Lighter-than-air systems, methods, and kits for obtaining aerial images
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for acquiring one or more aerial images using at least one lighter-than-air system and ground control software, the ground control software stored on a computer readable medium, the method comprising the steps of:
- determining a location to obtain one or more aerial images to be acquired by a first lighter-than-air system, the first lighter-than-air system comprising;
an airship comprising a first balloon and a second balloon, the first balloon having a wall defining a first balloon chamber, the first balloon moveable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration, the second balloon disposed within the first balloon chamber and having a wall defining a second balloon chamber, the second balloon moveable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration;
an instrument case attached to the airship;
a communication device stored within the instrument case, the communication device in communication with a network; and
an observation device stored within the instrument case, the observation device capable of obtaining the one or more aerial images;
inputting the determined location into said ground control software;
introducing a first volume of fluid into the first balloon chamber;
introducing a second volume of fluid into the second balloon chamber; and
launching the first lighter-than-air system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Lighter-than-air systems, methods, and kits for obtaining aerial images are described. For example, various methods for determining planned ascent, drift, and/or descent of a lighter-than-air system are described. In addition, various structural arrangements of lighter-than-air systems for accomplishing planned ascent, drift, and/or descent and obtaining aerial images are described.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for acquiring one or more aerial images using at least one lighter-than-air system and ground control software, the ground control software stored on a computer readable medium, the method comprising the steps of:
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determining a location to obtain one or more aerial images to be acquired by a first lighter-than-air system, the first lighter-than-air system comprising; an airship comprising a first balloon and a second balloon, the first balloon having a wall defining a first balloon chamber, the first balloon moveable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration, the second balloon disposed within the first balloon chamber and having a wall defining a second balloon chamber, the second balloon moveable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration; an instrument case attached to the airship; a communication device stored within the instrument case, the communication device in communication with a network; and an observation device stored within the instrument case, the observation device capable of obtaining the one or more aerial images; inputting the determined location into said ground control software; introducing a first volume of fluid into the first balloon chamber; introducing a second volume of fluid into the second balloon chamber; and launching the first lighter-than-air system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for acquiring one or more aerial images using at least one lighter-than-air system and ground control software, the ground control software stored on a computer readable medium, the method comprising the steps of:
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determining a location to obtain one or more aerial images to be acquired by a first lighter-than-air system, the first lighter-than-air system comprising; an airship comprising a first balloon and a second balloon, the first balloon having a wall defining a first balloon chamber, the first balloon moveable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration, the second balloon disposed within the first balloon chamber and having a wall defining a second balloon chamber, the second balloon moveable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration; an instrument case attached to the airship; a communication device stored within the instrument case, the communication device in communication with a network; an observation device stored within the instrument case, the observation device capable of obtaining the one or more aerial images; and a valve in communication with the second balloon chamber and the communication device, the valve configured to have a first configuration and a second configuration, in the first configuration the valve holds fluid within the second balloon chamber, in the second configuration the valve releases fluid held within the second balloon chamber; inputting the determined location into said ground control software; introducing the first volume of fluid into the first balloon chamber; introducing the second volume of fluid into the second balloon chamber; and launching the first lighter-than-air system. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for acquiring one or more aerial images using at least one lighter-than-air system and ground control software, the ground control software stored on a computer readable medium, the method comprising the steps of:
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determining a location to obtain one or more aerial images to be acquired by a first lighter-than-air system, the first lighter-than-air system comprising; an airship comprising a first balloon and a second balloon, the first balloon having a wall defining a first balloon chamber, the first balloon moveable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration, the second balloon disposed within the first balloon chamber and having a wall defining a second balloon chamber, the second balloon moveable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration; an instrument case attached to the airship; a communication device stored within the instrument case, the communication device in communication with a network; an observation device stored within the instrument case, the observation device capable of obtaining the one or more aerial images; and a valve in communication with the second balloon chamber and the communication device, the valve configured to have a first configuration and a second configuration, in the first configuration the valve holds fluid within the second balloon chamber, in the second configuration the valve releases fluid held within the second balloon chamber; inputting the determined location into said ground control software; introducing the first volume of fluid into the first balloon chamber; introducing the second volume of fluid into the second balloon chamber; launching the first lighter-than-air system; and moving the valve between the first configuration and the second configuration via a signal received from the communication device.
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Specification