AIRCRAFT, COMMUNICATIONS TERMINAL, COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AND PROGRAM

Abstract

An aircraft (10) comprising: a communication interface (12) which is configured to obtain information relating to a traffic system (100) from a communication terminal (20); a propulsion unit (13) for flying; and a control device (11) which is arranged to control the drive unit (13); wherein the control device (11) is configured to output the information relating to the traffic system (100) by controlling at least one of the drive unit (13) and the communication interface (12), wherein the control device (11) is configured to control the drive unit (13) such that the aircraft (10) moves to a position visible to a user of the communication terminal (20) when the information relating to the traffic system (100) is safety information of the user, and such that the aircraft (10) performs a predetermined movement associated with the information relating to the traffic system (100) in order to output the information relating to the traffic system (100) to the user through the predetermined movement of the aircraft (10).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-145876 filed on July 27, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to an aircraft, a communication terminal, a communication system and a program. BACKGROUND

[0003] A structure for obtaining information with an aircraft, such as a drone equipped with a camera or the like, is known. See, for example, JP 6 143 311 B1. Furthermore, DE 10 2014 226 458 A1 discloses a method and a system for controlling an autonomously movable missile that is data-linked to a vehicle. Different driving modes are defined for the vehicle. A control unit of the vehicle generates control signals for controlling the position of the missile and transmits them to the missile. Data on the vehicle's surroundings are acquired by the missile. A control signal for the missile's flight altitude is generated and transmitted to the missile depending on the vehicle's current driving mode.Further methods and systems in which a drone supports a driver of a vehicle are known from FR 2 986 647 A3, DE 10 2016 001 827 A1 and US 2014 / 0 257 595 A1. EXPLANATION

[0004] The information obtained by the aircraft is not sent to vehicles or the like present in a traffic system.

[0005] It would therefore be helpful to provide an aircraft, a communication terminal, a communication system and a program that can improve the safety of a transport system.

[0006] To this end, the present invention provides an aircraft according to claim 1, a communication terminal according to claim 4, a communication system according to claim 5, and a program according to claim 6. Advantageous further developments are disclosed in the respective dependent claims.

[0007] An aircraft, a communication terminal, a communication system and a program of the present invention can improve the safety of a traffic system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the attached drawings: is Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment; is Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example configuration of an aircraft according to an embodiment; is Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a communication terminal according to an embodiment; is Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example connection for communication between a vehicle and a communication system; is Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example connection for communication with a roadside device; is Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example in which the communication system replaces the roadside device; is Fig. 7 is a plan view illustrating an example configuration of a communication terminal according to an embodiment; is Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations performed by the communication terminal; and is Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations performed by the aircraft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] An example configuration of a communication system 1 is described. As in Fig. 1, the communication system 1 according to one embodiment comprises an aircraft 10 and a communication terminal 20. The aircraft 10 has an aircraft control device 11, an aircraft communication interface 12, and a drive unit 13. The communication terminal 20 has a terminal control device 21 and a terminal communication interface 22. The aircraft control device 11 and the aircraft communication interface 12 are also referred to, respectively, as the control device and the communication interface of the aircraft 10. The terminal control device 21 and the terminal communication interface 22 are also referred to, respectively, as the control device and the communication interface of the communication terminal 20.The aircraft 10 and the terminal 20 can communicate with each other through the respective communication interfaces via a wired or wireless connection.

[0010] The aircraft control device 11 connects the components of the aircraft 10, can obtain information from the components, and can control the components. The aircraft control device 11 can obtain information from the communication terminal 20 through the aircraft communication interface 12 and send information to the communication terminal 20. The aircraft control device 11 can obtain information from an external device, such as a server, through the aircraft communication interface 12 and send information to the external device. The aircraft control device 11 can control the drive unit 13 based on the obtained information.

[0011] The aircraft control device 11 may have one or more processors. The term "processor" includes general-purpose processors that perform specific functions by reading specific programs, and dedicated processors that are specialized for specific processes. The dedicated processor may comprise an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for a specific application. The processor may comprise a programmable logic device (PLD). The PLD may comprise a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The aircraft control device 11 may be either a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or a system-in-a-package (SiP) with one or more processors that work together.The aircraft control device 11 may include a memory and may store various information, programs for operating the components of the aircraft 10, and the like in the memory. The memory may be, for example, a semiconductor memory. The memory may function as a working memory of the aircraft control device 11.

[0012] The aircraft communication interface 12 may include a communication device. The communication device may, for example, be a communication interface for a local area network (LAN) or the like. The aircraft communication interface 12 may connect to a network through a communication interface for a LAN, cellular communication, or the like. The aircraft communication interface 12 may connect to an external device, such as a server, through the network. The aircraft communication interface 12 may be configured to communicate with an external device without traversing a network.

[0013] As in Fig. 2, the aircraft 10 may further include a frame 14. The frame 14 may, for example, have a polygonal shape. The frame 14 may also have any other shape. The aircraft controller 11 and the aircraft communication interface 22 may be arranged in any portion of the frame 14. The drive unit 13 may be arranged at the top of the frame 14 if the frame has a polygonal shape. The drive unit 13 may be arranged in any portion of the frame 14. The frame 14 may include a mount 15. The mount 15 may hold the communication terminal 20, as indicated by the dot-dash virtual lines. In other words, the communication terminal 20 may be attached or mounted to the aircraft 10 by means of the mount 15.The communication terminal 20 can function as part of the communication system 1 even if it is not attached to the aircraft 10.

[0014] The drive unit 13 can be configured, for example, as a propeller 17 rotated by a motor 16. The propeller 17 can have one blade. The blade is also referred to as a blade. The number of blades in the propeller 17 is not limited to two. One blade or three or more blades can be provided. The number of drive units 13 is not limited to four. Three or fewer or five or more drive units 13 can be provided. The drive unit 13 can obtain a control command for the motor 16 from the aircraft control device 11. By controlling the motor 16 based on the control command, the drive unit 13 can cause the aircraft 10 to hover, control the orientation of the aircraft 10, and move the aircraft 10. The control command can be generated by the aircraft control device 11 or by the terminal control device 21 of the communication terminal 20.

[0015] As in Fig. 3, the communication terminal 20 may further include a sensor 23, an input interface 24, a display device 25, and a notification interface 26. The terminal controller 21 is connected to the components of the communication terminal 20, may obtain information from the components, and may control the components. When the communication terminal 20 is mounted on the aircraft 10, the terminal controller 21 may send information for controlling the propulsion unit 13 of the aircraft 10 to the aircraft controller 11. In other words, the propulsion unit 13 may be controlled by at least one of the aircraft controller 11 and the terminal controller 21 when the communication terminal 20 is mounted on the aircraft 10.The terminal control device 21 can be configured such that it is identical to or similar to the aircraft control device 11. The terminal communication interface 22 can be configured such that it is identical to or similar to the aircraft communication interface 12.

[0016] The sensor 23 may include a six-axis motion sensor for measuring both acceleration and angular velocity along three axes. The sensor 23 may include a position sensor for obtaining the position or location of the communication terminal 20 based on a global positioning system (GPS), a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), or the like. The position sensor may obtain the position of the communication terminal 20 based on the radio field strength of a wireless LAN or the like. The sensor 23 may include a human sensor that detects the presence of a human. The sensor 23 may include a distance sensor that measures the distance to a human or an object, such as a vehicle, using any of various methods, such as time-of-flight (ToF) measurement. The sensor 23 may include a touch sensor or a proximity sensor.The touch sensor can detect a touch by an object using any system, such as a capacitive system, a resistive film system, a surface acoustic wave system, an ultrasonic wave system, an infrared system, an electromagnetic induction system, a load detection system, or the like. The proximity sensor can detect an approach of an object using any system, such as a capacitive system, an ultrasonic wave system, an infrared system, or an electromagnetic induction system. The sensor 23 can include a variety of sensors, such as a strain sensor, an air pressure sensor, or a brightness sensor.

[0017] The input interface 24 may include an input device, such as physical buttons or an on-screen touchpad or a touchscreen. The input interface 24 may include an image capture device, such as a camera, and may include captured images. The image capture device may be, for example, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, a charge-coupled device (CCD), or the like. The input interface 24 may include an audio input device, such as a microphone, and may capture audio data.

[0018] The communication terminal 20 can determine the position of the communication terminal 20 using an image capture device to replace or supplement the position sensor. In particular, the communication terminal 20 can obtain a landscape image containing buildings, facilities, traffic lights, signs, posters, plants, or the like around the communication terminal 20 from the image capture device. The communication terminal 20 can apply image analysis to the obtained landscape image and determine the position of the communication terminal 20 based on the characteristics identified by the image analysis. The communication terminal 20 can be connected, for example, to a known communication network, such as 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G.To obtain position information that matches the characteristics identified by the communication terminal 20 through image analysis, the communication terminal 20 can communicate with a cloud server via a known network, which associates and manages the position information, such as latitude and longitude, with characteristics of landscape images that correspond to the position information. The communication terminal 20 can determine the position of the communication terminal 20 based on the position information obtained from the cloud server.

[0019] The display device 25 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display, an electroluminescence (EL) display, an inorganic EL display, a light-emitting diode (LED) display, or the like. The display device 25 may include a device that projects an image, such as a projector.

[0020] The notification interface 26 may include an audio output device, such as a speaker. The notification interface 26 may include a vibration device configured with a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or the like. The notification interface 26 may include a tactile sensation providing device that provides a tactile sensation to the user by transmitting a vibration generated by a vibration device or the like to the user's body. The notification interface 26 may include a plurality of light-emitting devices, such as a lamp, a strobe light, an LED, or a beacon.

[0021] The sensor 23, the input interface 24, the display device 25, and the notification interface 26 may each be included in at least one of the aircraft 10 and the communication terminal 20. In other words, the communication system 1 may include at least one of the sensor 23, the input interface 24, the display device 25, and the notification interface 26.

[0022] At least one of the aircraft 10 and the communication terminal 20 may further include a battery. In other words, the communication system 1 may further include a battery. When the communication terminal 20 is mounted on the aircraft 10, the aircraft 10 may receive a power supply from the battery of the communication terminal 20. When the communication terminal 20 is mounted on the aircraft 10, the communication terminal 20 may receive a power supply from the battery of the aircraft 10.

[0023] The communication system 1 can include a motion sensor as the sensor 23 of at least one of the aircraft 10 and the communication terminal 20. The motion sensor can detect the position or orientation, or any change therein, of the aircraft 10. The communication system 1 can generate a control command for the drive unit 13 based on the detection result from the motion sensor with respect to at least one of the aircraft 10 and the communication terminal 20. The control command for the drive unit 13 can be generated by at least one of the aircraft control device 11 and the terminal control device 21.

[0024] The mount 15 of the aircraft 10 may be configured to change the orientation of the communication terminal 20. For example, the mount 15 may be configured to rotate the communication terminal 20 with the X-axis or Y-axis as the rotation axis. The mount 15 may, for example, include a drive mechanism such as a stepper motor. The mount 15 may receive a control command regarding the orientation of the communication terminal 20 from the aircraft controller 11 and change the orientation of the communication terminal 20 based on the control command. In other words, the aircraft controller 11 may control the mount 15 to change the orientation of the communication terminal 20.

[0025] The sensor 23 or the input interface 24 can be configured to detect the position of the user's eyes. The aircraft controller 11 can obtain information about the detected position of the user's eyes directly from the sensor 23 or the input interface 24 or from the communication terminal 20 through the aircraft communication interface 12. The aircraft controller 11 can generate a control command regarding the orientation of the communication terminal 20 based on the positional relationship between the user's eyes and the aircraft 10. The aircraft controller 11 can obtain a control command regarding the orientation of the communication terminal 20 from the communication terminal 20. The display device 25 can be made visible to the user by controlling the orientation of the communication terminal 20 based on the position of the user's eyes.

[0026] The change in the orientation of the communication terminal 20 can be detected by the sensor 23 if the sensor 23 comprises a motion sensor. The change in the orientation of the communication terminal 20 can be calculated based on control data from the mount 15. The aircraft control device 11 or the terminal control device 21 can change the control of the drive unit 13 of the aircraft 10 based on the change in the orientation of the communication terminal 20.

[0027] At least some of the functions of the aircraft control device 11 and the terminal control device 21 can be interchanged, wherein the control devices are configured to perform the interchanged functions. At least some of the functions of the aircraft communication interface 12 and the terminal communication interface 22 can be interchanged, wherein the communication interfaces are configured to perform the interchanged functions. In other words, the communication system 1 as a whole can be configured to perform the functions of the aircraft 10 and the communication terminal 20.

[0028] An example configuration of a traffic system 100 (see Fig. 4) will now be described. The communication system 1, which includes the aircraft 10 and the communication terminal 20, can move by controlling the flight of the aircraft 10 to follow the user of the communication terminal 20, who is a pedestrian. The pedestrian can be included as an element of the traffic system 100. The communication system 1, which follows the pedestrian, can be included as an element of the traffic system 100.

[0029] Unlike a configuration in which the aircraft 10 merely acquires information about its surroundings, the communication system 1 according to the present disclosure can track the user and also provide a notification based on the acquired information. This approach enables the provision of a notification that is easily perceived by the user. If the notification from the communication system 1 is information regarding user safety in the transportation system 100, user safety can be improved by the user easily perceiving the information.

[0030] Unlike a configuration in which the aircraft 10 only acquires information about its surroundings, the communication system 1 according to the present disclosure can output the acquired information to elements included in the transportation system 100. With this approach, the information acquired by the communication system 1 can contribute to improving the overall safety of the transportation system 100.

[0031] The communication system 1 can obtain information relating to the traffic system 100 from each element included in the traffic system 100. Information relating to user safety in the traffic system 100 is also referred to as safety information. The information relating to the traffic system 100 can comprise safety information. The communication system 1 can detect conditions surrounding the communication system 1 using the components of the aircraft 10 or the communication terminal 20. The communication system 1 can output the information relating to the environmental conditions by sending the information to other elements in the traffic system 100. The information relating to the traffic system 100 can comprise information relating to the environmental conditions of the communication system 1 detected by the communication system 1.The communication system 1 can detect the movement, state, or the like of the user of the communication terminal 20 and output this information as information concerning the traffic system 100.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the communication system 1 may be capable of communicating with vehicles 30, which may be included as an element of the traffic system 100. The communication between the communication system 1 and the vehicles 30 and the communication between the vehicles 30 may be wireless. The communication system 1 may be capable of communicating with another communication system 1. The communication system 1 may be capable of communicating with the vehicles 30 or with another communication system 1 via at least one of the aircraft communication interface 12 and the terminal communication interface 22. The vehicle 30 may include a camera, a distance sensor, or the like. The vehicle 30 may send information about the environmental conditions imaged by the camera to the communication system 1, to another vehicle 30, or the like.The vehicle 30 can transmit position information of a pedestrian, another vehicle 30, or the like, which is detected by the distance sensor, to the communication system 1, to another vehicle 30, or the like. The vehicle 30 is not limited to having a camera or a distance sensor and can have other configurations for obtaining information about the surroundings.

[0033] The vehicle 30 can warn the driver of the vehicle 30 about another vehicle 30, a pedestrian, or the like based on communication with another vehicle 30 or the communication system 1. The vehicle 30 can be automatically controlled based on communication with another vehicle 30 or the communication system 1. The communication system 1, which is moving to follow a pedestrian, can warn the pedestrian about a vehicle 30 or the like or notify the pedestrian of safety information based on the communication with another communication system 1 or the vehicle 30. For example, the communication system 1 can warn the pedestrian or notify the pedestrian of safety information by moving the aircraft 10 into the pedestrian's field of view.The communication system 1 can warn the pedestrian or notify the pedestrian of safety information by displaying information on the display device 25. The communication system 1 can warn the pedestrian or notify the pedestrian of safety information by playing sound (audio), emitting light, or generating vibration with the notification interface 26. In other words, the communication system 1 can output information concerning the traffic system 100 in which the user of the communication terminal 20 is included to the user by a variety of methods.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the traffic system 100 may include a roadside device 40 installed on the roadside or the like as an element of the traffic system 100. The communication system 1 and the vehicle 30 may be capable of communicating with the roadside device 40. The roadside device 40 may wirelessly communicate with the communication system 1 and the vehicle 30. The roadside device 40 may include a camera, a distance sensor, or the like. The roadside device 40 may transmit information about the environmental conditions imaged by the camera to the communication system 1, the vehicle 30, or the like. The roadside device 40 may transmit position information of a pedestrian, a vehicle 30, or the like, which is detected by the distance sensor, to the communication system 1, the vehicle 30, or the like.The roadside device 40 is not limited to having a camera or a distance sensor and may have other configurations for obtaining information about the surroundings. The roadside device 40 may transmit information obtained by other configurations to the communication system 1, the vehicle 30, or the like. The roadside device 40 may transmit information obtained from the communication system 1 to another communication system 1 or the vehicle 30. The roadside device 40 may transmit information obtained from a vehicle 30 to another vehicle or the communication system 1. Based on communication with the roadside device 40, the vehicle 30 may warn the driver of the vehicle 30 about another vehicle 30, a pedestrian, or the like, or may be automatically controlled.The communication system 1, which moves to follow a pedestrian, may operate to warn the pedestrian based on communication with the roadside device 40 via a vehicle 30 or the like.

[0035] In the traffic system 100, the communication system 1 can replace at least part of the functions of the roadside device 40, as in Fig. 6. The communication system 1 can send information that is the same as or similar to information that can be obtained by the roadside device 40 to another communication system 1, the vehicle 30, or the like. In other words, the communication system 1 can send information concerning the traffic system 100 in which the user of the communication terminal 20 is included to another element in the traffic system 100.

[0036] In the examples given in Fig. 4 to Fig. 6, communication between elements included in the transportation system 100 is also referred to as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication. Vehicle-to-vehicle communication is communication between vehicles 30. Vehicle-to-pedestrian communication is communication between the vehicle 30 and a pedestrian's communication terminal 20. Vehicle-to-infrastructure communication is communication between the road, traffic lights, street signs, or the like, and the vehicle 30. These types of communication may collectively be referred to as vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. V2X communication may form at least a part of a system for supporting the driving of the vehicles 30 in the transportation system 100.A system for assisting vehicle driving 30 is also referred to as an intelligent transportation system (ITS). The communication system 1 can output information concerning the transportation system 100, in which the user of the communication terminal 20 is included, by sending it to multiple receivers through a communication, such as V2X communication.

[0037] The communication terminal 20 is configured to communicate with the aircraft 10 through the communication interface. The communication terminal 20 may or may not be attached to the aircraft 10. In the examples in Fig. 4 to Fig. 6, the communication system 1, which includes the aircraft 10 and the communication terminal 20, is included as an element of the transportation system 100. These examples are not limiting, and the aircraft 10 and the communication terminal 20 may be included independently as elements of the transportation system 100. In other words, the communication of the vehicle 30 or the roadside device 40 with the communication system 1 may be communication by the vehicle 30 or the roadside device 40 with the aircraft 10, or communication by the vehicle 30 or the roadside device 40 with the communication terminal 20.

[0038] An example of functions or operations of the communication terminal 20 will now be described. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the communication terminal 20 may include a sensor 23, an input interface 24, and a display device 25. The communication terminal 20 may, for example, be a smartphone provided with a touch panel as the input interface 24. The communication terminal 20 may further be provided with physical buttons as the input interface 24. The communication terminal 20 is not limited to being a smartphone and may be another type of terminal.

[0039] The communication terminal 20 may receive input based on a press of a physical button or the like, or a touch or swipe on the touch panel, or the like. The communication terminal 20 may receive input based on a gesture detected by a camera or the like. The communication terminal 20 may receive input based on a sound detected by a microphone or the like. The communication terminal 20 may receive input based on the user's biological information detected by a sensor, camera, or the like. The user's biological information may include a variety of information, such as the user's face, fingerprint, vein pattern in the finger or palm, or iris pattern.

[0040] The communication terminal 20 can be attached to the aircraft 10. The aircraft 10 with the communication terminal 20 attached thereto can be hovered by the propulsion unit 13. The communication system 1, which includes the aircraft 10 and the communication terminal 20, can acquire the initial flight altitude at which the aircraft 10 begins to hover. The communication system 1 can acquire the flight altitude of the aircraft 10 based on a barometric pressure detected by the air pressure sensor. The communication system 1 can acquire the flight altitude of the aircraft 10 based on position information calculated from the radio field strength of a wireless LAN or the like, or position information of a GPS, GNSS, or the like.

[0041] The communication terminal 20 may be configured such that the receivable operation input when the aircraft 10 has the communication terminal 20 mounted thereon is different from the receivable operation input when the user is holding the communication terminal 20. For example, the communication terminal 20 may be configured to receive an operation input by direct touch from the user when held by the user and to be operable without direct touch by the user while hovering. The communication terminal 20 may be configured to be operable without direct touch by the user by detecting the user's gesture, voice, biological information, or the like using a camera, a microphone, a sensor, or the like when the communication terminal 20 is mounted in the aircraft 10 and hovering.

[0042] The communication terminal 20 can detect that the communication terminal 20 has been attached to the aircraft 10. The communication terminal 20 can, for example, have a connector or a sensor for electrically detecting the mounting on the aircraft 10. The communication terminal 20 can automatically detect the mounting on the aircraft 10 using the connector or sensor. The communication terminal 20 can be placed in the state in which it is attached to the aircraft 10 by a user action.

[0043] The communication terminal 20 can operate in various modes. For example, the communication terminal 20 can operate in various modes, such as a normal mode, which allows notification by sound, and a silent mode, which prohibits notification by sound. When attached to the aircraft 10, the communication terminal 20 can enter and operate in an aircraft-mounted mode.

[0044] The aircraft 10 may fly at a distance from the user. The aircraft 10 may fly at a position not visible to the user. The aircraft 10 may fly back to a position visible to the user at a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be, for example, when the communication terminal 20 has an incoming phone call, email, message, or the like. The predetermined time may be when the communication system 1 acquires information about which the user is to be notified. The predetermined time may be when the user calls the communication system 1 through another device. The predetermined time is not limited to these examples and may be any of numerous times. The aircraft 10 may identify a user and return to a position visible to the identified user.To identify the user, the aircraft 10 may detect the user's biological information or the like using a camera, a sensor, or the like. The aircraft 10 may detect a person using a device that does not identify the person, such as a human sensor, and check whether the detected person is the user based on the biological information or the like.

[0045] The aircraft 10 can disable the propulsion unit when held by the user while hovering. The aircraft 10 can further include a structure for detecting that the aircraft 10 is held by the user. For example, the aircraft 10 can detect user holding using a sensor, such as a capacitive sensor or a pressure sensor, by pressing a switch, or the like. The aircraft 10 can be prevented from falling by suspending the propulsion unit 13 after detecting that the aircraft 10 is held by the user.

[0046] If not controlled by the user, the aircraft 10 can stop flying based on a non-contact operation by the user. In this case, the aircraft 10 can be controlled to stop after a soft landing on the ground or the like to avoid a fall impact.

[0047] An example of a controller for unlocking the communication terminal 20 will now be described. In a sleep state or in a state in which at least some functions are disabled, the communication terminal 20 can enter an awake or unlocked state by receiving a predetermined input via the input interface 24. The sleep state or the state in which at least some functions are disabled is also referred to as a first state. The awake or unlocked state is also referred to as a second state. The predetermined input can be, for example, pressing a power button, entering a password or other character string into the input interface 24, or the user's biological information as read by the sensor 23.The predetermined input may be a gesture by the user detected by a camera or the like, or the user's voice detected by a microphone or the like.

[0048] The communication terminal 20 may automatically transition from the first state to the second state when attached to the aircraft 10. The communication terminal 20 may also transition from the first state to the second state based on a user input, regardless of its mounting on the aircraft 10. The communication terminal 20 may sometimes transition to the first state while the aircraft 10 to which the communication terminal 20 is attached is hovering. In this case, the communication terminal 20 may be configured to allow the transition to the second state through an actuation wherein the user does not directly touch the communication terminal 20 or the aircraft 10.While hovering, the communication terminal 20 can transition to the second state through, for example, authentication based on the user's face, iris, or the like, or detection of a user gesture, the user's voice, or the like. Allowing the communication terminal 20 to transition from the first state to the second state without the user directly touching the communication terminal 20 or the aircraft 10 can simplify control of the attitude of the hovering aircraft 10 to which the communication terminal 20 is attached.

[0049] The communication terminal 20 may automatically transition to the first state if it does not receive any operating input for a predetermined period of time. The communication terminal 20 may be configured not to automatically transition to the first state while in the state in which it is attached to the aircraft 10.

[0050] An example of control for an incoming phone call to the communication terminal 20 will now be described. When the communication terminal 20 has an incoming phone call, the communication terminal 20 can accept the phone call through a user operation. The communication terminal 20 can accept the phone call through a touch operation on the touch panel, a slide operation on the touch panel, a press of a physical button related to a phone call, or the like. The communication terminal 20 can accept the phone call based on a user gesture, the user's voice, or the like, which are detected by a camera, a microphone, or the like.

[0051] When the communication terminal 20 is mounted in the aircraft 10, the aircraft 10 can fly to a position visible to the user based on a telephone call received by the communication terminal 20. The communication terminal 20 can accept the telephone call when the aircraft 10 is held by the user and stops, or can accept the telephone call based on a gesture by the user, the user's voice, or the like detected by a camera, a microphone, or the like. When the communication terminal 20 accepts a telephone call while the aircraft 10 is hovering, noise generated by the propulsion unit 13 of the aircraft 10 may be included in the sound transmitted to the other party. The communication terminal 20 can transmit the sound to the other party with the noise suppressed.

[0052] An example of a controller for charging the communication terminal 20 will now be described. The battery of the communication terminal 20 can be charged by connecting it to a power source via a cable or the like, or can be charged by a wireless power supply. The battery of the communication terminal 20 can also be charged by placing the communication terminal 20 in a charging station. When the communication terminal 20 is mounted in the aircraft 10, the aircraft 10 can fly to a position where the battery of the communication terminal 20 is charged by a wireless power supply when the charge level of the battery of the communication terminal 20 falls below a predetermined value. If the aircraft 10 has a battery, the battery of the aircraft 10 can also be charged by a wireless power supply.The battery of the aircraft 10 and the battery of the communication terminal 20 can be charged simultaneously. The battery of the aircraft 10 and the battery of the communication terminal 20 can each have an antenna for receiving a wireless power supply. The antennas of the aircraft 10 and the communication terminal 20 can be configured such that they do not overlap when the communication system 1 is placed in a charging station while the communication terminal 20 is mounted in the aircraft 10. The shape of the charging station can be determined to reduce the difference between the distance between the antennas of the aircraft 10 and the communication terminal 20.

[0053] An example of functions or operations of the communication terminal 20 while the user is moving will now be described. The communication terminal 20 may be set to a mode that does not output sound, such as a silent mode, when the user of the communication terminal 20 is traveling in a train, an automobile, or the like. Hovering of the aircraft 10 may be prohibited when the communication terminal 20 is mounted in the aircraft 10 while the user is traveling in a train, an automobile, or the like. The communication system 1, which includes the aircraft 10 and the communication terminal 20, can detect that the user is traveling in a train, an automobile, or the like using the sensor 23. The sensor 23 can detect, for example, traveling in a train, an automobile, or the like based on a vibration pattern.The sensor 23 can detect train travel through a change in the earth's magnetism, which can be detected by a geomagnetic sensor, and a change in acceleration, which can be detected by an acceleration sensor. Hovering of the aircraft 10 can be prohibited based on the detection results by the sensor 23. Hovering of the aircraft 10 can also be prohibited based on user settings in a variety of other cases, such as when the user is walking or running. The communication system 1, which includes the aircraft 10 and the communication terminal 20, can, when it is judged that the user is moving, notify the user via the communication terminal 20 that hovering of the aircraft 10 is prohibited.Specifically, the communication terminal 20 may use the display device 25 to display an image indicating that hovering is prohibited, or use the notification interface 26 to output a sound indicating that hovering is prohibited, emit light, or generate vibration.

[0054] When the user of the communication terminal 20 is walking, the communication terminal 20 may be set to a mode that does not accept operations while the user is walking. When the communication terminal 20 is attached to the aircraft 10 while the user is walking, the communication terminal 20 may operate in the aircraft-mounted mode. The aircraft 10 may fly while following the user's steps. The communication terminal 20 operating in the aircraft-mounted mode can follow the user through the flight of the aircraft 10, even while the user is walking, and can accept user operations. The aircraft 10 may fly to guide the user to the user's destination. For example, the communication system 1 may project an image or the like indicating the user's destination onto the ground.The communication system 1 can measure the distance to the user with the sensor 23 and fly in such a way that it maintains a predetermined distance from the user.

[0055] When the user of the communication terminal 20 is walking, the communication terminal 20 may count the user's steps based on a vibration detected by the sensor 23. When the communication terminal 20 is attached to the aircraft 10 while the user is walking, the communication terminal 20 may not detect a vibration generated by the user's walking. Instead of measuring the number of steps by detecting vibration, the communication terminal 20 may calculate the user's step count based on the travel distance detected by a motion sensor, a position sensor, or the like, and data on the user's stride length.

[0056] Another example of the functions or operations of the communication terminal 20 while hovering by the aircraft 10 will now be described. When the communication terminal 20 is attached to the aircraft 10 and hovering, the size of symbols, characters, or the like displayed on the display device 25 of the communication terminal 20 can be larger than when the user is holding the communication terminal 20 by hand. This configuration makes it easier for the user to view the display.

[0057] When the communication terminal 20 is mounted on the aircraft 10 and hovering, the communication terminal 20 can enlarge the display size of a map compared to when the user holds the communication terminal 20 by hand. The communication terminal 20 can switch the display format of the map from 2D to 3D. The communication terminal 20 can change the display format of the map to a street view or the like. The communication system 1, in the case where a projector is included as the display device 25, can project the map onto the ground or the like. These display formats can make it easier for the user to view the map.

[0058] When the communication terminal 20 is attached to the aircraft 10 and hovering, the communication terminal 20 may operate in the aircraft-mounted mode. The communication terminal 20 may be automatically set to output audio in the aircraft-mounted mode, even if the communication terminal 20 was in a mode that does not output audio, such as the silent mode, when the user held the communication terminal 20.

[0059] An example of functions or operations by the communication system 1 will now be described. The communication system 1, which includes the aircraft 10 and the communication terminal 20, can operate in numerous ways within the transportation system 100.

[0060] An example of functions or operations by the communication system 1 when the user approaches an intersection will now be described. The communication system 1 can detect that the user is approaching an intersection based on information obtained from the roadside device 40. The communication system 1 can detect that the user is approaching an intersection based on position information obtained from the sensor 23 and map data. The communication system 1 can notify the user that the user is approaching an intersection.

[0061] The communication system 1 can detect that a vehicle 30 is approaching the user based on information obtained from the roadside device 40 or the vehicle 30. The communication system 1 can notify the user that the vehicle 30 is approaching the user.

[0062] The approach of the user to an intersection and the approach of the vehicle 30 to the user may collectively be referred to as proximity information. The proximity information may constitute at least a portion of safety information regarding the user, who is included in the traffic system 100 as a pedestrian.

[0063] The communication system 1 can notify the user of the approach information by moving the aircraft 10. The communication system 1 can cause the aircraft 10 to move to a position clearly visible to the user. The communication system 1 can notify the user of the approach information by causing the aircraft 10 to hover in front of the user. In other words, the communication system 1 can cause the aircraft 10 to hover at a height corresponding to the user's eye level and at a position a predetermined distance from the user's eyes. By causing the aircraft 10 to hover in front of the user, the communication system can discourage the user from walking and encourage the user to check the surrounding conditions. This can improve user safety in the transportation system 100.

[0064] The communication system 1 can cause the aircraft 10 to perform a predetermined movement. The predetermined movement can be, for example, a back-and-forth movement in the vertical or horizontal direction, or a movement in various other patterns. The movement pattern of the aircraft 10 can be associated with information about which the communication system 1 notifies the user. For example, a back-and-forth movement in the vertical direction can be associated with the approach information. This example is not limiting, and various movements can be associated with various information.

[0065] The communication system 1 can notify the user of various information, such as proximity information, by causing the aircraft 10 to touch or collide with the user's body. The communication system 1 can notify the user of various information by causing the aircraft 10 to approach the user's body sufficiently close to the user's body for the user to feel the wind generated by the propulsion unit 13.

[0066] The communication system 1 can notify the user of the proximity information using the display device 25 or the notification interface 26. The communication system 1 can notify the user of the proximity information using the display device 25 or the notification interface 26 while causing the aircraft 10 to move to a position clearly visible to the user or causing the aircraft 10 to perform a predetermined movement.

[0067] When the aircraft 10 is not hovering, the communication system 1 can begin hovering the aircraft 10 in response to detecting the proximity information. The aircraft 10 can be tethered to a portion of the user's body or to a portion of the user's belongings by means of a belt or the like, so that the user can wear the communication system 1 while the aircraft 10 is not hovering. The communication system 1, which includes the aircraft 10, can hang from the user's body or belongings by means of the belt or the like while the aircraft 10 is not hovering. Tying the aircraft 10 with a belt or the like allows the distance between the communication system 1 and the user to be limited to the length of the belt or the like. This can prevent the communication system 1 from flying too far away.The aircraft 10 may include a mechanism, such as a coil for controlling the length of the belt or the like. The aircraft 10 may control the distance from the user by controlling the length of the belt or the like. The communication system 1 may notify the user of various information, such as proximity information, by causing the aircraft 10 to move in such a way that the user is pulled by the belt or the like.

[0068] The communication system 1 can transmit the approach information to the roadside device 40 or the vehicle 30. The communication system 1 can thus warn the vehicle 30. Thus, the safety of the user as a pedestrian can be further improved.

[0069] While the user is walking as a pedestrian, the communication system 1 can cause the aircraft 10 to fly so that it follows the user at a predetermined distance. The communication system 1 can cause the aircraft 10 to fly so that it follows the user from the side or from behind. This makes it less likely that the aircraft 10 will block the user's path. The communication system can cause the aircraft 10 to move in front of the user when the user is notified of the approach information.

[0070] An example of functions or operations by the communication system 1 on the road at night will now be described. When the user walks on the road at a time of day when it is difficult to perceive the surrounding conditions or in a dark environment such as a tunnel, the communication system 1 can illuminate the user's surroundings or feet. This configuration can improve user safety. For example, if an LED or a lamp is provided as the display device 25 or notification interface 26, the communication system 1 can turn it on to illuminate the user's surroundings or feet. The communication system 1 can control the display device 25 to point vertically downward to illuminate the user's surroundings or feet with light emitted from the display device 25.If a projector is included as the display device 25, the communication system 1 can illuminate the user's surroundings or feet using the projector's light source. The communication system 1 can illuminate the user's surroundings or feet based on time information stored in the communication terminal 20. The communication system 1 can detect the light intensity of the user's surroundings or near the user's feet if a brightness sensor is included as the sensor 23. The communication system 1 can illuminate the user's surroundings or feet if, for example, the detected light intensity is less than a predetermined value. The communication system 1 can control the illuminated area by controlling the flight altitude of the aircraft 10.

[0071] An example of navigation operations by the communication system 1 will now be described. The communication system 1 can guide the user in the direction the user should go based on the user's destination. The communication system 1 can cause the aircraft 10 to hover in front of the user and fly in such a way as to guide the user while maintaining a predetermined distance from the user. The communication system 1 can measure the distance between the user and the aircraft 10 if a distance sensor is included as the sensor 23. The communication system 1 can cause the aircraft 10 to fly based on the distance between the user and the aircraft 10. The communication system 1 can cause the aircraft 10 to fly at a different altitude than the user's eye level. This makes it less likely that the aircraft 10 will block the user's field of view.Information for guiding the user can be included in information concerning the traffic system 100. In other words, the communication system 1 can output information concerning the traffic system 100 through the movement of the aircraft 10.

[0072] The communication system 1 can guide the user by causing the aircraft 10 to hover in front of the user and causing the direction in which the user should go to be displayed on the display device 25. The communication system 1 can guide the user by displaying a map indicating the route on the display device 25. If a projector is included as the display device 25, the communication system 1 can guide the user by projecting a map indicating the direction in which the user should go, or the route, onto the ground in front of the user. The communication system 1 can control the size of the projected image by controlling the flight altitude of the aircraft 10. If a brightness sensor is included as the sensor 23, the communication system 1 can control the brightness of the projected image based on the detected light intensity.

[0073] When guiding the user, the communication system 1 can obtain safety information from the roadside device 40 or the vehicle 30. The communication system 1 can infer the direction in which the user is moving and obtain safety information for the area located in the inferred direction in advance. For example, if the communication system 1 infers that the user is moving toward an area invisible to the user, the communication system 1 can obtain safety information about the area invisible to the user and notify the user. This configuration can improve user safety.

[0074] The communication system 1 can send information about the direction in which it is concluded that the user will go to the roadside device 40 or the vehicle 30. This configuration can further improve user safety. The information about the direction in which it is concluded that the user will go can be included in information relating to the traffic system 100.

[0075] If the user has a visual impairment or the user's field of vision is blocked by surrounding fog, haze, smoke, or the like, it may be difficult or impossible for the user to visually confirm the environmental conditions. If it is difficult or impossible for the user to visually confirm the environmental conditions, the communication system 1 can emit sound or provide a tactile sensory impression to the user to guide the user. For example, the communication system 1 can output information about the direction in which the user should proceed or provide safety information by means of sound output for the area located in the user's direction of movement.

[0076] The communication system 1 can be connected to the user by a belt or the like. The communication system 1 can transmit a vibration to the user through the belt or the like. The vibration pattern can be related to the content of the notification for the user. The vibration pattern can, for example, be a pattern corresponding to a code representing characters, such as Morse code.

[0077] The communication system 1 can control the aircraft 10 to pull on the user through the belt or the like. The pattern in which the aircraft 10 pulls on the user can be related to the content of the notification to the user. For example, the aircraft 10 can notify the user of the direction to proceed by pulling the user in the horizontal direction. As another example, the aircraft 10 can notify the user of safety information by pulling the user in the vertical direction. When the aircraft 10 pulls on the user in the vertical direction, the effect on other pedestrians, vehicles 30, or the like around the user can be reduced. When the aircraft 10 flies at a position higher than the user's eye level, the communication system 1 can obtain the ambient conditions over a wider area.The pattern in which the aircraft 10 pulls on the user may be related to the content of the notification to the user in a manner similar or identical to the vibration pattern.

[0078] If a strain sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like is included as the sensor 23, the communication system 1 can use the sensor 23 to detect that the aircraft 10 is being pulled by the user using the belt or the like. When the user's pulling on the aircraft 10 is detected, the communication system 1 can judge that the user has stopped or changed direction. The communication system 1 can obtain information about the user's environmental conditions or cause the aircraft 10 to fly based on the user's actions.

[0079] The communication system 1 can be configured to communicate with a wearable device worn by the user. The communication system 1 can guide the user through the wearable device or inform the user of safety information. The communication system 1 can cause the wearable device to emit sound or generate vibration. The wearable device can include a motion sensor or the like for detecting user movement. The communication system 1 can receive information about user movement from the wearable device. The wearable device can include a biological sensor or the like for detecting the user's physical condition. The communication system 1 can receive information about the user's physical condition from the wearable device.The communication system 1 may send information obtained from the portable device to the roadside device 40, the vehicle 30, or the like, or to an external device such as a server.

[0080] The communication system 1 can, for example, serve as a substitute for a guide dog or the like, guiding a visually impaired user or transmitting information about the user's physical condition to an external destination. Consequently, pedestrian safety can be improved.

[0081] An example of functions or operations performed by the communication system 1 while wearing a headset will now be described. The communication system 1 may include a headset as the notification interface 26. The communication system 1 may send audio data to the headset via wireless communication. The user may listen to content, such as music, using the headset. This configuration allows the user to listen to content without wearing a device for playing the content. This may increase user comfort when the user is running, for example.

[0082] The communication system 1 can control the volume of an output from the headset based on the user's environmental conditions or the safety information. For example, if the communication system 1 receives proximity information concerning the user, the communication system 1 can reduce or mute the volume of an output from the headset so that the user can more easily hear ambient noise. The communication system 1 can output a sound from the headset relating to the content of a notification for the user.

[0083] An example of coordination between user actions and the communication system 1 will now be described. The communication system 1 can cause the aircraft 10 to fly while following the user's steps. The communication system 1 can cause the aircraft 10 to move based on user actions.

[0084] For example, if the user is wearing a watch-type terminal equipped with an air pressure sensor or the like, the communication system 1 can detect whether the user is raising a hand by obtaining the air pressure detected by the watch-type terminal. The communication system 1 can cause the aircraft 10 to fly at an altitude corresponding to the height of the user's raised hand. If the communication system 1 detects that the user has raised a hand and also that the user is approaching an intersection, a pedestrian crossing, or a road, the communication system 1 can judge that the user is about to cross the road. In this case, the communication system 1 can transmit information about the user's intention to cross the road to the roadside device 40 or the vehicle 30.The communication system 1 can notify the vehicle of the pedestrian's presence by causing the aircraft 10 to fly to a position clearly visible from the vehicle 30 and emitting light or the like from the notification interface 26. If a light or flash is included as the notification interface 26, the communication system 1 can cause it to emit light. Pedestrian safety can be improved by the communication system 1 transmitting information about the pedestrian or providing notification of the pedestrian's presence.

[0085] The communication system 1 can cause the aircraft 10 to fly at a position clearly visible to the user so that the user can view an augmented reality (AR) image displayed on the display device 25. The glasses-type terminal can detect the user's line of sight or the like. The communication system 1 can obtain information about the user's line of sight from the glasses-type terminal. The communication system 1 can control the orientation or position of the aircraft 10 based on the user's line of sight. The communication system 1 can control the orientation or position of the aircraft 10 to enable imaging of the landscape in a direction identical to or close to the user's line of sight.The communication system 1 can display an AR image on the display device 25, which is obtained by superimposing characters, symbols, shapes, or the like on a captured image of the landscape in the direction of the user's line of sight. This allows the user to easily confirm the surrounding conditions.

[0086] The communication system 1 can use a camera or the like to image the landscape outside the user's line of sight, such as behind or to the side of the user. The communication system 1 can combine captured images and display the result on the display device 25 as an image that expands the user's field of view. This allows the user to more easily verify the environmental conditions.

[0087] The communication system 1 can cause the aircraft 10 to fly in such a way as to image the landscape surrounding the user from a position higher than the user's eye level. The user can more easily verify the environmental conditions by viewing an image from a position higher than the user's eye level.

[0088] The user can easily confirm the surrounding conditions through the communication system 1, which displays an AR image on the display device 25. Consequently, the user's safety as a pedestrian can be improved.

[0089] An example of coordination between a traffic light and the communication system 1 will now be described. When a pedestrian is near an intersection with a traffic light, the roadside device 40 can monitor whether the pedestrian is about to cross the crosswalk based on information about the state of the traffic light. The information about the state of the traffic light includes information about whether the traffic light is red, green, or yellow, or whether the traffic light is flashing. The area of ​​the crosswalk at the intersection can be classified as a first area where crossing is prohibited and a second area where crossing is permitted based on the information about the state of the traffic light. The area of ​​the crosswalk can be classified as the first area when the traffic light is red, yellow, or flashing green.The pedestrian crossing area can be classified as the second area when the traffic light is green.

[0090] The roadside device 40 can monitor the pedestrian's movement and judge whether the pedestrian is about to enter the first area. If a pedestrian judged to be about to enter the first area is the user of the communication system 1, the roadside device 40 can send information related to the user's about to enter the first area to the communication system 1. Based on the information obtained from the roadside device 40, the communication system 1 can cause the aircraft 10 to fly ahead of or in front of the user to prevent the user from entering the first area. If a light or a flash is included as the notification interface 26, the communication system 1 can cause the aircraft 10 to hover at a position clearly visible to the user and turn on the light or flash.In other words, the communication system 1 can notify the user that he is about to enter the first area.

[0091] The communication system 1 can obtain information about the status of the traffic light from the roadside device 40. Based on the information about the status of the traffic light, the communication system 1 can judge whether the user, who is a pedestrian, is about to enter the first area. If it is judged that the user is about to enter the first area, the communication system 1 can notify the user that they are about to enter the first area.

[0092] Having the communication system 1 notify the user that they are about to enter the first area makes it easier for the user to realize that they are about to enter the first area. This can improve user safety.

[0093] When it is detected that a pedestrian is about to enter the first area, the roadside device 40 can transmit information about the pedestrian to the vehicle 30. When it is detected that the user, who is a pedestrian, is about to enter the first area, the communication system 1 can transmit information about the pedestrian to the vehicle 30 directly or via the roadside device 40. This makes the pedestrian more noticeable from the vehicle 30, improving pedestrian safety.

[0094] When it is detected that a pedestrian is about to enter the second area, the roadside device 40 can transmit information about the pedestrian to the vehicle 30. When it is detected that the user, who is a pedestrian, is about to enter the second area, the communication system 1 can transmit information about the pedestrian to the vehicle 30 directly or via the roadside device 40. This makes the pedestrian more noticeable from a vehicle 30 about to turn right or left at the intersection. By obtaining information before the pedestrian begins to enter the second area, the vehicle 30 can more easily avoid the pedestrian, improving pedestrian safety.

[0095] An example of functions or operations of the communication system 1 when a noise is detected will now be described. The communication system 1 can detect a noise around the user. Based on the detected ambient noise, the communication system 1 can detect, for example, that a vehicle 30 is approaching. The vehicle 30 can be an automobile or a train. The communication system 1 can detect that the vehicle 30 is approaching by detecting a moving vehicle noise associated with the vehicle 30. The communication system 1 can detect that a train is approaching by detecting the warning sound of a railroad crossing. In other words, the communication system 1 can obtain approach information of the vehicle 30 based on the detected ambient noise. The communication system 1 can notify the user of the approach information of the vehicle 30.The communication system 1 can notify the user of the approaching information of the vehicle 30 by causing the aircraft 10 to fly ahead or in front of the user. If a light or flash is included as the notification interface 26, the communication system 1 can cause the aircraft 10 to hover at a position clearly visible to the user and turn on the light or flash. This allows the user to learn about the information based on the ambient sound, even if the ambient sound is difficult or impossible for the user to hear, thereby improving the user's safety as a pedestrian.

[0096] The communication system 1 can detect the approach of the train or the like from the result of detecting environmental conditions by means of another structure such as a camera and the result of sound detection.

[0097] The communication system 1 can notify the user of numerous types of information, such as information concerning the traffic system 100, safety information, and approach information. The communication system 1 can determine the method for notifying the user automatically or through user settings. The communication system 1 can select the information about which the user is to be notified automatically or through user settings.

[0098] An example of a flowchart for the communication system 1 will now be described. The communication system 1 comprises the aircraft 10 and the communication terminal 20. When the communication terminal 20 is attached to the aircraft 10, the terminal controller 21 of the communication terminal 20 can execute the operations in the example flowchart in Fig. 8 execute.

[0099] The terminal controller 21 judges whether the communication terminal 20 is mounted on the aircraft 10 (step S1). The terminal controller 21 can electrically detect that the communication terminal 20 is mounted on the aircraft 10. The terminal controller 21 can use the detection result to determine whether the communication terminal 20 is mounted on the aircraft 10.

[0100] If the communication terminal 20 is not attached to the aircraft 10 (step S1: NO), the terminal controller 21 returns to the process in step S1.

[0101] When the communication terminal 20 is mounted on the aircraft 10 (step S1: YES), the terminal controller 21 enters the aircraft-mounted mode (step S2).

[0102] The terminal controller 21 transmits information concerning the traffic system 100 in which the user of the communication terminal 20 is included to the aircraft 10 (step S3). The terminal controller 21 can transmit information concerning the traffic system 100 to the aircraft 10 even if the communication terminal 20 is not mounted on the aircraft 10. The terminal controller 21 can transmit information concerning the traffic system 100 to the vehicle 30, the roadside device 40, or the like.

[0103] The terminal controller 21 judges whether the communication terminal 20 has been removed from the aircraft 10 (step S4). The terminal controller 21 can electrically detect that the communication terminal 20 has been removed from the aircraft 10. The terminal controller 21 can use the detection result to determine whether the communication terminal 20 has been removed from the aircraft 10.

[0104] If the communication terminal 20 has not been removed from the aircraft 10 (step S4: NO), the terminal controller 21 returns to the process in step S3.

[0105] If the communication terminal 20 has been removed from the 10 (step S4: YES), the terminal controller 21 enters the original mode before entering the aircraft-mounted mode (step S5). After step S5, the terminal controller 21 terminates the flowchart in Fig. 8.

[0106] The aircraft control device 11 of the aircraft 10 can perform the operations in the example flowchart in Fig. 9 execute.

[0107] The aircraft control device 11 obtains information concerning the traffic system 100 in which the user of the communication terminal 20 is included from the communication terminal 20 (step S11).

[0108] To output information concerning the traffic system 100, the aircraft control device 11 selects at least one of controlling the drive unit 13 and transmitting the information through the aircraft communication interface 12 (step S12).

[0109] If output of information relating to the traffic system 100 by controlling the drive unit 13 is selected (step S12: drive), the aircraft control device 11 controls the drive unit 13 such that the information relating to the traffic system 100 is output by a movement of the aircraft 10 (step S13). After step S13, the aircraft control device 11 ends the flowchart in Fig. 9.

[0110] If outputting information concerning the traffic system 100 through the aircraft communication interface 12 is selected (step S12: communication), the aircraft control device 11 outputs the information concerning the traffic system 100 by transmitting the information from the aircraft communication interface 12 (step S14). The aircraft communication interface 12 can output the information concerning the traffic system 100 to the roadside device 40, the vehicle 30, or the like. The aircraft communication interface 12 can output the information concerning the traffic system 100 to an external device, such as a server. After step S14, the aircraft control device 11 ends the flowchart in Fig. 9.

[0111] If output of information concerning the traffic system 100 is selected by both the drive unit 13 and the aircraft communication interface 12 (step S12: both), the aircraft control device 11 executes the process of step S13 and the process of step S14 together (step S15). After step S15, the aircraft control device 11 ends the flowchart in Fig. 9.

[0112] By including the aircraft 10 and the communication terminal 20, the communication system 1 according to the present disclosure can output information concerning the traffic system 100. This can improve the safety of the traffic system 100.

[0113] The communication system 1 according to the present disclosure outputs information concerning the traffic system 100 as a movement of the aircraft 10, allowing the user to easily notice the information. This can improve user safety.

[0114] The communication system 1 according to the present disclosure performs control such that the user sees the movement of the aircraft 10, thereby allowing the user to easily notice the information. This can improve user safety.

[0115] The communication system 1 according to the present disclosure outputs information concerning the traffic system 100 to other elements in the traffic system 100, which can improve the safety of the traffic system 100.

[0116] By attaching the communication terminal 20 to the aircraft 10, the communication system 1 according to the present disclosure allows the use of the communication terminal 20 without the user of the communication terminal 20 having to hold or wear the communication terminal 20. This can improve user comfort.

[0117] The vehicle 30 in the present disclosure may include automobiles and industrial vehicles. Automobiles include, but are not limited to, passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, trolley buses, and the like. The vehicle 30 may include human-powered vehicles.

[0118] Although an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described by drawings and examples, it should be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the present disclosure. Therefore, such changes and modifications are to be understood as being within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions or the like included in the various components or steps may be rearranged in any logically consistent manner. Furthermore, components or steps may be combined or divided into one. While an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described focusing on devices, the present disclosure may also be implemented as a method including steps performed by the components of a device.The present disclosure may also be implemented as a method performed by a processor provided in a device, as a program, or as a storage medium having a program stored thereon. Such embodiments are also to be understood as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0119] References to "first," "second," and the like in the present disclosure are identifiers for distinguishing between elements. The numbers of elements distinguished by references to "first," "second," and the like in the present disclosure may be interchanged. For example, the identifiers "first" and "second" of the first region and the second region may be interchanged. Identifiers are interchanged simultaneously, and the elements are still distinguishable from each other after the identifiers are interchanged. The identifiers may be removed. Elements from which the identifiers are removed are distinguished by their reference number. Identifiers in the present disclosure, such as "first" and "second," cannot be used in isolation as an interpretation of the order of elements or as the basis for the presence of the identifier with a lower number.

Claims

[1] An aircraft (10) comprising: a communication interface (12) which is configured to obtain information relating to a traffic system (100) from a communication terminal (20); a propulsion unit (13) for flying; and a control device (11) which is arranged to control the drive unit (13); wherein the control device (11) is configured to output the information relating to the traffic system (100) by controlling at least one of the drive unit (13) and the communication interface (12), wherein the control device (11) is configured to control the drive unit (13) such that the aircraft (10) moves to a position visible to a user of the communication terminal (20) when the information relating to the traffic system (100) is safety information of the user, and that the aircraft (10) performs a predetermined movement associated with the information relating to the traffic system (100) in order to output the information relating to the traffic system (100) to the user through the predetermined movement of the aircraft (10). [2] The aircraft (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (11) is arranged to output the information relating to the traffic system (100) through the communication interface (12) to another device included in the traffic system (100). [3] The aircraft (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a mount (15); wherein the communication terminal (20) is mountable in the mount (15). [4] A communication terminal (20) comprising: a control device (21); and a communication interface (22) configured to communicate with an aircraft (10); wherein the control device (21) is configured to send information relating to a traffic system (100) to the aircraft through the communication interface (22) and to cause the aircraft to control a drive unit (13) of the aircraft (10) such that the aircraft (10) moves to a position visible to a user of the communication terminal (20) if the information relating to the traffic system (100) is safety information of the user, and to cause the aircraft (10) to perform a predetermined movement associated with the information relating to the traffic system (100) in order to output the information relating to the traffic system (100) to the user through the predetermined movement of the aircraft (10). [5] A communication system (1) comprising: an aircraft (10); and a communication terminal (20) for mounting in the aircraft (10); wherein the aircraft (10) comprises an aircraft communication interface (12) configured to communicate with the communication terminal (20); a propulsion unit (13) for flying; and an aircraft control device (11) which is designed to control the drive unit (13), wherein the aircraft communication interface (12) is configured to obtain information relating to a traffic system (100) from the communication terminal (20); and wherein the aircraft control device (11) is configured to output the information relating to a traffic system (100) by controlling at least one of the aircraft communication interface (12) and the drive unit (13), wherein the aircraft control device (11) is configured to control the drive unit (13) such that the aircraft (10) moves to a position visible to a user of the communication terminal (20) when the information relating to the traffic system (100) is safety information of the user, and such that the aircraft (10) performs a predetermined movement associated with the information relating to the traffic system (100) in order to output the information relating to the traffic system (100) to the user through the predetermined movement of the aircraft (10). [6] A program comprising instructions which, when executed by a communication terminal (20), cause the communication terminal (20) to: to send information concerning a traffic system (100) to an aircraft (10), and to cause the aircraft (10) to control a drive unit of the aircraft (10) such that the aircraft (10) moves to a position visible to a user of the communication terminal (20) when the information relating to the traffic system (100) is safety information of the user, and to cause the aircraft (10) to perform a predetermined movement associated with the information relating to the traffic system (100) in order to output the information relating to the traffic system (100) to the user through the predetermined movement of the aircraft (10).

Images