WO2018165567A1

WO2018165567A1 - Drone device

Info

Publication number: WO2018165567A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/021778
Authority: WO
Inventors: Moshe MOHADEB
Original assignee: Mohadeb Moshe
Priority date: 2017-03-10
Filing date: 2018-03-09
Publication date: 2018-09-13

Abstract

A system and method are described for providing drones to individuals/businesses with internet access is provided. Individuals/businesses are able to hire a local drone to provide services which would otherwise be impossible. A drone owner is able to sell the use of their drone to customers that require a limited/one-time use of the drone. The drone service may also have a memberships that provide the drones for a specific or unlimited amount of time for a flat fee on a monthly basis. In some embodiments, a customer may request a drone which has the ability to autonomously follow. The drones are requested through an online service which can be in an application or website, similar to existing application based transportation services. The customer rents the function of the drone, an HD aerial camera, without having to learn how to pilot one.

Description

DRONE DEVICE

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No.

62/470,063, filed on March 10, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Field of Invention

[002] The present invention relates to a drone device, and more particularly, to an application-based drone communication service.

Background

[003] Drones, also referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles ("UAV") or unmanned aerial system ("UAS") (hereinafter referred to as either drone, UAV or UAS), are remotely piloted or independently piloted aerial vehicles. Long the stuff of science-fiction wish lists, drones were initially limited to military applications. Over the past few years, drones have moved into the mainstream, and are now capable of limited service for recreational activities, such as flying in line of sight, with or without an attached camera,. Additionally, drones have seen the introduction of capabilities suited for commercial use, whether as couriers for the transport of small packages, a remotely guided video camera, or as an autonomously operated passenger vehicle.

[004] Currently, ridesharing, and associated features such as hailing, tracking, routing, and picking up passengers, is increasingly accomplished via a series of algorithms associated with a mobile application and/or website. This form of transportation is becoming more and more popular, and forms an online transportation network.

[005] Technological advancements provided by ride sharing, have ballooned into an ecosystem for requesting a variety of products and services on demand. The ability to efficiently route services, utilize workers on-demand, and contract vehicles as needed has caused online request to grow at unforeseen rates.

[006] On-demand services utilizing application-based routing has broad possibilities and capabilities beyond that of ride-sharing. Specifically, UAV/drones are often used for a few hours a week, and spend most of the time in storage. It would be desirable, therefore, to provide an on-demand application-based drone sharing network.

[007] It would be further desirable to provide a proprietary rental system to allow users to rent a drone as needed for various services such as aerial photographs or videos.

[008] It would be yet further desirable to provide an on-demand drone system that provides privacy-enabling features and safeguards as part of the services.

[009] It would be yet further desirable to provide a method and system for utilizing a drone completely remotely, at a far-away location, without a need for accessing the drone in person.

[0010] Therefore, apparatus and methods for providing on-demand, remote drone accessibility, while utilizing privacy safeguards, is provided.

Summary and Objects of the Invention

[0011] In accordance with the invention, provided herein is a system and method for facilitating interconnected drones on demand. The system and method may include providing drones to individuals or businesses.

[0012] The drone may include a cargo bay. The cargo bay may include a cover. The cargo bay may be remotely accessed via a drone user. The cargo bay may include an associated lock or one-time use PIN for accessing the cargo bay.

[0013] The drone may include a rotor, motor and any suitable components for flying of a drone. The drone may include a navigation system, as well as a Global Positioning System ("GPS") unit. Control of the navigation may be performed remotely, outside a user's line of sight. In an embodiment, control and navigation of the drone may be performed by inputting coordinates, with the drone then flying autonomously, via LIDAR, sensors, and GPS, to the desired location.

[0014] The drone may include a suite of processors, transmitters, receivers, and memory.

The drone may optionally include a display. The display may be used to display various features and/or data to a receiver of the drone. The drone may further include a communication suite, including a Bluetooth module, WiFi module, NFC module, communication port including a USB port, micro-USB port, USB-C port, parallel port, infrared transceiver port, radiofrequency transceiver port, and any other suitable form of communication. Any or all of these forms of communication may be utilized.

[0015] In accordance with an embodiment, the drone may form a part of a drone communication system. The drone communication system may include a plurality of drones in communication with one another. In an embodiment, the drone communication system may include a plurality of drones in communication with a central server. The central server may be associated with numerous drones, with at least some of the drones located in various and/or remote locations. The central server may be associated with a user interface.

[0016] In an embodiment, the user interface may be used to request a drone, via the central server. The central server may select a drone via various input components, and route the drone from a remote location to a users desired location.

[0017] Thus, a system and method for an on-demand drone communication and access system is provided. The system may allow for a drone to be procured on demand, and provide a plurality of services.

[0018] The system may also allow a user to "rent out" their drone for use by others, for a specified amount of time or for a selected project.

[0019] The system may further provide a drone with autonomous capabilities, and the ability to route itself from one location to another. Finally, the system may allow for a user to hire a drone to photograph or utilize certain functions, without being required to pilot the drone itself.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram of a communications system in accordance with an embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 2 is an illustrative representation of the application communications system in accordance with an embodiment; [0022] FIG. 3 is an illustrative flowchart representation of the customer's ordering and/or selecting of a drone;

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrative flowchart representation of the drone owner's viewpoint when a drone is ordered; and

[0024] FIG. 5 is an illustrative flowchart representation of the system when a drone is ordered.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] An on-demand and autonomous drone system is hereby provided. The drone system may provide an on-demand application-based drone sharing network. The drone sharing network may include a proprietary rental system to allow users to rent a drone as needed for various services such as aerial photographs or videos.

[0026] An exemplary illustration of the system is shown in FIG. 1. As illustrated, FIG. 1 shows various applications communicating with one another. In an embodiment, customer 100, desiring to procure a drone, accesses the drone network via a mobile phone 102, or any other suitable computing device. The request input via the device 102 travels over the network provider 104. Data (such as the request and associated data) travels over the network of network provider 104, and is communicated with central server 106. Central server 106 receives a plurality of requests from a customer.

[0027] In an embodiment, the customer device 102 may be one of a plurality of devices in communication with central server 106. Customer devices 102 may be located at different points around the world. Central server 106 may be located in one or a plurality of locations. Central server 106 may be associated with a software application or website. Customers, utilizing device 102, may access the application or website, and input a request based on one or more variables. Drone owner 108, utilizing a device, may receive the request.

[0028] Drone owner 108 may receive one or more requests from a plurality of customers.

Drone owner 108 may customize their profile, which is associated with central server 106, to receive potential customer inputs based on predefined geographic location, price point, distance involved, or any other suitable variable. For example, drone owner 108 may input a request to receive customers located within the same state (e.g., New Mexico) or country (Spain), customers willing to pay in excess of $1,000, customers where the expected flight time is under 3 hours, customers where expected flight distance is less than 100 miles, or any other suitable variable.

[0029] In accordance with an embodiment, the central server 106 may anonymize both customers and drone owners. Both sides may be anonymized for the entire process, or may be anonymized until a final agreement is reached.

[0030] In an embodiment, the drone owner may pilot the drone as needed/requested.

Alternatively, the drone owner may provide the drone, but the drone may be piloted remotely by the customer, or may be piloted autonomously. In a further example, the drone owner may program the drone with a series of coordinates and requests, such as location and arrival time, and the drone may pilot autonomously.

[0031] In an embodiment, prior to use of the drone, the customer and drone owner may, via central server 106, negotiate with one another. Thus, the system, in providing for rental drones on demand, may facilitate a negotiation and contract portal for renting drones.

[0032] In a first step, the customer may post a drone request on the portal associated with the central server 106. The request may include a plurality of requirements, such as drone specifications, pricing, time availability, cargo capacity, and any other suitable details.

[0033] In a second step, the customer may view pre-populated or automatically-matched drones. For example, a drone owner may have submitted a request to match with all requests in the Mid-Atlantic region over $2,000. The customer may submit a request for a drone in Maryland for under $2,500, and may receive an automatic match with a plurality of drone owners, including the one in the Mid- Atlantic region.

[0034] In a third step, the customer may submit a request for quotes, based on the selected criteria. In a fourth step, the customer may receive a plurality of requests, such as those manually input. For example, in the third step, the system may transmit notifications to a plurality of drone owners. The drone owners may have previously submitted various criteria for which they wish to be contacted for further price quotes, including all submissions over a certain dollar amount or in a certain region. The drone owners may then view the details of the customer's submission, and submit a quote.

[0035] In a fifth step, the customer and drone owner may negotiate terms, including price, distance, cargo weight, and other ancillary features. The customer may request video, still photography, or audio. The customer may also request such details as pictures or video above or below a certain height, or certain quantity. Based on these details, the customer and drone owner may negotiate terms.

[0036] In an embodiment, once an agreement is reached, payment may be submitted by the customer, and held in escrow by the system. Upon satisfactory completion of the project, the escrow may be released to the drone owner. In a further embodiment, no escrow may be utilized, and the funds may flow directly from the customer to the drone owner.

[0037] In accordance with the terms of the request, the drone may be piloted by the drone owner. In an alternative embodiment, the drone owner may relay control of the drone, with a limited set of permissions, to the customer. For example, per a request, the customer may request drone control/access for a predetermined period of time, for example, three days. Using the portal, the drone owner may provide an access key and all necessary permissions to the customer for the given period of the time. The access may be set to expire by the drone owner after three days. Alternatively, via the portal, the portal may set expiration automatically after the negotiated period of time, without input from the drone owner.

[0038] In accordance with this embodiment, the portal, or alternatively, the drone owner, may input a series of restrictions. For example, using a configured set of algorithms, the portal may determine a geofence for use of the drone, and the drone may be prevented from flying outside the geofence. In a further example, based on the customers request for a drone for use in, for example, New York City, the drone owner may submit a geofence that prevents flying the drone more than thirty miles outside the New York City limits. [0039] The drone may include a cargo bay. The cargo bay may include a cover. The cargo bay may be remotely accessed via a drone user. The cargo bay may include an associated lock or one-time use PIN for accessing the cargo bay. The PIN or access code may be relayed to the customer via the portal.

[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates the application and website communication of the system in accordance with the invention. As illustrated, communication requests, such as those originating with a customer, are sent via communication signal to a network provider, using satellite or ethernet 200, to main server 202. Main server, equivalent to central server 106, transmits the signal to a drone owner, who then submits data back to the server. The server transmits the answer back to the network provider, which transmits it to the initial user.

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary process for ordering a drone, from the viewpoint of a customer. At step 300, the customer initiates the drone request. At step 302, the customer accesses the application and/or website, and logs into their registered account. At step 304, their registered account is populated with various preferred or mandatory variables, including cost (preferred and not-to-exceed), preferred locations, drone type/model or accessories (for example, drone with a professional-grade camera or drone with a point-and-shoot), flight path, time of rental period, and any other suitable variables.

[0042] At step 306a, the request is transmitted to the portal. If automatic matches are available, those are provided to the user. In one embodiment, the user may only request automatic matches, and in another embodiment, the user may request provision of automatic matches and manual matches. At step 306b, compatible drone owners are selected, and the request is transmitted to them. The compatible drone owners are determined by matching price range, location, type, or any other suitable variables. Drone owners may be located in any suitable location, and may be selected based on the plurality of factors.

[0043] In one embodiment, selected drone owners may be provided to the customer, and may then be notified that they are a match. Alternatively, selected drone owners may be notified that they are a potential match, and may be provided with an option to submit to the customer. The customer may be notified if there are no matches, and encouraged to submit a second request with different features.

[0044] When one or more drone owners are determined to match the customer specifications, the customer and drone owner enter negotiations and come to an agreement. Once an agreement is reached, a flight path and time period is determined. For example, the drone owner sets a flight path based on a customer request. The drone owner may operate the drone to fly the flight path. Alternatively, the drone may be autonomous, and may fly the flight path on its own. The customer may be provided with a video or camera feed from the drone.

[0045] In an embodiment, the customer may be provided with a series of options to utilize during the drone flight. For example, the customer may be able to select which camera angle to view, where to focus the camera, or request additional features. In a further example, the drone owner may operate the drone with a first-person view, while the customer may be provided with a secondary first-person view. Thus, at step 310, the customer may be able to watch the drone camera feed.

[0046] In an embodiment, the drone may be procured for a specified time period. If the time runs out or at a predetermined period before the time runs out, the customer may be prompted to extend the time period.

[0047] The price for renting the drone may be set based on time period, location, and/or demand. For example, if drones are in high demand in that location, a premium may be charged. Certain services may be charged separately. For example, live video may be provided at a price different than still camera shots. In another example, a recording of the video stream may be provided at an additional cost.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flow process from the drone owner's point of view. At step 400, the drone owner registers the drone and its capabilities, as well as preferences for location, flight time and any other suitable details, onto the portal. The drone owner is provided with a login, such as a user name and password.

[0049] The drone owner may set a scheduled time of availability or unavailability, based on a preset schedule. For example, the drone owner may set the drone to be available every Sunday, and to be unavailable other days. Alternatively, the drone owner may manually indicate availability by toggling on availability. When availability is selected the drone owner may be notified of requests or any potential matches. The drone owner may request to be notified only of matches that meet a predetermined set of criteria, such as location, price, duration, and various services and features, as in step 402. For example, when a customer requests a drone, the drone owner is alerted, and may be prompted to submit a best offer, or alter some details to better tailor their availability to the request.

[0050] At step 404, once prompted with a potential match of a customer, the drone may select the request and learn more details. The drone owner may transmit a request asking questions or confirm any unclear details, as in step 406.

[0051] At step 408, the drone owner may either cancel or decline the offer, if not interested. If interested, at step 410, the drone owner may accept the inquiry, and may negotiate terms.

[0052] After completing the job, the drone owner may be paid at step 412. The amount may be a predetermined set amount, or may be a varied rate tied to flight time, surge pricing, and/or any ancillary services provided. The customer may be provided with an option to rate the drone owner and/or the drone itself.

[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary process once the drone service is accepted by the drone owner. At step 500, the drone request is accepted. The drone owner may pilot the drone to the requested location. Alternatively, the customer may remotely pilot the drone. A flight path may be provided by the drone owner or the customer. Alternatively, the drone may compute a requested flight path, and may autonomously pilot itself to the selected location.

[0054] In one embodiment, the drone request may be a request for a following drone.

That is, the customer may request a drone to follow/tail the customer for a specified activity or period of time, and record video or capture pictures, as illustrated in step 502.

[0055] Upon arrival at the desired destination, the drone performs requested tasks. At this stage, control of the drone may rest with the drone owner. Alternatively, via the portal, the drone owner may indicate that the drone is ready for its task. Access to the drone may be tied into the portal, and upon indication that the task is available, control may be passed to the customer. The customer may then pilot the drone to a specified area, capture pictures, record videos, and personalize any all features at this stage.

[0056] Exemplary services and/or features that may be utilized include aerial photographs or video of a home or building, recording a sports game, capturing an aerial group photograph, or any other suitable task, such as illustrated at step 503.

[0057] Upon completion of the task, at step 506, the drone may be navigated back to its home. At step 508, after service is completed, the customer and drone owner may rate one another based on the experience, and final payment may be made.

[0058] The drone may include a rotor, motor and any suitable components for flying of a drone. The drone may include a navigation system, as well as a Global Positioning System ("GPS") unit. Control of the navigation may be performed remotely, outside a user's line of sight. In an embodiment, control and navigation of the drone may be performed by inputting coordinates, with the drone then flying autonomously, via LIDAR, sensors, and GPS, to the desired location.

[0059] The drone may include a suite of processors, transmitters, receivers, and memory.

[0060] In accordance with an embodiment, the drone may form a part of a drone communication system. The drone communication system may include a plurality of drones in communication with one another. In an embodiment, the drone communication system may include a plurality of drones in communication with a central server. The central server may be associated with numerous drones, with at least some of the drones located in various and/or remote locations. The central server may be associated with a user interface. [0061] In an embodiment, the user interface may be used to request a drone, via the central server. The central server may select a drone via various input components, and route the drone from a remote location to a users desired location.

[0062] Thus, a system and method for an on-demand drone communication and access system is provided. The system may allow for a drone to be procured on demand, and provide a plurality of services.

[0063] The system may also allow a user to "rent out" their drone for use by others, for a specified amount of time or for a selected project.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, flights may be schedule in advance. Using the portal, flights may be scheduled for specified days or hours.

[0065] The portal includes an associated mapping service. Thus, a user may select a specified flight plan in advance, indicating certain landmarks to fly by. The map be programmed and pre-scheduled, with specified hover locations elected. For example,a flight path from Point A to Point B may be selected, with hover requests at Areas C, D and E along the route. In advance, the customer may also input a request to record audio at Point A, video at Point B, and still images at Point C.

[0066] It should be noted that, prior to flight, an estimated or exact cost may be provided to the customer, with an option to extend the time, or a cost estimate for doing so. The exact location of the drone during the flight may be provided and indicated on the portal map.

[0067] In accordance with an embodiment, access to the drone and its various functions is controlled, and provided to the customer only during specified times.

[0068] Photographs, video and audio may be stored on the central server of the portal.

They may be associated with the customers account. The customer may be provided with the option to download the data for use, after the drone has been returned. The customer may allow the data to be shared with the drone owner, but need not do so. The customer may select an option to restrict media access only to the customer. [0069] In one embodiment, drone fleets may reside at a specified location, and may be provided in fleets from fleet owners. The drone may be autonomous, and if available, may immediately commence service.

[0070] In one embodiment, the user interface may receive behavior limitations requests from the drone owner. These behavior limitation requests may relate to drone functionality, degree of drone expression, behavioral scripts, or a toggle between manual and automatic drone movements.

[0071] Drone functionality may include the use of one or more components or combinations of components, including the camera, rotors, lights, GPS, circuits, batteries, charge capacity, shell, or any other technological aspect of a drone that may be featured in personal or recreational versions. Drone functionality may also included behavior that requires components less frequently found in drones, including the ability to pick up and carry objects using claw-type extensions, open or smash windows using hammer-rotation devices or projectiles, repair machinery using various attachments such as a screwdriver, wrench, welding, hammer, or other tools.

[0072] Drone expression may include the extent, spatially or temporally, or frequency, which a given drone functionality is permitted or executed. For example, a drone may be permitted to simulate engine failure at 1000 feet from the ground, thereby providing a display of the mere effect of gravity, but is not permitted to simulate or maintain engine failure at 100 feet from the ground. A drone may be permitted to use a camera for some length of time, but for no more than that length of time.

[0073] Behavioral scripts may include movement and/or functionality patterns. For example, a drone script may include automated near approaches toward a target followed by "last-minute" swerves away from the target, or various flips, spins, or "tricks". Drone scripts may include interaction with other drones - particularly "friendly" or "hostile" behavior, such as simulated or actual attacks, or coordinated movement such as mirroring.

[0074] The toggle between manual and automatic drone movements may permit the drone owner to determine which types of movements or functions are to be handed automatically by the drone, and which may be controlled by the drone renter. [0075] Principally, these behavior limitations may be set in order to secure the safety of pedestrians while providing some degree of control to the drone renter, but also, since certain kinds of behavior may feature more risk to the integrity of the drone itself. For this second reason, the decision whether or not to permit behavior is a monetary determination, and may be purchased at extra cost by the drone renter.

[0076] Behavioral limitations may be set at the initial rental transaction, or may be "updated" based on the observations of the drone owner and his or her increasing or decreasing trust in the drone renter, or the needs of the renter, who may require additional drone behavior.

[0077] The user interface may include a map of one or more drones in a vicinity. The drones may appear as icons selected by the drone owners, or as models that capture the type, make, size, or cost of each drone. These models may be set automatically by the system in order to ensure transparency of drone character from the map-level view. Drone icons may be selected by a prospective drone renter in order to save or view the relevant drone stats, such as average or net cost.

[0078] Using the user interface, multiple drone requests may be submitted by drone renters at a time. In one embodiment, a rental transaction is executed only if a minimum number of requests rent are accepted by drone owners. This permits a prospective drone owner to ensure that the number of drones he requires for a particular event will be available before determining whether or not to participate in the event.

[0079] In one embodiment, in order to encourage drone rental transactions, the system may provide for discounts based on the number of simultaneous, subsequent, or historical drone rentals.

[0080] In an embodiment, the system may require customers to upload one or more identification documents, such as a Federal Aviation Administration ID, a Driver License, or any other suitable document. The system may perform a verification check to determine if the documents are valid. [0081] In a further embodiment, the drone system may be configured to pre-load with its flightpath. If it loses any connection, such as GPS or cellular connectivity, the drone may be configured to stay on course, and continue on its flightpath without any connectivity.

[0082] It should be noted that a customer has the ability to prevent the drone owner from viewing any videos and photos during the rented time period, and the customer may be alerted if the drone owner attempts to capture a screenshot and footage. The customer may be further able to edit the footage within the system.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1) A system comprising:

a drone coupled wirelessly to a remote computer, the drone comprising a wireless receiver, the receiver configured to receive requests from a processor;

the processor coupled to the remote computer and programmed to provide a user interface, the processor programmed to receive, via one or more input devices, a request to view available drones,

wherein the drone is configured to transmit to the computer, via a transmitter, availability of the drone.

2) The system of claim 1, wherein the remote computer is programmed to create a first array of drone users and a second array of drone owners, the second array of drone owners associated with a third array of drone listings.

3) The system of claim 2, wherein the array of drone users are configured to request, via the remote computer the third array of drone listings.

4) The system of claim 3, wherein the first array of drone users input one or more variables, such that the third array of drone listings is narrowed before presentation to the drone users, the narrowed third array including drone listings that satisfy the one or more variables.

5) The system of claim 4, wherein the one or more variables are selected from the group consisting of: preferred location, drone type, accessories, flight distance, rental period, and price.

6) The system of claim 1, wherein a drone user submits a request to rent a drone and a drone owner submits a request to rent out the drone, further comprising:

creating a drone listing;

receiving a request to retrieve a plurality of drone listings matching predetermined criteria;

selecting a matching drone listing;

negotiating terms of the drone rental; and

selecting a flight path.

7) The system of claim 6, wherein the drone is programmed to fly, the drone configured to obey directions from the drone user.

8) The system of claim 7, wherein the drone is programmed to obey spatial and temporal directions, the directions selected by the drone user.