Bystander interaction during delivery from aerial vehicle
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- a retractable delivery system comprising;
(i) a tether coupled to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and configured to selectively secure a payload, and (ii) a retraction system coupled to the tether and operable to lower the payload from the UAV towards ground;
a bystander communication module, wherein the bystander communication module is configured to generate an avoidance cue for bystander perception; and
a control system configured to;
while the UAV hovers over a delivery location, use the retraction system to lower the payload from the UAV towards a ground;
while the payload is being lowered from the UAV, cause the bystander communication module to generate the avoidance cue;
determine that the payload is at or near the ground; and
in response to determining that the payload is at or near the ground, cause the payload to be released from the tether.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that includes a retractable payload delivery system. The payload delivery system can lower a payload to the ground using an assembly that secures the payload during descent and releases the payload upon reaching the ground. The assembly can also include a bystander communication module for generating cues for bystander perception. While the assembly securing the payload is being lowered from the UAV, the bystander communication module can generate an avoidance cue indicating that bystanders should avoid interference with the assembly. The assembly also includes sensors that generate data used, at least in part, to determine when the descending assembly is at or near the ground, at which point the assembly releases the payload. The bystander communication module can then cease the avoidance cue and the UAV can retract the assembly.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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a retractable delivery system comprising;
(i) a tether coupled to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and configured to selectively secure a payload, and (ii) a retraction system coupled to the tether and operable to lower the payload from the UAV towards ground;a bystander communication module, wherein the bystander communication module is configured to generate an avoidance cue for bystander perception; and a control system configured to; while the UAV hovers over a delivery location, use the retraction system to lower the payload from the UAV towards a ground; while the payload is being lowered from the UAV, cause the bystander communication module to generate the avoidance cue; determine that the payload is at or near the ground; and in response to determining that the payload is at or near the ground, cause the payload to be released from the tether. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method comprising:
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while an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hovers over a delivery location, initiating delivery using a retractable delivery system, wherein the retractable delivery system comprises;
(i) a tether coupled to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and configured to selectively secure a payload, (ii) a retraction system coupled to the tether and operable to lower the payload from the UAV towards ground, and (iii) one or more electromechanical components configured to selectively secure the payload and release the payload, and wherein initiating delivery comprises lowering the payload from the UAV toward the ground;while the payload is being lowered from the UAV, causing a bystander communication module to generate an avoidance cue for bystander perception, wherein the bystander communication module is situated on the tether; determining that the payload is at or near the ground; and in response to determining that the payload is at or near the ground, releasing the payload. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification