CN110832421A

CN110832421A - System and method for controlling an aircraft

Info

Publication number: CN110832421A
Application number: CN201880044001.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S.J.坎迪多; S.S.庞达
Original assignee: Loon LLC
Current assignee: Loon LLC
Priority date: 2017-07-28
Filing date: 2018-07-26
Publication date: 2020-02-21
Also published as: EP3625636A1; CA3068329A1; AU2018306441B2; WO2019023465A1; EP3625636A4; AU2018306441A1; PH12020500154A1; AU2020264351A1

Abstract

Systems, devices, and methods for controlling an aircraft are disclosed. An exemplary method may include: receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft; receiving prevailing wind pattern data regarding wind at an aircraft location and altitude; selecting the course of the aircraft according to the prevailing wind mode data; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft according to the selected heading.

Description

System and method for controlling an aircraft

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to controlling the flight of an aircraft, and more particularly, to systems and methods for planning flight paths of aircraft and updating such flight paths as new data becomes available.

Background

Unmanned aerial vehicles can travel at very high altitudes, including altitudes that are about 20 kilometers above the earth's surface in the stratosphere, which are well above the altitudes of aircraft, wildlife, and weather events. In the stratosphere, the wind is stratified and the velocity and/or direction of the wind may vary from floor to floor. Such wind may be used to move the aircraft, and the direction and/or speed of movement of the aircraft may be controlled based on the wind in the stratosphere layers. However, relying solely on predicted weather data in planning and/or controlling a flight path of an aircraft may be undesirable because the predicted weather data may be locally inaccurate and/or outdated. Improvements to systems and methods for route planning and motion control of aircraft are described below.

Disclosure of Invention

Provided in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is a system for controlling an aircraft. In one aspect of the disclosure, an exemplary system includes an aircraft and a computing device. The computing device includes: a processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the computing device to: receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft; receiving prevailing wind pattern data regarding wind at an aircraft location and altitude; selecting the course of the aircraft according to the prevailing wind mode data; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft according to the selected heading.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to: receiving data indicative of a target of an aircraft; it is determined that the aircraft is within a predetermined distance of the target.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to: a flight path of the aircraft is planned to move toward the target based on the prevailing wind pattern data.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions further cause the computing device to display a flight path on a map.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined distance is a distance at which the heading of the selected aircraft is to uniformly weight the speed of the aircraft and the direction of movement of the aircraft.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to: determining that the aircraft is moving towards the target point; determining that a speed of the aircraft is greater than a threshold; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft to an altitude at which the aircraft will move at a low speed.

In another aspect of the disclosure, wherein the threshold is related to a distance between the location of the aircraft and the target point.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the target point is included in data indicative of a target of the aircraft.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to: determining that the aircraft is not moving toward the target point; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft to an altitude at which the aircraft will move toward the target point.

In another aspect of the disclosure, determining that the aerial vehicle is not moving toward the target point includes: it is determined that the aircraft is moving in a direction that differs from the direction of the selected heading by a predetermined amount.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the system further comprises: a position sensor, wherein data indicative of the position and altitude of the aircraft is received from the position sensor.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the position sensor is coupled to the aerial vehicle.

In another aspect of the disclosure, wherein the aerial vehicle is a balloon.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is received from an external source.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is received from a sensor included in the aircraft.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is based on a combination of data received from an external source and from sensors comprised in the aircraft.

In another aspect of the disclosure, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is based on wind vectors.

In another aspect of the disclosure, wherein the instructions further cause the computing device to display the selected heading on a map.

Provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure are methods for controlling an aircraft. In one aspect of the disclosure, an exemplary method includes receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft; receiving prevailing wind pattern data regarding wind at an aircraft location and altitude; selecting the course of the aircraft according to the prevailing wind mode data; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft according to the selected heading.

Provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing a program for controlling an aircraft. In an aspect of the disclosure, an example program includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a computing device to: receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft; receiving prevailing wind pattern data regarding wind at an aircraft location and altitude; selecting the course of the aircraft according to the prevailing wind mode data; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft according to the selected heading.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an exemplary system includes an aircraft and a computing device. The computing device includes: a processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the computing device to: receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft; receiving data indicative of a destination of the aircraft; determining a vector from the location of the aircraft to the destination of the aircraft; receiving prevailing wind pattern data regarding wind at an aircraft location and altitude; planning a path of the aircraft to move along the vector according to the prevailing wind pattern data; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft based on the prevailing wind pattern data and the planned path.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the aerial vehicle is a balloon.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the prevailing wind pattern data is received from an external source.

In another aspect of the disclosure, prevailing wind pattern data is received from sensors included in an aircraft.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the prevailing wind pattern data is based on a combination of data received from an external source and from sensors included in the aircraft.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to: determining that the aircraft is not moving along the planned path; determining a new altitude for the aircraft; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft to the new altitude.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to: receiving additional prevailing wind pattern data regarding the aircraft location and the wind at the new altitude; and determining that the aircraft is moving along the planned path.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the new height is determined based on a distance between the height and the new height.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the additional data is received from sensors included in the aircraft.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, adjusting the altitude of the aircraft to the new altitude includes increasing the altitude of the aircraft.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, adjusting the altitude of the aircraft to the new altitude includes reducing the altitude of the aircraft.

In another aspect of the disclosure, determining that the aircraft is not moving along the planned path includes: determining that the aircraft is moving in a direction that differs from a direction in the planned path by a predetermined amount.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to: determining a probability that the prevailing wind pattern at the new altitude will cause the aircraft to move towards the destination; and determining that the probability exceeds a threshold.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the probability is based on a time since the further prevailing wind pattern data was received.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the probability is based on data received from an external source.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the prevailing wind mode is based on the speed and direction of the wind.

Provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure are methods for controlling an aircraft. In one aspect of the disclosure, an exemplary method includes receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft; receiving data indicative of a destination of the aircraft; determining a vector from the location of the aircraft to the destination of the aircraft; receiving prevailing wind pattern data regarding wind at an aircraft location and altitude; planning a path of the aircraft to move along the vector according to the prevailing wind pattern data; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft based on the prevailing wind pattern data and the planned path.

Provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing a program for controlling an aircraft. In an aspect of the disclosure, an example program includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a computing device to: receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft; receiving data indicative of a destination of the aircraft; determining a vector from the location of the aircraft to the destination of the aircraft; receiving prevailing wind pattern data regarding wind at an aircraft location and altitude; planning a path of the aircraft to move along the vector according to the prevailing wind pattern data; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft based on the prevailing wind pattern data and the planned path.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an exemplary system includes an aircraft and a computing device. The computing device includes: a processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the computing device to: receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft; receiving data indicative of a destination of the aircraft; receiving prevailing wind pattern data regarding wind at an aircraft location and altitude; determining that the aircraft is within a predetermined distance of the destination; determining a speed at which the aircraft is moving; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft based on the prevailing wind pattern data and the determined speed.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the system further comprises: a position sensor, wherein data relating to the position and altitude of the aircraft is received from the position sensor

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the system further comprises: a monitoring sensor, wherein the speed at which the aircraft is moving is determined based on data received from the monitoring sensor.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the aerial vehicle is a balloon.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to: determining that a speed at which the aircraft is moving is greater than a first threshold; determining a new altitude for the aircraft; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft to the new altitude.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the first threshold is related to a distance between the location of the aircraft and the destination.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to: determining a probability that the prevailing wind pattern at the new altitude will cause the aircraft to move at a low speed; and determining that the probability exceeds a second threshold.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the probability is based on a time since the last reception of the prevailing wind pattern related data at the second altitude.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to: receiving additional prevailing wind pattern data regarding wind at a new altitude of the aircraft; determining that the aircraft is not moving toward the destination; determining a third altitude of the aircraft; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft to a third altitude.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, determining the third altitude of the aircraft includes: determining a probability that the prevailing wind pattern at the third altitude will cause the aircraft to move toward the destination; and determining that the probability exceeds a third threshold.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the additional prevailing wind pattern data is received from sensors included in the aircraft.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to determine that the aircraft has reached a destination.

Provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure are methods for controlling an aircraft. In one aspect of the disclosure, an exemplary method includes receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft; receiving data indicative of a destination of the aircraft; receiving prevailing wind pattern data regarding wind at an aircraft location and altitude; determining that the aircraft is within a predetermined distance of the destination; determining a speed at which the aircraft is moving; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft based on the prevailing wind pattern data and the determined speed.

Provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing a program for controlling an aircraft. In an aspect of the disclosure, an example program includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a computing device to: receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft; receiving data indicative of a destination of the aircraft; receiving prevailing wind pattern data regarding wind at an aircraft location and altitude; determining that the aircraft is within a predetermined distance of the destination; determining a speed at which the aircraft is moving; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft based on the prevailing wind pattern data and the determined speed.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an exemplary system includes an aircraft and a computing device. The computing device includes: a processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the computing device to: receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft; receiving data indicative of a target of an aircraft; receiving prevailing wind mode data; selecting the course of the aircraft according to the position, altitude, target and prevailing wind mode data; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft according to the selected heading.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to generate a chart based on the prevailing wind mode data, wherein selecting the heading of the aircraft comprises determining a plurality of potential headings of the aircraft based on the chart.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the plurality of potential headings are based on wind vectors at a plurality of altitudes corresponding to the position of the aircraft.

In another aspect of the disclosure, if the aircraft includes an altitude corresponding to a heading for a preset amount of time, each of the plurality of potential headings includes a direction and a distance that the aircraft will move.

In another aspect of the disclosure, selecting the heading of the aircraft further includes determining, for each of a plurality of potential headings, an estimated time that it will take the aircraft to reach the target.

In another aspect of the disclosure, selecting the heading of the aerial vehicle further includes selecting a heading from the plurality of potential headings that will move the aerial vehicle toward the target within a minimum amount of time.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to cause the aircraft to adjust the aircraft altitude to correspond to an altitude associated with the selected heading.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to: determining that new prevailing wind pattern data has been received; determining a second plurality of potential headings for the aircraft; determining, for each of a second plurality of potential headings, an estimated time that it would take the aircraft to reach the target; selecting a new heading from the second plurality of potential headings that will move the aerial vehicle toward the target within the minimum amount of time; and causing the aircraft to adjust the aircraft altitude to correspond to the altitude associated with the selected new heading.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to: determining that the aircraft is not moving toward the target; and causing the aerial vehicle to adjust the altitude of the aerial vehicle to an altitude associated with a heading toward which the aerial vehicle will move toward the target.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, determining that the aerial vehicle is not moving toward the target includes determining that the aerial vehicle is moving in a direction that differs from the direction of the selected heading by a predetermined amount.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to: planning a flight path of the aircraft to move toward the target based on the selected heading; and displaying the heading on the map.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the aerial vehicle is a balloon.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the prevailing wind pattern is based on wind vectors.

Provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure are methods for controlling an aircraft. In one aspect of the disclosure, an exemplary method includes receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft; receiving data indicative of a target of an aircraft; receiving prevailing wind mode data; selecting the course of the aircraft according to the position, altitude, target and prevailing wind mode data; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft according to the selected heading.

Provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing a program for controlling an aircraft. In an aspect of the disclosure, an example program includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a computing device to: receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft; receiving data indicative of a target of an aircraft; receiving prevailing wind mode data; selecting the course of the aircraft according to the position, altitude, target and prevailing wind mode data; and causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft according to the selected heading.

Any of the above aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Drawings

Various aspects and features of the disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary system that may be used to control a flight path of an aircraft in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary computing device forming part of the system of FIG. 1;

3A-3D illustrate a flow chart of an exemplary method for controlling a flight path of an aircraft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface that may be displayed by the computing device of FIG. 2, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling a flight path of an aircraft. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to planning a flight path or route for an aircraft based on a prevailing wind pattern and finding an optimal altitude for moving the aircraft along a desired heading and/or at a desired speed based on an uncertainty in the prevailing wind pattern. The optimal altitude may be determined based on weather data received from an external source and/or based on observations made by sensors and/or devices included in and/or coupled to the aircraft. The wind direction may be determined for various headings and altitudes, and the aircraft may be allowed to move in the desired heading for a predetermined amount of time and/or until new prevailing wind mode data is received. After a predetermined amount of time, or if it is determined that the aircraft is not moving along the desired heading or otherwise not meeting the target, the altitude of the aircraft may be adjusted to analyze the prevailing wind patterns at different altitudes in order to determine whether the prevailing wind patterns at different altitudes would cause the aircraft to move along the desired vector. An optimal altitude for the aircraft to move along the desired heading may then be selected again, and the flight path or route of the aircraft may be updated based on the prevailing wind pattern at the selected altitude.

Referring to fig. 1, a schematic diagram of a system 100 for controlling an aircraft is shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 may include an aircraft 110, a controller for the aircraft 120, various sensors 125, and a computing device 150. The aircraft 110 may be any wind-affected aircraft, such as a balloon carrying a payload. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the systems and methods disclosed herein may be similarly applicable to and may be used with a variety of other types of aircraft. Thus, the aircraft 110 may be any aircraft that is affected by wind.

The controller 120 may be a computing device and/or other logic circuitry configured to control the aircraft 110. In one embodiment, the controller 120 may be coupled to the aircraft 110. The controller 120 may include or be coupled to various sensors 125. The sensors 125 may include one or more position sensors, for example, Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors, motion sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, altitude sensors such as altimeters, wind speed and/or direction sensors such as wind vanes and anemometers, temperature sensors such as thermometers, resistive temperature detectors and sound speed sensors, pressure sensors such as barometers and differential pressure sensors, and the like. These examples of sensors are not intended to be limiting, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that the sensors 125 may include other sensors or combinations of sensors in addition to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the sensors 125 are coupled to one or more cables extending from the controller 120, for example, a cable suspended below the controller 120, in order to obtain data at a different altitude than the aircraft 110. The controller 120 may further include or be coupled to an imaging device, such as a downward facing camera and/or a star tracker.

The computing device 150 may be a computing device configured to control the operation of the controller 120 and the aircraft 110. The computing device 150 may be any computing device known to those skilled in the art that may be configured to control and/or plan a flight path of the aircraft 110. For example, the computing device 150 may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a server and terminal configuration, and/or any other computing device known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the computing device 150 and the controller 120 are a single unified device coupled to the aircraft 110. In other embodiments, the computing device 150 may be coupled to the aircraft 110 as a separate device from the controller 120. In still other embodiments, the computing device 150 may be located remotely from the aircraft 110 and may communicate with the controller 120 and/or control the operation of the controller 120 via a network. In one embodiment, the computing device 150 is a data center located on the ground, e.g., at a control facility, and communicates with the controller 120 via a network. As described further below, the system 100, and in particular the computing device 150, may be used to plan a flight path or route for the aircraft 110 based on data regarding prevailing wind patterns to move the aircraft 110 along a desired heading. Various configurations of the system 100 are contemplated, and various steps and/or functions of the processes described below may be shared among the various devices of the system 100 or may be assigned to a particular device, i.e., the computing device 150 and/or the controller 120.

Turning now to fig. 2, a simplified block diagram of a computing device 150 forming part of the system 100 of fig. 1 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The computing device 150 includes a memory 202 that stores a database 240 and an application 280. The application 280 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 204, cause the computing device 150 to perform various steps and/or functions, as described below. The application 280 also includes instructions for generating a Graphical User Interface (GUI) 285. The database 240 may store various algorithms and/or data, including data regarding prevailing wind patterns, past and current locations of the airborne aircraft 110, and/or wind observations detected at such locations, as described below. Memory 202 may include any non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing data and/or software executable by processor 204, and/or any other medium that may be used to store information and that may be accessed by processor 204 to control the operation of computing device 150.

The computing device 150 may further include a display 206, a network interface 208, an input device 210, and/or an output module 212. Display 206 may be any display device through which computing device 150 may output and/or display data, such as via GUI 285. Network interface 208 may be configured to connect to a network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), which may include wiresNetwork, wireless network, Wide Area Network (WAN), wireless mobile network,

One or more of a network, a satellite network, and/or the internet. Input device 210 may be a mouse, keyboard or other handheld controller, touch screen, voice interface, and/or any other device or interface through which a user may interact with computing device 150. The output module 212 may be a bus, port, and/or other interface by which the computing device 150 may connect to and/or output data to other devices and/or peripherals.

Referring to fig. 3A-3D, a flow chart of an exemplary method 300 for controlling an aircraft is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Although the various steps of method 300 are described below in an ordered sequence, those skilled in the art will recognize that some or all of the steps of method 300 may be performed in a different order or sequence, repeated and/or omitted, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Turning now to fig. 3A, the method 300 may begin at step S302, where the computing device 150 receives data regarding the current position and current altitude of the aircraft 110. Data regarding the current location of the aircraft 110 may be received from one or more sensors 125, such as GPS sensors. In some embodiments, the data regarding the current position of the aircraft may be triangulation data received from an external sensor, such as a sensor on the ground or another known location. Data regarding the current location of the aircraft 110 may also be determined or generated based on images, such as satellite images and/or other data sources external to the aircraft 110, or images captured by imaging devices coupled to the aircraft 110, such as a downward facing camera and/or a star tracker. In other embodiments, data regarding the current location of the aircraft 110 may be input by a user, for example, using the input device 210.

Similarly, data regarding the current altitude of the aircraft 110 may be received from one or more sensors 125, such as altimeters, barometers, and/or differential pressure sensors. In some embodiments, data regarding the current altitude of the aircraft 110 may be determined based on the pressure inside the balloon. That is, the altitude of the aircraft 110 may be determined as an altitude or a distance (e.g., an altitude) above another surface, and/or based on a pressure inside or outside the aircraft 110. In another embodiment, the user may input data regarding the current altitude of the aircraft 110, for example, using the input device 210.

Thereafter, or concurrently therewith, at step S304, the computing device 150 receives data regarding the target of the aircraft 110. For example, the target may be a predetermined destination entered by a user, for example, using input device 210. In embodiments, the destination may be a geographic area and/or region (e.g., city, state, country, etc.) or a particular geographic point defined in latitude and longitude. In another example, the target may be an instruction to fly to and/or through a particular area (e.g., across the atlantic, across the rectus turban strait, or across the arglas angle). In further examples, the goal may be to remain as close to a particular geographic point as possible for a maximum amount of time (e.g., determined based on resources on the aircraft 110) to minimize the speed of the aircraft 110 or maximize the flight time of the aircraft 110 while avoiding a particular geographic area. In other examples, the target may be an instruction to move generally in a predetermined direction or heading. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the goals described herein are for exemplary purposes only, and various other goals may also be provided without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, computing device 150 may determine a vector from the current position of aircraft 110 received at step S302 to the target received at step S304.

Next, at step S306, the computing device 150 receives data regarding the prevailing wind pattern. The data regarding the prevailing wind pattern may include the prevailing wind vectors (i.e., wind direction and wind speed) at one or more altitudes. For example, the data regarding the prevailing wind pattern may include prevailing wind vectors at the current location and current altitude of the aircraft 110, and/or prevailing wind vectors at various other altitudes corresponding to the current location of the aircraft 110. In an embodiment, the data regarding the prevailing wind patterns may comprise global data, i.e. the data regarding the prevailing wind patterns may comprise prevailing wind vectors at different locations and/or altitudes around the globe. In some embodiments, data regarding the prevailing wind pattern may be detected by one or more sensors 125 (e.g., a wind vane and/or anemometer) and transmitted to the computing device 150. Additionally or alternatively, data regarding prevailing wind patterns may be received from one or more external data sources: such as weather stations or weather services, examples of which include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the european central weather forecast center (ECMWF). Data regarding prevailing wind patterns may also be received from sensors included in other aircraft, such as aircraft within a predetermined distance from the aircraft 110. In some embodiments, data regarding the prevailing wind pattern may be determined based on, for example, a combination of sources of external sources and/or sensors 125. The prevailing wind mode data may be received continuously or at various intervals during operation of the aircraft 110, and as described further below, the heading and/or flight path of the aircraft 110 may be iteratively adjusted and/or updated in accordance with new or other prevailing wind mode data.

Thereafter, in step S308, the computing device 150 determines a plurality of headings along which the aerial vehicle 110 may move from the current location of the aerial vehicle 110 received in step S302. A plurality of headings may be determined based on the prevailing wind mode data received at step S306 and may include vectors along which the aircraft will move at various altitudes. For example, the computing device 150 may determine, based on the prevailing wind vectors at various altitudes, the direction and distance that the aircraft 110 will move if the aircraft 110 maintains a particular altitude for a predetermined amount of time. Thus, differences in wind speed and/or wind direction at different altitudes may result in different possible headings from the same location.

Next, in step S310, the computing device 150 determines, based on each heading, a time required for the aircraft 110 to reach or complete the target received in step S304. The determination may be based on the prevailing wind mode data received at step S306 and the plurality of headings determined at step S308. For example, computing device 150 may generate and analyze a chart of travel times from the current location of aircraft 110 received at step S302 to the target (e.g., destination) received at step S304. As used herein, the term "chart" refers to a map of points indicating projected travel times from the current location of the aircraft 110 to a target based on the current prevailing wind patterns at various altitudes. For example, travel time may be measured in days, hours, minutes, and/or any other relevant metric. Based on the analysis of the chart, the computing device 150 may determine a predicted travel time for the aircraft 110 to reach the target for each of the plurality of headings determined at step S308.

Then, in step S312, the computing device 150 selects an optimal heading. For example, as determined at step S310, the computing device 150 may select a heading that will move the aircraft 110 toward the target in the shortest time. In other examples, when selecting the optimal heading, the computing device 150 may weigh the speed of the aircraft 110, the direction of movement of the aircraft 110, and/or the distance from the target received at step S304. In some examples, the prevailing wind pattern at the current location of the aircraft 110 may result in the heading having the shortest travel time to the target being a heading that is not the most direct route.

The computing device 150 may also determine or plan a flight path from the current location of the aircraft 110 received at step S302 to the target received at step S304 based on the prevailing wind mode data received at step S306, the chart generated at step S310, and/or the heading selected at step S312. The flight path may be a projected route that the aircraft 110 will travel from the current location to the target based on the wind speed and the direction along the projected route. In an embodiment, the flight path is determined based on a fastest route (determined based on prevailing wind patterns) from the current location to the target. In other embodiments, the flight path is determined based on the most direct route and/or vector from the current location to the target. In further embodiments, the flight route is determined based on one or more waypoints along the user-defined route. For example, the flight path may include: one or more headings along which the aircraft 110 should move for various portions of the projected route; and/or one or more altitudes to which the aircraft 110 should be adjusted at various points along the intended route. The computing device 150 may then cause a display device, such as the display 206, to display a graphical user interface, such as the GUI 285, showing the selected heading and/or flight path, as shown in fig. 4 (described below). The user may then view the selected heading and/or flight path, and may provide input to the computing device 150 to adjust and/or accept the selected heading and/or flight path.

Next, in step S314, the computing device 150 may cause the aircraft 110 to adjust its altitude to an altitude corresponding to the heading selected in step S312. In an embodiment, the computing device 150 may send a signal or data packet to the controller 120 that includes an altitude corresponding to the selected heading, after which the controller 120 causes the aircraft 110 to adjust its altitude based on the flight path planned at step S312. In further embodiments, the computing device 150 may send a signal or data packet to the controller 120 that includes an altitude corresponding to a desired speed, after which the controller 120 causes the aircraft 110 to adjust its altitude based on the speed at which the aircraft 110 is moving and/or the desired speed at which the aircraft 110 should move. For example, if the heading selected at step S312 corresponds to an altitude that is lower than the current altitude of the aircraft 110 (as received at step S302), the computing device 150 causes the aircraft 110 to decrease its altitude. Likewise, if the heading selected at step S312 corresponds to an altitude that is higher than the current altitude of the aircraft 110 (as received at step S302), the computing device 150 causes the aircraft 110 to increase its altitude. In the event that the current altitude of the aircraft 110 (as received in step S302) is the same as the altitude corresponding to the heading selected in step S312, the computing device 150 does not cause the aircraft 110 to adjust its altitude in step S314.

Thereafter, at step S316, the computing device 150 determines whether new prevailing wind pattern data has been received. The computing device 150 may further determine whether a new chart has been generated based on the new prevailing wind pattern data. If the computing device 150 determines that new prevailing wind pattern data has been received, the process returns to step S308, where the computing device 150 again determines a plurality of headings in which the aerial vehicle 110 may be moved based on the new wind pattern data. Alternatively, if the computing device 150 determines that new prevailing wind pattern data has not been received, the process proceeds to step S318.

In step S318, the computing device 150 determines whether the aircraft 110 is within a predetermined distance of the target. Depending on the type of object, different distances may define a boundary or threshold around the object. For example, the boundary may be defined as a distance at which the speed of the aircraft 110 is uniformly weighted according to the direction of movement of the aircraft 110 when selecting an optimal heading for the aircraft. That is, when the aircraft 110 is a predetermined distance or more from the target received in step S302, the computing device 150 weights the moving direction of the aircraft more than the velocity of the aircraft 110 when selecting the optimal heading of the aircraft. Likewise, when the aircraft 110 is less than the predetermined distance from the target received in step S302, the computing device 150 weights the speed of the aircraft 110 more than the moving direction of the aircraft 110 when selecting the optimal heading for the aircraft 110. The predetermined distance may be based on input received from a user and/or prevailing wind pattern data. For example, in some embodiments, the predetermined distance may be based on coordination of multiple aircraft 110, such as fleet management. If the computing device 150 determines that the aircraft 110 is within the predetermined distance of the target, the process proceeds to step S330. Alternatively, if the computing device 150 determines that the aircraft 110 is not within the predetermined distance of the target, the process proceeds to step S320.

In step S320, the computing device determines whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. The predetermined amount of time may be measured based on the time since the heading of the aircraft 110 was selected, the time since new prevailing wind pattern data was last received, the time since a new chart was last generated, and/or the amount of time since the altitude of the aircraft 110 was last adjusted. For example, the predetermined amount of time may be an amount of time that the prevailing wind pattern data is expected to be accurate, and/or an amount of time based on the plurality of headings determined in step S308. If the computing device 150 determines that the predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S350. Alternatively, if the computing device 150 determines that the predetermined amount of time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S322.

In step S322, the computing device 150 determines whether the aircraft 110 is moving along the heading selected in step S312. Alternatively or additionally, the computing device 150 may determine whether the aircraft 110 is moving along the flight path determined at step S312. For example, the computing device 150 may receive and process additional data regarding the updated location of the aircraft 110. The computing device 150 may then determine whether the aircraft 110 is moving along the heading selected at step S312, the flight path determined at step S312, and/or meeting the target received at step S304 based on the updated location of the aircraft 110. In an embodiment, determining whether the aircraft 110 is moving along the heading selected in step S312 and/or the flight path determined in step S312 may include determining whether the direction in which the aircraft 110 is moving differs from the selected heading and/or flight path by more than a predetermined amount. In further embodiments, determining whether the aircraft 110 is moving along the heading selected in step S312 and/or the flight path determined in step S312 may include determining whether the direction in which the aircraft 110 is moving is within a threshold or range of the heading selected in step S312 and/or the flight route determined in step S312. For example, the computing device 150 may determine whether the direction in which the aircraft 110 is moving is within a predetermined number of degrees of the heading selected at step S312 and/or the flight path determined at step S312. In still other embodiments, determining whether the aircraft 110 satisfies the target received at step S304 may include determining a distance between the updated location of the aircraft 110 and a particular point, geographic location, and/or any other relevant metric that may be used to assess whether the movement of the aircraft 110 satisfies the target. If it is determined that the aircraft 110 is not moving along the selected heading or flight path and/or does not meet the target, the process proceeds to step S350. Alternatively, if it is determined that the aircraft 110 is moving along the selected heading or flight path, the process returns to step S316, where the computing device 150 again determines whether new prevailing wind mode data has been received.

Turning now to fig. 3B, at step S330, the computing device 150 determines whether the aircraft 110 is moving toward the target point. Alternatively or additionally, the computing device 150 may determine whether the aircraft 110 is moving along the flight path determined at step S312. For example, the target point may be a particular point defined in latitude and longitude within a boundary around the target. In an embodiment, the target point is a center point around which a boundary is defined. The computing device 150 may determine whether the aircraft 110 is moving toward the target point based on the direction the aircraft is moving. For example, the computing device 150 may determine whether the direction in which the aircraft is currently moving intersects the target point. If the computing device 150 determines that the aircraft is not moving toward the target point, the process proceeds to step S350. Alternatively, if the computing device 150 determines that the aircraft 110 is moving toward the target point, the process proceeds to step S332.

At step S332, the computing device 150 determines the speed at which the aircraft 110 is moving. The velocity may be determined based on one or more sensors 125 (e.g., accelerometers) and/or based on prevailing wind pattern data. Thereafter, at step S334, the computing device 150 determines whether the speed at which the aircraft 110 is moving is greater than a threshold value. For example, the threshold value may be calculated based on and/or associated with the distance between the aircraft 110 and the target point. That is, as the distance between the aircraft 110 and the target point becomes smaller, the threshold value decreases. If the computing device 150 determines that the speed at which the aircraft 110 is moving is greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S370. Alternatively, if the computing device 150 determines that the speed at which the aircraft 110 is moving is not greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S336.

At step S336, the computing device 150 determines whether the aircraft 110 has reached a target point. For example, the computing device 150 may determine that the aircraft 110 has reached the target point based on data received from the one or more sensors 125 regarding the updated location of the aircraft 110. If the computing device 150 determines that the aircraft 110 has not reached the target point, the process returns to step S330. Optionally, the computing device 150 determines that the aircraft 110 has reached the target point and the process ends.

Turning now to fig. 3C, at step S350, the computing device 150 determines a new altitude for the aircraft 110. For example, the computing device 150 may receive and process additional data regarding the prevailing wind patterns at other altitudes at the current location of the aircraft 110 to determine a new altitude for the aircraft 110. Additionally or alternatively, the determination may be based on one or more models of wind vectors at various altitudes. The determination may be further based on a distance between the current altitude and the new altitude of the aircraft 110. For example, an altitude closer to the current altitude of the aircraft 110 may be preferred over an altitude a greater distance from the current altitude of the aircraft 110. In an embodiment, determining a new altitude for the aircraft 110 may take into account the energy to adjust the altitude of the aircraft 110. For example, adjusting the altitude of the aircraft 110 to a higher altitude consumes more energy than adjusting to a lower altitude, so a lower altitude that is potentially advantageous may be preferred over a higher altitude. In addition, height adjustment may be disadvantageous for smaller adjustments where possible, for example to save energy and/or limit mechanical wear.

Thereafter, at step S352, the computing device 150 determines a probability that the prevailing wind pattern at the new altitude will move the aircraft 110 toward the target and/or target point received at step S304. In an embodiment, the computing device 150 may determine the probability based on whether the prevailing wind pattern at the new altitude will move the aircraft 110 in a direction that is less than a predetermined amount from the flight path determined at step S312. For example, the computing device 150 may further process the additional prevailing wind pattern data received at step S350 to determine the probability. For example, the computing device 150 may compare the data received from the sensors 125 to the data received from the external sources to determine the local accuracy of the data received from the external sources to determine the probability that the prevailing wind pattern at the new altitude will move the aircraft 110 toward the target. Additionally or alternatively, the determination may be based on one or more models of wind vectors at various altitudes. The probability may be further based on the time since the last receipt of data regarding the prevailing wind pattern at the new altitude. For example, a longer time since the last time data regarding the prevailing wind pattern at a new altitude was received may indicate a greater chance that the prevailing wind pattern may have changed, and thus may result in a higher probability. Alternatively, a shorter time since the last time data about the prevailing wind pattern at a new altitude was received may indicate a smaller chance that the prevailing wind pattern has changed and may result in a lower probability. The probability may also be based on the distance between the new altitude and the current altitude of the aircraft 110 and/or the altitude at which the prevailing wind pattern data is available.

Thereafter, in step S354, the computing device 150 determines whether the probability is greater than a threshold. If the computing device 150 determines that the probability is not greater than the threshold, the process returns to step S350 where another new height is determined in step S350. Alternatively, if the computing device 150 determines that the probability is greater than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S356.

In step S356, the altitude of the aircraft 110 is adjusted to the new altitude determined in step S350. For example, the computing device 150 may cause the controller 120 to change the altitude of the aircraft 110 to a new altitude. If the new altitude is higher than the current altitude of the aircraft 110, the altitude of the aircraft 110 may be increased. Alternatively, the altitude of the aircraft 110 may be reduced if the new altitude is lower than the current altitude of the aircraft 110.

Thereafter, in step S358, the computing device 150 receives additional prevailing wind pattern data at the new altitude of the aircraft 110. For example, additional prevailing wind pattern data may be collected by one or more sensors 125 and/or received from one or more sensors 125. Then, at step S360, the computing device 150 determines whether the aircraft 110 is within a predetermined distance or boundary of the target, as determined at step S318 (as described above). If the computing device 150 determines that the aircraft 110 is within the predetermined distance of the target, the process returns to step S330. Alternatively, if the computing device 150 determines that the aircraft 110 is not within the predetermined distance of the target, the process returns to step S316.

Turning now to fig. 3D, at step S370, the computing device 150 determines a new altitude for the aircraft 110. For example, the computing device 150 may receive and process additional data regarding the prevailing wind patterns at other altitudes at the current location of the aircraft 110 to determine a new altitude for the aircraft 110. Additionally or alternatively, the determination may be based on one or more models of wind vectors at various altitudes. The determination may be further based on a distance between the current altitude and the new altitude of the aircraft 110. For example, an altitude that is closer to the current altitude of the aircraft 110 is more likely than an altitude that is a greater distance from the current altitude of the aircraft 110.

Thereafter, in step S372, the computing device 150 determines a probability that the prevailing wind pattern at the new altitude will move the aircraft 110 at a lower speed. For example, the computing device 150 may further process the additional prevailing wind pattern data received at step S350 to determine the probability. Additionally or alternatively, the determination may be based on one or more models of wind vectors at various altitudes. The probability may be further based on the time since the last receipt of data regarding the prevailing wind pattern at the new altitude. For example, a longer time since the last time data regarding the prevailing wind pattern at a new altitude was received may indicate a greater chance that the prevailing wind pattern may have changed, and thus may result in a higher probability. Alternatively, a shorter time since the last time data about the prevailing wind pattern at a new altitude was received may indicate a smaller chance that the prevailing wind pattern has changed and may result in a lower probability.

Thereafter, in step S374, the computing device 150 determines whether the probability is greater than a threshold. If the computing device 150 determines that the probability is not greater than the threshold, the process returns to step S370, where another new height is determined in step S370. Alternatively, if the computing device 150 determines that the probability is greater than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S376.

In step S376, the altitude of the aircraft 110 is adjusted to the new altitude determined in step S370. For example, the computing device 150 may cause the controller 120 to change the altitude of the aircraft 110 to a new altitude. If the new altitude is higher than the current altitude of the aircraft 110, the altitude of the aircraft 110 may be increased. Alternatively, the altitude of the aircraft 110 may be reduced if the new altitude is lower than the current altitude of the aircraft 110.

Thereafter, in step S378, the computing device 150 receives additional prevailing wind pattern data at a new altitude of the aircraft 110. For example, additional prevailing wind pattern data may be collected by and/or received from one or more sensors 125. Then, the process returns to step S330.

Referring to fig. 4, an exemplary Graphical User Interface (GUI)400 is shown that may be displayed by the computing device 150, such as via the display 206, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The GUI400 may include a map showing an indication of the current location 410 of the aircraft 110. The GUI400 may further show an indication of a heading 420 of the aircraft 110 corresponding to the heading selected in step S312. An indication 430 of a path previously traveled by the aircraft 110 and an indication of a planned flight path 440 may also be shown. Additionally, a cone 450 indicating an acceptable range of movement may also be shown. The cone 450 may be centered on the heading 420, and may show a range of directions in which the aircraft may move based on the heading selected at step S312. As described above, the user may view heading 420 and/or planned flight path 440, and may adjust heading 420 and/or flight path 440, for example, by adjusting the width and/or direction of cone 450.

Detailed embodiments of devices, systems incorporating such devices, and methods of using the same are described herein. However, these detailed embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for allowing one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in appropriately detailed structure.

Claims

1. A system for controlling an aircraft, the system comprising:

an aircraft; and

a computing device, comprising:

a processor; and

a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the computing device to:

receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft;

receiving prevailing wind pattern data regarding wind at an aircraft location and altitude;

selecting the course of the aircraft according to the prevailing wind mode data; and

causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft according to the selected heading.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to:

receiving data indicative of a target of an aircraft;

it is determined that the aircraft is within a predetermined distance of the target.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to: a flight path of the aircraft is planned to move toward the target based on the prevailing wind pattern data.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to display a flight path on a map.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the predetermined distance is a distance when the heading of the selected aircraft is a uniformly weighted speed of the aircraft and a direction of movement of the aircraft.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to:

determining that the aircraft is moving towards the target point;

determining that a speed of the aircraft is greater than a threshold; and

causing the aircraft to adjust the altitude of the aircraft to an altitude at which the aircraft will move at a low speed.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein,

the threshold value is related to the distance between the position of the aircraft and the target point.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the target point is included in the data indicative of the target of the aircraft.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to:

determining that the aircraft is not moving toward the target point; and

the aircraft is caused to adjust the altitude of the aircraft to an altitude at which the aircraft will move towards the target point.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein determining that the aerial vehicle is not moving toward the target point comprises: it is determined that the aircraft is moving in a direction that differs from the direction of the selected heading by a predetermined amount.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a position sensor for detecting the position of the object,

wherein data indicative of the position and altitude of the aircraft is received from the position sensors.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the position sensor is coupled to the aerial vehicle.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the aerial vehicle is a balloon.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is received from an external source.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is received from a sensor included in the aircraft.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is based on a combination of data received from an external source and from sensors included in the aircraft.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is based on wind vectors.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the computing device to display the selected heading on a map.

19. A method for controlling an aircraft, the method comprising:

receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft;

20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for controlling an aircraft, the program comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a computing device to:

receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft;

21. A system for controlling an aircraft, the system comprising:

an aircraft; and

a computing device, comprising:

a processor; and

receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft;

receiving data indicative of a destination of the aircraft;

determining a vector from the location of the aircraft to the destination of the aircraft;

planning a path of the aircraft to move along the vector according to the prevailing wind pattern data; and

and enabling the aircraft to adjust the height of the aircraft according to the prevailing wind mode data and the planned path.

22. The system of claim 21, further comprising:

a position sensor for detecting the position of the object,

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the position sensor is coupled to the aerial vehicle.

24. The system of claim 21, wherein the aerial vehicle is a balloon.

25. The system of claim 21, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is received from an external source.

26. The system of claim 21, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is received from a sensor included in the aircraft.

27. The system of claim 21, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is based on a combination of data received from an external source and from sensors included in the aircraft.

28. The system of claim 21, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to:

determining that the aircraft is not moving along the planned path;

determining a new altitude for the aircraft; and

causing the aircraft to adjust the height of the aircraft to a new height.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to:

receiving additional prevailing wind pattern data regarding the aircraft location and the wind at the new altitude; and

it is determined that the aircraft is moving along the planned path.

30. The system of claim 28, wherein the new height is determined based on a distance between the height and the new height.

31. The system of claim 29, wherein the additional data is received from sensors included in the aircraft.

32. The system of claim 28, wherein adjusting the altitude of the aerial vehicle to the new altitude comprises increasing the altitude of the aerial vehicle.

33. The system of claim 28, wherein adjusting the altitude of the aircraft to the new altitude comprises reducing the altitude of the aircraft.

34. The system of claim 28, wherein determining that the aerial vehicle is not moving along the planned path comprises: determining that the aircraft is moving in a direction that differs from a direction in the planned path by a predetermined amount.

35. The system of claim 28, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to:

determining a probability that the prevailing wind pattern at the new altitude will cause the aircraft to move towards the destination; and

determining that the probability exceeds a threshold.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the probability is based on a time since the additional prevailing wind pattern data was received.

37. The system of claim 35, wherein the probability is based on data received from an external source.

38. The system of claim 21, wherein the prevailing wind pattern is based on a speed and direction of the wind.

39. A method for controlling an aircraft, the method comprising:

receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft;

receiving data indicative of a destination of the aircraft;

40. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for controlling an aircraft, the program comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a computing device to:

receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft;

receiving data indicative of a destination of the aircraft;

41. A system for controlling an aircraft, the system comprising:

an aircraft; and

a computing device, comprising:

a processor; and

receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft;

receiving data indicative of a destination of the aircraft;

determining that the aircraft is within a predetermined distance of the destination;

determining a speed at which the aircraft is moving; and

the aircraft is caused to adjust the altitude of the aircraft based on the prevailing wind pattern data and the determined speed.

42. The system of claim 41, further comprising:

a position sensor for detecting the position of the object,

wherein data regarding the position and altitude of the aircraft is received from the position sensors.

43. The system of claim 41, further comprising:

the monitoring of the sensors is carried out by monitoring,

wherein the speed at which the aircraft is moving is determined based on data received from the monitoring sensors.

44. The system of claim 41, wherein the aerial vehicle is a balloon.

45. The system of claim 41, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is received from an external source.

46. The system of claim 41, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is received from a sensor included in the aircraft.

47. The system of claim 41, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is based on a combination of data received from an external source and from sensors included in the aircraft.

48. The system of claim 41, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to:

determining that a speed at which the aircraft is moving is greater than a first threshold;

determining a new altitude for the aircraft; and

causing the aircraft to adjust the height of the aircraft to a new height.

49. The system of claim 48, wherein the new height is determined based on a distance between the height and the new height.

50. The system of claim 48, wherein the first threshold is related to a distance between the location of the aircraft and the destination.

51. The system of claim 48, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to:

determining a probability that the prevailing wind pattern at the new altitude will cause the aircraft to move at a low speed; and

determining that the probability exceeds a second threshold.

52. The system of claim 51, wherein the probability is based on a time since the prevailing wind pattern related data at the second altitude was last received.

53. The system of claim 51, wherein the probability is based on data received from an external source.

54. The system of claim 48, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to:

receiving additional prevailing wind pattern data regarding wind at a new altitude of the aircraft;

determining that the aircraft is not moving toward the destination;

determining a third altitude of the aircraft; and

causing the aircraft to adjust the height of the aircraft to a third height.

55. The system of claim 54, wherein determining a third height of the aircraft comprises:

determining a probability that the prevailing wind pattern at the third altitude will cause the aircraft to move toward the destination; and

determining that the probability exceeds a third threshold.

56. The system of claim 54, wherein the additional prevailing wind pattern data is received from sensors included in the aircraft.

57. The system of claim 41, wherein the prevailing wind pattern is based on a speed and direction of the wind.

58. The system of claim 41, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to determine that an aircraft has reached a destination.

59. A method for controlling an aircraft, the method comprising:

receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft;

receiving data indicative of a destination of the aircraft;

determining a speed at which the aircraft is moving; and

60. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for controlling an aircraft, the program comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a computing device to:

receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft;

receiving data indicative of a destination of the aircraft;

determining a speed at which the aircraft is moving; and

61. A system for controlling an aircraft, the system comprising:

an aircraft; and

a computing device, comprising:

a processor; and

receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft;

receiving data indicative of a target of an aircraft;

receiving prevailing wind mode data;

selecting the course of the aircraft according to the position, altitude, target and prevailing wind mode data; and

62. The system of claim 61, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to generate a chart based on prevailing wind pattern data,

wherein selecting the heading of the aircraft includes determining a plurality of potential headings of the aircraft based on the chart.

63. The system of claim 62, wherein the plurality of potential headings are based on wind vectors at a plurality of altitudes corresponding to the position of the aircraft.

64. The system of claim 62, wherein each of the plurality of potential headings includes a direction and a distance that the aircraft will move if the aircraft includes an altitude corresponding to a heading for a preset amount of time.

65. The system of claim 62, wherein selecting the heading of the aerial vehicle further comprises determining, for each of a plurality of potential headings, an estimated time that it will take the aerial vehicle to reach the target.

66. The system of claim 65, wherein selecting the heading of the aerial vehicle further comprises selecting a heading from the plurality of potential headings that will move the aerial vehicle toward the target within a minimum amount of time.

67. The system of claim 61, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to cause the aerial vehicle to adjust the aircraft altitude to correspond to the altitude associated with the selected heading.

68. The system of claim 61, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to:

determining that new prevailing wind pattern data has been received;

determining a second plurality of potential headings for the aircraft;

determining, for each of a second plurality of potential headings, an estimated time that it would take the aircraft to reach the target;

selecting a new heading from the second plurality of potential headings that will move the aerial vehicle toward the target within the minimum amount of time; and

causing the aircraft to adjust the aircraft altitude to correspond to the altitude associated with the selected new heading.

69. The system of claim 61, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to:

determining that the aircraft is not moving toward the target; and

the aircraft is caused to adjust the altitude of the aircraft to an altitude associated with a heading at which the aircraft will move toward the target.

70. The system of claim 69, wherein determining that the aerial vehicle is not moving toward the target comprises determining that the aerial vehicle is moving in a direction that differs from the direction of the selected heading by a predetermined amount.

71. The system of claim 61, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the computing device to:

planning a flight path of the aircraft to move toward the target based on the selected heading; and

the heading is displayed on the map.

72. The system of claim 61, further comprising:

a position sensor for detecting the position of the object,

73. The system of claim 72, wherein the position sensor is coupled to the aerial vehicle.

74. The system of claim 61, wherein the aerial vehicle is a balloon.

75. The system of claim 61, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is received from an external source.

76. The system of claim 61, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is received from a sensor included in the aircraft.

77. The system of claim 61, wherein the prevailing wind pattern data is based on a combination of data received from an external source and from sensors included in the aircraft.

78. The system of claim 61, wherein the prevailing wind pattern is based on wind vectors.

79. A method for controlling an aircraft, the method comprising:

receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft;

receiving data indicative of a target of an aircraft;

receiving prevailing wind mode data;

80. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for controlling an aircraft, the program comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a computing device to:

receiving data indicative of a position and altitude of an aircraft;

receiving data indicative of a target of an aircraft;

receiving prevailing wind mode data;