IP Verse

System And Method For Supporting Movable Object Application Development

Patent No. US11184474 (titled "System And Method For Supporting Movable Object Application Development") was filed by Sz Dji Technology Co Ltd on Sep 28, 2018.

What is this patent about?

’474 is related to the field of software application development, specifically concerning applications designed to interact with movable objects like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and robots. The background acknowledges the increasing use of such movable objects across various industries and the need for a robust and secure application development environment to control them.

The underlying idea behind ’474 is to implement a security model using an authentication server that manages application privileges for controlling movable objects. This involves assigning unique application keys to applications, which are then used to request and grant access to specific functionalities of the movable object. The authentication server enforces policies to ensure that only authorized applications can control sensitive aspects of the movable object.

The claims of ’474 focus on a system and method where a user terminal receives an application key from an authentication server. The application then generates an activation request, including a request to control a specific movable object, and sends it to the authentication server. The server determines whether to grant the requested privileges based on the application key and sends a response back to the user terminal, which then controls the movable object's hardware modules if the privilege is granted.

In practice, the invention works by first registering an application with the authentication server, which assigns a unique application key. When the application attempts to control a movable object, it sends an activation request containing this key. The authentication server then checks the key against pre-defined policies, such as maximum installation counts or required privilege levels, before granting or denying access. This ensures that only authorized and validated applications can control the movable object's functions, such as camera operation, flight control, or gimbal movement.

This approach differentiates itself from prior solutions by providing a centralized and policy-driven security model for movable object control. Instead of relying on simple access controls or direct connections, ’474 introduces an authentication server that acts as a gatekeeper, verifying the application's identity and privileges before allowing it to interact with the movable object. This layered security is particularly important for sensitive operations like flight control, preventing unauthorized or malicious applications from compromising the movable object's safety and functionality. The use of application identifiers and privilege-based access further enhances security and control.

How does this patent fit in bigger picture?

Technical landscape at the time

In the mid-2010s when ’474 was filed, application development for mobile devices was at a time when systems commonly relied on client-server architectures rather than edge computing, and when hardware or software constraints made secure authentication and authorization of applications accessing sensitive data non-trivial.

Novelty and Inventive Step

Claims 31-58 were rejected in a non-final office action. The rejection was based on 35 U.S.C. 102(a) and 35 U.S.C. 103. Applicant's amendment necessitated new grounds for rejection, and the action was made final. The prosecution record does NOT describe the technical reasoning or specific claim changes that led to allowance.

Claims

This patent includes 30 claims, with independent claims 1, 16, 29, and 30. Claims 1, 16, and 29 are focused on a method, system, and computer-readable medium, respectively, for controlling a movable object using an authentication server and an application key. Claim 30 focuses on a system for authenticating applications requesting control of a movable object. The dependent claims generally elaborate on the specifics of the authentication process, the policies applied, the hardware modules controlled, and the ground station components accessed.

Key Claim Terms New

Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.

Term (Source)Support for SpecificationInterpretation
Activation request
(Claim 1, Claim 16, Claim 29, Claim 30)		“Described herein are systems and methods that can support application development in a movable object environment. An authentication server can receive an activation request from an application, wherein the activation request contains a request for a privilege to access a movable object. Then, the authentication server can apply one or more policies on the activation request, and grant the privilege, to access the movable object, to the application if the application is entitled.”A request generated by an application on a user terminal to control a particular movable object, including a request for at least one privilege and the application key.
Application key
(Claim 1, Claim 16, Claim 29, Claim 30)		“Described herein are systems and methods that can support application development in a movable object environment. An authentication server can receive an activation request from an application, wherein the activation request contains a request for a privilege to access a movable object. Then, the authentication server can apply one or more policies on the activation request, and grant the privilege, to access the movable object, to the application if the application is entitled.”A key assigned to an application by an authentication server, used to determine whether the application should be granted privileges to control a movable object.
At least one privilege
(Claim 1, Claim 16, Claim 29, Claim 30)		“Described herein are systems and methods that can support application development in a movable object environment. An authentication server can receive an activation request from an application, wherein the activation request contains a request for a privilege to access a movable object. Then, the authentication server can apply one or more policies on the activation request, and grant the privilege, to access the movable object, to the application if the application is entitled.”One or more permissions required to control a particular movable object, which can be granted or denied by the authentication server.
Control signals
(Claim 1, Claim 16, Claim 29, Claim 30)		“Described herein are systems and methods that can support application development in a movable object environment. A movable object manager can establish a connection with a movable object, and receives one or more data packets from the movable object. Then, the movable object manager can provide information in said one or more data packets to an application on a user terminal.”Signals transmitted from the user terminal to the particular movable object to control at least one hardware module of the movable object.
Particular movable object
(Claim 1, Claim 16, Claim 29, Claim 30)		“The unmanned aircraft era is here. The unmanned aircraft may be used in many different fields, such as archeology study, sports events, disaster relief, and environmental protection, etc. The unmanned aircrafts as well as other movable objects, such as the unmanned vehicles, handheld devices, and robots, cari provide a new direction and a unique view point for advancing the traditional industries.”A specific movable object, such as an unmanned aircraft, an unmanned vehicle, or a robot, that the user terminal seeks to control.

Litigation Cases New

US Latest litigation cases involving this patent.

Case NumberFiling DateTitle
2:25-cv-01066Oct 24, 2025SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. v. Irdeto B.V.

Patent Family

Patent Family

File Wrapper

The dossier documents provide a comprehensive record of the patent's prosecution history - including filings, correspondence, and decisions made by patent offices - and are crucial for understanding the patent's legal journey and any challenges it may have faced during examination.

  • Date

    Description

  • Get instant alerts for new documents

US11184474

SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
Application Number
US16147217
Filing Date
Sep 28, 2018
Status
Granted
Expiry Date
Apr 20, 2035
External Links
Slate, USPTO, Google Patents