Ground effect based surface sensing using propellers in automated aerial vehicles
US10410527B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2018 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S2007/4975
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for operating an automated aerial vehicle are provided wherein influences of ground effects (e.g., which may increase the effective thrusts of propellers by interfering with the respective airflows) are utilized for sensing the ground or other surfaces. In various implementations, operating parameters of the automated aerial vehicle are monitored to determine when ground effects are influencing the parameters associated with each of the propellers, which correspondingly indicate proximities to a surface (e.g., the ground). Utilizing such techniques, proximities of different portions of an automated aerial vehicle to the ground or other surfaces may be determined (e.g., for detecting issues with an uneven landing area, a sloped ground, etc.).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.