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Unmanned aircraft structure evaluation system and method

  • US 10,181,081 B2
  • Filed: 07/30/2018
  • Issued: 01/15/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/10/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A computerized method performed by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising one or more processors, the method comprising:

  • receiving, by the UAV, a flight plan comprising a plurality of flight capture points for a structure of interest having an outline, wherein the plurality of flight capture points each comprise a point having a geospatial reference, a first group of flight capture points adjacent to a first side of the outline, and a second group of flight capture points adjacent to a second side of the outline;

    conducting an evaluation of the structure of interest according to the flight plan, the evaluation comprising;

    directing the UAV to fly the flight path having the plurality of flight capture points, and capture images while the UAV is at the flight capture points, the flight capture points being a distance from an exterior surface of the structure of interest such that the images includes at least a particular level of detail, the UAV having a collision detection and avoidance system, anddetecting an obstruction in the flight path with the collision detection and avoidance system;

    the collision detection and avoidance system steering the aircraft to bypass the obstruction, and aiming the camera at a target capture point on the exterior surface of the structure of interest to capture an image and ensure complete coverage of the structure of interest;

    navigating the UAV to another inspection location of the plurality of inspection locations; and

    navigating the UAV to a landing location.

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