Multi-zone battery exchange system

摘要

A multi-zone battery station is provided, comprising a plurality of landing areas configured to support a UAV. The battery station may permit battery life to be reloaded onto a UAV, which may include recharging a battery of the UAV or exchanging the UAV battery for a new battery. The different zones may accommodate different UAV types, different battery types, or operate in accordance with different energy provision rules. A marker may be provided on a landing area to aid in guiding the UAV to an appropriate landing area.

主权项

1. A UAV energy provision station, said station comprising:
a first UAV landing area configured to (1) support a UAV of a first type when the UAV is resting on the station, said UAV coupled to a first battery configured to power the UAV, and (2) charge the first battery or exchange the first battery for another battery while the UAV is supported by the first UAV landing area; and a second UAV landing area configured to (1) support a UAV of a second type different from the first type when the UAV is resting on the station, said UAV coupled to a second battery configured to power the UAV, and (2) charge the second battery or exchange the second battery for another battery while the UAV is supported by the second UAV landing area, wherein the first UAV landing area cannot charge the second battery or exchange the second battery for another battery for a UAV of the second type.