Drone station marketplace

Drone marketplaces for utilizing one or more drone functionalities. A method includes a computer-implemented method which includes: populating a drone marketplace database for a drone marketplace with drone information, scoring the plurality of drones of the drone marketplace based on the performance drone information, receiving a rating of a drone performance from one or more drone engagers, receiving a request for a drone service from the one or more drone engagers, analyzing the drone information, continuously updating, the drone marketplace database with the drone information, dispatching a first drone of the plurality of drones to perform the requested service, based on the drone information.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to drones, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and more specifically to a drone or UAV marketplace and an interface for the same selection of drones and for facilitating drone selection.

UAVs, sometimes referred to as drones, are used for a variety of activities, such as surveying remote and/or expansive areas, e.g., power lines, pipelines, and wetlands, etc. More recently, the prospect of utilizing UAVs for distributing services has been explored, e.g., in a commercial setting to provide supplies, other needed items, or services in support of non-commercial operations, e.g. access areas that may be difficult to reach by other types of transportation or provide a service in a more expedient manner than might otherwise be available. In both the non-commercial and commercial setting, users of drone services and administrators of drone services may not be able to select services according to specific needs and conditions or provide any input to influence the selection process of a drone service. Such lack of specificity and input from user/users can lead to reduced efficiency of the drone service and specificity of service for a user.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is a need to provide systems and methods for efficient deployment of UAVs which includes input from one or more users. Such a system and method can include h user and administrator preferences.

The present disclosure provides methods and systems for drone selection, including embodiments that employ one or more factors to facilitate the selection. The factors include specific user preferences, user reviews and feedback, performance metrics and scores determined under specific external conditions, and performance metrics of other drones with similar physical characteristics under similar conditions and for similar services.

One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a computer simulated drone marketplace system that includes: a plurality of interfaces each for displaying at least one drone feature associated with one or more drones to a drone user, a first one of the plurality of interfaces coordinating with a feedback mechanism for determining i) a performance level of one or more drones in providing one or more services along at least one route under one or more external conditions and ii) displaying one or more results of the determined performance level of the one or more drones in providing the one or more services to the drone user.

One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a computer-implemented method for creating a drone station marketplace for using drone services between users. The computer implemented method includes: populating a drone marketplace database for a drone marketplace using one or more feedback modules with information related to drone performance for a plurality of drones as part of the drone marketplace, the information related to the drone performance including preference information from a plurality of drone engagers, receiving a rating of a performance of at least one of the plurality of drones as part of the information related to drone performance from the plurality of drone engagers, scoring the plurality of drones of the drone marketplace based on a plurality of factors as part of the information related to drone performance, the factors including performance threshold, receiving a request for a drone service from a drone engager of the plurality of drone engagers, where the request includes preference information of the drone engagers, analyzing the preference information and the information related to drone performance for each of the plurality of drones, continuously updating, with the one or more feedback modules, the drone marketplace database with the drone performance information, and dispatching a first drone of the plurality of drones to perform the requested service, based on the information related to the drone performance, including the scoring of the plurality of drone and the rating by the plurality of drone engagers, and the drone preference information of the plurality drone engager.

A computer program product for utilizing one or more drone functionalities, the computer program product including: a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code embodied therewith, the computer-readable program code executable by one or more computer processors to: populate a drone marketplace database for a drone marketplace using one or more feedback modules with information related to drone performance for a plurality of drones as part of the drone marketplace, the information related to the drone performance including preference information from a plurality of drone engagers, receive a rating of a performance of at least one of the plurality of drones as part of the information related to drone performance from the plurality of drone engagers, score the plurality of drones of the drone marketplace based on a plurality of factors as part of the information related to drone performance, the factors including performance thresholds, receive a request for a drone service from a drone engager of the plurality of drone engagers, where the request includes preference information of the drone engager, analyze the preference information and the information related to drone performance for each of the plurality of drones, continuously update, with the one or more feedback modules, the drone marketplace database with the drone performance information, and dispatch a first drone of the plurality of drones to perform the requested service, based on the information related to the drone performance, including the scoring of the plurality of drone and the rating by the plurality of drone engagers, and the drone preference information of the plurality drone engagers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein can be utilized for one or more drones, including one type of drone which is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Many drone, e.g. UAVs, systems and solutions have several limitations, including an inability to provide users with the ability to make an informed selection based on a particular need, incorporating feedback and analytic techniques to gauge different drone and UAV performances for a particular service under similar conditions to predict future performance, and an interface that automatically and seamlessly enables users to access one or more drones, e.g. UAVs, and one or more drones, e.g. UAVs, for one or more drone, e.g. UAV, services. According to at least one embodiment, a drone, e.g. UAV, market interface permits users to select at least one drone, e.g. UAV, by presenting performance and physical metrics associated with the at least one drone, e.g. UAV, to the users. Embodiments of the present disclosure addresses these and other technical issues associated with drones and/or UAVs and services associated therewith.

FIG. 1illustrates an exemplary system100for aerial transportation of delivery items using a drone102or provision of services by a drone.

Advancements in drones have been implemented for delivery services consumer goods or for the provision of other services, e.g. recreational activities, recordings of events, etc. For example, a delivery drone, also known as a parcelcopter, may transport packages, food, medicines, and other goods with delivery times much faster than traditional transportation methods. In addition, drones used for delivery services also enable delivery of such goods to remote locations that are difficult to get to by traditional transportation methods due to varying terrain on such delivery routes.

The drone102may include a housing104, at least one movement mechanism106, and a motor108. The components of the drone102may be affixed on the outside of the housing104, or alternatively, may be enclosed within the housing104of the drone102.

The movement mechanism106may include a single propeller, a plurality of propellers, or similarly functioning devices to provide aerial movement for the drone102. In one embodiment, the at least one movement mechanism may be powered by at least one motor108, such as a gasoline engine, electric motor and/or a power supply110to provide movement for the drone102. The power supply110may include a battery, such as a rechargeable battery, and/or solar powered battery sufficient for powering the drone102and/or components of the drone102.

The movement mechanism(s)106may be placed at any desired location on the drone102, such that the placement of the movement mechanism(s)106does not interfere with each other or with another component positioned on the drone102and/or housing104. In one embodiment, the movement mechanism106is positioned on at least one extension arm107such that the extension arm107connects the movement mechanism106to the housing104.

In one or more embodiments, the movement mechanism106and/or extension arm(s)107are spaced around the drone102and/or positioned such that the drone102maintains a balanced orientation. A balanced orientation may be a state of equilibrium in which the drone102may enable an efficient flight. In one or more embodiments, the position of the at least one movement mechanism106and/or extension arm(s)107may be adjusted such that the drone102maintains a balanced orientation. For example, the movement mechanism(s)106and/or extension arm(s)107may pivot and/or hinge from the housing104of the drone102in various directions. In one or more embodiments, the position of the extension arms107may be adjusted and/or repositioned when the drone102carries a delivery item (not shown) via attachment device126to maintain a balanced orientation.

In one embodiment, the movement mechanism106and/or motor108provides aerial movement for the drone102in multiple degrees of freedom. Multiple degrees of freedom generally refers to the ability for the drone102to move in a three-dimensional space. Specifically, the movement mechanism106and/or motor108may be controlled by controller101to move the drone102along three perpendicular axes, namely forward/backward movement, up/down movement, and left/right movement. In addition, the controller101may control the movement of the drone in 360 degree rotation, tilting forward/backward movement (e.g., pitching), swiveling left/right movement (e.g., yawing), and pivoting side to side movement (e.g., rolling).

In one embodiment, the movement mechanism(s)106and/or motor108provides movement for the drone102to deliver one or more items or provide a particular service to a particular destination. For example, the movement mechanisms106and/or motor108may enable the drone102to aerially transport delivery items or provide one or more services from a shipping/dispatch location to a particular delivery destination, such as a consumer's location and/or shipping address. In one or more embodiments, the movement mechanism106and/or motor108may provide aerial movement to the drone102to base stations, e.g. drone stations, recharging stations, shipment facilities, and/or locations of other drones to, for example, recharge the power supply110. In yet a further embodiment, the movement mechanism(s)106and/or motor108provides movement for the drone102to avoid collision between the drone102and an object, such as a person, tree, building, and/or other structures.

In one or more embodiments, the attachment device126fastens a delivery item (not shown) to the drone102. The attachment device126may include, but is not limited to, a latch, a hook or claw, a suction device, a magnetic device, or combination thereof, and/or any other device capable of temporarily attaching (e.g., fastening) the delivery item to the drone102and releasing (e.g., unfastening) the delivery item upon delivery. In an embodiment, the attachment device126may include a retractable wire which may be permanently attached to the housing104at one end and, at the other end, may include a hook, latch, or further accessory to connect the delivery item to the wire and/or drone102.

In one or more embodiments, the attachment device126may include a compartment and/or enclosure to store the delivery item on the drone102until delivery. The compartment may be integrated with the drone102and/or may be attached to the drone102. In one or more embodiments, the compartment and/or enclosure may be temperature controlled by one or more sensors114and/or a temperature controller116to, for example, provide protection to perishable items, such as foods, medicines, life-forms (e.g., plants, animals), etc. In a further embodiment, the attachment device126(e.g., compartment) may be thermally insulated. For example, the attachment device126may include insulating material within the compartment.

The drone102can engage and/or deploy the attachment device126. For example, the drone102may close a latching device so as to “lock” a delivery item to the drone102. In addition, the drone102may open the latching device so as to release the delivery item upon delivery. In one or more embodiments, the drone102may be configured to deploy the retractable wire to a sufficient height above the ground to enable safe delivery of the delivery item.

The drone102may further include a controller101that controls one or more components of the drone102. For example, the controller101may control at least one camera112, at least one sensor114, a temperature controller116, a stability controller118, a drone or UAV marketplace system feeder module120(referred to interchangeably as “feeder module120” or “module120”), an audio device for receiving and transmitting sound122, e.g. an audio device with a recorder and/or audio device, and/or a transceiver device124. (The term “component” and the term ‘module” is used interchangeably herein).

The drone102may include a drone marketplace system feeder module120for providing information, data, and analytics to a drone marketplace (described in greater detail inFIG. 3). As discussed in greater detail below, the drone marketplace system feeder module120can be a suitable software and/or hardware computer module for receiving one or more of drone performance information or data, drone environmental information, drone physical information, drone station information and any other type of information that is relevant to a drone's ability to provide services and/or deliver goods to a user from one or more components of the drone or the environment traveled by the drone. The feeder module120provides this data to one or more components of a drone marketplace system, as described below, which in turn assists a user in making a proper selection of a drone unit, drone station, and/or drone service.

The camera112may be configured to provide and/or receive visual feedback, such as one or more still images and/or video feedback, to the drone102and/or an operator (e.g., user) wirelessly controlling the drone102. For example, the camera112may provide visual feedback of obstacles in the path of the drone102for any purpose, such as, but not limited to, navigation guidance to the drone102. In a further embodiment, the controller101, utilizing information from the camera112, may determine a safe location for the drone102to land and/or disengage the attachment device126to deliver the item. The camera112may capture one or more still images or video images and, the controller101using a database, may perform image comparison with database images, such as drone station system database380ofFIG. 3, to determine whether or not the location is safe to land and/or release the delivery item. For example, the camera112may capture an image of a rooftop of a building and, the controller101using image comparison, may identify the rooftop as an unsafe location to release the delivery. It should be understood that various types of cameras are contemplated, including high-definition cameras, night-vision enabled cameras, infrared sensing cameras, X-ray imaging devices, line scan imaging devices, etc.

In a further embodiment, the camera112may be configured to take one or more still images and/or video upon delivery of an item. For example, when the drone102delivers an item at a destination location, the camera112may capture a photo and/or video of the released delivery item at the delivery location and/or the location itself to confirm delivery and/or location of such item. The drone102may provide delivery notification and/or delivery location information to the recipient by transmitting the photo and/or video to a user device132(e.g., a mobile device, tablet, computing device, etc.) via transceiver124and/or transmission medium128. Accordingly, the recipient can confirm the time and/or actual location where the delivery item was physically delivered.

The camera112may be placed on the drone102such that the camera may provide visual feedback in 360 degrees on a horizontal plane and/or 360 degrees on a vertical plane of the drone102. In one or more embodiments, the camera112may include a plurality of cameras to provide visual feedback in all directions surrounding the drone102such that there are no obscurations of the visual field (e.g., blind spots). In one or more embodiments, the camera112may be embedded within the housing104so as to prevent any negative effects to aerodynamics of the drone102.

The camera112can be further configured to take images of a base station136(referred to as “base station,” “drone station,” and “station” interchangeably herein) that services the drone102. In one embodiment, the camera112can include a timer (or it can coordinate with another timing mechanism located on the drone102) to time the occurrence of events at the station136, e.g. the time to repair a drone under specific weather conditions, for a particular route, for a particular deliver or service, etc. This information can be provided to drone marketplace system feeder module120, which can process it and feed into a drone marketplace system, e.g. as shown inFIG. 3.

The information recorded by the camera can be processed into data suitable for an analytics engine to assess the performance of the drone102(as described further in reference toFIG. 3). For example, the performance of the drone in relation to providing a service, e.g. recording of an event, delivery of a particular item or material, or provision of fuel to a fueling station for one or more automobiles, in light of specific obstacles along a route can be recorded and provided to the drone marketplace system feeder module120for data processing, where the drone marketplace system feeder module120feeds the data to one or more modules of a drone marketplace system, as discussed below, can be data for processing by analytics. All of the information depicted above, which the camera records, including delivery times, obstacle handling, feedback from users, etc. can be provided to the drone marketplace system feeder module120for processing. As discussed in further detail below, the various analytics processing concerning drone performance, route processing, feedback analysis, or otherwise can be performed by any suitable analytics engine capable of providing the necessary functionality as indicated.

In an embodiment, the drone102may include at least one sensor114. The sensor114may include, but is not limited to, an acoustic sensor (e.g., microphone), a chemical sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, a collision avoidance sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor), a heat/temperature sensor, a gravitation force sensor (e.g., accelerometer), a speed sensor (e.g., airspeed indicator), tilt sensor, etc.

In an embodiment, the sensor114may be configured to detect one or more environmental variables, such as temperature, acceleration, (e.g., changes in acceleration), tilt angle, cumulative turbulence, wind resistance, exposure to sunlight, oxygen levels, pressure (e.g., atmospheric pressure), humidity, etc., associated with the drone102and/or traversed during flight, which may be displayed on and/or generated by the drone marketplace system feeder module120to one or more individuals (e.g., an observer, recipient, etc.), as will be described in further detail. It should be understood that the term “environmental variables” should not be limited and may include other variables detected by sensor114and/or experienced by a drone102during flight.

In an embodiment, detecting temperatures experienced and/or traversed during flight may determine, for example, assessment of risk to a perishable object during flight and/or upon delivery of such object. In a further embodiment, the sensor114may detect one or more environmental variables (e.g., temperature) during flight.

In one or more embodiments, the sensor114may be configured to detect various environmental variables traversed by the drone102during flight including, but not limited to, acceleration, and/or percentage of tilt. The detected level of acceleration, and/or tilt may be displayed on the drone marketplace system feeder module120to, for example, assess overall flight environment and/or issue a command to the stability controller118to provide a more stable flight environment where acceleration, tilt and/or orientation are critical, such as during the delivery of animals or fragile items.

The drone marketplace system feeder module120can receive information and data associated with performance of the drone based on one or more environmental factors discussed above and convert it into data, including but not limited to weather data, which is similarly processed as discussed above. As with the camera112, in one embodiment, the one or more sensors114can be configured to assess the environmental factors and other factors outlined above as they relate to a drone102being serviced at a base or drone station136, in addition to containing a timing mechanism for obtaining information on how physical parameters relate to time. For example, temperature fluctuations at a station136when a drone is being serviced and contains perishable goods, or temperature variations for extended periods of times due to the physical makeup of a particular drone and in relation to the environmental factors the drone encounters.

The stability controller118may be configured to determine appropriate load distribution of the delivery item(s) such that the load is balanced and/or evenly displaced based on the measurements detected by the sensor114prior to flight. In one or more embodiments, the stability controller118receives dimension and/or weight information of each delivery item and arrange the delivery item(s) along the drone102to maintain a balanced load for an efficient flight.

In a further embodiment, the sensor114may be configured to detect proximity to objects and/or obstacles in the path of the drone102for any purpose such as, but not limited to, navigation guidance to the drone102. In one or more embodiments, the sensor114may be configured to determine a distance between the drone102and a detected object to avoid collision.

The drone marketplace system feeder module120may provide additional details about the drone102, station136and/or delivery item(s) using a suitable analytics engine from the information and data collected as described above or otherwise preconfigured into the drone marketplace system feeder module120. For example, the drone marketplace system feeder module120may generate a dollar value associated with the delivery item(s), which may change during the course of delivery. In one or more embodiments, the dollar value or viability of the delivery item(s) may change throughout the delivery if, for example, the delivery item(s) are perishable, which may be indicated by the drone marketplace system feeder module120. The dollar value of the delivery item may decrease when one or more environmental variables exceed a predetermined threshold. For example, when a detected temperature is above melting point, a delivery item (e.g. ice cream) may melt, and the value of the delivery item may decrease. The drone marketplace system feeder module120may indicate the change in dollar value of such delivery item.

In one or more embodiments, the drone marketplace system feeder module120provides the recipient of the delivery item with an up-to-date estimated time of delivery or it can provide the estimation to a marketplace system as described inFIG. 3, which can then be presented to an appropriate user by request or otherwise as may be desired. For example, the drone marketplace system feeder module120, in combination with a navigation unit, such as navigation404ofFIG. 4, may estimate time of delivery based on approximate distance to the delivery location and/or velocity (e.g., airspeed) of the drone102. The estimated time of delivery determined by the drone marketplace system feeder module120may be transmitted and/or otherwise communicated to the recipient, such as a user device132, via the transceiver124and/or transmission medium128. In addition, the user device132may prompt/request the drone marketplace system feeder module120to provide updated information associated with the drone102including, but not limited to, estimated time and/or date of delivery.

In an embodiment, the drone marketplace system feeder module120may provide the recipient with delivery notification, such as delivery of the item and/or a percentage of order fulfillment (e.g., 50%, 1 out of 2, etc.) when multiple deliveries are expected. Accordingly, the recipient of the delivery item(s) may better estimate when delivery is expected and arrange to be present for delivery so as to prevent theft of the delivery item(s) upon delivery. In addition, the drone marketplace system feeder module120may indicate and/or display which part of an order is being delivered when, for example, orders are split into several packages and/or several deliveries (e.g., among multiple drones).

In one or more embodiments, the drone marketplace system feeder module120may indicate a total amount of time spent traveling from the shipping location and/or a battery recharging station to the delivery location. Determining the total amount of time spent traveling may be used, for example, to assess a level of risk to perishable items and/or the battery life of the power supply110. For example, the drone marketplace system feeder module120may track and/or display a total amount of time spent traveling with a perishable delivery item.

The secondary drone134, which can also be a UAV, and/or base station136may provide services, e.g. power recharging and/or replacement power supply services, to the drone102or otherwise make the drone suitable for flight and/or performance. For example, the secondary drone134may recharge the power supply110on the drone102during flight and/or automatically replace the power supply110by removing, using a replacement mechanism, the depleted power supply110and inserting a charged power supply110. The base station136may include, but is not limited to, a shipment facility and/or a battery-charging station located at various locations, including a homeowner's property. In one or more embodiments, the base station136may be fully automated to replace and/or recharge the power supply110. In other embodiments, the base station136may utilize the assistance of the property owner where the base station136is located. For example, the property owner may initiate operation of the base station136to cause a replacement mechanism to remove the depleted power supply110and insert another power supply110. In one or more embodiments, drone marketplace system feeder module120can be configured to receive and process information from one or more of the other drone modules, e.g. the camera112, the sensor114, etc. on the performance of the particular station, e.g.136, in rendering the services mentioned in this paragraph, and then provide that information to a suitable marketplace system, e.g. as provided for inFIG. 3.

Although not expressly shown in the figures, base or drone stations, e.g.136, can also include sensor, image capturing, audio, or other collecting data devices that collect information relevant for the performance of the base or drone stations, drones, and/or how externalities can affect the stations and/or the drones and can transmit the information the drone system market place ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 2illustrates a high level view of a system200for performing distributed package transport services useful with an embodiment of the present discourse. The drone or UAV202may include any of system100ofFIG. 1. As illustratively depicted inFIG. 2, the drone202may be traveling to and from shipping location201and delivery location203along delivery route204. In one or more embodiments, the drone202may be configured to communicate206with one or more secondary drones234A,234B, which can also be UAVs, and/or one or more base stations236A,236B within the vicinity of the drone202. In one or more embodiments, the drone202may transmit a power level to secondary drones234A,234B and/or base stations236A, and236B and/or request availability of recharging services. In one or more embodiments, the requests from drone202may have different weighted values depending on, for example, perishability of the items attached to the drone202, progress towards the delivery location203and/or shipping location201, etc. For example, a request for recharging services may be higher from a drone202carrying a perishable delivery item versus drone202carrying a non-perishable item. In one embodiment, each of the secondary drones234A,234B can be configured as in system100, and can include a marketplace system feeder module120for collecting data on the performance of drone202under different conditions. One or more components of system200, as shownFIG. 2, including drone202, interface with drone marketplace system250, which is described in greater detail with respect toFIG. 2. The one or more components, including drone202, provide and receive information to drone marketplace system250and receive control instructions from drone marketplace system250.

FIG. 3illustrates a more detailed overview of the UAV or drone marketplace system250, which includes one or more software or hardware components configured to perform one or more specific tasks related to the provision of drone services. The drone marketplace system250can interface with one or more drone users310, one or more drone administrators315, and/or one or more drone station administrators320(drone users, drone administrators, and drone station administrators being collectively referred to as “drone engagers”). A drone user310(referred to as “drone user” and “user” interchangeably herein) can be an automated system or human user that utilizes one or more drones, e.g.102,102n-1,102n, etc. and/or one or more drone stations, e.g.136, for moving cargo from one location to another, for powering drones, dispatching station services, or for other kinds of drone services.

A drone administrator315can be a system or human individual who owns a drone and provides characteristics of their drone(s) to the drone marketplace system250. A drone station administrator320can be an individual or system that owns drone stations and the services available at one or more stations. The interfacing can be done directly using any suitable computer device or module part of the system or using a separate computer system or portion associated therewith, including the system shown inFIG. 7.

The drone marketplace system250includes a marketplace component350with one or more interfaces360A,360B, and360C, where the interfaces360A,360B, and360C can be powered by one or more analytics engines and visible on any suitable graphic user display of a computer or mobile device. In one embodiment, the interface360A can be an interface360A configured for a drone user's310use. The drone user interface360A being capable of displaying maps of drones and drone station services to enable a drone user310to select or shop for one or more distinct drones, select or shop for one or more distinct drone stations, select or shop for one or more distinct drone station or drone services, create routing plans and/or ensure appropriate fee exchanges/charges. In one embodiment, the interface360B can be a drone administrator interface360B that can permit one or more drone administrators315to publish information or display information that can be used in the drone marketplace component350to visualize who is using a drone, drone services associated with a drone or drone user account information associated with a drone. In one embodiment, the interface360C can be an interface for a drone station administrator that can permit one or more drone station administrators320to publish information or display information that can be processed in the drone marketplace component350to visualize who is utilizing a drone station, drone services associated with a drone station, or drone user account information associated with a drone station. In one embodiment, the interfaces360A,360B, and360C can be components of a single interface and in another embodiment they can be distinct interfaces. In one embodiment, each interface360A,360B, and360C can be divided into more than one interface, for example,360A can be divided into two interfaces, one for selecting drones and one for selecting drone services.

The drone marketplace system250can further include a marketplace services analytics engine370, which can include one or more analytics engines for providing relevant information and guidance for selecting or assessing a drone, drone service, and/or drone station via the interfaces360A,360B, and360C, of the drones user(s)310, drone administrator(s)315, and drone station administrator(s)320. In one embodiment, the marketplace services analytics engine370can include a drone analytics component372A, which can create a route based on origin/destination and travel preferences (distance, type of view, type of route, drone score, weather, etc.) selected by a user. The drone analytics component372A obtains information and/or instruction from one or more components internal to the marketplace services analytics engine370, such as the feedback review module372B (described in further detail below), drone system database380(also described below), or an external data feed395(as discussed below). After the analytics component372A receives the relevant information and/or instruction, the drone analytics component372A, based on a request from the drone users310, drone administrators315, and/or one or more drone station administrators320and via the relevant interface, e.g.360A,360B, and/or360C, can provide information related to selecting available stations, route efficiency tips, and/or drone availability for a particular destination, and can suggest and generate a relevant route for a particular destination. In one embodiment, the drone analytics component372A can communicate with a controller101to instruct a drone102to take a particular flight path, where in one embodiment the user selects a path suggested by drone analytics component372A and in another embodiment a user selects an option on a suitable interface, e.g.360A, to automatically allow component372A to set the path based on one or more analytics determinations.

In one embodiment, the drone marketplace system250includes a drone station system database380, which can include drone data382A, drone station data382B, drone user data382C, and external data (e.g. weather data)382D. The drone station system database380can receive data from the one or more drone users310, one or more drone administrators315, and/or one or more drone station administrators320. The drone data382A contains, for each drone, information related to models/type, services/capabilities, scores in association to services, realtime location, etc. The drone station data382B contains, for each drone station, services offered by a particular station, scores associated with that station, costs associated with that station, location of the station availability, etc. The drone user data382C includes, for each user and administrator, preferences, account information, or any other information relevant in a user and administrator making a drone services selection. The external data382D includes information about external factors that can affect route and servicing requests, including but not limited to weather data and location data. The drone station system database380can be updated by the individual drones, e.g.102with a drone marketplace system feeder module120, from an external feed395(discussed below), from the individual stations, e.g.136, or from feedback provided by the one or more of a drone users310, drone administrators315and/or drone station administrators320.

In one embodiment, drone marketplace system250includes a separate analytics component, e.g. an external analytics component or module399, that performs analysis and forecasting for the external data feed395, e.g. an external analytics module399for processing past, present, and forecast data. The external analytics component399can coordinate with the drone analytics component372A to provide route guidance and selection services based on the processing of the external data, e.g. the external analytics component399can use and process realtime weather data feed to analyze data pattern changes and their impact on drone routes for effective drone dispatching and readjusting.

In one embodiment, the drone analytics component372A can take into account drone station scores/rates/services as well as drone scores/rates/services to suggest the best possible routes and rates for a particular service. In one embodiment, the drone analytics component372A generates relevant scores for a drone or drone station by comparing performance under similar conditions, e.g. how long did it take for one drone to arrive at a particular destination and render a particular service when weather conditions were substantially similar and both drones took the same route and were serviced at the same drone station. Different scores can be associated with different services, and the scores and underlying information can be presented to a user, e.g.310, via an appropriate interface, e.g.360A. Similarly, in one embodiment, a drone station can receive a score based on how drones with substantially similar scores and/or physical parameters perform under substantially similar conditions, when serviced at that station in relation to another station, and this information can also be presented to a user, e.g.310, via an appropriate interface, e.g.360B.

In one embodiment, the feedback review module372B, including one or more modules (discussed below) of the feedback review module372B, receives and processes input provided from various sources concerning the performance of a drone or drone station and can coordinate with the drone analytics module372A to update or formulate route suggestions for a user. The feedback review module372B can receive the information directly from a drone, e.g.102,102n. For example, the drone marketplace system feeder module120can provide data received from a camera112, temperature controller116, etc. and process it to assess drone102or drone station136performance, which can then be applied to a subsequent service provided by the same or similar drone or drone station for a same or similar service under the same or similar conditions. The information can be provided by affirmative feedback entered into drone station drone station system database380by one or more of the drone users310, drone administrators315, and/or drone station administrators320. For example, a drone user may enter information indicating he or she was satisfied or dissatisfied by the performance of a particular drone, e.g.102, providing a particular service, and he or she may indicate the reason, e.g. timeliness, and drone analytics component372A will query drone station system database380to adjust the score accordingly, which can then be applied to a subsequent service provided by the same or similar drone for a same or similar service under the same or similar conditions.

In one embodiment, the drone feedback module372B includes a route feedback module374A, which can continuously update the drone station system database380with information corresponding to routing information received from a component involved with route calculation, e.g. a drone analytics component372A. In one embodiment, the drone feedback module372B includes a drone user feedback model374B, where the drone user feedback module374B can receive drone analytic information, which can also be received from the drone analytics component372A, and where the drone analytic information can include at least one preference of at least one of the drone users310.

In one embodiment, the drone feedback module372B includes a drone feed processor module374C that can receive realtime data from one or more drones102via the UAV marketplace system feeder module120, where the real time performance can include the performance of a drone102, or one drone in relation to another drone, with respect to drone services provided i) at a particular location, ii) under a particular temperature range, iii) with a certain weight load attached to the one or more drones, and/or iv) a speed range achieved by the one or more drones at the location, with the certain weight load, and under the particular temperature range. This information can be processed by the drone feedback module372B and incorporated by the analytics components372A to make a suggestion to a user as to a particular route for a particular drone service. The drone feed processor module374C can also receive similar information from a drone station with respect to the drone102, and also with respect to a drone station's, alone or in relation to another station, capacity to service a drone102for providing a particular service i) at a particular location, ii) under a particular temperature range, iii) with a certain weight load attached to the one or more drones, and/or iv) a speed range achieved by the one or more drones at the location, with the certain weight load, and under the particular temperature range. Similarly, the drone station feedback can also be processed by the drone feedback module372B to enable a suggestion for one or more routes to a user for a particular service. The drone feeder module374C can also store the data it acquires and the processing results associated therewith in one or more databases, e.g.382A,382B, etc. and/or share the data with another module of the market place system, e.g.372A.

The drone feed processor module374C can receive both drone data and drone station data with respect to past and present services of a drone102at a particular drone station and invoicing and cost data associated with using a particular drone102and/or drone station132. A user310can set an acceptable bandwidth of cost or servicing parameter when making a request and the drone analytics component372A, in coordination with one or more other modules and components, including the route feedback module374A, the drone feed processor module374C and the drone user feedback module374B, can take cost and servicing into account when making a route suggestion to a user for a particular drone service. The drone feed processor module374C can also store the servicing data and invoicing data in one or more databases, e.g.382A,382B, etc., which can then be displayed to a drone administrator, drone station administrator or user via an appropriate interface, e.g.360A,360B,360C, etc.

In one embodiment, the drone marketplace system250includes an alert module385that can detect changes in routes and weather patterns. The alert module385can provide alerts to be displayed via one the drone marketplace interfaces360A,360B, and360C to a drone user310, drone administrator315and/or drone station administrator320. Furthermore, the alert module385can update drone station system database380as external conditions change and/or it can coordinate with drone analytics component372A and feedback review module372B to suggest to a user or administrator that a route, drone or servicing station along a route be substituted as a result of the external conditions, e.g. changes in weather make a selected drone unsuitable for the requested service made by a user.

In one embodiment, the drone marketplace system250includes an external feed395which supplies information directly to drone station system database380and can be a tool database or system, such as a weather feed, that monitors externalities that can affect one or more performance metrics of a drone or drone stations, e.g. a realtime weather data feed with location information enabling the weather analytics for the drone analytics component372A and, as necessary, the feedback review module372B. The external feed395can include a weather monitoring and analytics component for monitoring the weather and storing weather past weather data, current weather data and weather forecast data in the drone station system database380.

In one embodiment, the drone marketplace system250includes a drone dispatcher377that receives requests for services provided by a drone station at the request of a user, e.g.310, where the dispatcher is responsible for dispatching the particular type of drone as selected by the user, e.g. an audio, video, patrol, cargo, or other type of drone, and a receiver378that can supply real-time information regarding drone locations. Both the dispatcher377and the receiver378can coordinate with other components of the drone marketplace system250, e.g. the feedback module372B, the alert module385and the drone analytics component372A, to provide and process real-time updates of changing conditions, and in one embodiment, the coordination can allow the drone marketplace system250to facilitate route alterations, provide delay estimates, etc.

In one embodiment, in addition to cost and/or servicing options, a user310, via one or more interfaces, e.g.360A, can make a selection under one or more specific needs, including drone brand, drone autonomy and fuel efficiency, a particular technical prowess of a drone, e.g. camera resolution or audio capabilities, cargo space, and/or other user feedback. Similarly, the user310can make similar selections with respect to a drone station, e.g. tailor the service according to cargo space of a station, servicing options of a station, location of the station, power capacities of a station, maintenance capacities of a station, and/or other user feedback of a station. In one embodiment, the user310can also see flight and use history for a particular drone or drone station via one or more interfaces, e.g.360A, and can make a selection based on the same. The user can make a firm selection as to one or more of these features, and the drone user feedback module374B will ensure routing options without a drone or drone station capable of rendering those features. In one embodiment, the user310can instead assign a preference score to one or more features, and the drone user feedback module374B can coordinate with module374A to adjust routing options accordingly.

In one embodiment, the information discussed above in the preceding three paragraphs can also be made available to a drone administrator315or drone station administrator320via an appropriate interface, e.g.360A, so that the drone administrator and drone station administrator can make decisions, e.g. maintenance decisions concerning drones and/or drone stations. Additional information that can be made available to a drone station administrator and/or a drone administrator include scheduled services for one or more drones, messages from users and/or a maintenance crew concerning one or more drones or drone stations, invoices for drones or drone stations, drone and drone station availability, cargo settings for drones and for drone stations, an interface to search for specific drones, power management for one or more drones and/or drone stations, user feedback for drones and/or drone stations, available spacing for incoming drones or outgoing drones, and an interface to disable features for one or more drones or to indicate one or more drone services are not available.

In one embodiment, the drone station administrator and/or drone administrator can communicate with one or more modules of feedback module372B to affect route calculation and route suggestions presented to a user, e.g. if a drone administrator indicates a particular drone is not available for a particular service that corresponds to a service aligned with a user request (or similarly for a drone station), then the options presented to the user will be adjusted accordingly.

It is to be appreciated that system400described below with respect toFIG. 4, is a system for implementing respective embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be appreciated that one or more processing systems in100,200,400and/or700may perform at least part of the method described herein, including, for example, at least part of method500A,500B,600A,600B, and600C ofFIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, and 6Crespectively.

Referring now toFIG. 4, with continued reference toFIG. 1, an exemplary system400for aerial transportation of delivery items using a drone102is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system400includes a flight controller402, a navigation unit404, a monitoring device406, a drone marketplace system408, a database410, an authentication unit412, a locking device414, a risk analysis device416and/or a value adjustment device418.

The flight controller402may be configured to control movement of the drone102. In one embodiment, the flight controller402may include a motor, such as motor108inFIG. 1. In one or more embodiments, the flight controller402may control the aerial movement of the drone102by controlling the at least one movement mechanism106and/or motor108illustrated inFIG. 1. For example, the flight controller402may control aerial movement of the drone102by sending control signals to the at least one movement mechanism106and/or motor108to maintain a level flight.

In an embodiment, the flight controller402may be configured to control movement of the drone102by controlling the rotational speed(s) and/or rotational direction(s) of each of the movement mechanisms106independently and/or collectively. For example, the flight controller402may be configured to rotate each of the movement mechanisms106in a single direction, or alternatively, the flight controller402may be configured to rotate each of the movement mechanisms106in opposing directions. In one embodiment, the flight controller402may be configured to control movement of the drone102to avoid collision between the drone102and various obstacles (e.g., trees, mountains, etc.).

In a further embodiment, the system400may include a navigation unit404, such as a global positioning system (UPS). The navigation unit404may provide location information for particular shipping locations, delivery locations, and/or locations of one or more secondary devices130, such as a user device132, a secondary drone134and/or base station136. Accordingly, the navigation unit404may provide the drone102with navigation coordinates of various locations, including relay locations where the secondary drone134and/or base station136can meet for power supply recharging and/or replacement. The navigation unit404may include map coordinates of a particular area and may provide such information to the flight controller402, such that the flight controller402may direct the drone102to a particular location.

In an embodiment, the system400may include a monitoring device406. The monitoring device406may include a camera, a sensor, a radar system, or similarly functioning devices. In one or more embodiments, the monitoring device406may be configured to perform one or more operations as described above in relation to the camera110, sensor114, temperature controller116, and/or stability controller118ofFIG. 1. For example, the monitoring device406may capture one or more still images or video images and, using database410, may perform image comparison with database images to determine whether or not the location is safe to land and/or release a delivery item. In another embodiment, the monitoring device406may determine appropriate weight distribution of the delivery items along the drone102.

The system may include an UAV or drone marketplace system408. The drone marketplace system408may perform the operations as described above with reference to the drone marketplace system250. In one or more embodiments, the drone marketplace system408may include one or more modules configured to provide one or more interfaces for a user to receive information concerning drone services and to make tailored selection of drone services. The one or more modules consider one or more environmental factors, performance data for drones and drone stations, and user preferences to provide a user with one or more suggestions on executing a drone service along a route, in addition to providing the ability to alter the selection or make adjustments along the route based on updated information, e.g. weather changes.

In an embodiment, the system400may include a database410. The database410may be configured to store one or more still images or video images of buildings and/or landing areas, such as flat terrain, mailboxes, porches, etc. In one or more embodiments, the database410may provide such database images and/or video for image comparison with images and/or videos captured by the monitoring device406. In a further embodiment, visual patterns and/or audible signals for the drone marketplace system408may be stored in database410.

The authentication unit412may be configured to verify recipient information and/or delivery location for delivery of the item transported by the drone102. In one or more embodiments, the authentication unit412may include a scanner, such as a biometric scanner (e.g., thumbprint reader, retinal scanner, etc.) and/or Radio-frequency identification (RFID) scanner, to verify a recipient in order to release the delivery item. In other embodiments, the authentication unit412may include a scanner configured to scan a barcode, such as a quick response code, provided by the recipient. For example, the recipient may provide a barcode on a user device, such as a cellular telephone and/or tablet, which the authentication unit412may scan to verify identification of the recipient. In one or more embodiments, the authentication unit412may include a user interface configured to receive a password input by the recipient. The authentication unit412may compare the input password with a stored password, such as a password stored in database410, to verify the recipient. If the authentication unit412fails to correctly verify the recipient information, the authentication unit412may transmit a command to the flight controller402and/or navigation unit404to return to the shipment location. In one or more embodiments, the drone marketplace system feeder module120may indicate whether or not authentication has failed by, for example, visually displaying and/or announcing (e.g., via audio device122) that authentication has failed.

In one or more embodiments, the system400may include a locking device414. The locking device414may include, for example, electronic deadbolts and/or latches, a digital lock, an electronic lock, an electromagnetic lock, and/or similar functioning devices. The locking device414may be configured to “lock” the drone102. For example, the locking device414may lock the delivery item to the attachment device126until authentication of the recipient is verified by the authentication unit412. Accordingly, the drone102may be in a “locked mode” until the appropriate recipient supplies the appropriate unlock input (e.g., password, verification, validation, etc.) so as to prevent thievery of such delivery items and/or delivery to incorrect recipients. In one or more embodiments, the drone marketplace system408may indicate that the drone102is in a locked mode by, for example, illuminating one or more visual displays, generating an audible alarm, and/or providing an electronic signal indicating that the drone102is locked.

The risk analysis device416may be configured to evaluate a level of risk associated with one or more of the delivery items. In one or more embodiments, the risk analysis device416may determine a level of risk to delivery items that include perishable items. The risk analysis device416may determine whether or not a delivery item requires immediate attention upon delivery based on, for example, one or more environmental variables (e.g., an amount of travel time, temperatures traversed, and/or turbulence) experienced by the drone102during delivery. The risk analysis device416may be configured to provide the level of risk associated with the delivery item to the drone marketplace system408to, for example, indicate that the delivery item requires attention.

The system400may include a value adjustment device418. The value adjustment device418may be configured to adjust the value of the delivery items depending on the risk level determined by, for example, the risk analysis device416. For example, if the risk level to a perishable delivery item is high, the dollar value of the delivery item may be adjusted such that the value increases and/or decreases. As an example, if the delivery item is ice cream and the temperature sensor114determines that, during the delivery, the traversed temperature exceeds a threshold value, and then a dollar value and/or price charged for the ice cream may be reduced since the ice cream may be partially melted. Alternatively, the value adjustment device may increase the dollar value associated with the delivery item if a delivery is made early and/or arrives hot, such as a pizza being delivered to a home.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, the elements thereof may be interconnected by a bus401. However, in other embodiments, other types of connections can also be used. Moreover, in an embodiment, at least one of the elements of system400is processor-based. Further, while one or more elements may be shown as separate elements, in other embodiments these elements can be combined as one element. These and other variations of the elements of system400are readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, given the teachings of the present principles provided herein.

FIG. 5Aillustrates a illustrates a flow500A for providing UAV services in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, e.g. the drone marketplace system250initializes a route execution for one or more users310using one or more drones102,102n. In one embodiment, as shown in block505A, the drone user310, the drone administrator315and drone station administrator320register information in the drone station system database380about the drones102,102n, on one or more drone stations, e.g.136, and drone station services that the drones and stations can provide to the one or more users310. The information associated with the drones, drone stations, and users includes but is not limited to the information discussed above with respect to the drone station system database380.

In one embodiment, as shown in block510A, the one or more drone users310accesses the drone marketplace system250via interface360A and provides preferences about drone devices, drone station administrators and drone services they would like to utilize in the marketplace. This creates a personalized drone marketplace system250for the particular drone user310, which is accessible by the interface360A. In one embodiment, as shown in515A, the drone user310can then use the interface360A of the drone marketplace system250to commence the creation of a plan for a service. For example, a drone user310may want to move cargo from point A to point B and create a new plan that will contain the drone route to be executed.

In one embodiment, as shown in block515A, the drone analytics component372A creates and provides a route service plan for the user310, which per block520A, and via the interface360A, is displayed as a map with one or more starting points and one or more ending points. The interface360A also displays the variety of drones, e.g.102,102n, based in part on the drone user preferences, available to perform the particular task and associated drone stations available, also based in part on the drone user preferences.

In one embodiment, per block525A, based on the information provided to the user310, which can include performance scores for the drone(s)102,102nin relation to the particular service at issue, the frequency of use for the type of drone (for the particular service and generally), the performance of the drone under current weather conditions, the score for the drone station, etc., and based on this information, the user can adjust and select what is appropriate for the route plan, including begin and end dates for route execution.

In one embodiment, per block530A, the drone marketplace system250can display route calculations (length of time, drone user charges, weather conditions, and other route metrics) to a particular drone user310via an appropriate interface360A, and the drone analytics component372A can provide more than one plan, including combinations of drones and drone stations and route variations, that the drone user310can consider to reduce length of time required to obtain the service they are requesting, including selecting other drone service stations providing cheaper rates or stations that avoid particular adverse predicted weather conditions. The drone user310selects and/or adjusts a selection based on the route plan calculations provided by the drone analytics component372A and changes the selection(s) via the one or more interfaces of the drone marketplace system250in order to try to obtain the route of their final choice. Once the final selection is made, per block535A, the drone user310accepts charges associated with the route plan via one or more interfaces and confirms acceptance by accepting terms & conditions specified at the interface360A.

FIG. 5Billustrates a flow500B for providing UAV services in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, per block505B, once a drone user310has created and finalized a route plan for execution within the drone state marketplace250of a service to move cargo from Point A to Point B, the drone analytics component372A can initiate preparations by coordinating with a drone controller101and other components, as dependent on the particular service, such as ensuring cargo and a specified drone with service capabilities, as selected by the user based on the feedback provided by the drone analytics component372A, is available from the drone station136where a drone will be dispatched from.

In one embodiment, per block510B, if any of the drone dispatch preparations require human/manual assistance an appropriate alert is sent to a drone administrator315or drone station administrator320by the alert module385to ensure they complete appropriate preparation actions. If for some reason all preparations cannot be completed, per block515B, the drone administrator315or drone station administrator320can alert the drone user and ensure appropriate compensation is occurring with the drone user310, as per block520B. In one embodiment, the drone user can drop the plan if they are not satisfied with the service provided and can create a new plan with other drone service providers using the appropriate interface, e.g.360A.

If no impediments exist or the impediments have been resolved, then per one embodiment and per block525B, the drone dispatcher397dispatches the prepared drone to commence the delivery of the drone service for the drone user310. In one embodiment, the drone marketplace system250receives real-time external updates, e.g. weather alerts from external feed395and the analytics module372A predicts whether any route plans being executed will be impacted by changes in the weather. In one embodiment, per block530B, a determination is made if the weather or other externalities will impact deliver of the drone services. If there is no impact, the route plan continues through execution to block545B. If there is a route impact, then, per block535B, one or more of the drone users310and drone administrators315are alerted as to the effects that the predicted weather can have on the drone services. The drone administrator315can react to the alert and can inform the drone user310if it is believed route adjustment is warranted or not, and/or indicate the impact, if any, to the service being provided.

In one embodiment, per block540B, the user310can accept the risks or select a new route or make other adjustments, e.g. select a different drone, different station, etc. based on one or more recommendations provided by the drone analytics component372A at the drone marketplace system250interface, e.g.360A. Per block545B, if the user accepts the terms and conditions presented at the interface360A, then the original or modified route services plan is executed by the drone system marketplace250. If the user does not accept the terms and conditions presented by the interface360A, the drone marketplace system250and the user310can engage and functionalities may repeat until the service is completed, e.g. more than one alteration may occur due to changing weather conditions and/or the flow will revert back to block530B.

FIG. 6Aillustrates a flow600A for provision of one or more drone services in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In block605A, one or more components and/or users of a drone marketplace system250will register one or more of i) drone users, ii) drone administrators, and iii) drone station administrators in a registry associated with the drone marketplace system250. In one embodiment, one or more drone users310, one or more drone administrators315, and/or one or more drone station administrators320register themselves via an appropriate interface360A,360B, and360C in the drone station system database380. The registration can also include registering one or more of the users310, drone administrators315, and/or drone station administrators320to the marketplace for purposes of establishing a user profile and/or storing feedback information provided by the one or more users310, drone administrators315, and/or drone station administrators320with respect to preferences or drone and drone station performance.

In one embodiment, as shown in block610A, a feedback review module372B (including modules of a feedback review module372B), in coordination with at least one other component of the drone marketplace system250will populate the drone station system database380with information about the one or more drone users310, one or more drone administrators315, and/or one or more drone station administrators320, and information related to one or more of i) information related to drone or drone station performance, where the drone or drone station performance information includes scoring information related to the performance of a first drone in carrying out one or more drone services, where the scoring information is provided by at least one of a drone user310, drone station administrator320, or drone administrator315, and where the scoring information is based on drone user310, drone station administrator320, or drone administrator315input or review of drone or drone station services under particular conditions, ii) drone data for one or more drones102,102n, iii) drone user data for one or more users310, iv) drone station136data for one or more stations that can dispatch and/or service the one or more drones102,102n, and v) in coordination with the external analytics engine399(discussed below), weather data, where the weather data includes past weather data, current weather data and weather forecast data.

In one embodiment, per block615A, the feedback module372B can the drone station system database can continuously update the drone station system database with performance information related to drone or drone station performance. Also, per block615A, and in one embodiment, the route feedback module374A can continuously update the drone station system database380with information corresponding to routing information received from a route calculation module, e.g. a drone analytics component372A and/or the drone analytics component372A and/or one or more other components of the feedback review module372B, e.g.374B and374C, and can continuously update the drone station system database380with drone user preferences.

In one embodiment, per block620A, a drone user310or administrator315,320can select a drone or drone station service for performing a service, and the drone dispatcher377, in response to receiving a request associated with the selection, dispatches a first drone to service a route associated with the request (or dispatches the drone to be serviced at a particular station, if the request was related to serving the drone). In one embodiment, the selection and receiving request is based on the populating and continuous updating, e.g. the drone analytics component372A will have presented options to the user310via the interface360A that account for one or more of user preferences, weather data, performance data associated with the drones and drones stations, and other information that is relevant for providing a drone service along a specified route.

In one embodiment, per block625A, the drone dispatcher377sends drone flight status information for a dispatched drone102to a corresponding drone controller, e.g.101, and corresponding drone station, e.g.136, and the drone dispatcher377coordinates with the drone receiver378and drone analytics component372A to determine if the route should be updated based on real-time changes, e.g. weather changes that have been registered in the drone station system database380as adversely impacting drones of the type associated with the dispatched drone102.

FIG. 6Billustrates a flow600B for provision of one or more drone services in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, as withFIG. 6Aand as shown in block605B, a feedback review module372B (including modules of a feedback review module372B), in coordination with at least one other component of the drone marketplace system250can populate the drone station system database380with information about any one of i) the one or more drone users310, one or more drone administrators315, and/or one or more drone station administrators320, ii) information related to drone or drone station performance, where the drone or drone station performance information includes scoring information related to the performance of a first drone in carrying out one or more drone services, where the scoring information is provided by at least one of a drone user310, drone station administrator320, or drone administrator315, and where the scoring information is based on drone user310, drone station administrator320, or drone administrator315input or review of drone or drone station services under particular conditions, iii) drone data for one or more drones102,102n, iv) drone user or engager data for one or more engagers310,315, or320, including preference information for one or more for the engagers v) drone station136data for one or more stations that can dispatch and/or service the one or more drones102,102n, and vi) in coordination with the external analytics engine399(discussed below), weather data, where the weather data includes past weather data, current weather data and weather forecast data. In one embodiment, the populating will include information related to both a user preference and a score related to drone performance.

In one embodiment, as shown in block610B the drone analytics component372A provides a scoring for one or more drones102,102nof the drone marketplace250based on one or more of factors as part of the information related to drone performance and as populated in database380, where the factor include one or more performance thresholds under one or more circumstances, including weather conditions, time take to provide the services, maintenance requirements, or any other suitable external factor.

In one embodiment, per block615B, one or more components of the drone marketplace250, including drone analytics component372A and feedback review module372B, receive from at least one drone engager (user, station administrator, or drone administrator) a rating of a performance of at least one of the drones102,102n, e.g. a first drone or a selected drone, as part of the information related to drone performance. In one embodiment, the performance information provided by the drone engager can be related to drone performance under specific conditions, e.g. weather conditions, time taken to execute the drone services, maintenance requirements, costs, general satisfaction (and a general rating) or any other suitable information.

In one embodiment per block620B, drone analytics component372A analyzes the information related to the drone performance for each of the of drones based on the scoring and the rating. The analytics can be based on either the scoring provided by the drone analytics component in block610B and/or the rating provided by the drone engager.

In one embodiment, as shown in block625B, the drone analytics component372aor other suitable component (e.g. feedback module) of the drone market place250will continuously update, the drone marketplace database250with the drone performance information.

In one embodiment, per block630B, the drone dispatcher377dispatches a first (or selected) drone of the plurality of drones to perform the requested service, based in whole or in part on the information related to the drone performance, including the rating by the drone engager, and drone preference information related to the drone selected by the drone engager.

FIG. 6Cillustrates flow600C for provision of one or more drone services in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The flow begins at block625B. In one embodiment, per block630B, the feedback module372B in coordination with an internal module, e.g. drone feeder module374C, or another module, retrieves performance data for both the first or dispatched drone102and second drone102nfrom one or more sources, e.g. the drone station system database380, a drone marketplace system feeder module120of a drone102, etc. and the dispatching of block625B is based on how a particular to-be-dispatched drone, e.g.102, or a similar drone102nprovided the same or similar services under the same or similar conditions, e.g. weather conditions, and using the same drone stations, as the user310is presented with a score and physical data reflecting the past performance, and the user selects the drone102based on the score and physical data reflecting the past performance or the user will designate an automatic selection of the best route based on the computations of the drone analytics drone analytics module372A. In one embodiment, performance of both drones102,102nis under one or more of a substantially similar i) weather condition, ii) user preference in executing a user task, and/or iii) route condition, where the weather condition is reflected in the weather data stored in the drone station system database380, the user preference is reflected in the drone analytic information stored in the drone station system database380, and the route condition from the routing information stored in the drone station system database380.

FIG. 6Dillustrates a flow600D for provision of one or more drone services in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The flow begins at block630B. As shown in block635B, the dispatcher377dispatches a third drone102n-1to fulfill another service for the at least one drone user based on the performance data provided to one or more modules of the feedback module372B. In one embodiment, one or more modules of the feedback module372B provides the performance data to a drone analytics module372A to determine the dispatching of another drone, and the drone analytics module coordinates with the external analytics module399to take further consideration of information contained in the drone station system database380, including weather data, which further includes i) a first weather performance data associated with the first drone102operating on a first route, ii) a second weather performance data associated with the first drone102operating on a second route, iii) a third weather performance data associated with the second drone102noperating on the first route, and iv) a fourth weather performance data associated with the second drone102noperating on the second route, where the first route and the second route are each associated with at least one common type of service provided by the first drone and the second drone, and where performance data is based on all of the first weather performance data, the second weather performance data, the third weather performance data, and the fourth weather performance data.

In one embodiment, the first performance weather data and third weather performance data are based on substantially similar weather conditions, the second performance weather data and fourth weather performance data are based on substantially similar weather conditions, and the first drone and the second drone have distinct physical attributes in relation to one another. This enables the drone analytics component372A to provide an objective score on how each drone performs under similar conditions for a particular service, and how a similar drone will likely perform for providing a particular service under those conditions. As such, the assessments of the drone analytics component372A can be passed on to a user310via a suitable interface360A, such that the user can make an appropriate selection for a drone to perform a particular service along a route.

FIG. 7illustrates the computer system700that can execute one or more flows of the present disclosure, including the flows ofFIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D. The components of the computer710may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units720, a system memory730, and a bus1014that couples various system components including system memory730to processor720.

The computer710typically includes a variety of computer readable media. Such media may be any available media that is accessible by the computer710(e.g., computer system, or server), and can include both volatile and non-volatile media, as well as, removable and non-removable media.

Computer memory730can include additional computer readable storage media734in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and/or cache memory738. The computer710may further include other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage media, in one example, portable computer readable storage media772. In one embodiment, a computer readable storage medium750can be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media. The computer readable storage medium750can be embodied, for example, as a hard drive. Additional memory and data storage can be provided, for example, as a storage system744(e.g., a database) for storing data748and communicating with the processing unit720. The database can be stored on or part of a server740. Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided. In such instances, each can be connected to bus714by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below, memory730may include at least one program product which can include one or more program modules that are configured to carry out the functions of embodiments of the present disclosure.

One or more computer programs can generically be referred to as a program760. The program760can include program modules764, and may be stored in memory730. By way of example, the memory730may store an operating system752, an application program754, other program modules, and program data. The program modules764can generally carry out functions and/or methodologies of embodiments of the present disclosure as described herein, including flows600A,600B, and600C. The one or more programs760are stored in memory730and are executable by the processing unit720. It is understood that the operating system752and application program754stored on the computer readable storage medium750are similarly executable by the processing unit720.

The computer710may also communicate with one or more external devices774such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display780, etc.; one or more devices that enable a user to interact with the computer710; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enables the computer710to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input/Output (I/O) interfaces722. Still yet, the computer710can communicate with one or more networks702such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via network adapter/interface726. As depicted, network adapter726communicates with the other components of the computer710via bus714. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardware and/or software components could be used in conjunction with the computer710. Examples, include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers724, redundant processing units, and external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

The flows of the present disclosure, e.g.600A (FIG. 6A) may be embodied in a program760(FIG. 7) embodied on a computer readable storage device, for example, generally referred to as memory730, and can more specifically refer to computer readable storage medium750, as shown inFIG. 7. The program760is executable by the processor720of the computer system710(to execute program steps, code, or program code). Additional data storage may also be embodied as the database744which includes data748. The program or executable instructions may be offered as a service by a provider. The computer710and program760shown inFIG. 7are generic representations of a computer and program that may be local to a user, or provided as a remote service (for example a cloud based service), and may be provided in further examples, using a website accessible using a network702(e.g., interacting with a network, the Internet, or cloud services). It is understood that the computer710and computer system700also generically represents herein a computer device or a computer included in a device, such as a laptop or desktop computer, etc., or one or more servers, alone or as part of a datacenter. The computer and computer system can include the network adapter/interface726, and the input/output (I/O) interface(s)722. The I/O interface722allows for input and output of data with an external device774that may be connected to the computer system. The network adapter/interface726may provide communications between the computer system and a computer network generically shown as the network702. The method steps and system components and techniques may be embodied in modules of the program760for performing the tasks of each of the steps of the method and system, which are generically represented inFIG. 6A,FIG. 6B, andFIG. 6Cas program modules764. The program760and program modules764can execute specific steps, routines, sub-routines, instructions or code, of the program. The method of the present disclosure can be run locally on a device such as a mobile device, or can be run a service, for instance, on the server740which may be remote and can be accessed using the communications network702.

It is understood that a computer or a program running on the computer710may communicate with a server, herein embodied as the server740, via one or more communications networks, herein embodied as the network702. The communications network702may include transmission media and network links which include, for example, wireless, wired, or optical fiber, and routers, firewalls, switches, and gateway computers. The communications network may include connections, such as wire, wireless communication links, or fiber optic cables. A communications network may represent a worldwide collection of networks and gateways, such as the Internet, that use various protocols to communicate with one another, such as Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Hypertext Transport Protocol (HTTP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), etc. A network may also include a number of different types of networks, such as, for example, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN).

In one example, a computer can use a network which may access a website on the Web (World Wide Web) using the Internet. In one embodiment, a computer, including a mobile device, can use a communications system or network702which can include the Internet, or a public switched telephone network (PSTN), for example, a cellular network. The PSTN may include telephone lines, fiber optic cables, microwave transmission links, cellular networks, and communications satellites. The Internet may facilitate numerous searching and texting techniques, for example, using a cell phone or laptop computer to send queries to search engines via text messages (SMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MIMS) (related to SMS), email, or a web browser. The search engine can retrieve search results, that is, links to websites, documents, or other downloadable data that correspond to the query, and similarly, provide the search results to the user via the device as, for example, a web page of search results.

It should be understood that the words “alert,” “status” and “progress” are used loosely and are not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the present principles described herein. For example, “alert,” “status” and/or “progress” may refer to, but are not limited to, a level of task completion of one or more deliveries, an amount of time associated with a delivery, a level of turbulence experienced during a delivery, an indication of temperatures traversed during delivery, a level of gravitational force and/or tilt experienced during delivery, a value associated with the items for delivery, etc. It should also be understood that the word “flight” is used loosely and is not intended to suggest any limitation. For example, “flight” may refer to, but is not limited to, any stage during the delivery of an item, such as when the drone has landed.

Characteristics are as Follows:

Service Models are as Follows:

Deployment Models are as Follows:

Referring now toFIG. 8, illustrative cloud computing environment850is depicted. As shown, cloud computing environment850includes one or more cloud computing nodes810with which local computing devices used by cloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone854A, desktop computer854B, laptop computer854C, and/or automobile computer system854N may communicate. Nodes10may communicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community, Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloud computing environment850to offer infrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloud consumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computing device. It is understood that the types of computing devices

It is understood that the types of computing devices854A-N shown inFIG. 8are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes810and cloud computing environment850can communicate with any type of computerized device over any type of network and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using a web browser).

Referring now toFIG. 9, a set of functional abstraction layers provided by cloud computing environment850(FIG. 8) is shown. It should be understood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shown inFIG. 9are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layers and corresponding functions are provided: Hardware and software layer960includes hardware and software components. Examples of hardware components include: mainframes61; RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture based servers962; servers963; blade servers964; storage devices965; and networks and networking components966.

In some embodiments, software components include network application server software967and database software968. Virtualization layer970provides an abstraction layer from which the following examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers971; virtual storage972; virtual networks973, including virtual private networks; virtual applications and operating systems974; and virtual clients975.

Service Level Agreement (SLA) planning and fulfillment985provides pre-arrangement for, and procurement of, cloud computing resources for which a future requirement is anticipated in accordance with an SLA. Workloads layer990provides examples of functionality for which the cloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads and functions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping and navigation991; software development and lifecycle management992; virtual classroom education delivery993; data analytics processing994; transaction processing995; and drone marketplace access, provisioning, interfacing and storage996.