System and method for enhancing distribution logistics and increasing surveillance ranges with unmanned aerial vehicles and a dock network

Abstract

A system and method for enhancing distribution logistics and surveillance ranges with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and at least one dock in a dock network. The UAV remains in communication with the dock for enhancing distribution logistics of at least one package and increasing the range of surveillance for the unmanned aerial vehicle. From the dock, the UAV delivers the package to a destination point, obtains the package from a pick up point, recharges the unmanned aerial vehicle throughout the network of docks, and increases the range of distribution and surveillance. A logistics software controls the delivery and surveillance. A wireless communication device enables communication between the UAV and the dock. Light indicators indicate status of the package and the operational status of the UAV. A camera captures an image of the package in the dock. A motion detector detects the UAV for regulating access for loading/unloading and docking.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method for enhancing distribution logistics and increasing surveillance ranges with an unmanned aerial vehicle and a network of docks, the method comprising:
 providing a dock for a recipient, the dock defined by a unique dock identification, the dock configured to receive at least one package from an unmanned aerial vehicle;   registering with a distributor, by a recipient, personal information, financial information, and the unique dock identification for the dock;   selecting, by the recipient, a product to purchase;   packaging, by a distributor, the selected product for delivery to the recipient;   loading the selected product in the unmanned aerial vehicle;   programming the unmanned aerial vehicle with the dock identification provided by the recipient;   notifying the recipient that the product is arriving;   communicating, by at least one of the unmanned aerial vehicle or the distributor, with the dock to accept the product; and   indicating, by at least one of the unmanned aerial vehicle or the distributor, that the product is delivered.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 providing a location of a delivery point where the dock is located to receive the product.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the dock is located at, at least one of:
 a residential home, a retail store, a commercial warehouses, a governmental building, a central office for a package delivery organization, a warehouse, a fueling depot, and a maintenance garage, or, a land or waterborne vehicle.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 providing a pedestal; and   mounting the dock onto the pedestal.   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 providing a wall mounting unit; and   securing the dock to the wall mounting unit.   
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 providing a rooftop mounting unit; and   securing the dock to the rooftop mounting unit.   
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 providing power to the dock; and   charging the unmanned aerial vehicle via the dock.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 monitoring an interaction between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the dock via logistical software that includes at least one member selected from the group comprising:   a sequence of deliveries, a route taken by the unmanned aerial vehicle, a permission for the delivery, a mechanical condition and maintenance of the unmanned aerial vehicle, a change in the delivery route, and a weather pattern.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 detecting, via a motion detector, an unauthorized movement in a predetermined surveillance area, and   monitoring, via the unmanned aerial vehicle, the predetermined surveillance area after a motion detector detects unauthorized movement in the predetermined surveillance area.   
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 providing a software application;   receiving, via the software application, a notification when the unmanned aerial vehicle is proximal to the dock; and   receiving, via the software application, a notification when the package is present in a housing of the dock.   
     
     
         30 . A method for enhancing distribution logistics and increasing surveillance ranges with an unmanned aerial vehicle and a network of docks, the method comprising:
 providing a dock for a recipient, the dock defined by a unique dock identification, the dock configured to position at least one package for pickup by an unmanned aerial vehicle;   registering with a distributor, by a recipient, personal information, financial information, and the unique dock identification for the dock;   selecting, by the recipient, a product to be picked up;   packaging, by the recipient, the selected product to be picked up;   programming the unmanned aerial vehicle with the dock identification provided by the recipient;   notifying the recipient that the unmanned aerial vehicle is arriving;   communicating, by at least one of the unmanned aerial vehicle or the recipient with the dock to release the product;   loading the product in the unmanned aerial vehicle; and   indicating, by at least one of the unmanned aerial vehicle or the recipient, that the product is delivered.   
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising:
 providing a location of a pickup point where the dock is located to receive the product.   
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the dock is located at, at least one of:
 a residential home, a retail store, a commercial warehouses, a governmental building, a central office for a package delivery organization, a warehouse, a fueling depot, and a maintenance garage, or, a land or waterborne vehicle.   
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising:
 providing a pedestal; and   mounting the dock onto the pedestal.   
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising:
 providing a wall mounting unit; and   securing the dock to the wall mounting unit.   
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising:
 providing a rooftop mounting unit; and   securing the dock to the rooftop mounting unit.   
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising:
 providing power to the dock; and   charging the unmanned aerial vehicle via the dock.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising:
 monitoring an interaction between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the dock via logistical software that includes at least one member selected from the group comprising:   a sequence of deliveries, a route taken by the unmanned aerial vehicle, a permission for the delivery, a mechanical condition and maintenance of the unmanned aerial vehicle, a change in the delivery route, and a weather pattern.   
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising:
 detecting, via a motion detector, an unauthorized movement in a predetermined surveillance area, and   monitoring, via the unmanned aerial vehicle, the predetermined surveillance area after a motion detector detects unauthorized movement in the predetermined surveillance area.   
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising:
 providing a software application;   receiving, via the software application, a notification when the unmanned aerial vehicle is proximal to the dock; and   receiving, via the software application, a notification when the package is present in a housing of the dock.