Apparatus and methods for unmanned aerial vehicle servicing of modular device assembly

• US 10,604,251 B2
• Filed: 09/29/2016
• Issued: 03/31/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 09/29/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: McAfee, LLC
• Original Assignee: McAfee, LLC
• Inventors: Scott-Nash, Mark E., Anderson, Glen J., Smith, Ned M., Cochin, Cedric, Muttik, Igor G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Afzali, Sarang
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hidalgo-Hernandez, Ruth G
• Application Number:
  US15/279,879
• Publication Number:
  US 20180086453A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,279 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 39/024 of the remote controlled vehicle type, i.e. RPV
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/00 UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/30 for imaging, photography or videography
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/60 for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/047 Optimisation of routes or paths, e.g. travelling salesman problem
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06316 Sequencing of tasks or work
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/20 Administration of product repair or maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/0013 with a ground station
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/0021 located in the aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/0069 specially adapted for an unmanned aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6205 Two-part coupling devices held in engagement by a magnet

Abstract

Particular embodiments described herein provide for modular device assemblies and methods for enabling maintenance and servicing, particularly by an unmanned aerial vehicle. A device assembly comprises a plurality of modules, each module having control circuitry, a communications port and contact points to couple the modules. When the modules are coupled, the communications ports are connected to create a bus for communications between the modules. The modular device structure where modules are removable and replaceable allows for an unmanned aerial vehicle to perform maintenance on the device.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a plurality of modules, each module comprising;

a communications port;

a control circuitry; and

one or more contact points configured to couple the plurality of modules;

wherein, when the plurality of modules are coupled via the one or more contact points, the communications port in the each module connect to form a bus for communications between the plurality of modules, wherein the plurality of modules form concentric rings when coupled and the each module is an individual ring within the concentric rings, and wherein the each module of the plurality of modules is individually removable and replaceable by an unmanned aerial vehicle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more contact points are first contact points, and the apparatus further comprises:

a base comprising one or more second contact points for coupling to the one or more first contact points of the plurality of modules.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein one or more modules of the plurality of modules are coupled to the base.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:

an antenna.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more contact points is a magnet.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a sensor, a hardware processor, memory, or a battery disposed on at least one module of the plurality of modules.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a communication circuitry disposed on a module of the plurality of modules configured to transmit a signal indicating a request to perform maintenance on the apparatus.

8. A system for using an unmanned aerial vehicle to perform maintenance on a modular device, the system comprising:

a modular device comprising;

a plurality of modules, each module comprising;

a communications port;

a control circuitry; and

one or more contact points configured to couple the plurality of modules;

wherein, when the plurality of modules are coupled via the one or more contact points, the communications port in the each module connect to form a bus for communications between the plurality of modules; and

a communication circuitry configured to transmit a signal indicating a request to perform maintenance on the modular device; and

an unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to;

receive the request to perform maintenance on the modular device;

acquire a hardware for the modular device;

navigate to the modular device; and

perform maintenance on the hardware of the modular device, wherein performing maintenance on the hardware of the modular device includes removing and replacing an individual module of the plurality of modules.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is further configured to:

navigate a route to monitor for the signal from the modular device indicating the request to perform maintenance.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is further configured to:

authenticate the modular device.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is further configured to:

perform diagnostics on the modular device.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is further configured to:

acquire a software for the modular device; and

perform maintenance on the software of the modular device.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is further configured to:

perform a function for the modular device wherein, by performing the function, the modular device resumes normal function.