In case you missed it (that's what ICYMI stands far), earlier this week Amazon was awarded a patent for something they want to call an "unmanned aerial vehicle assistant." Whatever that means. Thankfully we have the gracious people over at Geekwire.com to watch the patent office for us and translate the overly complicated language used in patents.
Think you can handle it? The patent is right here.
If you're still with me, Nat Levy of the aforementioned website writes:
"The application cites a myriad of uses, including using a drone as a mobile police dash cam, a way to see how long a line for a show is and as a tool for finding a missing child. From the patent filing:
In other words, the UAV can act as eyes and/or ears, among other things, for the user to extend the user’s perception. The UAV may be used, for example, to record information from a perspective different than the user’s perspective, scout dangerous situations, or locate/retrieve items for the user, among other possible tasks. In some examples, the UAV can be small enough to carry on the user’s person (e.g., in a bag, in a pocket, on a jacket, etc.) and allow for ready deployment."
So, they couldn't get their delivery service concept off the ground and instead Amazon looks to put a small UAV capable of launching off an officer's shoulder, voice commanded and controllable by smartphone app, able to capture video and audio ... there was even mention of the possibility of integrating thermal imaging.
Potential Uses Include:
- Search, for people as well as - say - a suspect's car trying to hide in a crowded parking lot
- GPS receiver (presumably to fly around)
- "the UAV can also be used as a security or recording device. In situations in which a user feels uncomfortable or in danger, such as walking down a city street at night, the UAV may act as a deterrent to potential attackers, provide piece of mind, and, worst case scenario, document the crime for police."
- Fly ahead of the officer for situational awareness
- Contact dispatch/911 in emergencies - the patent suggests a voice command being "officer down" or "officer needs assistance"
- A dash cam
- and others, the scenarios could be endless as to how a UAV that's smaller than your shoulder-mic could be helpful. My bet is you've already thought of at least two.
One question though - and don't respond with "then don't launch it" because I don't want to hear it - if an unmanned aerial vehicle assistant (UAVA?) will actually be useful, what's going to happen in a stiff wind? Or rain? Search the patent's webpage for the word "wind". I didn't find any.
What do you think? Given the perfect day, the perfect environment, what benefit could an eye in the sky give you? That third person point of view? Let me know in the comments.
Also, to Geekwire's Nat, for what it's worth, thanks for watching the patents.
Stay safe out there.
