Landing an unmanned aerial vehicle in a contingency scenario
US11315432B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 2019 |
| Grant date | Apr 26, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2101/30
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus is provided for causing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to perform a contingency landing procedure. The apparatus includes memory and processing circuitry configured to cause the apparatus to at least determine candidate safe landing zones (SLZs) within an estimated current range of the UAV. Trajectories are generated for landing the UAV in respective ones of the candidate SLZs. Risk values are calculated that quantify third-party risk associated with operation of the UAV along respective ones of the trajectories to the respective ones of the candidate SLZs. A flight termination risk value is calculated that quantifies third-party risk associated with immediately landing the UAV at the current position. The lowest of the risk values is compared with the flight termination risk value, and a sequence is executed to operate the UAV along the trajectory to the selected one of the candidate SLZs, or immediately land the UAV.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.