Tracking unmanned aerial vehicles using reflected light
US9739870B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 2015 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/06
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This disclosure describes systems and methods for visually tracking a position of an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) using reflected light. A light source at an origin location, such as the location of an operator of the UAV, is aligned and emitted toward the position of the UAV. The emitted light source reflects off a reflector coupled to the UAV toward a location of the operator or a visual observer working with the operator. The reflected light increases the visibility of the UAV, thereby extending the distance from an operator at which the UAV can be operated while maintaining visible contact between the operator and/or a visual observer working with the operator and the UAV.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.