Patent Description:
Many scenarios arise in which deployment of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is useful. Examples of such scenarios in a military context include, without limitation, performing covert reconnaissance of a remote location, confirming information regarding the enemy during active fire conditions, collecting information to assist with patrols (e.g. clearing patrols, sector patrols, etc.), and/or monitoring ground that is hidden from view (e.g. due to undulations in the land, etc.).

<CIT> describes a drone vehicle system and a management method thereof, wherein the drone vehicle system comprises a drone carrying device.

<CIT> describes a drone and a portable container for housing the drone.

<CIT> describes an aircraft comprising a fuselage, propeller units and wings that can pivot at least partially in relation to the fuselage.

https://www. com/watch?v=VdRjYkEU-N4 discloses a video of a switchblade <NUM> kamikaze drone.

It would be desirable to have a system that provides a user (e.g. a soldier or other type of user) with the ability to deploy a UAV in order to support operational scenarios such as those described above and others. The system should advantageously enable the UAV to be conveniently transported to a launch site and then safely launched by the user, and for the UAV to operate after launch with high performance, e.g. in terms of high endurance and high speed.

In order to address the above described and other technical objectives, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) module is disclosed according to claim <NUM>.

The UAV case may include a main member and a set of doors that are moveably coupled with the main member. Each door in the set of doors may be closed relative to the main member when the UAV case is in the closed configuration, such that the main member and the set of doors define an enclosed cavity that houses the UAV while the UAV has the foldable wings in the folded configuration. The UAV case may be further constructed and arranged to automatically transition from the closed configuration to the opened configuration at least in part by automatically opening the set of doors relative the main member to allow the UAV to exit the UAV case as it launches vertically from the UAV case.

If desired, the UAV case may further be constructed and arranged to provide secure communications (e.g. secure communication channels) between the UAV case and both i) the UAV, and ii) at least one user interface terminal (UIT).

If desired, the UAV case of the disclosed UAV module may be further constructed and arranged to forward information received by the UAV case from the UAV to the at least one UIT.

If desired, the UAV case of the disclosed UAV module may further be constructed and arranged such that the UAV and the user interface terminal concurrently fit within the UAV case when the UAV case is in the closed configuration.

If desired, the UAV case of the disclosed UAV module may further be constructed and arranged to automatically transition from the closed configuration to the opened configuration and to automatically launch the UAV in response to receipt of a launch command or the like from the UIT.

If desired, the UAV case of the disclosed UΛV module may be communicable with one or more external ground sensors, and the UAV case may further be constructed and arranged to automatically transition from the closed configuration to the opened configuration and to automatically launch the UAV from within the UAV case in response to receipt of a launch command or the like by the UAV case from the external ground sensor.

If desired, the UAV of the disclosed UAV module may be further constructed and arranged to, upon the UAV being launched in response to receipt by the UAV case of the launch command from the external ground sensor, automatically transmit an alert message indicating that the UAV has been automatically launched.

If desired, the UAV may include a set of propellers, and the UAV and the UAV case may further be constructed and arranged to provide complementary geometries in which, when the UAV case is in the opened configuration, the UAV body fits within the main member of the UAV case and the propellers of the UAV rotate freely with respect to the set of doors and the main member to allow the vertical launch of the UAV from within the UAV case.

If desired, the UAV case may further be constructed and arranged to provide a backpack-sized form factor suitable for a human to carry when the UAV case is in the closed configuration.

A method is also disclosed herein of operating a UAV module according to claim <NUM>.

If desired, the method disclosed herein may further include providing a first secure communication channel between the UAV case and the UAV, and providing a second secure communication channel between the UAV case and at least one user interface terminal (UIT).

If desired, the method disclosed herein may further include forwarding information received by the UAV case from the UΛV over the first secure communication channel to the at least one UIT over the second secure communication channel.

If desired, the method disclosed herein may further include receiving the launch command, by the UAV case, from the user interface terminal.

If desired, the method disclosed herein may further include receiving the launch command, by the UAV case, from an external ground sensor that is communicable with the UAV case.

If desired, the method disclosed herein may further include, after the UAV is launched in response to receipt by the UAV case of the launch command from the external ground sensor, automatically transmitting an alert message from the UAV indicating that the UAV has been automatically launched.

Embodiments of the UAV module disclosed herein may provide significant technical advantages. For example, by enabling the UAV to be transported within the UAV case with folded wings, and then automatically launching the UAV vertically from within the UAV case while the wings remain folded, the disclosed UAV module enables a soldier or other user to conveniently transport and then safely deploy the UAV. By automatically unfolding the wings of the UAV to a length that extends beyond the dimensions of the UAV case for fixed wing horizontal flight after the UAV is airborne, the disclosed UAV module further enables the UAV to operate after launch with high performance, i.e. high endurance and high speed.

In a military context, both the convenient transporting and safe deployment of the UAV, combined with the high endurance and high speed provided by the fixed wing flight of the UAV after launch, effectively support many operational scenarios, such as covert reconnaissance of a remote location, confirming information regarding the enemy during active fire conditions, and/or collecting information to assist with patrols (e.g. clearing patrols, sector patrols, etc.).

For example, in embodiments in which the UAV case of the disclosed UAV module automatically transitions from the closed configuration to the opened configuration and automatically launches the UAV in response to a launch command received from the user interface terminal, the disclosed UAV module advantageously provides a soldier or other user with the ability to position the UΛV case for safe launching of the UAV, leave the immediate area where the UAV is positioned, and then trigger the automatic opening of the UAV case and vertical launching of the UAV from a safe distance.

In another example, in embodiments in which the UAV case of the disclosed UAV module automatically transitions from the closed configuration to the opened configuration and automatically launches the UAV in response to a launch command received from an external ground sensor that is communicably coupled to the UAV case, the disclosed UAV module advantageously provides a soldier or other user with the ability to position the UAV case in an area that is hidden from view (e.g. due to undulations in the land), leave the area, and then benefit from the subsequent automatic launching of the UAV in response the ground sensor being triggered, with the UAV then automatically beginning to monitor the ground that is hidden from view.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of the disclosed technology, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers refer to the same parts throughout the different examples and views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various aspects of the disclosed technology.

Examples of the disclosed technology will now be described. The examples described herein are provided only in order to illustrate various features and principles of the invention. The invention is broader than the specific examples provided herein and is limited by the appended claims.

The UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) module disclosed herein includes a UAV case and a UΛV. The UAV Case <NUM> of <FIG> is an example of the disclosed UAV case in a closed configuration. As shown in <FIG>, the UAV Case <NUM> includes a Main Member <NUM> and a Set of Doors <NUM> that are moveably coupled to the Main Member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the UAV Case <NUM> is in the closed configuration, each door in the Set of Doors <NUM> is closed relative to the Main Member <NUM>. When each door in the Set of Doors <NUM> is closed relative to the Main Member <NUM>, the Main Member <NUM> and Set of Doors <NUM> define an enclosed cavity having a size that is sufficient to house the disclosed UAV when the UAV has its foldable winds folded in a folded configuration. See for example Cavity <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Accordingly, when the UAV Case <NUM> is in the closed configuration shown in <FIG>, the UAV Case <NUM> stores and protects the UAV while the UAV is contained within the UAV case, and the UAV can be safely and conveniently transported between locations within the UAV case while the foldable wings of the UAV are in the folded configuration. As further described herein, the foldable wings of the disclosed UAV are folded when the UAV in a storage configuration.

The UAV Case <NUM> includes Communication and Power Interfaces <NUM> that enable the UAV Case <NUM> to be physically connected to one or more external devices and/or communication networks (e.g. to a high gain antenna, a wired UIT (User Interface Terminal), and/or one or more communication networks), and/or to one or more external power sources (e.g. one or more batteries, etc.).

<FIG> shows an example of the UAV Case <NUM> in an opened configuration, and an example of the UAV of the disclosed UAV module, e.g. UAV <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the UAV <NUM> is shown in the storage configuration, suitable for being carried within the UAV Case <NUM> when the UAV Case <NUM> is in the closed configuration.

In the example of <FIG>, the UAV <NUM> is shown within the UAV Case <NUM> after the UAV Case <NUM> has automatically transitioned from the closed configuration to the opened configuration. As shown in <FIG>, in the opened configuration, the Set of Doors <NUM> of UAV Case <NUM> have been opened to allow the UAV <NUM> to launch vertically from within the UAV Case <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the Set of Doors <NUM> may include or consist of two oppositely opening doors that automatically open when the UAV Case <NUM> automatically transitions from the closed configuration of <FIG> to the opened configuration of <FIG> (e.g. two doors that automatically open outwards from the Main Member <NUM> in response to receipt of a launch command by the UAV Case <NUM>), in order to allow the UAV <NUM> to exit upwards from the UAV Case <NUM> when the UAV <NUM> launches vertically from within UAV Case <NUM>.

As also shown in <FIG>, the UAV Case <NUM> may be constructed and arranged such that in addition to the UAV <NUM>, one or more UITs (User Interface Terminals) may concurrently fit within UAV Case <NUM> when UAV Case <NUM> is in the closed configuration. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a UIT Storage Slot <NUM> may be provided within the Main Member <NUM>, and used to store and transport one or more UITs, e.g. when the UAV Case <NUM> is in the closed configuration.

<FIG> shows an example of the UAV <NUM> in preparation for vertical launch from within UAV Case <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the UAV <NUM> has previously transitioned from the storage configuration to a vertical flight configuration, in which the Set of Propellers <NUM> have rotate horizontally above the Main Member <NUM> of the UAV Case <NUM>. For example, further in response to receipt of the launch command by the UAV Case <NUM>, the UAV Case <NUM> may issue one or more commands to the UAV <NUM> (e.g. via an encrypted wireless communication channel between the UAV Case <NUM> and the UAV <NUM>) that cause the UAV <NUM> to automatically transition, while it is located within the UAV Case <NUM> and while the UAV Case <NUM> is in the opened configuration, from the storage configuration in which the motor for each propeller in the Set of Propellers <NUM> is turned off and oriented horizontally, to the vertical flight configuration in which the motor for each propeller in the Set of Propellers <NUM> is oriented vertically and turned on, such that each propeller in the Set of Propellers <NUM> rotates horizontally and freely with respect to the Set of Doors <NUM> and the Main Member <NUM>, e.g. above the Main Member <NUM> after the Set of Doors <NUM> has been automatically opened. Transition of the UAV <NUM> from the storage configuration to the vertical configuration while the UAV <NUM> is within the UAV Case <NUM> and the UAV Case <NUM> is in the open configuration automatically causes the UAV <NUM> to be launched vertically from within the UAV Case <NUM>.

<FIG> also illustrates how the UAV <NUM> and the UAV Case may be constructed and arranged to provide complementary geometries in which, when the UAV Case <NUM> is in the opened configuration, the body of the UAV <NUM> fits within the Main Member <NUM> of the UAV Case <NUM> while the Set of Propellers <NUM> rotates horizontally and freely with respect to the Set of Doors <NUM> and the Main Member <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of the UAV <NUM>, after the UAV <NUM> has vertically launched from within the UAV Case <NUM>, with the UAV <NUM> airborne above the UAV Case <NUM>. For example, in response to the one or more commands issued by the UAV Case <NUM> to the UAV <NUM> (e.g. via the encrypted wireless communication channel between the UAV Case <NUM> and the UΛV <NUM>) that caused the UAV <NUM> to automatically transition from the storage configuration to the vertical flight configuration while the UAV <NUM> is within the UAV Case <NUM>, the UAV <NUM> may vertically launch automatically from within the UAV Case <NUM> after it transitions to the vertical flight configuration, resulting in the UAV <NUM> being launched from within the UAV Case <NUM> and becoming airborne above the UAV Case <NUM> while in the vertical flight configuration.

<FIG> also shows an example of a payload that may be carried by the UAV <NUM>, e.g. the Gimbal Camera <NUM>. Other payloads and/or functionality may also or alternatively be carried by or integrated into the UAV <NUM>, such as, for example, communication relay equipment, built in acoustic gunfire detection circuitry, and/or various types of sensors.

<FIG> also shows the Body <NUM> and Foldable Wings <NUM> of the UAV <NUM>, and shows that while UAV <NUM> is in the vertical flight configuration, the Foldable Wings <NUM> remain folded under the UAV Body <NUM>, as they were when the UAV <NUM> was in the storage configuration.

<FIG> shows the UAV Case <NUM> in the opened configuration, after the UAV <NUM> has been vertically launched from within the UAV Case <NUM>. <FIG> shows a Cavity <NUM> within the UAV Case <NUM>. The Cavity <NUM> houses the UAV <NUM>, while the UAV <NUM> is in the storage configuration and the foldable wings of UAV <NUM> are accordingly in the folded configuration, e.g. when the UAV Case <NUM> is in the closed configuration while the Set of Doors <NUM> is closed relative to the Main Member <NUM>, such that the Main Member <NUM> and the Set of Doors <NUM> define an enclosed cavity including or consisting of Cavity <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the UAV <NUM> in the vertical flight configuration after vertical launch of the UAV <NUM> from within the UAV Case <NUM>, with the Foldable Wings <NUM> in the folded configuration, and showing the Foldable Wings <NUM> located under the UΛV Body <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the UAV <NUM> airborne after vertical launch from within the UAV Case <NUM>, and with the Foldable Wings <NUM> automatically unfolding outwards from the UAV Body <NUM>, while the UAV <NUM> is in the vertical flight configuration.

<FIG> is a second figure showing the UAV <NUM> airborne after vertical launch from within the UAV Case <NUM>, and with the Foldable Wings <NUM> continuing to automatically unfold outwards from the Body <NUM>, also while the UAV <NUM> is in the vertical flight configuration.

<FIG> shows the UAV <NUM> with the Foldable Wings <NUM> having been automatically unfolded outwards from the Body <NUM> to form a fixed wing in preparation for horizontal flight, also while the UAV <NUM> is in the vertical flight configuration. After the Foldable Wings <NUM> have been automatically unfolded to form the fixed wing shown in <FIG>, the fixed wing has a length that extends beyond any of the dimensions of the UAV Case <NUM>, e.g. the fixed wing has a length that is greater than the length and/or width of the UAV Case <NUM>. See for example the examples of dimensions given in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the fixed wing formed by the unfolding of the Foldable Wings <NUM> while UAV <NUM> is airborne is subsequently used for fixed wing horizontal flight of the UAV <NUM> after the UAV <NUM> has transitioned to a horizontal flight configuration. The Set of Propellers <NUM> may include Front Propellers 300a and Rear Propellers 300b. When the UAV <NUM> transitions from the vertical flight configuration to the horizontal flight configuration, the Motors <NUM> for Front Propellers 300a are rotated from a vertical orientation that is used during vertical flight to a horizontal orientation that is used during horizontal flight. Such rotation of the Motors <NUM> for Front Propellers 300a causes Front Propellers 300a to obtain an orientation in which they are rotate vertically while the UAV <NUM> is in the horizontal flight configuration, as shown in <FIG>. Also during the time that the UAV <NUM> transitions from vertical flight configuration to horizontal flight configuration, Motors <NUM> for Rear Propellers 300b may rotate somewhat forward (not shown in <FIG>), in order for Rear Propellers 300b to help change the flight trajectory of UAV <NUM> to a horizontal direction. Next, Motors <NUM> for Rear Propellers 300b are turned off, causing Rear Propellers 300b to stop rotating. Further while UAV <NUM> is in the horizontal flight configuration, the Rear Propellers 300b may be folded to point rearwards of UAV <NUM>, so that when the UAV <NUM> is in the horizontal flight configuration the Rear Propellers 300b are stationary and folded rearwards as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an example in which a soldier or other user enters a launch command to the UIT (User Interface Terminal) <NUM> in order to cause the UAV <NUM> to automatically open and the UAV <NUM> to be automatically launched. The UIT <NUM> may, for example, consist of or include a hand held electronic device, such as a hand held computer, smartphone, tablet computer, etc., having a thin client application or the like executing thereon, that is operable to receive user commands from a user through a user interface to a graphical user interface, such as a touch screen or the like, and to display information received by the UIT <NUM> from the UAV Case <NUM>. Such information received by UIT <NUM> from UAV Case <NUM> and displayed by UIT <NUM> may include video information received by the UAV Case <NUM> from the UAV <NUM>, and then forwarded by the UAV Case <NUM> to the UIT <NUM>. Information received by UIT <NUM> from UAV Case <NUM> may also or alternatively include one or more alert messages received from the UAV Case <NUM>, such as alert messages received by the UAV <NUM> from the UAV <NUM> and then forwarded by the UAV Case <NUM> to the UIT <NUM>, causing the UIT <NUM> to visually display one or more alert notifications in the graphical user interface of UIT <NUM>.

The UIT <NUM> communicates with the UAV Case <NUM> in a secure manner, e.g. using encrypted communications over a wireless Secure Communication Channel <NUM> that is established between the UAV Case <NUM> and the UIT <NUM>. The UAV Case <NUM> is constructed and arranged to provide such secure communications with the UIT <NUM>, e.g. by way of appropriate transceiver circuitry within the UAV Case <NUM> that supports encrypted communications between the UAV Case <NUM> and the UIT <NUM>.

For example, the user may press on a graphical button or the like in the user interface of the UIT <NUM> to cause the UIT <NUM> to send a launch command to the UAV Case <NUM> over the Secure Communication Channel <NUM>. Upon receipt of the launch command, the UAV Case <NUM> automatically transitions from the closed configuration to the opened configuration, and sends one or more commands to the UAV <NUM> that cause the UAV <NUM> to automatically transition from the storage configuration to the vertical flight configuration, and vertically launch from within the UAV Case <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, UAV <NUM> further includes collision avoidance circuitry that enables UAV <NUM> to ascend vertically after being launched from within the UAV Case <NUM> such that UAV <NUM> detects and avoids obstacles in its vertical flight path, such as the Tree <NUM> and/or other obstacles that may be above the UAV Case <NUM> when the UAV <NUM> is vertically launched.

After UAV <NUM> has ascended vertically above the UAV Case <NUM> to a predetermined altitude, the UAV <NUM> unfolds its folded wings to form a fixed wing for horizontal flight, transitions from the vertical flight configuration to the horizontal flight configuration, and then flies horizontally until it is located above a predetermined Target <NUM> (e.g. enemy troops, etc.), based on a preconfigured flight plan that is entered or selected by the user of the UIT <NUM>, and that may be provided with the launch command and received by the UAV Case <NUM> from the UIT <NUM>, and then conveyed by the UAV Case <NUM> to the UAV <NUM>, e.g. prior to launching of the UAV <NUM>.

After the UAV <NUM> is aerially positioned over the Target <NUM>, the UAV <NUM> may transition back to the vertical flight configuration, and begin gathering information regarding Target <NUM>. For example, the UAV <NUM> may begin capturing video information regarding Target <NUM> using Gimbel Camera <NUM>. The UAV <NUM> then conveys the information captured regarding the Target <NUM> over a Secure Communication Channel <NUM> that supports communications between the UAV <NUM> and the UAV Case <NUM>. The UAV <NUM> communicates with the UAV Case <NUM> in a secure manner, e.g. using encrypted communications over a wireless Secure Communication Channel <NUM> that is established between the UAV Case <NUM> and the UAV <NUM>. The UAV Case <NUM> is constructed and arranged to provide such secure communications with the UAV <NUM>, e.g. by way of appropriate transceiver circuitry in the UAV Case <NUM> that supports encrypted communications between the UAV Case <NUM> and the UAV <NUM>. The UAV <NUM> may communicate information such as the encrypted video captured of the Target <NUM> and/or one or more alert messages to the UAV Case <NUM> over the Secure Communication Channel <NUM>. Upon receipt of the video information from the UAV <NUM>, the UAV Case <NUM> forwards the video information to the UIT <NUM> over Secure Communication Channel <NUM> for display to the user within the user interface of the UIT <NUM>. Similarly, upon receipt of an alert message from the UAV <NUM>, the UAV Case <NUM> forwards the alert message to UIT <NUM> over Secure Communication Channel <NUM> to cause an alert to be visually displayed to the user within the user interface of the UIT <NUM>. For example, in an example in which UAV <NUM> is constructed and arranged to include acoustic gunfire detection circuitry, and through operation of such circuitry the UAV <NUM> detects gunfire while aerially positioned over Target <NUM>, UAV <NUM> may transmit an alert message indicating the detection of gunfire to UAV Case <NUM> over Secure Communication Channel <NUM>, and UAV Case <NUM> then forwards the alert message to UIT <NUM> over Secure Communication Channel <NUM> to cause UIT <NUM> to display an alert in the user interface of UIT <NUM> indicating the detection of gunfire, thus bringing the detected gunfire to the attention of the user of UIT <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example in which the UAV Case <NUM> has its communication range extended via a High Gain Antenna <NUM> that is physically connected to the UAV Case <NUM>, e.g. through External Communication and Power Interfaces <NUM>.

As also shown in <FIG>, Secure Communication Channel <NUM> may provide secure communications between the UAV Case <NUM> and multiple (e.g. <NUM> or more) UITs <NUM>. In this way, control of the UAV <NUM> may be shared across multiple users, and/or information regarding the Target <NUM> (e.g. video information) and/or alerts received by the UAV Case <NUM> from the UAV <NUM> may be shared by UAV Case <NUM> to multiple UITs, and accordingly to multiple users.

<FIG> shows an example of communication hub capabilities that may be provided by the UAV Case <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the UAV Case may, for example by way of External Communication and Power Interfaces <NUM>, be physically connected to a Network <NUM> (e.g. one or more secure computer and/or communication networks), a Wired UIT <NUM>, and/or an external Power Supply or Battery <NUM>. For example, video information and/or alert messages received by UAV Case <NUM> from UAV <NUM> over Secure Communication Channel <NUM> may also be forwarded over Network <NUM> to one or more computers, such as a Personal Computer <NUM>, and/or to one or more wired UITs, such as Wired UIT <NUM>. UAV Case <NUM> and/or UAV <NUM> may be recharged via the external Power Supply or Battery <NUM>. If desired, UAV Case <NUM> and UAV <NUM> may each be constructed and arranged to use the same type of rechargeable batteries, which may each be recharged via Power Supply or Battery <NUM>.

<FIG> also shows how High Gain Antenna <NUM> may in some cases be mounted on a portable Tripod <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example in which additional sensing capabilities may be provided for the UAV Case <NUM> via one or more external sensors. For example, one or more external ground sensors, shown by External Ground Sensors <NUM>, may communicate with UAV Case <NUM>, e.g. through an encrypted Wireless Communication Channel <NUM> between External Ground Sensors <NUM> and UAV Case <NUM>, and/or through one or more physical communication connections between External Ground Sensors <NUM> and External Communication and Power Interfaces <NUM>. For example, the External Ground Sensors <NUM> may include or consist of one or more of the following: seismic sensors, visual and infrared (IR) cameras, laser tripwires, speech or other types of acoustic signal detectors, passive infrared sensors, inductive vehicle sensors, radio signal detectors, and/or other types of sensors. In response to one or more of the External Ground Sensors <NUM> being triggered, e.g. in response to a seismic sensor detecting a sufficient level of ground motion that nearby movement of a vehicle and/or troops is likely, the External Ground Sensors <NUM> automatically send a launch command to UAV Case <NUM>. The launch command from External Ground Sensors <NUM> causes UAV Case <NUM> to automatically transition from the closed configuration to the opened configuration and automatically launch the UAV <NUM>. Upon launch, the UAV <NUM> issues (e.g. transmits) an alert message to alert one or more users that it has been launched. For example, upon being launched, the UAV <NUM> may transmit an alert message over a Secure Communication Channel <NUM> established between UAV <NUM> and another UAV Case <NUM>, the alert message indicating that UAV <NUM> has been automatically launched in response to one or more of the External Ground Sensors <NUM> being triggered. The other UAV Case <NUM> receives the alert message from UAV <NUM>, e.g. through a High Gain Antenna <NUM> mounted on a Tripod <NUM>, and then forwards the alert message to one or more UITs <NUM>, Wired UIT <NUM>, and/or over a Network <NUM> to one or more Personal Computers <NUM>. Receipt of the alert message forwarded by UAV Case <NUM> causes an alert to be displayed on one or more of the UITs <NUM>, Wired UIT <NUM>, and/or Personal Computer <NUM>, visually indicating to one or more users of one or more of the UITs <NUM>, Wired UIT <NUM>, and/or Personal Computer <NUM> that the UAV <NUM> has been automatically launched in response to one or more of External Ground Sensors <NUM> being triggered. UAV <NUM> then transmits information captured regarding the area over which UAV <NUM> was launched (e.g. video information captured by the Gimbel Camera <NUM>, etc.) to UAV Case <NUM> for UAV Case <NUM> to forward to one or more of the UITs <NUM>, Wired UIT <NUM>, and/or Personal Computer <NUM>, for display by one or more of UITs <NUM>, Wired UIT <NUM>, and/or Personal Computer <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of the UAV Case <NUM> in a backpack-sized form factor. When UAV Case <NUM> is constructed and arranged in a backpack-sized form factor, a user such as a soldier may conveniently transport the UAV Case <NUM> with the UAV <NUM> safely contained in the UAV Case <NUM>, e.g. to a desired launch location as needed for a specific operational situation.

<FIG> shows a top view of an example of the disclosed UAV Case <NUM> in the closed configuration, with examples of specific width and length dimensions. In the example of <FIG>, the UAV Case <NUM> is constructed and arranged to have a Width <NUM> of <NUM> millimeters, and a Length <NUM> of <NUM> millimeters. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed UAV Case <NUM> is not limited to the specific width and length dimensions shown in <FIG>, and that the disclosed UAV Case <NUM> may alternatively be constructed and arranged to have other specific width and length dimensions.

<FIG> shows a side view of an example of the disclosed UAV Case <NUM> in the closed configuration, with an example of a specific height. In the example of <FIG>, the UAV Case is constructed and arranged to have a Height <NUM> of <NUM> millimeters. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed UAV Case <NUM> is not limited to the specific height shown in <FIG>, and that the disclosed UAV Case <NUM> may alternatively be constructed and arranged to have another specific height.

<FIG> shows a front view of an example of the disclosed UAV <NUM> having its Foldable Wings <NUM> unfolded outwards from the UAV Body <NUM> to form a fixed wing for fixed wing horizontal flight, where the fixed wing has a Length <NUM> that extends beyond (i.e. exceeds) the length and width dimensions of the UAV Case <NUM>. As shown in the example of <FIG>, the fixed wing resulting from Foldable Wings <NUM> being unfolded outwards from UAV Body <NUM> has a Length <NUM> of <NUM> millimeters. Accordingly, in an example where UAV Case <NUM> has a width of <NUM> millimeters, a length of <NUM> millimeters, and a height of <NUM> millimeters, the Length <NUM> of <NUM> millimeters exceeds any of the dimensions of the UAV Case <NUM>. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed UAV <NUM> is not limited to having a fixed wing with a Length <NUM> of <NUM> millimeters, and that the disclosed UAV <NUM> may alternatively be constructed and arranged to have a fixed wing resulting from the unfolding of Foldable Wings <NUM> with another specific Length <NUM> that exceeds the dimensions of the UAV Case <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of the UAV <NUM> in the storage configuration, e.g. while being transported within the UAV Case <NUM>. For purposes of clarity, the wings of UAV <NUM> are omitted from the depiction of UAV <NUM> in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, when the UAV <NUM> is in the storage configuration, Motors <NUM> for Front Propellers 300a and Motors <NUM> for Rear Propellers 300b are all horizontally oriented. For example, in the storage configuration of UAV <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, Motors <NUM> may be in a horizontal orientation in which Motors <NUM> point the Front Propellers 300a towards the rear of UAV <NUM>. Also for example, in the storage configuration of UAV <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, Motors <NUM> may be in a horizontal orientation in which Motors <NUM> point the Rear Propellers 300b towards the front of UAV <NUM>. Both Motors <NUM> and Motors <NUM> are off when the UAV <NUM> is in the storage configuration, and Front Propellers 300a and Rear Propellers 300b are accordingly stationary. Further, as also shown in <FIG>, when UAV <NUM> is in the storage configuration, Front Propellers 300a and Rear Propellers 300b may be folded inwards to point towards the body of UAV <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of the UAV <NUM> in the vertical flight configuration. For purposes of clarity, the wings of UAV <NUM> are also omitted from the depiction of UAV <NUM> in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, when the UAV <NUM> is in vertical flight, Motors <NUM> for Front Propellers 300a and Motors <NUM> for Rear Propellers 300b are all vertically oriented. For example, in the vertical flight configuration of UAV <NUM> shown in <FIG>, Motors <NUM> may be in a vertical orientation in which Motors <NUM> point the Front Propellers 300a above UAV <NUM>. Also for example, in the vertical configuration of UAV <NUM> shown in <FIG>, Motors <NUM> may be in a vertical orientation in which Motors <NUM> point the Rear Propellers 300b above the UAV <NUM>. Both Motors <NUM> and Motors <NUM> are turned on when the UAV <NUM> is in the vertical flight configuration, causing Front Propellers 300a and Rear Propellers 300b to rotate horizontally when the UAV <NUM> is in the vertical flight configuration. Accordingly, when the UAV <NUM> transitions from the storage configuration of <FIG> to the vertical flight configuration of <FIG>, the Motors <NUM> and Motors <NUM> are pivoted from the horizontal orientations shown in <FIG> to the vertical orientations shown in <FIG>, and then the Motors <NUM> and Motors <NUM> are turned on.

<FIG> shows an example of the UAV <NUM> transitioning from the vertical flight configuration to the horizontal flight configuration for fixed wing horizontal flight. For purposes of clarity, the wings of UAV <NUM> are also omitted from the depiction of UAV <NUM> in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, when the UAV <NUM> transitions from vertical flight to fixed wing horizontal flight, the Motors <NUM> are pivoted forward from the vertical orientations shown in <FIG> such that the Motors <NUM> each obtain a horizontal orientation in which Motors <NUM> point the Front Propellers 300a towards the front of the UAV <NUM>, in order to rotate the Front Propellers 300a vertically and move the UAV <NUM> horizontally as it flies through the air during fixed wing horizontal flight. As also shown in <FIG>, Motors <NUM> may also pivot slightly forward from the vertical orientations shown in <FIG>, in order to assist in changing the UAV <NUM> from vertical flight to fixed wing horizontal flight. However, unlike the Motors <NUM>, the Motors <NUM> are not completely pivoted to a fully horizontal orientation during the transition to the horizontal flight configuration, and are instead at some point returned to their previous vertical orientations for fixed wing horizontal flight, as shown in <FIG>. The Motors <NUM> remain on during the transition of the UAV <NUM> from the vertical flight configuration to the horizontal flight configuration. The Motors <NUM> may be turned off at some point during the transition from the vertical flight configuration to the horizontal flight configuration, such that during fixed wing horizontal flight the UAV <NUM> is powered only by the Motors <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of the UAV <NUM> in the horizontal flight configuration, having been transitioned from vertical flight to fixed wing horizontal flight. As shown in <FIG>, in the horizontal flight configuration, the Motors <NUM> are horizontally oriented such that the Motors <NUM> point the Front Propellers 300a towards the front of the UAV <NUM>, and such that the Front Propellers 300a rotate vertically. Motors <NUM> are oriented vertically and turned off when the UAV <NUM> is in the horizontal flight configuration, and Rear Propellers 300b may be stationary and folded rearwards during fixed wing horizontal flight.

<FIG> is a flow chart illustrating an example of steps that may be performed during operation of the disclosed UAV module. As shown in <FIG>, in step <NUM> the UAV case is automatically opened in response to receipt of a launch command. In step <NUM> the UAV is automatically started after the UAV case is opened. In step <NUM>, the UΛV is automatically launched vertically from within the UAV case. The foldable wings of the UAV are in a folded configuration when the UAV is vertically launched from the UAV case. In step <NUM>, after the UAV is airborne, i) the foldable wings of the UAV are automatically unfolded outwards from the body of the UAV such that the foldable wings form a fixed wing having a length that extends beyond the dimensions of the UAV case, and ii) the UAV transitions to fixed wing horizontal flight.

Claim 1:
An unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, module, comprising:
a UAV (<NUM>) having foldable wings (<NUM>) coupled to a body (<NUM>) of the UAV;
a UAV case (<NUM>) having length (<NUM>) and width (<NUM>) dimensions that is constructed and arranged to operate selectively in a closed configuration that stores and protects the UAV (<NUM>) while the UAV (<NUM>) is transported within the UAV case (<NUM>) between locations with the foldable wings (<NUM>) in a folded configuration, or an opened configuration that provides a base from which the UAV (<NUM>) is configured to launch vertically from within the UAV (<NUM>) case and configured to maintain airborne above said UAV case (<NUM>), while the foldable wings (<NUM>) of the UAV (<NUM>) remain in the folded configuration;
wherein the UAV (<NUM>) is constructed and arranged to automatically unfold the foldable wings (<NUM>) outwards from under the body (<NUM>) of the UAV (<NUM>) to form a fixed wing having a length that extends beyond the length and width dimensions of the UAV case (<NUM>) for fixed wing horizontal flight after the UAV (<NUM>) is airborne; characterized in that
the foldable wings (<NUM>) are folded under the body (<NUM>) of the UAV (<NUM>) when the foldable wings (<NUM>) are in the folded configuration.