Automated aerial vehicle inspections
US10913549B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 6, 2018 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 24, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30108
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Automated inspections of aerial vehicles may be performed using imaging devices, microphones or other sensors. Between phases of operation, the aerial vehicle may be instructed to perform a plurality of testing evolutions, e.g., in a sequence, at a testing facility, and data may be captured during the evolutions by sensors provided on the aerial vehicle and by ground-based sensors at the testing facility. The imaging and acoustic data may be processed to determine whether any vibrations or radiated noises during the evolutions are consistent with faults or discrepancies of the aerial vehicle such as microfractures, corrosions or fatigue. If no faults or discrepancies are detected, the aerial vehicle may be returned to service without delay. If any faults or discrepancies are detected, however, then the aerial vehicle may be subjected to maintenance, repairs or further manual or visual inspections.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.