Mobile antenna array

A plurality of UAVs may be operated in a fleet, each of the UAVs in the fleet being configured to work collectively to achieve one or more functions, such as to create a display or implement an antenna array. The fleet of UAVs may operate individually and/or may be coupled to one another to operate as a collective unit. In some embodiments, one or more UAVs in the fleet may operate individually, while two or more UAVs in the fleet may be connected to one another. In such embodiments, the individual UAVs and the connected UAVs may together comprise the fleet.

BACKGROUND

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as UAVs, have become increasingly popular. The use of UAVs spans from small-scale hobby use to large-scale military operations. Because of the widespread use, UAVs of all shapes and sizes are constructed for a myriad function. Among the popular functions of UAVs are photography and package delivery, to name a couple.

Because of possible collision with other aircraft and obstacles due to an inability to see-and-avoid, UAVs are typically designed and operated to achieve their specific functionality as a single unit. Thus, while occupying a particular airspace, a UAV operator or the UAV itself, if flying autonomously, will maneuver as necessary to avoid other UAVs, aircraft, and obstacles in the sky.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is generally directed to operating a plurality of UAVs in a fleet, each of the UAVs in the fleet being configured to work collectively to achieve one or more functions. The fleet of UAVs may operate individually and/or may be coupled to one another to operate as a collective unit. In some embodiments, one or more UAVs in the fleet may operate individually, while two or more UAVs in the fleet may be coupled to one another. In such embodiments, the individual UAVs and the coupled UAVs may together comprise the fleet.

For example, the fleet of UAVs may be made up of three groups of UAVs. The first group of UAVs each has a display coupled to an airframe of the UAV. The UAVs may fly in a formation such that the displays may combine into a single display screen, such as a movie theater screen. The display screens may be touching or may be separated by a threshold distance range. The second group of UAVs may be positioned around the crowd watching the screen to provide an enhanced surround sound audio presentation corresponding to the visual presentation presented on the display screen. The third group may fly around the crowd to provide a third sensory experience, such as audio or a mist, such as when the video displays fog or rain, to give the audience a more rich viewing experience.

In some embodiments, UAVs in the fleet may form an antenna system, capable of transmitting and/or receiving data. In such an example, the fleet of UAVs may be configured to act as an antenna array to increase transmission capabilities and/or increase a gain of the collective antenna system.

In accordance with various embodiments, the fleet of UAVs may be made up of UAVs of similar shape and size. In some embodiments, the UAVs in the fleet may be of different shapes and sizes. Regardless of the size of individual UAVs which make up the fleet, each of the individual UAVs may be configured to do substantially the same function, such as transmit and receive signals. Additionally or alternatively, some of the UAVs in the fleet may be configured to do some functions, while others in the fleet may be configured to do at least some other different functions. Using the example above with a fleet comprised of three groups of UAVs, the UAVs in the first group comprising the screen may be relatively small UAVs configured to present a visual display, while the UAVs in the third group may be of a larger size and may be configured to provide an alternate sensory experience.

In various embodiments, each of the plurality of UAVs may comprise stability augmentation sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and the like. Thus, each of the plurality of UAVs may be capable of operating individually. The input from the stability augmentation sensors may be processed by a control management system.

Additionally or alternatively, when connected, one or more UAVs may provide certain sensory input to a centralized control management system. For example, a fleet comprising nine UAVs connected in a 3-by-3 configuration may use the accelerometers and gyroscopes data from the UAVs located on the four corners, and may use the center UAV as the collective control management system. In such a configuration, the data transfer between the nine UAVs may be decreased, thereby reducing the power output and increasing a flight endurance capability of the fleet.

In various embodiments, when connected, the two or more UAVs may share data, electrical power, and/or other resources. Each individual UAV may monitor the state of one or more batteries located on the individual UAV. In some embodiments, the control management system on the individual UAV may communicate a battery status with the control management systems located on other UAVs in the fleet. In some embodiments, the control management system on the individual UAV may communicate the battery status directly to the centralized control management system and/or other centralized computing system of the fleet. If one or more UAVs in the fleet have a lower battery level than one or more other UAVs in the fleet, the control management systems and/or other centralized computing system may cause the one or more UAVs with a greater charge to transfer battery power to the one or more depleted UAVs. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more UAVs with a greater charge may be configured to power the one or more depleted UAVs until the battery storage are sufficiently similar.

In accordance with various embodiments, each UAV in the fleet may be configured to see and avoid other UAVs in the fleet. In such embodiments, the UAVs may comprise additional sensors, such as global positioning sensors, ultrasonic sensors, proximity sensors, radar systems, etc. In some embodiments, the control management system may be configured to process the additional sensory input. The control management system may also be configured to communicate the additional sensory input to a remote computing device.

In various embodiments, the UAVs in the fleet may be configured to operate autonomously and/or under control of a remote operator. In some embodiments, the UAV may receive input from a flight management system, the input comprising a flight plan. The flight plan may be comprised of one or more waypoints, orbits, or flight patterns. Regardless of the state of autonomy of each UAV, each of the UAVs in the fleet may be configured to communicate with other UAVs and/or a remote operator via wired and/or wireless communication channels.

FIGS. 1A-1Care perspective views of a UAV with a screen.FIG. 1Adepicts a UAV100with a substantially translucent display coupled to an airframe of the UAV.FIG. 1Bdepicts the UAV100with pixel elements.FIG. 1Cdepicts the UAV100with a plurality of pixel elements illuminated in the form of an image.

The UAV100has an airframe102, one or more rotors104, and one or more motors106. The airframe102may comprise carbon fiber, titanium, aluminum, plastic, combinations thereof, or any other material appropriate for aircraft construction. In various embodiments, the airframe102may comprise rotor guards108to protect the one or more rotors104. In the illustrative example, rotor guards108are substantially circular, and in the plane of the rotors104. In some embodiments, the rotor guards108may comprise a structure which may envelop part of or all the UAV100. For example, the rotor guard108may be a truss structure that is substantially circular, surrounds the UAV, and is able to absorb impact forces.

In the illustrative example, the UAV100is a quad-copter with four rotors104and four motors106. In some embodiments, the UAV100may comprise a lesser or greater number of rotors104, such as, for example, a tri-copter or an octo-copter. In some embodiments, the UAV100may comprise a lesser or greater number of motors106that are coupled to and configured to drive rotors104. For example, the UAV100may comprise a single motor coupled to and configured to drive the one or more rotors104. In various embodiments, motors106may comprise electrical motors. In such embodiments, the electric motors may be powered by any reasonable source of electrical power, such as, for example, lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells, solar power, nuclear power, or a hybrid technology. The motors106may be combustion engines, in some embodiments.

The rotors104may be coupled to the motors106via a drive shaft. In such embodiments, the motors106may produce power which is transmitted to the rotors104via the rotor shaft in order to produce thrust for propulsion. The rotor shaft may comprise a metal material (e.g., aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, alloys thereof, etc.), a plastic material (e.g., high-density polyethylene, acrylic, melamine, polycarbonate, etc.), a composite material (e.g., fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc.), a wood material, and combinations of the foregoing, among others.

As depicted inFIG. 1A, the rotors104are the same size and/or shape (e.g. chord, thickness, and/or wingspan). In some embodiments, the rotors104may be different sizes and/or shapes. For example, the rotors104on a fore-end of the airframe may have a larger wingspan than the rotors104on an aft-end of the airframe, or vice versa.

The rotors104may comprise a composite material, a wood material, a plastic material, a metallic material, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the rotors104may be variable speed, variable pitch rotors. In other embodiments, the rotors104may be variable speed, fixed pitch rotors. In yet other embodiments, the rotors104may be fixed speed, variable pitch rotors. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments may include one or more of the foregoing rotors used in combination with one or more of a different foregoing rotor, or other propulsion systems.

In various embodiments, the speed and/or pitch of the rotors may be determined by a control management system110based upon input from one or more inertial sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, etc.) and/or positioning sensors (e.g., global positioning sensors, ultrasonic sensors, radar systems, etc.). The inertial sensors may be configured to measure precise positioning data of the UAV100along three axes: heading, roll and pitch, and send the positioning data to the control management system110.

In various embodiments, the control management system110may be a motherboard with sensors and processors. In some embodiments, the control management system110may be configured to receive flight management input (e.g., direction, velocity, altitude, waypoints, geolocation, etc.) directly from a flight management system112. In such embodiments, each UAV in the fleet of UAVs may be capable of operating autonomously. The flight management input may comprise a flight plan. In some embodiments, the flight plan may comprise a series of waypoints determined by a latitude, longitude, and altitude, a position on a 3-dimensional grid system, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the flight plan may comprise an altitude and/or series of altitudes to fly and/or distance to maintain from each of the other UAVs in the fleet of UAVs100. For example, UAV A may be programmed to fly a horizontal distance of 16 inches from UAV B, and a vertical distance of 16 inches from UAV F throughout a display portion of the flight plan.

In various embodiments, the control management system110may receive flight management input from a remote computing device via flight management system112. In some embodiments, the control management system110may receive the flight management input directly from the remote computing device. For example, an operator conducting the flight of the fleet of UAVs may input a flight plan, or changes thereto to the fleet of UAVs. For example, the operator may choreograph a presentation of multiple images and mobile display screens real time using a remote control device that sends flight plan data to the fleet of UAVs.

Responsive to receiving the positioning data and/or flight management input, the control management system110may send output signals to one or more of the rotors104, directing each of the rotors104to increase and/or decrease speed and/or pitch as necessary to maintain the desired flight regime. In some embodiments, the control management system may send output signals to each motor106, directing the motors to turn on, turn off, idle, increase, or decrease power. In some embodiments, the control management system110may adjust and/or control the orientation of the UAV100via the speed and/or pitch of the rotors104.

In some embodiments, the airframe102may be configured to house a plurality of components, such as the control management system110, one or more batteries, one or more antennas, or other similar components which power the UAV100and/or enable communication, data transfer, and the like. In various embodiments, the processors of the control management system110may be configured to monitor the plurality of components and/or power remaining in order to determine if a component is failing, has failed, and/or if a critical amount of power remains (e.g. 10-20% of battery life remaining in the UAV).

In various embodiments, the airframe102may comprise one or more attachment modules114. The attachment module114may be configured to secure equipment to the UAV100, such as display116or other equipment necessary to achieve the functionality of the fleet of UAVs. The equipment may comprise may couple external battery packs, gesture sensors, distance sensors, ultrasonic sensors, collision avoidance systems, cameras, lights, reservoirs to hold fluids, speakers, and any other reasonable payload.

For example, a gesture sensor may be mounted on the airframe, and may be configured to allow the UAV and/or fleet of UAVs to interact with a crowd. For another example, a camera may be mounted on the airframe in order to capture a reaction of the audience to a particular scene on the display. For yet another example, an antenna may be coupled to the airframe of each UAV in the fleet of UAVs via a gimbaled attachment module. The gimbal may allow the antenna to adjust to a particular azimuth and/or elevation in order to direct a particular transmission. In such an example, the fleet of UAVs may be capable of acting as an antenna array to transmit or receive data.

In various embodiments, the attachment module114may be a gimbaled attachment. Thus, the equipment may be capable of rotation in a 360 degree plane, rotation about a vertical axis, and/or rotation about a horizontal axis. In various embodiments, the equipment may be coupled to the attachment module114via one or more telescopic arms. In such an embodiment, the equipment can be adjusted closer to and further away from the airframe102as necessary to maintain stable flight. For example, when multiple UAVs fly in a stacked formation, it may be desirable for the rotors to be offset, such that the rotor wash from one UAV does not adversely affect the ability of a UAV below to generate lift.

In various embodiments, a counterweight118may be coupled to the airframe102in order to offset the balance of equipment coupled to attachment module114. In various embodiments, the counterweight118may be coupled to an attachment module114opposite the equipment. The counterweight118may be a metal material, a plastic material, or any other material suitable as a counterweight. In various embodiments, the counterweight118may be removable and replaceable. For example, a first counterweight may be used to offset a 2 pound display, and a second may replace it to offset a 1 pound display.

In the illustrative example shown inFIG. 1A, the display116is a display screen, onto which an image may be projected. In such an embodiment, a projector may be mounted in the airframe with a hole provided for the images to project through, or the projector may be coupled to the airframe via attachment module114. In some embodiments, the display may comprise a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an electroluminescent display (ELD), an electronic paper (E ink), a plasma display panel (PEP), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, surface-conduction electron-emitter display (SED), a laser TV, carbon nanotubes, a quantum dot display, an interferometric modulator display (IMOD), or any other type of display.

As depicted inFIG. 1A, the display116is a rectangular shape configured in a landscape mode. However, it is understood that the display116may be configured in a portrait mode. In various embodiments, the combined display may comprise a plurality of displays in the landscape mode, and a plurality of displays in the portrait mode. In some embodiments, displays116may comprise a square shape, an ovular shape, a circular shape, a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, or any other shape.

In various embodiments, one or more UAVs100may fly in a formation such that the displays116on each UAV100may visually and/or physically connect to create a larger display. In some embodiments, the displays116may be mounted on gimbaled attachment modules114, such that the displays may adjust about the horizontal and/or vertical axes, and/or rotate about a plane to facilitate the visual appearance of creating a combined display. In such embodiments, the UAVs may fly in a formation and adjust the displays116such that the displays116combine to create the appearance of a 3-dimensional object.

In various embodiments, display116may comprise one or more vents120to allow air to flow through the display. In such embodiments, the one or more vents120may be so small as to be undetectable to a viewer from a distance. The one or more vents120may provide a means by which air may flow, in order to assist in the control of the UAV.

FIG. 1Bdepicts the UAV100with a display116comprising a plurality of pixels122. The pixels may comprise the elements of a light-emitting diodes (LED), an electroluminescent display (ELD), an electronic paper (E ink), a plasma display panel (PEP), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, surface-conduction electron-emitter display (SED), a projector display (including a projector and screen) a laser TV, carbon nanotubes, a quantum dot display, an interferometric modulator display (IMOD), or any other type of display. In some embodiments, the display116may comprise a single pixel122.

In various embodiments, the display116may have a coupling system along an outer edge. The coupling system may comprise a magnetic connector, an adhesive (e.g., glue or tape), a hook and loop connector, a latch connector, a snap fit connector, or any other reasonable method for securing two objects together. In such an embodiment, one or more displays116may couple together to create a larger screen, such as that shown by fleet of UAVs200.

In various embodiments, airframe102may further comprise an airframe coupling system124which may enable two or more UAVs100to connect. In some embodiments, the airframe coupling system124may comprise fixed and/or telescopic arms, coupled to the airframe102. In such embodiments, the fixed and/or telescopic arms may be decoupleable from airframe102. Additionally or alternatively, the airframe coupling system124may comprise cables and/or wires coupled to the airframe with one or more connectors.

In various embodiments, the airframe coupling system124may comprise one or more connectors126, such as a magnetic connector, an adhesive, a ball and socket connector, a hook and loop connector, a latch connector, a snap fit connector, or any other reasonable method for securing two objects together. In some embodiments, the connectors126may provide a means by which the UAV100may transfer data, power, and/or other resources to other UAVs in the fleet.

The one or more connectors126may enable the UAVs100to couple to and decouple from one another in flight. For example, the UAVs may be connected in a formation in which the displays combine to create a giant display with a top half and a bottom half Responsive to a signal from one or more control management systems, the UAVs which comprise the bottom half of the giant display may decouple from the UAVs that comprise the top half, thereby creating two large displays.

FIG. 1Cdepicts the UAV100with illuminated pixels in the form of an image. In the illustrative example, the image is comprised of three objects128. In some embodiments, the pixels may illuminate to comprise part of an image. For example, the image on the display may comprise only a portion of a skyline. Thus, when flown in formation with the remainder of the fleet of UAVs, the entire skyline may be detectable to a viewer.

FIG. 2is an isometric view of a fleet of UAVs200, which may include the UAV100, flying in formation to produce a large display by combining a plurality of small displays of individual UAVs.

The fleet of UAVs200may comprise two or more UAVs202. In the illustrative example, the fleet of UAVs comprises many UAVs202, each with a display204. In various embodiments, the UAVs202may further comprise other sensory equipment, such as, for example, speakers to transmit sound associated with one or more images206.

The display204may comprise a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an electroluminescent display (ELD), an electronic paper (E ink), a plasma display panel (PEP), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a projector display (projector and screen), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, surface-conduction electron-emitter display (SED), a laser TV, carbon nanotubes, a quantum dot display, an interferometric modulator display (IMOD), or any other type of display.

Displays204may be different quality and/or resolution, depending on the functionality of the fleet of UAVs200. Thus, display204may comprise any number of pixels or other resolution indicator (e.g., 576i, 1×1, 1024×768, 1920×1080, 3840×2160, 7680×4320, 15360×8640, etc.). In the illustrative example, the fleet of UAVs200is displaying a movie scene with four images206. In such an example, it may be desirable to have displays204with higher resolution and/or quality. For another example, a fleet of UAVs may be used for a New Year's countdown timer. In such an example, the fleet of UAVs may act as a segment display with each display making up one or few pixels, which may be of a lower quality than that desired for a movie screen.

In the illustrative example, the displays204comprise a coupling system208along an outer edge of each display204. The coupling system208may comprise a magnetic connector, an adhesive (e.g., glue or tape), a hook and loop connector, a snap fit connector, or any other reasonable method for removably securing two or more objects together. In such an embodiment, one or more displays204may couple together to create a larger screen, and also provide stability to the fleet of UAVs200flying in formation. In some embodiments, each UAV202in the fleet of UAVs200may couple and/or decouple to one another in flight. In some embodiments, the fleet of UAVs200coupled together may be locked in the coupled position throughout the flight.

For illustrative purposes, the outer edges of the top row and left most column of the displays204are shown inFIG. 2. However, it is understood that the outer edges, or connection points, may not be visible, such as, for example, the display connection points behind the one or more images206. In various embodiments, the displays204may not physically connect to one another. In such embodiments the UAVs202may fly close enough together to create a visual effect of a single combined display.

In various embodiments, the control management system and/or a remote device may direct a particular UAV202to fly at a horizontal distance X and/or a vertical distance Y from another UAV in the fleet of UAVs200, such as a master UAV. The master UAV may be used to control other UAVs (directly or indirectly) in the fleet of UAVs200. The horizontal distance X may be greater than, less than, or equal to the vertical distance Y, depending on the functionality of the UAV202and/or the fleet of UAVs200. For example, if the functionality of the fleet of UAVs is to create a movie screen comprised of square displays, the horizontal distance X and the vertical distance Y may be equal. In some examples, the horizontal distance X and the vertical distance Y may be a range of distances. For example, a UAV providing an audio presentation to correspond with the video presentation may be directed to fly above the crowd at a certain range of distances from the combined display screen, in order to provide a life-like audio experience.

In various embodiments, a display management system in each UAV202may control what is depicted on each display204, such as, for example, the one or more images206. In various embodiments, the one or more images206may be saved on a memory in the display management system, or in another location on the UAV, accessible by the display management system. In some embodiments, the one or more images206may be transmitted to the display management system from a remote computing device via a network. For example, an operator may stream data comprising the one or more images206to the display management system for presentation on the displays204.

The images206presented on each of the displays204may be synchronized such that they combine to create a combined image. In some embodiments, the images are synchronized based upon a flight plan and a corresponding media plan saved on one or more memories of each UAV202. In such embodiments, the control management system and/or display management system may coordinate the flight and presentation based upon the flight plan and media plan. In some embodiments, the media plan may be saved on one or more memories of a master UAV. In such an embodiment, the master UAV may send signals to the servant UAVs to display a particular image or portion thereof. In some embodiments, the presentation on each display may be coordinated by a command station on a remote device. In such embodiments, the command station may send signals to each of the UAVs to change the display and/or the command station may send the signal to the master UAV to transmit the display change information to the servant UAVs.

Additionally or alternatively, the display management system in one or more of the UAVs202in the fleet of UAVs200may control an audio presentation corresponding to the one or more images206. In such embodiments, selected display management systems may present, via one or more speakers, the audio presentation. The audio presentation may be saved and/or transmitted in a similar manner to the one or more images206.

In various embodiments, the fleet of UAVs200may comprise a central display management system. In such embodiments, the central display management system may control the one or more images206, or sections thereof, on each of the displays204. In some embodiments, the central display management system may control the audio presentation corresponding to the one or more images206. In such embodiments, the central display management system may cause one or more speakers on one or more UAVs to display the audio presentation. In some embodiments, the central display management system may access the audio and/or visual data to be displayed via one or more memories on one or more UAVs202. Additionally or alternatively, the central display management system may receive, from a remote computing device, the data to be displayed, such as, for example, via streaming audio and/or video.

FIG. 3is an isometric view of a fleet of UAVs300separated into a first group of UAVs302and a second group of UAVs304, each of the first group of UAVs302and the second group of UAVs304is displaying a part of a visual presentation.

In various embodiments, the UAVs306may fly in a formation to create a visual effect of a combined display screen, effectively merging display screens coupled to each of UAVs306. In various embodiments, the merging of the display screens is facilitated by a coupling system. In the illustrative example, the first group of UAVs302are coupled together via an airframe coupling system308, such as airframe coupling system124discussed with reference toFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the airframe coupling system308may comprise one or more fixed and/or telescopic arms which extend from the airframe of the UAV306. Additionally or alternatively, the airframe coupling system308may comprise cables and/or wires coupled to the airframe.

In some embodiments, the airframe coupling system308may comprise one or more connectors, located at a distal end of the airframe coupling system308. The one or more connectors may comprise magnetic connectors, adhesive connectors, hook and loop connectors, ball and socket connectors, latch connectors, snap fit connectors, or any combination thereof. The one or more connectors may affect the connection between UAVs. For example, an airframe coupling system comprising a telescopic arm may extend from a UAV, and magnetically connect to a telescopic arm of a second coupling system on a second UAV. For another example, an airframe coupling system comprising a telescopic arm may extend from a UAV and may magnetically connect to an airframe of a second UAV. For yet another example, an airframe coupling system with a telescopic arm may comprise a ball joint, and when extended from a first UAV may mate with a socket joint coupled to a second UAV.

In various embodiments, airframe coupling system308may extend from a top surface, a bottom surface, or one or more sides of each of UAVs306. In some embodiments, the airframe coupling system308may be decoupleable. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the UAVs306which comprise a top row and a bottom row of the first group of UAVs302have the respective top and bottom mounted airframe coupling systems308removed.

Additionally or alternatively, each UAV306in the fleet of UAVs300may comprise a display coupling system310. In various embodiments, the display coupling system310may comprise one or more connectors configured along an outer edge of each display312. The one or more connectors may comprise a magnetic connector, an adhesive connector, a hook and loop connector, a latch connector, a snap fit connector, or any other reasonable method for securing two objects together. In such an embodiment, the displays312may couple together to create a larger screen having imagery314, and also provide stability to the first group of UAVs302and the second group of UAVs304flying in formation. In some embodiments, each UAV306in the fleet of UAVs300may couple and/or decouple to other UAVs in flight. In some embodiments, the UAVs306may be locked in the coupled position throughout the flight.

As discussed above, the one or more connectors of the airframe coupling system308and/or the display coupling system310may be capable of coupling and decoupling in flight. In the illustrative example ofFIG. 2, the fleet of UAVs200comprises a formation in which the displays204combine to create a combined display with a left side and a right side. Responsive to a signal from one or more control management systems and/or a remote device, the UAVs which comprise the right side of the combined display may decouple from the UAVs that comprise the left side, thereby creating two large displays, such those depicted in the first group of UAVs302and the second group of UAVs304ofFIG. 3.

As discussed above, the control management system and/or a remote device may further control the position of each UAV306in a fleet of UAVs300. For example, a first combined display of the first group of UAVs302may remain stationary, while the second combined display of the second group of UAVs304may be mobile in order to better depict the flight of dragons. In such an example, the dragons depicted on the second combined display may circumnavigate the audience, thereby giving them a more rich viewing experience.

In various embodiments, one or more UAVs306may be configured to provide an alternate functionality. For example, while the dragons circumnavigate the crowd, a UAV comprising a heating element may fly a certain horizontal and vertical distance in front of the second combined display, simulating the dragons breathing fire on the crowd.

In various embodiments, the UAVs306in the fleet of UAVs may fly in a formation such that the displays visually connect to create a 3-dimensional image. For example, the first group of UAVs may be directed to fly in a formation causing the displays to combine into the image of the woman depicted on the first combined screen. Thus, the dragons may fly around a 3-D image. For another example, the second group of UAVs may be configured in a dome-shape, and flown above the first group of UAVs, thereby making the dragons appear to fly in the sky above the figure shown in the first combined display.

FIG. 4is an isometric view of a fleet of UAVs flying in formation with a projector and a screen for the presentation of an image. As depicted, fleet of UAVs400comprises five UAVs402(1),402(2),402(3),402(4), and402(5). However, it is understood that the functionality of projecting a display on a flying screen may be achieved with greater or fewer UAVs402. It is also understood that at least part of the functionality of the visual presentation may not be coupled to a UAV, and instead may be fixed to a surface. For example, the projector providing the image to the screen may fixed to stationary surface, while the UAVs fly the display screen, or vice versa.

In the illustrative example, UAVs402(1),402(2),402(3), and402(4) are coupled to a display screen404. In some embodiments, the display screen404may be coupled to the UAVs via an attachment module, such as attachment module114, via an airframe coupling system, or any other reasonable method for supporting a display screen.

In various embodiments, the control management system in at least some of the UAVs402may include a centralized control management system, and/or a remote device may control the formation of the UAVs402. In some embodiments, UAVs402(1) and402(2), as well as UAVs402(3) and402(4) may be directed to maintain a horizontal distance from one another. Similarly, UAVs402(1) and402(3), as well as402(2) and402(4) may be directed to maintain a vertical distance from one another. As such, the UAVs402(1)-402(4) may be capable of supporting the display screen404in a particular orientation (e.g., a vertical and/or horizontal tension of the display). In some embodiments, the connection between UAVs402(1)-402(4) and display screen404may be rigid. In such an embodiment, the UAVs402(1)-402(4) and display screen404will move together and the screen will maintain an original orientation. In various embodiments, one of the UAVs402may be designated as a master UAV that receives commands from a controller or operation. At least some of the other UAVs402may be servant UAVs that may be autonomously controlled based on movement of the master UAV. Thus, to maintain formation, some servant UAVs may use movement, distances, and rotation of another UAV (the master UAV) as input to generate their own flight plan for movement, rotation, and so forth.

As depicted inFIG. 4, one or more UAVs, shown here as UAV402(5) may comprise a projector406, for projecting an image on the display screen404. In such an example, the projector406may be coupled to UAV402(5) via an attachment module. In some embodiments, fleet of UAVs400may comprise more than one UAV402comprising a projector. In such embodiments, multiple images may be projected on display screen404concurrently, possibly using projectors configured on multiple different UAVs (e.g., each UAV having one projector, etc.). In various embodiments, one or more UAVs may comprise a laser projector, and may be capable of presenting a laser light show. In such embodiments, the one or more laser projectors may aim the laser at the display screen404, onto multiple individual display screens, such as displays116, or into the air.

In various embodiments, a control management system of UAV402(5) and/or a remote device may direct UAV402(5) to fly in formation with UAVs402(1)-402(4). In a formation, UAV402(5) may be directed to fly at a particular horizontal and/or vertical distance, and/or or a range of horizontal and/or vertical distances, from UAVs402(1)-402(4). Thus, the master UAV may be any one of the UAVs402, including the UAV402(5) having the projector406.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bare perspective views of a UAV with an antenna.FIG. 5Adepicts UAV500, such as UAV100, with an antenna coupled to the airframe.FIG. 5Bdepicts a fleet of UAVs502configured to provide an antenna array.

UAV500, such as UAV100, may comprise an airframe504, one or more rotors506, and one or more motors508, coupled to, and configured to drive the one or more rotors506. UAV500may comprise a control management system510, such as the control management system110discussed with reference toFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the control management system510may be configured to receive and transmit broadcasting and/or other signals via an antenna512(e.g., a patch antenna, a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, a loop antenna, bow tie antenna, slot antenna, etc.) In some embodiments, the antenna512, such as a wire antenna, may be directly mounted to the skin of the airframe504. In various embodiments, the antenna512may be mounted inside the airframe504. In such embodiments, the antenna512may be mounted on a gimbal within the airframe, to provide azimuth and elevation orientation.

In various embodiments, the antenna512(1) may be coupled to the airframe504via an attachment module514, such as the attachment module114discussed with reference toFIG. 1. In such embodiments, UAV500may be configured to act as a repeater and/or amplifier to send and receive signals. In the illustrative embodiment, the UAV may comprise a single mounted antenna512(1) attached via an attachment module on a bottom side of the airframe504. In some embodiments, UAV500may comprise more than one antenna512.

In some embodiments, the attachment module514may be gimbaled, thereby allowing the antenna512(1) to rotate about one or more planes. In such embodiments, the antenna may be adjusted to transmit at a particular azimuth and/or elevation. In some embodiments, the antenna may be coupled to the attachment module514via one or more retractable cables. In such embodiments, each of the cables may be extended or retracted to effect an adjustment in the azimuth and/or elevation of the antenna512(1).

In various embodiments, the control management system510may receive flight management input from a remote computing device via flight management system516. In some embodiments, the control management system510may receive the flight management input directly from a remote computing device. For example, an operator at a transmission base station may input a flight plan, or changes thereto to the fleet of UAVs, such as via a touch pad. In such an example, the operator may adjust the location and/or the orientation of UAV and/or the orientation of the antenna to enable a transmission from the antenna in a particular direction.

In various embodiments, the antenna512(2) may be directly mounted to the skin of the airframe504. In such embodiments, the control management system510may adjust the orientation of the UAV500to obtain the proper azimuth and elevation for a signal transmission.

In some embodiments, the signals from a remote computing device may be received by the control management system via one or more embedded antennae, antenna512(1), and/or antenna512(2), via a wireless connection. In some embodiments, the signals from the remote computing device may be received via a wired connection to the remote computing device, such as, for example, via a co-axial cable connected to the base station. In such an embodiment, the co-axial cable may be coupled to the UAV500via an aircraft coupling system, such the aircraft coupling system308discussed with reference toFIG. 3. The signals may comprise flight data (e.g., latitude and longitude, grid coordinate data, orientation azimuth and/or elevation, orientation time, launch time, recovery time, etc.), data regarding other UAVs in the fleet502, signal data (e.g., time for transmission, time to awaken from a dormant mode for transmission and/or reception of signals, etc.).

As illustrated inFIG. 5B, a fleet of UAVs502may be flown in formation, thereby allowing the respective antennae512to combine into an antenna array, thereby increasing the overall gain of each antenna. The antenna array may be a phased array, such as, for example, a sectional array, a linear array, a circular array, a planar array, a parabolic array, or a spherical array, to direct the beam. In some embodiments, the fleet of UAVs may be mobile, allowing the antenna array to set up at different locations. In some embodiments, one or more UAVs in the fleet of UAVs502may be coupled to a base station, such as, for example, via one or more cables. In such an embodiment, the one or more cables may provide transmission data and/or power to the UAVs in the fleet, thereby enabling longer sustained flight. For example, one UAV in the fleet act as the central unit, and may be coupled to the base station as well as the other UAVs in the fleet. As such, the central unit may transmit data and/or power to each of the UAVs in the fleet. For another example, each UAV in the fleet may be physically coupled to the base station, and may receive transmission data and/or power.

In various embodiments, the fleet of UAVs502may be maneuverable, thereby providing a capability of adjusting the orientation and/or distance between the UAVs based upon the particular transmission. For example, one transmission may be directed to a first azimuth and a first elevation, at a particular wavelength. Thus, the respective control management systems, a central control management system, and/or the remote computing device may direct each antenna to the first azimuth and the first elevation. Additionally, the UAVs may each move to a particular distance W from one another, the distance based upon the wavelength (e.g., one half wavelength distance, one quarter wavelength distance, etc.). The distance W may be a horizontal and/or vertical distance.

In various embodiments, the fleet of UAVs502may be configured to transmit signals, such as, for example, in a broadcasting mode. In some embodiments, the fleet of UAVs may be configured to transmit and receive signals, such as, for example, in a duplex mode. In some embodiments, the fleet of UAVs502may be configured to act as a signal repeater and/or amplifier. In such an embodiment, the fleet of UAVs502may send and receive signals between one or more users and one or more servers. In various embodiments, the fleet of UAVs502may be configured to accomplish any combination of transmitting and receiving described above.

For example, in an emergency, such as a search and rescue operation, the fleet of UAVs may be directed to fly to a remote location with limited cellular service. The fleet of UAVs may receive signals from the lost person and transmit the signals to a service provider, thereby providing a communication channel that was otherwise non-existent. For another example, an individual in a remotely-located cabin, which does not normally have access to television because of a remote location, may request to view a particular show. Based upon the request, a broadcasting service may send a fleet of UAVs to the vicinity of the cabin, and direct the fleet to broadcast the particular show.

In various embodiments, the fleet of UAVs, via the control management system, may receive signal data, such as, for example, a time to awaken from a dormant mode for transmission and/or reception of signals. The fleet of UAVs502may thus go into a dormant mode for a particular time to preserve energy, and increase an overall flight endurance. At the designated time, per the signal data, the fleet of UAVs502may awaken from the dormant mode and transmit and/or receive signals. Additionally or alternatively, the signal data may comprise a time for the transmission of a signal. Thus, the fleet of UAVs502may receive data to transmit, and may save the data until the designated time for transmission.

In various embodiments, the size of each UAV (e.g., 4-inch wingspan, 8-inch wingspan, 16-inch wingspan, etc.) in the fleet of UAVs502may be selected based at least upon the functionality and the wavelength of the signals to be transmitted and/or received. For example, a small UAV may be more effective for high frequency transmissions, whereas a large UAV may be more effective for low frequency transmissions.

In the illustrative example, the fleet of UAVs comprises three UAVs. However, it is understood that increasing the number of UAVs in the fleet may result in an increased gain of the combined antenna array and/or realize other advantages. In various embodiments, the transmission may be scalable. For example, a fleet of 25 UAVs may be capable of transmitting a signal 25 miles, yet a fleet of 100 UAVs may be capable of transmitting the signal 100 miles and covering a much larger area or volume of space.

FIG. 6is a flow diagram showing an illustrative process600to launch a plurality of UAVs in a fleet of UAVs to present an image on a display as well as additional sensory input.

At block602, a control management system on the first UAV and a control management system on the second UAV coordinate flight between the two UAVs to maintain a first distance between the two UAVs. In various embodiments, the first distance may be maintained by the first UAV maintaining position at a first waypoint, and the second UAV maintaining a second waypoint. A waypoint may comprise a latitude, longitude, and altitude and/or a point on a grid system.

In some embodiments, the first distance may be a distance which enables a first display on the first UAV and a second display on a second UAV to visually connect to produce a combined display.

At block604, the fleet of UAVs decides whether to couple together via one or more coupling mechanisms. In various embodiments, the decision to couple may be based upon a flight plan loaded into the respective UAVs. In some embodiments, the decision may be made by a master command station, such as a remote computing device or a central control management system on, for example, a master UAV.

Responsive to a decision to couple together, the first UAV and the second UAV may couple together via a coupling mechanism, as shown in block606. The coupling mechanism may be a magnetic connector, an adhesive connector, a hook and loop connector, a ball and socket connector, a latch connector, a snap fit connector, or any other reasonable method of connecting one UAV to another.

In various embodiments, the coupling mechanism may comprise one or more arms which extend from an airframe of the UAV in any direction. In such embodiments the one or more arms may be rigid and/or telescopic. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism may comprise a cable, such as a co-axial cable. In various embodiments, the coupling mechanism may be mounted on an outer edge of the display. In such embodiments, the displays may physically lock together while the UAVs are in the formation. In some embodiments, the distance between the display and the UAV may vary so that once the displays are aligned and/or coupled, a UAV is not directly in an adjacent UAVs downdraft.

While coupled together via the coupling mechanism, the first and the second UAVs may transfer data, power, and/or other resources via a connection, as depicted at block608. In some embodiments, the connection between the first and the second UAVs may create a wired connection for data transfer. In such embodiments, the first and the second UAVs may transfer flight data (e.g., battery power remaining, flight time remaining, waypoint data, latitude and longitude, grid coordinate data, launch time, recovery time, etc.), data regarding UAVs in the fleet (e.g., battery power remaining, equipment malfunctions, etc.), presentation data (e.g., images, audio files, transmission signals, a presentation schedule, etc.), and other like data. In some embodiments, the first and second UAVs may transfer power via the connection. In such embodiments, the first UAV may send power to the second UAV to store in a battery and/or directly power one or more components in the second UAV, or vice versa.

At block610, responsive to the decision to not couple the first UAV and the second UAV, the first and second UAVs fly in formation, maintaining a distance away from one another while each flying independently. In various embodiments, the first UAV may be configured as a master UAV, and the second UAV may be configured as a servant UAV, or vice versa. In such an embodiment, the servant UAV may maintain the distance away from the master UAV. Regardless of the coupling, in various embodiments, the UAVs may communicate and transmit data between one another, such as via one or more networks.

At block612, the control management system and/or the display management system in the respective UAVs may cause the presentation of an image on the respective displays. The image in its entirety may be presented on the combined display. In some embodiments, the image presented on the combined display may a first part of a whole presentation.

The image presented on the combined display may be a combined with other presentations. For example, at blocks614and616, the decision is made to provide an audio presentation and/or an additional sensory presentation corresponding to the images, respectively. In various embodiments, the decision may be made by the respective control and/or flight management systems. In some embodiments, the decision may be made by a master command station, such as a remote computing device or a central control management system.

At block618, responsive to a decision to not provide an audio presentation or an additional sensory presentation, the fleet of UAVs does not further transmit sensory output.

At block620, responsive to a decision to provide an audio presentation, the first and/or the second UAV may transmit audio output. The audio presentation may be made via one or more speakers attached to the UAV. In some examples, the audio presentation may be made via one or more speakers located remotely from the fleet of UAVs, such as on the ground.

At block622, responsive to a decision to provide an additional sensory presentation, the first and/or the second UAV may transmit additional sensory output. The additional sensory presentation may be an audio, video, olfactory, and/or tactile presentation. For example, the additional sensory presentation may comprise a light mist falling on the crowd to simulate fog or light rain. For another example, the additional sensory presentation may comprise releasing a pungent smell to simulate passing a sulfur spring or other smelly location/object.

FIG. 7is a flow diagram showing an illustrative process700to launch a first group of UAVs and a second group of UAVs, the first group and the second group of UAVs both presenting images on combined displays. The first group and the second group may operate independently as two separate displays, or together, as a third combined display.

At block702, similar to block612, a first image is provided for presentation on a first combined display, the first combined display comprising two or more displays on two or more UAVs. In some embodiments, the image may be provided by the respective control and/or display management system in the respective UAVs. In some embodiments, the image may be provided by a command station, such as a remote computing device or a centralized control or display management system.

At block704, a second image is provided for presentation on a second combined display, the second combined display comprising two or more displays on two or more UAVs. In various embodiments, the first combined image and the second combined image may comprise unrelated presentations, such as, for example, two different advertisements displayed on different sides of a sports arena. In some embodiments, the first combined image and the second combined image may comprise two parts of a whole visual presentation. For example, the first image may be that of a first person in a dialogue, while the second image may be that of a second person in the dialogue.

At block706, a control management system on the respective UAVs and/or a command station coordinates the flight of the UAVs to maintain a first distance between the first group of UAVs comprising the first combined display and the second group of UAVs comprising the second combined display.

At block708, the control management system on the respective UAVs and/or a command station coordinates the flight of the UAVs to move the first group of UAVs to a second distance from the second group of UAVs. In some embodiments, the second group may move to the second distance, while the first group maintains a first position. In some embodiments, the second distance may be a distance which enables the first combined display of the first group and the second combined display of the second group to visually connect so as to produce a first combined display.

At block710, the fleet of UAVs decides whether to couple the first group of UAVs and the second group of UAVs via one or more coupling mechanisms. In various embodiments, the decision to couple may be based upon a flight plan loaded into the respective UAVs, a need to share power and/or other resources, and/or for flight efficiency, such as on a windy or gusty day. In some embodiments, the decision may be made by a command station, such as a remote computing device or a central control management system.

Responsive to a decision to couple together, the first group of UAVs and the second group of UAVs may couple together via a coupling mechanism, as shown in block712. The coupling mechanism may be a magnetic connector, an adhesive connector, a hook and loop connector, a ball and socket connector, a latch connector, a snap fit connector, or any other reasonable method of connecting one UAV to another.

In various embodiments, the coupling mechanism may comprise one or more arms which extend from an airframe of the UAV in any direction. In such embodiments the one or more arms may be rigid and/or telescopic. In various embodiments, the coupling mechanism may be mounted on an outer edge of the display. In such embodiments, the displays may physically lock together while the UAVs are in the formation. However, the displays may be coupled and yet have a space between each individual display in some embodiments.

While coupled together via the coupling mechanism, the first and the second groups of UAVs may transfer data, power, and/or other resources via a connection, as depicted at block714. In some embodiments, the connection between the first and the second groups of UAVs may create a wired connection for data transfer. In such embodiments, the first and the second groups of UAVs may transfer flight data, data regarding other UAVs in the fleet, presentation data, and other like data. In some embodiments, the first and second groups of UAVs may transfer power via the connection. In such embodiments, the first group of UAVs may send power to the second group of UAVs to store in a battery and/or directly power one or more components in the second group of UAVs, or vice versa.

Responsive to a decision to not couple the first group of UAVs and the second group of UAVs, at block716, the first group of UAVs and the second group of UAVs may fly in a formation relative to the other UAVs (or possibly relative to master UAV) in the respective group. In some embodiments, each of the UAVs of the first group of UAVs and the second group of UAVs may fly independently of one another. In some embodiments, each of the UAVs of the first group of UAVs and the second group of UAVs may be coupled to one another in the respective groups. Regardless of the coupling, in various embodiments, the UAVs may communicate and transmit data between one another, such as via one or more networks.

At block718, a third image is provided for presentation on a third combined display, the third combined display comprising at least the first and second combined displays. In some embodiments, the third image may be provided by the respective control and/or display management system in the respective UAVs. In some embodiments, the third image may be provided by a command station, such as a remote computing device or a centralized control or display management system.

FIG. 8is a flow diagram showing an illustrative process800to launch a plurality of UAVs in a fleet of UAVs to transmit and receive signals as a combined antenna array.

At block802, a control management system of each UAV in a fleet of UAVs, such as control management system110, may cause the fleet of UAVs to fly to a waypoint. The waypoint may be a latitude, longitude, and altitude, a location on a 3-dimensional grid system, or any other way of designating a location. In some embodiments, the control management system may receive an instruction from a command station, such as a remote computing device or a centralized control management

At block804, the control management system on the first UAV and the control management system on the second UAV coordinate flight between the two UAVs to maintain a first distance between the two UAVs. In some embodiments, the first distance may be a distance which enables a first antenna to be in phase with a second antenna, the phase providing for increased gain, range, and distance in the transmission to avoid distortion. For example, the first distance may be less than half the wavelength of the transmission signal, to avoid grating lobes.

At block806, the fleet of UAVs decides whether to couple together via one or more coupling mechanisms. In various embodiments, the decision to couple may be based upon a flight plan loaded into the respective UAVs. In some embodiments, the decision may be made by a master command station, such as a remote computing device or a central control management system.

Responsive to a decision to couple together, the first UAV and the second UAV may couple together via a coupling mechanism, as shown in block808. The coupling mechanism may be a magnetic connector, an adhesive connector, a hook and loop connector, a ball and socket connector, a latch connector, a snap fit connector, or any other reasonable method of connecting one UAV to another.

In various embodiments, the coupling mechanism may comprise one or more arms which extend from an airframe of the UAV in any direction. In such embodiments the one or more arms may be rigid and/or telescopic. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism may comprise a cable, such as a co-axial cable. In such embodiments, the cable may be retractable.

While coupled together via the coupling mechanism, the first and the second UAVs may transfer data, power, and/or other resources via a connection, as depicted at block810. In some embodiments, the connection between the first and the second UAVs may create a wired connection for data transfer. In such embodiments, the first and the second UAVs may transfer flight data (e.g., latitude and longitude, grid coordinate data, orientation direction, orientation time, launch time, recovery time, etc.), data regarding other UAVs in the fleet, signal data (e.g., time for transmission, a time to awaken from a dormant mode for transmission or reception, etc.), and other like data. In some embodiments, the first and second UAVs may transfer power via the connection. In such embodiments, the first UAV may send power to the second UAV to store in a battery and/or directly power one or more components in the second UAV, or vice versa.

Responsive to a decision to not couple, at block812, the UAVs may fly in a formation, maintaining distance between one another while flying independently.

At block814, the first and/or second UAV connect to a base station. In various embodiments, the connection between the first and/or second UAV and the base station may wireless. In such embodiments, the base station may provide data to the UAVs. In some embodiments, the connection between the first and/or second UAV and the base station may be a wired connection. In such an embodiment, the coupling mechanism, such as a co-axial cable, may extend from the first and/or the second UAV to the base station. The base station may be a fixed or mobile location on the ground, or it may be another UAV.

At block814, the first UAV and the second UAV receive a transmission signal from the base station. The signal may comprise a transmission data, such as, for example, a time for transmission, an orientation of the antenna, an altitude for the transmission, and the like.

At block816, responsive to receiving the transmission signal, the control management system on the first UAV and the control management system on the second UAV coordinate flight between the two UAVs to maintain a second distance between the two UAVs. In various embodiments, the second distance may be based at least in part on the wavelength of the transmission signal.

At block818, responsive to receiving the signal, the first UAV and the second UAV orient the respective antennae in the desired azimuth and elevation for transmission and/or reception of signals. Additionally or alternatively, the first UAV and the second UAV may climb or descend as required to maintain a desired altitude for the transmission.

At block820, the first UAV and the second UAV, acting as a combined antenna array, transmit the second signal at the designated time and orientation. The combined antenna array may transmit the second signal at a higher gain than the first antenna or the second antenna operating independently.

FIG. 9is an illustrative embodiment in which the fleet of UAVs, such as fleet of UAVs200, may operate. The environment described below constitutes but one example and is not intended to limit the claims to any particular operating environment. Other environments can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 9shows an example environment900in which a fleet of UAVs902may operate. Each UAV of the fleet of UAVs902, command station904and/or components of environment900may include a diverse variety of device types configured to communicate via one or more networks906, and are not limited to any particular type of device. In some examples, command station904may include stationary devices, including but not limited to servers, desktop computers, personal computers, network-enabled televisions, terminals, game consoles, set-top boxes, gaming devices, work stations, and thin clients, such as those capable of operating a distributed computing resource. In some examples, remote device904may include mobile devices, including but not limited to mobile phones, tablet computers, mobile phone tablet hybrids, laptop computers, media players, and any other mobile computers or any other mobile telecommunication devices. In various examples, command station904may include any other sort of computing device configured to communicate via one or more networks906.

For example, network906may include public networks such as the Internet, private networks such as an institutional and/or personal intranet, or some combination of private and public networks. Network906may also include any type of wired and/or wireless network, including but not limited to local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), personal area networks (PANs), body area networks (BANs), near field communication (NFC), satellite networks, cable networks, Wi-Fi networks, WiMAX networks, mobile communications networks (e.g., 3G, 4G, and so forth) or any combination thereof. Network906may utilize communications protocols, including packet-based and/or datagram-based protocols such as internet protocol (IP), transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), or other types of protocols. Moreover, network906may also include a number of devices that facilitate network communications and/or form a hardware basis for the networks, such as switches, routers, gateways, access points, firewalls, base stations, repeaters, backbone devices, and the like.

In some examples, network906may further include devices that enable connection to a wireless network, such as a wireless access point (WAP). The examples which support connectivity through WAPs send and receive data over various electromagnetic frequencies (e.g., radio frequencies), including WAPs that support Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards (e.g., 802.11g, 802.11n, and so forth), and other standards.

The one or more UAVs of the fleet of UAVs902may include any computing device having one or more processing unit(s)910operably connected to computer-readable media912, such as via a bus914, which in some instances may include one or more of a system bus, a data bus, an address bus, a PCI bus, a Mini-PCI bus, and any variety of local, peripheral, and/or independent buses. Executable instructions stored on computer-readable media912may include, for example, an operating system916, a control management system918, a flight management system920and/or other modules and programs that are loadable and executable by processing units(s)910.

The command station904may include any computing device having one or more processors924operably connected to computer-readable media926, such as via a bus928, which in some instances may include one or more of a system bus, a data bus, an address bus, a PCI bus, a Mini-PCI bus, and any variety of local, peripheral, and/or independent buses. Executable instructions stored on computer-readable media926may include, for example, an operating system930, a control manager932, a flight manager934and/or other modules and programs that are loadable and executable by processing units(s)924.

The operating system910the one or more UAVs of the fleet of UAVs902may be any operating system including but not limited to MICROSOFT WINDOWS™, QNX™, IBM z/OS™, LINUX, ANDROID, iOS™, OS X™, NETBSD™, or any other operating system capable of managing computer hardware and software resources. In some examples, UAVs902(1) and902(N) may include operating system916.

Additionally or alternatively, the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components such as accelerators. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc. For example, an accelerator can represent a hybrid device, such as one from ZYLEX or ALTERA that includes a CPU course embedded in an FPGA fabric.

The one or more UAVs of the fleet of UAVs902and the command station904may also include one or more network interface(s)922to enable communications between command station904, and the one or more UAVs of the fleet of UAVs902, and/or between the UAVs of the fleet of UAVs902, such as UAVs between902(1) and902(N). Such network interface(s)922may include one or more network interface controllers (NICs) or other types of transceiver devices to send and receive communications over a network. For example, network interface(s)922may include proximity interfaces to further enable communications between command station904and the one or more UAVs of the fleet of UAVs902and/or between the UAVs of the fleet of UAVs902, such as UAVs902(1) and902(N). Such proximity interfaces can include one or more proximity network interface controllers or other types of transceiver devices to send and receive communications over a proximity network.

Communication between the command station904and the one or more UAVs of the fleet of UAVs902and/or between the UAVs of the fleet of UAVs902, such as UAVs902(1) and902(N), may be possible via a wired or a wireless signal. The wireless signal may include but is not limited to, Bluetooth, radio control, voice control, electromagnetic waves, Wi-Fi signals, cell phone signals, or some combination thereof. Remote device904may send the signals via network906to the control management system918, such as control management system110. Upon receiving the signals, control management system918may adjust the motor speed, rotor speed, and/or rotor pitch as necessary to reflect the desire of the command station904.

In various embodiments, each UAV of the fleet of UAV902may be configured to fly autonomously based upon flight plan data stored in a control management system and/or a flight management system, such as flight management system112. Each UAV of the fleet of UAVs902may be configured to update positioning data to the command station904via network906. In such embodiments, a user may track the position of the each UAV of the fleet of UAVs902throughout the flight plan, and alter the flight plan via the control manager932and/or in a flight manager934in the command station904, as necessary.

In the context of software, the operations represent computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more processors, enable the one or more processors to perform the recited operations. Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, modules, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The process can also be practiced in a distributed computing environment where functions are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communication network. In a distributed computing environment, computer-executable instructions can be located in local and/or remote computer storage media, including memory storage devices.

In the context of hardware, some or all of the blocks can represent application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or other physical components that perform the recited operations.

The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operations can be executed in any order, combined in any order, subdivided into multiple sub-operations, and/or executed in parallel to implement the described process.