Cargo carrying device and cargo distribution system

By installing the loading device of the marking plate and the robotic arm on the open platform of the building, the safety hazards of the drone when the goods are handed over on the balcony are solved, and the safe cargo handed over between the drone and the loading device is realized.

CN119460810APending Publication Date: 2025-02-18BEIJING SANKUAI ONLINE TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202311001991.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-08-09
Publication Date
2025-02-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The drone may collide with the balcony when flying in and out of the balcony, resulting in major safety hazards during the delivery process.

Method used

A loading device is designed, including a marking plate, a robotic arm and a loading stage, coupled to the open platform of the building. The drone determines the hover position through the identification information on the identification board, and the robotic arm extends out of the carrier stage to hand over the cargo to the drone, and reclaims the cargo after it is placed.

Benefits of technology

The cargo handover is carried out through the drone and the robot arm of the loading device, which avoids the risk of drones flying into the balcony and improves the safety of the distribution process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

According to the object carrying device and the cargo distribution system, a mechanical arm is controlled to enable an object carrying table to stretch out of an open platform to carry out cargo handover with an unmanned aerial vehicle, after cargoes are placed on the object carrying table, the mechanical arm retracts the object carrying table into the open platform, and in other words, the unmanned aerial vehicle delivers the cargoes to the open platform. According to the method provided by the invention, the unmanned aerial vehicle does not need to fly into the open platform for cargo distribution, the risk caused by collision with the open platform when the unmanned aerial vehicle flies into the open platform is avoided, and the safety of cargo distribution by the unmanned aerial vehicle is effectively improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of computer technology, and more particularly to a cargo carrying device and a cargo delivery system. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the continuous development of unmanned technology, unmanned equipment such as unmanned vehicles and drones have been widely used in various practical business scenarios, providing many conveniences for the execution of various businesses.

[0003] Among them, drones have been widely used to perform online order delivery tasks because they are not affected by the traffic environment. Moreover, for residents living in high-rise buildings, drones can fly directly to the user's balcony and deliver the goods to the user, which greatly improves the user's pickup efficiency and enhances the user experience.

[0004] However, when the drone enters the balcony and lands on the balcony, it may collide with the balcony, which may cause major safety hazards in the entire delivery process. Summary of the invention

[0005] This specification provides a cargo carrying device and a cargo distribution system to partially solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] This manual adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] This specification provides a loading device, which is coupled to an open platform of a building, and includes: a marking plate, a mechanical arm, and a loading platform;

[0008] The identification plate is arranged at the open platform, and is used to display identification information for identification by the drone, so that the drone can determine the hovering position when placing the transported goods on the loading platform through the identification information;

[0009] One end of the robotic arm is connected to the open platform, and the other end is connected to the loading platform. The robotic arm is used to extend the loading platform to the outside of the open platform before the drone and the loading device transfer the goods to transfer the goods transported by the drone, and to retract the loading platform into the open platform after the drone places the transported goods on the loading platform.

[0010] Optionally, one end of the identification plate is connected to the top of the open platform via a rotating shaft. When the identification plate is in a first state, it is attached to the top of the open platform. When the identification plate is in a second state, it is flipped to a vertical state via the rotating shaft to display the identification information for identification by the drone.

[0011] Optionally, the mechanical arm is provided with a retractable platform rod;

[0012] The robotic arm extends the loading platform to the outside of the open platform through the platform rod to receive the goods transported by the drone, and after the drone places the transported goods on the loading platform, the robotic arm retracts the loading platform into the open platform through the platform rod.

[0013] Optionally, the loading platform is provided with a sensor, and the sensor is used to determine that the cargo transported by the drone has been placed on the loading platform, so that the mechanical arm retracts the loading platform into the open platform.

[0014] Optionally, the robotic arm includes a first robotic arm and a second robotic arm, the first robotic arm is arranged in a vertical state, one end of the first robotic arm is connected to the top of the open platform, and the other end of the robotic arm is connected to a connecting structure, and the second robotic arm is arranged in a horizontal state, one end of the second robotic arm is connected to the connecting structure, and the other end of the second robotic arm is connected to the worktable.

[0015] Optionally, the building includes a plurality of the open platforms, each of the open platforms corresponds to one identification plate and one of the loading platforms, and the plurality of open platforms include a target open platform. When the drone uses the loading platform corresponding to the target open platform as the destination for delivering goods, before the drone transfers the goods with the loading device, the identification plate corresponding to the target open platform is converted from the first state to the second state.

[0016] Optionally, identification plates corresponding to other open platforms among the plurality of open platforms except the target open platform maintain the first state.

[0017] This specification provides a cargo delivery system, the cargo delivery system comprising: a drone and a cargo carrying device;

[0018] The drone is used to, after receiving a delivery task, fly to a destination corresponding to the delivery task, and place the delivered goods on a loading platform provided on the loading device at the destination;

[0019] The cargo carrying device is used to display identification information to the drone through a set identification plate, so that the drone can determine the hovering position of the drone when the drone and the cargo carrying device are transferring goods through the identification information, and to extend the cargo platform outside the open platform coupled to the cargo carrying device through a set mechanical arm, and in response to the drone having placed the transported goods on the cargo platform, retract the cargo platform into the open platform through the mechanical arm.

[0020] Optionally, the cargo distribution system further comprises: a server;

[0021] The server is configured to assign the delivery task to the drone, and after monitoring that the drone has reached a destination corresponding to the delivery task or an area within a preset range from the destination, send a first control instruction to the cargo carrying device;

[0022] The object carrying device is used to display the identification information and control the mechanical arm to extend the object carrying platform out of the open platform after receiving the first control instruction;

[0023] The server, in response to the object carrying device having extended the object carrying platform outside the open platform, sends a second control instruction to the drone;

[0024] After receiving the second control instruction, the UAV controls the flight position to identify the identification information.

[0025] Optionally, the displaying the identification information includes:

[0026] The identification plate attached to the top of the open platform is controlled to flip to a vertical state through a rotating shaft connected between the identification plate and the top of the open platform.

[0027] It can be seen from the above-mentioned loading device and cargo delivery system that the loading platform is extended out of the balcony to hand over the cargo to the drone by controlling the robotic arm. After the cargo is placed on the loading platform, the robotic arm retracts the loading platform into the open platform. That is, the method provided in this specification does not require the drone to fly into the open platform to deliver the cargo, thus avoiding the risk of the drone colliding with the balcony when flying into the open platform, thereby effectively improving the safety of the drone's cargo delivery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of this specification and constitute a part of this specification. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this specification are used to explain this specification and do not constitute an improper limitation on this specification. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A schematic diagram of a loading device provided in this specification;

[0030] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A schematic diagram of a loading device provided in this specification;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of how the drone, server, and carrier device provided in this manual complete the drone delivery task through information interaction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this specification more clear, the technical solutions of this specification will be clearly and completely described below in combination with the specific embodiments of this specification and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this specification, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0033] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this specification are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Nowadays, with the exponential increase in online orders, the delivery problem has become the core issue in the entire process. At present, in order to facilitate high-rise residents to pick up goods, drones can be used for cargo delivery. Among them, the drone flies into the balcony of the target resident to deliver the goods to the user, and then flies out of the balcony to return.

[0035] However, the above-mentioned delivery method may cause the drone to collide with the balcony when flying in and out of the balcony, and thus the safety of the drone in performing the delivery task cannot be guaranteed. In order to avoid the above, this specification provides a loading device and a cargo delivery system, which controls the mechanical arm to extend the loading platform out of the open platform to transfer the cargo to the drone. After the cargo is placed on the loading platform, the loading platform is retracted by controlling the mechanical arm, so that the drone does not need to fly into the open platform during the entire cargo transfer process, thereby effectively improving the safety of the drone in performing the delivery task. Among them, the open platform mentioned in this specification may refer to a platform that presents at least a partial open area, such as a balcony, a rooftop, etc. For the convenience of description, the following only takes the balcony as an example to illustrate the loading device and cargo delivery system provided in this specification.

[0036] The present specification provides a cargo carrying device, which is composed of an identification plate, a mechanical arm, and a cargo carrying platform. The identification plate is set on the balcony and is used to display identification information that can be identified by the drone. The drone can determine the hovering position when placing the transported goods on the cargo carrying platform through the identification information.

[0037] One end of the robotic arm is connected to the balcony, and the other end is connected to the loading platform. When the drone is delivering goods, the loading device controls the robotic arm to extend the loading platform out of the balcony. When the drone places the delivered goods on the loading platform, the loading device controls the robotic arm to retract the loading platform into the balcony.

[0038] In a feasible implementation, the identification plate can display identification information that can be identified by the drone in the form of a QR code, so that the drone can determine the hovering position when placing the transported goods into the loading platform based on the identification information.

[0039] Among them, the setting methods of the signboard can be roughly divided into two types, one is a fixed state and the other is a non-fixed state. The so-called fixed state means that the signboard can always be fixed in a vertical state on the balcony. In the fixed state, the signboard can be fixed in a vertical state on the top of the balcony or attached to the vertical wall of the balcony, and the side of the signboard with the QR code faces the outside of the balcony.

[0040] As for the non-fixed state, the sign board can present a first state when it is not working, and a second state when it is working. When the sign board presents the first state, it can be attached to the top of the balcony, and when it presents the second state, it can be in a vertical state.

[0041] For the identification plate in an unfixed state, a rotating shaft can be set at one end of the identification plate, and the identification plate can be connected to the top of the balcony through the rotating shaft. In this way, the identification plate can be attached to the top of the balcony initially (i.e., in the first state). When the drone arrives at the destination, the carrying device can control the identification plate to flip to a vertical state through the rotating shaft, so that the drone can identify the identification information displayed on the identification plate. After waiting for the drone to identify the identification information on the identification plate, or after the goods that the drone has transported are placed on the loading platform on the carrying device, the carrying device can reset the identification plate, that is, flip the identification plate to a state that fits the top of the balcony through the rotating shaft, so that the identification plate switches from the second state back to the first state.

[0042] In a feasible implementation, the identification information displayed on the signboard is the location information that can be identified by the drone, and its function is consistent with the QR code (such as Aruco code) and other identifications used to guide the drone to land at common drone ground airports. For example, the identification information displayed on the signboard can be used to indicate the two-dimensional address of the destination, or it can be used to indicate the three-dimensional coordinates of the location of the signboard.

[0043] In a feasible implementation, the identification information displayed on the identification board can be dynamic identification information or static identification information. The dynamic identification information can be realized by a dynamically changing QR code image displayed on an electronic screen. The so-called dynamic change can actually realize the transformation of identification information according to a variety of factors, for example, it can change according to time, or it can change according to the order information corresponding to the delivery task performed by the drone.

[0044] For example, if it changes according to time, the identification information may correspond to an effective time, during which the identification information remains unchanged, and after the effective time has passed, the identification information will be updated and changed. However, it should be emphasized that for a delivery task performed by a drone, when the drone hands over the goods involved in the delivery task with the cargo carrier, the identification information corresponding to the delivery task may change dynamically, but the hovering position corresponding to the identification information may always be unique.

[0045] If the identification information changes according to the order information corresponding to the delivery task performed by the drone, then the identification information can be dynamically changed according to the weight of the goods in the order information.

[0046] For example, for lighter goods, the extension length of the robotic arm can be longer, so that the loading platform is farther away from the balcony, that is, the hovering position of the drone when placing the goods on the loading platform can be farther away from the balcony, so that the drone's delivery of goods is safer. Therefore, the hovering position of the drone corresponding to the identification information displayed on the sign board is farther away from the balcony.

[0047] For another example, for heavy cargo, if the extension length of the robotic arm is too long, the robotic arm will be subjected to greater force, and there may be a risk of the robotic arm breaking and the cargo falling. In order to avoid this risk, the extension length of the robotic arm can be shorter, so that the loading platform is closer to the balcony, that is, the hovering position of the drone when placing the cargo on the loading platform can be closer to the balcony, so the hovering position of the drone corresponding to the identification information displayed on the sign board is closer to the balcony.

[0048] In addition, the static identification information will not change, that is, the hovering position of the drone when placing the transported goods on the loading platform determined by the static identification information will not change. The static identification information can be presented in a variety of ways. For example, if the identification board is equipped with an electronic screen, it can be displayed through a fixed QR code image on the electronic screen. If the identification board is not equipped with an electronic screen, a printed QR code can also be attached to the identification board for the drone to identify.

[0049] Of course, identification information does not necessarily have to be presented in the form of a QR code. The identification plate can also display identification information that can be recognized by the drone in the form of a barcode.

[0050] The robot arm can be in various forms. For example, the robot arm can be composed of a retractable platform rod, one end of which is connected to a preset position between balconies and the other end is connected to the loading platform, such as Figure 1A and Figure 1B shown.

[0051] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of a loading device provided in this manual.

[0052] from Figure 1A It can be seen that one end of the mechanical arm in the loading device is connected to the preset position of the vertical wall of the balcony, and the other end is connected to the loading platform, and the identification plate is set on the top of the balcony. When the cargo is not delivered to the drone, the loading device is in the initial state, that is, the mechanical arm is in the retracted state, so that the loading platform is inside the balcony.

[0053] from Figure 1B As can be seen in the figure, during the cargo transfer between the carrier and the drone, the carrier controls the mechanical arm to extend and extend the platform out of the balcony, waiting for the drone to transfer the cargo. When the drone places the cargo on the platform, the carrier controls the mechanical arm to retract into the balcony, waiting for the user to take the cargo. After the user takes the cargo, the carrier can return to the balcony. Figure 1A The initial state is shown.

[0054] In addition to the above forms, the robotic arm can also have other forms. For example, the robotic arm can also be composed of two retractable platform rods, wherein the robotic arm can include a first robotic arm and a second robotic arm, the first robotic arm is in a vertical state, one end of which is connected to the top of the balcony, and the other end is connected to the connecting structure. The second robotic arm is in a horizontal state, one end is connected to the connecting structure, and the other end is connected to the loading platform. The two robotic arms are extended and retracted through their respective platform rods, such as Figure 2A and 2B shown.

[0055] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of a loading device provided in this manual.

[0056] from Figure 2A It can be seen that the mechanical arm includes a first mechanical arm and a second mechanical arm. The first mechanical arm is in a vertical state, one end of which is connected to the top of the balcony and the other end is connected to the connecting structure. The second mechanical arm is in a horizontal state, one end of which is connected to the connecting structure and the other end is connected to the loading platform. The identification plate is set at the top of the balcony. When there is no cargo delivery with the drone, the loading device is in the initial state, that is, the mechanical arm is in a retracted state, so that the loading platform is inside the balcony.

[0057] from Figure 2BIt can be seen that during the cargo transfer between the loading device and the drone, the loading device controls the first robotic arm to rotate so as to adjust the second robotic arm to the direction of extending out of the balcony, and then controls the second robotic arm to extend so as to extend the loading platform out of the balcony, waiting for the cargo transfer with the drone. After the drone places the cargo on the loading platform, the loading device controls the second robotic arm to retract so as to retract the loading platform and controls the first robotic arm to rotate so as to retract the loading platform into the balcony, and then extends the first robotic arm to lower the loading platform to the preset position. After waiting for the user to take away the cargo on the loading platform, the loading device returns to the preset position by retracting the first robotic arm. Figure 2A The initial state is shown.

[0058] In a feasible implementation, the loading platform may be provided with a sensor. During the cargo delivery process between the drone and the loading device, the loading device may determine through the sensor that the cargo delivered by the drone has been placed on the loading platform, and then control the mechanical arm to retract the loading platform into the balcony. The sensor may be in various forms, such as a gravity sensor, an optical sensor, etc., and this specification does not limit this.

[0059] It can be seen from the above-mentioned carrying device that the carrying platform is extended out of the balcony to deliver the goods to the drone by controlling the robotic arm. After the goods are placed on the carrying platform, the robotic arm retracts the carrying platform into the balcony. That is, the carrying device provided in the above-mentioned specification does not require the drone to fly into the balcony to deliver the goods, thus avoiding the risk of the drone colliding with the balcony when flying into the balcony, thereby effectively improving the safety of the drone's delivery of goods.

[0060] In addition, for the loading device whose mechanical arms include the first mechanical arm and the second mechanical arm, after the first mechanical arm rotates and retracts the loading platform into the balcony, the loading device extends the first mechanical arm to lower the loading platform to a lower position, so the above method is more convenient for the user to take away the goods on the loading platform. In addition, after the user takes away the goods on the loading platform, by retracting the first mechanical arm, the loading device is restored to the initial state before the goods are handed over to the drone. In the initial state, the mechanical arm is in a retracted state and occupies a small space, so the above method also effectively reduces the space occupancy rate of the loading device.

[0061] During the process of cargo delivery between the drone and the cargo carrier, the drone and the cargo carrier can send information to each other to change and switch the states of the drone and the cargo carrier during the entire cargo delivery process. Therefore, in a feasible implementation, a cargo delivery system is also involved, which may include: a drone and a cargo carrier.

[0062] In the above-mentioned cargo delivery system, during the cargo handover between the drone and the cargo carrier, the drone, after receiving the delivery task, flies to the destination corresponding to the delivery task, and sends the drone arrival information to the cargo carrier after arriving at the destination. The drone can establish a communication connection with the cargo carrier to send the drone arrival information to the cargo carrier. For example, the drone and the cargo carrier can be equipped with Bluetooth devices that can match each other, and through the Bluetooth device, a communication connection is established between the drone and the cargo carrier to realize information transmission between the drone and the cargo carrier.

[0063] After the carrier receives the arrival information sent by the drone, it controls the identification board to display the identification information on the identification board to the drone, and controls the robotic arm to extend the loading platform out of the balcony, waiting for the delivery of goods to the drone. After that, the carrier can send a first message to the drone to indicate that the carrier is ready.

[0064] After receiving the first message, the drone can determine that the cargo handling device is ready for cargo delivery based on the first message, and then adjust the flight position of the drone to find and identify the identification information on the identification plate through the collection device (such as a camera, etc.) installed on the drone. Afterwards, the hovering position when placing the transported cargo on the cargo platform is determined based on the identification information, and the transported cargo is placed on the cargo platform at the hovering position.

[0065] After placing the transported goods on the above-mentioned loading platform, the drone can send a second message to the loading device to indicate that the goods have been placed on the loading platform. After receiving the second message, the loading device can control the mechanical arm to retract the loading platform.

[0066] Of course, in addition to the above methods, the above-mentioned loading platform can also be equipped with sensors. When the drone places the transported goods on the loading platform, the sensor will send a monitoring signal to the processor of the loading device. The loading device can determine through the monitoring signal that the drone has placed the transported goods on the loading platform, and then retract the loading platform to the balcony through the robotic arm and wait for the user to take away the goods.

[0067] After the drone places the delivered goods on the loading platform, it can fly away from the balcony and return.

[0068] In a feasible implementation, the carrier may also be provided with a reset button. After the user takes away the goods, the user touches the reset button to instruct the carrier to retract the robotic arm to the initial state before the goods are handed over to the drone.

[0069] It should be noted that in actual applications, a building may include multiple balconies, so in fact each balcony is provided with the above-mentioned loading device. For each balcony, the identification plate in the loading device of the balcony is used to present the position where the drone will hover when placing the transported goods on the loading platform of the balcony.

[0070] Therefore, when the drone arrives at the destination corresponding to the delivery task, or arrives at the preset range of the destination, the target balcony (i.e., the balcony where the user who receives the goods delivered by the drone is located) will flip the signboard set on the target balcony from the state of being attached to the top of the balcony to the vertical state, that is, the signboard of the target balcony is converted from the first state to the second state. In this process, the signboards on other balconies in the building except the target balcony remain in the first state. In other words, when a drone transfers the delivered goods to the cargo carrying device set on a balcony, it will not trigger the start-up of the cargo carrying devices on other balconies.

[0071] In addition, a server may also be provided in the above cargo delivery system to coordinate the information exchange between the drone and the cargo carrier and the cargo delivery process, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0072] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the drone delivery task completed by the drone, server, and carrier through information interaction provided for this manual.

[0073] from Figure 3 It can be seen that the process of goods handover between the drone and the cargo carrier can be completed through information transmission between the drone, the server and the cargo carrier. After receiving the delivery task sent by the server, the drone flies to the destination corresponding to the delivery task and sends the information that the drone has arrived at the destination to the server. After receiving the information, the server can send a first control instruction to the cargo carrier.

[0074] In addition to the above methods, the server can also locate the drone in real time, and send a first control instruction to the carrier when it detects that the drone has flown to the destination corresponding to the delivery task.

[0075] After receiving the first control instruction sent by the server, the cargo carrying device can control the identification plate to display the identification information on the identification plate to the drone, and control the mechanical arm to extend the cargo carrying platform out of the balcony to wait for receiving the goods delivered by the drone. Among them, for the foldable identification plate, after receiving the first control instruction sent by the server, the cargo carrying device can control the identification plate initially attached to the top of the balcony to flip to a vertical state through the rotating shaft connected between the identification plate and the top of the balcony, so as to display the identification information for the drone to identify.

[0076] Afterwards, the load-carrying device can actively send a message to the server to indicate that it is ready, so that after receiving the message, the server sends a second control instruction to the drone. After receiving the second control instruction, the drone can adjust its flight position and find and identify the identification information displayed by the load-carrying device through the identification plate.

[0077] Of course, in addition to the above methods, the server can also send an inquiry message to the carrier in an active inquiry manner, and detect whether the carrier is ready by itself through a response message returned by the carrier based on the inquiry message.

[0078] By identifying the identification information displayed on the identification plate, the drone can determine the hovering position when placing the transported goods on the loading platform, and place the transported goods on the loading platform at the hovering position.

[0079] After placing the transported goods on the above-mentioned loading platform, the drone can return, and at this time, the carrying device can retract the loading platform extending out of the balcony by controlling the mechanical arm.

[0080] There are many specific implementation methods in this process. For example, after the drone places the transported goods on the loading platform, it can return a first handover completion message to the server. The server can determine that the drone has placed the transported goods on the loading platform based on the first handover completion message, and then send a third control instruction to the loading device. The loading device can control the mechanical arm to retract the loading platform and wait for the user to take away the goods according to the third control instruction; for another example, the loading device can determine that the goods transported by the drone have been placed on the loading platform by setting a sensor on the loading platform, and then send a second handover completion message to the server. The server can determine that the loading device has received the goods transported by the drone through the second handover completion message, and then send a third control instruction to the loading device; for another example, the server can also send an inquiry message to the drone by actively asking, and determine whether the drone has placed the transported goods on the loading platform according to the feedback message returned by the drone based on the inquiry message, so as to determine when to send the third control instruction to the loading device.

[0081] Of course, if the loading device is provided with a button for controlling the loading platform to be retracted into the balcony, the loading device can control the robotic arm to retract the loading platform from outside the balcony in response to the user touching the button, so that the user can pick up the goods.

[0082] After the drone places the delivered cargo on the loading platform, it can return.

[0083] The resetting of the retractable loading platform after the user takes the goods from the loading platform can also be completed through the server. For example, after the user takes the goods, the operation of confirming the receipt of the goods can be performed on the shopping client, and a message to complete the pickup of the goods can be sent to the server through the client. The server can instruct the loading device to reset through the message.

[0084] In addition, after the loading device retracts the loading platform carrying the goods into the balcony, it can send a notification message to the server, and the server can send a message to the user's shopping client through the notification message that the goods have been delivered to prompt the user to pick up the goods. Or when the server detects that the drone is returning, it can send a message to the user's shopping client that the goods have been delivered to prompt the user to pick up the goods.

[0085] In the 1990s, improvements to a technology could be clearly distinguished as hardware improvements (for example, improvements to the circuit structure of diodes, transistors, switches, etc.) or software improvements (improvements to the method flow). However, with the development of technology, many improvements to the method flow today can be regarded as direct improvements to the hardware circuit structure. Designers almost always obtain the corresponding hardware circuit structure by programming the improved method flow into the hardware circuit. Therefore, it cannot be said that an improvement in a method flow cannot be implemented using a hardware entity module. For example, a programmable logic device (PLD) (such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA)) is such an integrated circuit whose logical function is determined by the user's programming of the device. Designers can "integrate" a digital system on a PLD by programming it themselves, without having to ask a chip manufacturer to design and produce a dedicated integrated circuit chip. Moreover, nowadays, instead of manually making integrated circuit chips, this kind of programming is mostly implemented by "logic compiler" software, which is similar to the software compiler used when developing and writing programs, and the original code before compilation must also be written in a specific programming language, which is called hardware description language (HDL). There is not only one HDL, but many kinds, such as ABEL (Advanced Boolean Expression Language), AHDL (Altera Hardware Description Language), Confluence, CUPL (Cornell University Programming Language), HDCal, JHDL (Java Hardware Description Language), Lava, Lola, MyHDL, PALASM, RHDL (Ruby Hardware Description Language), etc. The most commonly used ones are VHDL (Very-High-Speed ​​Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language) and Verilog. Those skilled in the art should also know that it is only necessary to program the method flow slightly in the above-mentioned hardware description languages ​​and program it into the integrated circuit, and then it is easy to obtain the hardware circuit that implements the logic method flow.

[0086] The controller can be implemented in any appropriate manner, for example, the controller can take the form of a microprocessor or processor and a computer-readable medium storing a computer-readable program code (such as software or firmware) that can be executed by the (micro)processor, a logic gate, a switch, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic controller, and an embedded microcontroller. Examples of controllers include, but are not limited to, the following microcontrollers: ARC 625D, Atmel AT91SAM, Microchip PIC18F26K20, and Silicone Labs C8051F320. The memory controller can also be implemented as part of the control logic of the memory. Those skilled in the art also know that in addition to implementing the controller in a purely computer-readable program code manner, the controller can be implemented in the form of a logic gate, a switch, an application-specific integrated circuit, a programmable logic controller, and an embedded microcontroller by logically programming the method steps. Therefore, this controller can be considered as a hardware component, and the devices included therein for implementing various functions can also be regarded as structures within the hardware component. Or even, the devices for implementing various functions can be regarded as both software modules for implementing the method and structures within the hardware component.

[0087] The systems, devices, modules or units described in the above embodiments may be implemented by computer chips or entities, or by products with certain functions. A typical implementation device is a computer. Specifically, the computer may be, for example, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a cellular phone, a camera phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, a media player, a navigation device, an email device, a game console, a tablet computer, a wearable device, or a combination of any of these devices.

[0088] For the convenience of description, the above device is described in various units according to their functions. Of course, when implementing this specification, the functions of each unit can be implemented in the same or multiple software and / or hardware.

[0089] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of this specification may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this specification may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Moreover, this specification may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[0090] This specification is described with reference to the flowchart and / or block diagram of the method, device (system), and computer program product according to the embodiment of this specification. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one process or multiple processes in the flowchart and / or one box or multiple boxes in the block diagram.

[0091] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a manufactured product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0092] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, whereby the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0093] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPU), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0094] The memory may include non-permanent storage in a computer-readable medium, random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory in the form of read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. The memory is an example of a computer-readable medium.

[0095] Computer readable media include permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can be implemented by any method or technology to store information. Information can be computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices or any other non-transmission media that can be used to store information that can be accessed by a computing device. As defined herein, computer readable media does not include temporary computer readable media (transitory media), such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0096] It should also be noted that the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, commodity or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, commodity or device. In the absence of more restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, commodity or device including the elements.

[0097] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of this specification may be provided as methods, systems or computer program products. Therefore, this specification may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Moreover, this specification may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0098] This specification may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions executed by a computer, such as program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. This specification may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices connected through a communication network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in local and remote computer storage media, including storage devices.

[0099] Each embodiment in this specification is described in a progressive manner, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. In particular, for the system embodiment, since it is basically similar to the method embodiment, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the partial description of the method embodiment.

[0100] The above description is only an embodiment of the present specification and is not intended to limit the present specification. For those skilled in the art, the present specification may have various changes and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present specification shall be included in the scope of the claims of the present specification.

Claims

1. A loading device, characterized in that: The object-carrying device is coupled to an open platform of a building, and the object-carrying device comprises: a sign board, a mechanical arm and an object-carrying platform; The identification plate is arranged at the open platform, and is used to display identification information for identification by the drone, so that the drone can determine the hovering position when placing the transported goods on the loading platform through the identification information; One end of the robotic arm is connected to the open platform, and the other end is connected to the loading platform. The robotic arm is used to extend the loading platform to the outside of the open platform before the drone and the loading device transfer the goods to transfer the goods transported by the drone, and to retract the loading platform into the open platform after the drone places the transported goods on the loading platform.

2. The object loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the identification plate is connected to the top of the open platform via a rotating shaft. When the identification plate is in a first state, it is attached to the top of the open platform. When the identification plate is in a second state, it is flipped to a vertical state via the rotating shaft to display the identification information for identification by the drone.

3. The object loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mechanical arm is provided with a retractable platform rod; The robotic arm extends the loading platform to the outside of the open platform through the platform rod to receive the goods transported by the drone, and after the drone places the transported goods on the loading platform, the robotic arm retracts the loading platform into the open platform through the platform rod.

4. The object loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The loading platform is provided with a sensor, and the sensor is used to determine that the cargo transported by the drone has been placed on the loading platform, so that the mechanical arm can retract the loading platform into the open platform.

5. The object loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The robotic arm includes a first robotic arm and a second robotic arm, the first robotic arm is arranged in a vertical state, one end of the first robotic arm is connected to the top of the open platform, and the other end of the robotic arm is connected to a connecting structure, the second robotic arm is arranged in a horizontal state, one end of the second robotic arm is connected to the connecting structure, and the other end of the second robotic arm is connected to the worktable.

6. The object loading device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The building includes a plurality of the open platforms, each of the open platforms corresponds to an identification plate and a loading platform, and the plurality of open platforms include a target open platform. When the drone uses the loading platform corresponding to the target open platform as the destination for delivering goods, before the drone transfers the goods with the loading device, the identification plate corresponding to the target open platform is converted from the first state to the second state.

7. The object loading device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The identification plates corresponding to the other open platforms among the plurality of open platforms except the target open platform maintain the first state.

8. A cargo distribution system, characterized in that: The cargo distribution system comprises: a drone and a cargo carrying device; The drone is used to, after receiving a delivery task, fly to a destination corresponding to the delivery task, and place the delivered goods on a loading platform provided on the loading device at the destination; The cargo carrying device is used to display identification information to the drone through a set identification plate, so that the drone can determine the hovering position of the drone when the drone and the cargo carrying device are transferring goods through the identification information, and to extend the cargo platform outside the open platform coupled to the cargo carrying device through a set mechanical arm, and in response to the drone having placed the transported goods on the cargo platform, retract the cargo platform into the open platform through the mechanical arm.

9. The cargo delivery system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The cargo distribution system further comprises: a server; The server is configured to assign the delivery task to the drone, and after monitoring that the drone has reached a destination corresponding to the delivery task or an area within a preset range from the destination, send a first control instruction to the cargo carrying device; The object carrying device is used to display the identification information and control the mechanical arm to extend the object carrying platform out of the open platform after receiving the first control instruction; The server, in response to the object carrying device having extended the object carrying platform outside the open platform, sends a second control instruction to the drone; After receiving the second control instruction, the UAV controls the flight position to identify the identification information.

10. The cargo delivery system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The displaying of the identification information includes: The identification plate attached to the top of the open platform is controlled to flip to a vertical state through a rotating shaft connected between the identification plate and the top of the open platform.

Citation Information

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