Methods for picking up a parcel via an unmanned aerial vehicle
First Claim
1. A method for picking up a parcel via an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the method comprising:
- navigating a UAV to a serviceable point, the UAV comprising;
a UAV chassis;
a parcel carrier coupled to the UAV chassis, the parcel carrier comprising an engagement housing selectively coupled to the UAV chassis, and parcel carrying arms positioned below the engagement housing;
detecting a parcel at the serviceable point with a camera of the UAV;
navigating the UAV to a position over the parcel and reducing power to propulsion members of the UAV to descend the UAV over the parcel;
depressing a ground probe of the parcel carrier;
engaging the parcel carrying arms of the parcel carrier with the parcel; and
navigating the UAV from the serviceable point to a UAV support mechanism.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.
598 Citations
16 Claims
-
1. A method for picking up a parcel via an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the method comprising:
-
navigating a UAV to a serviceable point, the UAV comprising; a UAV chassis; a parcel carrier coupled to the UAV chassis, the parcel carrier comprising an engagement housing selectively coupled to the UAV chassis, and parcel carrying arms positioned below the engagement housing; detecting a parcel at the serviceable point with a camera of the UAV; navigating the UAV to a position over the parcel and reducing power to propulsion members of the UAV to descend the UAV over the parcel; depressing a ground probe of the parcel carrier; engaging the parcel carrying arms of the parcel carrier with the parcel; and navigating the UAV from the serviceable point to a UAV support mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A method for picking up a parcel via an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the method comprising:
-
navigating a UAV to a serviceable point, the UAV comprising; a UAV chassis; a parcel carrier coupled to the UAV chassis, the parcel carrier comprising an engagement housing selectively coupled to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrying mechanism positioned below the engagement housing; landing the UAV at the serviceable point and turning off propulsion members of the UAV; receiving, via a UAV computing entity, a notification that a parcel is engaged with the engagement housing of the parcel carrier; and engaging the propulsion members of the UAV and navigating the UAV from the serviceable point to a UAV support mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
Specification