Launching unmanned aerial vehicles
US11697498B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system performs a control method to launch an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV. The control method includes calculating a selected altitude, relative to a reference level, for launching the UAV, operating a lifting arrangement to vertically elevate the UAV to the selected altitude, and causing the UAV to be launched from the selected altitude. Elevating the UAV may improve the performance of the UAV in terms of range, power consumption, ability to carry payload, transit time to destination, etc. The selected altitude may be calculated as a function of parameter data representing any of the UAV, the lifting arrangement, or surrounding conditions. An apparatus is further provided to determine an optimal location of the system in relation to a plurality of destinations of UAVs to be elevated by the system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.