System and method for adaptive y-axis power usage and non-linear battery usage for unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with action camera system
US9511878B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2015 |
| Grant date | Dec 6, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/20
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for power management aboard an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to follow a subject based on images captured by an onboard camera includes a power monitor that determines if available power from the UAV's onboard batteries has dropped below predetermined thresholds. If a low power level is detected, the power management system may divert power from non-essential systems to the attitude control system to keeping the UAV aloft. If a critical power level is detected, the power management system may shut down other UAV subsystems so that the attitude control system can safely land the UAV. The power management system may send an alert to a smartphone or other device carried by the subject. Position sensors of the subject's device may be used to interpolate the position of the UAV based on the subject's own position for recovery of the UAV.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.