Methods for delivering a parcel to a restricted access area
First Claim
1. A method for accessing a restricted access area by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the method comprising:
- electronically storing, by a computing entity of the UAV, an access code associated with a restricted access area, wherein (a) the restricted access area is at a serviceable point, (b) a user computing entity at the serviceable point is configured to selectively allow access to the restricted access area in response to receipt of the access code, and (c) the UAV comprises the UAV computing entity;
after navigation of the UAV proximate the restricted access area at the serviceable point, communicating, by the computing entity of the UAV, the access code to the user computing entity, wherein (a) a parcel is selectively coupled to a UAV chassis of the UAV, and (b) the user computing entity allows entry into the restricted access area responsive to receiving the access code; and
after the user computing entity allows entry into the restricted access area, navigating, by the computing entity of the UAV, the UAV into the restricted access area of the serviceable point.
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Abstract
Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.
648 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for accessing a restricted access area by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the method comprising:
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electronically storing, by a computing entity of the UAV, an access code associated with a restricted access area, wherein (a) the restricted access area is at a serviceable point, (b) a user computing entity at the serviceable point is configured to selectively allow access to the restricted access area in response to receipt of the access code, and (c) the UAV comprises the UAV computing entity; after navigation of the UAV proximate the restricted access area at the serviceable point, communicating, by the computing entity of the UAV, the access code to the user computing entity, wherein (a) a parcel is selectively coupled to a UAV chassis of the UAV, and (b) the user computing entity allows entry into the restricted access area responsive to receiving the access code; and after the user computing entity allows entry into the restricted access area, navigating, by the computing entity of the UAV, the UAV into the restricted access area of the serviceable point. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) computing entity comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including program code, the at least one memory and the program code configured to, with the processor, cause the UAV computing entity to at least:
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electronically store an access code associated with a restricted access area, wherein (a) the restricted access area is at a serviceable point, (b) a user computing entity at the serviceable point is configured to selectively allow access to the restricted access area in response to receipt of the access code, and (c) a UAV comprises the UAV computing entity; after navigation of the UAV proximate the restricted access area at the serviceable point, communicate the access code to the user computing entity, wherein (a) a parcel is selectively coupled to a UAV chassis of the UAV, and (b) the user computing entity allows entry into the restricted access area responsive to receiving the access code; and after the user computing entity allows entry into the restricted access area, navigate the UAV into the restricted access area of the serviceable point. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification