18627887. LIGHTING SYSTEM INSPECTION USING AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE simplified abstract (The Boeing Company)

LIGHTING SYSTEM INSPECTION USING AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

Organization Name

The Boeing Company

Inventor(s)

Gregory James Sweers of Renton WA (US)

James J. Troy of Issaquah WA (US)

Gary E. Georgeson of Tacoma WA (US)

LIGHTING SYSTEM INSPECTION USING AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18627887 titled 'LIGHTING SYSTEM INSPECTION USING AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

The abstract of the patent application describes a method involving an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) obtaining a flight plan based on the aircraft type to be inspected. The method includes coordinating with a control device onboard the aircraft to operate a specific device based on the flight plan, changing the state of the device when a sensor is positioned to sense a particular exterior light. The method further involves performing the sensing operation on the device using the sensor and determining a functionality metric associated with the device based on the sensing operation.

• The method involves an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) obtaining a flight plan based on the aircraft type to be inspected.
• The UAV coordinates with a control device onboard the aircraft to operate a specific device based on the flight plan.
• The state of the device changes when a sensor is positioned to sense a particular exterior light.
• The sensing operation on the device is performed using the sensor.
• A functionality metric associated with the device is determined based on the sensing operation.

1. 1. 1. Potential Applications:

- Inspection of aircraft for maintenance purposes - Monitoring and assessing the condition of aircraft components - Enhancing safety and efficiency in aviation operations

1. 1. 1. Problems Solved:

- Streamlining the inspection process of aircraft - Improving accuracy and reliability of aircraft maintenance - Enhancing overall safety and performance of aircraft

1. 1. 1. Benefits:

- Increased efficiency in aircraft maintenance - Reduced downtime for inspections - Enhanced safety measures in aviation operations

1. 1. 1. Commercial Applications:

"Advanced UAV Technology for Aircraft Inspection and Maintenance: Improving Efficiency and Safety in Aviation Operations"

1. 1. 1. Prior Art:

Further research can be conducted in the field of UAV technology for aircraft inspection and maintenance to explore existing patents and innovations in this area.

1. 1. 1. Frequently Updated Research:

Stay updated on advancements in UAV technology for aircraft inspection and maintenance to leverage the latest developments in the field.

1. 1. 1. 1. Questions about UAV Technology for Aircraft Inspection and Maintenance:

1. How does the method described in the patent application improve the efficiency of aircraft inspections? 2. What are the potential cost-saving benefits of using UAVs for aircraft maintenance operations?

Original Abstract Submitted

A method includes obtaining, at an unmanned aerial vehicle, a flight plan for the unmanned aerial vehicle. The flight plan is based on an aircraft type of an aircraft to be inspected. The method also includes coordinating, with a control device onboard the aircraft, an operation of a particular device of the aircraft based on the flight plan such that a state of the particular device changes when a particular sensor of the one or more sensors is located (i.e., positioned and oriented) to perform a sensing operation on the particular exterior light. The method further includes performing the sensing operation on the particular device using the particular sensor. The method also includes determining a functionality metric associated with the particular device based on the sensing operation.