Patent Description:
When an unmanned vehicle operates in a remote-control mode, a pilot or driver that is at a remote location can control the unmanned vehicle via commands that are sent to the unmanned vehicle via a wireless link. When the unmanned vehicle operates in autonomous mode, the unmanned vehicle typically moves based on pre-programmed navigation waypoints, dynamic automation systems, or a combination of these. Further, some unmanned vehicles can operate in both a remote-control mode and an autonomous mode, and in some instances may do so simultaneously. For instance, a remote pilot or driver may wish to leave navigation to an autonomous system while manually performing another task, such as operating a mechanical system for picking up objects, as an example.

Various types of unmanned vehicles exist for various different environments. For instance, unmanned vehicles exist for operation in the air, on the ground, underwater, and in space. Examples include quad-copters and tail-sitter UAVs, among others. Unmanned vehicles also exist for hybrid operations in which multi-environment operation is possible. Examples of hybrid unmanned vehicles include an amphibious craft that is capable of operation on land as well as on water or a floatplane that is capable of landing on water as well as on land.

UAVs may be used to deliver a payload to, or retrieve a payload from, an individual or business. In some cases, the UAV may fail, such as when there is a system failure and/or the motors stop working. In such situations, the UAV will fall or plummet to ground, which is not desirable as the UAV may damage itself or ground-based objects when the UAV strikes the ground. In addition, most winged aircraft have a center of gravity that is positioned forward from a center of pressure for aerodynamic forward flight. A resulting moment caused by the center of pressure and the center of gravity causes the UAV to fall "nose down" when the motors stop working resulting in a high terminal velocity and increased force resulting when the UAV strikes the ground.

As a result, it would be desirable to provide a UAV that has improved features that provides that the UAV falls more "softly" when there is a system failure and/or the motors stop working, such that there is a softer landing when the UAV ultimately returns to the ground during such a flight failure.

<CIT> describes modular nacelles to provide vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities to fixed-wing aerial vehicles. A representative system includes a nacelle, a power source carried by the nacelle, and multiple VTOL rotors carried by the nacelle and coupled to the power source. The system can further include an attachment system carried by the nacelle and configured to releasably attach the nacelle to an aircraft wing.

<CIT> describes an unmanned aerial vehicle ("UAV") and system that may perform one or more techniques for protecting objects from damage resulting from an unintended or uncontrolled impact by a UAV. Various implementations utilize a damage avoidance system that detects a risk of damage to an object caused by an impact from a UAV that has lost control and takes steps to reduce or eliminate that risk. For example, the damage avoidance system may detect that the UAV has lost power and/or is falling at a rapid rate of descent such that, upon impact, there is a risk of damage to an object with which the UAV may collide. Upon detecting the risk of damage and prior to impact, the damage avoidance system activates a damage avoidance system having one or more protection elements that work in concert to reduce or prevent damage to the object upon impact by the UAV.

<CIT> describes an apparatus for recovering an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on the sea, capable of recovering the UAV on the sea regardless of size of a ship. The apparatus for recovering the UAV includes: an air bowl installed in the UAV and configured to expand by injection of gas and mount the UAV; and a gas injecting device connected to an injection hole of the air bowl and configured to inject gas to the air bowl when receiving an operation signal.

<CIT> relates generally to a collapsible, nesting wing structure with or without wing warp flight control. It also describes means to maintain wing extension during flight, methods of wing construction for nesting collapsible wings, and control surfaces for collapsible wings.

The present embodiments advantageously provide a UAV with deployable surfaces that may automatically deploy to provide a greater surface area that is parallel to the ground when the UAV experiences a system failure and/or the motors stop working. According to the claims, the nose section of the UAV includes a plate that extends from a first undeployed position to a second deployed position. For instance, the plate may extend outwardly from the nose section when the motors stop working. The nose plate may rotate or extend linearly forward from the nose section to provide a greater surface area on the underside of the nose section of the UAV.

Therefore, when the nose plate is deployed, the greater surface area provided by the nose plate perpendicular to the downward movement of the UAV allows the UAV to return to the ground more softly than if it was in a nose dive as the UAV has a lower terminal velocity when the UAV is in the normal forward flight position with the major lower surfaces of the UAV facing the ground. If the UAV is light enough, the UAV may fall to the ground "like a leaf," rather than in a nose dive.

In other examples that are not according to the claims, the deployable surfaces may also take the form of boom extensions that are moved into a forward position from the booms, either through rotation about a pivot axis or moving forward linearly to provide a greater surface area to the bottom of the UAV. The boom extensions may also take the form of boom sideboards that rotate about a longitudinal pivot axis to a side of the booms, providing a greater surface area to the underside of the booms.

The boom extensions provide the same advantages as the nose plate, allowing the UAV to stay in a normal flight position with the major surfaces on the bottom of the UAV facing the ground perpendicular to the direction of descent, providing maximum drag to provide for a softer, more stable, landing on the ground.

The greater surface of area created by the nose plate or boom extensions moves a center of pressure of the UAV towards, or in alignment with, a center of gravity of the UAV, thereby reducing or eliminating a moment caused by a difference between the center of pressure and center of gravity and reducing the possibility that the UAV enters into a nose dive when the there is a system failure or the motors stop working.

In one aspect, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided that includes a fuselage, a pair of wings extending outwardly from the fuselage; and a deployable surface moveable from a first undeployed position during normal flight to a second deployed position when there is a system failure during flight. The deployable surface may take the form of an extendable nose plate or boom extensions on the UAV.

In another aspect, a method of adjusting a center of pressure of a UAV is provided, including the (i) providing a UAV with a fuselage, a pair of wings extending outwardly from the fuselage, and a deployable surface moveable from a first undeployed position during normal flight to a second deployed position when there is a system failure during flight; (ii) sustaining a system failure; and (iii) moving the deployable surface from the first undeployed position to the second deployed position.

The present embodiments further provide means for moving a center of pressure towards, or in alignment with, a center of gravity of the UAV using deployable surfaces.

These as well as other aspects, advantages, and alternatives will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description with reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings. Further, it should be understood that the description provided in this summary section and elsewhere in this document is intended to illustrate the claimed subject matter by way of example and not by way of limitation.

Exemplary methods and systems are described herein. It should be understood that the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration. " Any implementation or feature described herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations or features. In the figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The example implementations described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

The present embodiments advantageously provide a UAV with deployable surfaces that may automatically deploy to provide a greater surface area that is parallel to the ground when the UAV experiences a system failure and/or the motors stop working. The greater surface area caused by the deployed surfaces provides maximum drag on the UAV in a direction of downward travel. In one example, the nose section of the UAV may include a plate that extends from a first undeployed position to a second deployed position where the plate extends outwardly from the nose section when the motors stop working. The nose plate may rotate or extend linearly forward from the nose section to provide a greater surface area on the underside of the nose section of the UAV.

The deployable surfaces may also take the form of boom extensions that are moved into a forward position from the boom, either through rotation about a pivot axis or moving forward linearly to provide a greater surface area to the bottom of the UAV. The boom extensions may also take the form of boom sideboards that rotate about a longitudinal pivot axis to a side of the booms, providing a greater surface area to the underside of the booms.

The boom extensions provide the same advantages as the nose plate, allowing the UAV to stay in a normal horizontal flight position with the major surfaces on the bottom of the UAV facing the ground perpendicular to the direction of descent, providing maximum drag to provide for a softer, more stable, landing on the ground.

The greater surface of area created by the nose plate or boom extensions moves a center of pressure of the UAV towards, or in alignment with, a center of gravity of the UAV, thereby reducing or eliminating a moment caused by a difference between the center of pressure and center of gravity and reducing the possibility that the UAV enters into a nose dive when there is a system failure and/or the motors stop working.

Herein, die terms "unmanned aerial vehicle" and "UAV" refer to any autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle that is capable of performing some functions without a physically present human pilot.

A UAV can take various forms. For example, a UAV may take the form of a fixed-wing aircraft, a glider aircraft, a tail-sitter aircraft, a jet aircraft, a ducted fan aircraft, a lighter-than-air dirigible such as a blimp or steerable balloon, a rotorcraft such as a helicopter or multicopter, and/or an ornithopter, among other possibilities. Further, the terms "drone," "unmanned aerial vehicle system" (UAVS), or "unmanned aerial system" (UAS) may also be used to refer to a UAV.

<FIG> is an isometric view of an example UAV <NUM>. UAV <NUM> includes wing <NUM>, booms <NUM>, and a fuselage <NUM>. Wings <NUM> may be stationary and may generate lift based on the wing shape and the UAV's forward airspeed. For instance, the two wings <NUM> may have an airfoil-shaped cross section to produce an aerodynamic force on UAV <NUM>. In some embodiments, wing <NUM> may carry horizontal propulsion units <NUM>, and booms <NUM> may carry vertical propulsion units <NUM>. In operation, power for the propulsion units may be provided from a battery compartment <NUM> of fuselage <NUM>. In some embodiments, fuselage <NUM> also includes an avionics compartment <NUM>, an additional battery compartment (not shown) and/or a delivery unit (not shown, e.g., a winch system) for handling the payload. In some embodiments, fuselage <NUM> is modular, and two or more compartments (e.g., battery compartment <NUM>, avionics compartment <NUM>, other payload and delivery compartments) are detachable from each other and securable to each other (e.g., mechanically, magnetically, or otherwise) to contiguously form at least a portion of fuselage <NUM>.

In some embodiments, booms <NUM> terminate in rudders <NUM> for improved yaw control of UAV <NUM>. Further, wings <NUM> may terminate in wing tips <NUM> for improved control of lift of the UAV.

In the illustrated configuration, UAV <NUM> includes a structural frame. The structural frame may be referred to as a "structural H-frame" or an "H-frame" (not shown) of the UAV. The H-frame may include, within wings <NUM>, a wing spar (not shown) and, within booms <NUM>, boom carriers (not shown). In some embodiments the wing spar and the boom carriers may be made of carbon fiber, hard plastic, aluminum, light metal alloys, or other materials. The wing spar and the boom carriers may be connected with clamps. The wing spar may include pre-drilled holes for horizontal propulsion units <NUM>, and the boom carriers may include pre-drilled holes for vertical propulsion units <NUM>.

In some embodiments, fuselage <NUM> may be removably attached to the H-frame (e.g., attached to the wing spar by clamps, configured with grooves, protrusions or other features to mate with corresponding H-frame features, etc.). In other embodiments, fuselage <NUM> similarly may be removably attached to wings <NUM>. The removable attachment of fuselage <NUM> may improve quality and or modularity of UAV <NUM>. For example, electrical/mechanical components and/or subsystems of fuselage <NUM> may be tested separately from, and before being attached to, the H-frame. Similarly, printed circuit boards (PCBs) <NUM> may be tested separately from, and before being attached to, the boom carriers, therefore eliminating defective parts/subassemblies prior to completing the UAV. For example, components of fuselage <NUM> (e.g., avionics, battery unit, delivery units, an additional battery compartment, etc.) may be electrically tested before fuselage <NUM> is mounted to the H-frame. Furthermore, the motors and the electronics of PCBs <NUM> may also be electrically tested before the final assembly. Generally, the identification of the defective parts and subassemblies early in the assembly process lowers the overall cost and lead time of the UAV. Furthermore, different types/models of fuselage <NUM> may be attached to the H-frame, therefore improving the modularity of the design. Such modularity allows these various parts of UAV <NUM> to be upgraded without a substantial overhaul to the manufacturing process.

In some embodiments, a wing shell and boom shells may be attached to the H-frame by adhesive elements (e.g., adhesive tape, double-sided adhesive tape, glue, etc.). Therefore, multiple shells may be attached to the H-frame instead of having a monolithic body sprayed onto the H-frame. In some embodiments, the presence of the multiple shells reduces the stresses induced by the coefficient of thermal expansion of the structural frame of the UAV. As a result, the UAV may have better dimensional accuracy and/or improved reliability.

Moreover, in at least some embodiments, the same H-frame may be used with the wing shell and/or boom shells having different size and/or design, therefore improving the modularity and versatility of the UAV designs. The wing shell and/or the boom shells may be made of relatively light polymers (e.g., closed cell foam) covered by the harder, but relatively thin, plastic skins.

The power and/or control signals from fuselage <NUM> may be routed to PCBs <NUM> through cables running through fuselage <NUM>, wings <NUM>, and booms <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, UAV <NUM> has four PCBs, but other numbers of PCBs are also possible. For example, UAV <NUM> may include two PCBs, one per the boom. The PCBs carry electronic components <NUM> including, for example, power converters, controllers, memory, passive components, etc. In operation, propulsion units <NUM> and <NUM> of UAV <NUM> are electrically connected to the PCBs.

Many variations on the illustrated UAV are possible. For instance, fixed-wing UAVs may include more or fewer rotor units (vertical or horizontal), and/or may utilize a ducted fan or multiple ducted fans for propulsion. Further, UAVs with more wings (e.g., an "x-wing" configuration with four wings), are also possible. Although <FIG> illustrates two wings <NUM>, two booms <NUM>, two horizontal propulsion units <NUM>, and six vertical propulsion units <NUM> per boom <NUM>, it should be appreciated that other variants of UAV <NUM> may be implemented with more or less of these components. For example, UAV <NUM> may include four wings <NUM>, four booms <NUM>, and more or less propulsion units (horizontal or vertical).

Similarly, <FIG> shows another example of a fixed-wing UAV <NUM>. The fixed-wing UAV <NUM> includes a fuselage <NUM>, two wings <NUM> with an airfoil-shaped cross section to provide lift for the UAV <NUM>, a vertical stabilizer <NUM> (or fin) to stabilize the plane's yaw (turn left or right), a horizontal stabilizer <NUM> (also referred to as an elevator or tailplane) to stabilize pitch (tilt up or down), landing gear <NUM>, and a propulsion unit <NUM>, which can include a motor, shaft, and propeller.

<FIG> shows an example of a UAV <NUM> with a propeller in a pusher configuration. The term "pusher" refers to the fact that a propulsion unit <NUM> is mounted at the back of the UAV and "pushes" the vehicle forward, in contrast to the propulsion unit being mounted at the front of the UAV. Similar to the description provided for <FIG> and <FIG> depicts common structures used in a pusher plane, including a fuselage <NUM>, two wings <NUM>, vertical stabilizers <NUM>, and the propulsion unit <NUM>, which can include a motor, shaft, and propeller.

Figure ID shows an example of a tail-sitter UAV <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the tail-sitter UAV <NUM> has fixed wings <NUM> to provide lift and allow the UAV <NUM> to glide horizontally (e.g., along the x-axis, in a position that is approximately perpendicular to the position shown in Figure ID). However, the fixed wings <NUM> also allow the tail-sitter UAV <NUM> to take off and land vertically on its own.

For example, at a launch site, the tail-sitter UAV <NUM> may be positioned vertically (as shown) with its fins <NUM> and/or wings <NUM> resting on the ground and stabilizing the UAV <NUM> in the vertical position. The tail-sitter UAV <NUM> may then take off by operating its propellers <NUM> to generate an upward thrust (e.g., a thrust that is generally along the y-axis). Once at a suitable altitude, the tail-sitter UAV <NUM> may use its flaps <NUM> to reorient itself in a horizontal position, such that its fuselage <NUM> is closer to being aligned with the x-axis than the y-axis. Positioned horizontally, the propellers <NUM> may provide forward thrust so that the tail-sitter UAV <NUM> can fly in a similar manner as a typical airplane.

Many variations on the illustrated fixed-wing UAVs are possible. For instance, fixed-wing UAVs may include more or fewer propellers, and/or may utilize a ducted fan or multiple ducted fans for propulsion. Further, UAVs with more wings (e.g., an "x-wing" configuration with four wings), with fewer wings, or even with no wings, are also possible.

It should be understood that references herein to an "unmanned" aerial vehicle or UAV can apply equally to autonomous and semi-autonomous aerial vehicles. In an autonomous implementation, all functionality of the aerial vehicle is automated; e.g., pre-programmed or controlled via real-time computer functionality that responds to input from various sensors and/or pre-determined information. In a semi-autonomous implementation, some functions of an aerial vehicle may be controlled by a human operator, while other functions are carried out autonomously. Further, in some embodiments, a UAV may be configured to allow a remote operator to take over functions that can otherwise be controlled autonomously by the UAV. Yet further, a given type of function may be controlled remotely at one level of abstraction and performed autonomously at another level of abstraction. For example, a remote operator could control high level navigation decisions for a UAV, such as by specifying that the UAV should travel from one location to another (e.g., from a warehouse in a suburban area to a delivery address in a nearby city), while die UAV's navigation system autonomously controls more fine-grained navigation decisions, such as the specific route to take between the two locations, specific flight controls to achieve the route and avoid obstacles while navigating the route, and so on.

More generally, it should be understood that the example UAVs described herein are not intended to be limiting. Example embodiments may relate to, be implemented within, or take the form of any type of unmanned aerial vehicle.

<FIG> is a simplified block diagram illustrating components of a UAV <NUM>, according to an example embodiment. UAV <NUM> may take the form of, or be similar in form to, one of the UAVs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> described in reference to <FIG>. However, UAV <NUM> may also take other forms.

UAV <NUM> may include various types of sensors, and may include a computing system configured to provide the functionality described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensors of UAV <NUM> include an inertial measurement unit (IMU) <NUM>, ultrasonic sensor(s) <NUM>, and a GPS <NUM>, among other possible sensors and sensing systems.

In the illustrated embodiment, UAV <NUM> also includes one or more processors <NUM>. A processor <NUM> may be a general-purpose processor or a special purpose processor (e.g., digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, etc.). The one or more processors <NUM> can be configured to execute computer-readable program instructions <NUM> that are stored in the data storage <NUM> and are executable to provide the functionality of a UAV described herein.

The data storage <NUM> may include or take the form of one or more computer-readable storage media that can be read or accessed by at least one processor <NUM>. The one or more computer-readable storage media can include volatile and/or non-volatile storage components, such as optical, magnetic, organic or other memory or disc storage, which can be integrated in whole or in part with at least one of the one or more processors <NUM>. In some embodiments, the data storage <NUM> can be implemented using a single physical device (e.g., one optical, magnetic, organic or other memory or disc storage unit), while in other embodiments, the data storage <NUM> can be implemented using two or more physical devices.

As noted, the data storage <NUM> can include computer-readable program instructions <NUM> and perhaps additional data, such as diagnostic data of the UAV <NUM>. As such, the data storage <NUM> may include program instructions <NUM> to perform or facilitate some or all of the UAV functionality described herein. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, program instructions <NUM> include a navigation module <NUM> and a tether control module <NUM>.

In an illustrative embodiment, IMU <NUM> may include both an accelerometer and a gyroscope, which may be used together to determine an orientation of the UAV <NUM>. In particular, the accelerometer can measure the orientation of the vehicle with respect to earth, while the gyroscope measures the rate of rotation around an axis. IMUs are commercially available in low-cost, low-power packages. For instance, an IMU <NUM> may take the form of or include a miniaturized MicroElectroMechanical System (MEMS) or a NanoElectroMechanical System (NEMS). Other types of IMUs may also be utilized.

An IMU <NUM> may include other sensors, in addition to accelerometers and gyroscopes, which may help to better determine position and/or help to increase autonomy of the UAV <NUM>. Two examples of such sensors are magnetometers and pressure sensors. In some embodiments, a UAV may include a low-power, digital <NUM>-axis magnetometer, which can be used to realize an orientation independent electronic compass for accurate heading information. However, other types of magnetometers may be utilized as well. Further, note that a UAV could include some or all of die above-described inertia sensors as separate components from an IMU.

UAV <NUM> may also include a pressure sensor or barometer, which can be used to determine the altitude of die UAV <NUM>. Alternatively, other sensors, such as sonic altimeters or radar altimeters, can be used to provide an indication of altitude, which may help to improve the accuracy of and/or prevent drift of an IMU.

In a further aspect, UAV <NUM> may include one or more sensors that allow the UAV to sense objects in the environment. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, UAV <NUM> includes ultrasonic sensor(s) <NUM>. Ultrasonic sensor(s) <NUM> can determine the distance to an object by generating sound waves and determining the time interval between transmission of die wave and receiving the corresponding echo off an object. A typical application of an ultrasonic sensor for unmanned vehicles or IMUs is low-level altitude control and obstacle avoidance. An ultrasonic sensor can also be used for vehicles that need to hover at a certain height or need to be capable of detecting obstacles. Other systems can be used to determine, sense the presence of, and/or determine the distance to nearby objects, such as a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system, laser detection and ranging (LADAR) system, and/or an infrared or forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system, among other possibilities.

In some embodiments, UAV <NUM> may also include one or more imaging system(s). For example, one or more still and/or video cameras may be utilized by UAV <NUM> to capture image data from the UAV's environment. As a specific example, charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) cameras can be used with unmanned vehicles. Such imaging sensor(s) have numerous possible applications, such as obstacle avoidance, localization techniques, ground tracking for more accurate navigation (e.g., by applying optical flow techniques to images), video feedback, and/or image recognition and processing, among other possibilities.

UAV <NUM> may also include a GPS receiver <NUM>. The GPS receiver <NUM> may be configured to provide data that is typical of well-known GPS systems, such as the GPS coordinates of the UAV <NUM>. Such GPS data may be utilized by the UAV <NUM> for various functions. As such, the UAV may use its GPS receiver <NUM> to help navigate to the caller's location, as indicated, at least in part, by the GPS coordinates provided by their mobile device.

The navigation module <NUM> may provide functionality that allows the UAV <NUM> to, e.g., move about its environment and reach a desired location. To do so, the navigation module <NUM> may control the altitude and/or direction of flight by controlling the mechanical features of the UAV that affect flight (e.g., its rudder(s), elevator(s), aileron(s), and/or the speed of its propeller(s)).

In order to navigate the UAV <NUM> to a target location, the navigation module <NUM> may implement various navigation techniques, such as map-based navigation and localization-based navigation, for instance. With map-based navigation, the UAV <NUM> may be provided with a map of its environment, which may then be used to navigate to a particular location on the map. With localization-based navigation, the UAV <NUM> may be capable of navigating in an unknown environment using localization. Localization-based navigation may involve the UAV <NUM> building its own map of its environment and calculating its position within the map and/or the position of objects in the environment. For example, as a UAV <NUM> moves throughout its environment, the UAV <NUM> may continuously use localization to update its map of the environment. This continuous mapping process may be referred to as simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). Other navigation techniques may also be utilized.

In some embodiments, the navigation module <NUM> may navigate using a technique that relies on waypoints. In particular, waypoints are sets of coordinates that identify points in physical space. For instance, an air-navigation waypoint may be defined by a certain latitude, longitude, and altitude. Accordingly, navigation module <NUM> may cause UAV <NUM> to move from waypoint to waypoint, in order to ultimately travel to a final destination (e.g., a final waypoint in a sequence of way points).

In a further aspect, the navigation module <NUM> and/or other components and systems of the UAV <NUM> may be configured for "localization" to more precisely navigate to the scene of a target location. More specifically, it may be desirable in certain situations for a UAV to be within a threshold distance of the target location where a payload <NUM> is being delivered by a UAV (e.g., within a few feet of the target destination). To this end, a UAV may use a two-tiered approach in which it uses a more-general location-determination technique to navigate to a general area that is associated with the target location, and then use a more-refined location-determination technique to identify and/or navigate to the target location within the general area.

For example, the UAV <NUM> may navigate to the general area of a target destination where a payload <NUM> is being delivered using waypoints and/or map-based navigation. The UAV may then switch to a mode in which it utilizes a localization process to locate and travel to a more specific location. For instance, if the UAV <NUM> is to deliver a payload to a user's home, the UAV <NUM> may need to be substantially close to the target location in order to avoid delivery of the payload to undesired areas (e.g., onto a roof, into a pool, onto a neighbor's property, etc.). However, a GPS signal may only get the UAV <NUM> so far (e.g., within a block of the user's home). A more precise location-determination technique may then be used to find the specific target location.

Various types of location-determination techniques may be used to accomplish localization of the target delivery location once the UAV <NUM> has navigated to the general area of the target delivery location. For instance, the UAV <NUM> may be equipped with one or more sensory systems, such as, for example, ultrasonic sensors <NUM>, infrared sensors (not shown), and/or other sensors, which may provide input that the navigation module <NUM> utilizes to navigate autonomously or semi-autonomously to the specific target location.

As another example, once the UAV <NUM> reaches the general area of the target delivery location (or of a moving subject such as a person or their mobile device), the UAV <NUM> may switch to a "fly-by-wire" mode where it is controlled, at least in part, by a remote operator, who can navigate the UAV <NUM> to the specific target location. To this end, sensory data from the UAV <NUM> may be sent to the remote operator to assist them in navigating the UAV <NUM> to the specific location.

As yet another example, the UAV <NUM> may include a module that is able to signal to a passer-by for assistance in either reaching the specific target delivery location, for example, the UAV <NUM> may display a visual message requesting such assistance in a graphic display, play an audio message or tone through speakers to indicate the need for such assistance, among other possibilities. Such a visual or audio message might indicate that assistance is needed in delivering the UAV <NUM> to a particular person or a particular location, and might provide information to assist the passer-by in delivering the UAV <NUM> to the person or location (e.g., a description or picture of the person or location, and/or the person or location's name), among other possibilities. Such a feature can be useful in a scenario in which the UAV is unable to use sensory functions or another location-determination technique to reach the specific target location. However, this feature is not limited to such scenarios.

In some embodiments, once the UAV <NUM> arrives at the general area of a target delivery location, the UAV <NUM> may utilize a beacon from a user's remote device (e.g., the user's mobile phone) to locate die person. Such a beacon may take various forms. As an example, consider the scenario where a remote device, such as the mobile phone of a person who requested a UAV delivery, is able to send out directional signals (e.g., via an RF signal, a light signal and/or an audio signal). In this scenario, the UAV <NUM> may be configured to navigate by "sourcing" such directional signals - in other words, by determining where the signal is strongest and navigating accordingly. As another example, a mobile device can emit a frequency, either in the human range or outside the human range, and the UAV <NUM> can listen for that frequency and navigate accordingly. As a related example, if the UAV <NUM> is listening for spoken commands, then the UAV <NUM> could utilize spoken statements, such as "I'm over here!" to source the specific location of the person requesting delivery of a payload.

In an alternative arrangement, a navigation module may be implemented at a remote computing device, which communicates wirelessly with the UAV <NUM>. The remote computing device may receive data indicating the operational state of the UAV <NUM>, sensor data from the UAV <NUM> that allows it to assess the environmental conditions being experienced by the UAV <NUM>, and/or location information for the UAV <NUM>. Provided with such information, the remote computing device may determine altitudinal and/or directional adjustments that should be made by the UAV <NUM> and/or may determine how the UAV <NUM> should adjust its mechanical features (e.g., its rudder(s), elevator(s), aileron(s), and/or the speed of its propeller(s)) in order to effectuate such movements. The remote computing system may then communicate such adjustments to the UAV <NUM> so it can move in the determined manner.

In a further aspect, the UAV <NUM> includes one or more communication systems <NUM>. The communications systems <NUM> may include one or more wireless interfaces and/or one or more wireline interfaces, which allow die UAV <NUM> to communicate via one or more networks. Such wireless interfaces may provide for communication under one or more wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, WiFi (e.g., an IEEE <NUM> protocol), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), WiMAX (e.g., an IEEE <NUM> standard), a radio-frequency ID (RFID) protocol, near-field communication (NFC), and/or other wireless communication protocols. Such wireline interfaces may include an Ethernet interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, or similar interface to communicate via a wire, a twisted pair of wires, a coaxial cable, an optical link, a fiber-optic link, or other physical connection to a wireline network.

In some embodiments, a UAV <NUM> may include communication systems <NUM> that allow for both short-range communication and long-range communication. For example, the UAV <NUM> may be configured for short-range communications using Bluetooth and for long-range communications under a CDMA protocol. In such an embodiment, the UAV <NUM> may be configured to function as a "hot spot;" or in other words, as a gateway or proxy between a remote support device and one or more data networks, such as a cellular network and/or the Internet. Configured as such, the UAV <NUM> may facilitate data communications that the remote support device would otherwise be unable to perform by itself.

For example, the UAV <NUM> may provide a WiFi connection to a remote device, and serve as a proxy or gateway to a cellular service provider's data network, which the UAV might connect to under an LTE or a <NUM> protocol, for instance. The UAV <NUM> could also serve as a proxy or gateway to a high-altitude balloon network, a satellite network, or a combination of these networks, among others, which a remote device might not be able to otherwise access.

In a further aspect, the UAV <NUM> may include power system(s) <NUM>. The power system <NUM> may include one or more batteries for providing power to the UAV <NUM>. In one example, the one or more batteries may be rechargeable and each battery may be recharged via a wired connection between the battery and a power supply and/or via a wireless charging system, such as an inductive charging system that applies an external time-varying magnetic field to an internal battery.

The UAV <NUM> may employ various systems and configurations in order to transport and deliver a payload <NUM>. In some implementations, the payload <NUM> of a given UAV <NUM> may include or take the form of a "package" designed to transport various goods to a target delivery location. For example, the UAV <NUM> can include a compartment, in which an item or items may be transported. Such a package may one or more food items, purchased goods, medical items, or any other object(s) having a size and weight suitable to be transported between two locations by the UAV. In other embodiments, a payload <NUM> may simply be the one or more items that are being delivered (e.g., without any package housing the items).

In some embodiments, the payload <NUM> may be attached to the UAV and located substantially outside of the UAV during some or all of a flight by the UAV. For example, the package may be tethered or otherwise releasably attached below the UAV during flight to a target location. In an embodiment where a package carries goods below the UAV, the package may include various features that protect its contents from the environment, reduce aerodynamic drag on the system, and prevent the contents of the package from shifting during UAV flight.

For instance, when the payload <NUM> takes the form of a package for transporting items, the package may include an outer shell constructed of water-resistant cardboard, plastic, or any other lightweight and water-resistant material. Further, in order to reduce drag, the package may feature smooth surfaces with a pointed front that reduces the frontal cross-sectional area. Further, the sides of the package may taper from a wide bottom to a narrow top, which allows the package to serve as a narrow pylon that reduces interference effects on the wing(s) of the UAV. This may move some of the frontal area and volume of the package away from the wing(s) of the UAV, thereby preventing the reduction of lift on the wing(s) cause by the package. Yet further, in some embodiments, the outer shell of the package may be constructed from a single sheet of material in order to reduce air gaps or extra material, both of which may increase drag on the system. Additionally or alternatively, the package may include a stabilizer to dampen package flutter. This reduction in flutter may allow the package to have a less rigid connection to the UAV and may cause the contents of the package to shift less during flight.

In order to deliver the payload, the UAV may include a winch system <NUM> controlled by the tether control module <NUM> in order to lower the payload <NUM> to the ground while the UAV hovers above. As shown in <FIG>, the winch system <NUM> may include a tether <NUM>, and the tether <NUM> may be coupled to the payload <NUM> by a payload coupling apparatus <NUM>. The tether <NUM> may be wound on a spool that is coupled to a motor <NUM> of the UAV. The motor <NUM> may take the form of a DC motor (e.g., a servo motor) that can be actively controlled by a speed controller. The tether control module <NUM> can control the speed controller to cause the motor <NUM> to rotate the spool, thereby unwinding or retracting the tether <NUM> and lowering or raising the payload coupling apparatus <NUM>. In practice, the speed controller may output a desired operating rate (e.g., a desired RPM) for the spool, which may correspond to the speed at which the tether <NUM> and payload <NUM> should be lowered towards the ground. The motor <NUM> may then rotate the spool so that it maintains the desired operating rate.

In order to control the motor <NUM> via the speed controller, the tether control module <NUM> may receive data from a speed sensor (e.g., an encoder) configured to convert a mechanical position to a representative analog or digital signal. In particular, the speed sensor may include a rotary encoder that may provide information related to rotary position (and/or rotary movement) of a shaft of the motor or the spool coupled to the motor, among other possibilities. Moreover, the speed sensor may take the form of an absolute encoder and/or an incremental encoder, among others. So in an example implementation, as the motor <NUM> causes rotation of the spool, a rotary encoder may be used to measure this rotation. In doing so, the rotary encoder may be used to convert a rotary position to an analog or digital electronic signal used by the tether control module <NUM> to determine the amount of rotation of the spool from a fixed reference angle and/or to an analog or digital electronic signal that is representative of a new rotary position, among other options.

Based on the data from the speed sensor, the tether control module <NUM> may determine a rotational speed of the motor <NUM> and/or the spool and responsively control the motor <NUM> (e.g., by increasing or decreasing an electrical current supplied to the motor <NUM>) to cause the rotational speed of the motor <NUM> to match a desired speed. When adjusting the motor current, the magnitude of the current adjustment may be based on a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) calculation using the determined and desired speeds of the motor <NUM>. For instance, the magnitude of the current adjustment may be based on a present difference, a past difference (based on accumulated error over time), and a future difference (based on current rates of change) between the determined and desired speeds of the spool.

In some embodiments, the tether control module <NUM> may vary the rate at which the tether <NUM> and payload <NUM> are lowered to the ground. For example, the speed controller may change the desired operating rate according to a variable deployment-rate profile and/or in response to other factors in order to change the rate at which the payload <NUM> descends toward die ground. To do so, the tether control module <NUM> may adjust an amount of braking or an amount of friction that is applied to the tether <NUM>. For example, to vary the tether deployment rate, the UAV <NUM> may include friction pads that can apply a variable amount of pressure to the tether <NUM>. As another example, the UAV <NUM> can include a motorized braking system that varies the rate at which the spool lets out the tether <NUM>. Such a braking system may take the form of an electromechanical system in which the motor <NUM> operates to slow the rate at which the spool lets out the tether <NUM>. Further, the motor <NUM> may vary die amount by which it adjusts the speed (e.g., the RPM) of the spool, and thus may vary the deployment rate of the tether <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the tether control module <NUM> may be configured to limit the motor current supplied to the motor <NUM> to a maximum value. With such a limit placed on the motor current, there may be situations where the motor <NUM> cannot operate at the desired operate specified by the speed controller. For instance, as discussed in more detail below, there may be situations where the speed controller specifies a desired operating rate at which the motor <NUM> should retract the tether <NUM> toward the UAV <NUM>, but the motor current may be limited such that a large enough downward force on the tether <NUM> would counteract the retracting force of the motor <NUM> and cause the tether <NUM> to unwind instead. And as further discussed below, a limit on the motor current may be imposed and/or altered depending on an operational state of the UAV <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the tether control module <NUM> may be configured to determine a status of the tether <NUM> and/or the payload <NUM> based on the amount of current supplied to the motor <NUM>. For instance, if a downward force is applied to the tether <NUM> (e.g., if the payload <NUM> is attached to the tether <NUM> or if the tether <NUM> gets snagged on an object when retracting toward the UAV <NUM>), the tether control module <NUM> may need to increase the motor current in order to cause die determined rotational speed of the motor <NUM> and/or spool to match the desired speed. Similarly, when the downward force is removed from the tether <NUM> (e.g., upon delivery of the payload <NUM> or removal of a tether snag), the tether control module <NUM> may need to decrease the motor current in order to cause the determined rotational speed of the motor <NUM> and/or spool to match the desired speed. As such, the tether control module <NUM> may be configured to monitor the current supplied to the motor <NUM>. For instance, the tether control module <NUM> could determine the motor current based on sensor data received from a current sensor of the motor or a current sensor of the power system <NUM>. In any case, based on the current supplied to the motor <NUM>, determine if the payload <NUM> is attached to the tether <NUM>, if someone or something is pulling on the tether <NUM>, and/or if the payload coupling apparatus <NUM> is pressing against the UAV <NUM> after retracting the tether <NUM>. Other examples are possible as well.

During delivery of the payload <NUM>, the payload coupling apparatus <NUM> can be configured to secure the payload <NUM> while being lowered from the UAV by the tether <NUM>, and can be further configured to release the payload <NUM> upon reaching ground level. The payload coupling apparatus <NUM> can then be retracted to the UAV by reeling in the tether <NUM> using the motor <NUM>.

In some implementations, the payload <NUM> may be passively released once it is lowered to the ground. For example, a passive release mechanism may include one or more swing arms adapted to retract into and extend from a housing. An extended swing arm may form a hook on which the payload <NUM> may be attached. Upon lowering the release mechanism and the payload <NUM> to the ground via a tether, a gravitational force as well as a downward inertial force on the release mechanism may cause the payload <NUM> to detach from the hook allowing the release mechanism to be raised upwards toward the UAV. The release mechanism may further include a spring mechanism that biases the swing arm to retract into the housing when there are no other external forces on the swing arm. For instance, a spring may exert a force on the swing arm that pushes or pulls the swing arm toward the housing such that the swing arm retracts into the housing once the weight of the payload <NUM> no longer forces the swing arm to extend from the housing. Retracting the swing arm into the housing may reduce the likelihood of the release mechanism snagging the payload <NUM> or other nearby objects when raising the release mechanism toward the UAV upon delivery of the payload <NUM>.

Active payload release mechanisms are also possible. For example, sensors such as a barometric pressure based altimeter and/or accelerometers may help to detect the position of the release mechanism (and the payload) relative to the ground. Data from the sensors can be communicated back to the UAV and/or a control system over a wireless link and used to help in determining when the release mechanism has reached ground level (e.g., by detecting a measurement with the accelerometer that is characteristic of ground impact). In other examples, the UAV may determine that the payload has reached the ground based on a weight sensor detecting a threshold low downward force on the tether and/or based on a threshold low measurement of power drawn by the winch when lowering the payload.

Other systems and techniques for delivering a payload, in addition or in the alternative to a tethered delivery system are also possible. For example, a UAV <NUM> could include an air-bag drop system or a parachute drop system. Alternatively, a UAV <NUM> carrying a payload could simply land on the ground at a delivery location.

UAV systems may be implemented in order to provide various UAV-related services. In particular, UAVs may be provided at a number of different launch sites that may be in communication with regional and/or central control systems. Such a distributed UAV system may allow UAVs to be quickly deployed to provide services across a large geographic area (e.g., that is much larger than the flight range of any single UAV). For example, UAVs capable of carrying payloads may be distributed at a number of launch sites across a large geographic area (possibly even throughout an entire country, or even worldwide), in order to provide on-demand transport of various items to locations throughout the geographic area. <FIG> is a simplified block diagram illustrating a distributed UAV system <NUM>, according to an example embodiment.

In the illustrative UAV system <NUM>, an access system <NUM> may allow for interaction with, control of, and/or utilization of a network of UAVs <NUM>. In some embodiments, an access system <NUM> may be a computing system that allows for human-controlled dispatch of UAVs <NUM>. As such, the control system may include or otherwise provide a user interface through which a user can access and/or control the UAVs <NUM>.

In some embodiments, dispatch of the UAVs <NUM> may additionally or alternatively be accomplished via one or more automated processes. For instance, die access system <NUM> may dispatch one of the UAVs <NUM> to transport a payload to a target location, and the UAV may autonomously navigate to the target location by utilizing various on-board sensors, such as a GPS receiver and/or other various navigational sensors.

Further, the access system <NUM> may provide for remote operation of a UAV. For instance, the access system <NUM> may allow an operator to control the flight of a UAV via its user interface. As a specific example, an operator may use the access system <NUM> to dispatch a UAV <NUM> to a target location. The UAV <NUM> may then autonomously navigate to the general area of the target location. At this point, the operator may use the access system <NUM> to take control of the UAV <NUM> and navigate the UAV to the target location (e.g., to a particular person to whom a payload is being transported). Other examples of remote operation of a UAV are also possible.

In an illustrative embodiment, the UAVs <NUM> may take various forms. For example, each of the UAVs <NUM> may be a UAV such as those illustrated in <FIG>. However, UAV system <NUM> may also utilize other types of UAVs without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. In some implementations, all of the UAVs <NUM> may be of the same or a similar configuration. However, in other implementations, the UAVs <NUM> may include a number of different types of UAVs. For instance, the UAVs <NUM> may include a number of types of UAVs, with each type of UAV being configured for a different type or types of payload delivery capabilities.

The UAV system <NUM> may further include a remote device <NUM>, which may take various forms. Generally, the remote device <NUM> may be any device through which a direct or indirect request to dispatch a UAV can be made. (Note that an indirect request may involve any communication that may be responded to by dispatching a UAV, such as requesting a package delivery). In an example embodiment, the remote device <NUM> may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, personal computer, or any network-connected computing device. Further, in some instances, the remote device <NUM> may not be a computing device. As an example, a standard telephone, which allows for communication via plain old telephone service (POTS), may serve as the remote device <NUM>. Other types of remote devices are also possible.

Further, the remote device <NUM> may be configured to communicate with access system <NUM> via one or more types of communication network(s) <NUM>. For example, the remote device <NUM> may communicate with the access system <NUM> (or a human operator of the access system <NUM>) by communicating over a POTS network, a cellular network, and/or a data network such as the Internet. Other types of networks may also be utilized.

In some embodiments, the remote device <NUM> may be configured to allows a user to request delivery of one or more items to a desired location. For example, a user could request UAV delivery of a package to their home via their mobile phone, tablet, or laptop. As another example, a user could request dynamic delivery to wherever they are located at the time of delivery. To provide such dynamic delivery, the UAV system <NUM> may receive location information (e.g., GPS coordinates, etc.) from the user's mobile phone, or any other device on the user's person, such that a UAV can navigate to the user's location (as indicated by their mobile phone).

In an illustrative arrangement, the central dispatch system <NUM> may be a server or group of servers, which is configured to receive dispatch messages requests and/or dispatch instructions from the access system <NUM>. Such dispatch messages may request or instruct the central dispatch system <NUM> to coordinate the deployment of UAVs to various target locations. The central dispatch system <NUM> may be further configured to route such requests or instructions to one or more local dispatch systems <NUM>. To provide such functionality, the central dispatch system <NUM> may communicate with the access system <NUM> via a data network, such as the Internet or a private network that is established for communications between access systems and automated dispatch systems.

In the illustrated configuration, die central dispatch system <NUM> may be configured to coordinate the dispatch of UAVs <NUM> from a number of different local dispatch systems <NUM>. As such, the central dispatch system <NUM> may keep track of which UAVs <NUM> are located at which local dispatch systems <NUM>, which UAVs <NUM> are currently available for deployment, and/or which services or operations each of the UAVs <NUM> is configured for (in the event that a UAV fleet includes multiple types of UAVs configured for different services and/or operations). Additionally or alternatively, each local dispatch system <NUM> may be configured to track which of its associated UAVs <NUM> are currently available for deployment and/or are currently in the midst of item transport.

In some cases, when the central dispatch system <NUM> receives a request for UAV-related service (e.g., transport of an item) from the access system <NUM>, the central dispatch system <NUM> may select a specific UAV <NUM> to dispatch. The central dispatch system <NUM> may accordingly instruct the local dispatch system <NUM> that is associated with the selected UAV to dispatch the selected UAV. The local dispatch system <NUM> may then operate its associated deployment system <NUM> to launch the selected UAV. In other cases, the central dispatch system <NUM> may forward a request for a UAV-related service to a local dispatch system <NUM> that is near the location where the support is requested and leave the selection of a particular UAV <NUM> to the local dispatch system <NUM>.

In an example configuration, the local dispatch system <NUM> may be implemented as a computing system at the same location as the deployment system(s) <NUM> that it controls. For example, the local dispatch system <NUM> may be implemented by a computing system installed at a building, such as a warehouse, where the deployment system(s) <NUM> and UAV(s) <NUM> that are associated with the particular local dispatch system <NUM> are also located. In other embodiments, the local dispatch system <NUM> may be implemented at a location that is remote to its associated deployment system(s) <NUM> and UAV(s) <NUM>.

Numerous variations on and alternatives to the illustrated configuration of the UAV system <NUM> are possible. For example, in some embodiments, a user of the remote device <NUM> could request delivery of a package directly from the central dispatch system <NUM>. To do so, an application may be implemented on the remote device <NUM> that allows the user to provide information regarding a requested delivery, and generate and send a data message to request that the UAV system <NUM> provide the delivery. In such an embodiment, the central dispatch system <NUM> may include automated functionality to handle requests that are generated by such an application, evaluate such requests, and, if appropriate, coordinate with an appropriate local dispatch system <NUM> to deploy a UAV.

Further, some or all of the functionality that is attributed herein to the central dispatch system <NUM>, the local dispatch system(s) <NUM>, the access system <NUM>, and/or the deployment system(s) <NUM> may be combined in a single system, implemented in a more complex system, and/or redistributed among the central dispatch system <NUM>, the local dispatch system(s) <NUM>, the access system <NUM>, and/or the deployment system(s) <NUM> in various ways.

Yet further, while each local dispatch system <NUM> is shown as having two associated deployment systems <NUM>, a given local dispatch system <NUM> may alternatively have more or fewer associated deployment systems <NUM>. Similarly, while the central dispatch system <NUM> is shown as being in communication with two local dispatch systems <NUM>, the central dispatch system <NUM> may alternatively be in communication with more or fewer local dispatch systems <NUM>.

In a further aspect, the deployment systems <NUM> may take various forms. In general, the deployment systems <NUM> may take the form of or include systems for physically launching one or more of the UAVs <NUM>. Such launch systems may include features that provide for an automated UAV launch and/or features that allow for a human-assisted UAV launch. Further, the deployment systems <NUM> may each be configured to launch one particular UAV <NUM>, or to launch multiple UAVs <NUM>.

The deployment systems <NUM> may further be configured to provide additional functions, including for example, diagnostic-related functions such as verifying system functionality of the UAV, verifying functionality of devices that are housed within a UAV (e.g., a payload delivery apparatus), and/or maintaining devices or other items that are housed in the UAV (e.g., by monitoring a status of a payload such as its temperature, weight, etc.).

In some embodiments, the deployment systems <NUM> and their corresponding UAVs <NUM> (and possibly associated local dispatch systems <NUM>) may be strategically distributed throughout an area such as a city. For example, the deployment systems <NUM> may be strategically distributed such that each deployment system <NUM> is proximate to one or more payload pickup locations (e.g., near a restaurant, store, or warehouse). However, the deployment systems <NUM> (and possibly the local dispatch systems <NUM>) may be distributed in other ways, depending upon the particular implementation. As an additional example, kiosks that allow users to transport packages via UAVs may be installed in various locations. Such kiosks may include UAV launch systems, and may allow a user to provide their package for loading onto a UAV and pay for UAV shipping services, among other possibilities.

In a further aspect, the UAV system <NUM> may include or have access to a user-account database <NUM>. The user-account database <NUM> may include data for a number of user accounts, and which are each associated with one or more person. For a given user account, the user-account database <NUM> may include data related to or useful in providing UAV-related services. Typically, the user data associated with each user account is optionally provided by an associated user and/or is collected with the associated user's permission.

Further, in some embodiments, a person may be required to register for a user account with the UAV system <NUM>, if they wish to be provided with UAV-related services by the UAVs <NUM> from UAV system <NUM>. As such, the user-account database <NUM> may include authorization information for a given user account (e.g., a user name and password), and/or other information that may be used to authorize access to a user account.

In some embodiments, a person may associate one or more of their devices with their user account, such that they can access the services of UAV system <NUM>. For example, when a person uses an associated mobile phone, e.g., to place a call to an operator of the access system <NUM> or send a message requesting a UAV-related service to a dispatch system, the phone may be identified via a unique device identification number, and the call or message may then be attributed to the associated user account.

<FIG> is a perspective view of aerial vehicle <NUM> having a deployable nose plate <NUM> in an undeployed position, according to an example embodiment. In Figure 2A, nose plate <NUM> is shown positioned on the top of nose section <NUM> of UAV <NUM>. When UAV experiences a system failure and/or the motors stop working, the UAV will eventually fall to the ground, where it may strike an earth-based object. In most winged aircraft, the center of pressure of the UAV is behind the center of gravity of the UAV, resulting in a moment caused between the center of pressure and the center of gravity to cause the UAV to enter into a nose dive and strike the earth at a high rate of speed. Therefore, it is desirable to slow the descent of the UAV by deploying additional surfaces at the front of the UAV (or reducing the surface area in the back) to move the center of pressure forward towards, or in alignment with, the center of gravity of the UAV.

<FIG> is a perspective view of aerial vehicle <NUM> with nose plate <NUM> rotated into a deployed position, according to an example embodiment. In <FIG>, the nose plate <NUM> is shown positioned on a bottom of nose section <NUM>, although the nose plate <NUM> could also be positioned on the top nose section <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or somewhere in between the top and bottom of nose section <NUM>. The greater surface area at the front of the UAV achieved by deployment of nose plate <NUM> moves the center of pressure forward, or in alignment with, the center of gravity of the UAV, causing the UAV to remain in a forward flight or hover orientation, with a large surface area providing maximum drag on the UAV to slow the descent of the UAV towards the ground.

When the motors stop working, the nose plate may be automatically deployed and rotated into the deployed position shown in <FIG>. For example, the nose plate <NUM> may be spring loaded, such that when a system failure is sensed or when electrical power is lost, or when it is sensed that the motors stop working, a latch may be moved and the spring loaded nose plate <NUM> may be spring-driven to rotate into position about pivot point <NUM>. Various other means of moving the nose plate <NUM> into the deployed position may also be used, including rotary actuators and the like. In addition, the deployable surfaces may also be passively deployed. For example, a spring loaded pin could be held in a locked position via electrical power (e.g., a solenoid) from the propulsion system. If propulsion power is lost, the power to the solenoid is lost too, and the pin releases the deployable surface into a deployed position.

<FIG> is a perspective view of aerial vehicle <NUM> shown in <FIG> with nose plate <NUM> moved linearly into a deployed position, according to an example embodiment. In <FIG>, nose plate <NUM> is moved forward in a linear manner to move into the deployed position shown. Linear movement of nose plate <NUM> may be achieved using a linear actuator, a cylinder, or spring driven, among others ways of deploying the nose plate <NUM> forward in a linear manner. Deployment may be guided by slot <NUM> on nose section <NUM>. Nose plate <NUM> shown deployed in <FIG> operates in the same manner as nose plate <NUM> shown in <FIG>, but is deployed differently.

<FIG> is a perspective view of aerial vehicle <NUM> having boom extensions <NUM> rotated into a deployed position in the front of booms <NUM>, according to an example not according to the claims.

In <FIG>, the boom extensions are shown rotating into the deployed position about pivot axis <NUM>. As with nose plate <NUM> described above, the greater surface area at the front of the UAV achieved by deployment of boom extensions <NUM> moves the center of pressure forward, or in alignment with, the center of gravity of the UAV, causing the UAV to remain in a forward flight or hover orientation, with a large surface area providing maximum drag on the UAV to slow the descent of the UAV towards the ground.

When the motors stop working, the boom extensions <NUM> may be automatically deployed and rotated into the deployed position shown in <FIG>. For example, the boom extensions <NUM> may be spring loaded, such that when a system failure is sensed, or when it is sensed that the motors stop working, a latch may be moved and the spring loaded boom extensions may be spring-driven to rotate into a deployed position about pivot axis <NUM>. Various other means of moving the boom extensions into the deployed position may also be used, including rotary actuators and the like.

<FIG> is a perspective view of aerial vehicle <NUM> having boom extensions <NUM> moved linearly into a deployed position in front of booms <NUM>, according to an example not according to the claims.

In <FIG>, boom extensions <NUM> are moved forward in a linear manner to move into the deployed position shown. Linear movement of boom extensions <NUM> may be achieved using a linear actuator, a cylinder, or be spring-driven, among others ways of deploying the boom extensions <NUM> in a linear manner. Boom extensions <NUM> shown deployed in <FIG> operate in the same manner as boom extensions <NUM> shown in <FIG>, but are deployed differently.

<FIG> is a perspective view of aerial vehicle <NUM> having boom extension side boards <NUM> shown in an undeployed position, according to an example embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view of aerial vehicle <NUM> shown in <FIG> with boom extension side boards <NUM> shown in a deployed position on the side of booms <NUM>, according to an example not according to the claims.

In <FIG>, the boom extension side boards <NUM> are shown rotated into the deployed position along the side of booms <NUM>. As with nose plate <NUM> and boom extensions <NUM> described above, the greater surface area at the front of the UAV achieved by deployment of boom extension side boards <NUM> moves the center of pressure forward, or in alignment with, the center of gravity of the U A V, causing the UAV to remain in a forward flight or hover orientation, with a large surface area providing maximum drag on the UAV to slow the descent of the UAV towards the ground.

When the motors stop working, the boom extension side boards <NUM> may be automatically deployed and rotated into the deployed position shown in <FIG>. For example, the boom extension side boards <NUM> may be spring loaded, such that when a system failure is sensed, or when it is sensed that the motors stop working, a latch may be moved and the spring loaded boom extension side boards <NUM> may be spring-driven to rotate into a deployed position next to booms <NUM>. Various other means of moving the boom extension sideboards into the deployed position may also be used, including rotary actuators and the like.

Boom extensions <NUM> and boom extension side boards <NUM> are an alternative to nose plate <NUM> for moving the center of pressure towards, or in alignment with, the center of gravity of UAV <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the description of nose plate <NUM>, boom extensions <NUM>, and boom extension sideboards <NUM> have been illustrated on UAV <NUM>. However, they may also be used on any other type of UAV, including those illustrated in <FIG>, as well as any other type of UAV.

Nose plate <NUM>, boom extensions <NUM>, and boom extension sideboards <NUM> may be made of a lightweight material such as styrofoam, plastic, wood, or composite material, fabric, or even lightweight steel such as aluminum which may in turn be strengthened with carbon, wood, plastic, or composite material, or even lightweight metals such as aluminum. In addition, nose plate <NUM>, boom extensions <NUM>, and boom extension sideboards <NUM> are shown with particular configurations; however, they may also have any variety of configurations and geometries, such that any type of geometry or configuration may be used as a deployable surface to provide the desired increased surface area upon deployment.

<FIG> is a perspective view of aerial vehicle <NUM> with vertical stabilizers <NUM> extending from rear booms <NUM>, according to an example not according to the claims. <FIG> is a perspective view of aerial vehicle <NUM> shown in <FIG> with vertical stabilizers <NUM> having been rotated, according to an example not according to the claims.

When the UAV experiences a system failure and/or the motors stop working, the vertical stabilizers <NUM> may be rotated, from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees (or angles in between) to have a major surface of the vertical stabilizers facing in the direction of flight to reduce lift and move the center of pressure of the UAV towards, or in alignment with, the center of gravity of the UAV, thereby serving the same purpose as deploying deployable surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> described above.

<FIG> is a perspective view of aerial vehicle <NUM> having fixed boom extensions <NUM>, according to an example not according to the claims. Fixed boom extensions serve to increase the downward facing surface area of booms <NUM>, thereby moving the center of pressure closer to the center of gravity of UAV <NUM> in the case of uncontrolled, powerless flight. Thus, fixed boom extensions <NUM> are deployed at all times and the UAV does not need to sense when there is system failure and/or the motors stop working.

<FIG> is an illustration of a UAV <NUM> showing the position of the center of pressure <NUM> and the center of gravity <NUM> during a normal stable forward flight. <FIG> is an illustration of UAV <NUM> with the deployable surface <NUM>, such as the nose plate, boom extensions, or boom extension sideboards shown in a deployed state, illustrating how the center of pressure <NUM> has moved towards the center of gravity <NUM> after the surface <NUM> has been deployed.

It should be noted that a parachute could be used to slow the descent of the UAV when there is a system failure and/or the motors stop working. However, a parachute runs the risk of being fouled in the motors or failing to deploy properly. Therefore, the deployable surfaces are better suited to provide for a soft landing in the event of a system failure and/or the motors stop working.

The particular arrangements shown in the Figures should not be viewed as limiting. It should be understood that other implementations may include more or less of each element shown in a given Figure. Further, some of the illustrated elements may be combined or omitted. Yet further, an exemplary implementation may include elements that are not illustrated in the Figures.

Claim 1:
An unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, comprising:
a fuselage (<NUM>) including a nose section (<NUM>);
a pair of wings (<NUM>) extending outwardly from the fuselage; and
a deployable surface moveable from a first undeployed position during normal flight to a second deployed position when there is a system failure during flight, wherein the deployable surface is a nose plate (<NUM>) that extends forwardly from the nose section of the UAV when the nose plate is in the second deployed position.