An approach is provided for calculating a payload survivability estimate and generating aerial routes based on the payload survivability estimate. The approach, for example, involves processing data, such as map data representing the geographic area to identify at least one map feature, at least one material corresponding with the at least one map feature, or a combination thereof. The payload survivability estimate can be based on real-time data, historical data, or a combination thereof. The approach also involves generating a map data layer of a geographic database based on the payload survivability estimate. The approach further involves providing the map data layer as an output.

The preferred embodiments pertain to a method for controlling a flight movement of an aerial vehicle that includes acquiring first image data by means of a first camera device that is arranged on an aerial vehicle and configured for monitoring an environment of the aerial vehicle while flying, wherein the first image data are indicative of a first sequence of first camera images. The method also includes acquiring second image data by means of a second camera device that is arranged on an aerial vehicle and configured for monitoring the environment of the aerial vehicle while flying, wherein the second image data are indicative of a second sequence of second camera images. The processing includes determining object parameters for a position of a flight obstacle in the environment of the aerial vehicle if the first image analysis predicts the flight obstacle in the at least one camera measurement image and the second image analysis likewise identifies the flight obstacle in the at least one camera measurement image. An aerial vehicle is furthermore disclosed.

A system may include a user interface and a processor. The processor may be configured to (a) pre-arm multiple actions according to a conditional timeline and any associated trigger events, and (b) output commands to cause the multiple actions to be completed at times consistent with the conditional timeline and any associated trigger events.

The preferred embodiments relate to a method for controlling a flight movement of an aerial vehicle for landing the aerial vehicle, including: recording of first image data by means of a first camera device, which is provided on an aerial vehicle, and is configured to record an area of ground, wherein the first image data is indicative of a first sequence of first camera images. The method also includes recording of second image data by means of a second camera device, which is provided on the aerial vehicle, and is configured to record the area of ground, wherein the second image data is indicative of a second sequence of second camera images.

The present invention provides an improved, autonomous unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) for harvesting or diluting fruit, and a control unit for coordinating flight and/or harvesting missions thereof, as well as a system and method for harvesting fruits.

To enable high-speed autonomous flight of a flight object. A three-dimensional real-time observation result is generated on the basis of self-position estimation information and three-dimensional distance measurement information. A prior map corresponding to a three-dimensional real-time observation result is acquired. The three-dimensional real-time observation result and the prior map are aligned. After the alignment, the three-dimensional real-time observation result is expanded on the basis of the prior map. A flight route is set on the basis of the three-dimensional real-time observation result having been expanded. In the flight object such as a drone, a somewhat long flight route can be accurately calculated at a time in a global behavior plan, which enables high-speed autonomous flight of the flight object.

Methods and systems to develop routes for an aircraft to travel through an airspace. The system includes interface circuitry to receive one or more objectives and one or more constraints for the routes. Processing circuitry is configured to optimize the routes based on one or more of the input parameters. The processing circuitry is configured to: generate a set of routes that each comprise a different flight path through the airspace; rank the routes in the set based on how each of the routes dominates the other routes based on the one or more objectives and constraints; maintain dominant routes in the set and eliminate dominated routes from the set based on the rankings; generate additional dominant routes based on the one or more objectives and constraints; and supplement the set with the additional dominant routes.

Disclosed in this specification are methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on non-transitory computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight operation and privacy controls. Based on geofence types, and UAV distance from a geofence, sensors and other devices connected to a UAV are conditionally operational. Image data collected during a UAV flight may be obfuscated by the UAV while in flight, or via a post-flight process using log data generated by the UAV.

A method and a system for detecting wire or wire-like obstacles, which method and system are designed for an aircraft. The system for detecting wire or wire-like obstacles comprises a detection device, such as a video camera or a LIDAR device, a computer and a display device. The method includes a step of detecting at least one pylon in the surrounding environment of the aircraft via a detection device, a step of identifying a family of pylons to which each detected pylon corresponds, a step of characterizing at least one cable supported by the at least one detected pylon, and a step of determining a prohibited zone that can potentially contain each pylon and each cable and a safe zone not containing either a pylon or a cable. The prohibited zone and the safe zone may be displayed on the display device.

A system and method in an aircraft for providing enhanced services is provided. In one example, the method includes: setting up triggering logic to identify a beginning point and ending point for collecting a set of avionics system data during a flight; and systematically retrieving information for use by the triggering logic to identify the beginning point and the ending point. When the beginning point is reached, the method includes systematically repeating: retrieving the set of avionics systems data; and sending, to an off-board application, data from the set of avionics system data that has changed state from prior data sent to the off- board application. When the ending point is reached, the method includes cease sending data from the set of avionics system data to the off-board application.