Autonomous drone based package reception and surveillance system

• US 10,351,261 B1
• Filed: 08/20/2018
• Issued: 07/16/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 03/05/2018
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Carolyn Bryant
• Original Assignee: Carolyn Bryant
• Inventors: Bryant, Carolyn
• Primary Examiner(s): Badawi, Medhat
• Application Number:
  US16/105,936
• Time in Patent Office: 330 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 29/141 comprising electronically controlled locking means
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/007 Helicopter portable landing pads
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/222 for storing aircraft, e.g. in hangars
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/32 for handling freight
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/362 Installations for supplying conditioned air to parked aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 10/13 Flying platforms
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/60 for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/66 for retrieving parcels
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2201/10 autonomous, i.e. by navigating independently from ground or air stations, e.g. by using inertial navigation systems [INS]
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 80/00 Transport or storage specially adapted for UAVs
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/12 specially adapted for electronic shopping systems
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/165 using xyz-picker or multi-dimensional article picking arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/62 in which the articles are stored in compartments in fixed receptacles
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/001 Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/002 Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines

Abstract

A system and method for autonomous drone-based package reception and surveillance of the present invention. In accordance with the inventive method, an at least partially enclosed chute is provided with dimensions sufficient to receive packages. A platform is mounted within the chute to receiving the packages. A mechanism is provided to move the platform from a first position within the chute to receive the packages to a second position within the chute to deliver the packages. In the best mode, the platform is a second drone. Multiple drones, equipped with wireless transceivers, cameras, lasers, lights, detectors and even weapons are networked to provide perimeter security. The chute includes a door secured with a wireless latch activated by a system controller. One or more identification symbols, such as QR codes, bar codes, symbols etc. are provided on the door to be read by the airborne delivery vehicle. Nodes are included for charging the airborne delivery vehicle and the site-based drones as well. The deployment of the nodes within the chute is controlled by the site-based drones. An optional scale is provided in the platform for weighing package upon delivery. The system is adapted for operation via a smartphone.

Claims

1. A system for autonomously receiving packages via a first drone, the system comprising:

a chute mounted to receive packages directly from said first drone,

a second drone mounted within the chute for receiving the packages from the first drone, and

moving the packages from a first position to a second position within the chute, said second drone having a housing that provides a platform for receiving the packages on an upper surface of said receiving drone; and

a mechanism for securing said package to said housing, said mechanism including an electromagnetic pad mounted on said upper surface of the housing to secure the packages against slippage during transport.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the chute includes a door.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the door is secured with a wireless latch.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the system includes a controller operationally coupled to the latch.

5. The system of claim 2 wherein the system includes an arrangement for charging the airborne delivery vehicle.

6. The system of claim 2 wherein the system includes a scale for weighing a package delivered by the airborne delivery vehicle.

7. The system of claim 2 wherein the system has one or more identification symbols readable by the airborne delivery vehicle.

8. The system of claim 2 wherein the system is adapted to respond to a user via voice recognition.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the chute includes nodes for charging a battery on said second drone.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein said second drone includes a wireless transceiver.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein said second drone includes a camera.

12. The system of claim 1 further including multiple drones adapted for housing within the chute.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the drones are equipped with transceivers and processors for connecting the drones in a network.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein at least one of the drones includes a spotlight.

15. The system of claim 13 wherein a first of the drones includes a laser and a second of the drones includes a laser detector.

16. The system of claim 13 wherein at least one of the drones includes a microphone.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein at least one of the drones includes a speaker.

18. The system of claim 13 wherein the system includes networked wireless transceivers mounted on said drones whereby the drones communicate to provide a secure perimeter.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein the perimeter provides a secure dome of aerial drone coverage around the structure.

20. The system of claim 1 further including a laser range finder for providing terminal homing data to the first drone.

21. A system for autonomously receiving a package from a delivery drone, the system including:

a simulated chute,

a receiving drone serving as a platform, for receiving the package directly from the delivery drone and moving the received package within the simulated chute from a first position to a second position, the receiving drone including;

a housing that provides the platform for receiving the packages on an upper surface of said receiving drone; and

a mechanism for securing said package to said housing, said mechanism including an electromagnetic pad mounted on said upper surface of the housing to secure the packages against slippage during transport.

22. A method for autonomously receiving packages via an airborne delivery vehicle, the method including the steps of:

providing an at least partially enclosed chute with dimensions sufficient to receive packages;

providing a platform within the chute for receiving the packages; and

using a mechanism to move the platform from a first position within the chute to receive packages to a second position within the chute to deliver the packages,

wherein the airborne delivery vehicle includes a first drone and the mechanism to move the platform is a second drone having a housing that provides the platform for receiving the packages on an upper surface of said receiving drone; and

a mechanism for securing said package to said housing, said mechanism including an electromagnetic pad mounted on said upper surface of the housing to secure the packages against slippage during transport.