Patent ID: 12230153

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Briefly, a themed aerial vehicle entertainment platform or system is described herein that is particularly well-suited for providing a show or display in the sky or space above or near a group of viewers or observers below (e.g., on the ground). The aerial vehicle may take the form of nearly any UAV or drone such as a tricopter, a quadcopter, or other similar device configured for lifting and/or carrying heavier loads while other embodiments may use UAVs in the form of blimps, planes, and/or ballistic objects such that “UAV” (or “drone”) is intended to be construed in a very broad sense. The aerial vehicle is “themed” because it is used to carry cladding that may disguise the presence of the aerial vehicle or change its appearance so that it does not appear to be a conventional UAV or drone, and the cladding may, for example, be tethered to the UAV to be hung below the UAV or drone or, more typically, be configured to enclose (partially or wholly) the UAV or drone. In this way, the entertainment platform or system is “themed” and can be used to present new show or display features by appearing as flying characters or objects (e.g., rockets, planes, or space ships) from animated features, films, or other media.

The themed aerial vehicle entertainment platform is configured to support or carry, e.g., in or part of the cladding or on or within the cladding, a portion of a show system. This may be considered an onboard show system/assembly, and an onboard or local show controller is provided on the UAV to control operations of the components of the onboard show system/assembly. The control may be performed by generating show control signals for the components of the onboard show system to suit a predefined show stored in local memory in a dynamic fashion based on output of a UAV controller (e.g., providing data on UAV speed, present location, and the like). Further, synchronization with other show systems may be provided through communications with other entertainment platforms (e.g., other UAVs with the same or differing cladding and show systems), with other show system components (e.g., ground-based components), and/or with a central or main show controller, which may be ground based.

Uniquely, the predefined show (e.g., a show plan with marks/cues and actions at each mark/cue or based on a time in a show as the UAV follows a flight plan) stored in local memory on the UAV may include alternate actions or show steps to perform when the UAV is determined to be deviating from the predefined show such as by flying slower than expected due to wind or UAV performance, by having another UAV or entertainment platform detected too near or spaced in an undesired manner relative to the controlled entertainment platform (e.g., too close to trigger certain lighting effects or pyrotechnic effects), and so on. In this way, the entertainment platform can continue to operate to provide a “B show” (or branch of a predefined show) or to land in a real-time manner so as to provide dynamic contingencies in the show control and/or to retain or regain synchronized operation of the entertainment platform with other show components and/or other entertainment platforms instead of simply carrying out a preprogrammed flight plan with predefined triggering events for operating onboard show system elements or components.

FIG.1illustrates a functional block diagram of an aerial show or display system100that makes use of a new themed aerial vehicle entertainment platform110of the present description. The platform (or system)110includes a UAV (or drone)120and thematic cladding112, which is used to disguise the use and/or presence of the UAV120and/or to provide a flying show element such as a flying character or a flying object (such as a spaceship, a plane, or the like). Stated differently, the UAV120is configured to support the cladding112and to move it about in a space104above the ground102such as in three dimensions or in any direction as shown with arrows125.

The cladding112may be supported via couplings (shown with dashed lines) with the UAV chassis/body122, and the cladding112may include a structural frame or body114that is used to support an outer covering116(e.g., a fabric webbing, a lightweight material panel(s), and so on) stretched over or otherwise connected to the frame/body114. The frame/body114and outer covering116are configured to provide theming to the platform110such as by providing the outer shape and look of a character or object from a movie while, typically, being lightweight to facilitate it being lifted and positioned (or flown about) by the UAV120in the airspace104. For example, the frame/body114may provide the skeletal structure of a humanoid or robotic character capable of flying and the covering116may provide the outer “skin” of such a character. In another example, the frame/body114provides the size, shape, and configuration of a flying vehicle, and the outer covering116provides the outer panels or walls of the vehicle along with colors and other details to cause an observer on the ground102to perceive the theme of the platform110(e.g., to see the flying vehicle as if it were not a simulation of the physical vehicle). The cladding112may be supported below the UAV chassis/body122such as with wires or other tethering or the cladding112may be configured to wholly or at least partially enclose or wraparound the UAV chassis/body122and, optionally, the flight propulsion mechanisms124.

The UAV (or UAVs)120may take many forms to implement the entertainment platform110. In general, the UAV120may be any unmanned aerial vehicle or object including vehicles movable or propellable through the space104, via propulsion mechanisms124, such as ballistic objects and such as vehicles using propellers such as plane-type drones, such as blimps/balloons, and such as helicopter-type drones using 1 or more propeller such tricopters, quadcopters, and aerial vehicles with five, six, or more propellers, and propulsion for 3D movement125of the chassis/body122(and supported cladding112) is provided by flight propulsion mechanisms (e.g., motor and propeller combinations)124. The UAV120often will be chosen for its ability to support its own weight while also supporting weight (and drag during flight) of the cladding112and the onboard show assembly150. The UAV120further includes a power source128(such as a battery or batteries) to power operations of the mechanisms124and other power-requiring components of the UAV120. Sensors126are provided to sense operations of the UAV120including the propulsion mechanisms124and for determining operating parameters such as roll, pitch, and yaw of chassis/body122, speed (and direction in some cases) of chassis/body122, and location/position of the chassis/body122in the space104.

The UAV120also includes a processor(s)130that manages communications (typically wireless) with a ground-based show control system170as shown with arrows171and with other entertainment platforms190of the system100as shown with arrows192. Input/output (I/O) devices132are provided for this purpose and may include wireless transceivers and the like as is well known in the UAV industry. The UAV120includes memory/data storage136that is managed by the processor130, and a flight controller134(e.g., hardware and software) also managed (or code executed) by the processor130. The flight controller134processes and executes a flight plan138stored in memory for a particular show/display performed during operation of the system100, and configuration and/or setting files may be provided in the plan138or separately in memory136that are per platform110and per show/display (e.g., configuration and/or settings to determine has the flight controller134and/or onboard show controller156(such as with data166) reacts dynamically to the show environment). In response, the flight controller134may generate flight control signals135that are provided or communicated to the flight propulsion mechanisms124to cause these to operate to move125the UAV110from one location to the next along the flight path at a desired speed. The signals135may also be generated based on output from the sensors126such as based on current travel speed, direction, and 3D orientation142and/or current position/location144in the space104relative to desired show marks/positions and timing defined in the show flight plan138. Further or alternatively, the signals135may be generated by the flight controller134based on received flight control signals140from the ground-based show control system170as shown with communications171and/or based on input from the onboard show assembly150and its control software module/show controller156.

The platform110may include mechanical, sensor, and/or show interfaces158on the chassis122to allow the onboard show assembly150(or its show controller156) to communicatively interface with the propulsion mechanisms124, the sensors126, and/or the flight controller134. As can be understood from this discussion andFIG.1, the platform110includes a UAV120with a chassis122housing or supporting flight propulsion mechanisms124capable of lift and/or movement in three dimensions as shown with arrows125. The flight controller134is provided on the UAV120to generate and/or receive flight control signals135and140, and the controller134is coupled to the flight propulsion mechanisms124. The mechanisms124and/or sensor126operate to indicate an absolute or relative position144in the space104, and the flight controller134causes the flight propulsion mechanisms124to move125the UAV chassis122to locations indicated by the flight control signals135(and signals140), with the locations often being defined in the show flight plan138.

The entertainment platform110includes an onboard show assembly150that is supported by the UAV120to move125with the UAV120. The show assembly150includes a processor152managing operations of I/O devices154to facilitate communications with offboard devices such as communications171with the ground-based show control system170and such as communications192between other entertainment platforms190in the space104(e.g., other UAVs with thematic cladding to provide a show via coordinated operations with the entertainment platform110). The processor152also executes code/instructions or runs software in local memory160to provide the functionality of an onboard show controller or control software module156.

Particularly, the show controller156acts to process a script(s) or show plan161to generate a set of show control signals164, which are communicated to one or more show effect devices168to cause their actuators169to operate to create a particular show effect. The assembly150includes interfaces158to the mechanisms124, to the sensors126, and/or the flight controller134to allow it to receive vehicle control status information165(e.g., flight speed, chassis orientation (yaw, pitch, and roll), and the like), current speed and travel direction142, and current location144for the UAV120. The show controller156may generate, from the script/show plan161or receive from the flight controller134or ground-based show control system170, timing/trigger signals162and location signals163, which may be used independently or in combination to create the show control signals164.

The show plan161may include two or more scripts (or branches to new show segments) that may be chosen dynamically by the show controller156based on the timing signals162, the location signals163, and/or the vehicle control status information165. In this manner, the show effect devices168may be operated to provide a desired show effect at predefined or dynamically selected timing and/or locations in the space104of the UAV110. The show controller156can also generate the alternative scripts for one or more of the show effect devices in real time. The predefined scripts/branches of the show or real time-generated scripts/branches of the show (e.g., to alternative in real time) may be selected or created by the show controller156based on real time data such as the current location144of the UAV, the current speed and travel direction142, and/or the current orientation of the UAV chassis122(and, therefore, of the cladding112and/or the show effect devices168) as may be provided in the vehicle control status information165from sensors126. In some cases, the real time data used to choose a “B,” “C,” or other show script or branch in a show plan161may include a location of nearby entertainment platform190in the space104to improve the quality of performance of the show plan161. The memory160may also store a platform show configuration166that configures via the module156operations how the platform110will process and react to all the signals.

All or a subset of the show effect devices168may be provided on the UAV chassis122or may be provided on an interior or exterior surface of the cladding112such as on or visible through the outer covering116. The show effect devices168each includes one or more actuators169that are responsive to receipt of the show control signals164to operate the corresponding show effect device168in one or more predefined manners (e.g., to illuminate in a particular brightness range and/or color, to play a soundtrack at a particular volume, to project a video or still image, to eject a particular projectile or set of projectiles, and so on). The show effect devices169may take a wide variety of forms to implement the entertainment platform110such as a lighting system (e.g., one-to-many white or colored LEDs, lasers, blacklights, and so on), a sound system with a playback device and one or more speakers, a pyrotechnic system for creating one or more pyrotechnic effects, and/or a projectile system (e.g., for releasing or ejecting projectiles such as confetti, streamers, water droplets or streams, coupons, souvenirs, and other objects).

In some implementations, the onboard show assembly150is implemented in a distributed fashion with some components (such as show effect devices168, such as processor152, memory160, and controller156and the show effect devices168, and any other combination) in the UAV chassis/body122and the thematic cladding112. The onboard show system or assembly150includes computational resources such as processor(s)152and controller156that communicate with each other such as through the interfaces158. The onboard show controller156with processor152(and with memory160in some cases) may be located wholly in or on the thematic cladding112, and it may receive power from the power source128and data from the flight controller134(or directly from propulsion mechanisms124and/or sensors126) from the host UAV chassis122via the interfaces158(e.g., through a show interface). The onboard show controller156may be connected to various onboard show effect devices168in order to directly control and sequence their operation.

In some embodiments of the platform110, the onboard show controller156receives timing and trigger signals171from a ground-based show control system170. To this end, the show control system170includes I/O devices174for communicating with I/O devices154of the onboard show assembly150. The I/O devices174may be managed by a processor172, which also executes code and/or runs software to provide functions of a main/central show control module or show controller176. The show control system170further includes memory/data storage180storing for each entertainment platform110and190in a show system fleet a record or file182that stores data particular to that platform110or190such as its current speed183and location/position184in the space as well as other operating data (e.g., orientation, operating status of its show effect devices168, and so on). The memory180may also store a show plan186defining flight paths and show scripts for each platform110,190and include definitions of bounded geographical areas188(e.g., definitions of boundaries of a show space within space104and/or go and no-go spaces above the ground102for one or more of the platforms110,190). The memory180may also store a log of how the actual show performance differed from the pre- defined plan in order to inform and improve the development of the control systems and content authoring.

During operations of the system100, the onboard show controller156may receive timing and trigger signals171(and as shown stored in onboard memory162) from the ground-based show control system170. This system170operates independently of the safety-critical flight controller134of the UAV120but in coordination with the real-time location144(and signals163) of the UAV chassis122. The geographic location144(and location signals163) can be used to actuate show effects by operation of the show effect devices168with control signals164based on pre-programmed conditions (e.g., entering and/or exiting a specific geographic area188) in order to synchronize with the UAV's flight path in real time. Determination by the ground-based show control system170or the onboard show controller156that the UAV120is exiting a bounded geographical area188(e.g., due to factors such as navigational imprecision) may cause the onboard show controller156to generate show control signals164to suppress or modify operations of one or more show effect devices168so as to preserve the overall show appearance (e.g., to turn off or dim a lighting system or to halt operation of a pyrotechnic or projector system when a UAV120exits a show space in space104or exits a predefined operational space for a particular one of the platforms110,190).

In some cases, the onboard show controller156may use vehicle control status information165to enhance the safe operation and recovery of the platform110. This may involve the controller156using the location of nearby participating UAVs and/or entertainment platforms190to inhibit show actions (e.g., operations of show effect devices168) that may pose a hazard (e.g., not activating onboard pyrotechnic effects if too close to another UAV or platform190). In the event of an abnormal condition on the vehicle120such as a mechanical failure sensed by a sensor126, the onboard show controller156may be configured to activate and maximize onboard lighting through operation of one or more of the show effect devices168to enhance visibility of the platform110to ground crew and bystanders during an emergency landing.

The onboard show controller156may have a maintenance safety mode to ensure personnel can test the system/platform110in close proximity without hazardous exposure to show effects from operation of one of the show effect devices (e.g., override the operation of a lighting system to reduce output of ultraviolet/black light, block operation of pyrotechnic system, and so on when in maintenance safety mode). In some embodiments, the onboard show controller156generates the show control signals164to control onboard effects (e.g., lighting systems such as those with LEDs) to indicate status of the UAV120in a discrete manner (e.g., a manner not readily perceived by non-crew observers on the ground102) to maintain show quality. This can aid ground-based crew's situational awareness without being apparent to the audience, and it may be more useful when the cladding112obscures status indicators conventionally provided on an undercarriage or lower portions of a UAV chassis122.

In the same or other embodiments, the onboard show controller156receives location information of nearby participating UAVs190(from the show control system170via communications171or from the UAVs/platforms190via communications192), and the controller156processes this location data to coordinate show effect sequencing to optimize visual presentations via operation of the show effect devices168with show control signals164. For example, the controller156may (in response to processing other UAV location data): (a) reduce, with new control signals164, the brightness of onboard illumination (e.g., overriding a pre-programmed or previously controlled show effect provided by one or more lighting systems/show effect devices168) when another UAV/platform190is in the foreground of the platform110; and/or (b) modify, with control signals164, the timing of pre-programmed effects based on locations of other UAVs/platforms190(e.g., the show controller156may be configured to wait until another UAV/platform190hits its mark before triggering an effect (operation of one of the show effect devices168in a particular manner) even if the other UAV/platform190is behind schedule).

In some implementations of the system100, the onboard show controller156is adapted to utilize real-time UAV vehicle performance parameters165(e.g., velocity, heading, pitch, roll, yaw, and the like) to improve show quality in a real-time and automatic manner. For example, the controller156may (in response to processing the real-time UAV data such as status information165): (a) dim the brightness of onboard illumination if the UAV120is further away from the audience than planned to maintain a sense of relative scale from the audience's perspective; (b) ramp brightness up and down automatically based on parameters like vehicle velocity to increase a sense of realism (e.g., lights168that depict the engine glow of a space ship may be controlled with control signals164to automatically glow brighter when the UAV120accelerates); (c) generate control signals164with an awareness that some lighting systems168onboard the UAV120are designed to shine only on the cladding112(on an inner or outer surface of the covering116, for example) and, in response to such awareness, use the relative orientation of the UAV120to dynamically adjust with control signals164any light168that may become visible to the audience (rather than the cladding112), which would be a distraction and/or a safety consideration.

In some cases, loss of communication links171between the ground show controller/control system170and the onboard show controller156in or on the chassis122(or on or in the cladding112) may be detected by the onboard show controller156. The response by the controller156may be the automatic triggering of alternative show content via operation of one or more of the show effect devices168that is independent of external systems (e.g., other entertainment platforms190, ground-based or other show systems offboard the platform110, and so on). Alternative show content may include turning off certain onboard lights168to create a minimally-acceptable appearance of the platform110or output of its show effect devices164(e.g., to provide a “B” show when an “A” or first show is not practical). In this way (and as discussed above with regard to operation of the onboard show controller156), the platform110is useful for incorporating a second or “B” show (or third/C, fourth/D, or more show) that can be automatically started in emergency or unplanned or non-ideal situations to continue the aerial display or show without interruption.

FIG.2is a side view of one exemplary implementation of a themed aerial vehicle entertainment platform200during its use in an aerial show or display, the entertainment platform200provides one useful embodiment of the platform110ofFIG.1. As shown, the entertainment platform200includes a UAV210that is operable to move the entertainment platform200in three dimensions as shown with arrows211. As discussed above, the UAV210may take a wide variety of forms with the illustrated quadcopter only being one useful but non-limiting example.

The entertainment platform200also includes a thematic cladding220with an outer coating222with an outer form and look that matches or emulates a flying vehicle (e.g., a flying pirate ship as shown) or spaceship, which may correspond with one from animated or live action movies, shows, or other media. The thematic cladding220is configured to receive and enclose (or wrap around) at least a portion of the UAV210so as to hide or disguise its presence in the entertainment platform200, with the cladding220shown to enclose the lower half or more of chassis/body (not shown due to presence of cladding220) of the UAV210so that the UAV210would not be readily visible to observers below the entertainment platform200on the ground. The movements211of the UAV210cause the interconnected or supported thematic cladding220to move through a space with the UAV210and as if the thematic cladding220itself is providing the required propulsion to achieve the flying/movements211.

Further, the entertainment platform200includes an onboard show assembly (e.g., an implementation of assembly150ofFIG.1) that includes, as shown, show effect devices232positioned on (or extending wholly or partially through) the thematic cladding's outer surface222at one end or the rear of the simulated aircraft. The onboard show assembly also includes show effect devices234and236positioned on (or extending wholly or partially through) the thematic cladding's outer surface222at a second end or the front of the simulated aircraft. The show effect devices232may be high brightness lights or lighting systems such as LEDs that are operated to output light233that varies in brightness levels and/or colors in response to show control signals to represent engines or thrusters of the simulated aircraft being operated to accelerate, and their operations may be varied based on or to match timing of acceleration or changes in monitored speeds of movements211provided by the underlying UAV210. The show effect devices234may be lasers outputting streams of light235to simulate firing of futuristic weapons on the simulated aircraft, and the devices234may be selectively operated with show control signals that are generated based on a monitored location of the UAV210as it moves through a space (hits marks at proper times).

FIG.3illustrates a flow diagram of a control method300for operating a themed unmanned aerial vehicle platform (such as platform110ofFIG.1) to provide synchronization of its operations with a show plan in a dynamic manner. The control method300generally will be carried out by an onboard show controller (e.g., control module156inFIG.1) in combination with a UAV flight controller (e.g., flight controller134) and/or a ground-based show control system (such as system170inFIG.1). The method300starts at step305such as with selecting a UAV and thematic cladding (e.g., UAV120and cladding112ofFIG.1) for the UAV to use in a planned aerial show or display. Step305may also include applying the cladding to the UAV such as by coupling the cladding's support frame to the chassis/body of the UAV.

The method300continues at step310with the onboard show controller receiving, and storing in local memory, a show plan that defines multiple show effect scripts along with a flight plan for the UAV. Each show effect script defines timing triggers for show effects in an aerial show to be carried out by the entertainment platform, and the flight plan is configured to place the UAV with its thematic cladding and onboard show effect devices in proper positions in a space above observers (“marks”) to perform the show effects at the predefined triggering times. The show plan includes multiple scripts because it may be useful to dynamically control the show effect devices to better synchronize these devices with UAV performance such as when the UAV varies from the flight plan or is moving slower or faster than predicted so not hitting its marks. At step320, the method300continues with the flight controller of the UAV initiating operations to cause the UAV to follow or perform the flight plan and also with the onboard show controller operating the show effect devices based on a first/main or “A” script for the onboard show system. For example, the “A” script may be the most desired operation of all the show effect devices on an entertainment flight as long as the UAV is able to follow the flight plan and hit its marks in a timely manner (within a predefined time period during the show or display presentation/performance).

The method300continues at step330with the onboard show controller monitoring the UAV's location and other operating parameters or status data for the UAV. As discussed with reference toFIG.1, the onboard show controller may receive operating and/or sensor data from interfaces (e.g., interfaces158inFIG.1) providing a communication channel to the UAV's flight controller, onboard sensors, and/or propulsion mechanisms. This data includes the UAV's current position or location in a show space. At step340, the onboard show controller determines whether a next timing trigger signal has been received (e.g., from a ground-based show control system) or has been reached in the currently selected script (e.g., the “A” script initially). If not time yet for a next show effect, the method300continues with repeating step330.

If timing trigger received/reached, the method300continues at step350with the onboard show controller determining whether the current location of the UAV is within a predefined acceptable range from a predefined location in the space for the show effect corresponding with the trigger signal/timing trigger. If not (such as due to the UAV traveling slower or faster due wind conditions or a delayed launch), the method300continues with the onboard show controller operating to select an alternative script from the multiple scripts/show branches in the show plan stored in step310. In other cases, the onboard show controller is configured to generate an alternative script to perform in real time based on the location of the UAV. In this manner, the onboard show controller provides dynamic synchronizing of the entertainment platform within a show system and/or provides a “B show” contingency as a second or “B” script can be chosen or created at step360rather than simply following the single script even when the UAV is not hitting its marks defined by the flight plan.

At step370, the onboard show controller generates show control signals to operate one or more of the onboard show effect devices to produce one or more show effects defined in the currently selected script at the trigger time and location/mark on the flight path. The method300continues at step380with the onboard show controller determining whether the end of the show or current script has been reached. If yes, the control method300may end at step390. If not, the method300may continue with repeating performance of step330.

In some implementations of the method300, the onboard show controller processes location information for nearby participating UAVs, and the controller processes this location data to coordinate show effect sequencing to optimize visual presentations via operation of the show effect devices with show control signals. For example, the onboard show controller156may (in response to processing other UAV location data): (a) reduce, with new control signals, the brightness of onboard illumination (e.g., overriding a pre-programmed or previously controlled show effect provided by one or more lighting systems/show effect devices) when another UAV/platform is in the foreground of the platform; and/or (b) modify, with show control signals, the timing of pre-programmed effects based on locations of other UAVs/platforms (e.g., the onboard show controller may be configured to wait until another UAV/platform hits its mark before triggering an effect (operation of one of the show effect devices in a particular manner) even if the other UAV/platform is behind schedule).

FIG.4is a flow diagram of a safety-based platform control method400for operating a themed aerial vehicle entertainment platform to ensure safe operation of an entertainment platform of the present description. The method400starts at405such as by ensuring there is a communication interface(s) between the UAV and the onboard show controller to allow flow of vehicle control status and/or operational information (such as from sensors, from the propulsion mechanisms, and/or from the flight controller) from the UAV to the onboard show controller. The method400is shown to have three concurrent operations to provide safe operations of the entertainment platform, and these may be performed concurrently or in the background during performance of the method300ofFIG.3.

The method400includes step410in which safety control parameters and settings may be loaded into its onboard memory for use by the onboard show controller in performing later steps. This data may include minimum distances required between nearby UAVs and the present UAV to operate each show effect device, and the loaded parameters or settings may also provide predefined modifications to show effect device operation upon detection of a nearby UAV such as defining amount of reduction of operations (e.g., for lighting systems), indications of which devices cannot be operated in presence of nearby UAVs (e.g., for pyrotechnic show effect devices), and the like.

The method400proceeds at step414with the onboard show controller monitoring location of the UAV of the entertainment platform and at step420with tracking or determining locations of other UAVs in show or show space such as with communications with a ground-based show control system or communications with other entertainment platforms in the show (which are tracking their own locations and can provide this information to other platforms). Then, at step426, the onboard show controller operates to determine relative positioning of nearby UAVs such as by determining the distance to each neighboring UAV and in what direction they are located relative to the current location of the entertainment platform carrying the onboard show controller.

The method400then involves the onboard show controller determining at step430whether it is time to trigger or send a show control signal to any show effect devices. If not, the method continues at step414. If a trigger signal has been received or a trigger time detected at step430, the method400continues at step432with the onboard show controller operating to determine whether the show effect to be triggered can be performed safely based on the locations of nearby UAVs. If yes (e.g., based on the separating distance exceeding a predefined minimum separation distance for a particular show effect device), the method continues at step434with allowing the show control signals to be generated and/or transmitted. If the spacing is not adequate for this show effect, the onboard show controller operates at step436with modifying the show control signals prior to their transmittal (or non-transmittal) at step434. The modification can simply involve prohibiting activation of a show effect device such as a pyrotechnic show effect device if another UAV is too close. The modification may, instead, mean a reduction in the level of the operation of the show effect device such as illumination with a lighting system at a lower level, such as projecting projectiles with less force, and so on.

The method400also includes step440in which the onboard show controller monitors UAV operations such as through receipt via a mechanical or sensor interface UAV operational status information. At step444, the onboard show controller determines whether an abnormal operating condition has been detected (such as a mechanical failure). If not, the method400continues at step440. If yes, the method400continues at step448with the onboard show controller operating show effect devices to indicate to the ground crew or others the presence of the abnormal operating condition. For example, the controller may respond to detection of a mechanical failure or other operating issue by activating and maximizing all or a portion of the show effect devices that provide lighting to enhance visibility to crew and bystanders during an emergency landing situation. In another example, the abnormal operating condition may be less severe (such as a status involving low battery), and, in such case, the onboard show controller may respond by modifying show effects such as lighting (e.g., LEDs and the like) in a discrete manner that may not be apparent to an audience (such as by changing a particular light's color or illumination level (including turning one or more lights on or off)). This may be useful when conventional lights that could be used for such a purpose are hidden by the thematic cladding.

The method400further includes step450in which the onboard show controller determines whether a maintenance safety mode has been selected to allow maintenance to be safely performed on the entertainment platform. If not, the method400continues at450. If yes, the method400continues with blocking operation of a predefined set of show effects that could possibly be hazardous to maintenance personnel if inadvertently activated such as pyrotechnic show effect devices, ultraviolet lighting devices, and the like. Then, the method400continues at456with the onboard show controller monitoring whether the maintenance has been completed (e.g., maintenance safety mode turned off or deselected via an interface to the onboard show controller). If not, the method400continues with repeating step456. If yes, the method400continues at458with unblocking operations of the previously blocked show effect devices and then with repeating step450.

FIG.5is a flow diagram of a UAV performance-based control method500for onboard show effect devices of an entertainment platform of the present description (such as platform110ofFIG.1or platform200ofFIG.2). As discussed above, an onboard show controller may be configured to utilize real-time UAV vehicle performance parameters to improve show quality in real-time or dynamically in an automated manner (e.g., without operator inputs during a show). The method500starts at step505such as with ensuring that the interfaces are provided between the UAV (or its components such as the propulsion mechanisms or sensors and/or the flight controller) and the onboard show controller (such as interfaces158shown inFIG.1) to allow the onboard show controller to receive performance information for the UAV on an ongoing basis during a show performance. The method500continues at step510with loading control parameters and settings for performance-based control of the show effect devices, and these parameters and settings may indicate performance values for triggering changes in device control and corresponding responses to detected performance values/data.

At step520, the method500involves the onboard show controller operating to monitor/receive UAV performance parameters (e.g., velocity, heading, pitch, roll, and the like) from the operating UAV during a show/display performance. Then, at step530, the onboard show controller compares these UAV performance parameters with control parameters and/or settings loaded in step510to determine whether modification of one or more of the show effect devices is required or indicated. If not, the method500continues at step520with ongoing parameter monitoring. If yes, the onboard show controller may perform one or more of the control functions shown inFIG.5.

Particularly, at step540, the onboard show controller may dim brightness of one or more onboard lighting systems (show effect devices) such as if the UAV is further away from the audience (ground) to maintain a sense of relative scale from the audience's perspective. Alternatively or in addition, the onboard show controller may at step550ramp brightness up and/or down automatically based on performance parameters such as UAV velocity to increase a sense of realism (e.g., provide lights on the cladding's exterior surfaces that depict engine glow (such as devices232inFIG.2) that glows brighter when the UAV accelerates and dimmer when the UAV decelerates).

Also, the onboard show controller may at560adjust lighting systems to reduce an amount of light directed toward the audience by dimming or turning off one or more show effect devices that output light. For example, the onboard show controller may be aware based on per-vehicle configuration input from step510that some lighting onboard the UAV or cladding is used to shine only on the cladding (from the inside or outside of the cladding). It may be desirable to process the relative orientation of the UAV to dynamically adjust one or more lighting devices before or as they become visible to the audience to reduce direct glare into eyes of audience members and then readjust the lighting device back to prior settings when the relative orientation again hides the presence of the lighting devices (e.g., shines light mainly on the cladding surfaces rather than the audience)).

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the combination and arrangement of parts can be resorted to by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as hereinafter claimed.