CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application claims priority to (i) U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/997,615, fifed on June 4, 2018, md (ii) U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62/515,254, filed on June 5, 2017, the entire contents of both of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

An unmanned aircraft system ("UAS"), which may also be. referred t as an autonomous- vehicle, is a vehicle capable of travel without a physically-present human operator, A UAS may operate in a remote-control mode,, in aft autonomous mode, or in a partially autonomous mode.

When a UAS operates in a remote-control mode, a pilot or driver that is at a remote -location can control the UAS via commands that are sent to the UAS via a wireless link. When the UAS operates in autonomous mode, the UAS typically moves based on preprogrammed navigation waypoints, dynamic automation systems, or a combination, of these. Further, some IJASs can operate in both a remote-control mode and an. autonomous mode, and in some in tances ay d so simultaneously. For instance, a remote pilot or driver may- wish to leave navigation to an autonomous system while manually performing another task; such as operating a mechanical system for picking up objects, as an example.

Various types of UASs exist for various differen environments. For instance, UASs exist for operation in the air, on the ground, underwater, and in space. Examples include quad-copters and tail-sitter UASs, among others. UASs also exist for hybrid operations in which multi-environment operation is possible. Examples of hybrid UASs include an ^' amphibious craft that is capable of operation on land as well as on water or a floatplane that is capable of landing on. water as wel l as on land. .Other ^' examples .-are also possible.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a co puter-implernented method is provided. The method may involve ^• sending, by a computing device., unmanned aircraft system (HAS) data providing first AS location indication oil ^' map on a display of the computing device, wherein the first UAS location indication comprises an aggregate indication of a plurality of UASs located within a first area on. the map. The method may also involve receiving, by the computing device. input data comprising a request for additional information related to 'the first OA'S, location indication. The method may also involve, m response to receivin the request for additional information, sending additional location data related to the plurality of UASs, including a phirafity of second HAS location indications at a plurality of locations within the first area on the m p, wherein each second OAS indication corresponds, to a subset of the plurality of UASs represented by the first UAS location indication. The method ma also involve updating the display of the computing- ^' device to show the plurality of second UAS location indications,

in another aspect, a non n¾nsttory -computer-readable medium ^" is provided. The non- transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon,, that when executed by one or more processors, cause a computing device to perform operations. In particular, the operations, ma involve sending, by a computing device, unmanned aircraft system (UAS) data providing -a first OAS location, indication on a map on -a display of the computing device, wherein the first UAS location indicatio comprises an aggregate indication of a plurality of UASs located withi a first area on the map. The operations may also involve receiving, by the computing device, input data comprising a .request for additional information related to the first -UAS location indication. The.. operations may also involve, in response to receiving the request for additional information, in response to receiving the request for -additional information, sending additional location data related to the plurality of UASs, including a plurality of second U AS location indications. at a plurality of locations within the first area on the map, wherein each second UAS indication corresponds to a subset of the plurality of UASs represented by the first UAS- location indication. The operations may also involve updating the display of the- computing device to show the plurality of second UAS location indications.

In yet another aspect, a system is provided. The system may include a display, processing unit, data storage, and program instructions-, stored, in ihe data storage and executable by the processing unit to carry out operations, in particular, the operations may involve sending, by a computing device, unmanned aircraft system (UAS) data providing a first UAS location indication on. a map on a display of the computing device, wherein the first UAS location indication comprises a aggregate indication of a plurality of UASs located within a first area on the map. The operations Stay also involve receiving, by the computing device, input data comprising a request for additional information related to the first UAS location indication . The operations- may also involve, in response- to receiving the request for additional information, i response to receiving the request for additional information, sending additional .location., data related to the plurality of UASs _s including a plurality of second UAS location indications at a plurality of locations within the first area, on the map, wherein each second UAS indication -corresponds to a subset of the plurality of UASs represented by the first UAS location indication. The operations may also involve updating the display of the. computing ^' device to show the plurality of second UAS ^' location indications.

These as well as other aspects., advantages, and alternatives will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art .by reading the following detailed description with reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings. Further, it should be understood thai th description provided in this summary section and elsewhere in. this document is intended to illustrate the claimed subject matter by way .of example and not by way of limitation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1A is a simplified illustration, -of a UAS, accordin t an example implementation,

Figure I B is a simplified illustration of a UAS, according to- an example implementation.

Figure IC is a simplified illustration of a UAS, according to an example implementation.

Figure ID is a simplified illustration, of a OAS, according to an. example implementation..

Figure IE is a simplified illustration of a UAS. according to an example implementation.

Figure ^" 2 is a simplified block diagram, illustrating components of a UAS, according to an example implementation.

Figure 3 is. a simplified block diagram illustrating .a UAS deployment system, according t an example -implementation.

Figure 4 illustrates an example flowchart of an example method, according to an example implementation.

Figure .5 A depicts a geofenc/ing scenario for a UAS, in accordance with an example embodiment.

Figure SB depicts a geofencing scenario for a UAS, in accordance with an example embodiment. Figures 7A-7D illustrate example competing, devices performing functions in accordance with an example method.

Figure 8 illustrates a. schematic diagram of a computing device, according to an example implementation ^' ;

Figure 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of a server, according t an exampl implementation,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary methods and systems are described herein. It should be understood that the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, i stance, or illustration, ⁵ ' Any implementation or feature described herein as "exemplar} ¹ " or "illustrative" is not. necessarily to he construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations or features., in. the figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The example implementations, described herein are not meant to he limiting. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in. the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a. wide variety of different configurations, ail of which are contemplated herein.

T Overview

Example implementations may relate to a methods and systems for displaying OAS information on a graphical user interface of computing device. In particular, a HAS database contains O AS flight information such as location, altitude, and ground speed data for a plurality of authenticated UASs, HAS is authenticated when it is registered with a ^• OAS registrar. Such a registered HAS is then added to the HAS database arid assigned a unique identifier associated with th OAS. An ^' authenticated OAS may provide flight information to the U AS database (e.g„ real-time position and operating data).

Flight data from the DAS database may be displayed on a graphical user interface of a computing device. The display may overlay a plurality of icons on a map indicating a. location of one or more UASs, as well as identifying, information for each of the one or more UASs when a user requests additional information for a given HAS, Such graphical user interface may beneficiall y provide users the ability to see what U Ss are Hying in their area. in an example i mplementation, the graphi cal user interface of the computing device may displa a. graphical icon providing a first OAS location indication at a location on a map. The first OAS location indication comprises an aggregate indication of a plurality of UASs located within a first -area on the map such that the exact location of individual UASs is unknown. The user may select the graphical icon or otherwise request additional information related to the first. UAS location indication to drill down for more inibnttation on the plurality of UASs corresponding to the first UAS location indication. In one particular ^' example, the. computing- -device · may receive input data comprising a request for additional information of a giv n UAS of the plurality of UASs corresponding to one of the pluralit of second UAS location indications. In such an ex mple* in response to receiving the request for additional information of the given HAS, the computing device ma send an instruction to display a unique identifier associated with the given U A S o the display of the computing device.

^' The display data may be a restricted and/or modified subset of all flight status data within the OAS database. The display data may be (i) geo-restricted to a range around the. user, (ii) restricted in time to real-time data with a limited historical lookback {e.g., <l minute) or no: historical lookback,, and (i.ii) subject to precision dilution- ^' such- that a hounded range is displayed for each UAS instead of exact UAS location.

In addition, the graphical user interface may include display options associated with a given UAS icon and specific to the icon. For example, the icon may include a menu {e.g., click, hover-over, etc.) that presents the user with the -option "to "Access More Info"- about the UAS. Clicking through may take the GUI user to a website. The menu may further include reporting options such as reporting any non-standard operation. In one example, such a nonstandard operation ma include a noise violation. In another example, the non-standard operation ma include reporting unsafe operation, such a a low altitude or excess ground speed. Other non-standard operations for reporting are possible as well. The menu may also include an option for push notifications when the UAS is again in the geographic area or in proximity to the user.

It Illustrative UASs

Herein, the terms "unmanned aircraft system" and "UAS" refer to any autonomous o semi-autonomous vehicle that is capable of performing some functions without a physically presen human pilot.

A UAS can take various forms. For example, a UAS -may take the form of a fixed- wing aircraft, a glider aircraft, a tail-sitter aircraft, a "jet- aircraft, a ducted fan aircraft., a iighter-t!ian-air dirigible suc as a blimp or steerahle balloon, a rotoreraft such a a helicopter or multicopter, and/or an oratthopter, among otter possibilities. Further, the terras "drone," "uRBMoried aerial vehicle" (tJAV), or 'Xmmmmzd aerial system" (OAS) may also be used t refer to ί J AS.

Figure 1 A is an isometric view of an example OAS 100. UAS LOO includes wing 102, booms 104, nd a fuselage 106. Wings 102 may be stationary and. may generate lift based on the wing shape and the UAS's forward airspeed. For instance, the two wings 102 may have an airfoil-shaped cross section to ^' produce an aerodynamic force on UAS 100. in some embodiments, wing 10:2 may cany horizontal propulsion units 8, and boom 104 may carry veitieal propulsion units 1 10. In operation, power for the propulsion units may be provided from a battery compartment 1 1.2 of fuselage 1.06. in some -.-embodiments, fuselage 106 also includes an avionics compartmen 114, an additional battery compartment (not shown) and/or a delivery unit (not shown, e.g., a winch system) for handling the payload. in some embodiments, fuselage 106 is modular, and two or more compartments (e.g.., batter compartment 1 1 , avionics compartment 114, other payload and .delivery -compartments) are detachable from each other and seeurable to each other (e.g., mechanically, magnetically, or otherwise) to contiguousiy form at least a portion of fuselage 1 6.

In som embodiments, booms 104 terminate in rudders .1 16 for improved yaw control of UAS. 100. Further, wings 102.may terminate-, in wing tips 117 for improved control of Sift ^' of the U AS .

in the illustrated configuration, UAS 100 includes a structural frame. The structural frame may be referred to as a "structural H-frame" or an "H-frame" (not shown) of the UAS. The H-frame may include, within wings 102, a wing spar (not shown) and, within booms ,104, boom carriers (not shown). I some embodiments the wing spar and the boom carriers- may ^' be made of carbon fiber, hard plastic, aluminum, light metal alloys, or other materials. The wing spar and the boom carriers may be connected with clamps.. The wing spar may include pre-drilted holes for horizontal propulsion: units 108, and the boom carriers may include pre-dniied holes for vertical propulsion units 11 .

in some embodiments, fuselage .1 6 may be removably attached to the H-frame. (e.g., attached to the win spar by clamps, configured with grooves, protrusions or other features to mate with corresponding H-frame. features, etc.). In other embodiments, fuselage- 106 similarl may b removably attached to wings 102. The removable attachment of fuselage 106 ^' may -improve .qualit . and or modularity ^' of UAS: 1 0. For example, elecnHcal raecfctniC-al ^' components and/or subsystems of fuselage 106 .may be tested separately from, d! before being attached to, the H-frame, Similarly, printed circuit boards (PCBs) .1 18 may be tested separatel from, and before being _, attached to, the boom carriers, therefore eliminating defective parts/subassemhiies prior to completing the UAS. For example, components of fuselage 106 (e.g., avionics, battery unit, delivery units, an additional b tter}' compartment, etc.) may be electrically tested before fuselage 106 is mounted to the H- me, Furthermore, the motors aod the electronics of PCBs 1 18 may also be: electrically tested before the final assembly. Generally, the identification of the defective parts and subassemblies early in the assembly process lowers the overall cost a»d lead time of the UAS. furthermore, different types models of fuselage 106 may be attached to the H-frame, therefore improving the modularity of the design. Such modularity allows these various parts of HAS 100 to be upgraded without a substantial overhaul io the manufacturing process.

in some embodiments, a wing shell an boom shells may be attached to the B-franie by adhesive elements (e.g., adhesive tape, double-sided adhesive tape, glue, etc.). Therefore, multiple shells, may be attached to the -frame instead of having a monolithic body sprayed onto the H-frame. in some embodiments, the presence of the multiple shells reduces the stresses induced by the coefficient of thermal expansion of the structural frame of the HAS. As a result, the UAS may have better dimensional accuracy and/or improved reliability.

Mo.Eeovef _s , iu at least some, embodiments, the same H~fiim.e may be used with the wing shell and/or boom shells having different size and/or design, therefore improving the modularity and versatility of the UAS designs. The wing shell and/or the boom shells may be made of relatively light polymers (e.g., closed cell f am} covered by the harder, but relatively thin, plastic skins.

The power and/or control signals from fuselage 106 may be routed to PCBs 1 18 through cables running through, fuselage 106, wings 102, and booms 104. In the illustrated embodiment, UAS 100 has four PCBs, but other numbers of PCBs are also possible. For example. OAS 100 may include two PCBs, one per the boom. The PCBs cany electronic component 1 19 including, for example, power converters, controllers, memory, passive components, etc. in . peration, propulsion units 108 and 1 1 of UAS 100 are electrically connected to the PCBs.

Many variations on the illustrated UAS are possible. For instance, fixed-wing UASs may include more or fewer rotor units ^' (vertical or horizontal}, and/or ma utilize a ducted fan or multiple ducted fens for propulsion. Further, UASs with more wings (e.g., an " -wing" configuration with four wings), are also possible. Although Figure 1A illustrates two wings 102, two booms 104, two horizontal propulsion units 108, and six vertical propulsion units J 1.0 per boom 104 _f it should b appreciated thai .other variants of CIAS 100 may be implemented with more or less of these components. For example, HAS 100 may include four wings 102, tour booms 11 ⁾ 4, and more or less propulsion units (hori ontal or vertical}.

Similarly, Figure IB shows another example of a fixed- ing OAS 1 0. The fixed- wing UAS 120 includes a fuselage 122. two wings 124 with an airfoil-shaped cross section to provide lift for the OAS 120, a vertical stabilizer "126 (or fin) to stabilize- the plane's ya (torn left or right), a horizontal stabilizer 128 (also referred to as an elevator or failplane) to stabilize pitch (tilt up or down), lauding gear 130, and a propulsion unit 132, which can include a .motor, shaft, and propeller.

Figure 1.C shows an example of a (IAS 140 with a propeller in a pusher configuration.. The term "pusher" refers to the fact that a propufeion unit 142 is mounted .at the back of the UAS and "pushes" the vehicle forward, in contrast to the propulsion unit being mounted at the front of the OAS. Similar to the description provided for Figures I A and I B, Figure 1C depicts common structures, used in a pusher plane, including a fuselage 144, tw wings 146, vertical stabilizers 148, and the propulsion unit 142, which can include a motor, shaft, and propeller.

Figure I D shows an aniple of a tail-sitter UAS 160. in the illustrated example, the tail-sitter OAS 160 has fixed wings 162 to provide lift and allow the OAS 160 to glide horizontally (e.g., along the x-axis, in a position that is approxinrntely perpendicular to the position shown in Figure 1 D). However, the fixed wings 162 also allow the iai!-sftter UAS 160 to take off and land vertically on its own.

For example, at a launch site, the tail-sitter OAS 160 may be positioned vertically (as shown) wit its fins 164 and/or wings 162 resting on the ground and stabilising- the UAS 160 in the vertical position. The tail- sitter HAS .160 may then take off by operating its propellers 166 to generate an upward thrust (e.g., a thrust that is -generally along the y-axis). Once at a suitable altitude, the tail-sitter HAS 160 may use its flaps 168 to reorient itself in a horizontal position, such that its fuselage 170 is closer to being aligned with, the x-axis than the y-axis. Positioned horizontally, the propellers 166 may provide forward thrust so thai the tail-sitter UAS 1 0 can fly in a similar manner as a typical airplane.

Many variations on the illustrated fixed- wing UASs are possible. For instance, fixed- wing UASs .may include more or fewer propellers, and/or may utilize a ducted, fan. or multiple ducted fans for propufeion. Further, UASs with more wings (e.g., an ¾- ing" configuration with four wings), with fewer wings, or even with no wings, are also possible. As noted-above, some implementations may involve other types of UASa, m addition to or in the alternative to fixed- wing UASs. For instance, Figure I E shows an example of a roforeraft that is commonly referred to as a muiticopter ISO., The multtcopter 180 may also be referred to as a qoadeopter, as it deludes f& rotors 182. It should be understood that example - implementations m y involve ^' a rototeraii with .more or fewer rotors than th muhicopter ISO. For example, a helicopter typically has two rotors. Other examples with three or more rotors are possible as well. Herein, the any rotorcra t having more than two rotors, and the term "helicopter" refers to rotorcraft havin two rotors.

Referring to the m lticopter 180 in greater detail, the four rotors 182 provide propulsion and maneuverability tor the multicopter 180. More specifically, each rotor 182 includes blades that are attached to a motor 1.84. Configured- as such, the rotors 182 may allo the .multicopter 1.80 to take off and land vertically,, to. maneuve in any direction, and/or to hover. Further,, the pitch of the blades may be adjusted as a group and/or differentially, and may allow the .multicopter 180 to control its pitch, roll, yaw, and/or altitude.

it should be understood that references herein t an "unmanned" aerial vehicle or UAS can apply equally to autonomous .and semi-autonomous aerial vehicles. In an autonomous implementation, all ftttietionality of the aerial vehicie is ^' automated;- e.g., preprogrammed or controlled via real-time computer iitnetionality that responds to input from. various sensors and/or pre-determined information. In a semi-autonomous implementation, some functions of an aerial vehicie may be controlled by a human operator, while otlier functions are carried Out autonomously. Further, in some implementations, a HAS may be: configured to allow a: remote operator to take over functions that can. otherwise -be controlled autonomously by the UAS. Yet further, a given type of function may be controlled remotely at one level of abstraction and performed autonomously at another level of abstraction. For example, a remote operator could control high level navigation decisions for a UAS, such as by specifying that the. UAS should travel from one location to another (e.g., from a warehouse in a suburban area to a delivery address in a nearby city), while the UAS's navigation system autonomously controls.. more, fine-grained -navigation. Visi ns, such as the specific route t take between the two locations, specific flight controls to achieve the route and avoid obstacles while navigating the route, tl s on. More -generally, it should be understood -that ^" the example UASs described herein are not intended to be limiting. Example implementations may relate to, be implemented within, or take ^' the- form of any type of unmanned aerial vehicle.

Hi. Illustrative V AS Compttaettte

Figure 2 is- a simplified block diagram illustrating components Of a- OAS 200, according to an example im lementation. UAS 206 may take the form of, or foe similar in form to, one of the IJASs 100, 120, 140, .160, and. 180 described in reference to Figures 1A- 1 E. However, HAS 200 m also take other forms.

UAS 200 may i clude various types of sensors, and ma ^■ include a computing device configured lo provide the functionality described herein. In the illustrated implementation, the sensors of UAS 200 include an inertia! measurement unit (IMU) 202, .ultrasonic sensors) 204, and. a OPS 206, among other possible sensors and sensing sy stems,.

n the illustrated implementation, HAS 200 als includes one or more processors 208. A processor 208 may be a generai-pirrpose processor or a special purpose processor (e.g., digital signal processors, applicatio specific integrated circuits, etc.). The one or more processor 208 can be configured to execute computer-readable program instructions 212 that are stored in the data storage 210 and are executable to provide the functionality of a UAS described herein.

The data storage 2.10 may include or take the form of one or more computer-readable storage medi that can. be read or accessed by at least one processor 208. The one or .more computer-readable, storage media can include volatile and/or non-volatile storage components, such as optical, magnetic, organic or other memory or di c storage, which can be integrated i Whole or in part with at -least one of the one or more processors 208. in some implementations, the data storage 2.10 can be implemented using, a single physical device (e.g., one optical, magnetic, organic or other memory or disc storage unit), while in other implementations, the data storage 210 can be implemented using two or more physical devices.

As noted, th data storage 210 can include computer-readable program instructions 212 and perhaps addi tional data, such as diagnostic data of the U AS 200, As such, the data storage 210 may include program instructions ^: 21.2 to perform or facilitate some or all of the HAS fttnetionahty described herein. For instance, in the- illustrated implementation, program mstructtons 212 include a navigation module 214 and a tether control module 216.

A. Sensors la .an illustrative implementation, IM ^' O 202 ma include both an. aceeietometer and a gyroscope, which may fee used together to determine at* orientation of the HAS 200. In particular, the aceelero eter can measure the .orientation, of the vehicle with respect to earth, while the gyroscope, measures the rate of rotatio around an axis. IMUs- are commercially available in low-cost, low-power, packages. For instance, an IMU 202 may take the form of or include a miniaturized MicrofilecfrOMeehanical System (MEMS) or a NanoElectroMechaiiical System (NEMS). Other types of IMUs may also be utilised

An IMU 202 may include other sensors, in addition to aceelerometers and. gyroscopes, which may help to better determine position and/o hel to increase■ autonomy of the UAS 200. Two examples of such sensors are magnetometers and pressure sensors. In some implementations, a UAS may include a low-power, digital 3 -axis magnetometer, which can he used to realize an orientation independent electronic compass for accurate heading information. However., othe types of magnetometers, may be utilized as well. Oilier examples are also possible. Further, note that a UAS could include some o all of the ahove- described inertia sensors as separate components from an IMU.

U AS 200 may also include a pressure sensor or barometer, which can be used to determine the -altitude of the UAS 200.■ Alternatively, other sensors, such as sonic altimeters or rada altimeters, can be used to provide an indication of ^' altitude-, which m help to improve the accuracy of and/or prevent drift of an IMU.

In a further aspect, U AS 200 may include one or more sensors: that allow the U AS to sense objects in the environment. For instance, in the illustrated implementation, UAS 200 includes ultrasonic sensor(s) 204, Ultrasonic sensor(s) 204 cars determine the distance to an object by generating ^' sound waves and determining the time interval, between transmission of the wave and receiving the corresponding echo off an object. A typical application of an ultrasonic sensor for UASs or IMUs is low-level altitude control and obstacle avoidance. An ultrasonic -sensor can also be used for vehicles that need to hover at a certain height or need to he capable of detecting obstacles. Other systems can be used, to determine, sense the presence of and/or determine the distance to nearby objects, such as a light detection and ranging (L ^' lDAR) system, laser detection and ranging (LADAR) system, and/or an infrared or forward-looking infrared (FUR) system, among other possibilities.

in some implementations, UAS 200 may also ^■■ include one or more imaging system s). For example, one or more still and/or video cameras may be utilized by UAS 200 to capture image data from the UAS's environment. As a specific example., charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras or complementary metal -oxtde-seiniconduetor (CMOS) cameras can. he used with UASs. Such imaging s isor(s) have numerous possible applications, such ^' as obstacle avoidance, localization ^' techniques, gr un tracking for more accurate navigation {eg., by applying optical flow techniques to images), video feedback, .and/or image recoguition and processing, aniong oilier possihi I i ties ,

UAS 200 may also include a OPS receiver 206. The GPS receiver 206 may be configured to provide data that is typical of -well-known OPS systems, suc as the GPS coordinates of the UAS 200. Such OPS data may be utilized: by the OA 200 for various functions. As such, the UAS may use its GPS receiver 206 to help navigate to the caller's location, as indicated, at least in par , by the GPS coordinates provided by their mobile device. Other examples are also possible.

B. Navigation and Location Determination

The navigation module 214 may provide functionality that allows the UAS 20 to, e.g., move about its environment and reach a desired location. To do so, the navigation module 214 may control the altitude and/or direction of flight by controlling the mechanical features of the UAS that affect flight (e.g., its rudders), elevatot(s), ailero»(s » and/or the speed f i ts propel ier{s)) ,

in order to navigate the UAS 200 to a target location, the navigation module: 21 rfiay implement various navigation techniques, such as map-based, navigation and. localization- based navigat on, for instance. With map-based navigation, the UAS 200 may be provided with, a map of its environment, which may then be used to navigate to a. particular location on the map. With localization-based navigation, the UAS 20 may be capable of navigating in an unknown environment using localisation. Localisation-based navigation, may involve the UAS 200 building its own map of its environment and calculating i s position within the map and/or the position of objects I the environment For example, as a. UAS 200 moves throughout, its environmciit, the: UAS 200 may continuously use localization to update its map of the environment. This continuous mapping process may be referred to as simultaneous localization and mapping (SL AM), Other navigation techniques may also ^' be utilised.

in some impiementaiions. the navigation module 214 may navigate using a technique that re li es on waypoints. in particular, way-points ate. sets o ^' coordinates that identify points i physical space. For instance, an air-navigation, waypoint: may be defined by a certain latitude, longitude, and altitude. Accordingly, navigatio module 214 may cause UAS 200 to move frora aypo t o waypoini, in order to ultimately travel to a final destination (&g„ a final .waypoini in a sequence of waypomts).

in a farther aspect, the navigation module 214 ami/or other components and. systems ^• of th -UAS 200 may be configured for "localization ⁵ " to more precisely navigate to the scene of a target location. More specifically, it ma be desirable in certain situations for -a UAS to be within a threshold distance of the target location where a pay Load 228 is being delivered by a UAS (e.g., within a few feet of the target destination). To this end, a OAS ma use a two-tiered approach in which it uses a more-generai location-determination technique to navigate t a general area that is associated with the target location, and then use a more- refined Soeation-determjiiation technique to identify and/or navigate to the target location within the general area,

For -example, the UAS 200 may navigate to the general area of a target destination where a: payload 228 is being delivered using waypoints and/or map-based navigation. The UAS may then switch to. mode in which it utilizes a localization process to locate and travel to a more -specific location. For instance, if the UAS 200 is to deliver a payload to a user's home, the UAS 200 may need to be substantially close to the target location in order to avoid deliver of the payload to undesired areas (e.g., onto a roof, into a pool, onto a neighbor's property, etc.). However, a GPS signal may only get the UAS 200 so far (e.g.., within a block of the user's home). A more precise location-determination technique may then be used to find the specific target location.

Various types of location-determination techniques may be used to accomplish localization of the target delivery location once the UAS 200 has navigated to the general area of the target delivery location. For Instance, the HAS 200 may be -equipped with one or more sensory systems, such as, for example, ultrasonic sensors 204, infrared sensors (not shown), and/or other sensors, which ma provide .input that the navigation raedule 214 utilizes to navigate autonomously or .semi-autonomously to the specific target location.

As another example, once the UAS 200 reaches the general area of the target delivery location (or of a moving subject such as a person or their mobile device), the UAS 200 may switch to a 'tly-by-wire ^* ' mode where it is controlled, at least in part, b a remote operator, who can. navigate the UAS 200 to the specific target location. To this end, sensory data from the U S 200 ma be sent to th remote operator to assist them in navigating the UAS 200 to the specific location. As yet another xam le, the IJAS 200 may include a module that k able to signal to it passer-by fax assistance in reaching the specific target delivery location. For example, the UAS 200 may display a visual message requesting such assistance in a graphic display, with the visual message possibly indicating the specific targei delivery location, among other possibilities, hi -another example, the: OAS 200 ma play an audio message- or tone, through speakers t indicate the need for such assistance, with the audio message or tone possibly indicating the specific target delivery location, among other possibilities. In practice, such a feature cars be useful in a scenario in which the UAS is unable to use sensory functions or another location-determmation technique- to reach the specific target location. However, this feature is not limited to such scenarios.

in some implementations, once the UAS 200 arrives at the general area of a target delivery location, the UAS 200 may utilize a beacon from a user's remote device (e.g., the user's mobile phone) to locate the remote device., person., or ^' location.. Such a beacon ma take variou forms. As an example, consider the -scenario where a remote device, such as the mobile phone of a person who requested a OAS delivery, is able to send out directional signals (e.g., via an IF signal, a light signal and/or an audio signal), hi this ^' scenario, the UAS .200 may be configure to navigate by "sourcing" - such directional signals - in other words, by determining where the signal is strongest and. navigating accordingly. As another example, a mobile device can emit a frequency, either in the human range or outside the human range, and the UAS 200 can listen for that frequency and. navigate accordingly. As a related example, if the OAS 200 is listening for spoken commands, then the UAS 200 could utilize spoken statements, such -as 'I'm over here!" to source the specific location of the: person requesting delivery of a payioad.

In an alternative arrangement, a navigation module may be implemented at a remote computing device, which: communicates wire!essiy with the OAS 200. The remote: computing device may receive data indicating the operational state of the UAS 200, sensor data from the UAS 200 that allows it to assess the environmental conditions being experienced by the U AS 200,: and/or location information for the U AS 200, Provided with suc information, the remote computing device may determine altitudinal and/or directional adjustments that should be- made by the OAS 200 and/or may determine, how the UAS 200 should adjust its - mechanical features (e.g., its mdder(s), eievatorfs), aii.eron(s), and/or the speed of its propelkris)) in order to effectuate such movements. The remote computing

1.4 device m y then communicate such adjustments to the OAS 200 so it can move I» the determined manner

C, Communication Systems

in a further aspect, the UAS 200 includes one or more communication systems.2 IS. The communications systems 2 Ϊ S may include one or more wireless interfaces and/or one or more Wireline interfaces, which allow the UAS 200 to communicate via one r more networks. Such wireless interfaces may provide for communication under one o more wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, Wi.Fi (e.g.. an IEEE 902.1 1 protocol), Long-Term Evolution (L/ΓΕ), WiMAX (e.g., an IEEE 902,16 standard), a radio-f eque-ney ID (RFID) protocol, near- field communication (NFC), and or other wireless communication protocols. Such wireline interfaces may include an Ethernet interface, a Universal Serial. Bus (USB) interface, or similar interface to communicate via a wire, a twisted pair of wires, a coaxial cable, an optical link, a fiber-optic link, or other physical connection to a wireline network,

Io some implementations, a HAS 200 may include communication systems 218 that allow for both short-range communication and long-range communication.- For example, the U AS 200 may be configured .for short-range communications, - using -Bluetooth and for long- range communications -under - a CDMA protocol, In such an implementation, the OAS 200 may be configured to function as a "hot spot;" or in other words, as a gateway or prox between a remote support device and. one or more data networks, such, as a cellular network, and/or the Internet. Configured as such, the OAS 200 may facilitate data communications that the remote support device would otherwise. be unable to perform by itself

For example, the UAS 200 may provide a WiFi connection to a remote device, and serve as a proxy o gateway io a cellular service provider's data network,, which, the UAS might connect to under an LTE or a- .3.0 protocol, for instance. The U AS 200 cou ld aiso _: serve as a proxy or gateway to a high-altitude balloon network, a satellite network, or a combination, of these networks, among others, which a. remote device might not be able to otherwise access.

! , Power Systems

I a further aspect, the H S 200 may include power sys em(s) 220. The power system .220 may include ^' One or more batteries for providing power to the UAS 200. In one example, the one or more batteries may be rechargeable and eac battery may be recharged via a wired connection between the battery and a power supply and/or via a wireles charging •system such as an inductive charging system -that applies an external time-varying magnetic field to an. internal battery .

£♦ Payload Delivery

The UAS - ^' 200 may employ various systems and configurations in- order to transport and deliver a payload 228. in some implementations, the payload 228 of a given HAS 200 may include- or take the form of a "package ¹⁵ designed to transport various goods to a target delivery location. For example, the HAS 200 can include a compartment, in which an item or items may be transported. Such a package may one or more food items, purchased goods, medical items, or any other object(s) having a size and weight suitable to be transported between two locations by the OAS. In other implementations, a payload 228 may simply be the one or more items that are being delivered (e.g., without any package housing the items).

In some implementations, the payload 228 may be attached to the HAS and located ^• substantially outside of the HAS during som or all of a flight by the OAS. For example, the package may be tethered or otherwise ret easably attached below the OAS during flight to target location. In an implementation where a package carries goods below the HAS, the ^• package may include various features that protect its contents from the environment, reduce erod namic drag on die system, .and prevent the contents of the package front shifting during UAS flight.

For instance, when the payload 228 takes the form of a package for transporting items, the package may include an outer shell constructed of water-resi tant cardboard, plastic, or any other lightweight and water-resistant material. Further, in-order to reduce drag, the package ma feature smooth surfaces: with a pointed front that reduces the frontal cross-sectional area. Further, the sides of the package may taper from a wide bottom to a narrow top, which allows the package to serve as a narrow pylon that reduces interference effects on the wing s) of the UAS. ^' This may move some of the frontal area and volume of the package away from the wing(s) of fee- UAS. thereby preventing the reduction of lift on the wing(s) cause by the package. Yet further, in some implementations, the outer shell of the package may be constructed from a single sheet of material in order to reduce air gaps or extra material both of which may increase drag on the system. Additionally or alternatively,. the package may include a stabiliser to dampen package flutter. This reduction in/flatter may allow the package to have a less rigid connection to the:- HAS and may cause the ^' - contents of the package to shift less during flight. In order to deliver the payioad, the OAS may include a winch system 221 controlled by the tether control module 216 in order to lower the payioad 228 to th ground while the UAS hovers above. As shown in Figure 2, the winch system 221 may include a tether 224, and the tether 224 may be coupled to the payioad 228 by a pay load coupling apparatus 226, The tether 224 may be wound on a: spool that is coupled to a motor 222 of the OAS. The motor 222 ma lak the f rm of a DC motor (e.g., a servo motor) that can he actively controlled by a speed controller. The tether control module 216 can control the speed controller to cause the motor 222 to rotate the spool, thereby unwinding or retracting the tether 224 and lowering or raising the payioad coupling apparatus 226, In practice, the speed controller may output a desired operating rate (e.g., a desired RPM) for the spool which may correspond to the speed at which the tether 224 and payioad 228 should be lowered towards the ground. The motor 222 may then rotate th spool, so thai it maintains the desired opera ting rate.

In order to control the motor 222 via the speed controller, die tether control module 216 may receive data from a speed sensor (e.g., an encoder) configured to convert mechanical position to a representative analog or digital signal. In particular, the ^' speed .sensor may include a rotary encoder that may provide information, related to rotar position (and/o rotary movement) of a shaft of the motor or the spool coupled to the motor, among other possibilities. Moreover, the speed sensor may take the form of an absolute encoder and/or an incremental encoder, among others. So in an. example implementation,, as the motor 2.22 causes rotation of the spool , a rotary encoder may be used to measure this rotation, in doing so., the rotary encoder may be used to convert a rotary positio to an analog or digital electronic ^' signal used by the tether control module 216 to determine the amount of rotation of the spool from a fixed reference angle and/or to an analog or digital electronic signal, that Is representative of a new rotary position, among other options. Other examples are also possible.

Based on the data from the speed sensor, the tether control module 216 may determine a rotational speed of the motor 222 and/or the spool and responsively control the motor 222 (e.g., by increasing or decreasing an electrical current supplied to the motor 222) to cause the rotational speed of the motor 222 to match a desired speed. When adjusting the motor .current, the magnitude of the current adjustment may be based, on a proportional- integrai-derivative (PID) calculation using the determined and desired speeds of the motor 222. For instance., the magnitude of the current adjustment ma be based on a present difference, a past difference (based on accorauiated error over time), and a future difference (based on current rates of change) between the determined and desired speeds of ^* the spool

In some implementations, the tether control module 216 may vary the rate at which the tether 224 and payload 228 are lowered ^' to the ^' ound. For example, the" speed, controller may change the desired operating rate according to . ^' a variable deployment-rate profile and/or - in response to other factors in order to change the rate at which the paylOa 228 descends toward the ground. To do so, the tether control module 216 may adjust an amount of braking or an amount of f iction that is applied to the tether 224. For example, to vary the tether deployment rate, the HAS 200 may include- ^' friction .pads that can appl a variable amount of pressure to the tether 224. As another example, the UAS 200 can include a motorized braking system that varies the rate at which the spool lets out the tether 224. Such a braking system, may take the form of an electromechanical system in which the moto 222 operates to slow the rate at which the spool lets out the tether 224. Further, the motor 222 may vary the amount hy which it adjusts the speed (e.g., the PM) of the spool, and thus may vary the deployment rate of the tether 224. Other examples are also poss ible.

In some implementations, the tether control module 216 may he configured to limit the motor anient supplied to the motor 222 to a aximum value. With such a Hmit placed on the motor -Current _s , there may be situations where: the motor 222 cannot operate at the desired operate specified by the speed controller . For instance, as discussed in more detail below, there may be situations where the speed controller specifies a desired operating rate at. which the motor 222 should retract the tether 224 toward, the UAS 200 _» but the motor current may be limited such that a large enough downward force on the tether 224 would counteract the retracting force of the motor 222 and cause the tether 22 to unwdnd instead. And as further discussed below, a limit on the motor current may be imposed and/or altered depending on an operational state of the UAS 200.

in some implementations, the tether control module 216 may be configured to determine a status of the tether 224 and/or the- -pa load 228. based on the amount of current supplied to the motor 222. For instance, if a downward, force is applied, t the tether 224 (e.g., if the . pay load 228 is attached to the tether 224 or if the: tether 224 gets snagged on an object when retractin toward the UAS 200), the tether control module 216 may need to _: increase the motor curren ^' in order to cause- the determined rotational speed, of the . motor 222 -and/or spool to match the desired, speed. Similarly _. , when the downward force is removed from the tether 224 {e.g., upon delivery of the p&yioad 228 or removal of a tether snag), the

1.8 tether control module 216 ^' .may need to decrease the motor current in order to cause the determined rotational speed of the motor 222 tod/or spool to match: th desired speed. As such,, the tether control module 216 ma be configured to monitor the current supplied to the motor 222. For instance, the tether control module 216 could determine the motor current based o sensor data received from a current sensor of the motor or a current sensor of th power system 220:, In any case, based on the current supplied to the motor 22:2, determine if the payload 228 is attached to the tether 224, if someone or something is pnlling on the tether 224, and/or if the payload coupling apparatus 226 is pressing against the UAS 200 after retracting the tether 224, Other examples are possible as well.

During delivery of the payload .228, the payload coupling -apparatus 226 can be configured to secure the payload 228 while ^' being lowered from the UAS by the tether 224, and can be further configured to release the payload 228 upon reaching ground level. The payload coupling apparatus 226 can then be retracted to the UAS by reeling in the tether 224 using the motor 222,

in some implementations,, the payload 228 may be passively released once it is lowered to the ground. For example, a passive release mechanism may include one or more swing arms adapted to retract into and extend from a housing. An extended swing arm may form a hook on which the payload 228 may be attached. Upon lowering, the release mechanism and the payload 228 to the ground via a tether, a gravitational -force as weli as downward inertia! force on the release mechanism may cause the payload 228 to detach from the ook allowing the release mechanism to be raised, upwards toward the UAS, The release mechanism may further include a spring mechanism that biases the swing arm to retract into the housing when there are no other external forces on the swing arm. For instance, a spring may exert a force on the swing arm that pushes or pulls the swing arm toward the housing such that the swing ^' arm retracts into the housing once the weight of the payload 228 no longer forces the swing arm to extend from the housing. Retractin the swing arm into the housing may reduce the likelihood of the release mechanism snagging the payload 228 or other nearby objects when raising the release mechanism toward the UAS upon delivery of the payload 228.

Active payload release mechanisms are als possible. For, example,, sensors such as a barometric pressure based altimeter and or ^' aceelerorneter-s may help to detect the position of the release mechanism (and the payload) relative to the ground. Data from the sensors can be communicated hack to the UAS and/or a control system over a wireless link and used to help in deteniMia g- whea -ihe release mechanism has reached ground level (e.g., by detecting a measurement with the aeceletotseter that is characteristic of .ground impact). In other examples, the U AS may determine that the payload has reached the -ground based on a weight .Sensor ^' detecting a threshold low downward force an the tether and/or based on a threshold low measurement of powe drawn by the winch when lowering the payload.

Other systems- and techniques for delivering a payload, m addition or in the alternative to a tethered delivery system are also possible. For example, a HAS 200 could include an air- bag dro system or a parachute drop system. Alternatively, a HAS 200 carrying a .payload eoaid simpl land on the ground at a deli very location. Other examples are also possible. IV. Illustrative U AS Deployment Syst ms

OAS deployment, systems may be _. implemented in order t provide various OAS- relaie services. In. particular, UASs may be provided at a number of different launch sites that may he i communication «?jt regional and/or central, control, systems. Such a distributed UAS deployment system may allow UASs to be quickly deployed to provide services across a large geographic area (e.g., that is much larger than the flight range of any single UAS). For example, UASs capable of carrying payloads may be distributed at a number of launch sites across a large geographic area (possibly even throughout an entire country, or eve worldwide), in order to: provide on-demand transport of various items to locations throughout the geographic area. Figure 3: is a simplified block diagram illustrating a distributed OAS deployment system 300, according to an example implementation.

In the illustrative UAS deployment system 300, an access system 302 may allow for interaction With,, control of and/or utilization- of a network of UASs 304. In some implementations, an access system 302 nay be a computing device feat allows for human- controlled dispatch of UASs 304. As such, the control system may include or otherwise provide a user interface through which a user can access andior control the UASs 304..

in some, implementations, dispatch of the U ASs .3.04 may additionally or alternatively be accomplished via one or more automated processes. For instance, the access system 30 may dispatch one of the UASs 304 to transport a payload to a target location, and the UAS may autonomously navigate to the target location by utilizing various on-board sensors, such as : a GPS receiver and/or other various navigational sensors.

Further, the access: system 302 may provide for remote operation, of a UAS. For instance, the access system 302 may allow an operator to control the flight of a UAS via its user interface. As a specific example,, an operator ma use the access system 302 to dispatch a OAS 304 to a target location, ^' Che IMS 304 may then autonomously navigate to the general area of the target location . At this point, the operator may tsse the access system 302 to take control of the HAS 304 and navigate the UAS to the target location (e.g., to a particular person to whom a payioad is feeing transported). Other examples of remot operation of a DAS are a!so possible.

In aa illustrative implementation, the IJASs 304 ma 'take various loans. For example, each of the IJASs 304 may be a OAS such as those illustrated in Figures I A- I E. However, UAS deployment system 300 ma also utilize other types of UASs without departing from the scope of the invention, la some implementations, all of the UASs 304 may be of the same or a similar configuration. However, in other implementations, the UASs 304 may include a number of different types of UASs. For instance, the UASs 304 may include a number of types of UASs, with each type of UAS being configured for a different type or types of payioad delivery capabilities,

The OAS deployment system 300 ma further include a remote device 306, which may take various farms. Generally, the remote device 306 may be any device through which a direct or indirect request to dispatch a UAS can be made. (Note that an indirect request may involve any communication that may be responded t by dispatching a UAS, such as requesting ^' a package delivery). In an example implementation, the remote device 306 ma be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, personal computer, or any aetwork- connected computing device. Further, In some instances, the remote device 306 may not be a. computing device. As an example, a standard telephone, which allow for communication vi plain old telephone service (POTS), may serve as the remote device 306. Other types of remote devices are also possible.

Further, the remote device 306 may be con figured to communicate with access system 302 via one or more types of communication networks) 308. For example, the remote: device 306 may communicate with the access system 302 (or a human operator of the access system 302) b communicating over a POTS network, a cellular network, and/or a data network such as the internet Other types of networks may also be utilized.

in some implementations, the remote device 306 may be configured to allow a user to request delivery of one or more items to a desired location. For ^' example, a user could request HAS delivery of a package to their home via their mobile phone, tablet, or laptop. As another example, a user could request dynamic delivery to wherever they are. located at the rime of delivery. To provide such dynamic delivery, the UAS deployment system 300 ma receive location information (e.g., GPS coordinates, etc;) from the user's m b le phone, or any 'Other device on the user's person,, such thai a UAS can navigate to tlie user's location (as indicated by their mobile phone),

in an illustrative arrangement, the cental dispatch system 310. may be a server of group of servers, which is configured to receive dispatch: messages requests and/or dispatch instructions from the access system 302. Such dispatch messages may request or instruct the central dispatch system 310 to coordinate the deployment of UASs to various target locations. The central dispatch system 31.0 may be former configured to route such requests or instructions to one or more local dispatch systems 312. To provide such fonctionality, the central dispatch system 310 may communicate with the access system 302 via a data network, such as the Internet or a. private network that is established for communications between access systems and automated dispatch systems.

n the illustrated configuration, the central dispatch system 310 may he configured t coordinate the dispatch of UASs 304 from a number of different local -dispatch systems 312. As such, the central dispatch system 310 may keep track of which IJASs 304 are located at which local dispatch systems 12, which UASs 304 are currently available for deployment, and/or -which: services or operations each of the UASs 304 is .configured, for (m the event thai a UAS fleet includes multiple types of UASs configured for different services and/or operations). Additionally or alternatively, each, local dispatch system 312 may be configured to track which of its associated UASs 304 are currently available for deployment and/or are currently in the midst of item transport.

in some c ses* when the central dispatch system 3 0 receives a request tor UAS- related service (e. ., transport of an item) from the access system 302, the central dispatch system 310 may select a specific UAS 304 to dispatch. The central dispatch system 31.0 may accordingly instruct the local dispatch system 312 that is associated with the selected UAS to dispatch the selected UAS, The local dispatch system 312 ma then operate its associated deployment system 31.4 to launch the selected UAS. in other cases, the central dispatch system 310 may forward a request tor a. UAS-reiated service to a local dispatch system 312 that is near the location where the support is requested and leave the selection of a particular UAS 304 to the local dispatch system 312.

in an example configuration, die local dispatch system 3 2 may be implemented as computing device at the same location as the deployment systera(s) 314 that it controls. For example, the local dispatch system 3 2 may he implemented by a computing device installed at a building, ^' sucb as a warehouse, where the deployment sysiero(s) 314 and UAS(s) 304 thai are associated, with the particular local dispatch system 312 are also located. m other implementations, the local dispatch system 332 may be implemented at a location that is remote to its associated deployment system(s) 314 and UAS(s) 304.

Numerous variations on and alternative to me -illustrated configuration of the OAS. deployment system. 300 are possible. For example, in some ^· implementations, a user of the remote device 306 could request delivery of a package directly from the central dispatch system 310. To do so, an application may be Implemented on the remote device 306 that allows the user to provide information regarding a requested delivery, add generate and send a data message to request that the HAS deployment system 300 provide the delivery. In such an implementation, the central dispatch system 310 ma include automated functionalit to handle requests that are generated by such an application, evaluate such requests, and, if appropriate, coordinate with., an appropriate local dispatch system 312 to deploy a HAS.

Further, some or ail of the ^' .functionality that is attributed, herein to the central dispatch system 310, the local dispatch systemis) 312, the. access system 302, and/or the deployment system(s) 314 may he combined in a single system, implemented in a more complex system, and/or redis&thuted among the central dispatch system 310, the local dispatch system(s): 312, the access system 302, and/or m ^' deployment sysieni s) 314 in various ways.

Yet further, while each local dispatch system 312 is shown as having two associated deployment systems 314, a given local dispatch system 3:12· may alternatively have more or fewer associated deployment systems 314. Similarly, while the centra] dispatch system 310 is shown as being in comtmniieation. with, two local, dispatch sy stems 312, the central dispatch system 310 may alternatively be in communication with more or fewer local dispatch systems 312.

In a further aspect, the deployment systems 314 may take, various: forms, in general, the deployment systems 314 may take the form of or include systems for physically launching one or more of the UA.Ss 304, Such .launch systems may include features that provide for an .automated ^' OAS launch and/or features that allow for a human-assisted UAS launch. Further, the deployment systems 314 may each be configured to launch one particular OAS 304, or to launch multiple UASs 304.

The deployment systems 314 may further he configured to provide additional functions, including for example, diagnostic-related functions such as verifying system functionality of the UAS, verifying functionality of devices that are housed within a UAS (e.g., a pay load delivery apparatus), -and/dr maintaining devices or other items that are boused in. the U AS (e.g.., by monitoring a status of a pay!oad such as its temperature, weight, etc.). in some m lement tion the deployment systems 14 and their corresponding UASs 304 (and possibly associated local dispatch systems 312} may be strategically distributed throughout an. area such as a city. For example,, the deployment systems 314 ma be strategicall distributed such that each deployment system 314 is proximate to one or more paytoad pickup locations (e.g., near a restaurant, store, o warehouse). However, the deployment systems 314 (and possibly th local dispatch systems 312) may he distributed in other ways, depending upon the particular implementation. As an additional example, kiosks that allow users to transport packages via UASs may be installed m various locations. Such kiosks may include UAS launch systems, and may allow a user to provide their package for loading onto a UAS and pay for UAS shipping services, among other possibilities. Other examples are also possible.

In a further aspect, the UAS deployment system 300 may include or have access to a user-account database 316. The user-account database 316 may include data fo a number of user accounts, and which are each associated with one or more person. For a given user account, the user-account" database 316 may include dat related to or u eful in providing UAS-rektecI services. Typically, the: user data associated with each user account is optionally provided by an associated user and/or is collected with the associated user' permission.

Further, in some implementations, a person may be required to register for a user account with the UAS deployment ^' system 300, if they wish to be provided wit UAS-re!ated services by the UASs 304 from. UAS deployment system 300. As such, the user-account database 316 may include authorization information for a given user account (e.g., username and password), and/or other information that ma be used, to authorize access to a user account

in some implementations, a person may associate one or mor of their devices with their user account sach that they can access the services of UAS deployment system 300. For example, when a person uses an associated, mobile phone, e.g., to place a call to an operator of the access system 302 or send a message requesting a IJAS-reiaied service to a dispatch system, the phone ma be identified via a unique device identification number, and the call or message may then be attributed to the associated user account. Other examples are also possible. V. Illustrative Methods

A noted, disclosed herein is a method for displaying location indications ^' of a plurality of UASs. The method may be performed by a server, by a computing device, or by a combi nation thereof. The server could be incorporat ed as part . of the access-system 30:2, the central dispatch system 310, the local, dispatch, system 31.2, and/or the deployment system 314, amo¾g other options, ^' In practice, the ^' competin device could be a remote device, such as remote device 306 for instance, that is in communication with the server at issue. Thus, the server could have access to account information {e.g., stored in user-account database 316} associated with the computing device at issue, such as mform ^' ation about the source location associated with the computing device and/or information about items (e.g., respective weights of items) associated with the sourc location, among others. Yet further, in some implementations, the server and the computing device could be incorporated into a single system or device.. Note that the sewer and. tire computing device are described in more detail below.

Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method 400, according to an example implementation. Illustrative methods, such as method 400, may he carried out in whole or in part within .an arrangement involving, fo example, the computing device 700 of Figure 7 and/or the server 800 of Figure 8 (or more particularly by one or more components or subsystems thereof such as by a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions that are executable to cause a system to perform functions described herein). However, it should be understood that, example methods, such as method 400, may be carried out by other entities or combinations of entities as well as in other arrangements, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Method 400 and other processes and methods disclosed herein may include one or more operations, functions, or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 402-408 lo instance. Although the block are illustrated in sequential order, these blocks ma also be performed in parallel, and/or in a different order than those described herein.. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and/or removed based upon the desired implementation.

In addition, for the method 400 and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the flowchart shows functionality and operation of one possible implementation of present implementations. In this regard, each block may represent a. module, a segment, or a portion of program code, which includes one or more instructions executable by processor for implementing specific logical mictions or steps in the process. The program code may be stored on any type of computer readable medium, for example, such as a storage device including a disk or hard drive. The computer readable medium ma include non-transitory computer readable medium, for example, such as computer-readable media that stores data for short periods of time .like register memory , processor cache and Random Access Memor (RAM). The computer readable medium may also include non-firansitory media, such as secondary or persistent long terra storage, like read only memory (ROM), optical or magnetic disks, compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM), for example. The computer readable media may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storage systems. The computer readable medium may be considered a computer readable storage .medium, for example, or a tangible storage device. In addition, for the method 400 and oilier processes and methods disclosed herein, each block, in Figure 4 may represent circuitry that is. wired to perform the specific logical fknetion in the process.

At block 402, method 400 involves sending, by a computing device, unmanned aircraft system (UAS) data providing a first HAS location indication on a. map on a display of the computing device, wherein the first UAS location indication comprises an aggregate indication of a plurality of U ASs located within a first area on the map. As such, the .first UAS location indication may comprise a single graphic icon that ^■ .represents the plurality of UAS located within the first area on the .map. In one example, the first UAS location indication comprises a circle with a .numerical representation of the number of the plurality of UASs, as described in additional detail below with reference in Figure 8A, Other graphic icons for the first UAS location indication are possible as wel l.

In one example* he graphic display of the first U AS location indication is limited to a range around a location of the computing device. For example, the graphic display of may be limited to displaying the lirst UAS location indication of IJAVs that are within a 25 km radius from the computing device, within, a 10 km radius from the computing device, within: .a 5 km radius from the computing device, within a 1.5 km radius from the computing device, or within a. 0.75 km radius from the computing device, as non-limiting examples. The location of the computing device can be determined using several techniques. Example techniques include, but are not limited to, determining, the location based one a Global Positionin System (GPS) receiver in the computing device, input from a user o the computing device, based on information in the environment (e.g., street and highway signs), bianguiation of network signals, use measurements from gyroseope(s-) aad accelerorneter(s) irs the computing device, and combinations of these techniques. Other techniques■ are possible as well.

in one particular example, the range around the location of the computing device comprises a geofence, and die indication of the location of the OAS is displayed irt response io detectin a breach of the geofence by the UAS. A geofence is a virtual region specified in relation t a corresponding geographical region. For example, a geofence that encircles at least part of an increased authorization location can be specified with a latitude and longitude pair and a given radius. In other examples, polygons, such as triangles or rectangles, or other shapes can he used to specify a geofence, as discussed in additional detail below.

In one example, the first UAS location indication is displayed in real time with no historical lookback. In another example, the first UAS location indication is displayed in real time with a limited historical lookback,, such as less than one minute. The restriction of ^• historical lookback for the OAS location, may help prevent machine coilectian. of drone identification data as the information is only available for a limited period of time, and is onl available when the UAS is in proximity to the computing device.

At block 404, the method 400 involves receiving, by the computing device, input data comprising a request for additional information, related to the. firs ^' UAS location indication. The input data comprising the request for additional information may correspond to a user input to the computing device. In one example, input data comprises a mouse click On the first UAS location indication on the display of the computing device, in another example, the display comprises a touch screen, and the input data comprises selecting the first UAS location indication by touching the first HAS location indication ø«. the displa of the: computing device. In yet another example, the input data comprises information indicative of a voice command. Other input data is possible as well.

At block 406, the method 400 invokes., in response to receiving the request for additional information, sending additional location dat related to the plurality of UASs, including a plurality of second UAS location indications at a plurality of locations within the first area on the map, wherein each second U AS indication corresponds to a subset of the pluralit of .UASs represented by the first UAS location indication. At block 408, the method 400 involves updatin the displa of the computing device to show the plurality of second UAS location Indications.

in one example, the plurality of second OAS location indications at the plurality of locations within the first area on the map are displayed on a zoomed in area of the location on the map. in- such art example, when the request for additional information is received, the display is zoomed in to a closer radius fr m the location of the computing device when the plurality of second UAS locattosi indications are displayed on the display of ihe computing device.

The plurality of second UAS location indications may take a variety of forms. In one

Exam le, the ^■ lurality of second UAS location indications each comprise a graphic icon that represents a location of a single HAS located within the first area on the map. In another example, the plurality of second UAS location indications each comprise a graphic icon that represents a second plurality of UASs that is a subset of the first plurality of U ASs, In such an example, the method 400 ma further include (i) recei ving, by the computing device, input data comprising a request for additional information related to a given second UAS location indication of the plurality of second UAS location indications, (il) sending additional location, data related, to the plurality of UASs Including a plurality of third UAS location indications. at .a pluralit of locations, within the first area on the map, wherein each third UAS indication corresponds to a subset of the plurality of UASs represented by the second UAS location indication* and (hi) updating the display of the. computing device to show the plurality of third UAS location indications. Additional layers of detail for the plurality of UASs are possible as well, with each layer requiring a use input to drill down to the next level of detail

At the highest level of detail (e.g., after one or more requests for additional information), the display of the computing device may display an indi vidual graphical icon for one or more f the plurality of UASs within the first area on the map. In one example, the location of each individual UAS is diluted to a bounded range surroundin ^' the UAS, The bounded range may be 50 feet, 100 feet, or 150 feet, as examples. Limiting the location of the O AS to a bounded, range provides precision dilution so that the exact U AS location is not provided, but instead an appro imation of the location is displayed on the computing device.

in one example, the method 400 may further include (i) receiving, by the computing device, input, data -comprising a request for additional information of a given UAS of the plurality of U ASs corresponding to one of the plurality of second UAS- location indications, and iii) in response to receiving the request for additional information of the given UAS, sending an -instruction to display a unique identifier associ ted with the given. UAS on the display of the computing device. Once a UAS owner is registered, the UAS may be assigned a unique identifier. The unique identifiers are globally unique, human-readable identifiers used to pufclicaUy Identify an operating UAS, traceable to a given owner through the registration database. The unique identifier may be a uniqu . identification number, or may be alphanumeric. The unique identifier may be physically affixed to the aircraft, and may ^• optionally be broadcast via -an F technology (e.¾. ADS-B, or similar). The unique identifier may also be linked to a specific vehicle's manufacturer- identity (e.g. serial number)... Th UAS database ma include a plurality of such, registered UASs, arid their associated unique identifiers.

A given UAS may be registered using a UAS registrar. Any interested entity could implement a OAS registrar, provided they comply with a registrar accreditation agreement defining minimum criteria for participation. A cooperati ve network of registrars helps ensure no single poin of failure in the registratio and -identity system, and potentially allows for 'value-added' services (e.g. fleet management, airspace, oute ^• management, etc). In serving registration requests., the registrars would interface with a centralized UAS registry operated, by an appropriate regulator^ body (e.g., ^' the. FA A).

Such a UAS registrar may be responsible for the capture, verification, and validation

.of HAS owner information. Such information may include information provided by the owne daring registration. This -information could- include items such as: name, phone number, mailing address, email address. The information provided should be sufficient to enable identification, aid provide a valid point of contact for a responsible party during ^' OAS .operations (e.g. phone number, .mailing address). Verification ^' and validation of ie provided information may be ^' required, as this helps to prevent deliberate misuse of the system. ^' Validation could be achieved through various means, such as challenge-respons - ^' {e.g. via SMS, email, or physical mail), or through a third party (e.g. credit card or bank account). Failure b th registrant (owner) to provide verification within a reasonable timeframe should lead, to suspension or termination of the registration. Periodic verification of owner information should be conducted (e.g. yearly) by the registrar, to ensure ongoin accuracy. The information capture and registration process may be analogous to the registration process for internet domain names.

in another exam le _s , the method 400 iurther involves, in response to receiving the request for additional information of the given ^' OAS, sendi g an instruction to display one or more of the following; (i) a ground speed of the UAS o the display of the computing device, ii) an altitude of the UAS o the display of the computing device, (in) a model number of the UAS on the display of the computin device, (iv) an Image of the UAS on the displa of the computing device, an (y) an operator of the UAS cm the display of the -comp ting device. The operator ^' information may be associated with the determined unique identifier. An operator of the UAS is the entity actually conducting operation of the O AS m the airspace. In most cases, tlie registered owner and operator of the UAS will be one and the same,, however there are many use-cases where the operator is a distinct entity (e.g., rentals, leasing,, etc.). Grse or more of the unique identifier information, ground speed of the UAS, altitude of the UAS, model nura ef of the UAS, image of the UAS, and operator omiati ^' on of me UAS may be retrieved f om a UAS database. The information displayed on the display of the computing device may be a . restricted and/or modified subset of all flight status dam within the UAS database. For example, owner information, of the UAS may not be displayed.

in one example, the altitude of the U AS is displayed as an altitude range, such that an exact altitude of the HAS Is unknown. For example, the .altitude, of the HAS may be displayed as. less tha 50 feet, or 50-100 feet, or 100-150 feet, or greater than 1 SO feet. Other example ranges are possible as well, in another example, an exact altitude of the HAS may be displayed if the altitude -exceeds a threshold height. For example, when the UAS is at an altitude over 50 feet, an exact altitude of the UAS may be displayed. But when the UAS is at an altitude under 50 feet, the display may simpl display the altitude as being less, than 50 reet, withom specifying m exact -altitude. Such an example may help obfuscate, pickup, and drop-off locations of the UAS.

The method 400 may further involve. (!) in response to receiving the request for additional information of the given UAS, sending an instruction to display an option for further additional information about the given UAS, (it) receiving, by the computing device, input data comprising; a selection the option tor further additional, information ^' about the given UAS, and (ii) in response to receiving the selection of the option for further additional information about the given U S, sending an instruction to displa a website corresponding, to the option tor former additional information about the given UAS, The further additional information on the website may include operator information for the UAS, a model number for the UAS, and an image of the UAS, as examples. In another example, the website may be a website for the operator of the UAS,

The _: method 400 may further involve, in response t receiving the request for additional infonnaiion. of the given UAS, sending a inst ucti n to displa an option to report the given UAS for a non-standard, operation. I one example, such, a non-standard operation may include a noise violation. In. another example, the non-standard operation may include reporting unsafe operation, such as a low altitude or excess ground speed. Other nonstandard operations for reporting are possible as well The repor may then h transmitted to an appropriate regulator body:.. In. another example, the method 400 further involves, in response to receiving the request for additional information of the given UAS, sending an instruction to display an option to receiv a notification w en the given IJAS is in proximity io the computing device. In such an example, th proximity to the computing device may he defined by a geof ence surrounding the location of the computing device, and the notification is displayed in response to detecting a breach of the geofenee by the IJ AS. Other examples are possible as well.

The methods and corresponding graphical user interface described above beneficially provide users the ability to see what UASs are flying in their area. However, a potential drawback of such a system may include the scraping of OAS data to create a large scale tracking database of a plurality of UASs across a large geographic area. To addres thi potential concern, in one example of m thod! 400, the request for additional information related to the first IJAS location indication corresponds to a first source. In. such an example, the method 400 may further involve (i) determining count of additional information requests received from the first source within a predetermined period of time, (it) when the count is greater than a threshold, denying the request for additional information, and (iii) when the count is less than, or equal to the threshold, sending the additional location data related to the plurality of UASs,

Such a method may hel prevent: machine collection of UAS data displayed on a graphical user interlace in response to a user selection by detecting whethe it is a computer program or a human controlling the request for additional UAS information, and lock out a source that is requesting additional UAS information .at a threshold high rate.

n one example, the first source may comprise a user account associated with a particular user. In anothe example, .the first source may comprise- a particular, computing device, in yet another example, the first source may comprise a. number of different accounts that are linked in. some way , such as the same internet Protocol (IP) address, same registered owner of accounts, same geolocation, or any other way that accounts might be determined to be linked such thai the information pulled by multiple accounts and or from multiple devices can he aggregated by a person or entity.

The predetermined time period may be a minute* an hour, or a day, as non-limiting examples. The threshold of requests pe predetermined period may be 2 request for additional information per minute, 10 request for additional information per hour- or .25 requests for additional information per day, as non-limiting examples. Other thresholds and predetermined periods are possible as well The -threshold, should be selected in an attempt to detect -whether it is a computer program or a human controlling the request for additional UAS information.

VI, Ex mple Geofences

Figure 5A depicts a geofencing scenari 500 for a UAS 510, i» accordance with an example einbodimeni. In Figure 5A„ UAS 510 is relatively close to five geofences: geofenees 520, 522, 324, 526, and 530. Geofences 520, 522, and 524 are shaped as rectangles, and specified in terms of upper-left-hand comer and lower-left-hand corner coordinates. For example, geofence 520 has upper-left-hand corner coordinates of (a, b and lower-left-hand comer coordinates of (c, d). By this specification, geofence 520 includes all point whose x. coordinates range from. a. -to c and whose y coordinates range from b to d. Such geofenees may represent; -an area surrounding a computing device, in particular a computing device u sed to carry o ut one or more of the steps of method.400 described above.

In some cases, geofences can be nested or included within other geofenees. For example. Figure SA shows geofences 522 and 526 within geofence 520, and geofence 524 withi n geofence 522.

Other geometries than rectangles can be- used for geofences. Figure 5A shows circular geofences 526 and 530 each specified by a espective center point and radius. For examples, geofence 526 is specified with a center point of (a _¾ !¾} and a radius of R¾, and geofence 530 is specified with a center point of {e _s f) and a radius of R.

Figure SB depicts an example geofencing scenario. In Figure 5B. UAS 510 enters geofence 530 at point PI , travels along path 542,, and exits geofence 530 at point P2, A computing device can first determine entry of the UAS .510 withi geofence 530 by determining a current location, determining a difference D between the current location and the center point (e, f) of geofence 530, and comparing the difference D to a function f(R} of the radius R of geofence 530.

For example, let (x, y) he the current position of U AS 51 . Then, if the difference O between the current position and the center point of geofence 530 is determined as , then the difference P can be ^' . ompared, to the radios R of geofence 530; i.e.. h ^' R) ~ R in another example, the- difference D can be determined as with f(R) ^~ R ^a . Thea, if D is less thai* f(R), UAS 510 is within the boundary of geofenee 530: otherwise, D > ¾R) and UAS 510 is not within the boundary of geofence 530,

To determine entry into the geofence, UAS JO can retain two values for each geofence: a previous entry state and- a eurient entry state. The previou and current entr states can both be initialized to "Not entered" - Then, .HAS 510 can determine whether it is within geofence 530 using the technique mentioned above. If UAS 510 is now within geofence 530; e.g., has reached point PI along path 542; then the current entry state can be set to ''Entered", Upon setting the current entry state to "Entered", UAS 510 can determine whether the previous entry state is set to "Not entered". When the current entr state is "Entered" and the previous entry state is set to "Not entered", then UAS 510 can determine that UAS 510 has just entered into geofence 530, After comparing the previous entry state with "Not entered", the current entry state can be copied to the previous entry state.

In one particular example, the indication of the, location, of the HAS .5.10 may be limited to the geofence 530, and the indication of the. location of the OAS 510 is displayed in response to detecting a breach of the geofence 530 by the U AS 51 . in another example, as discussed above, a user may select an option to receive. a notification when a particular UAS 510 is in proximity to the computing device. In such an example, the proximity to the computing device may be defined by the geofence 530 surrounding the location of the computing device, and the -notification is displayed on the display of the computing device in response to detecting a breach of the geofence by the UAS 51 ,

A similar technique can be used to determine when OAS 510 exits geofence 530; e.g., OAS 510 can determine that it has exited geofence. 530 when the previous entry state is "Entered" and the current entry state is "Not Entered". Upon exit from geofence 530, a geofence exit message can be generated.

V1L Example Graphical User Interfaces

Figure 6 A illustrates a display 602 of a computing device 600 including a first UAS location indications 604 at a location on a map. As discussed above, the first OAS location indication 604 comprises an aggregate indication of a plurality -of UASs located within a first area on the map. As such, the first OAS location indication 604 ma comprise a single graphic icon thai represent the -plural My of UASs located within the firs area on th map, as shpwn ift- igure 6A. In the particular example shown in Figure 6 , the first UAS location indication. 604 may comprise a circle with a numerical, representation of the number of the plurality of UASs. Other graphic icons for the first UAS location indication 604 are possible as well. The computing device 600 may receive: input data comprising _, a request for additional data related to the first HAS locaiion indication 604. The input data comprising the request ^' for additional data related to the first UAS location indication 604 may take a variet of forms, in one particular example, as shown in Figure 6A, a user is selecting the first UAS location indication 604 using a cursor 605. h another example, a user may select the first UAS location indication 604 usin a touch screen on the computing device 600 or via a voice command. An other inpnt for a request for additional information related to the first UAS location indication 604 is possible as well

Figure 6B illustrates the display 602 of the computing device 600 once the request for additional information has been received b the computing device 600. As shown in Figure 6B. the display 602 includes a plurality of second UAS location indications 606A-606D at a plurality of locations within the first area on the map. As discussed above, each second UAS indication 606.A-606D corresponds to a subset of the plurality of UASs represented by die first UAS location indication 604.

As discussed above, in one example, the plurality of second UAS location indications

606A-606D each comprise a graphic icon that represents a locaiion of a single UAS located within the first area on the map> in another exatnple, as shown in Figure 68, the plurality of second U AS location indications 606 A-606D each comprise a graphic icon that represents a second plurality of UASs that is a subset of the first pluralit of UASs. in Such an example, the computin device 600 ma receive input data comprising a request for additional information related to & given second UAS location indication 606A of the plurality of second UAS location indications 606A-606D. As discussed above, the input data comprising the request for additional information related to a given, second UAS location indication 606A of the plurality of second UAS location indications 606A-606D may take a variet of forms, such as a cursor selection, a touch input, or a voice command.

Figure 6€ .illustrates the display 602 of the computing device 600 once the computing device has received, the input date comprising a request for additional information related to a given second UAS location indication 606A of the plurality of second UAS location indications 606A-606D, As shown in Figure C , the display 602 includes a plurality of individual UASs 608 A, 608B at a pi utality of locations: within the first area on the map.

Once again, the computing device 600 may receive a request for additional mforrnation about a given UAS 608A. As shown in Figure 61 ⁾ , in response to receiving the indication of the user input selecting UAS 608A, the computing device 600 may display a unique identifier 610 associated with the UAS 60S A. As show in Figure 6D, the unique identifier 8 ! 2 may be positioned near the indication of the UAS 804Α·. In addition, the computing device 800 ma display another window 612 overlaid on the map below the HAS 608 A. The window -612 ma display the unique identifier .610 of the HAS 6 8 A,. a» ^' operator 614 of the OAS 608A, an image 616 of the OAS- 6C38A, a model number 618 of the OAS 60SA, ground speed 620 of the U AS 608 A, and an altitude 622 of the UAS 608A. Further, as shown in Figure 61), the window 12 may also display an option for additional information 624 about the UAS 608A. As described above,, in response to .receiving an indication of the user input selecting the option, for additional information about the OAS 608A, the com utin device 600 may display a website corresponding to the option for additional information about the OAS 608A. The website may be a website for the operator of the UAS. Other embodiments of the display 602 possible as well as discussed in additional detail above, VI IL Example Computing l½vlce

Figure 7 i a block diagram, showing components of an example computing device 700. Generally, the computing device 700 may take the form of a desktop computer, a laptop, tablet, a wearable computing device, and/or mobile phone, among other ^• possibilities ^' , nonetheless, as shown, the computing device 700 ma include one or more processors 702, data storage 704, program instructions 706, communieation interface 70:8, display 710, input ^' Method Editor (IMS) 712, and ^' audio output device 714. Note that the computing device 700 is shown for illustration purposes only and computing device 700 may include additional components and/or have one or more components removed without departin f m the scope of the disclosure. Further, note that the various components of computing device 700 may be arranged and connected in any manner.

Processors) 702 may be a general-purpose processor or a special purpose processor (e.g., digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, etc.). The processors) 702 can he configured to execute computer-readable program instruciious 706 that are stored in the dat storage 70 and are executable to carry out various functions described herein, among others

The data storage 704 may include or take the form of one or more computer-readable storage medi that can be read or accessed by processor! s) 70 , The one or more computer- readable storage media can include volatile and/or non-volatile storage components, such as optical, magnetic, organic or other ^" memory or disc storage, which can be integrated in whole or in part with processors) 702, In some implementations, the data storage 704 can be implemented using a. single physical device (e.g.,, one optical,, magnetic, organic or other memory or disc storage unit), while in other implementations, the data storage 704 can be implemented using two or more physical devices. Further, in addition to the eoraputer- readaoie program instructions 706, the data storage 704 may include additional data such as diagnostic data, . among other possibilities.

The communication interface 708 ^' may allow computing device 700 to communicate, using analog or digital ^' .modulation, with other devices, servers, access networks, and or transport networks. Thus, communication interface 708 may facilitate circuit-switched and/or packet-switched eomtnuMcatiori, such as plain old. telephone service (POTS) communication and/or internet protocol. (IP) or other paeketked communication. For instance, communication interlace 708 may include a chipset and antenna arranged for wireless communication with a radio access network or an access point. Also, communication interlace 70S may take the ^" form, of or include a wireline interface, such as an. Ethernet _* Universal Serial Bits (USB), or High-Definition Multimedia. Interface (H ^' DMI) port. Communication interface 1.008 may also lake the form of or incl ude a wireless interlace, such as a Wifi, BLUETOOTH®, global positioning system (GPS), or wide-area wireless interface (e.g„ Wi AX or 3GPP Long-Term Evolution fLTE)). However, other forms of physical layer interfaces and oilier types of standard or proprietary.' communication protocols may be ^' used over communication interface 708. Furthermore;, communication interface 708 ma comprise multiple physical communication interfaces {eg., a Wit! interface, a BLU ETOOTH® interface, and a wide-area wireless interface).

Displa 710 may take on any form ^' (eg., LED, LCD. OLED, etc.}. Further, display 710 ma be a touchscreen, display (e.g., a touchscreen display on a t blet). Display 71.0 may show a graphical user interface (0111) that may provide an application, through which a user may interact with the systems disclosed herein.

Fu ther, the computing device 700 may receive user input (e.g., .from the use of the computing device 700) via IMF 712. in particular, the 1MB 712 may allow for interaction wit the GUI such as for scrolling, providing text, and/or selecting various features of the application, among other possible-interactions. The IMF 712 may take on various forms. In one example, the ME 712 may he a pointing device such as a computing mouse used for control of the GUI . However, if display 710 is a touchscreen display, user touch input can be received (e.g., such as using a ^' finger or a stylus) that allows for control of the GUI. In another example, IMF 712 may be a text IME such as a keyboard that provides for selection of numbers, characters and/or symbols to be ^' displayed via the GUI. For instance, in the arrangement where display 710 is a touchscreen display, portions of the display 710 may show the IME 7I2. Thus, touch-inpiit on the portion of the display 710 including the 1MB 712 may result ^' in user-input such as seSeetiori of specific numbers, characters, and/or symbols io be. shown on the GUI via display 710. In yet another example, the 1MB 712 may h a voice 1ME that ma be used that receives audio input, such as from a user via a microphone (not shown) of the computing device 700, tha is then erpretable using one of various speech recognition techniques into one or more characters than tnay be shown via display 7.10, Other examples may also be possible.

Yet further, audio output device 714 ma include one or .more devices configured to convert electrical signals into audible signals (e.g., sound pressure waves). As such, the audio output device 714 may take the form of headphones (e.g., over-ihe-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, ear buds., wired and wireless headphones, etc.), one or more loudspeakers,, or an interface to such an audio output device (e.g., a W or tip-ring-sleeve (T S) port, a USB ^• port, ^' etc.). In some implementations, the audio output device 714 may include art amplifier, a communication interface (e.g., BLUETOOTH interface), and/or a headphone jack or speaker Output terminals. Other systems or devices configured to deliver perceivable audio signals to a user are possible.

IX, Example .Server

Figure 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of a server .800, according to an example implementation. The server 800 includes one or more processors) 802 and data storage 804, such as a non-transitor computer readable medium. Additionally, the data storage 804 is shown as storing program instruction 806, which may be executable by the processors) 802. Further, the server 800 also includes a communication interface 1008. Note that the various .components of server 800 may be arranged and connected in any manner.

Moreover, the above description, of processors) 702, data storage 704, and communication interface 708, may apply to any discussion relating to the respective component, being used in another system or arrangements. For instance, as noted. Figure 10 illustrates processors, data storage, and a communication interface a being incorporated in another arrangement. These components at issue may thus take on the same or similar characteristics (and/or form) as the respective components discusse above In association with Figure 9. However, the components at issue could also take on other characteristics (and/or form) without departing from the scope of the disclosure. la practice, a ^' server may.be any program and/or device that provides -functionality for other programs and/or devices (e.g., any of the above-described devices), which coul be referred to as "clients". Generally, this arrangement may be referred to as a client-server model. With this arrangement, a server can provides -various -services, such as data and/or resource sharing with, a client and/or carrying out computations for a client, among others. Moreover, a single server can provide services for one or more clients and a single client can receive services from one or more servers. As such, servers could take various forms (currently known or developed in the future), such as a database server, a -file server, a web serves, and/or an application server, among other possibilities.

Generally, a client and a server may interact with one another in various ways. In particular, a client may send a request or an instruction or the like to the server. Based on that request or instruction, the server may perform one or more operations and may then respond to the clie t with a result or with an acknowledgement or the like. In some cases,: a server may send a request, or an instruction or the like to the client. Based on that request or instruction, the client may perform one or more operations and may then respond to the server with a result or with an acknowledgement or the like. In either case, such communications between a client and server may occur via a wired connection or via a ^' wireless connection, such as via a network for instance.

X. Conclusion

The particular arrangements shown in the Figures should not be viewed as limiting, it should be understood that other implementations may include more or less of each element shown in a given Figure. Further, some of the illustrated elements may he combined or omitted. Yet further, an exemplary implementation ma include elements that are not illustrated in. the Figures.

Additionally, while various aspects and implementations have been disclosed herein, other aspects and implementations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The variou aspects and implementations- disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not. intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. Other implementations, may be utilized, and other changes niay .be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that die aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, ail of which are contemplated herein. Where example .embodiments .involve information related to a person or a device of a person, the embodiments shook! be understood to include privacy controls. Such privacy controls include, at least anony ization of device identifiers,, transparency an user controls, including fueetkmality that would enable users to modify or delete inforaiaiion relating to the user's us of a product. Such privacy controlled data might includ (without limitation) information related to; an individual's identity, and individual's location, an individual's order history, a UAS's identity, a UAS's location, OAS's flight history, a business's identity, a business's location, and/or a business's order history, arnohg others.'

Accordingly, i» situations in which system(s) collect and/or make use of ^' information about entities (e.g., individuals, UASs, and/o businesses), data may be treated in one or more ways before it is stored or used, so that personally identifiable mforraation is. removed or otherwise -cannot be discovered by an unauthorized entity/system.

in one example, an entity's identity and/or geographic location may be treated so that no personally Identifiable information can be determined for the entity. To do so, a system may transmit and/or receive data in the form of aoonymixed data streams. That is, data representing information related, to one or more entities may not provide any information related t respective identities and/or locations of the one or more entities, thereby ^■ maintaining privacy.

in another example, when data Is set to include infi rmati n related to an entity' identity and/or location, the data could he arranged so that this information is specified in such a way that only an authorized, entity/system could ascertain a particular identify and or a particular location of an entity. To do so, a system may transmit and/or receive data in the: form of coded data streams i which the information takes the form a code inteipre ^' table onl by an authorized entit /system.

In yet another exampl , data representing information related to an entity's identit and/or location may be encrypted so that only an authorized entity/system could obtain access to the information. For instance, an authorized entity/system could obtain access to. the information only through use of a previously-obtained security key that enables access to the information.

I yet another example, data .. epresenting information related to an entity's identity and/or location may only be available ^' temporarily. For instance, a system could be configured to store such data for a certain time period and to then permanently delete the data upon detecting expiration of this time period. Other examples are possible as well. Further, m situations in where embodiments discussed hereto collect personal information, about users, or may make use of personal, information, the users may be provided with, an opportunity to control whether programs or features collect user iaformatio.n (e.g., •information about a user's medical history, social network, social actions or activities, profession, a user's preferences, or a user' current location}:, or to- control whether and/or how to receive content from the content server that may be more ^' relevant to the user. In addition, certain data may be treated in one or more ways before it is stored or used, so that personally identifiable information is removed. For example, a user's identity may be treated so that no personally identifiable orthatton can be determined for the user, or a user's geographic location may be generalized where location information is obtained (such as to a city, ZIP code, or state level), so that a particular location of a user cannot be determined. Thus, the user may have control over bow information is collected ab ut the user and used by a content server.