Unmanned aerial vehicle and payload delivery system
US12037117B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments described herein are methods and systems that relate to delivery of a payload to a particular delivery surface. A payload is collected at a first physical location using a retractable delivery mechanism of a UAV, and the UAV flies to a designated second physical location, whereupon sensor data is obtained using one or more sensors of the UAV. The sensor data is used to obtain characteristics of an area which may be used as a delivery surface at the second physical location. An actual delivery surface is selected based on criteria in the form of rule data specifying an appropriate delivery surface and the sensor data. Once the delivery surface has been selected the retractable delivery lowers the payload towards the selected delivery surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.