Systems and methods for guiding a target

Abstract

A method of using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to guide a target includes receiving sensor data from one or more sensors of the UAV, detecting a behavior or an action of the target based on the received sensor data, and initiating a feedback to the target in response to the detected behavior or action for guiding the target while the UAV is in flight. The feedback includes at least one of an audio stimulus, a visual stimulus, an olfactory stimulus, or an attractor.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to guide a target, comprising:
 receiving sensor data from one or more sensors of the UAV;   detecting a behavior or an action of the target based on the received sensor data; and   initiating a feedback to the target in response to the detected behavior or action for guiding the target while the UAV is in flight, wherein the feedback includes at least one of an audio stimulus, a visual stimulus, an olfactory stimulus, or an attractor.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 receiving input data from a user device for guiding the target, the input data indicating at least one of a travel route, a permissible region, or an impermissible region; and   determining whether to initiate the feedback based on comparing the received input data and the received sensor data.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein initiating the feedback includes broadcasting or playing an audio or video live stream, or an audio or video recording of a user's voice, a sound, or a high-pitched ring configured to attract the target's attention. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein initiating the feedback includes displaying images, video recording, or live video of a user configured to attract the target's attention. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein initiating the feedback includes emitting a scent, emitting a spray or mist of a chemical, or providing an edible treat configured to attract the target's attention. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more sensors include a vision sensor configured to capture an image of the target or determine a location of the target relative to the UAV. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein detecting the behavior or action of the target includes recognizing the target from the image captured by the vision sensor. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more sensors include a location sensor configured to detect a location of the UAV. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more sensors include a location sensor, a vision sensor, a proximity sensor, an inertial sensor, an altitude sensor, an attitude sensor, a pressure sensor, an audio sensor, or a field sensor. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the target is a living subject or an animal. 
     
     
         11 . An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to guide a target, comprising:
 one or more sensors configured to collect sensor data;   one or more processors, individually or collectively, configured to:
 detect a behavior or an action of the target based on the collected sensor data; and 
 initiate a feedback to the target in response to the detected behavior or action for guiding the target while the UAV is in flight, wherein the feedback includes at least one of an audio stimulus, a visual stimulus, an olfactory stimulus, or an attractor. 
   
     
     
         12 . The UAV of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a communication unit configured to receive input data from a user device for guiding the target, the input signal indicating at least one of a travel route, a permissible region, or an impermissible region; and   wherein the one or more processors are, individually or collectively, further configured to:
 determine whether to initiate the feedback based on comparing the received input data and the received sensor data. 
   
     
     
         13 . The UAV of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 an audio player, a microphone, or a speaker;   wherein initiating the feedback includes broadcasting or playing an audio or video live stream, or an audio or video recording of a user's voice, a sound, or a high-pitched ring configured to attract the target's attention via the audio player, the microphone, or the speaker.   
     
     
         14 . The UAV of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a screen;   wherein initiating the feedback includes displaying images, video recording, or live video of a user configured to attract the target's attention.   
     
     
         15 . The UAV of  claim 11 , wherein initiating the feedback includes emitting a scent, emitting a spray or mist of a chemical, or providing an edible treat configured to attract the target's attention. 
     
     
         16 . The UAV of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more sensors include a vision sensor configured to capture an image of the target or determine a location of the target relative to the UAV. 
     
     
         17 . The UAV of  claim 16 , wherein detecting the behavior or action of the target includes recognizing the target from the image captured by the vision sensor. 
     
     
         18 . The UAV of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more sensors include a location sensor configured to detect a location of the UAV. 
     
     
         19 . The UAV of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more sensors include a location sensor, a vision sensor, a proximity sensor, an inertial sensor, an altitude sensor, an attitude sensor, a pressure sensor, an audio sensor, or a field sensor. 
     
     
         20 . The UAV of  claim 11 , wherein the target is a living subject or an animal.