Controlling unmanned aerial vehicles as a flock to synchronize flight in aerial displays
US9102406B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08G5/57
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for flock-based control of a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system includes UAVs each including a processor executing a local control module and memory accessible by the processor for use by the local control module. The system includes a ground station system with a processor executing a fleet manager module and with memory storing a different flight plan for each of the UAVs. The flight plans are stored on the UAVs, and, during flight operations, each of the local control modules independently controls the corresponding UAV to execute its flight plan without ongoing control from the fleet manager module. The fleet manager module is operable to initiate flight operations by concurrently triggering initiation of the flight plans by the multiple UAVs. Further, the local control modules monitor front and back and communication channels and, when a channel is lost, operate the UAV in a safe mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.