METHODS OF SAVING UAV'S ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND IMPROVING ITS HOVERING ACCURACY

摘要

A multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle ("UAV") is provided with a method of operating it so that it can perch on a surface in the environment without additional equipment so as to save power. The UAV has a frame supporting at least four variable speed reversible motors spaced about the frame. Each motor drives a propeller arranged to cause the frame to hover. A sensor is provided on the UAV for detecting the distance between the UAV and a target surface. A computer is provided for executing software modules so as to control the operation of the motors to cause the UAV to execute flight maneuvers including at least (a) an approach to the target surface, (b) contacting the target surface using the "ceiling effect" so as to perch on the surface and reduce the energy consumption of the UAV and (c) detach from the target surface.