Sensors embedded within aerial vehicle control surfaces
US9840339B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 26, 2016 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 26, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Aerial vehicles may include one or more directional sensors embedded into wings, rudders, ailerons, flaps or other control surfaces. When the aerial vehicles are operating in modes that do not require the use of such surfaces, a surface having a directional sensor embedded therein may be repositioned or reoriented to align the directional sensor toward an area or axis of interest, and information may be gathered from the area or axis of interest using the directional sensor. One or more safety lights, running lights or other illuminators may cast light of a desired color, frequency or wavelength toward the area or axis of interest. The directional sensors may include cameras, radar or laser sensors, or any other reorientable sensors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.