Unless otherwise stated, the materials described in this section are not prior art based on the claims in this disclosure and are not recognized as prior art by inclusion in this section.
    Technological and computer developments have recently contributed to an increasing development and an increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A UAV is an aircraft that can be operated without a human operator on board. Sometimes referred to as a "drone" or "unmanned aerial system", a UAV can be designed differently, such as a helicopter, quadrocopter, fixed-wing aircraft, impact airship or glider, and can be used for various purposes, such as an image or video of an area to take a bird’s eye view.
    [0005] A UAV can operate in one or more modes, such as a remote control mode, an autonomous mode, or a semi-autonomous mode. While the UAV is operating in a remote control mode, a remote operator can control the UAV. While the UAV is operating in an autonomous mode, a computer system on board the UAV can control the UAV. Finally, while the UAV is operating in a semi-autonomous mode, a remote operator can cause the UAV to perform some operations and a computer system on board the UAV can cause the UAV to perform other operations. For example, the operator can instruct the UAV to navigate to a particular location, and the computer system can cause the UAV to navigate to that location autonomously.
    Summary A UAV can fly without a human operator on board. In some cases, however, a UAV can become inoperable and lose the ability to fly as intended. As a result, the UAV can fall to the ground and crash, which can injure a person or damage property. Here, a system for a connected UAV is disclosed, with which such injuries and / or damage can be avoided.
    According to the invention the system comprises a base with a bottom surface and a first coupling point; a vertically oriented elongate structure having a lower end, an upper end and an inner channel, the inner channel including an upper access point located near the upper end, the base being coupled to the elongate structure near the lower end; a UAV with a second coupling point; and a tether comprising a first section, a second section, a third section and a fourth section, wherein (i) the first section is coupled to the first coupling point, (ii) the second section is coupled to the second coupling point, ( iii) the third section extends through the inner channel, (iv) the fourth section extends from the upper access point to the second coupling point, and (v) the fourth section has a length that is less than a distance between the upper access point and the floor area.
    According to a further aspect, an exemplary system for use with a UAV is disclosed. The system includes: a base with a first coupling point; a vertically oriented elongate structure having a lower end, an upper end and an inner channel, the inner channel including an upper access point located near the upper end, the base being coupled to the elongate structure near the lower end; a land structure constructed and arranged to receive the UAV, the land structure coupled to the elongated structure near the top; and a tether comprising a first section, a second section, a third section and a fourth section, wherein (i) the first section is coupled to the first coupling point, (ii) the second section is coupled to a second coupling point of the UAV , (iii) the third section extends through the inner channel, and (iv) the fourth section extends from the upper access point to the second coupling point.
    [0009] According to a further aspect, another exemplary system for use with a UAV is disclosed. The system includes: a base with a bottom surface and a first coupling point; a vertically aligned long
    CH 713 568 B1 elongated structure having a lower end, an upper end and an inner channel, the inner channel comprising an upper access point located near the upper end, the base being coupled near the lower end to the elongated structure; a land structure constructed and arranged to receive the UAV, the land structure coupled to the elongated structure near the top; and a tether comprising a first section, a second section, a third section and a fourth section, wherein (i) the first section is coupled to the first coupling point, (ii) the second section is coupled to a second coupling point of the UAV , (iii) the third section extends through the inner channel to the upper access point, (iv) the fourth section extends from the upper access point through the opening and to the second coupling point, and (v) the fourth section has a length that is smaller than a distance between the upper access point and the floor area.
    [0010] In accordance with yet another aspect, an exemplary system for use with a UAV is disclosed. The UAV includes: a base with a bottom surface and a first coupling point; a vertically oriented elongate structure having a lower end, an upper end and an inner channel, the inner channel including an upper access point located near the upper end, the base being coupled to the elongate structure near the lower end; a deployable cushioning device coupled to the elongated structure; a tether that includes a portion that extends from the upper access point to the UAV, the portion having a length that is less than a distance between the upper access point and the bottom surface; and a computer system configured to perform a set of actions, comprising: detecting abnormal operation of the UAV; and in response to detecting abnormal operation of the UAV, causing the damper to deploy.
    [0011] In another aspect, an exemplary non-transitory computer readable medium for use with a system is disclosed. The system includes: a base with a bottom surface and a first coupling point; a vertically oriented elongate structure having a lower end, an upper end and an inner channel, the inner channel including an upper access point located near the upper end, the base being coupled to the elongate structure near the lower end; a deployable cushioning device coupled to the elongated structure; and a tether that includes a portion that extends from the upper access point to the UAV, the portion having a length that is less than a distance between the upper access point and the floor surface. Program instructions are stored on the exemplary non-transitory computer readable medium that, when executed, cause a set of actions to be performed, including: detecting abnormal operation of the UAV; and in response to detecting abnormal operation of the UAV, causing the damper to deploy.
    [0012] According to a further aspect, an exemplary method for use with a system is disclosed. The system includes: a base with a bottom surface and a first coupling point; a vertically oriented elongate structure having a lower end, an upper end and an inner channel, the inner channel including an upper access point located near the upper end, the base being coupled to the elongate structure near the lower end; a deployable cushioning device coupled to the elongated structure; and a tether that includes a portion that extends from the upper access point to the UAV, the portion having a length that is less than a distance between the upper access point and the floor surface. The exemplary method includes: detecting abnormal operation of the UAV; and in response to detecting abnormal operation of the UAV, causing the damper to extend.
    [0013] According to a further aspect, an exemplary system for use with a UAV is disclosed. The exemplary system includes: a base with a bottom surface and a first coupling point; a vertically oriented elongate structure having a lower end, an upper end and an inner channel, the inner channel including an upper access point located near the upper end, the base being coupled to the elongate structure near the lower end; a damping component coupled to the elongated structure; and a tether that includes a portion that extends from the upper access point to the UAV, the portion having a length that is less than a distance between the upper access point and the floor surface.
    Brief Description of the Drawings It shows:
    1 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary computing device.
    2 shows a representation of an exemplary UAV system.
    3 shows a further illustration of the exemplary UAV system.
    4 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method.
    CH 713 568 B1
    Detailed description
    I. Overview As discussed above, a UAV can fly without a human operator on board. In some cases, however, a UAV can become inoperable and lose the ability to fly as intended. As a result, the UAV can fall to the ground and crash, which can injure a person or damage property. Here, a system for a connected UAV is disclosed, with which such injuries and / or damage can be avoided.
    In one example, a tethered UAV system may have a base with a vertically oriented elongated structure that positions a portion of a tether attached to a UAV at a height that may limit a position of the tied UAV. Within the system, the tether may extend upward from the base through an interior channel of the vertically oriented elongated structure and connected to a UAV from the top of the elongated structure. This allows the tether to limit the distance that the UAV can fly away from the top of the elongated structure. In this way, the tether can limit the UAV to a volume that is centered at the tip of the elongated structure and extends radially outward by an amount defined by the tether. In some cases, the tether may have a portion of the tether that extends from the top of the elongated structure to the UAV and may have a length that is less than the height of the elongated structure, thereby increasing the likelihood that the UAV Can reach people or objects on the nearby ground. With this arrangement, the combination of the elongated structure and the tether can cause the UAV to swing like a pendulum from the top of the elongated structure even if the UAV is malfunctioning rather than falling to the ground, and possibly no people or objects meets.
    [0017] As discussed above, a connected UAV system can restrict a UAV from reaching the ground. This may prevent the UAV from landing on the floor. Here, however, a tethered UAV system is disclosed that can allow a tethered UAV to land elsewhere. In one example, a connected UAV system may include a country structure configured and arranged to receive the connected UAV. The landing structure can provide the UAV with a platform for landing and can be designed differently, for example as a shell-shaped section that is designed to receive a connected UAV during landing. In some examples, the country structure is fastened near the upper end of the elongated structure and can also serve as a launching platform for the connected UAV to initiate the flight.
    In addition, UAVs can be expensive and often carry expensive equipment (e.g. cameras, sensors) with them. Although a tethered UAV system can help constrain a tethered UAV from colliding with objects on the ground, the tether can still cause the UAV to pivot into the vertically oriented elongated structure due to a malfunction of the UAV, which can damage the UAV or equipment located on the UAV. A system for a connected UAV is disclosed here, with which such damage can be avoided.
    In one example, a tethered UAV system may include a deployable cushioning device positioned on the outer surface of the vertically oriented elongated structure. The deployable cushioning device can help absorb the impact of a collision between the attached UAV and the elongated structure and possibly mitigate damage to the UAV. In some cases, a damping device may have a deployable configuration that allows a computer system operating in the system for a connected UAV to detect abnormal operation of the UAV and cause the deployable damping device to deploy in response. In this way, a deployable cushioning device can remain stowed in one position on the elongated structure and deploy similarly to an airbag (e.g., by inflation) to potentially reduce damage to the UAV and / or the elongated structure in the event of a collision.
    II. Exemplary construction
    A. Computing Device FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary computing device 100 that can perform various actions and / or functions as described in this disclosure. Computing device 100 may include various components, such as e.g. include the processor 102, the memory unit 104, the communication interface 106 and / or the user interface 108. The components may be connected to one another (or to another device, system, or unit) via the link mechanism 110.
    In this disclosure, the term “connection mechanism” is to be understood as a mechanism which enables communication between two or more devices, systems or other units. A connection mechanism can be a relatively simple mechanism, such as a cable or a system bus, or a relatively complex one
    CH 713 568 B1 xer mechanism, such as a packet-based communication network (e.g. the Internet). In some cases, a connection mechanism may include intangible media (e.g., if the connection is wireless).
    Processor 102 may include a general purpose processor (e.g., a microprocessor) and / or a specialty processor (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP)).
    The memory unit 104 can contain one or more volatile, non-volatile, removable and / or non-removable memory components such as magnetic memory, optical memory or flash memory and / or can be fully or partially integrated with the processor 102. Furthermore, the storage unit 104 can be embodied as a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium on which program instructions (for example compiled or non-compiled program logic and / or machine code) are stored which, when executed by the processor 102, cause the computer device 100 to perform one or more actions and / or performs functions as described in this disclosure. As such, computing device 100 may be configured to perform one or more actions and / or functions, such as those described in this disclosure. Such program instructions can define and / or be part of a discrete software application. In some cases, computing device 100 may execute program instructions in response to receiving an input, e.g. from the communication interface 106 and / or the user interface 108. Storage unit 104 may also store other types of data, such as that described in this disclosure.
    The communication interface 106 may allow the computing device 100 to connect to and / or communicate with another, other entity according to one or more protocols. In one example, communication interface 106 may be a wired interface, such as an Ethernet interface or a high definition serial digital (HD-SDI) interface. In another example, communication interface 106 may be a wireless interface, such as a cellular or Wi-Fi interface. In this disclosure, a connection may be a direct connection or an indirect connection, the latter being a connection that includes one or more entities, e.g. traverses and / or traverses a router, switcher or other network device. Likewise, in this disclosure, transmission may be direct transmission or indirect transmission.
    [0025] User interface 108 may enable interaction between computing device 100 and a user of computing device 100. As such, user interface 108 may include input components such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touch screen, microphone, and / or camera, and / or output components, such as a display device (which may, for example, be combined with a touch screen) , a loudspeaker and / or a haptic feedback system. In general, the user interface 108 may include hardware and / or software components that enable the interaction between the computing device 100 and the user of the computing device 100.
    The computing device 100 may take various forms, such as a terminal at a workstation, a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet and / or a mobile phone.
    B. System for a Connected UAV Figure 2 is an illustration of an example UAV system 200. System 200 includes base 202, elongated structure 204, UAV 206, tether 208, and land structure 210 but also include more or fewer components in examples. For example, system 200 may include components that are not shown in FIG. 2, such as a computer system in or at base 202. In this disclosure, the term “computer system” is understood to mean a system that comprises at least one computer device. As such, system 200 may be configured to perform various actions and / or functions in accordance with a set of instructions provided by such a computer system, including those described in this disclosure (also in the accompanying drawings).
    2, base 202 is shown as a vehicle, but in some examples it may also be in other portable or fixed configurations. As shown, the base 202 includes a bottom surface 212 and the wrap mechanism 214 formed with the first interface 216. The bottom surface 212 corresponds to the bottom of a wheel of the base 202 and represents a lower portion of the base 202 that is adjacent or near the bottom. In other examples, bottom surface 212 may correspond to other portions of base 202, including portions further from the bottom.
    The winder mechanism 214 is a mechanical structure that is coupled to the base 202 and that can accommodate and adjust a length of the tether 208 automatically or manually. For example, the winder mechanism 214 may include a spool that is rotated so that the tether 208 is either wrapped around the spool, thereby reducing the length of the portion of the tether 208 that is not wrapped around the spool, or is rotated so that that the tether 208 is unwound, thereby increasing the length of the portion of the tether 208 that is not wrapped around the spool. The tether 208 is connected to the winding mechanism 214 at the first coupling point 216. As such, the wrap mechanism 214 may be configured to automatically adjust the length of the tether 208 via mechanical actuation based on user input, or may be configured to allow a human operator to manually adjust the tether 208 ( eg through
    CH 713 568 B1
    Winding or unwinding the winding mechanism by turning a handle or by actuating an electric motor in such a way that it comes into engagement with the winding mechanism and causes the winding and unwinding). In some cases, wrap mechanism 214 may also serve as a location for tether 208 during navigation of base 202. In some examples, tether 208 may be connected to base 202 at other locations (e.g., directly at base 202).
    [0030] Base 202 may include other components, such as a power source and communication components, in some examples. For example, the UAV 206 may communicate via the tether 208 and receive energy from components located on the base 202.
    As shown in FIG. 2, the elongated structure 204 may be a vertically oriented, adjustable mast that is coupled to the base 202. The elongated structure is shown in FIG. 2 in a sectional shape that shows the interior of the elongated structure 204. As an adjustable mast, the elongated structure 204 can change orientation and position, extend upward, adjust the orientation angle, and collapse into a stowable position, for example through the use of pneumatics. In other examples, elongated structure 204 may have other configurations, such as multiple structures (e.g., bars) connected to base 202. The elongated structure 204 is connected to the base 202 at the lower end 218 and extends from the base 202 in a vertical orientation, with the upper end 220 of the elongated structure 204 being located opposite the lower end 218. Furthermore, the elongated structure 204 may include the inner channel 222, with the lower access point 224 to the inner channel 222 located near the lower end 218, and the upper access point 226 of the inner channel 222 near the upper end 220. The upper access point 226 is shown with a circular opening to allow the tether 208 to rotate fully when the UAV 206 navigates in different directions in an environment, but may be different in some examples.
    As shown in Fig. 2, the tether 208 can be passed through the inner channel 222 of the elongated structure 204. Accordingly, the tether 208 can enter the lower access point 224, pass through the inner channel 222 and exit through the upper access stiffener 226. As such, the winder mechanism 214 may therefore be located outside of the elongated structure 204 (and, for example, mounted on the base 202 near the lower end 218 of the elongated structure 204, as shown in FIG. 2). In some examples, however, the winder mechanism can be mounted elsewhere. For example, the wrap mechanism may be located within base 202 or within elongated structure 204 itself. As a result, the lower access point 224 cannot offer access to the inner channel 222 from outside the base 202. For example, if the winder mechanism 214 is mounted inside the base 202, below the lower end 218 of the elongated structure 204, an access point to the inner channel 222 located within the base 202 may be provided, thereby providing a path for the tether that runs between the internally mounted winding mechanism and the inner channel 222 of the elongated structure 204. In some cases, the wrap mechanism may also be disposed within the elongated structure 204 itself, in which case the inner channel 222 may only extend between the upper access point 226 and the location of such a wrap mechanism. In addition, in an example where the winder mechanism is near the top 220 of the elongated structure 204, the tether 208 cannot pass through the inner channel 222 at all. In either of these configurations, actuation of the wrap mechanism 214 to wind and unwind the tether 208 can be used to extend the length of the tether 208 from the top 220 of the elongated structure 204 (e.g., at the top access point 226) to that UAV 206 extends to control, thereby limiting the maximum separation distance between the upper end 220 of the elongated structure 204 and the UAV 206.
    The elongated structure 204 further includes a deployable damping device 228 that is connected to an outer surface of the elongated structure 204. If the UAV 206 collides with the elongated structure 204, the deployable damper 228 may reduce damage to the UAV 206 and / or the elongated structure 204. For example, if the UAV 206 stops normal flight operations (e.g., due to a malfunction), the tether 208 can cause the UAV 206 to pivot into the elongated structure 204. For example, a computer system 200 system 200 can detect abnormal operation of the connected UAV 206 and, in response, cause the deployable cushioning device 228 to inflate using a gaseous substance. The deployable cushioning device 228 can be inflated by going from a first volume of gaseous substance inside to a second volume of gaseous substance, the second volume being greater than the first volume. The deployable cushioning device 228 may include, for example, a set of deployable cushioning components that extend at various locations around the outer surface of the elongated structure 204. In some examples, elongated structure 204 may include cushioning components that do not require inflation or other form of preparation by system 200 prior to use. For example, stationary damping components can be attached to the outer surface of the elongated structure 204.
    To enable the deployable cushioning device 204 to provide such functionality, the deployable cushioning device 204 may be positioned on the elongated structure 204 at a height such that a length of the fourth section 240 is greater than or equal to a first distance between the top Access point 226 and an upper end 246 of the deployable damping device 228 and is also less than or equal to one
    CH 713 568 B1 second distance between the upper access point 226 and a lower end 248 of the deployable damping device 228.
    The system 200 further includes the UAV 206, which is connected to the base 202 via the tether 208. The UAV 206 can be any type of aircraft that can be operated without a human operator on board. For example, a human operator can control the navigation of the UAV 206 via a spatially separate remote control, which can provide control instructions to the UAV 206 via a wired or wireless connection. As shown in FIG. 2, the UAV 206 can be formed with the second coupling point 228, which serves as a connection point for connecting the tether 208 to the UAV 206. In examples, the second coupling location 228 on the UAV 206 can be located at various locations that may depend on the configuration of the UAV 206. The UAV 206 itself can be designed differently, such as a helicopter, quadrocopter, fixed-wing aircraft, impact airship or glider, and can be operated in different modes, such as a remote control mode, an autonomous mode or a semi-autonomous mode.
    The UAV 206 may include a camera 230 that is configured to record videos and / or images from an aerial perspective. The UAV 206 may include other components, such as an energy source (e.g., a battery) and an on-board computer system. In some examples, the UAV 206 may also be configured to be powered by an energy source located on the base 202 via a power supply connection located within the tether 208. As a result, the UAV 206 can be lighter in weight since no on-board battery is required. In operation, the UAV 206 can send and receive communication content, such as sensor data, images, videos, and control instructions, via hold 208 or a wireless connection to another computer system, such as the base 202 computer system.
    The system 200 includes the tether 208 which serves as a link between the base 202 and the UAV 206. The tether 208 can include various materials, including materials that enable elastic stretching, as well as materials that allow transmission of electrical energy or communication between the computer systems of the base 202 and the UAV 206. In some examples, tether 208 may include multiple assembled components.
    3, the tether 208 is divided into the first section 234, the second section 236, the third section 238 and the fourth section 240. The first section 234 of the tether 208 extends from the first coupling point 216 in the lower access point 224 and the second section 236 is the section of the tether 208 that is connected to the UAV 206 at the second coupling point 228. The tether 208 may, however, be connected to the base 202 and the UAV 206 at different positions. For example, the first portion 234 of the tether 208 may be directly connected to the base 202 without the wrap mechanism 214. The third section 238 of the tether 208 begins at the lower access point 224 and extends through the inner channel 222 of the elongated structure 204 to the upper access point 226 of the elongated structure 204. The fourth section 240 of the tether 208 extends from the upper access point 226 of the elongated structure 204 to the second section 236 of the tether 208, which is arranged at the second coupling point 228 on the UAV 206.
    According to the fourth section 240 of the tether 208 has a length that is less than a distance between the upper access point 226 of the elongated structure 204 and the bottom surface 212 of the base 202. With this or a shorter length, the tether 208 can Hang UAV 206 above the ground as a result of UAV 206 malfunctioning during flight. As mentioned elsewhere, the length of the fourth section 240 can be controlled by operating the winder mechanism 214 to wind and unwind the tether 208.
    The system 200 may further include a land structure 210 that is constructed and arranged to receive the UAV 206. The country structure 210 can provide a structure for the landing of the UAV 206 and can also serve, for example, as a launching platform for initiating the flight for the UAV 206. As shown in FIG. 2, the land structure 210 may be attached near the top end 220 of the elongated structure 204. As shown in FIG. 3, land structure 210 may include an opening 242 that allows tether 208 (or any portion thereof) to extend through land structure 210. In some examples, opening 242 may be circular to allow full rotation of tether 208 during operation of UAV 206, and may also be located near top access point 226 of elongated structure 204.
    The country structure 210 is depicted with a shell-shaped section 244 that is designed and arranged to receive the UAV 206, but in some examples it can be configured differently. Shell-shaped portion 244 may include, for example, a mesh fabric or a nylon fabric to aid in catching a landing UAV 206. In one example, the country structure 210 may include a network that is arranged around the circumference of the country structure 210. In other examples, country structure 210 may include other structures and materials, such as combinations of hard and soft materials. For example, the country structure 210 can have collapsible parts that - controlled by the computer system of the system 200 - can be collapsed and expanded to the outside.
    As shown, the land structure 210 may be mounted to the elongated structure 204 so that it completely surrounds the surface of the outer sidewall of the elongated structure 204 near the top end 220. In some
    CH 713 568 B1
    For example, however, land structure 210 may be disposed adjacent a portion of the outer sidewall surface without completely surrounding elongated structure 204.
    The land structure 210 may also include a coupling portion that extends around the upper end 220 of the elongated structure 204 to enable the land structure 210 to be coupled to the elongated structure 204. The coupling section can take various forms. For example, the coupling section can be a lip that engages in a corresponding recess on the elongated structure 204. However, other coupling techniques can also be used.
    III. Exemplary Operation System 200 and / or components thereof can perform various actions. These actions and the features associated with them will now be described. A system 200 computer system can monitor and detect when the UAV 206 is operating abnormally during operation. If this is detected, the computer system can initiate actions in response and, for example, inflate the deployable damping device 228 or prepare the country structure 210 for use. For example, the computer system may interpret the abnormal operation of the UAV 206 as a possible malfunction of the UAV 206 and may cause the deployable cushioning device located on the elongated structure 204 to expand through expansion with a gaseous substance.
    In one example, the system 200 may include sensors configured to measure the tension of the tether 208 during operation of the UAV 206. Based on the measured tension level of the tether 208, the system 200 computer system may determine that the UAV 206 is operating abnormally or is preparing for a landing. In response, the UAV 206 may deploy the deployable cushioning device 228 located on the elongated structure 204. Similarly, the computer system can perform other operations depending on the measured tether 208 tension level. For example, the system 200 computer system may cause a collapsible portion of the landing structure 210 to expand outward to prepare for the landing of the UAV 206, or adjust a length of the tether 208 using the wrap mechanism 214.
    In another example, the system 200 computer system may receive sensor data from a UAV 206 sensor that provides information about the operation of the UAV 206. The computer system may make a determination that the received sensor data has a certain property and detect abnormal operation of the UAV 206 based on the determination. Likewise, the computer system can determine further information about the UAV 206 from the sensor data received from the sensors of the UAV 206. For example, the computer system may receive an indication from the UAV 206 indicating that the UAV 206 is losing altitude and prepare to land the UAV 206. The computer system may also receive sensor data indicating that the UAV 206 is operating at low battery power. In the above situations and in other possible scenarios, the computer system may cause one or more deployable cushioning devices to deploy and cause other components of the system 200 to perform operations (e.g., preparing the land structure 210).
    FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 400. At block 402, method 400 may include detecting abnormal operation of the UAV. At block 404, method 400 may include causing the damper to deploy in response to detecting abnormal operation of the UAV.
    claims
    权利要求:
    Claims (8)
    [1]
    1. System (200) comprising:
    a base (202) having a bottom surface (212) and a first coupling point (216);
    a vertically oriented elongated structure (204) having a lower end (218), an upper end (220) and an inner channel (222), the inner channel (222) including an upper access point (226) located near the upper end (220 ) is arranged, the base (202) being coupled near the lower end (218) to the elongated structure (204);
    a UAV (206) with a second coupling point (228); and a tether (208) comprising a first section (234), a second section (236), a third section (238) and a fourth section (240), wherein (i) the first section (234) with the first Coupling point (216) is coupled, (ii) the second section (236) is coupled to the second coupling point (228), (iii) the third section (238) extends through the inner channel (222), (iv) the fourth section (240) extends from the upper access point (226) to the second coupling point (228), and (v) the fourth section (240) has a length that is less than a distance between the upper access point (226) and the floor surface (212).
    [2]
    The system (200) of claim 1, wherein the base (202) comprises a vehicle.
    CH 713 568 B1
    [3]
    The system (200) of claim 1, wherein the base (202) comprises a winder mechanism (214) configured to adjust a length of the fourth section (240) and the first coupling point (216) on the winder mechanism ( 214) is arranged.
    [4]
    The system (200) of claim 1, wherein the base (202) comprises a power source and wherein the tether (208) is configured to power the UAV (206) from the power source.
    [5]
    The system (200) of claim 1, wherein the base (202) comprises a computer system (100), and wherein the tether (208) is configured to enable communication between the computer system (100) and the UAV (206) ,
    [6]
    The system (200) of claim 1, wherein the vertically oriented elongated structure (204) comprises a mast with an adjustable height.
    [7]
    The system (200) of claim 1, wherein the upper access point (226) is circular.
    [8]
    The system (200) of claim 1, the system (200) comprising:
    a landing structure (210) constructed and arranged to receive the UAV (206), the landing structure (210) coupled to the elongated structure (204) near the top end (220).
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    US20190337617A1|2019-11-07|
    WO2017117608A1|2017-07-06|
    CH715457B1|2020-04-30|
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    法律状态:
    2018-08-15| PCOW| Change of address of patent owner(s)|Free format text: NEW ADDRESS: 303 E. WACKER DRIVE 17TH FLOOR, CHICAGO, IL 60601 (US) |
    2021-08-31| PL| Patent ceased|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201562273728P| true| 2015-12-31|2015-12-31|
    US15/210,039|US10099782B2|2015-12-31|2016-07-14|Tethered unmanned aerial vehicle system|
    PCT/US2017/012054|WO2017117608A1|2015-12-31|2017-01-03|Tethered unmanned aerial vehicle system|
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