U.S. patent application number 15/661859 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-09 for methods and systems for providing a safety apparatus to distressed persons.
The applicant listed for this patent is James Sommerfield Richardson. Invention is credited to James Sommerfield Richardson.
Application Number | 20170320574 15/661859 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55632267 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170320574 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Richardson; James
Sommerfield |
November 9, 2017 |
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING A SAFETY APPARATUS TO DISTRESSED
PERSONS
Abstract
Various embodiments of the present invention comprise systems
for providing a lifesaving apparatus to a distressed individual.
Such systems may comprise an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
configured to selectably support a lifesaving apparatus. The UAV
may comprise a release mechanism configured to release the
lifesaving apparatus when proximate a distressed person. The system
may additionally comprise a control device configured to wirelessly
communicate with the UAV such that a user can pilot the UAV from a
distance and deliver the lifesaving apparatus to a distressed
person. Methods of using the same may comprise piloting the UAV
proximate a distressed person, providing a signal to the UAV to
release the lifesaving apparatus by operating the release
mechanism, and then pulling the lifesaving apparatus and the
distressed person to safety via a control line secured to the
lifesaving apparatus.
Inventors: |
Richardson; James Sommerfield;
(Duluth, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Richardson; James Sommerfield |
Duluth |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55632267 |
Appl. No.: |
15/661859 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14689323 |
Apr 17, 2015 |
9745062 |
|
|
15661859 |
|
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|
62071880 |
Oct 6, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64C 2201/127 20130101;
B64D 1/02 20130101; G05D 1/0011 20130101; B64C 2201/14 20130101;
B64C 2201/027 20130101; B64C 39/024 20130101; B63C 9/01 20130101;
B64C 2201/128 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B64D 1/02 20060101
B64D001/02; G05D 1/00 20060101 G05D001/00; B63C 9/01 20060101
B63C009/01; B64C 39/02 20060101 B64C039/02 |
Claims
1. An integrated mobile system for providing lifesaving equipment
to a person in distress, the system comprising: an unmanned aerial
vehicle (UAV) in wireless communication with a control device and
comprising an equipment engagement mechanism configured to
releasably secure the lifesaving equipment to the UAV; an
independent line control device positioned remotely from and
physically unattached to the UAV; and a control line having a first
end, a second end, and a length continuously extending between the
first and second ends, the first end being permanently secured to
the line control device, the second end being permanently secured
to the lifesaving equipment, and the length being unrestrained
between the first end and the second end such that no portion of
the control line physically contacts the UAV, wherein: the control
device is configured to generate a release signal in response to
user input indicating a request to release the lifesaving equipment
from the UAV; and the UAV is configured to in response to receipt
of the release signal, release the lifesaving equipment, wherein
upon release, the lifesaving equipment remains secured to only the
line control device via the second end of the control line.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the lifesaving equipment
comprises a float.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the equipment engagement
mechanism comprises an electronically actuated latch operable
between a closed configuration and an open configuration.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the lifesaving equipment
comprises a mating engagement feature configured to interact with
the electronically actuated latch when in the closed configuration
to releasably secure the lifesaving equipment to the UAV.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the control line is configured to
pull the lifesaving equipment in a direction of safety.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein: the line control device
comprises a take-up reel configured to rotate, and the control line
is secured to the take-up reel so as to thereby pull the control
line such that the control line is wound onto the take-up reel.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the line control device further
comprises: an elongated line guide having a first end and a second
end, comprising at least one guide feature proximate the first end
for directing a length of the control line away from the take-up
reel and toward the first end; and wherein the take-up reel is
secured to the line control device proximate the second end of the
elongated line guide.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the elongated line guide is
collapsible.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the control device further
comprises a handheld device comprising: one or more processors
configured to: receive user input indicative of a desired direction
of travel; generate, based at least in part on the user input
indicative of the desired direction of travel, one or more
directional signals; transmit the one or more directional signals
to the UAV.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein: the UAV additionally comprises
a camera configured to generate video data; and the UAV is
additionally configured to transmit the video data to the control
device; wherein the control device additionally comprises a
graphical display, and the one or more processors are additionally
configured to display, via the graphical display, the video data
generated by the camera.
11. An integrated mobile method for providing lifesaving equipment
to a person in distress, the method comprising steps the steps of:
causing transmission, from a control device to an unmanned aerial
vehicle (UAV), of a release signal indicating lifesaving equipment
should be released from the UAV, such that the UAV moves an
equipment engagement mechanism on the UAV in a manner that releases
the lifesaving equipment from the UAV, the release signal having
been generated in response to user input indicating a request to
release the lifesaving equipment from the UAV; and after the
lifesaving device is released from the UAV, causing a length of
control line to be recalled in a direction of safety, thereby
pulling the lifesaving device in the direction of safety, wherein:
the control line has a first end, a second end, and a length
continuously extending between the first and second ends, the first
end is permanently secured to the line control device, the second
end is permanently secured to the lifesaving equipment, and the
length of the control line is unrestrained between the first end
and the second end such that no portion of the control line
physically contacts the UAV in both a closed configuration and an
open configuration.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the lifesaving device comprises
a float.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein: the equipment engagement
mechanism comprises an electronically actuated latch operable
between the closed configuration and the open configuration, and
said step of causing transmission of the release signal comprises
causing transmission of a signal configured to cause the
electronically actuated latch to move to the open
configuration.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein causing the length of control
line to be recalled in a direction of safety comprises causing the
length of control line to be wound onto a take-up reel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
and the benefit of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.
14/689,323, filed Apr. 17, 2015; which claims the benefit of
Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/071,880, filed Oct. 6, 2014,
the contents of both of which as are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Rescue personnel are often required to provide rescue
services to retrieve distressed persons from water based hazards.
Life guards, fishing vessel personnel, public safety officials
(e.g., police officers and fire department personnel), and others
must act quickly to rescue distressed persons before they succumb
to exhaustion, hypothermia, or other risks associated with water
survival. These risks may be amplified further if the distressed
individual is unable to swim or tires easily, and thus rescue
personnel may risk their own safety in order to rescue those at
risk of harm.
[0003] Certain environmental conditions may further impede rescue
efforts, such as heavy seas, frigid water temperatures, fast moving
currents, and other environmental risks. These environmental
hazards may increase the risk of harm to both the rescuer and the
person in distress. Moreover, in many circumstances a person may be
at risk of drowning while professional safety officers are not
available to rescue the person in distress. For example, passenger
airplane water landings may expose many individuals to a risk of
drowning, particularly when the airplane lands in a low-temperature
body of water. In many cases these airplanes land in bodies of
water far removed from highly populated areas, and consequently
ground-based rescue personnel may not arrive at the scene of the
crash for an extended period of time after the aircraft enters the
body of water. Thus, untrained and potentially injured passengers
or crew members may seek to provide aid to others involved in the
crash, and thus these individuals may reenter an area of danger
after reaching safety.
[0004] Accordingly, new methods and systems for providing
lifesaving equipment to persons in distress are needed.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] Various embodiments are directed to systems for providing
lifesaving equipment, such as a float, to a person in distress. The
system may comprise an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in wireless
communication with a control device, such as a handheld device. The
UAV may comprise an equipment engagement mechanism, such as an
electronically actuated latch, configured to releasably secure the
lifesaving equipment to the UAV; wherein the equipment engagement
mechanism is operable between a closed configuration in which the
lifesaving equipment is secured to the UAV and an open
configuration in which the lifesaving equipment is released from
the UAV. In various embodiments, the control device may be
configured to generate one or more directional signals in response
to user input indicating a desired direction for the UAV, wherein
the directional signals are indicative of a desired direction of
travel for the UAV; generate a release signal in response to user
input indicating a request to release the lifesaving equipment from
the UAV; and transmit the one or more directional signals and the
release signal to the UAV. In response to receipt of the
directional signals, the UAV may be configured to move in the
desired direction of travel and, in response to receipt of the
release signal, move the equipment engagement mechanism into the
open configuration to release the lifesaving equipment.
[0006] In various embodiments, the lifesaving equipment may be
secured to a control line configured to pull the lifesaving
equipment in a direction of safety. The control line may be secured
to a take-up reel configured to rotate and thereby pull the control
line in the direction of safety. The take-up reel may be a part of
a collapsible line control device comprising an elongated line
guide configured for directing a length of the control line away
from the take-up reel.
[0007] In various embodiments, the UAV additionally comprises a
camera configured to generate video data; and the UAV is configured
to transmit the video data to the control device for display to a
user via a graphical display on the control device.
[0008] Various embodiments are directed to a method for providing
lifesaving equipment to a person in distress. The method comprising
steps for piloting an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to the person
in distress by causing data indicative of a desired direction of
travel to be wirelessly transmitted from a control device to the
UAV, wherein the UAV comprises an equipment engagement mechanism
configured to releasably secure the lifesaving equipment to the UAV
and the equipment engagement mechanism is operable between a closed
configuration in which the lifesaving equipment is secured to the
UAV and an open configuration in which the lifesaving equipment is
released from the UAV; causing transmission, from the control
device to the UAV, of a release signal indicating the lifesaving
equipment should be released, such that the UAV moves the equipment
engagement mechanism into the open configuration to release the
lifesaving equipment; and after the lifesaving device is released
from the UAV, causing a length of control line secured to the
lifesaving device to be recalled in a direction of safety, thereby
pulling the lifesaving device in a direction of safety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system to be used to
provide lifesaving equipment to a distressed individual according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system to be used to
provide lifesaving equipment to a distress individual after the
lifesaving equipment has been released according to an embodiment
of the present invention; and
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a UAV on-board controller
according to various embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed,
the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should
not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.
Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0014] Overview
[0015] Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to
methods and systems for providing lifesaving equipment to a
distressed individual. For example, the system may include an
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) having an engagement mechanism
configured to detachably secure a floatation device to be provided
to a distressed individual in need of a water rescue. Thus, a
rescuer may pilot the UAV via a control device to a location within
close proximity of the distressed individual, and then operate the
engagement feature via the control device to release the floatation
device and thereby provide it to the distressed individual. In
various embodiments, the floatation device (e.g., a life preserver)
may be connected to a control line such that the rescuer can pull
the life preserver to a safe location once the distressed
individual grasps the life preserver. Accordingly, the rescuer is
able to pull the distressed individual to safety using the control
line. Moreover, in various embodiments the control line may be
operably secured to a line control device. The line control device
may include a take-up reel for storing unneeded excess control
line. In various embodiments, the line control device may be
integrated into the control device to facilitate operation of both
devices by a single operator.
[0016] In various embodiments, the UAV, float, line control device,
and control device are configured to be stored within a single
storage container. The float may be stored such that it is secured
to the UAV during storage so as to facilitate rapid deployment of
the system upon discovering a person in distress.
[0017] Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
[0018] In various embodiments, a UAV as described herein may be a
powered aircraft configured to be controlled by a user operating a
control device in wireless communication with the UAV. As shown in
FIG. 1, which is a schematic diagram of a system according to
various embodiments, a UAV 100 may comprise a body 101 and one or
more lift mechanisms, such as one or more rotors 102 controlled by
one or more drive mechanisms 102a (e.g., electric motors, gas
engines, and/or the like), as illustrated in FIG. 1. As a
non-limiting example, the UAV 100 may comprise four rotors 102
configured to rotate and thereby provide lift to the UAV 100.
Although not shown, the UAV 100 may additionally comprise one or
more rotor guards configured to impede objects from being
introduced into the area of operation of the rotors 100. Referring
again to FIG. 1, the UAV 100 may additionally comprise one or more
supports 103 configured to support the UAV 100 when not in flight.
As a non-limiting example, the one or more supports 103 may
comprise solid rods extending away from a bottom surface of the
body 101 of the UAV 100. As a non-limiting example, the rods may
comprise metal (e.g., aluminum or steel), plastic, and/or composite
(e.g., carbon fiber) materials, and may have an at least
substantially round cross-section. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the
supports 103 may be in the shape of a closed loop having a bottom
section extending between two or more substantially vertical
portions. Moreover, in various embodiments the UAV 100 may comprise
two or more supports 103 extending away from the body 101.
[0019] Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the UAV 100 may comprise
an equipment engagement mechanism 120 configured to interact with a
corresponding feature of a safety device (e.g., a float). For
example, as will be described in greater detail herein, the
equipment engagement mechanism 120 may be configured to interact
with a mating engagement feature 210 disposed on a float 200, and
to thereby detachably secure the float to the UAV 100. Although the
equipment engagement mechanism 120 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as
being secured to the one or more supports 103, it should be
understood that the equipment engagement mechanism 120 may be
secured in any of a variety of locations. As additional
non-limiting examples, the equipment engagement mechanism 120 may
be secured directly to or integrated within the body 101 (e.g., on
the bottom surface of the body). Moreover, although the equipment
engagement mechanism 120 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as supporting the
float in a horizontal configuration, it should be understood that
the equipment engagement mechanism 120 may support a float in any
of a variety of configurations (e.g., vertical).
[0020] In various embodiments, the equipment engagement mechanism
120 may comprise a latch that may be operated remotely via the
control device 400. As a non-limiting example, the equipment
engagement mechanism 120 may comprise an electronically-actuated
solenoid and/or an electronically-controlled servo-motor configured
to move between a closed configuration and an open configuration
such that the float may be selectively supported and released by
the equipment engagement mechanism 120. As will be described in
greater detail herein, the equipment engagement mechanism 120 may
be in electronic communication with an on-board controller (not
shown) of the UAV 100. The equipment engagement mechanism 120 may
be configured to receive a control signal from the on-board
controller, and thereby move between the open configuration and the
closed configuration in response to receipt of the control
signal.
[0021] Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the UAV 100 may
additionally comprise one or more additional accessories 150. For
example, such accessories may comprise a video camera, a still
camera, one or more light sources (e.g., Light Emitting Diodes
(LEDs)), laser sights, and/or the like. Such accessories may
thereby aid a user of the UAV 100 in directing the UAV such that
the lifesaving equipment may be provided in close proximity to the
distressed individual. In various embodiments, each of the one or
more accessories 150 may be in electronic communication with the
on-board controller, such that data and/or signals may be
transmitted between the on-board controller and the one or more
accessories 150. For example, in embodiments in which the accessory
is embodied as a video camera, video data generated by the video
camera may be transmitted to the on-board computer and to the
control device 400 such that the user can review the video data. In
still other embodiments, any of a variety of additional or
alternative accessories 150 may be provided, as may be desirable,
provided such are generally configured to or useful for
facilitating a rescue effort.
[0022] As previously indicated, the UAV 100 may additionally
comprise an on-board controller 110 in electronic communication
with various components of the UAV 100. A schematic of an example
on-board controller 110 is shown in FIG. 3. In various embodiments,
the on-board controller 110 may include an antenna 111, a
transmitter 112 (e.g., radio), a receiver 113 (e.g., radio), and a
processing element 114 that provides signals to and receives
signals from the transmitter 112 and receiver 113,
respectively.
[0023] The signals provided to and received from the transmitter
112 and the receiver 113, respectively, may include signaling data
in accordance with an air interface standard of applicable wireless
systems to communicate with the control device 400. In this regard,
the on-board controller 110 may be capable of operating with one or
more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation
types, and access types. More particularly, the on-board controller
110 may operate in accordance with any of a number of wireless
communication standards and protocols. In a particular embodiment,
the on-board controller 110 may operate in accordance with multiple
wireless communication standards and protocols, such as GPRS, UMTS,
CDMA2000, 1.times.RTT, WCDMA, TD-SCDMA, LTE, E-UTRAN, EVDO, HSPA,
HSDPA, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, UWB, IR protocols, Bluetooth protocols, USB
protocols, and/or any other wireless protocol.
[0024] According to one embodiment, the on-board controller 110 may
include a location determining device and/or functionality. For
example, the on-board controller 110 may include a GPS module
adapted to acquire, for example, latitude, longitude, altitude,
geocode, course, and/or speed data. In one embodiment, the GPS
module acquires data, sometimes known as ephemeris data, by
identifying the number of satellites in view and the relative
positions of those satellites.
[0025] The on-board controller 110 may also include volatile
storage or memory 115 and/or non-volatile storage or memory 116,
which can be embedded and/or may be removable. For example, the
non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable
read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory
(EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
(EEPROM), flash memory (e.g., Serial, NAND, NOR, and/or the like),
multimedia memory cards (MMC), secure digital (SD) memory cards,
SmartMedia cards, CompactFlash (CF) cards, Memory Sticks,
conductive-bridging random access memory (CBRAM), phase-change
random access memory (PRAM), ferroelectric random-access memory
(FeRAM), non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM),
magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM), resistive
random-access memory (RRAM), Silicon-Oxide-Nitride-Oxide-Silicon
memory (SONOS), racetrack memory, and/or the like. The volatile
memory may be random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access
memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), fast page mode
dynamic random access memory (FPM DRAM), extended data-out dynamic
random access memory (EDO DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access
memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access
memory (DDR SDRAM), double data rate type two synchronous dynamic
random access memory (DDR2 SDRAM), double data rate type three
synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR3 SDRAM), Rambus
dynamic random access memory (RDRAM), Twin Transistor RAM (TTRAM),
Thyristor RAM (T-RAM), Zero-capacitor (Z-RAM), Rambus in-line
memory module (RIMM), dual in-line memory module (DIMM), single
in-line memory module (SIMM), video random access memory VRAM,
cache memory (including various levels), flash memory, register
memory, and/or the like. The volatile and non-volatile storage or
memory can store data, applications, programs, program modules,
scripts, source code, object code, byte code, compiled code,
interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, and/or the
like to implement the functions of the on-board controller 110.
[0026] Moreover, as indicated in FIG. 3, the on-board controller
110 may be in electronic communication with the lift mechanism
(e.g., rotors 102) and/or one or more steering mechanisms (e.g.,
rotor tilt systems, rudder, elevators, flaps, stabilizers, and/or
the like). In this regard, the on-board controller 110 may be
configured to send one or more steering signals to one or more of
the lift mechanisms and/or steering mechanisms in order to direct
the UAV 100 in a desired direction. In various embodiments, the
on-board controller 110 may be configured to provide steering
signals to the one or more lift mechanisms and/or steering
mechanisms in response to receipt of a corresponding signal from
the control device 400. As will be described in greater detail
herein, the signal received from the control device 400 may be
generated in response to a user input received by the control
device 400. As will be described in greater detail below, the
on-board controller 110 may be configured to send corresponding
steering signals to the one or more lift mechanisms and/or steering
mechanisms such that the UAV 400 is caused to hover in one place
when no steering user input is received.
[0027] As previously indicated, the on-board controller 110 may be
in electronic communication with the equipment engagement mechanism
120 and/or one or more accessories 150. In various embodiments, the
on-board controller 110 may communicate with the equipment
engagement mechanism 120 and/or the one or more accessories 150 via
wired and/or wireless communication protocols. For example, the
on-board controller 110 may be configured to send a signal via a
wired communication protocol to the equipment engagement mechanism
120 to move an associated solenoid into the open position to drop
the lifesaving device (e.g., a float). In various embodiments, the
on-board controller 110 may be configured to receive a signal from
the control device 400, and send a corresponding signal to the
equipment engagement mechanism 120 indicating that the equipment
engagement feature should be moved to the open configuration. As
will be described in greater detail herein, the signal received
from the control device 400 may be generated in response to a user
input to the control device 400 indicating that the equipment
engagement mechanism 120 should be moved between the closed
configuration and the open configuration.
[0028] As yet another non-limiting example, the on-board controller
110 may be configured to transmit a signal to an accessory 150,
such as a light source and/or a laser sight to activate and/or
deactivate the same. Moreover, in various embodiments the on-board
controller 110 may be configured to transmit and/or receive one or
more signals from other wireless communication devices via one or
more wireless communication protocols. As a non-limiting example,
the on-board controller 110 may be configured to transmit and/or
receive one or more signals from a cellular telephone or other
handheld mobile device. Accordingly, the on-board controller 110
may be configured to receive directional signals from a mobile
device, and/or may transmit one or more alerts to various handheld
mobile devices. For example, upon the occurrence of a trigger event
(such as the activation of the UAV 100, the activation of an
accessory 150, the release of a safety device (e.g., float 200),
and/or the like), the on-board controller 110 may be configured to
transmit an alert to emergency personnel informing the emergency
personnel of the occurrence of the trigger event. In various
embodiments, the transmitted alert may additionally comprise
information regarding the location of the UAV 100. As yet another
non-limiting example, the on-board controller 110 may be configured
to transmit signals received from an accessory (e.g., video signals
received from an on-board camera) to one or more mobile devices. In
various embodiments, the on-board controller 110 may be configured
to transmit and/or receive signals from a plurality of wireless
devices simultaneously and/or consecutively. Accordingly, the
on-board controller 110 may be configured to transmit and/or
receive signals from a plurality of sources.
[0029] Float
[0030] Referring again to FIG. 1, the UAV 100 may be configured to
support a float 200 and provide the float to a distressed person.
In various embodiments, the float 200 may be embodied as a floating
ring comprising a circular, buoyant float body 201 with a
concentric hole extending therethrough. As additional non-limiting
examples, the float body 201 may comprise a buoyant lifeguard
rescue can, a buoyant lifeguard rescue tube, and/or the like. In
various embodiments the float body 201 may comprise a foam
material. As an additional non-limiting example, the float body 201
may comprise an inflatable float body configured to be filled with
air or another gas. Moreover, in various embodiments, the float 200
may comprise a grip feature, such as a rope 202 extending around
the perimeter of the float 200.
[0031] Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the float may
additionally comprise one or more mating engagement features 210
such as one or more rings, configured to interact with the
equipment engagement mechanism 120 of the UAV 100. For example, the
one or more mating engagement features 210 may comprise one or more
rings (e.g., metal, plastic, or composite rings), loops (e.g., rope
loops fabric loops, and/or the like), engagement members (e.g.,
horizontal bars integrated into the surface of the float 200),
and/or the like. As described herein, the one or more mating
engagement features 210 are configured to interact with the
equipment engagement mechanism 120 such that the float 200 may be
selectively released from the UAV 100 by moving the equipment
engagement mechanism 120 into the open configuration.
[0032] In various embodiments, the float 200 may not comprise the
one or more mating engagement features 210, and instead the
equipment engagement mechanism 120 may be configured to engage one
or more components of the float 200. As non-limiting examples, the
equipment engagement mechanism 120 may be configured to grasp the
float body 201 and/or the grip feature (e.g., rope 202).
[0033] Referring again to FIG. 1, the float 200 may additionally
comprise a line engagement feature 220 configured to secure the
float 200 to a control line 350. For example, the line engagement
features 220 may comprise a ring (e.g., a metal ring, a plastic
ring, and/or a composite ring), a loop (e.g., a rope loop and/or a
fabric loop), an engagement bar (e.g., a horizontal bar integrated
into the surface of the float 200), and/or the like. However, in
various embodiments the float may not comprise the one or more line
engagement features 220. As non-limiting examples, the float 200
may be secured to the control line 350 by securing the line
directly to the float body 201 (e.g., by tying the line around a
portion of the float body).
[0034] Line Control Device
[0035] Referring again to FIG. 1, various embodiments comprise a
line control device 300 secured to the float 200 via a control line
350. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the line control device 300 may
comprise a line guide 301 and a handle 302. In various embodiments,
the line guide 301 may comprise an elongated rigid or semi-rigid
rod. In various embodiments, the line guide 301 may comprise one or
more guide rings (not shown) configured to guide the control line
350 from a bottom portion of the line guide 301 to a top portion of
the line guide 301. The control line 350 may be loosely threaded
through each of these control rings such that the control line 350
may slide relative to the control rings. In various embodiments,
the handle 302 may be disposed adjacent the bottom portion of the
line guide 301. Accordingly, by guiding the control line 350 to a
top portion of the line guide 301 before extending away to the
float 200, the line guide 301 provides additional control to the
user of the line control device 300 while recalling a length of the
control line 350. For example, the user of the line control device
300 may utilize the additional length of the line guide 301 in
guiding a length of control line 350 over or under an obstacle
(e.g., a tree limb) positioned between the user and the float
200.
[0036] In various embodiments, the line control device 350 may be
collapsible and/or extendable. As a non-limiting example, the line
guide 350 may comprise a plurality of nested (e.g., concentric)
frustoconical segments configured to slide relative to one another
between an extended configuration in which each of the segments are
engaged with one another to form an elongated line guide 301, and a
collapsed configuration in which at least one of a top edge and/or
a bottom edge of each of the plurality of segments are
substantially aligned, respectively. For example, in the collapsed
configuration, each of the plurality of segments of the line guide
301 may be located within the handle 302.
[0037] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, the line control device 300
may additionally comprise a take-up reel 310 and associated handle
311 configured to provide storage for the unused portion of control
line 350. For example, the take-up reel 310 may be configured to
support any control line 350 beyond the amount necessary to extend
a section of the control line 350 between the user of the line
control device 300 and the location of the float 200 (e.g.,
attached to the UAV 100 or proximate a distressed individual).
Moreover, the take-up reel 310 may be configured to recall a length
of control line 350 by rotating the take-up reel 310 to pull the
control line 350 toward the take-up reel and wind a length of the
control line 350 onto the take-up reel 310. In various embodiments,
the take-up reel 310 may be rotated by the handle 311. Accordingly,
by rotating the take-up reel 310 so as to recall a length of
control line 350 to be wound onto the take-up reel, the float 200
may be pulled toward the line control device 300 being controlled
by a user. Thus, a distressed individual grasping the float 200 may
be pulled to safety when a length of the control line 350 is
recalled.
[0038] In various embodiments, the control line 350 may be
configured to withstand the force of a distressed individual being
pulled through water. Thus, the control line 350 may be configured
to withstand strains on the control line caused by drag forces
associated with pulling the float 200 and a distressed individual
through water. Moreover, the control line 350 may be configured to
withstand high impulse forces that may be imparted on the control
line 350 by tides, currents, tree limbs, grasses, rocks, and other
natural and man-made environmental conditions and/or features that
may interact with the control line 350, the float 200, and/or a
distressed individual while the components are being pulled toward
the line control device 300. In various embodiments, the control
line 350 may comprise rope, string, fishing line, and/or the
like.
[0039] Although the illustrated embodiment comprises a line control
device 300, various embodiments comprise a control line 350
unconnected to a line control device 300. Accordingly, in such
embodiments, a user may recall a length of the control line 350 by
pulling the control line 350 toward the user.
[0040] Control Device
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 1, various embodiments comprise a
control device 400 in wireless communication with the UAV 100
(e.g., the on-board controller 110). In various embodiments,
various features of the control device 400 are similar to those
described in reference to the on-board controller 110 of the UAV
100. For example, the control device 400 may include an antenna
402, a transmitter (e.g., radio), a receiver (e.g., radio), and a
processing element that provides signals to and receives signals
from the transmitter and receiver, respectively.
[0042] The signals provided to and received from the transmitter
and the receiver, respectively, may include signaling data in
accordance with an air interface standard of applicable wireless
systems to communicate with the UAV 110. In this regard, the
control device 400 may be capable of operating with one or more air
interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, and
access types. More particularly, the control device 400 may operate
in accordance with any of a number of wireless communication
standards and protocols. In a particular embodiment, the control
device 400 may operate in accordance with multiple wireless
communication standards and protocols, such as GPRS, UMTS,
CDMA2000, 1.times.RTT, WCDMA, TD-SCDMA, LTE, E-UTRAN, EVDO, HSPA,
HSDPA, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, UWB, IR protocols, Bluetooth protocols, USB
protocols, and/or any other wireless protocol.
[0043] The control device 400 may also include volatile storage or
memory and/or non-volatile storage or memory, which can be embedded
and/or may be removable. For example, the non-volatile memory may
be ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, MMCs, SD memory cards,
Memory Sticks, CBRAM, PRAM, FeRAM, RRAM, SONOS, racetrack memory,
and/or the like. The volatile memory may be RAM, DRAM, SRAM, FPM
DRAM, EDO DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, RDRAM,
RIMM, DIMM, SIMM, VRAM, cache memory, register memory, and/or the
like. The volatile and non-volatile storage or memory can store
data, applications, programs, program modules, scripts, source
code, object code, byte code, compiled code, interpreted code,
machine code, executable instructions, and/or the like to implement
the functions of the control device 400.
[0044] Moreover, the control device 400 may additionally comprise a
user interface 401 comprising one or more levers, joy-sticks,
directional pads, buttons, switches, and/or the like. In various
embodiments, the user interface 401 comprises a touch-screen
display (e.g., a capacitive touch-sensitive screen). In various
embodiments, the user interface 401 is configured to receive user
input indicative of a desired action for the UAV 100. For example,
the user interface 401 may be configured to receive input regarding
a desired direction of movement for the UAV 100 (e.g., pitch, yaw,
and/or roll) such that the user of the UAV 100 may direct the UAV
to a desired location via the control device 400. Moreover, the
user interface 401 may additionally be configured to receive user
input regarding desired actions of the one or more accessories 150
(e.g., camera, light source, sight, and/or the like), and/or the
equipment engagement mechanism 120. For example, the user interface
401 is configured to receive user input regarding a desired
movement of the equipment engagement mechanism 120 between a closed
configuration and an open configuration.
[0045] Moreover, in various embodiments the user interface 401 may
comprise one or more graphical displays configured to graphically
display data received from the UAV 100. For example, output data
from a video camera attached to the UAV 100 as an accessory 150 may
be transmitted from the on-board controller 110 to the control
device 400 and displayed via a graphical display.
[0046] Moreover, in various embodiments, the control device 400 may
be configured to transmit and/or receive signals from one or more
wireless devices (e.g., cellular telephones) via one or more
wireless communication protocols. For example, the control device
400 may be configured to transmit signals received from the
on-board controller 110, such as the location of the UAV 100,
and/or signals received from one or more accessories 150 to a
wireless device. Moreover, in various embodiments the control
device 400 may be configured to receive direction signals from one
or more wireless devices, and relay the directional signals to the
on-board controller 110 to control the UAV 100.
[0047] Exemplary Method of Providing Equipment to a Person in
Distress
[0048] FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams illustrating lifesaving
equipment (e.g., a float 200) before and after release from the
UAV. In reference now to FIG. 1, after determining that a person is
in distress (e.g., in a deep water hazard), the method may begin by
activating the UAV 100 and the control device 400. In embodiments
having a collapsible line control device 300, the line guide 301
may be extended into the extended configuration.
[0049] The UAV 100 having the lifesaving equipment (e.g., float
200) attached thereto is directed to the person in distress. The
UAV 100 is directed to the person in distress in response to
signals received from the control device 400, which may be
generated based on user input to the user interface 401 of the
control device. Accordingly, a user of the system may provide
steering input to the user interface 401 of the control device 400,
which in response transmits signals indicative of the user input to
the UAV 100 (e.g., to the on-board controller 110). The UAV 100
may, in response to the receipt of the signals from the control
device 400, provide signals to the one or more lift mechanisms
and/or steering mechanisms in order to direct the UAV 100 in a
desired direction.
[0050] Moreover, while the UAV 100 is receiving signals from the
control device 400, the UAV (e.g., on-board controller 110) may
receive signals and/or data from one or more accessories 150
secured to the UAV 100. For example, the on-board controller 110
may receive video data from a video camera secured to the UAV 100.
The UAV 100 may transmit the data and/or signals received from the
one or more accessories to the control device 400 to be displayed
via a graphical display. For example, video data received from the
video camera is transmitted to the control device 400 for display
via a graphical display. Such displayed video data may facilitate
guidance of the UAV 100 to a desired location by a user.
[0051] As the UAV 100 is moving away from the user and the line
control device 300, the control line 350 remains attached to the
lifesaving equipment (e.g., float 200) and the line control device
350, and accordingly the length of extended control line 350
increases as the UAV 100 moves away from the user.
[0052] Once the UAV 100 is positioned at a desired position (e.g.,
proximate the person in distress), the lifesaving equipment may be
released from the UAV 100 as shown in FIG. 2. For example, the
lifesaving equipment may be released from the UAV 100 in response
to a signal transmitted from the on-board controller 110 to the
equipment engagement mechanism 120 indicating that the equipment
engagement feature should move to the open configuration, thereby
releasing the lifesaving equipment. Furthermore, the on-board
controller 110 may provide the signal to the equipment engagement
mechanism 120 in response to the receipt of a corresponding signal
received from the control device 400. Accordingly, the control
device 400 may receive user input indicating that the lifesaving
equipment should be released. In response, the control device 400
generates a corresponding signal, and transmits the signal to the
UAV 100 (e.g., on-board controller 110). The on-board controller
110 may then generate and transmit a signal to the equipment
engagement mechanism 120 to release the lifesaving equipment.
[0053] For example, once a user of the system pilots the UAV 100 to
a position proximate the person in distress, the user may provide
an input to the control device 400 to release a float 200 to the
person in distress. In response, the UAV 100 may release the float
200 such that the person in distress may grasp the float 200.
[0054] After the lifesaving equipment is provided to the person in
distress, and the person grasps the lifesaving equipment, the
control line 350 may be recalled (e.g., via the take-up reel 310),
thereby pulling the distressed person toward the system user. For
example, if the user operating the system is located at a safe
location, such as on dry land adjacent a water hazard, the person
in distress is pulled toward the safe area.
[0055] By providing lifesaving equipment to a person in distress
utilizing a UAV, no additional rescuers must be placed at risk of
harm while performing a rescue operation of the distressed person.
Moreover, the lifesaving equipment may be provided to the person in
distress with a high level of precision, because the equipment is
released while the UAV is proximate the person in distress. Thus,
in contrast to existing systems in which a float may be thrown to a
person in distress from a great distance, the use of a UAV to
provide the lifesaving equipment to a person in distress may
minimize the effect of environmental forces such as wind,
precipitation, and/or the like, which may operate as obstacles to
providing lifesaving equipment to a person in distress. As yet
another benefit, lifesaving equipment may be provided to distressed
persons located a great distance away from rescuers. Thus, in
instances in which a potential rescuer may become exhausted before
reaching the person in distress, or in instances in which a float
cannot be thrown to the person in distress, the UAV may provide the
lifesaving equipment to the person in distress without placing
additional persons in danger.
CONCLUSION
[0056] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
[0057] For example, each of the equipment engagement mechanism 120
and/or one or more accessories 150 may individually comprise one or
more antennae, transmitters, and/or receivers similar to those
described above in reference to the on-board controller 110 of the
UAV 100 configured to wirelessly communicate directly with the
control device 400. In such configurations, the wireless
communication link established between the control device 400 and
the equipment engagement mechanism 120 and/or the one or more
accessories 150 may operate on a different frequency than the
wireless communication link between the control device 400 and the
on-board controller 110 such that the communication between the
on-board controller 110 and the control device 400 may be
maintained simultaneously with the communication between the
equipment engagement mechanism 120 and/or the one or more
accessories 150 and the control device 400.
[0058] Moreover, in various embodiments, the safety device may
comprise any of a variety of other devices. Although a float 200 is
described herein in the example method of use, other safety
devices, such as food stuffs, rope, and/or the like may be provided
to a distressed individual via the UAV 100. Accordingly, the
described UAV 100 and method of using the same may be utilized in
land-based rescue operations in addition to the described
water-based rescue operations. For example, a rope may be provided
to a distressed individual trapped in quick-sand, and/or food
stuffs may be provided to a person trapped in a difficult to access
location (e.g., the top of a tower or building, a remote island,
and/or the like).
* * * * *