Positioning system and method

Abstract

Exemplary positioning systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a landing platform includes a base having a hole and a plurality of positioning arms attached to the base. Each of the plurality of positioning arms can rotate between an unlocked position and a locked position. In addition, each of the plurality of positioning arms is configured to engage a positioning ring on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and is further configured to reposition the UAV on the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for managing the landing and positioning of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Background Art

[0002] Landing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a specific location can be difficult. The precise landing location is hampered by turbulence created by air expelled by the UAV's propellers and reflected by the landing surface. If the UAV is landing on a moving surface, precise landing becomes even more difficult. In many cases, the UAV must be precisely positioned to successfully load / unload a payload, attach a charging system, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to properly position the UAV on the landing surface to support loading / unloading payloads and other activities. Summary of the invention

[0003] A landing platform includes a base having a hole therethrough. The landing platform also includes a plurality of positioning arms rotatably attached to the base. Each of the positioning arms can rotate between an unlocked position and a locked position. In addition, each of the positioning arms can engage a positioning ring on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and reposition the UAV on the base. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.

[0005] Figure 1 is a block diagram depicting an environment in which illustrative embodiments may be implemented.

[0006] Figure 2 An embodiment of an unmanned aerial vehicle is shown.

[0007] Figure 3 An embodiment of a landing platform capable of receiving an unmanned aerial vehicle is shown.

[0008] Figure 4 An example of a positioning arm associated with a landing platform is shown.

[0009] Figure 5 An example of an unmanned aerial vehicle secured to a landing platform is shown.

[0010] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0011] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a UAV management system.

[0012] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for landing, securing, positioning, and orienting an unmanned aerial vehicle on a landing platform. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] In the following disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the present disclosure, and in which specific implementations in which the present disclosure may be practiced are shown by way of illustration. It should be understood that other implementations may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the specification to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiments may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each embodiment may not necessarily include the specific features, structures, or characteristics. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when specific features, structures, or characteristics are described in conjunction with an embodiment, whether or not explicitly described, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0014] Implementations of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein may include or utilize a dedicated or general-purpose computer including computer hardware (such as, for example, one or more processors and system memory discussed herein). Implementations within the scope of the present disclosure may also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. A computer-readable medium that stores computer-executable instructions is a computer storage medium (device). A computer-readable medium that carries computer-executable instructions is a transmission medium. Therefore, by way of example and not limitation, implementations of the present disclosure may include at least two distinct computer-readable media: a computer storage medium (device) and a transmission medium.

[0015] Computer storage media (devices) include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, solid-state drives ("SSD") (e.g., RAM-based), flash memory, phase-change memory ("PCM"), other types of memory, other optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media that can be used to store the desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general or special purpose computer.

[0016] The implementation of the device, system and method disclosed herein can communicate through a computer network. "Network" is defined as one or more data links capable of transmitting electronic data between a computer system and / or module and / or other electronic device. When information is transmitted or provided to a computer through a network or another communication connection (hard wiring, wireless or a combination of hard wiring or wireless), the computer appropriately regards the connection as a transmission medium. The transmission medium may include a network and / or a data link, which may be used to carry the required program code means in the form of a computer executable instruction or a data structure and may be accessed by a general or special purpose computer. The above combination should also be included in the scope of computer-readable media.

[0017] Computer executable instructions include instructions and data that, when executed in a processor, cause a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or a special-purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Computer executable instructions can be, for example, binary files, intermediate format instructions (such as assembly language), or even source code. Although the subject matter is described in language specific to structural features and / or method actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the features or actions described herein. Instead, the features and actions are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

[0018] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure can be practiced in a network computing environment with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile phones, PDAs, tablet computers, pagers, routers, switches, various storage devices, etc. The present disclosure can also be practiced in a distributed system environment, where local and remote computer systems linked by a network (by a hardwired data link, a wireless data link, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) all perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0019] In addition, where appropriate, the functions described herein may be performed in one or more of the following: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and processes described herein. Certain terms are used throughout the description and claims to refer to specific system components. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, components may be referred to by different names. This document is not intended to distinguish between components that have different names but the same function.

[0020] It should be noted that the sensor embodiments discussed herein may include computer hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof to perform at least a portion of their functionality. For example, the sensor may include computer code configured to be executed in one or more processors, and may include hardware logic / circuitry controlled by the computer code. These exemplary devices are provided herein for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting. As will be known to those skilled in the relevant art, embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in other types of devices.

[0021] At least some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to computer program products that include such logic (e.g., in software form) stored on any computer usable medium. Such software, when executed in one or more data processing devices, causes the devices to operate as described herein.

[0022] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram depicting an environment 100 in which an exemplary embodiment may be implemented. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 102 may land on and take off from a landing platform 104 mounted to a vehicle 106 (e.g., mounted to the roof of the vehicle 106). The vehicle 106 may be any type of vehicle, such as a car, truck, van, bus, train, etc. In some embodiments, the vehicle 106 may be moving when the UAV 102 lands on the landing platform 104. In a specific implementation, the vehicle 106 is a delivery vehicle carrying at least one item to be delivered by the UAV 102. In an alternative embodiment, the landing platform 104 may be mounted to any type of device or structure, such as a building, a loading dock, a loading platform, etc. The UAV 102 may be any type of unmanned aerial vehicle capable of maneuvering to land on and take off from any type of landing platform. In some embodiments, the UAV 102 is a multicopter having two or more rotors (e.g., motors) and associated propellers. In a particular implementation, the UAV 102 has a single rotor and associated propeller. The UAV 102 may also be referred to as a drone or remotely piloted aircraft. As discussed in greater detail herein, the landing platform 104 provides a temporary location for the UAV 102 to land and receive a payload, deliver a payload, recharge, "piggyback" on a vehicle 106, etc.

[0023] like Figure 1As shown, the vehicle 106 includes a UAV management system 108 that is capable of wirelessly communicating with the UAV 102. Any communication protocol (such as 3G, 4G LTE, WiFi, etc.) can be used to communicate between the UAV management system 108 and the UAV 102. In some embodiments, the UAV management system 108 provides flight guidance to the UAV 102 when landing on or taking off from the landing platform 104. In addition, as discussed herein, the UAV management system 108 can provide instructions to the landing platform 104 to position and orient the UAV 102 on the landing platform 104. In some embodiments, the UAV management system 108 communicates with the server 110 via a data communication network 112. For example, the UAV management system 108 can transmit data associated with the UAV 102, the vehicle 106, the payload, etc. to the server 110. In addition, the UAV management system 108 can receive data associated with the UAV 102, the payload delivery instructions, etc. from the server 110. Other types of data received by the UAV management system 108 may include a calculated flight path of the UAV 102, temporary flight restrictions, airspace flight restrictions, and a local model of obstacles in the delivery vicinity or flight path of the UAV 102. The data communication network 112 includes any type of network topology using any communication protocol. In addition, the data communication network 112 may include a combination of two or more communication networks. In some embodiments, the data communication network 112 includes a cellular communication network, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, or any other communication network.

[0024] It should be understood that Figure 1 The embodiments are given by way of example only. Other embodiments may include fewer or additional components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the components shown may be combined or included in other components without limitation.

[0025] Figure 2 An embodiment of a UAV 102 is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the UAV 102 includes a main body portion 202 that includes a plurality of rotors (or motors) that drive a plurality of propellers 204. In this example, the main body portion 202 includes four rotors that drive four propellers 204. A circular positioning ring 206 is attached to the main body portion 202 and surrounds the main body portion 202. As discussed herein, the positioning ring 206 is used to locate and orient the UAV 102 after the UAV 102 lands on a landing platform (such as the landing platform 104). The positioning ring 206 is attached to the main body portion 202 using a plurality of supports 208. In Figure 2In the example of FIG. 2 , four supports 208 are used to attach the retaining ring 206 to the body portion 202. In alternative embodiments, any number of supports 208 may be used in any configuration to attach the retaining ring 206 to the body portion 202. Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , the locating ring 206 is located on the side of the body portion 202 opposite the propeller 204 to avoid any contact between the locating ring 206 and the propeller 204. In some embodiments, a ring similar to the locating ring 206 is integrated into the body portion 202 (e.g., manufactured as part of the body portion 202) such that the ring extends from the body or shell of the UAV 102. Although the locating ring 206 is circular, in alternative embodiments, the locating ring 206 can have other shapes, such as an elliptical shape.

[0026] Figure 3 An embodiment of a landing platform 300 capable of receiving a UAV is shown. The landing platform 300 includes a base 302 having a hole (or cavity) 304 in the middle of the base 302. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 3 , the base 302 is circular. However, in alternative embodiments, the base 302 may have any shape. Similarly, Figure 3 The hole 304 shown in is circular, but alternative embodiments of the landing platform 300 can include a base with a hole of any shape and any size. In some embodiments, the size of the hole 304 is suitable for loading and unloading the payload carried by the UAV that has landed on the landing platform 300.

[0027] The landing platform 300 also includes a plurality of positioning arms 306 attached to the base 302. Each positioning arm 306 can rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 3 , the positioning arm 306 is in the unlocked position. When the positioning arm 306 is in the unlocked position, vertical movement of the UAV is allowed, such as landing on the landing platform 300 or taking off from the landing platform 300. When the positioning arm 306 is in the locked position (e.g., Figure 5 308 ) to prevent vertical movement of the UAV. Each positioning arm 306 rotates about a pivot point 308. In some embodiments, the positioning arms 306 are driven by stepper motors (e.g., Figure 4 The stepper motor 402 shown rotates. Additional details regarding the locking and unlocking of the positioning arm 306 are discussed herein. Figure 3 The example includes four locating arms 306, but alternative embodiments may include any number of locating arms.

[0028] In some embodiments, the landing platform includes a camera 310 attached to the base 302. The camera 310 captures images of the UAV to assist in landing and / or takeoff of the UAV. In addition, the camera 310 can read an identification code (e.g., a barcode or QR code) on the UAV, which identifies, for example, the type of UAV, the settings associated with the UAV, the positioning settings associated with the UAV, and the orientation settings associated with the UAV. In some embodiments, an NFC (near field communication) or BLE (Bluetooth low energy) communication system is used to transmit the identification code from the UAV to the landing platform 300 or the UAV management system 108. Alternatively, one or more IRLEDs on the UAV can communicate with one or more IR receivers in the landing platform 300. In a specific implementation, one or more magnetic switches are used to determine the orientation of the UAV on the landing platform 300.

[0029] Figure 4 An example of a positioning arm 306 associated with a landing platform is shown. The positioning arm 306 includes a stepper motor 402 that causes the positioning arm 306 to pivot (or rotate) between a locked position and an unlocked position. Any type of motor or other mechanism can be used to pivot the positioning arm 306 between a locked position and an unlocked position. The positioning arm 306 also includes a wheel 404 that is configured to engage with a positioning ring 206 on the UAV 102. The wheel 404 is attached to the positioning arm 306 and can be rotated to cause movement of the positioning ring 206 that is in physical contact with the wheel 404. In some embodiments, the wheel 404 is rotated by a continuous rotation servo motor 408. Alternatively, any type of motor or other mechanism can be used to rotate the wheel 404. In some embodiments, the wheel 404 is made of a material such as rubber or silicone so that there is significant friction between the wheel 404 and the positioning ring 206. This friction is necessary to allow movement of the wheel 404, thereby moving the positioning ring 206, which causes rotation of the UAV 102. In other implementations, the wheel 404 is made of any rough and / or high friction material such as rough wood, rough metal, rough leather, etc. The positioning arm 306 also includes an extension 406 that extends above and through the wheel 404. The extension 406 provides clearance for the positioning ring 206. When the positioning arm 306 is in the locked position (e.g., Figure 5 ), the positioning ring 206 is located between the landing platform and the extension 406. Therefore, the extension 406 prevents the positioning ring 206 from moving away from the landing platform. In addition, the extension 406 keeps the positioning ring 206 in a position in contact with the wheel 404.

[0030] Figure 5 An example of a UAV 102 secured to a landing platform 300 is shown. Figure 5In the example of FIG. 3 , the four positioning arms 306 are in a locked position, which secures the UAV 102 to the landing platform 300 and prevents vertical movement of the UAV 102. Figure 5 As shown, the UAV 102 is approximately centered on the landing platform 300, which allows access to the bottom of the UAV 102 from below the landing platform 300 (through an aperture in the landing platform 300). For example, a payload (not shown) can be loaded or unloaded through the aperture, or a UAV recharging connection system (not shown) can be established through the aperture. In addition, UAV maintenance or repair can be performed through the aperture or from above the landing platform 300.

[0031] exist Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 3 , the extension 406 of each positioning arm 306 secures the positioning ring 206 to the base 302 of the landing platform 300. In addition, each wheel 404 of each positioning arm 306 is in contact with the positioning ring 206. Thus, when the wheels 404 of the positioning arm 306 rotate, they cause the UAV 102 to rotate on the base 302. Such rotation (e.g., reorientation of the UAV 102) may be necessary to properly orient the UAV 102 to load / unload a payload, access a UAV charging system, etc.

[0032] When landing the UAV 102 on the landing platform 300, the positioning arm 306 is initially in the unlocked position (e.g., Figure 3 302 ). After landing, the UAV 102 may not be centered over the hole in the base 302. When the positioning arm 306 is rotated from the unlocked position to the locked position, the wheel 404 will contact the positioning ring 206 and cause the UAV 102 to slide toward the center of the base 302 as the positioning arm continues to move toward the locked position. In some embodiments, the length of the positioning arm 306 and the placement of the wheel 404 are determined based on the size (e.g., diameter) of the positioning ring 206. After the UAV 102 is centered on the base 302, the wheel 404 is rotated (if necessary) to redirect the UAV 102 to load / unload a payload, access the UAV charging system, etc.

[0033] In some embodiments, the landing platform 300 can accommodate UAVs 102 with locating rings 206 of different sizes (e.g., diameters). To accommodate locating rings 206 of different sizes, each locating arm 306 has a variable length (such as a spring-loaded portion) that can be adjusted to properly align with a particular locating ring 206. In other embodiments, locating rings 206 of different sizes are accommodated by rotating all locating arms 306 simultaneously and at the same rotation rate. When all locating arms 306 have contacted the locating ring 206 (e.g., stopped moving), the UAV 102 can be rotated by rotating the wheels 404 of the locating arms 306 (if necessary).

[0034] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of UAV 102. Figure 6 As shown, the UAV 102 includes a communication manager 602, a processor 604, and a memory 606. The communication manager 602 allows the UAV 102 to communicate with other systems such as the UAV management system 108, the server 110, the data communication network 112, etc. The processor 604 executes various instructions that implement the functions provided by the UAV 102, as discussed herein. The memory 606 stores these instructions and other data used by the processor 604 and other modules and components included in the UAV 102.

[0035] The UAV 102 also includes a camera 608 that captures images of an area near the UAV 102. In some embodiments, an image processing module 610 analyzes the images captured by the camera 608 to locate a landing platform, a delivery area, obstacles, etc. In addition, the image processing module 610 can assist in landing the UAV 102 by identifying the location of the landing platform (or other delivery area) and determining the flight adjustments required to successfully land the UAV 102 on the landing platform. The flight path module 612 generates and maintains information related to the flight path that the UAV 102 attempts to follow. In some embodiments, the flight path information is received from the UAV management system 108 or the server 110. The rotor control module 614 controls the operation of a plurality of rotors 616 associated with the UAV 102. In some embodiments, the UAV 102 has three or four rotors 616 that assist the UAV 102 in flying between multiple locations. For example, rotor control module 614 can control the rotation speed of each rotor 616 to turn and maneuver UAV 102 to a destination, such as a landing platform or a delivery location. Thus, rotor control module 614 can assist in maneuvering UAV 102 along a particular flight path, avoiding obstacles, etc. In certain embodiments, one or more of the functions performed by rotor control module 614 are instead performed by UAV management system 108 or server 110, which sends appropriate rotor control instructions to rotor control module 614 for implementation.

[0036] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the UAV management system 108. Figure 7As shown, the UAV management system 108 includes a communication module 702, a processor 704, and a memory 706. The communication module 702 allows the UAV management system 108 to communicate with other systems and devices such as the UAV 102, the server 110, the data communication network 112, etc. The processor 704 executes various instructions that implement the functions provided by the UAV management system 108, as discussed herein. The memory 706 stores these instructions and other data used by the processor 704 and other modules and components included in the UAV management system 108.

[0037] The UAV management system 108 also includes an image processing module 708 that analyzes images captured, for example, by the camera 608 (in the UAV 102) or the camera 310 in the landing platform 300. The image processing module 708 can assist in landing the UAV 102 by identifying the position and trajectory of the UAV 102 relative to the landing platform 300 and determining the flight adjustments required to successfully land the UAV 102 on the landing platform 300. The flight path module 710 generates and maintains information related to the flight path that the UAV 102 is attempting to follow.

[0038] The platform control module 712 manages the operation of the landing platform 300, such as locking the UAV 102 to the landing platform 300 and unlocking the UAV 102 to take off from the landing platform 300. The platform control module 712 can also control the rotation of the positioning arm 306 and the rotation of the wheels 404 to reorient the UAV 102 (if necessary). In some embodiments, the platform control module 712 also determines an identifier associated with the UAV 102 and makes any necessary adjustments to the landing platform 300 based on the identifier. The UAV position manager 714 can work in conjunction with the platform control module 712 to reposition the UAV 102 so that it is centered on the landing platform 300. The UAV orientation manager 716 adjusts the orientation of the UAV 102 (if necessary) so that the UAV is properly oriented to load / unload payloads, access UAV recharging systems, etc. The UAV loading and unloading manager 718 assists in the loading and unloading of payloads carried by the UAV 102.

[0039] Figure 8800 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of a method 800 for landing, fixing, positioning and orienting a UAV on a landing platform. Initially, the UAV approaches 802 the landing platform and maneuvers to land on the landing platform. After the UAV lands on the landing platform, multiple positioning arms are rotated 804 from an unlocked position to a locked position, which fixes the UAV to the landing platform and centers the UAV on the landing platform. Then, the method 800 determines the appropriate orientation of the UAV on the landing platform 806. For example, the appropriate orientation can allow the loading or unloading of a payload, access to a UAV recharging system, etc. The wheels on the multiple positioning arms are rotated 808 to rotate (i.e., redirect) the UAV on the landing platform to obtain the appropriate orientation of the UAV. Once the UAV is properly oriented on the landing platform, one or more activities are performed 810, such as loading / unloading a payload, recharging the UAV, etc. When the activity is completed, multiple positioning arms are rotated 812 from a locked position to an unlocked position, and the UAV takes off 814 from the landing platform.

[0040] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only and not by way of limitation. It should be understood by those skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described, but should only be limited according to the attached claims and their equivalents. This description is presented for illustration and description purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed. In view of the disclosed teachings, many modifications and variations are possible. In addition, it should be noted that any or all of the alternative implementations discussed herein can be used in any desired combination to form additional hybrid implementations of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A landing platform, comprising: a base having a hole therethrough; as well as a plurality of locating arms rotatably attached to the base, wherein each of the plurality of locating arms is rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position, and wherein each of the plurality of locating arms is configured to engage a locating ring on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and further configured to reposition the UAV on the base based on instructions provided by a UAV management system, wherein the UAV management system includes a processor configured to: reading an identification code on the UAV; and The proper orientation of the UAV on the landing platform is determined based on the identification code.

2. A landing platform as described in claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of positioning arms is also configured to redirect the UAV on the base.

3. A landing platform as described in claim 2, wherein the UAV is redirected on the base so that the UAV is properly aligned to load or unload a payload through the hole or to recharge the UAV.

4. A landing platform as described in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of positioning arms includes a wheel that engages the positioning ring on the UAV.

5. A landing platform as described in claim 4, wherein rotation of the wheel on at least one of the positioning arms causes movement of the positioning ring, which causes the UAV to be redirected on the base.

6. The landing platform of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of positioning arms comprises a continuous rotation servo motor configured to rotate the wheel.

7. A landing platform as described in claim 1, wherein when the multiple positioning arms are in the unlocked position, vertical movement of the UAV is allowed, and when the multiple positioning arms are in the locked position, vertical movement of the UAV is prevented.

8. A landing platform as described in claim 1, wherein repositioning the UAV on the base includes positioning the UAV to be centered above the hole.

9. The landing platform of claim 1, further comprising a camera attached to the base and configured to read at least one identification code on the UAV.

10. A landing platform as described in claim 9, wherein the plurality of positioning arms reposition the UAV on the base based on the identification code.

11. A landing platform as described in claim 9, wherein the identification code identifies at least one of the following: a type of UAV; a setting associated with the UAV; a positioning setting associated with the UAV; and an orientation setting associated with the UAV.

12. The landing platform of claim 1, wherein the landing platform is mounted to a delivery vehicle carrying at least one item to be delivered by the UAV.

13. The landing platform of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of positioning arms further comprises a stepper motor configured to rotate the positioning arm between the locked position and the unlocked position.

14. A positioning method, comprising: receiving an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on a landing platform; rotating a plurality of locating arms from an unlocked position to a locked position, wherein the plurality of locating arms engage a locating ring on the UAV in the locked position; Reading an identification code on the UAV; determining a proper orientation of the UAV on the landing platform based on the identification code; as well as Rotate the wheels on each of the plurality of positioning arms to adjust the orientation of the UAV to the appropriate orientation.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the UAV is secured to the landing platform when the plurality of positioning arms are in the locked position.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: loading or unloading a payload carried by the UAV; as well as The plurality of positioning arms are rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position to release the UAV from the landing platform.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein rotating the plurality of locating arms from the unlocked position to the locked position comprises: A stepper motor associated with each of the plurality of positioning arms is activated.

18. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein rotating the wheel on each of the plurality of positioning arms to adjust the orientation of the UAV to the appropriate orientation includes causing the wheel to frictionally contact the positioning ring, driving the wheel to rotate to move the positioning ring and thereby causing the UAV to rotate.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the identification code identifies at least one of: a type of UAV; a setting associated with the UAV; a positioning setting associated with the UAV; and an orientation setting associated with the UAV.

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