公开(公告)号：US20140319271A1

公开(公告)日：2014-10-30

申请号：US14328212

申请日：2014-07-10

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Richard Wayne DeVaul ,  Eric Teller ,  Clifford L. Biffle ,  Josh Weaver ,  Dan Piponi

IPC: B64B1/44

CPC classification number: B64B1/40 ,  B64B1/44 ,  G05D1/104 ,  G05D1/105 ,  H04B7/18504

Abstract: The positions of balloons in a communication network of balloons, such as a mesh network of high-altitude balloons, may be adjusted relative to one another in order to try to maintain a desired network topology. In one approach, the position of each balloon may be adjusted relative to one or more neighbor balloons. For example, the locations of a target balloon and one or more neighbor balloons may be determined. A desired movement of the target balloon may then be determined based on the locations of the one or more neighbor balloons relative to the location of the target balloon. The target balloon may be controlled based on the desired movement. In some embodiments, the altitude of the target balloon may be controlled in order to expose the target balloon to ambient winds that are capable of producing the desired movement of the target balloon.

公开(公告)号：US20140319270A1

公开(公告)日：2014-10-30

申请号：US14328226

申请日：2014-07-10

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Richard Wayne DeVaul ,  Eric Teller ,  Clifford L. Biffle ,  Josh Weaver ,  Dan Piponi

IPC: B64B1/40

CPC classification number: B64B1/40 ,  B64B1/44 ,  G05D1/104 ,  G05D1/105 ,  H04B7/18504

Abstract: The positions of balloons in a communication network of balloons, such as a mesh network of high-altitude balloons, may be adjusted relative to one another in order to try to maintain a desired network topology. In one approach, the position of each balloon may be adjusted relative to one or more neighbor balloons. For example, the locations of a target balloon and one or more neighbor balloons may be determined. A desired movement of the target balloon may then be determined based on the locations of the one or more neighbor balloons relative to the location of the target balloon. The target balloon may be controlled based on the desired movement. In some embodiments, the altitude of the target balloon may be controlled in order to expose the target balloon to ambient winds that are capable of producing the desired movement of the target balloon.

Abstract translation: 可以相对于彼此来调整气球通信网络中的气球的位置，例如高空气球的网状网络，以便尝试维持期望的网络拓扑。 在一种方法中，可以相对于一个或多个相邻气球来调节每个球囊的位置。 例如，可以确定目标气球和一个或多个相邻气球的位置。 然后可以基于一个或多个相邻气球相对于目标气球的位置的位置来确定目标气球的期望运动。 可以基于期望的运动来控制目标气球。 在一些实施例中，可以控制目标气球的高度，以便将目标气球暴露于能够产生目标气球的期望运动的环境风中。

公开(公告)号：US08833696B1

公开(公告)日：2014-09-16

申请号：US13631057

申请日：2012-09-28

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Eric Teller ,  Richard Wayne DeVaul ,  Joshua Weaver ,  Clifford Biffle

IPC: B64B1/40 ,  B64B1/14

CPC classification number: B64B1/70 ,  B64B1/14 ,  B64B1/40 ,  B64B1/62

Abstract: A balloon is provided having an envelope, and a payload positioned beneath the envelope, wherein the envelope has an exterior shape adapted for directing sunlight towards the payload. The balloon may further include a control system configured to cause the balloon or payload to rotate to cause a first portion of the balloon envelope or a first portion of the payload to be positioned facing the sun. The first portion of the balloon envelope may be asymmetrical with respect to a second portion of the balloon envelope, with the first portion angled to direct sunlight towards the payload. The balloon envelope may include a transmissive or translucent surface adapted to direct sunlight towards a lower portion of the envelope, which in turn is adapted to direct sunlight onto the payload. The balloon may also be lens-shaped to focus sunlight onto the payload.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种具有外壳和位于封套下方的有效载荷的气囊，其中该外壳具有适于将太阳光引向有效载荷的外部形状。 气球可以进一步包括控制系统，该控制系统被配置为使球囊或有效载荷旋转以引起球囊封套的第一部分或有效载荷的第一部分面向太阳定位。 球囊的第一部分可以相对于球囊的第二部分是不对称的，其中第一部分成角度以将太阳光引向有效载荷。 气球外壳可以​​包括透光或半透明的表面，其适于将太阳光引向信封的下部，这反过来又适应于将阳光直射到有效载荷上。 气球也可以是透镜形状以将阳光聚焦到有效载荷上。