Patent attributes
Apparatus, method, computer program product, and system described for an autonomous vehicle (a drone) which uses one or more hosts to transport that drone on its journey. Potential hosts along the envisioned journey can be rated as to their suitability. That rating along with an indication of the value of traveling under its own power or remaining stationary for a particular time can be evaluated at any point along the journey to produce an effective route, time, cost, or whatever other factor is desirable. The drone can chose between these states and communicate with potential hosts and even stationary positions or it can remain in the mode it was just in. The drone can switch between one host and another, be charged by a host or at a stationary location, and can evaluate the different modes differently depending on the needs of the user and the drone itself.
