Drone systems for pre-trip inspection and assisted backing
First Claim
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1. A backup system for a wheeled vehicle, comprising:
- a wheeled vehicle comprising a cab;
an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising a camera;
a controller configured to communicate to and from the unmanned aerial vehicle while in flight;
a human machine interface within the cab, wherein the human machine interface is configured to communicate with the controller, andan electronic display device within the cab configured to display visual images sent from the unmanned aerial vehicle while in flight, and the controller is further configured to transmit input signals received via the human machine interface to the unmanned aerial vehicle; and
wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to maneuver autonomously or under driver remote control based on the input signals received from the human machine interface, and wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to send real-time video images while in flight from different viewing angles of a rear of the wheeled vehicle during a period when the wheeled vehicle is operating in reverse.
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Abstract
Embodiments relate to using a UAV for assisting drivers of large wheeled vehicles when backing up in reverse and for conducting pre-trip inspections of the wheeled vehicle prior to driving. The UAV can be a multirotor copter using simultaneous localization and mapping technology to maneuver autonomously. Alternatively, the driver of the wheeled vehicle may use remote control to maneuver the UAV.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A backup system for a wheeled vehicle, comprising:
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a wheeled vehicle comprising a cab; an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising a camera; a controller configured to communicate to and from the unmanned aerial vehicle while in flight; a human machine interface within the cab, wherein the human machine interface is configured to communicate with the controller, and an electronic display device within the cab configured to display visual images sent from the unmanned aerial vehicle while in flight, and the controller is further configured to transmit input signals received via the human machine interface to the unmanned aerial vehicle; and
wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to maneuver autonomously or under driver remote control based on the input signals received from the human machine interface, and wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to send real-time video images while in flight from different viewing angles of a rear of the wheeled vehicle during a period when the wheeled vehicle is operating in reverse. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of backing up a wheeled vehicle, comprising:
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deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle to take flight; maneuvering the unmanned aerial vehicle autonomously or under driver remote control to a rear of the wheeled vehicle; directing a camera onboard the unmanned aerial vehicle to capture images of a rear of the wheeled vehicle; and sending the images from the camera onboard the unmanned aerial vehicle to an electronic display device within a cab of the wheeled vehicle while the wheeled vehicle is operating in reverse. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An inspection system for a wheeled vehicle, comprising:
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a wheeled vehicle comprising a cab; an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising a camera; a controller configured to communicate to and from the unmanned aerial vehicle while in flight; a human machine interface within the cab, wherein the human machine interface is configured to communicate with the controller; and an electronic display device within the cab configured to display visual images sent from the unmanned aerial vehicle while in flight, and the controller is further configured to transmit input signals received via the human machine interface to the unmanned aerial vehicle; and
wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to maneuver autonomously or under driver remote control based on the input signals received from the human machine interface, and wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to send real-time video images while in flight of a plurality of inspection points located on the wheeled vehicle when the wheeled vehicle is in a parked condition, and wherein each inspection point relates to a condition affecting whether the wheeled vehicle is in a drivable condition. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for inspecting a wheeled vehicle prior to driving the wheeled vehicle, comprising:
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deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle to take flight; maneuvering the unmanned aerial vehicle autonomously or under driver remote control to a plurality of inspection points on the wheeled vehicle in sequence; after maneuvering the unmanned aerial vehicle to an inspection point, testing whether the inspection point is operational or not operational; and after testing whether the inspection point is operational or not operational, maneuvering the unmanned aerial vehicle to another inspection point. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification