Data collection device, drone, data collection system, and control program of data collection system

Abstract

To make power source securement of a data collection device easy and reliable regardless of an installation environment.SOLUTION: A data collection device includes a sensor for collecting data. The data collection device includes: power generation means having a power generation means rotary shaft for converting a rotary force into electric power; and a storage battery for storing electric power generated by the power generation means. The power generation means rotary shaft is configured to engage with a drone rotary shaft so as to be rotated by rotation of the drone rotary shaft of a rotary blade of the drone.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a data collection device, a drone, a data collection system, and a control program for a data collection system.

Background Art

[0002] Some data collection devices for performing environmental measurements in forest areas, oceans, etc. use electrical energy as the energy for their operation. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a device that is installed at sea, measures sea elephant data, etc., and transmits the measured data to an external device such as a land facility.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The above prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] The following analysis was made by the inventor of the present invention.

[0006] When a data collection device as described above uses a storage battery as a power source, in order to ensure power supply, a great deal of labor such as regular replacement of the storage battery by an operator or laying of power supply wiring to the installation location of the storage battery is required. In some cases, it may be impossible to lay the power supply wiring in the first place.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a data collection device, a drone, a data collection system, and a control program for a data collection system that can contribute to facilitating or ensuring power supply regardless of the installation environment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a data collection device including a sensor for collecting data is provided. The data collection device includes power generation means having a power generation means rotation shaft for converting rotational force into electric power, and a storage battery for storing the electric power generated by the power generation means. ; The power generation means rotation shaft is configured to engage with the drone rotation shaft so as to be rotated by the rotation of the drone rotation shaft of the drone's rotor. (2) According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a drone including a rotor is provided. The rotor has a drone rotation shaft; The drone rotation shaft is configured to engage with the power generation means rotation shaft so as to rotate the power generation means rotation shaft of the power generation means provided in the data collection device by the rotation of the drone rotation shaft. (3) According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a data collection system including the data collection device of the present disclosure and the drone of the present disclosure is provided. (4) According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a control program for a data collection system including a data collection device and a drone is provided. The control program causes a computer to perform a process of the drone landing on the data collection device, and a process of engaging the drone rotation shaft of the drone's rotor with the power generation means rotation shaft so as to rotate the power generation means rotation shaft of the power generation means of the data collection device by the rotation of the drone rotation shaft. ;

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure or each aspect thereof can contribute to facilitating or ensuring the power supply of the data collection device regardless of the installation environment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown below, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. (Embodiment 1) Refer to the first perspective of the above-mentioned present disclosure. (Embodiment 2) In the data collection device described in Embodiment 1, the data collection device further includes a starting means and a communication means, the starting means is configured to start the communication means when detecting the landing of the drone, the communication means is preferably configured to transmit the data collected by the sensor to the drone when activated by the starting means. (Embodiment 3) In the data collection device described in Embodiment 1, the data collection device preferably includes a fixing device for fixing the position of the drone in a state where the rotation shaft of the power generation means and the rotation shaft of the drone are engaged. (Embodiment 4) Refer to the second perspective of the above-mentioned present disclosure. (Embodiment 5) In the drone described in Embodiment 4, the drone preferably includes a communication device for receiving the data transmitted from the data collection device. (Embodiment 6) Refer to the third perspective of the above-mentioned present disclosure. (Embodiment 7) In the data collection system described in Embodiment 6, the data collection system preferably further includes a server for acquiring the data received by the drone from the data collection device. (Embodiment 8) Refer to the fourth perspective of the above-mentioned present disclosure. (Embodiment 9) In the control program described in Embodiment 8, the control program causes the computer to, when the data collection device detects the landing of the drone, perform a process of transmitting the data collected by the sensor of the data collection device to the drone and preferably further execute it. (Embodiment 10) In the control program described in Embodiment 9, the data collection system further includes a server, the control program causes the computer to, The process in which the server acquires from the drone the data received by the drone from the data collection device is preferably further executed.

[0012] Note that the present disclosure can also be embodied as a computer-executable program, and the program can be recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory (non-transitory) storage medium. That is, the present disclosure can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program is input into a computer device via an input device or from the outside through a communication interface, stored in a storage device, and causes a processor to be driven according to predetermined steps or processes. If necessary, the processing results including intermediate states can be displayed step by step via a display device, or can communicate with devices inside or outside the device (including a computer), wired or wirelessly, via a communication interface. A computer device for that purpose typically includes, as an example, a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and, if necessary, a display device that can be connected to each other by a bus.

[0013] The summary of the present disclosure will be described below. Note that the drawing reference numerals appended to this summary are solely for assisting the understanding of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the illustrated embodiments. Also, the connection lines between blocks in each drawing include both bidirectional and unidirectional ones. The unidirectional arrow schematically shows the flow of signals, information, data, etc., and does not exclude bidirectionality. Further, the connection between blocks in each drawing can be either wired or wireless. Further, the program is executed via a computer device, and the computer device includes, for example, a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and, if necessary, a display device. The computer device is configured to be able to communicate with devices inside or outside the device (including a computer), wired or wirelessly, via a communication interface.

[0014] Furthermore, in the following description and drawings, the same or common functional elements are appended with the same drawing reference numerals.

[0015] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, when simply referred to as "connection", the "connection" can be either a wireless method or a wired method.

[0016] (An example of a data collection system) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of the data collection system of the present disclosure.

[0017] The data collection system 10 in this example is configured to include a drone 30 and a data collection device 20.

[0018] (Data collection device) FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of the data collection device 20.

[0019] The data collection device 20 in this example includes a sensor 21, a power generation means 22, a storage battery 23, and a control unit 24.

[0020] The sensor 21 is a device that collects various data regarding the environment around the data collection device 20, and can be configured as a sensor of a type corresponding to the purpose of use or measurement target of the data collection device 20, such as an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, a sound wave sensor, etc., and can also be configured as a plurality of sensors of the same type or different types. Note that the data collection device 20 may also have a storage unit (not shown in FIG. 1) that stores the data collected by the sensor 21.

[0021] The power generation means 22 is an arbitrary type of generator that converts rotational energy as input into electrical energy as output, and has a power generation means rotation shaft (not shown in FIG. 1) used for this energy conversion.

[0022] The storage battery 23 is a power source for operating the data collection device 20, and is an arbitrary type of rechargeable power storage device. The storage battery 23 is configured to be able to store the electric power generated by the power generation means 22.

[0023] The control unit 24 is configured to be able to control the operations of the sensor 21, the power generation means 22, the storage battery 23, etc.

[0024] Note that the sensor 21, the power generation means 22, the storage battery 23, and the control unit 24 can also be configured as separate devices, either individually or in any combination thereof.

[0025] (Unmanned aircraft) FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of the unmanned aircraft 30.

[0026] The unmanned aircraft 30 in this example includes a rotary wing 31 and a control unit 32.

[0027] The rotary wing 31 is a device that generates lift and thrust for the unmanned aircraft 30 by its rotation, and includes an unmanned aircraft rotation axis and at least one wing portion (both not shown in FIG. 3) attached to one end side of the unmanned aircraft rotation axis. Further, a drive device (not shown in FIG. 3) for rotationally driving the unmanned aircraft rotation axis is arranged on the rotary wing 31. Note that when the unmanned aircraft has a plurality of rotary wings, one drive device is arranged for each rotary wing, but one drive device may be arranged for two or more rotary wings, or a plurality of drive devices may be arranged for one rotary wing.

[0028] In the present disclosure, the unmanned aircraft is any type of unmanned flying body that includes at least one rotary wing, such as a drone, and whose flight is controlled by autonomous control or remote control.

[0029] The control unit 32 is configured to be able to control the operations of the rotary wing 31 and its drive device, etc.

[0030] (Interaxial power transmission system) FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of an example of the interaxial power transmission system of the present disclosure.

[0031] The illustrated inter-axis power transmission system is configured to include a power generation means rotating shaft 22a of the power generation means 22 of the data collection device 20 and a drone rotating shaft 31a of the rotor 31 of the drone 30, and the power generation means rotating shaft 22a and the drone rotating shaft 31a are configured to engage with each other such that the power generation means rotating shaft 22a is rotated by the rotation of the drone rotating shaft 31a.

[0032] For example, in the illustrated inter-axis power transmission system, a power generation means rotating shaft engaging means 22b is attached to the free end of the power generation means rotating shaft 22a (i.e., the end of the power generation means rotating shaft 22a opposite to the end coupled to the rotor of the generator), and a drone rotating shaft engaging means 31b is attached to the free end of the drone rotating shaft 31a (i.e., the end of the drone rotating shaft 31a opposite to the end coupled to the blade portion of the rotor). These engaging means 22b and 31b are configured as columnar members made of a rubbery material with a high coefficient of friction. In a state where the power generation means rotating shaft engaging means 22b and the drone rotating shaft engaging means 31b are engaged or in contact with each other, when the rotor 31 rotates, the drone rotating shaft engaging means 31b attached to the drone rotating shaft 31a also rotates, and in synchronization with this rotation, the power generation means rotating shaft engaging means 22b and thus the power generation means rotating shaft 22a to which it is attached rotate. Therefore, the rotational movement of the rotor 31 of the drone 30 can be transmitted to the power generation means 22 of the data collection device 20.

[0033] The inter-axis power transmission system is not limited to the illustrated example, and other configurations are also possible. For example, when the drone 30 lands on the data collection device 20 and is arranged in a predetermined area for inter-axis power transmission, the power generation means rotating shaft 22a and the drone rotating shaft 31a can be arranged such that they are, for example, parallel axes, intersecting axes, or skew axes. In the case of parallel axes, the power generation means rotating shaft engaging means 22b and the drone rotating shaft engaging means 31b can be configured as the above-described columnar members with a high rubber-like friction coefficient, but can also be configured as cylindrical gears or spur gears (spur gears), etc. In the case of intersecting axes, the power generation means rotating shaft engaging means 22b and the drone rotating shaft engaging means 31b can be configured as, for example, straight bevel gears (straight bevel gears), spiral bevel gears (spiral bevel gears), etc. In the case of skew axes, the power generation means rotating shaft engaging means 22b and the drone rotating shaft engaging means 31b can be configured as, for example, spiral gears (helical gears), and can also be configured as worm gears with one being a worm and the other being a worm wheel. Further, the power generation means rotating shaft engaging means 22b and the drone rotating shaft engaging means 31b can be attached to the power generation means rotating shaft 22a and the drone rotating shaft 31a, respectively, as separate members, or can also be formed in predetermined areas of the power generation means rotating shaft 22a and the drone rotating shaft 31a.

[0034] Regarding the inter-axis power transmission system, FIG. 5 conceptually shows an example of the inter-axis power transmission system when the drone has four rotors. The illustrated inter-axis power transmission system is configured such that one power generation means rotating shaft engaging means 22b1 to 22b4 is assigned to each rotor or each drone rotating shaft engaging means 31b1 to 31b4. In this case, the four power generation means rotating shaft engaging means 22b1 to 22b4 can be attached to the power generation means rotating shaft via an appropriate transmission mechanism. Thus, by changing the number of drone rotating shaft engaging means and power generation means rotating shaft engaging means corresponding to the number of rotors of the drone, the power generation efficiency can be improved.

[0035] In addition, when the drone has a plurality of rotors, in the example of FIG. 5, one power generation means rotation shaft engaging means 22b1 to 22b4 is assigned to one drone rotation shaft engaging means 31b1 to 31b4, but this assignment relationship can be arbitrarily set. For example, two or more (in the case of FIG. 5, 2 to 4) drone rotation shaft engaging means may be configured to engage or contact one power generation means rotation shaft engaging means. It is also possible to provide a plurality of power generation means and assign one or more drone rotation shaft engaging means of the rotors to each power generation means rotation shaft engaging means.

[0036] Furthermore, the data collection device 20 may also include a fixing device (not shown) that fixes the position of the drone 30 when the power generation means rotation shaft 22a and the drone rotation shaft 31a are engaged.

[0037] (Operation example) FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of an example of the data collection system of the present disclosure.

[0038] First, the drone 30 lands in the area where the power generation means 22 of the data collection device 20 is arranged (S1). Note that "S" means step.

[0039] Next, the drone rotation shaft engaging means 31b of the drone rotation shaft 31a of the rotor 31 of the drone 30 being rotated by the driving device engages or contacts the power generation means rotation shaft engaging means 22b of the power generation means rotation shaft 22a of the data collection device 20 (S2), and by rotating the power generation means rotation shaft 22a, the power generation means 22 generates electricity (S3).

[0040] Then, the power generation means 22 supplies the generated electric power to the storage battery 23 to charge the storage battery 23 (S4).

[0041] In this way, in this example, since a drone that can move freely is used to directly drive the power generation means of the data collection device to generate and store electricity, it is possible to regularly and easily supply power to the data collection device installed in a place where it is difficult or impossible to lay power transmission and distribution lines (for example, refer to FIGS. 16 and 17).

[0042] Furthermore, in this example, when the installation location of the data collection device is planned to be changed, even if it is possible to lay power transmission and distribution lines, it is not necessary to newly lay power transmission and distribution lines every time there is a change. Therefore, for example, it can be used for purposes such as wide-area environmental surveys.

[0043] Note that in S1, when the engaging means 22b and 31b are configured as rubber-like cylindrical members in particular, the landing area of the drone 30 can be the area where the drone rotation shaft engaging means 31b and the power generation means rotation shaft engaging means 22b engage when the drone 30 lands on the data collection device 20 (hereinafter also referred to as the "shaft engagement area"). Further, when the engaging means 22b and 31b are configured as predetermined gears in particular, the drone 30 may land on an area of the data collection device 20 different from the shaft engagement area and move from there to the shaft engagement area.

[0044] Furthermore, in S2, when the engaging means 22b and 31b are configured as rubber-like cylindrical members in particular, the drone rotation shaft engaging means 31b and the power generation means rotation shaft engaging means 22b can be engaged or brought into contact with each other in a state where the drone rotation shaft engaging means 31b is rotating following the rotor blades 31. Further, when the engaging means 22b and 31b are configured as predetermined gears in particular, the rotation of the drone rotation shaft engaging means of the rotor blades 31 can be stopped once, and after engaging or bringing into contact with the power generation means rotation shaft engaging means 22b, the drone rotation shaft engaging means 31b can be rotated following the rotor blades 31.

[0045] Furthermore, in S2 to S3, the data collection device 20 can also fix the position of the drone 30 by an arbitrarily provided fixing device (not shown) in a state where the power generation means rotation shaft 22a and the drone rotation shaft 31a are engaged.

[0046] (Another example of the data collection system) FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another example of the data collection system of the present disclosure.

[0047] The data collection system 100 of this example is configured to include a data collection device 200, a drone 300, and a server 400.

[0048] (Data collection device) FIG. 8 is a block diagram of another example of the data collection device of the present disclosure.

[0049] The data collection device 200 of this example includes a sensor 201, an activation means 202, a communication means 203, and a control unit 204. Note that the data collection device 200 may also include a storage battery (not shown in FIG. 8) as a power source for its operation. The data collection device 200 may further be provided with a power generation device for supplying power to the storage battery.

[0050] Since the sensor 201 is the same as the above-described sensor 21, the description thereof is omitted.

[0051] The activation means 202 is configured to be able to generate and transmit a predetermined signal (hereinafter also referred to as a "landing detection signal") in response to pressure or impact from above, that is, pressure or impact due to the landing of the drone. This signal transmission may be, for example, by a general switch method or by a battery-less power supply method such as EnOcean. Note that EnOcean is an international standard (ISO / IEC 14543-3-10) for ultra-low power consumption battery-less wireless communication that utilizes energy harvesting technology (environmental power generation technology) to collect weak energy such as light, temperature, and vibration (switch operation, etc.) and convert it into electricity.

[0052] The communication means 203 is configured to receive the landing detection signal from the activation means 202, and in response thereto, acquire the data collected by the sensor 201 stored in a storage unit (not shown), and transmit the data to the communication device 302 of the drone 300.

[0053] Data transmission between the communication means 203 of the data collection device 200 and the communication device 302 of the drone 300 may be either wireless or wired. As the wireless method, for example, BLE (Bluetooth (Registered Trademark) Low Energy: a Bluetooth standard with power saving) which is one of the short-range wireless communication standards can be used. In the case of the wired method, when the drone 300 lands, means for connecting the communication means 203 of the data collection device 200 and the communication device 302 of the drone 300 in a wired manner is provided.

[0054] The control unit 204 is configured to be able to control the operations of the sensor 201, the activation means 202, the communication means 203, etc.

[0055] Note that the sensor 201, the activation means 202, the communication means 203, the control unit 204, and further the storage battery can also be configured as separate devices, respectively or in any combination of these.

[0056] (Drone) FIG. 9 is a block diagram of another example of the drone of the present disclosure.

[0057] The drone 300 in this example includes a rotor 301, a communication device 302, and a control unit 303.

[0058] Since the rotor 301 is the same as the above-described rotor 31, the description thereof is omitted. However, in this example, unlike the above-described rotor 31, the rotor 301 does not need to include means corresponding to the drone rotation axis engagement means 31b.

[0059] As described above, the communication device 302 is configured to be able to receive the data transmitted from the communication means 203 of the data collection device 200 in response to the landing of the drone 300 and store the data in, for example, its storage unit (not shown).

[0060] The communication device 302 is further configured such that after the drone 300 takes off from the data collection device 200 and moves to reach within a range where it can communicate with the server 400, it can transmit the data acquired from the data collection device 200 to the server 400.

[0061] The control unit 303 is configured to be able to control the operations of the rotary wings 301, the communication device 302, and the like.

[0062] (Server) FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example of the server of the present disclosure.

[0063] The server 400 in this example includes a communication unit 401 and a control unit 402, and may further include a storage unit 403 and a transmission unit 404.

[0064] The communication unit 401 is configured to be able to communicate with the communication device 302 of the drone 300 so as to receive the data acquired by the drone 300 from the data collection device 200.

[0065] The storage unit 403 is configured to be able to receive and store the data acquired by the communication unit 401 from the communication device 302 of the drone 300.

[0066] The transmission unit 404 is configured to be able to transmit the data acquired from the communication device 302 of the drone 300 to another device that performs predetermined processing, regardless of whether the storage unit 403 stores the data. Note that the server 400 may also be configured to perform predetermined processing on the received data by itself.

[0067] (Operation example) FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example of another operation of the data collection system of the present disclosure.

[0068] First, the drone 300 lands on the data collection device 200 (S10).

[0069] When the drone 300 lands, pressure or impact is applied to the activation means 202 provided at the landing point, whereby the activation means 202 operates to generate a landing detection signal and transmit the landing detection signal to the communication means 203 (S20).

[0070] Next, the communication means 203 transmits the data collected by the data collection device 200 to the communication device 302 of the drone 300 (S30), and the communication device 302 stores or saves the received data, for example, in its storage device (S40).

[0071] Then, the drone 300 takes off from the data collection device 200 (S50), moves within a range where it can communicate with the server 400, and then transmits the data obtained from the data collection device 200 to the server 400 (S60).

[0072] In this way, in this example, by using a movable drone, data can be obtained from the data collection device in the vicinity of the data collection device. Therefore, even when the data collection device is installed in an environment with many obstacles / metals where long-distance wireless methods such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) via the Internet cannot be used, or in a harsh environment where it is difficult for humans to enter (see FIGS. 16 and 17 for example), data can be easily or surely obtained from the data collection device.

[0073] (Another example of the data collection system) FIG. 12 is a block diagram of another example of the data collection system of the present disclosure.

[0074] The data collection system 110 of this example is configured to include a data collection device 210, a drone 310, and a server 410. Note that the data collection system 110 of this example combines the data collection systems 10 and 100 of the above two examples, and can have both functions or operations as long as there is no conflict.

[0075] (Data collection device) FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a further example of the data collection device of the present disclosure.

[0076] The data collection device 210 in this example includes a sensor 211, a power generation means 212, a storage battery 213, an activation means 214, a communication means 215, and a control unit 216.

[0077] Since the sensor 211, the power generation means 212, and the storage battery 213 are the same as the above-described sensor 21, power generation means 22, and storage battery 23, respectively, the description thereof is omitted.

[0078] Since the activation means 214 and the communication means 215 are the same as the above-described activation means 202 and communication means 203, respectively, the description thereof is omitted.

[0079] The control unit 216 is configured to be able to control the operations of the sensor 211, the power generation means 212, the storage battery 213, the activation means 214, the communication means 215, etc.

[0080] Note that the sensor 211, the power generation means 212, the storage battery 213, the activation means 214, the communication means 215, and the control unit 216 can also be configured as separate devices, respectively or in any combination thereof.

[0081] (Drone) FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a further example of the drone of the present disclosure.

[0082] The drone 310 in this example includes a rotor 311, a communication device 312, and a control unit 313.

[0083] Since the rotor 311 and the communication device 312 are the same as the above-described rotor 31 and communication device 302, respectively, the description thereof is omitted.

[0084] The control unit 313 is configured to be able to control the operations of the rotor 311, the communication device 312, etc.

[0085] (Inter-axle power transmission system) Since the inter-axle power transmission system in this example is the same as the inter-axle power transmission system in an example of the above data collection system, the description thereof is omitted.

[0086] (Server) Server 410 is the same as the above server 400, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0087] (Operation Example) FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of a further example of the data collection system of the present disclosure.

[0088] First, the drone 310 lands on the data collection device 210 (S100).

[0089] Due to the landing of this drone 310, the starting means 214 provided at the landing point operates to generate a landing detection signal, transmit the landing detection signal to the communication means 215, and the drone rotation shaft engaging means of the drone rotation shaft of the rotary wing 311 of the drone 310 being rotated by the driving device engages or contacts the power generation means rotation shaft engaging means of the power generation means 212 of the data collection device 210, whereby the power generation means 212 generates electricity and supplies the generated power to the storage battery 213 (S200).

[0090] Next, the communication means 215 transmits the data collected by the data collection device 210 to the communication device 312 of the drone 310 (S300), and the communication device 312 stores or saves the received data, for example, in its storage device (S400).

[0091] Then, after the charging of the storage battery 213 is completed, the drone 310 takes off from the data collection device 210, moves within a range where it can communicate with the server 410 (S500), and then transmits the data acquired from the data collection device 210 to the server 410 (S600).

[0092] Thus, in this example, it is possible to regularly and easily supply power to a data collection device installed in a place where it is difficult or impossible to lay power transmission and distribution lines (see FIGS. 16 and 17 for example), and since data can be acquired from the data collection device in the vicinity of the data collection device, even when the data collection device is installed in an environment with many obstacles / metals where long-distance wireless methods such as LPWA cannot be used via the Internet or in a harsh environment where it is difficult for people to enter (see FIGS. 16 and 17 for example), data can be easily or surely acquired from the data collection device.

[0093] Furthermore, in this example, when it is planned to change the installation location of the data collection device, even if it is possible to lay power transmission and distribution lines, it is not necessary to newly lay power transmission and distribution lines every time there is a change, so it can be used for purposes such as wide-area environmental surveys.

[0094] In addition, in S200, when the landing point of the drone 310 is different from the shaft engagement area, after the drone 310 activates the starting means 214 by its landing, it is also possible to move to the shaft engagement area and drive the power generation means 212 through the engagement of both shafts. Also, when the landing point of the drone 310 is different from the shaft engagement area and the starting means 214 is provided in the shaft engagement area instead of the landing point, the drone 310 can also activate the starting means 214 and drive the power generation means 212 when it moves from the landing point and reaches the shaft engagement area.

[0095] Also, in S500, the end of the charging of the storage battery 213 does not necessarily mean a full charge of the storage battery 213. The degree of charging of the storage battery 213 can be appropriately determined according to the available energy amount of the drone 310.

[0096] (Installation location of the data collection device) FIGS. 16 and 17 show examples of the installation locations of the data collection device of the present disclosure.

[0097] FIG. 16 shows an example in which the data collection device 220 is installed in a mountain forest area where radio waves hardly reach. Even in such a place, according to the present disclosure, the drone 320 can supply power to the data collection device 220 and / or acquire data from the data collection device 220.

[0098] FIG. 17 shows an example in which the data collection device 220 is installed in an underground sewer or a narrow path where radio waves hardly reach and / or it is difficult for humans to enter. Even in such a place, according to the present disclosure, the drone 320 can supply power to the data collection device 220 and / or acquire data from the data collection device 220.

[0099] The above control unit (or control circuit) can be configured using so-called hardware resources (information processing devices, computers), and those having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 18 can be used. For example, the hardware resource 1000 can include a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a network interface 1003, etc., which are interconnected by an internal bus 1004.

[0100] However, the configuration shown in FIG. 18 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the hardware resource 1000. The hardware resource 1000 may include hardware not shown (for example, an input / output interface). For the processor 1001, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. can be used.

[0101] Also, for the memory 1002, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. can be used. Here, the memory 1002 can store a predetermined threshold value regarding the above predetermined physical quantity, and can also store a control program for performing the above control.

[0102] Furthermore, for the network interface 1003, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) card, a network adapter, a network interface card, etc. can be used.

[0103] Furthermore, the functions of the hardware resources 1000 are realized by a processing module. The processing module is realized, for example, when the processor 1001 executes a program stored in the memory 1002. Also, the program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. Furthermore, the above processing module may be realized by a semiconductor chip. That is, the functions performed by the above processing module may be realized as long as software is executed in some hardware.

[0104] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as follows in the appended claims, but are not limited thereto. [Appendix 1] A data collection device provided with a sensor for collecting data. The data collection device has a power generation means rotation shaft for converting rotational force into electric power, and a storage battery for storing the electric power generated by the power generation means and includes; The power generation means rotation shaft is configured to engage with the drone rotation shaft so as to be rotated by the rotation of the drone rotation shaft of the drone's rotor. [Appendix 2] In the above data collection device, the data collection device further includes a starting means and a communication means; The starting means is configured to start the communication means when detecting the landing of the drone; The communication means is configured to transmit the data collected by the sensor to the drone when started by the starting means. [Appendix 3] In the above data collection device, The data collection device includes a fixing device that fixes the position of the drone in a state where the rotation shaft of the power generation means and the rotation shaft of the drone are engaged. [Appendix 4] A drone including (at least one) rotor blade. The rotor blade has a drone rotation shaft; The drone rotation shaft is configured to engage with the power generation means rotation shaft of the power generation means provided in the data collection device so that the rotation of the drone rotation shaft rotates the power generation means rotation shaft. [Appendix 5] In the above drone, The drone includes a communication device that receives data transmitted from the data collection device. [Appendix 6] The above data collection device, and The above drone A data collection system including [Appendix 7] In the above data collection system, The data collection system further includes a server that acquires data received by the drone from the data collection device from the drone. [Appendix 8] A control program for a data collection system including a data collection device and a drone. The control program causes a computer to perform a process in which the drone lands on the data collection device, and a process in which the drone rotation shaft of the rotor blade of the drone engages with the power generation means rotation shaft of the power generation means of the data collection device so that the rotation of the drone rotation shaft rotates the power generation means rotation shaft be executed. [Appendix 8a] The above control program causes a computer to perform a process in which the power generation means supplies power generated by the engagement to a battery of the data collection device be further executed. [Appendix 8b] The above control program causes a computer to a process of causing the storage battery to store the electric power supplied from the power generation means is further executed. [Appendix 9] In the above control program, the control program causes a computer to when the data collection device detects the landing of the drone, transmit the data collected by the sensor of the data collection device to the drone is further executed. [Appendix 10] In the above control program, the data collection system further includes a server; the control program causes a computer to acquire, from the drone, the data received by the drone from the data collection device by the server is further executed. [Appendix 11] A control method for a data collection system including a data collection device and a drone. The control method includes a step of the drone landing on the data collection device, and a step of engaging the drone rotation axis of the drone's rotor with the power generation means rotation axis of the power generation means of the data collection device so that the rotation of the drone rotation axis rotates the power generation means rotation axis including. [Appendix 11a] The above control method includes a step of the power generation means supplying the electric power generated by the engagement to the storage battery of the data collection device further including. [Appendix 11b] The above control method includes a step of the storage battery storing the electric power supplied from the power generation means further including. [Appendix 12] In the above control method, the control method includes When the data collection device detects the landing of the drone, a step of transmitting the data collected by the sensor of the data collection device to the drone further includes. [Appendix 13] In the above control method, the data collection system further includes a server; the control method is a step of the server obtaining from the drone the data received by the drone from the data collection device further includes. [Appendix 14] A data collection device provided with a sensor for collecting data. The data collection device includes a starting means and a communication means; The starting means is configured to start the communication means when detecting the landing of the drone; The communication means is configured to transmit the data collected by the sensor to the drone when started by the starting means. [Appendix 15] In the above data collection device, the data collection device includes a fixing device for fixing the position of the drone that has landed on the data collection device. [Appendix 16] The rotation shaft of the power generation means is provided with an engagement means of the rotation shaft of the power generation means that can be engaged or contacted with the engagement means of the rotation shaft of the drone in the region of its free end. [Appendix 17] The engagement means of the rotation shaft of the power generation means is attached or formed in the region of the free end of the rotation shaft of the power generation means. [Appendix 18] The engagement means of the rotation shaft of the power generation means is a rubber-like columnar member with a high coefficient of friction attached to the region of the free end of the rotation shaft of the power generation means. [Appendix 19] The engagement means of the rotation shaft of the power generation means is a gear attached or formed in the region of the free end of the rotation shaft of the power generation means. [Appendix 20] The drone rotating shaft is provided, in the region of its free end, with a drone rotating shaft engaging means that can engage or come into contact with the power generation means rotating shaft engaging means of the power generation means rotating shaft. [Appendix 21] The drone rotating shaft engaging means is attached or formed in the region of the free end of the drone rotating shaft. [Appendix 22] The drone rotating shaft engaging means is a columnar member made of rubber with a high coefficient of friction, attached in the region of the free end of the drone rotating shaft. [Appendix 23] The drone rotating shaft engaging means is a gear attached or formed in the region of the free end of the drone rotating shaft. [Appendix 24] The power generation means rotating shaft engaging means and the drone rotating shaft engaging means are configured to engage or come into contact directly or indirectly via an appropriate transmission mechanism.

[0105] Within the framework of the entire disclosure of the present invention (including the claims), further modifications and adjustments of the embodiments or examples can be made based on its basic technical concept. Also, within the framework of the entire disclosure of the present invention, various combinations, or selections (including partial deletion) of various disclosure elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. That is to say, the present invention naturally includes all various deformations and modifications that could be made by those skilled in the art according to the entire disclosure including the claims and the technical concept.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0106] 10 Data collection system 20 Data collection device 21 Sensor 22 Power generation means 22a Power generation means rotating shaft 22b, 22b1~22b4 Power generation means rotating shaft engaging means 23 Battery 24 Control unit 30 Drone 31 Rotor 31a Drone rotating shaft 31b, 31b1 to 31b4 Drone Rotating Shaft Engagement Means 32 Control Unit 100 Data Collection System 200 Data Collection Device 201 Sensor 202 Activation Means 203 Communication Means 204 Control Unit 300 Drone 301 Rotor 302 Communication Device 303 Control Unit 400 Server 401 Communication Unit 402 Control Unit 403 Memory Unit 404 Transmission Unit 110 Data Collection System 210 Data Collection Device 211 Sensor 212 Power Generation Means 213 Battery 214 Activation Means 215 Communication Means 216 Control Unit 310 Drone 311 Rotor 312 Communication Device 313 Control Unit 410 Server 220 Data Collection Device 320 Drone 1000 Hardware Resources 1001 Processor 1002 Memory 1003 Network Interface 1004 Internal Bus

Claims

1. A data collection device comprising a sensor for collecting data, wherein the data collection device comprises a power generation means having a power generation means rotating shaft for converting rotational force into electric power, and a storage battery for storing the electric power generated by the power generation means ; the power generation means rotating shaft is configured to engage with the drone rotating shaft of the drone's rotor so as to be rotated by the rotation of the drone rotating shaft characterized in that it is a data collection device.

2. In the data collection device according to Claim 1, the data collection device further comprises a starting means and a communication means, the starting means is configured to start the communication means when detecting the landing of the drone, the communication means is configured to transmit the data collected by the sensor to the drone when started by the starting means characterized in that it is a data collection device.

3. In the data collection device according to Claim 1, the data collection device includes a fixing device for fixing the position of the drone in a state where the power generation means rotating shaft and the drone rotating shaft are engaged characterized in that it is a data collection device.

4. A drone including a rotor, wherein the rotor has a drone rotating shaft, the drone rotating shaft is configured to engage with the power generation means rotating shaft of the power generation means provided in the data collection device so as to rotate the power generation means rotating shaft by the rotation of the drone rotating shaft characterized in that it is a drone.

5. In the drone according to Claim 4, the drone includes a communication device for receiving the data transmitted from the data collection device characterized in that it is a drone.

6. A data collection system including the data collection device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, and the drone according to Claim 4 or 5 .

7. In the data collection system according to Claim 6, the data collection system further includes a server for acquiring the data received by the drone from the data collection device from the drone characterized in that it is a data collection system.

8. A control program for a data collection system including a data collection device and a drone, the control program causes a computer to perform the process of the drone landing on the data collection device, and The process of engaging the rotation axis of the drone's rotor with the rotation axis of the power generation means of the data collection device so that the rotation of the rotation axis of the drone causes the rotation axis of the power generation means of the data collection device to rotate to execute A control program characterized by the above.

9. In the control program according to claim 8 The control program causes a computer to when the data collection device detects the landing of the drone, the process of transmitting the data collected by the sensor of the data collection device to the drone to further execute A control program characterized by the above.

10. In the control program according to claim 9 The data collection system further includes a server The control program causes a computer to the process of the server acquiring from the drone the data received by the drone from the data collection device to further execute A control program characterized by the above.

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