Systems and methods for uav interactive instructions and control

Abstract

A method for controlling a movable object comprise receiving an input indicative of a selected mode, wherein the selected mode is selected from a plurality of modes, and effecting movement of the movable object based on the selected mode. The plurality of modes may comprise at least a target mode and a directional mode. The movable object may be configured to move towards or follow a selected target when the selected mode is the target mode. The movable object may be configured to move in a selected direction when the selected mode is the directional mode. An apparatus, a medium and an UAV system are also provided.

1 - 381 . (canceled) 
     
     
         382 . A method for controlling a movable object, comprising:
 receiving an input indicative of a selected mode, wherein the selected mode is selected from a plurality of modes including at least a target mode and a directional mode, wherein the movable object is configured to move towards or follow a selected target when the selected mode is the target mode and the movable object is configured to move in a selected direction when the selected mode is the directional mode, and wherein the received input includes one or more selected points in at least one image that is captured by the movable object; and   effecting movement of the movable object based on the selected mode.   
     
     
         383 . The method of  claim 382 , wherein the target mode comprises a fly-to mode and a tracking mode. 
     
     
         384 . The method of  claim 383 , further comprising: selecting the fly-to mode when the selected target is determined to be stationary or when a relatively direct path exists between the movable object and the target. 
     
     
         385 . The method of  claim 383 , further comprising: selecting the fly-to mode when fewer than a predetermined number and/or type of obstacles are determined to be present as the movable object is moving towards the selected target. 
     
     
         386 . The method of  claim 383 , further comprising: directing the movable object to move towards the selected target when the selected mode is the fly-to mode, wherein the movable object is moved to a predetermined distance from the selected target. 
     
     
         387 . The method of  claim 383 , further comprising: selecting the tracking mode when the selected target is determined to be moving, or, when a flight path exists between the movable object and the target wherein a clear line of sight is absent between the movable object and the target at one or more portions of the flight path. 
     
     
         388 . The method of  claim 383 , further comprising: selecting the tracking mode when greater than a predetermined number and/or type of obstacles are determined to be present as the movable object is moving towards the selected target. 
     
     
         389 . The method of  claim 383 , wherein the movable object is configured to follow the selected target at a predetermined distance when the selected mode is the tracking mode. 
     
     
         390 . The method of  claim 383 , further comprising: automatically toggling or switching between the fly-to mode and the tracking mode based on at least one of (a) whether the target is determined to be stationary or moving or (b) a number and/or type of obstacles that are present as the movable object is moving towards the selected target. 
     
     
         391 . The method of  claim 390 , further comprising: switching the selected mode to the fly-to mode when no obstacles are determined to be present as the movable object is moving towards the selected target or when fewer than a predetermined number and/or type of obstacles are determined to be present as the movable object is moving towards the selected target. 
     
     
         392 . The method of  claim 390 , further comprising: switching the selected mode to the tracking mode when at least one obstacle is determined to be present as the movable object is moving towards the selected target or when greater than a predetermined number and/or type of obstacles are determined to be present as the movable object is moving towards the selected target. 
     
     
         393 . A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, causes a computer to perform a method for controlling a movable object, the method comprising:
 receiving an input indicative of a selected mode, wherein the selected mode is selected from a plurality of modes including at least a target mode and a directional mode, wherein the movable object is configured to move towards or follow a selected target when the selected mode is the target mode and the movable object is configured to move in a selected direction when the selected mode is the directional mode, and wherein the received input includes one or more selected points in at least one image that is captured by the movable object; and   effecting movement of the movable object based on the selected mode.   
     
     
         394 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 393 , wherein the movable object is configured to move in the selected direction when the selected mode is the directional mode. 
     
     
         395 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 394 , wherein the method further comprises: adjusting one or more motion characteristics of the movable object when the movable object is moving in the selected direction. 
     
     
         396 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 394 , wherein the movable object is configured to move in a first direction when a first point is selected, and to move in a second direction when a second point selected, wherein the selection of the second point replaces the selection of the first point. 
     
     
         397 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 396 , wherein the method further comprises: changing an attitude and/or orientation of the movable object when the movable object is switching course from the first direction to the second direction. 
     
     
         398 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 397 , wherein the method further comprises: generating a transition path that allows the movable object to switch course from the first direction to the second direction in a curvilinear manner. 
     
     
         399 . An apparatus for controlling a movable object, the apparatus comprising one or more processors that are, individually or collectively, configured to:
 receive an input indicative of a selected mode, wherein the selected mode is selected from a plurality of modes including at least a target mode and a directional mode, wherein the movable object is configured to move towards or follow a selected target when the selected mode is the target mode and the movable object is configured to move in a selected direction when the selected mode is the directional mode, and wherein the received input includes one or more selected points in at least one image that is captured by the movable object; and   effect movement of the movable object based on the selected mode.   
     
     
         400 . The apparatus of  claim 399 , wherein the movable object is configured to move in a path when the selected mode is either in the target mode or the directional mode and wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: generate a detour from the path when one or more obstacles are detected in the path. 
     
     
         401 . The apparatus of  claim 400 , wherein detour exits the path at a first point and rejoins the path at a second point and wherein the detour is shaped around, above, and/or underneath the one or more obstacles.