SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING DISTRIBUTION LOGISTICS AND INCREASING SURVEILLANCE RANGES WITH UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES AND A DOCK NETWORK

• US 20160185466A1
• Filed: 08/05/2015
• Published: 06/30/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Frank Dreano Jr
• Original Assignee: Frank Dreano Jr
• Inventors: Dreano, Frank Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 9,984,347 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 29/141 comprising electronically controlled locking means
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/60 for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 50/34 In-flight charging photovoltaics B64U50/31
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 80/00 Transport or storage specially adapted for UAVs
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 80/25 for recharging batteries; for refuelling
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 80/70 in containers B64U80/60 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/083 Shipping
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0635 Processing of requisition or of purchase orders
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/005 Moving wireless networks

Abstract

A system and method for enhancing distribution logistics and surveillance ranges with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and at least one dock in a dock network. The UAV remains in communication with the dock for enhancing distribution logistics of at least one package and increasing the range of surveillance for the unmanned aerial vehicle. From the dock, the UAV delivers the package to a destination point, obtains the package from a pick up point, recharges the unmanned aerial vehicle throughout the network of docks, and increases the range of distribution and surveillance. A logistics software controls the delivery and surveillance. A wireless communication device enables communication between the UAV and the dock. Light indicators indicate status of the package and the operational status of the UAV. A camera captures an image of the package in the dock. A motion detector detects the UAV for regulating access for loading/unloading and docking.

Claims

1. A system for enhancing distribution logistics and increasing surveillance ranges with an unmanned aerial vehicle and a network of docks, the system comprising:

an unmanned aerial vehicle, the unmanned aerial vehicle defined by a package storage portion and a propulsion portion, the package storage portion configured to store at least one package, the propulsion portion configured to transport the unmanned aerial vehicle for delivering and picking up the at least one package;

at least one dock, the at least one dock configured to store and receive the at least one package and the unmanned aerial vehicle, the at least one dock defined by a housing having a cavity, a door, a unique dock identification, and a positioning system, the door configured to regulate access to the cavity, the unique dock identification configured to help the unmanned aerial vehicle identify an appropriate dock for loading and unloading the package, the positioning system configured to guide the unmanned aerial vehicle to the appropriate dock;

a dock mount, the dock mount configured to mount the housing at a delivery point and/or a pickup point;

a motion detector, the motion detector configured to detect the unmanned aerial vehicle in proximity to the housing, wherein detection of the unmanned aerial vehicle actuates the door of the housing to move between an open positon and a closed position;

a plurality of light indicators, the plurality of light indicators configured to indicate the operational status of the at least one dock, the plurality of light indicators further configured to indicate presence of the at least one package in the housing of the at least one dock;

a camera, the camera configured to capture an image of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the at least one package, wherein the image helps determine the presence of the at least one package in the housing, and the condition of the unmanned aerial vehicle;

a wireless communication device, the wireless communication device configured to enable communication between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the at least one dock; and

a logistical software, the logistical software configured to control and monitor the interaction between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the at least one dock.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is a drone.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle further comprises an onboard power source, the onboard power source includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of:

a rechargeable battery, an accumulator, an electrical battery, a fuel cell, and a fuel tank.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the delivery point and the pickup point include at least one member selected from the group consisting of:

a residential home, a retail store, a commercial warehouses, a governmental building, a central office for a package delivery organization, a warehouse, a fueling depot, and a maintenance garage, or, a land or waterborne vehicle.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the door is configured to hingedly join with the housing.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the propulsion portion of the unmanned aerial vehicle is a rotor and blades.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the package storage portion of the unmanned aerial vehicle includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of:

a chute, a clamp, a magnet, and an adhesive.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the dock mount is a pedestal mount or a wall structure mount or rooftop mount.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one dock is configured to mount in the pickup point and the delivery point.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the positioning system is a global positioning system.

11. The system of claim 1, further including a dock battery, the dock battery configured to receive power form an alternating current and a direct current.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light indicators comprises a red light emitting diode, a yellow light emitting diode, and a green light emitting diode.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the camera is an IP-addressable web camera.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of:

a wireless router, a Wi-Fi tower, Bluetooth protocol, a smart phone, and Internet.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the interaction between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the at least one dock that is monitored by the logistical software includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of:

a sequence of deliveries, a route taken by the unmanned aerial vehicle, permission for the delivery and pickup, a mechanical condition and maintenance of the unmanned aerial vehicle, changes in the delivery route, and weather patterns.

16. The system of claim 1, further including a plurality of remote control range extending devices, the plurality of remote control range extending devices disposed to operatively connect with the wireless communication device of the at least one dock, the plurality of remote control range extending devices configured to enable the unmanned aerial vehicle to fly at an extended range for transporting the at least one package.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the positioning system, the wireless communication device, and the plurality of remote control range extending devices are integrated in a motherboard.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a downloadable software application, the downloadable software application configured to receive notification when the unmanned aerial vehicle is proximal to the at least one dock, the downloadable software application further configured to receive notification when the at least one package is present in the housing of the at least one dock.

19. A system for enhancing distribution logistics in commercial transactions with an unmanned aerial vehicle and a network of docks, the system comprising:

an unmanned aerial vehicle, the unmanned aerial vehicle defined by a package storage portion, a surveillance portion, and a propulsion portion, the package storage portion configured to store at least one package, the surveillance portion configured to monitor a predetermined range, the propulsion portion configured to transport the unmanned aerial vehicle for delivering and picking up the at least one package, and for monitoring the predetermined range;

at least one dock, the at least one dock configured to store and receive the at least one package and the unmanned aerial vehicle, the at least one dock defined by a housing having a cavity, a door, a unique dock identification, and a positioning system, the door configured to regulate access to the cavity, the unique dock identification configured to help the unmanned aerial vehicle identify an appropriate dock for loading and unloading the package, the positioning system configured to guide the unmanned aerial vehicle to the appropriate dock;

a dock mount, the dock mount configured to mount the housing at a delivery point and/or a pickup point;

a motion detector, the motion detector configured to detect the unmanned aerial vehicle in proximity to the housing, wherein detection of the unmanned aerial vehicle actuates the door of the housing to move between an open positon and a closed position;

a plurality of light indicators, the plurality of light indicators configured to indicate the operational status of the at least one dock, the plurality of light indicators further configured to indicate presence of the at least one package in the housing of the at least one dock;

a camera, the camera configured to capture an image of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the at least one package, wherein the image helps determine the presence of the at least one package in the housing, and the condition of the unmanned aerial vehicle;

a wireless communication device, the wireless communication device configured to enable communication between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the at least one dock;

a logistical software, the logistical software configured to control and monitor the interaction between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the at least one dock; and

a plurality of remote control range extending devices, the plurality of remote control range extending devices disposed to operatively connect with the wireless communication device of the at least one dock, the plurality of remote control range extending devices configured to enable the unmanned aerial vehicle to fly at an extended range for transporting the at least one package and for monitoring the predetermined range.

20. A method for enhancing distribution logistics and increasing surveillance ranges with an unmanned aerial vehicle and a network of docks, the method comprising:

providing a dock for a recipient, the dock defined by a unique dock identification, the dock configured to receive at least one package from an unmanned aerial vehicle;

registering with a distributor, by a recipient, personal information, financial information, and the unique dock identification for the dock;

selecting, by the recipient, a product to purchase;

packaging, by a distributor, the selected product for delivery to the recipient;

loading the selected product in the unmanned aerial vehicle;

programming the unmanned aerial vehicle with the dock identification provided by the recipient;

notifying the recipient that the product is arriving;

communicating, by the unmanned aerial vehicle and/or the distributor, with the dock to accept the product; and

indicating, by the unmanned aerial vehicle and/or the distributor, that the product is delivered.