Vehicle and method suitable for unmanned aerial vehicle to transport goods
By designing an openable sunroof and carrying platform on the vehicle, and equipping it with a robotic arm component and controller, the transfer of goods between the drone and the vehicle can be realized, solving the problem of goods transportation in a vehicle environment and improving transportation efficiency and safety.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511270555.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-12
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, vehicles serve as a third living space, and traditional transportation methods cannot effectively utilize drones to transport goods, especially to achieve efficient transfer of goods in a vehicle environment.
Design a vehicle with an openable sunroof and a carrying platform on the top of the vehicle body, equipped with a robotic arm assembly and a controller. The controller coordinates with the drone to synchronize vehicle driving parameters via a transport request signal. The robotic arm assembly transfers items between the drone and a preset storage location inside the vehicle through the sunroof. The items are secured using a connecting assembly, and the door assembly ensures safety.
It enables efficient transfer of goods between drones and vehicles, adapts to various road conditions, improves the efficiency of goods transportation, is suitable for receiving and shipping goods in vehicles, and is adaptable to high-speed vehicle travel.
Smart Images

Figure CN121105976A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive technology, and more particularly to a vehicle and method suitable for transporting goods by drones. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of drone technology, using drones to transport goods can avoid the impact of road traffic on delivery time.
[0003] In the process of developing this invention, the inventors discovered at least the following problems in the prior art: Vehicles have become a third living space besides residences and workplaces. As of July 2025, the number of food delivery users in China approached 600 million, with an average daily consumption of 3.3 billion yuan, making China the world's largest food delivery market. Due to the mobility of vehicles, traditional methods of transporting goods are not suitable for transporting goods to vehicles using drones. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle and method suitable for transporting goods by drone, which can transport goods by vehicle and drone.
[0005] A vehicle suitable for transporting goods by drone, comprising:
[0006] The vehicle body, with an openable sunroof and a support platform on its top;
[0007] A robotic arm assembly positioned at the edge of the support platform;
[0008] The controller is configured to: respond to a cooperative transportation request signal from a drone, control the vehicle's driving parameters to maintain dynamic synchronization with the drone; detect when the drone lands on the carrying platform, receive a goods transfer operation, and control the robotic arm assembly based on the goods transfer operation;
[0009] Under the control of the controller, the robotic arm assembly transfers items between the drone, which lands on the carrying platform, and a preset storage location inside the vehicle through the sunroof.
[0010] The vehicle also includes a connection component disposed on the carrier platform;
[0011] The controller is configured to send control commands to the connection component after detecting that the UAV has landed on the carrier platform;
[0012] The connection component, in response to a control command sent by the controller, secures the items unloaded from the drone or transferred from a preset storage location inside the carriage to the carrying platform onto the carrying platform.
[0013] The connecting components include one or more of the following: mechanical snap-fit components, electromagnetic adsorption components, or vacuum adsorption components.
[0014] The robotic arm assembly includes a telescopic support arm and a gripping component, wherein the telescopic support arm is connected to the gripping component;
[0015] The controller is configured to send a transfer command;
[0016] The gripping component grips the item in response to a transfer command sent by the controller;
[0017] The retractable support arm responds to the transfer command sent by the controller by transferring the items carried by the drone to a preset storage location inside the vehicle through the sunroof, and by transferring the items in the preset storage location inside the vehicle to the drone in the carrying platform through the sunroof.
[0018] The robotic arm assembly includes a retractable support arm, which is connected to the connecting assembly.
[0019] The controller is configured to send a transfer command;
[0020] In response to a transfer command sent by the controller, the retractable support arm transfers items fixed to the connecting component to a preset storage location inside the carriage through the sunroof, and transfers items from the preset storage location inside the carriage to the connecting component through the sunroof.
[0021] It also includes a hatch assembly disposed above the support platform.
[0022] The controller is configured to send a command to open the hatch when the drone approaches the vehicle.
[0023] The hatch assembly responds to the hatch opening command and performs the hatch assembly opening operation;
[0024] as well as,
[0025] The controller is configured to send a command to close the hatch after the transfer of goods is completed;
[0026] In response to the door closing command, the door assembly performs a door closing operation, and the closed door assembly forms a protective cover that is continuous with the roof profile.
[0027] The preset storage location includes any of the following positions: seat, table, seat armrest, and center armrest box.
[0028] The support platform is located between the sunroof and the top of the rear of the vehicle.
[0029] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for transporting articles is provided, using the vehicle described above;
[0030] Responding to the drone's collaborative transportation request signal, the vehicle's driving parameters are dynamically synchronized with the drone's.
[0031] The system detects when the drone lands on the carrier platform, receives a goods transfer operation, and, based on the goods transfer operation, controls the robotic arm assembly to transfer the goods between the drone that landed on the carrier platform and a preset storage location inside the vehicle through the skylight.
[0032] The transfer of items between the drone, which lands on the carrying platform, and a pre-set storage location inside the vehicle, via the sunroof includes:
[0033] The items are transferred between the drone, which lands on the carrying platform, and a preset storage location inside the carriage through the sunroof, and the connecting components are controlled to fix the items to the carrying platform.
[0034] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an electronic device for transporting goods by drone is provided, comprising:
[0035] One or more processors;
[0036] Storage device for storing one or more programs.
[0037] When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors perform the methods described above.
[0038] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described above.
[0039] One embodiment of the above invention has the following advantages or beneficial effects: The vehicle's driving parameters are dynamically synchronized with the drone to enable the drone carrying the goods to land on the carrying platform. The robotic arm assembly transfers the goods through a skylight. Goods carried by the drone or the vehicle are transported via the robotic arm assembly, thereby realizing the transportation of goods by vehicle and drone.
[0040] The further effects of the aforementioned unconventional alternative methods will be explained below in conjunction with specific implementation methods. Attached Figure Description
[0041] The accompanying drawings are provided to better understand the invention and are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the invention. Wherein:
[0042] Figure 1This is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle suitable for transporting goods by drone according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for transporting goods using a drone according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system suitable for implementing terminal devices or servers of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0045] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates exemplary embodiments of the present invention, including various details to aid understanding. These details should be considered merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Similarly, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted in the following description.
[0046] To achieve the transportation of goods via vehicles and drones, the following technical solutions from the embodiments of the present invention can be adopted.
[0047] See Figure 1 That is, 100. Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle suitable for transporting goods by drone according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] The vehicle body has an openable sunroof 10 and a carrying platform 20 on its roof. A robotic arm assembly 30 is located at the edge of the carrying platform 20. As an example, the robotic arm assembly 30 can be positioned at the edge of the carrying platform 20 before grabbing an item. When grabbing an item, the robotic arm assembly 30 can be moved to other locations on the roof and inside the vehicle body.
[0049] In embodiments of the invention, a controller interacts with the drone and controls the vehicle to transfer items carried by the drone into the vehicle compartment, and to transfer items from the vehicle compartment into the drone. As an example, the controller is located in the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU).
[0050] Specifically, the controller is configured to respond to the drone's cooperative transportation request signal and control the vehicle's driving parameters to maintain dynamic synchronization with the drone.
[0051] Upon detecting that the drone has landed on the carrying platform 20, the system receives the item transfer operation and controls the robotic arm assembly 30. Under the control of the controller, the robotic arm assembly 30 transfers the item between the drone that landed on the carrying platform 20 and the preset storage location inside the vehicle through the skylight 10.
[0052] Specifically, the robotic arm assembly 30 transfers the items carried by the drone to a preset storage location inside the carriage through the sunroof 10, and / or, the robotic arm assembly 30 transfers the items from the preset storage location inside the carriage to the drone in the carrying platform 20 through the sunroof 10.
[0053] In one embodiment of the invention, the drone carrying the goods needs to interact with the controller. The drone can send a cooperative transportation request signal to the controller, and the controller responds to the drone's cooperative transportation request signal by controlling the vehicle's driving parameters to maintain dynamic synchronization with the drone.
[0054] As an example, the controller aligns the vehicle's direction of travel with the drone's flight direction and dynamically synchronizes the vehicle's speed with the drone's speed. This enables the drone to land on the vehicle's platform 20.
[0055] It should be noted that the items carried by the drone can be transferred to a pre-set storage location inside the vehicle using the technical solution in this embodiment of the invention. Items in the pre-set storage location inside the vehicle can also be transferred to the drone using the technical solution in this embodiment of the invention. This achieves the combined transportation of goods using drones and vehicles.
[0056] In one embodiment of the invention, the controller detects that the drone has landed on the support platform 20. As an example, the controller detects the drone's landing on the support platform 20 using a weight sensor mounted on the support platform 20. As another example, the controller detects the drone's landing on the support platform 20 by receiving a successful landing signal sent by the drone.
[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the controller receives a user's item transfer operation for the item, and uses the robotic arm assembly 30 to transfer the item carried by the drone to a preset storage location inside the carriage through the sunroof 10, and / or uses the robotic arm assembly 30 to transfer the item from the preset storage location inside the carriage to the drone in the carrying platform 20 through the sunroof 10.
[0058] The robotic arm assembly 30 functions to transfer items through the skylight 10. Specifically, it transfers items from the carrying platform 20 to pre-set storage locations inside the carriage via the skylight 10. It also transfers items from the pre-set storage locations inside the carriage to the drone within the carrying platform 20.
[0059] After the robotic arm assembly 30 has moved the item, it can move to the edge of the carrying platform 20 to transfer the item again.
[0060] In the above embodiments of the present invention, the drone is docked via the carrying platform 20. The robotic arm assembly 30 is used to transfer items through the vehicle's existing sunroof 10, thereby transferring items between the vehicle and the drone.
[0061] Compared to vehicle-based transport, drones offer advantages such as adaptability to various road conditions and high speed.
[0062] In one application scenario, the vehicle receiving goods transported by the drone can act as both the consignee and / or the consignor. That is, the drone can be used to directly transport goods to the vehicle, as well as to transport goods from the vehicle to the drone, thereby improving the efficiency of goods transportation and enabling receiving and / or shipping within the vehicle.
[0063] In another application scenario, the vehicle receiving and / or sending goods via drone can act as the transporter of those goods. That is, the transporters include both the drone and the vehicle. Utilizing drones and vehicles in tandem to transport goods improves the efficiency of goods transportation.
[0064] In one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle further includes a connecting component 40, which is disposed on the support platform 20. The function of the connecting component 40 is to secure the items placed on the support platform 20, thereby preventing the items from moving due to vehicle movement.
[0065] As an example, after detecting that the drone has landed on the carrier platform 20, the control connection component 40 fixes the items carried by the drone to the carrier platform 20.
[0066] As another example, the robotic arm assembly 30 transfers items from a preset storage location inside the carriage to the carrying platform 20 through the sunroof 10, and the control connection assembly 40 fixes the transferred items to the carrying platform 20.
[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting component 40 is movably disposed on the support platform 20. As an example, the connecting component 40 is movably disposed on the support platform 20 via a preset connector. In another embodiment of the present invention, the connecting component 40 is fixed to the support platform 20.
[0068] In an embodiment of the invention, the controller is configured to: upon detecting that a drone has landed on the carrying platform 20, secure the items carried by the drone to the carrying platform 20. Control commands can be sent to the connection component 40. As an example, the drone places items on the carrying platform 20. To prevent the items from moving due to vehicle movement, the connection component 40, in response to the control commands sent by the controller, secures the items unloaded from the drone or transferred from a preset storage location inside the vehicle to the carrying platform 20 to the carrying platform 20. The controller controls the connection component 40 to secure the items carried by the drone to the carrying platform 20.
[0069] As an example, the controller manipulates the robotic arm assembly 30 to transfer items from the preset storage location inside the carriage to the carrying platform 20 through the sunroof 10; the controller controls the connecting assembly 40 to fix the items from the preset storage location inside the carriage to the carrying platform 20.
[0070] In the above embodiment, the items placed on the carrying platform 20 are fixed by the connecting component 40 to prevent the items on the carrying platform 20 from moving due to vehicle movement, thereby improving the success rate of transporting items.
[0071] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting component 40 includes one or more of the following: a mechanical snap-fit component, an electromagnetic adsorption component, and a vacuum adsorption component.
[0072] As an example, the mechanical latching assembly includes circumferentially distributed jaws, and the controller opens and closes the jaws via a worm gear.
[0073] As an example, the electromagnetic adsorption assembly includes multiple electromagnetic units, and the controller maintains the adsorption state of the electromagnetic units by supplying power. Conversely, when the controller de-energizes the electromagnetic units, they are released. To better utilize the electromagnetic adsorption assembly, items can be placed inside outer packaging with magnets.
[0074] As an example, a vacuum adsorption assembly includes a multi-chamber suction cup group and a vacuum pump, with control valves installed between the chambers. The controller controls the vacuum adsorption assembly to adsorb items via these control valves.
[0075] In the above embodiments, in order to improve the reliability of fixing items on the support platform 20, one or more of the following components can be used to fix items on the support platform 20: mechanical buckle components, electromagnetic adsorption components, and vacuum adsorption components.
[0076] In one embodiment of the invention, the robotic arm assembly 30 includes a retractable support arm (not shown) and a gripping component (not shown), the retractable support arm being connected to the gripping component. The controller manipulates the retractable support arm in the robotic arm assembly 30 to move by sending transfer commands, and controls the gripping component to grip an item.
[0077] Specifically, when a drone transports goods to a vehicle, the controller is configured to send a transfer command. The gripping component responds to the transfer command sent by the controller and grips the goods. The retractable support arm, also responding to the transfer command sent by the controller, transfers the goods carried by the drone to a preset storage location inside the vehicle through the sunroof 10.
[0078] When items in the pre-set storage locations inside the carriage are transferred to the drone, the controller is configured to send a transfer command. The gripping component responds to the transfer command sent by the controller and grips the items. The retractable support arm, also responding to the transfer command sent by the controller, transfers the items from the pre-set storage locations inside the carriage to the drone on the carrying platform 20 via the sunroof 10.
[0079] In the above embodiments, a telescopic support arm and a gripping component are used to transport items between a drone and a vehicle.
[0080] In one embodiment of the present invention, the robotic arm assembly 30 includes a telescopic support arm (not shown in the figure), which is connected to a connecting assembly 40. It is understood that the connecting assembly 40 can be part of the robotic arm assembly 30. The robotic arm assembly 30 transports items through the connection between the telescopic support arm and the connecting assembly 40.
[0081] Specifically, the controller is configured to: send a transfer command; the telescopic support arm responds to the transfer command sent by the controller to transfer the items fixed by the connecting component 40 to a preset storage location inside the carriage through the sunroof 10; and transfer the items in the preset storage location inside the carriage to the connecting component 40 through the sunroof 10.
[0082] Users can send transfer commands to move items from the carrier platform 20 to a preset storage location inside the vehicle compartment. Alternatively, users can send transfer commands to move items from the preset storage location inside the vehicle compartment to the connecting component 40. The connecting component 40 then transfers the items to the carrier platform 20. Items on the carrier platform 20 can then be further picked up by devices within the drone and moved into the drone.
[0083] In the above embodiments, the connecting component 40 can not only fix items on the carrying platform 20, but also connect to the telescopic support arm to transfer items through the skylight.
[0084] In one embodiment of the present invention, considering that vehicles are mostly traveling at high speeds, in order to improve the safety of the carrying platform 20, a hatch assembly 50 can be provided above the carrying platform 20.
[0085] The vehicle for transporting goods by drone also includes a door assembly 50, which is positioned above the carrying platform 20. The controller is configured to send an open door command when the drone approaches the vehicle. In response to the open door command, the door assembly 50 performs an open door assembly operation. The controller is also configured to send a close door command after the goods transfer is complete. In response to the close door command, the door assembly 50 performs a close door assembly operation, closing to form a protective shield continuous with the vehicle's roof profile.
[0086] As one example, if the controller determines, based on LiDAR, that the distance between the drone and the vehicle is less than the hatch opening distance, it sends a hatch opening command. As another example, if the controller determines, based on information from interaction with the drone, that the drone has taken off, it determines that the goods transfer is complete and sends a hatch closing command.
[0087] In one embodiment of the present invention, considering the wind resistance encountered during vehicle movement and the vehicle assembly process, the support platform 20 can be positioned between the sunroof 10 and the top of the rear of the vehicle. Thus, the technical solution of this embodiment can be used for panoramic sunroofs, single sunroofs, and segmented sunroofs. The take-off and landing of the drone is achieved by setting up the support platform 20.
[0088] In one embodiment of the invention, the pre-set storage space inside the vehicle compartment includes any of the following locations: a seat, a table, a seat armrest, and a center armrest box. As an example, the seat includes a seat in a pre-set position, such as the first row of seats or the second row of seats. The table includes a folding table disposed behind the backrest of the first row of seats. The seat armrest includes a foldable armrest disposed on the backrest of the second or third row of seats. The center armrest box includes an armrest box located in the middle of the first row of seats.
[0089] The aforementioned pre-set storage locations inside the carriage can be pre-configured according to the equipment and structure inside the carriage. For example, the carriage may include multiple pre-set storage locations, each marked with an identifier. The robotic arm assembly 30 enables the transport of goods between the drone and the pre-set storage locations inside the carriage.
[0090] In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the vehicle's driving parameters are dynamically synchronized with the drone to enable the drone carrying the goods to land on the carrying platform. The robotic arm assembly transfers the goods through a skylight. Goods carried by the drone or the vehicle are transported via the robotic arm assembly, thereby realizing the transportation of goods by vehicle and drone.
[0091] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for transporting goods using a drone according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, it includes the following steps: Figure 2 The technical solutions in the embodiments are applied to Figure 1 Vehicles in the middle.
[0092] S201. Respond to the drone's collaborative transportation request signal and control the vehicle's driving parameters to maintain dynamic synchronization with the drone.
[0093] With the development of drone technology, the maximum delivery weight of drones is 2.5 kg, and the maximum delivery distance is 10 km. They are typically used for deliveries to locations in large cities, such as scenic spots, libraries, and parks. Drones can be used to transport goods. As an example, goods include food and / or medicine.
[0094] In embodiments of the present invention, vehicles on urban roads or highways can have goods transported to them by drones while in motion or parked. As an example, a mobile application (APP) can be used to order drone delivery of takeout.
[0095] Specifically, the delivery address for food delivery orders is the user's vehicle. The app can recommend delivery addresses based on the vehicle's direction of travel and destination. For example, if the merchant is the shipper, their address is the delivery address. Items in the order are placed in pre-packaged containers. For example, items may include one or more of food, beverages, and medicine. These pre-packaged containers can be mounted on a drone for drone delivery. During drone delivery, delivery information can be obtained on the mobile app. That is, based on the delivery address, the drone's location, and the vehicle's current location, the app displays the order's current location and delivery time.
[0096] During the drone delivery of goods, the vehicle, drone, and restaurant share location information in real time.
[0097] In response to the drone's request for coordinated transportation, the vehicle's driving parameters are dynamically synchronized with the drone's. Once the vehicle's driving parameters are dynamically synchronized with the drone, the drone lands on the vehicle's platform.
[0098] S202. The drone is detected to have landed on the carrying platform. The item transfer operation is received. Based on the item transfer operation, the robotic arm component is controlled to transfer the item between the drone that landed on the carrying platform and the preset storage location inside the carriage through the skylight.
[0099] Specifically, in response to the goods transfer operation control, the robotic arm assembly transfers the goods carried by the drone to a preset storage location inside the carriage through the sunroof, and / or, the robotic arm assembly transfers the goods from the preset storage location inside the carriage to the drone in the carrying platform through the sunroof.
[0100] After the drone lands on the carrying platform, it receives a user-sent item transfer command. If the drone is carrying items, the robotic arm assembly transfers the items through the sunroof to a pre-set storage location inside the vehicle compartment. And / or, if the vehicle is carrying items, the robotic arm assembly transfers the items from the pre-set storage location inside the vehicle compartment to the drone on the carrying platform through the sunroof.
[0101] It is understood that the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention are applicable not only to transporting goods carried by drones to vehicles, but also to transporting goods carried by vehicles to drones. Thus, the transportation of goods is achieved through vehicles and drones.
[0102] In one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle further includes a connecting component disposed on a carrying platform. The connecting component is used to secure items placed on the carrying platform.
[0103] Specifically, the items are transferred between the drone that lands on the carrier platform and the preset storage location inside the carriage through the sunroof, and the control connection components are used to fix the items to the carrier platform.
[0104] In the above embodiments, the items on the carrying platform are fixed by the connecting components to prevent the items from moving due to the movement of the vehicle.
[0105] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting component includes one or more of the following: a mechanical snap-fit component, an electromagnetic adsorption component, and a vacuum adsorption component.
[0106] In one embodiment of the present invention, the robotic arm assembly includes a retractable support arm and a gripping component, wherein the retractable support arm is connected to the gripping component;
[0107] The control of the robotic arm assembly to transfer items between the drone, which is landing on the carrying platform, and a preset storage location inside the vehicle through the sunroof includes:
[0108] The controller controls the gripping component to grip the item via a transfer command;
[0109] The telescopic support arm is controlled to transfer items carried by the drone to a preset storage location inside the vehicle through the sunroof, and to transfer items from the preset storage location inside the vehicle to the drone in the carrying platform through the sunroof.
[0110] In one embodiment of the present invention, the robotic arm assembly includes a telescopic support arm, which is connected to the connecting assembly.
[0111] The control of the robotic arm assembly to transfer items between the drone, which is landing on the carrying platform, and a preset storage location inside the vehicle through the sunroof includes:
[0112] The controller controls the gripping component to grip the item via a transfer command;
[0113] The telescopic support arm is controlled in response to a transfer command sent by the controller to transfer items fixed by the connecting component to a preset storage location inside the carriage through the sunroof, and to transfer items from the preset storage location inside the carriage to the connecting component through the sunroof.
[0114] In one embodiment of the invention, a hatch assembly is further included, the hatch assembly being disposed above the support platform.
[0115] The method further includes: sending a hatch opening command when the drone approaches the vehicle to perform hatch opening assembly operation.
[0116] After the goods transfer is completed, a command to close the hatch is sent to execute the hatch assembly closing operation, which closes to form a protective cover that is continuous with the roof profile.
[0117] In one embodiment of the present invention, the preset storage location includes any of the following positions: seat, table, seat armrest, and center armrest box.
[0118] In one embodiment of the present invention, the support platform is disposed between the sunroof and the top of the rear of the vehicle.
[0119] The method for transporting goods by drone provided in this invention can be executed by the drone and a vehicle control system. The vehicle control system may include software systems for implementing vehicle driving control, such as those for interacting with the drone via software. Other components of the vehicle can also be controlled using the software system. Figure 3 As shown, the computer system 300 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 301, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes based on programs stored in read-only memory (ROM) 302 or programs loaded from storage section 308 into random access memory (RAM) 303. The RAM 303 also stores various programs and data required for the operation of the system 300. The CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303 are interconnected via bus 303. An input / output (I / O) interface 305 is also connected to bus 304.
[0120] The following components are connected to I / O interface 305: an input section 306 including a keyboard, mouse, etc.; an output section 307 including a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), etc., and speakers, etc.; a storage section 308 including a hard disk, etc.; and a communication section 309 including a network interface card such as a LAN card, modem, etc. The communication section 309 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet. A drive 310 is also connected to I / O interface 305 as needed. A removable medium 311, such as a disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc., is installed on drive 310 as needed so that computer programs read from it can be installed into storage section 308 as needed.
[0121] In particular, according to the embodiments disclosed in this invention, the processes described above with reference to the flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, embodiments disclosed in this invention include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, the computer program containing program code for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via communication section 309, and / or installed from removable medium 311. When the computer program is executed by central processing unit (CPU) 301, it performs the functions defined above in the system of this invention.
[0122] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium shown in this invention can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination thereof. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example,—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of a computer-readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this invention, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In this invention, a computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such propagated data signals can take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. Computer-readable signal media can also be any computer-readable medium other than computer-readable storage media, which can send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The program code contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wireless, wire, optical fiber, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.
[0123] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram or flowchart, may be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.
[0124] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the device described in the above embodiments; or it may exist independently and not assembled into the device. The computer-readable medium carries one or more programs, which, when executed by the device, cause the device to include:
[0125] Responding to the drone's collaborative transportation request signal, the vehicle's driving parameters are dynamically synchronized with the drone's.
[0126] The system detects when the drone lands on the carrier platform, receives a goods transfer operation, and, based on the goods transfer operation, controls the robotic arm assembly to transfer the goods between the drone that landed on the carrier platform and a preset storage location inside the vehicle through the skylight.
[0127] According to the technical solution of this invention, the vehicle's driving parameters are dynamically synchronized with the drone to enable the drone carrying the goods to land on the carrying platform. The robotic arm assembly transfers the goods through the skylight. Goods carried by the drone or the vehicle are transported via the robotic arm assembly, thereby realizing the transportation of goods by vehicle and drone.
[0128] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can occur depending on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention. It should be noted that the acquisition, storage, and application of user personal information involved in the technical solutions of this disclosure comply with relevant laws and regulations and do not violate public order and good morals.
Claims
1. A vehicle suitable for transporting goods by drone, characterized in that, include: The vehicle body, with an openable sunroof and a support platform on its top; A robotic arm assembly positioned at the edge of the support platform; The controller is configured to: respond to a cooperative transportation request signal from a drone, control the vehicle's driving parameters to maintain dynamic synchronization with the drone; detect when the drone lands on the carrying platform, receive a goods transfer operation, and control the robotic arm assembly based on the goods transfer operation; Under the control of the controller, the robotic arm assembly transfers items between the drone, which lands on the carrying platform, and a preset storage location inside the vehicle through the sunroof.
2. The vehicle for transporting goods by drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle also includes a connection component disposed on the carrier platform; The controller is configured to send control commands to the connection component after detecting that the UAV has landed on the carrier platform; The connection component, in response to a control command sent by the controller, secures the items unloaded from the drone or transferred from a preset storage location inside the carriage to the carrying platform onto the carrying platform.
3. The vehicle for transporting goods by drone according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting components include one or more of the following: mechanical snap-fit components, electromagnetic adsorption components, or vacuum adsorption components.
4. The vehicle for transporting goods by drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The robotic arm assembly includes a telescopic support arm and a gripping component, wherein the telescopic support arm is connected to the gripping component; The controller is configured to send a transfer command; The gripping component grips the item in response to a transfer command sent by the controller; The retractable support arm responds to the transfer command sent by the controller by transferring the items carried by the drone to a preset storage location inside the vehicle through the sunroof, and by transferring the items in the preset storage location inside the vehicle to the drone in the carrying platform through the sunroof.
5. The vehicle for transporting goods by drone according to claim 2, characterized in that, The robotic arm assembly includes a retractable support arm, which is connected to the connecting assembly. The controller is configured to send a transfer command; In response to a transfer command sent by the controller, the retractable support arm transfers items fixed to the connecting component to a preset storage location inside the carriage through the sunroof, and transfers items from the preset storage location inside the carriage to the connecting component through the sunroof.
6. The vehicle for transporting goods by drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a hatch assembly disposed above the support platform. The controller is configured to send a command to open the hatch when the drone approaches the vehicle. The hatch assembly responds to the hatch opening command and performs the hatch assembly opening operation; as well as, The controller is configured to send a command to close the hatch after the transfer of goods is completed; In response to the door closing command, the door assembly performs a door closing operation, and the closed door assembly forms a protective cover that is continuous with the roof profile.
7. The vehicle for transporting goods by drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset storage location includes any of the following positions: seat, table, seat armrest, and center armrest box.
8. The vehicle for transporting goods by drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support platform is located between the sunroof and the top of the rear of the vehicle.
9. A method for transporting goods based on the vehicle described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Responding to the drone's collaborative transportation request signal, the vehicle's driving parameters are dynamically synchronized with the drone's. The system detects when the drone lands on the carrier platform, receives a goods transfer operation, and, based on the goods transfer operation, controls the robotic arm assembly to transfer the goods between the drone that landed on the carrier platform and a preset storage location inside the vehicle through the skylight.
10. The method for transporting articles according to claim 9, characterized in that, The transfer of items between the drone, which lands on the carrying platform, and a pre-set storage location inside the vehicle, via the sunroof includes: The items are transferred between the drone, which lands on the carrying platform, and a preset storage location inside the carriage through the sunroof, and the connecting components are controlled to fix the items to the carrying platform.