In order for a mobile terminal to land at an appropriate landing point in reaction to a change of an incident that may occur while the mobile terminal flies along a flight path, a control apparatus 100 includes: an information acquisition section 131 configured to acquire, according to a flight of a first mobile terminal (mobile terminal 200a) performed based on a flight path to a first landing point, information on one or more second landing points associated with the flight path to the first landing point; and a first communication processing section 133 configured to transmit the information on the one or more second landing points to the first mobile terminal (mobile terminal 200a) via a mobile communication network 300.

A method of sorting baggage at an airport, the method comprising: acquiring a digital image of an identification label for identifying a piece of baggage, the label including an identification code designed to correspond to a set of items of data from a first database compiled as the baggage is being checked in; the method further comprising the following steps: retrieving information that is printed on the label from the image; comparing the information with data that is recorded in a local second database at the airport before the label is printed, the second database being distinct from the first database, the data from the second database being representative of a list of flights to or from the airport; and, in response to a match being detected, transmitting data representative of a flight number corresponding to the piece of baggage to a conveyor system.

An apparatus for visual navigation of a UAV includes a geo-fiducial mat and a plurality of geo-fiducials. The geo-fiducial mat includes a landing pad region that provides a location for aligning with a landing pad of a UAV. The geo-fiducials each includes a two-dimensional (2D) pattern that visually conveys a code. The 2D pattern has a shape from which a visual navigation system of the UAV can visually triangulate a position of the UAV.

An unmanned aerial vehicle according to certain embodiments generally includes a chassis, a power supply mounted to the chassis, a control system operable to receive power from the power supply, at least one rotor operable to generate lift under control of the control system, and a winch mounted to the chassis. The winch includes a reel and a motor. The reel has a line wound thereon, the line having a free end. The reel includes a circumferential channel in which a wound portion of the line is wound onto the reel. The circumferential channel includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a passage connecting the inner portion and the outer portion. The motor is operable to rotate the reel under control of the control system to thereby cause the line to wind onto and off of the reel, thereby causing the free end of the line to raise and lower.

The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program capable of avoiding a collision with an obstacle more reliably.

An avoidance trajectory setting unit sets an avoidance trajectory on which a flying object can avoid a collision with an obstacle on the basis of position information of the flying object and wind speed information of a flight position represented by the position information. The technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to air traffic control devices and drones.

Certain aspects relate to a ground support cart for charging an electric aircraft. An exemplary ground support cart includes a frame, at least a wheel operatively coupled to the frame and configured to facilitate rolling translation of the ground support cart, a cart battery mounted to the frame and configured to provide a first electrical charging current, a conductor in electric communication with the at least a cart battery, a coolant source mounted to the frame and configured to provide a coolant flow, a hose in fluidic communication with the coolant source, and a controller configured to control the first electrical charging current within the conductor and the coolant flow within the hose.

Certain aspects relate to a ground support cart for charging an electric aircraft. An exemplary ground support cart includes a frame, at least a wheel operatively coupled to the frame and configured to facilitate rolling translation of the ground support cart, a cart battery mounted to the frame and configured to provide a first electrical charging current, a conductor in electric communication with the at least a cart battery, a coolant source mounted to the frame and configured to provide a coolant flow, a hose in fluidic communication with the coolant source, and a controller configured to control the first electrical charging current within the conductor and the coolant flow within the hose.

A system for an aircraft, comprises an electric energy module; and a connector module operatively connected to the electric energy module. The connector module is: structured to attach the electric energy module to the aircraft when the connector module in an engaged mode while in use, and operable between the engaged mode and a disengaged mode, the connector module in the disengaged mode while in use disengaging the electric energy module from the aircraft.

Aspects relate to a charging station configured to transfer power between an electric aircraft and a power grid via a charging connection. In one or more embodiments, charging station may communicate with the power grid and/or electric aircraft via a communication network. For example, the charging station may be configured to receive a supply request from a power grid or a demand request from an electric aircraft and subsequently generate a control signal that transfers electrical power between the power grid and the electric aircraft via the charging connection.

Flying machines may be docked during charging or other processes. A tray having multiple docking areas is configured to accommodate flying machines for transport and docking. The docking areas may, but need not, include passageways which may accommodate charging stations. For example, a storage enclosure may be configured to house one or more trays, configured to interface to corresponding charging surfaces. Protective layers and vibration dampening features may be used to soften impacts during storage and transport. A charging station may include electrical terminals, recesses, and locating features for docking a flying machine.