A method and system provide for temporal fusion of depth maps in an image space representation. A series of depth maps are obtained/acquired from one or more depth sensors at a first time. A first Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is initialized using one of the series of depth maps. A second depth map is obtained from the depth sensors at a second time. An estimate of the motion of the depth sensors, from the first time to the second time, is received. A predictive GMM at the second time is created based on a transform of the first GMM and the estimate of the motion. The predictive GMM is updated based on the second depth map.

The disclosed inventions include personal Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's) and UAV universal docking ports “docking ports” to be incorporated into and/or attached to headwear, including helmets, hard hats and hats and face masks, as well as footwear including boots and shoes, clothing and outerwear, devices, gear and equipment, land, air, water and space vehicles, buildings, wireless towers and other mobile or stationary objects and surfaces referred to collectively as “docking stations”. A docking station may have one or more docking ports for docking, networking and charging or refueling compact personal UAVs, and for providing data communications between said UAVs and other electronic devices that remain with the person while the UAV is in flight or driving or landed on terrain. Said docking ports may also incorporate wireless power transmission for remote wireless charging of one or more UAV's. Supplemental power for recharging said UAVs when docked may be supplied by integrated battery(s) in said docking port or me be provided directly from the docking station or other connected power source.

A projectile-launched aircraft system includes a projectile launcher including a triggering mechanism, a rotary-wing, hover-capable aircraft including a rotor assembly that includes at least one rotor blade, wherein the rotor blade includes a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration that is circumferentially spaced from the stowed configuration about a pivot axis, wherein, upon actuation of the triggering mechanism, the projectile launcher is configured to launch the aircraft along a flightpath.

A micro detecting device includes a flying main body, at least one fluid actuation system, an image capture system and a controller. The fluid actuation system is disposed within the flying main body and includes a driving module, a flow guiding channel, a convergence chamber, plural valves and a fluid discharging zone. The driving module is consisting of plural flow guiding units for transporting fluid. The flow guiding channel includes plural diverge channels which are in fluid communication with plural connection channels. The convergence chamber is in fluid communication between the corresponding diverge channels. The valves are respectively disposed in the corresponding connection channels and controlled in open/closed state for the corresponding connection channels. The fluid discharging zone is in communication with the connection channels. The image capture system is used to capture external image. The controller is connected to the valves to control the valves in the open/closed state.

The present technology is directed to a remotely controlled aircraft that can be transported without the risk of damaging certain components, such as the arms and/or propellers. In one non-limiting example, the remotely controlled aircraft technology described herein provides a housing that allows the arms of the remotely controlled aircraft to extend and/or retract through openings in the housing. When retracted, the arms and propellers are protected within an area of the structure of the housing, and when extended, the arms and propellers are operable to make the remotely controlled aircraft fly.

The present technology is directed to a remotely controlled aircraft that can be transported without the risk of damaging certain components, such as the arms and/or propellers. In one non-limiting example, the remotely controlled aircraft technology described herein provides a housing that allows the arms of the remotely controlled aircraft to extend and/or retract through openings in the housing. When retracted, the arms and propellers are protected within an area of the structure of the housing, and when extended, the arms and propellers are operable to make the remotely controlled aircraft fly.

In today's social media age of live streaming and online celebrity, a solution is needed for a user to take pictures and/or video of themselves from flattering angles and under desired lighting without extending their arm, using a selfie stick or asking a stranger for help. The various embodiments of the invention herein disclose paparazzo systems and methodologies for utilizing drones to get the perfect image (whether it be live streaming, lifecasting, video, vlogging, teleconferencing, or still pictures). In one embodiment, a user (like a social media influencer) can activate a drone, which is detachably coupled to the portable drone home area, to track and take images of the user while providing instruction to the drone as to a desired angle or level of lighting all by voice command.

In recent years, social media has become a mainstay of global communication culture. These platforms have become a proxy for personal communication and conduit for interaction in the real world. So much so, that many have turned to these platforms for dating, friendship and finding similarly minded communities. Unfortunately, there is limited technology for translating this online communication and interaction to the user's physical proximity or real-world circumstance. The various embodiments of the invention herein disclose personal communication drone systems and methodologies for utilizing drones to leverage a user's online persona or profile to communicate personal messages, images or data to a third party. In one embodiment, a user (like a social media influencer) can activate a drone, which is detachably coupled to a portable drone home area and programmed to track the user, to find a new targeted third party and to communicate personal messages, images or data.

Embodiments disclosed herein present a spring system for use in a torque dependent rotor assembly designed to operate in resonance, where changes in applied torque controls the blade pitch angle and ultimately the movements of a rotary wing aircraft. More specifically, the present invention relates to a spring system used in such a rotor assembly where the stiffness of an associated spring member is allowed to vary in response to the torque applied from a motor to the assembly.

The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to inspect autonomous vehicles. An autonomous vehicle carries a UAV (or “drone”) in a protected area, for example, in a glove compartment, trunk, etc. Between rides, the UAV can be deployed to inspect the autonomous vehicle. Images from the UAV can be sent to other components for image analysis. When an inspection is completed, the UAV can return to the protected area. The UAV can inspect both the interior and exterior of an autonomous vehicle. When an inspection is passed, the autonomous vehicle can begin a new ride. When an inspection is failed, the autonomous vehicle can report for repairs or summon a tow vehicle.