REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/341,322, filed May 25, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to unmanned vehicles, and more particularly to a wireless key fob system for remote operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

BACKGROUND

[0003] Currently, unmanned vehicle actions are performed by a nearby operator. In the case of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a radio controlled (RC) transmitter is utilized to perform basic or advanced features once the device has been powered up. Providing power involves a process whereby the operator must equip the vehicle with a power source (battery) and physically connecting the power source to the vehicle. Next, the operator must turn on the RC transmitter. Furthermore, the operator must disengage the safety mechanism to allow for subsequent steps. Still further, the operator must use the RC transmitter, computer, tablet, or phone connection to "arm" the vehicle so that it is ready for flight. All of these steps must be performed before the propellers on a UAV are permitted to spin and the vehicle is ready for flight,

[0004] Conventional systems function as shown in FIG. 1. In step 101 an operator must first obtain a power source. In step 102 the operator must connect the power source to the UAV. Then in step 1-03 the operator must turn the RC transmitter "ON". In step 104 the operator must then disengage the safety via a physical switch on the UAV. Finally, in step 105 the operator must arm the UAV via the transmitter.

[0005] The problem with the current system is that while the structure of events is designed with safety in mind, the multi-step process is tedious. An operator must take many steps to start the vehicle even if no flight, drive, or general operation is intended purely for demonstration purposes.

[0006] The present invention solves these and other problems in the prior art.

SUMMARY

[0007] The wireless key fob system for an unmanned vehicle provides users with a wireless method of activating the power system of an unmanned vehicle from a remote location, and/or without contact.

[0008] According to first aspect of the disclosure, provided is a system for wireless control of a remote vehicle, comprising: a remote control device, comprising: a first processor; a memory operably connected to the first processor; at least one input device operably connected to the first processor; and a transmitter operably connected to the first processor; and an unmanned air vehicle, comprising: a second processor; a memory operably connected to the second processor; an autopilot operably connected to the second processor; and a receiver operably connected to the second processor, wherein the remote control and the UAV wirelessly exchange commands to remotely disengage a safety of the autopilot and arm the UAV.

[0009] According to another aspect of the disclosure, provided is a method for wireless control of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a wireless control system including a remote control device and the UAV, the method comprising the steps of: generating a safety disengage command by the remote control device, the safety disengage command generated by activating a safety disengage switch; transmitting by the remote control device the safety disengage command from the remote control device to the UAV; receiving the safety disengage command by the UAV; and disengaging a safety of an autopilot of the UAV based on the safety disengage command.

[U010] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, provided is a method for wireless control of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a wireless control system, the method comprising the steps of: wirelessly receiving a safety disengage command by the UAV; and disengaging a safety of an autopilot of the UAV based on the safety disengage command.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the specific description accompanied by the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of prior art systems.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a key fob according to the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a UAV according to the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the key fob system according to the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the key fob system according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed disclosure.

[0018] Also, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or

"approximately" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It is also understood that all spatial references, such as, for example, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of the disclosure.

[0019] Λ wireless key fob system for an unmanned vehicle is disclosed herein that can activate the power system of an unmanned vehicle from a remote location, and or without contact.

[0020] Several of the advantages of the wireless key fob system according to the present disclosure over the prior art are as follows: (1) enable the power system to power an unmanned vehicle without direct, hands-on contact by the operator; (2) enable the power system of an unmanned vehicle to power the vehicle without the use of an RC transmitter, wireless phone or tablet connection or a computer; (3) enable the operator to remotely start the vehicle; (4) enable to operator to remotely perform an advanced vehicular function (i.e. make the propellers spin at idle so that it is ready for launch); (5) enable the vehicle to become in a "ready" state where the operator can subsequently perform advanced functions of operation (i.e. flight take-off, forward vehicular motion, etc.); (6) enable a demonstration of the "power-up" sequence to bystanders; and, (7) allow for transmission of the key fob command to be received by the vehicle for the purpose of commanding actionable functions.

[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures.

[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the wireless key fob system for an unmanned aerial vehicle includes a key fob 200 (see FIG. 2) and a UAV 300 (see FIG. 3).

[0023] In the wireless key fob system for an unmanned aerial vehicle, key fob 200 is configured compact in nature for transportability (i.e. a small object that can be added to a keychain ring, neck lanyard or other bodily accessory). Key fob 200 is preferably a handheld device capable of being stored on a keychain which allows for fast vehicle start time by way of eliminating many of the steps required just to demonstrate basic vehicular operation or to get the vehicle ready for full intended operation.

[0024] Key fob 200 includes a processor 201, for example ATmega 328P processor, specially programmed to operate key fob 200, a memory 202 operably connected to processor 201 for storing data and programming, and input elements 203 operably connected to processor 201 for receiving input commands from a user.

[0025] Input elements 203 of key fob 200 can include at least one switch 203 A and/or a biometric input device 203B. Switch 203A can be a push button switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, other switch configurations, or combinations thereof. Key fob 200 can include as many switches as required for functionality based on the use case of the system, for example, a slide switch can turn the key fob to a "ready" or "on" state, a first button switch can turn the vehicle to a "standby" state, a second button switch may enable autonomous operation of a vehicular function such as propellers on a multirotor vehicle to spin at idle, etc.

[0026] Biometric input device 203B can include a voice dictated audible receiver, a fingerprint scanner, a retina or iris scanner, a hand print geometry scanner, blood detectors, blood alcohol sensors, and/ r a facial recognition system. Some of the benefits of using biometric input device 203B include the prevention of unauthorized access and/or control of the UAV (i.e. security features), the reduction of the physical input required to connect and start up the UAV, the increase of distance and reducing the required physical contact with the UAV where the operator only needs to be with a close proximity but does not necessarily have to have contact with the UAV, for example, the operator may launch a UAV from the roof of a motor vehicle while the operator is sitting in the motor vehicle without ever having to get out of the motor vehicle.

[0027] In addition to the input elements described above, key fob 200 can include an audible receiver, e.g., a microphone (not shown), connected to processor 201 to receive and execute voice commands.

[0028] Key fob 200 includes a transceiver 205 operably connected to processor 201 for enabling two-way communication with UAV 300 via transceiver 305. One example of a suitable transceiver is the Nordic Semiconductor NRF24L01 (radio transmitter). Transceiver 205 can be embodied as a transmitter alone if the system is designed to include only one-way

communication from key fob 200 to UAV 300. Transceiver 205 can include communication protocols including but not limited to one or more of WiFi/WLAN, Radio Frequency (RF), Zigbee, Xbee, Bluetooth, cellular, satellite, or other wireless communication. Transceiver 205 can also operate based on one or more of an optical source including but not limited to ultraviolet, visible LED, infrared, or thermal.

[0029] Key fob 200 can be programmed to encrypt the signals transmitted through transceiver 205 to prevent unauthorized access to UAV 300. This could be accomplished through an encrypted or secure wireless connection.

[0030] Key fob 200 can include feedback mechanisms or output devices 204 operably connected to processor 201 that can include optical (e.g. LED 204A), haptic device 204B, or audible device (e.g. speaker 204C) to provide status levels to the user (i.e. status LED notifiers that might illuminate when powered on or when a mechanism has been activated).

[0031] Key fob 200 includes a power source (not shown) for supplying power to the electronic components of key fob 200, and can include one or more batteries or other power source. An optional port (not shown) can also be included for a power supply input to re-charge the internal power source, program processor 201, and/or access memory 202.

[0032] Key fob 200 can also include an optional area where a keychain, ring, hook, lanyard, or other attachment accessory may be attached to for convenient storage and transportation options.

[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 3, In the wireless key fob system for an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV 300 includes a processor 301 specially programmed to operate UAV 300, and a memory 302 operably connected to processor 301 for storing data and programming. One example of a suitable processor is the Raspberry Pi computer with integrated Processor.

[0034] UAV 300 includes a transceiver 305 operably connected to processor 301 for enabling two-way communication with key fob 200 via transceiver 205. One example of a suitable transceiver is the Nordic Semiconductor NRF24L01. Transceiver 305 can be embodied as a receiver alone if the system is designed to include only one-way communication from key fob 200 to UAV 300. Transceiver 305 can include communication protocols including but not limited to one or more of WiFi/WLAN, Radio Frequency (RF), Zigbee, Xbee, Bluetooth, cellular, satellite, or other wireless communication. Transceiver 305 can also operate based on one or more of an optical source including but not limited to ultraviolet, visible LED, infrared, or thermal.

[0035] Transceiver 305 and/or processor 301 is capable of identifying a specific key fob 200 that is authorized to control UAV 300. This can be accomplished via encryption or other security known measures. Transceiver 305 and/or processor 301 is also capable of "scanning" for a nearby wireless key fob that is authorized to communicate with UAV 300.

[0036] UAV 300 can include feedback mechanisms or output devices 304 operably connected to processor 301 that can include optical (e.g., LED 304A), or audible device (e.g., speaker 304C) to provide status indicators to the user, e.g., status LEDs that might illuminate when powered on or when a mechanism has been activated, or processor 301 can output via speaker 304C might output audible announcements regarding the status acknowledged by the key fob command(s).

[0037] UAV 300 includes an autopilot 303 operably connected to processor 301. One example of a suitable autopilot is the Pixhawk Open Source Autopilot. Autopilot 303 receives commands from processor 301 to accept and carry out functions including but not limited to safety switch disengage/re-engage, system arm/disarm, or other advanced functions.

[0038] UAV 300 includes a power source (not shown) for providing power to the electronic devices of U AV 300. Power source can include one or more batteries or other power source. An optional port (not shown) can also be included for a power supply input to re-charge the internal power source, program processor 301, and/or access memory 302.

[0039] In addition to controlling autopilot functions, the wireless key fob control system according to the present disclosure can be programmed to control additional functionality of the UAV including but not limited to turning on/off system lights, sensors, cameras, microphones, or other onboard peripherals.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the general operation of the wireless key fob control system. In step 401 a user can turn on the key fob via a switch, if so enabled. In step 402 a user presses a first key fob button to generate a first command which is transmitted via the transceiver to the UAV. After the UAV receives the first command via its transceiver, the UAV disengages its safety. In step 404 a user presses a second key fob button generating a second command which is transmitted via the transceiver to the UAV. In step 405, the UAV performs the action based on the second command.

[0041] The key fob system differs from conventional methods due to the fact that all commands are executed from a remote key fob or nearby location without the need for physical contact with the vehicle. The key fob method enables a quick, demonstrable or functional status of the vehicle for rapid deployment.

[0042] A method for a wireless key fob system for an unmanned aerial vehicle can include the following steps illustrated in FIG. 5. The method can be performed in varying steps, but is designed to accomplish a safe and a secure startup of the UAV. In the following example, key fob 2000 includes an on/off slide switch and 2 pushbutton type switches. In step 501 slide switch 203 A on key fob 200 is positioned into its ON position. In step 502 key fob 200 and UAV 300, through their respective processor/transceivers, scan, identify, authorize, and pair with each other. In step 503 first pushbutton switch 203A is activated, generating and subsequently sending a safety disengage command to autopilot 303. In step 504 a first audible acknowledgement is output via one or both of speakers 204C/304C. In step 505 a first LED array color/pattern is output via one or both of LEDs 204A/304A. In step 506 second pushbutton switch 203 A is activated, generating and subsequently sending an arm command to UAV 300, e.g., propellers spin at idle and LEDs change colors. In step 507 a second audible acknowledgement is output via one or both of speakers 204A/304A. In step 508 a second LED array color/pattern is output via one or both of LEDs 204A/304A. In step 509 a user can optionally control UAV 300 via RC or wireless transmitter control if advanced operations (i.e. flight) is required. In step 510 second pushbutton is activated, generating and subsequently sending a disarm command to UAV 300. In step 511 first pushbutton is activated, generating and subsequently sending a safety button reengage command to UAV 300.

[0043] Based on the foregoing disclosure, the wireless key fob system for an unmanned vehicle can activate the power system of an unmanned vehicle from a remote location, and/or without contact.

[0044] Where this application has listed the steps of a method or procedure in a specific order, it may be possible, or even expedient in certain circumstances, to change the order in which some steps are performed, skip certain steps if quicker operation is programmed, and it is intended that the particular steps of the method or procedure claim set forth herebelow not be construed as being order-specific unless such order specificity is expressly stated in the claim.

[0045] While the preferred embodiments of the devices and methods have been described in reference to the environment in which they were developed, they are merely illustrative of the principles of the inventions. Modification or combinations of the above-described assemblies, other embodiments, configurations, and methods for carrying out the invention, and variations of aspects of the invention that are obvious to those of skill in the art are intended to be within the scope of the claims.