Guiding an unmanned aerial vehicle using multi-point guidance

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and computer readable media implemented in connection with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to navigate a UAV along a desired path. For example, systems disclosed herein identify an anticipatory flight path and identify a plurality of reference points on the flight path relative to a current position of the UAV. The systems described herein may further determine reference angles between a current trajectory of the UAV and the reference points to determine an updated trajectory that the UAV should take to stay close to the identified flight path. The systems described herein may further cause the UAV to accelerate in a lateral direction based on the updated trajectory. The features and functionality of systems disclosed herein enable the UAV to accurately follow a complex path having sharp turns with little or no advanced knowledge of the flight path prior to departure.