Unmanned aircraft containment

Abstract

The present invention provides a carrier for unmanned aerial vehicles that is suitable for the takeoff and landing of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles and is also transportable. [Solution] The present invention provides a container for unmanned aerial vehicles for accommodating and transporting multiple unmanned aerial vehicles, wherein the container includes a takeoff and landing area for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles that appears when the container is opened, and the takeoff and landing area includes a marker that serves as a unique landing target for each unmanned aerial vehicle, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the power supply unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the marker is recognized by an image sensor installed on the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for unmanned aerial vehicles, and particularly to a container for unmanned aerial vehicles capable of transporting a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as drones, small helicopters, or multicopters has been spreading, and devices for appropriately taking off and landing unmanned aerial vehicles have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In recent years, drone shows in which a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles fly in formation, synchronize with each other, fly on various routes, and create patterns to entertain audiences are becoming popular. Drone shows require the use of a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles, and it is necessary to prepare an appropriate takeoff and landing environment for each unmanned aerial vehicle. The number of unmanned aerial vehicles used in drone shows has been increasing, and it has been predicted that the labor required to prepare the transportation and takeoff / landing environment for unmanned aerial vehicles will increase as the number of vehicles increases. Note that the landing system of the multicopter disclosed in Patent Document 1 assumes the takeoff and landing of one multicopter, and no consideration has been given to the takeoff, landing, and transportation of multiple multicopters.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a container for unmanned aerial vehicles that is suitable for the takeoff and landing of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles and can be transported. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In other words, the unmanned aircraft carrier according to the first embodiment is an unmanned aircraft carrier for accommodating and transporting a plurality of unmanned aircraft, wherein the carrier is equipped with a takeoff and landing area for the plurality of unmanned aircraft that appears when the carrier is opened, and the takeoff and landing area is equipped with a marker that serves as a unique landing target for each unmanned aircraft, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the power supply unit of the unmanned aircraft.

[0007] In the second embodiment, the marker portion of the unmanned aerial vehicle housing according to the first embodiment may be recognized by an image sensor installed on the unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0008] A third embodiment is a container for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the marker portion is a landing target for an automatic landing function that lowers the altitude of an unmanned aerial vehicle that has flown above the container and lands it, either by the automatic pilot function or remote control of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0009] A fourth embodiment is a container for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to the second embodiment, wherein the identification mark is a two-dimensional code associated with the aircraft number of each unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0010] A fifth embodiment is a housing for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to the first embodiment, in which the power supply unit may supply power to the power supply unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle by contactless charging.

[0011] A sixth embodiment is a housing for an unmanned aircraft according to the first embodiment, wherein the housing may be detachable and include a lid that closes the opening of the housing.

[0012] A seventh embodiment is a housing for an unmanned aircraft according to the first embodiment, wherein the housing may be provided with a partition that demarcates a takeoff and landing area for each unmanned aircraft.

[0013] The eighth aspect is a housing for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to the first aspect, wherein the housing may be configured such that a stacking structure is formed between two adjacent housings by stacking multiple housings on top of each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) housing according to the present invention is an UAV housing for housing and transporting multiple UAVs, and the housing is characterized by having a takeoff and landing area for multiple UAVs that appears when the housing is opened, and the takeoff and landing area is equipped with a marker that serves as a unique landing target for each UAV and a power supply unit that supplies power to the power supply unit of the UAV, so that it is suitable for transporting multiple UAVs taking off and landing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view of the unmanned aircraft housing in the open state according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of the housing in the open state, with the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the first embodiment housed inside. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the housing in the open state, containing the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the housing for the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the first embodiment, in a closed state. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the external appearance of the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an unmanned aerial vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure for landing an unmanned aircraft in the takeoff and landing area according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a front view illustrating the charging of the power supply unit of an unmanned aerial vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the stacking structure of the housing for the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a stacked state of the containers of the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the containers of the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the first embodiment in a stacked state. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the container of the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a top view showing a state in which a plurality of containers of the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the second embodiment are arranged side by side. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a stacked state of the containers of the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a stacked state of the containers of the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which the stacked containers of the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the second embodiment are placed on the loading platform of a truck. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the stacked containers of the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the stacked containers of the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the second embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] (Regarding the configuration of the container 1) The container 1 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 11, also known as a drone, small helicopter, or multicopter, is an unmanned aircraft that flies by wireless remote control or autonomous control. Specifically, an unmanned aerial vehicle 11 is a small quadcopter (an aircraft equipped with four motors), but the number of motors is not limited to this, and it may be an aircraft equipped with six, eight, or other motors.

[0017] The containment unit 1 is used to contain and transport multiple unmanned aerial vehicles 11. The containment unit 1 is a container that can hold multiple unmanned aerial vehicles 11 without damage and can be carried by a person. It may also be called a bag, case, trunk, container, utensil, or vessel. In the first embodiment, the housing 1 can house and carry six unmanned aerial vehicles 11, but it is not limited to six vehicles; the housing 1 may be capable of housing and carrying five or fewer, or seven or more, unmanned aerial vehicles 11. The interior of containment unit 1 is equipped with six containment spaces (40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45) for unmanned aircraft 11, with one unmanned aircraft 11 being housed in each of the containment spaces (40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45).

[0018] The storage space 40 consists of a main body storage space 40a provided in the main body 2 of the storage unit and a lid storage space 40b provided in the lid 3. The same configuration applies to the storage spaces 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46, as well as the main body storage spaces 41a, 42a, 43a, 44a, 45a, and 46a, and the lid storage spaces 41b, 42b, 43b, 44b, 45b, and 46b.

[0019] The container 1 comprises a container body 2 and a lid 3. The container 1 includes a lid 3 that closes the opening 6 of the container 1. The lid 3 is detachably attached to the container 1. That is, the lid 3 is separable from the container body 2. The housing body 2 forms the main body of the housing 1, is surrounded by the outer frame 4 of the body, and has an opening 6 on its upper surface. The lid portion 3 serves as the lid of the container 1, is surrounded by the outer frame 5 of the lid portion, and can be opened and closed to seal the opening 6 of the container 1. The containment unit 1 is equipped with partitions that demarcate the takeoff and landing area 13 for each unmanned aircraft 11. The partition section is composed of a main body partition section 7 and a lid partition section 8. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the internal space of the main body 2 of the housing is divided into six sections in a 2x3 grid by the main body partition 7, providing six main body housing spaces (40a, 41a, 42a, 43a, 44a, 45a). As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the internal space of the lid 3 is divided into six sections in a 2x3 grid by the lid partition 8, providing six lid storage spaces (40b, 41b, 42b, 43b, 44b, 45b).

[0020] The containment unit 1 includes a takeoff and landing area 13 that appears when the containment unit 1 is opened, where multiple unmanned aircraft 11 take off and land. A takeoff and landing area 13a is provided on the bottom surface of the storage space 40, that is, on the bottom surface of the main body storage space 40a. The unmanned aircraft 11a is housed in the storage space 40 and takes off and lands using the takeoff and landing area 13a. The same configuration applies to the following storage spaces 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 (main body storage spaces 41a, 42a, 43a, 44a, 45a), and the take-off and landing areas 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f. The same configuration also applies to the unmanned aircraft 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, storage spaces 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, and take-off and landing areas 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f.

[0021] The lower half of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 is housed in the main body storage space (40a, 41a, 42a, 43a, 44a, 45a), and the upper half of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 is housed in the lid storage space (40b, 41b, 42b, 43b, 44b, 45b). Therefore, when the lid 3 of the housing 1 is detached from the housing body 2 and the housing 1 is open, the upper half of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 is outside the housing 1.

[0022] The takeoff and landing areas (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f) are the areas where the unmanned aircraft 11 takes off and lands, and have the necessary area for the unmanned aircraft 11 to take off and land. As described above, the lower half of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 is the part housed in the main body storage space (40a, 41a, 42a, 43a, 44a, 45a). In the first embodiment, this refers to the part from 0% of the total height of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 (i.e., the ground contact point) to 50% of the total height. However, it is not limited to this, and may also refer to the part from 0% to 60% of the total height of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, or to the part up to 80% of the total height.

[0023] As described above, the upper half of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 is the part housed in the lid storage space (40b, 41b, 42b, 43b, 44b, 45b), and in the first embodiment, it refers to the part from 50% to 100% of the total height of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. However, it is not limited to this, and may also be the part from 60% to 100% of the total height of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, or the part from 80% to 100% of the total height.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, the storage unit 1 is equipped with a handle 1a and a hook-down type lock 1b. Handle 1a is the part that a person carrying the container 1 grips with their hand. The hook-down type lock mechanism 1b locks the device by hooking the hook 1c attached to the lid 3 onto the hook 1d attached to the main body 2 of the storage unit (see Figure 4).

[0025] The inside of the main body outer frame 4, the inside of the lid outer frame 5, the main body partition 7, and the lid partition 8 are molded using a cushioning material to suppress external impacts from being applied to the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. Examples of cushioning materials include foamed plastic and sponge. Foamed plastics, sometimes called plastic foams or synthetic resin foams, are porous plastics that have been made porous by incorporating air bubbles. For example, synthetic resins such as polyurethane, polystyrene, and polyolefins (polyethylene or polypropylene, etc.) are mainly used as raw materials. A sponge is a type of plastic material that resembles sea sponges.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the main body 2 of the container and the lid 3 are connected by a first hinge 9 and a second hinge 10, allowing the lid 3 to be freely opened and closed relative to the main body 2 of the container. A hinge is a metal fitting that supports and connects two objects, such as a door or a box lid, by an axis when opening and closing them. The first hinge 9 and the second hinge 10 can be disassembled by removing the pin (not shown) that serves as the rotation center of the movable part of the first hinge 9 and the second hinge 10, and the lid 3 can be separated from the housing body 2. The disassembled first hinge 9 and second hinge 10 can be returned to their original state by returning the pin (not shown), which is the rotation center of the movable part of the first hinge 9 and second hinge 10, to its original position, and the lid 3 can be attached to the housing body 2.

[0027] The takeoff and landing area 13 includes a marker section 12 and a power supply section. The power supply unit consists of a contactless power supply unit 14 and a power supply unit connector 15. The non-contact power supply unit 14 is used when power is supplied by non-contact means, and the power supply unit connector 15 is used when power is supplied by contact. Each of the markers 12 is associated with each unmanned aircraft 11, and each unmanned aircraft 11 becomes a unique landing target. The contactless power supply unit 14 and the power supply unit connector 15 supply power to the power supply unit of the unmanned aircraft 11. Each of the takeoff and landing areas 13 is equipped with a marker unit 12 that stores unique and different information. For example, landing and takeoff area 13a is equipped with a marker unit 12a that stores information A, landing and takeoff area 13b is equipped with a marker unit 12b that stores information B, landing and takeoff area 13c is equipped with a marker unit 12c that stores information C, landing and takeoff area 13d is equipped with a marker unit 12d that stores information D, landing and takeoff area 13e is equipped with a marker unit e that stores information E, and landing and takeoff area 13f is equipped with a marker unit f that stores information F. Note that Information A, Information B, Information C, Information D, Information E, and Information F are all different pieces of information and do not overlap.

[0028] The marker portion 12 is recognized by the image sensor 36 installed on the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. The image sensors 36 are installed on each of the unmanned aerial vehicles 11 and are used for capturing video and for real-time image processing. The image sensor 36 recognizes the marker portion 12 by placing it inside the field of view of the image sensor 36, and reads and acquires the information recorded on the marker portion 12. The image sensor 36 is mainly a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, but is not limited to these and other types of image sensors may be used. CCD sensors offer high image quality, low noise, and excellent performance even in low-light environments, resulting in high image quality. CMOS sensors offer high-speed readout, low power consumption, and reduced manufacturing costs.

[0029] The unmanned aerial vehicle 11 acquires information stored in a marker unit 12 installed in the takeoff and landing area 13 used for its own takeoff and landing. The unmanned aerial vehicle 11 then recognizes the marker unit 12 containing the acquired information with its image sensor 36 and performs a landing using the takeoff and landing area 13 assigned to it. The information stored in the marker unit 12 refers to the identification information of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 associated with the takeoff and landing area 13. Specifically, it refers to the identification information of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 that takes off and lands using the takeoff and landing area 13, such as the aircraft number of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 or the nickname assigned to the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. The unmanned aerial vehicle 11 reads the information stored in the marker unit 12 using the image sensor 36, and if the information read includes its own identification information, it lands in the takeoff and landing area 13 where the marker unit 12, which is being captured by the image sensor 36, is installed.

[0030] For example, suppose information A is assigned to the unmanned aerial vehicle 11a as unique identification information for the unmanned aerial vehicle 11a. Information A is stored in a marker unit 12a installed in the takeoff and landing area 13a used for the takeoff and landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11a. When the unmanned aerial vehicle 11a acquires information A stored in the marker unit 12a installed in the takeoff and landing area 13a used for its own takeoff and landing in search mode, the unmanned aerial vehicle 11a, in automatic landing mode, uses the image sensor 36 to capture the marker unit 12a on which the acquired information A is recorded, and gradually lowers its altitude to the takeoff and landing area 13a assigned to it as a landing target and performs a landing. Hereafter, the examples of unmanned aircraft 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, and 11f are the same as those of unmanned aircraft 11a, and the configuration is the same for unmanned aircraft 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, and 11f, information B, C, D, E, F, takeoff and landing areas 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, and 13f, and marker sections 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, and 12f.

[0031] The identification mark 12 is a two-dimensional code associated with the aircraft number of each unmanned aerial vehicle 11. The marker section 12 can be a two-dimensional code, such as a QR code (registered trademark) or an AR marker. A two-dimensional code is a type of barcode that can store information in both horizontal and vertical directions. Unlike one-dimensional barcodes, it can store a lot of information in a small area, resulting in high recording density and stable reading. Furthermore, the marker section 12 may be equipped with multiple two-dimensional codes. For example, the marker section 12 may display two or three two-dimensional codes side by side.

[0032] Therefore, the unmanned aircraft 11 uses the takeoff and landing area 13, which is equipped with a marker unit 12 on which the aircraft number of each unmanned aircraft 11 is recorded as information, for its own takeoff and landing. The unmanned aircraft 11 then uses the marker unit 12 on which the aircraft number of its own is recorded, recognized and captured by the image sensor 36 as a clue, to land using the takeoff and landing area 13 assigned to it. For example, if the information A mentioned above is the aircraft number A of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11a, then the unmanned aerial vehicle 11a will use the takeoff and landing area 13a, where the marker unit 12a containing its aircraft number A is installed, for takeoff and landing. Under automatic landing mode, the unmanned aerial vehicle 11a will use the image sensor 36 to detect the marker unit 12a containing the aircraft number A, and will gradually lower its altitude to land in the takeoff and landing area 13a assigned to it, using it as the landing target. Hereafter, the same configuration applies to the unmanned aircraft 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, aircraft numbers B, C, D, E, F, markers 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, and takeoff / landing areas 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, as well as to the examples of information B, C, D, E, and F. Furthermore, the identification information associated with the marker unit 12 is not limited to the aircraft number of each unmanned aerial vehicle 11, but is not particularly limited to any identification information unique to the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 that enables the identification of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. The unmanned aerial vehicle 11 and the marker unit 12 may be associated with each other through the identification information of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. That is, the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 lands using the takeoff and landing area 13 where the marker unit 12, which stores the identification information assigned to it, is installed. The identification information of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 may be, for example, the manufacturing number of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, an individually assigned nickname, and the manufacturing number of the parts of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. Furthermore, the marker portion 12 may be a one-dimensional code. An example of a one-dimensional code is a barcode.

[0033] The marker 12 is a landing target for the automatic landing function, which lowers the altitude of the unmanned aircraft 11 that has flown above the containment unit 1 and lands it, either through the automatic pilot function of the unmanned aircraft 11 or through remote control. Note that altitude refers to the height of a point in the air, while elevation, as described later, refers to the height of land. The unmanned aerial vehicle 11 may be controlled remotely by a control device. Alternatively, the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 may be controlled by an autopilot function that allows it to fly autonomously, unlike remote control. Remote control includes manual operation by a person and programmed operation where the control device operates according to a pre-programmed program implemented in the control device. Autopilot functions include autonomous flight and automatic flight. Autonomous flight refers to the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 11 recognizing its surroundings and flying to its destination while avoiding obstacles. This autonomous flight involves making decisions in real time using the GPS receiver 31, various sensors, image sensor 36, and AI technology described later. For example, obstacle avoidance and automatic tracking functions fall under the category of autonomous flight. Autonomous flight refers to flying according to a pre-set route or instructions, and means flying according to a program that has been created in advance and implemented in the unmanned aircraft 11. The autonomous aircraft flies according to specified coordinates, for example, by using GPS or RTK (Real-time kinematic) technology. In both autonomous flight and automatic flight, the unmanned aircraft 11 flies autonomously, but automatic flight has a more limited ability to perceive the surrounding environment compared to autonomous flight. RTK refers to a technology that improves the accuracy of positional information by incorporating correction position information from a proprietary ground-based reference station in addition to positional information obtained from existing satellite positioning systems.

[0034] Referring to Figure 7, the procedure for landing the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 in the takeoff and landing area 13 will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure for landing the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 in the takeoff and landing area 13 according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Step 1: Flying above containment body 1 (Step S60) The unmanned aerial vehicle 11 flies above the containment unit 1 via an autopilot function or remote control. The unmanned aerial vehicle 11 is controlled based on its current position acquired by the GPS receiver 31, and flies above (in the air) the containment unit 1, aiming for the location of the containment unit 1's installation site, which was acquired in advance. Location information may be expressed in coordinates such as Cartesian coordinates, geographic coordinates, polar coordinates, and cylindrical coordinates. A geographic coordinate system is a set of coordinates that represent a location on Earth. In two dimensions, it is represented by latitude and longitude, and in three dimensions, by latitude, longitude, and elevation. The unmanned aircraft 11 may acquire the position information of the containment unit 1 as the position information of its own home point. The home point refers to the location from which the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 took off, and is the location to which the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 returns automatically when the anomaly detection unit 26b of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 detects an anomaly, as described later. The unmanned aerial vehicle 11 may also set the location from which it took off as its home point.

[0036] Step 2: Start exploration mode (Step S61) The unmanned aerial vehicle 11 will enter exploration mode once it arrives above containment unit 1. The search mode refers to the process of hovering above the containment unit 1 while searching for the marker unit 12 associated with the aircraft. Hovering refers to the continuous maintenance of a constant altitude and position, as well as horizontal movement within a limited area while maintaining a constant altitude. In search mode, the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 hovers and uses the image sensor 36 to search for a marker 12 associated with itself. It reads the information stored in the marker 12 that enters the field of view of the image sensor 36 and determines whether or not it is a marker 12 associated with itself. The unmanned aerial vehicle 11 continues the search mode until the marker 12 captured by the image sensor 36 is recognized as a marker 12 associated with itself.

[0037] Step 3: Recognize the associated marker part 12 (Step S62) The unmanned aerial vehicle 11 continues in search mode until it recognizes the marker 12 associated with itself. The unmanned aerial vehicle 11 reads the information stored in the marker portion 12 that has entered the field of view of the image sensor 36. If the information is the same as the identification information assigned to the vehicle (for example, the vehicle's serial number), the vehicle determines that the marker portion 12 that has entered the field of view of the image sensor 36 is the marker portion 12 associated with the vehicle, and recognizes the marker portion 12 associated with the vehicle.

[0038] Step 4: Start automatic landing mode (Step S63) The unmanned aerial vehicle 11 exits search mode and enters automatic landing mode. Under automatic landing mode, the unmanned aircraft 11 stops hovering and controls its position so that the marker 12 associated with the aircraft is in the center of the field of view of the image sensor 36, while gradually lowering its altitude. Automatic landing mode refers to the process in which the unmanned aircraft 11, using its automatic landing function, gradually lowers its altitude towards a predetermined landing target and autonomously lands at the target.

[0039] Step 5: Landing in Takeoff / Landing Area 13 (Step S64) The unmanned aerial vehicle 11 gradually lowers its altitude using its automatic landing function and touches down in the takeoff and landing area 13 to land. Upon landing, the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 terminates the automatic landing mode. By detecting the landmark 12 with the image sensor 36 and landing in automatic landing mode, the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 can land accurately at the target position even if there is an error in the position of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 due to the position control described above.

[0040] (Regarding the configuration of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11) The configuration of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the external appearance of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, and Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. As shown in Figure 5, the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 has a main body 18 in the center and four arms 19 extending in all directions from the main body 18. The tips of the four arms 19 are equipped with propellers 20. The propellers 20 are rotationally driven by a flight drive mechanism 30 (see Figure 6) which consists of a motor and the like. Specifically, the tip of the first arm 19a is equipped with a first propeller 20a, the tip of the second arm 19b is equipped with a second propeller 20b, the tip of the third arm 19c is equipped with a third propeller 20c, and the tip of the fourth arm 19d is equipped with a fourth propeller 20d. The propeller 20 shown in Figure 5 is a two-bladed propeller, but it may also be a three-bladed or four-bladed propeller.

[0041] As shown in Figure 6, the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 includes hardware components such as a communication unit 22, ROM 23, RAM 24, storage unit 25, control unit 26, power supply unit (battery 27), and input / output interface 28. Furthermore, the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 is equipped with hardware components such as a flight drive unit (motor) 29, a flight drive mechanism (rotor) 30, a GPS receiver 31, an illuminance sensor 32, a geomagnetic sensor 33, an altitude sensor 34, a gyro sensor 35, an image sensor 36, a battery charging unit 37, and a light-emitting unit (LED) 21. These components are connected to the control unit 26 via an input / output interface 28, enabling bidirectional data communication.

[0042] The communication unit 22 is primarily used for wireless communication between the control device (not shown) and other unmanned aerial vehicles 11. The communication method of the communication unit 22 is not particularly limited and may include Wi-Fi®, LoRa®, Zigbee®, microwave radio, broadcast radio, satellite communication, etc. The communication unit 22 may also perform wireless communication between the control device and other unmanned aerial vehicles 11 via a wireless antenna (not shown).

[0043] The ROM (Read Only Memory) 23 can be used as a recording device and stores firmware, various applications, and various data used for controlling the operation of each functional part of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 24 is used to configure the main memory accessed by the control unit 26, and may also be used to temporarily store data acquired from various sensors such as the GPS receiver 31 and the illuminance sensor 32 mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. The memory unit 25 is a recording medium such as an SD card or USB memory, or a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores the programming used for the automatic flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. Alternatively, the memory unit 25 may be used to temporarily store data acquired from various sensors such as the GPS receiver 31 and the illuminance sensor 32, instead of the RAM 24. Furthermore, the memory unit 25 may not be installed on the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, and the RAM 24 may perform the function of the memory unit 25.

[0044] The control unit 26 is mainly used to execute the firmware of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 and includes a central processing unit (CPU), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc., and is implemented by logic circuits (hardware) formed by integrated circuits (IC (Integrated Circuit) chips, LSI (Large Scale Integration)), etc., or by dedicated circuits. The battery 27 is the power source for the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, supplying power to various functional units. For example, a lithium polymer battery is used for the battery 27. The battery 27 is used under an overcharge protection function to protect against overcharging. In addition, the battery level of the battery 27 is monitored by a battery level check unit (not shown), and if the battery level falls below a predetermined value, the user is notified of the low battery level of the battery 27.

[0045] The input / output interface 28 is an interface for sending and receiving data to and from the flight drive unit 29, flight drive mechanism 30, GPS receiver 31, illuminance sensor 32, geomagnetic sensor 33, altitude sensor 34, gyro sensor 35, image sensor 36, battery charging unit 37, and light-emitting unit (LED) 21, etc. The input / output interface 28 uses different standards depending on the data being handled, and may support multiple standards. Examples of standards include USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and IEEE 1394.

[0046] The flight drive unit 29 controls the flight drive mechanism 30 based on the flight drive signal generated by the control unit 26. The flight drive mechanism 30 is a mechanism, consisting of a motor and the like, for rotating the propeller 20.

[0047] The GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 31 acquires the latitude, longitude, and altitude position information of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. The acquired position information of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 is stored in the RAM 24 or memory unit 25. In order to obtain more accurate position information, the current position may be corrected using radio waves from a mobile phone base station or radio waves from a wireless communication (Wi-Fi®, etc.) access point. Alternatively, the accuracy of the position information of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 may be improved by using a quasi-zenith satellite system or RTK-GPS (Real Time Kinematic - Global Positioning System). By improving the accuracy of the position information acquired by the GPS receiver 31, the accuracy of position control of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 is improved. The Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) is a satellite positioning system provided by Japan. Like GPS, it provides location information, but with higher accuracy. In particular, it improves positioning accuracy in certain regions of Japan. RTK-GPS improves the accuracy of positional information by incorporating corrected positional information from electronic reference points installed on the ground in addition to positional information obtained from GPS. While the typical positional error of positional information obtained from GPS is said to be around a few meters, the positional error of positional information obtained from RTK-GPS is said to be a few centimeters. In drone shows, formation flights are performed by multiple unmanned aerial vehicles 11, so each unmanned aerial vehicle 11 needs to be positioned in the air with high precision, and RTK-GPS may be used for this purpose.

[0048] The illuminance sensor 32 measures the illuminance in the surrounding area outside the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. The illuminance sensor 32 is mounted on each unmanned aircraft 11 and measures the external illuminance for each unmanned aircraft 11. The geomagnetic sensor 33 is used to detect the direction in which the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 is flying. The altitude sensor 34 is used to detect the current altitude of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, and for example, a barometric pressure sensor may be used as the altitude sensor 34. The gyro sensor 35 detects changes in acceleration in the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 and is used to detect the direction of travel, speed, and attitude of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. The image sensor 36 is used to detect objects that would obstruct the flight movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, for example, to prevent collisions with other unmanned aerial vehicles 11 and to detect the landing site of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11.

[0049] The battery charging unit 37 is provided on the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 and is electrically connected to the battery 27, which is the power source of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. It receives power from the power supply unit of the housing 1 and charges the battery 27. In other words, the power supply unit of the housing 1 supplies power to the battery 27, which is the power source of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, via the battery charging unit 37. In the first embodiment, contactless charging is employed for the battery 27, which is the power supply unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. In other words, the power supply unit of the housing 1 supplies power to the power supply unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 by contactless charging. Contactless charging may also be called wireless charging.

[0050] Referring to Figure 8, the charging of the battery 27, which is the power supply unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, will be explained. Figure 8 is a front view for explaining the charging of the power supply unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, with Figure 8(a) showing the charging of the power supply unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 in the first embodiment and Figure 8(b) showing the charging of the power supply unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 in another embodiment. As shown in Figure 8(a), the non-contact charging unit 37a, which is the battery charging unit 37 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, is installed at the bottom of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. As shown in Figure 1, the containment unit 1 has a contactless power supply unit 14 installed in the center of the takeoff and landing area 13, which serves as the power supply unit. The marker portion 12 may be installed on the upper surface of the contactless power supply portion 14, or it may be installed in the vicinity of the contactless power supply portion 14.

[0051] Under the automatic landing function described above, the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 gradually lowers its altitude while detecting the landmark 12 with the image sensor 36 and lands in the takeoff and landing area 13. As a result, the contactless charging unit 37a is positioned face-to-face with the contactless power supply unit 14, at a distance that allows for contactless charging. The contactless charging by the contactless charging unit 37a and the contactless power supply unit 14 employs an electromagnetic induction method. In the electromagnetic induction method, a power receiving coil is built into the contactless charging unit 37a and a power transmitting coil is built into the contactless power supply unit 14. By passing an electric current through the power transmitting coil, a magnetic flux is generated, which is then induced in the power receiving coil to transmit electricity.

[0052] The following describes the procedure for contactless charging as described above. (1) Before contactless charging begins, a signal is sent from the power transmission coil (contactless power supply unit 14) to search for the power receiving coil (contactless charging unit 37a). (2) When the receiving coil is detected, current begins to flow through the transmitting coil. (3) This initiates electromagnetic induction, and current begins to flow through the receiving coil. (4) Current flows through the power receiving coil, generating power which is then supplied to the battery 27.

[0053] Referring to Figure 8(b), the charging of the battery 27, which is the power supply unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 according to another embodiment, will be described. In other embodiments, the battery 27, which is the power supply unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, is powered by contact between the power supply unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 and the power supply unit of the housing 1, i.e., powered by a wire. As shown in Figure 8(b), the charging connector 37b, which is the battery charging unit 37 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, is installed on the bottom of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. The containment unit 1 has a power supply connector 15 installed in the center of the takeoff and landing area 13. The marker 12 is installed in the vicinity of the power supply connector 15.

[0054] Under the automatic landing function described above, the unmanned aircraft 11 gradually lowers its altitude while detecting the landmark 12 with the image sensor 36 and lands in the takeoff / landing area 13, thereby connecting the charging connector 37b and the power supply connector 15. Contact charging via the charging connector 37b and the power supply connector 15 begins when the two are connected, causing the pins built into both to make contact and initiate power flow.

[0055] The light-emitting unit 21 is used to illuminate the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, and mainly LEDs are used. The LED may be a single-color LED or a multi-color LED. A multi-color LED is one that produces a variety of colors by mixing three colors of light, RGB (red, green, blue) or four colors of light, RGBW (red, green, blue, white). The light-emitting unit 21 may also emit laser light. The LEDs used in the light-emitting section 21 should ideally be lightweight, highly durable, highly efficient, and highly bright.

[0056] The control unit 26 loads the firmware stored in the ROM 23 into the main memory, which is composed of RAM 24 and the like. The control unit 26 accesses the main memory into which the firmware has been loaded and executes the firmware. By executing the firmware, the control unit 26 provides a functional configuration including an acquisition unit 26a, an anomaly detection unit 26b, an anomaly notification unit 26c, an autopilot function unit 26d, a remote control unit 26e, and an automatic landing function unit 26f.

[0057] The acquisition unit 26a acquires various types of information sent from the control device. For example, the acquisition unit 26a acquires location information of the installation location of the housing 1, and commands based on remote operation by the control device.

[0058] The anomaly detection unit 26b detects an anomaly in the machine itself. The anomaly detection unit 26b detects the occurrence of anomalies in each functional component that constitutes the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, which is the aircraft itself, before and during flight. Each functional component includes the hardware configuration of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 and the functional configuration of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 as described above. The anomaly detection unit 26b detects anomalies that occur in these hardware configurations and functional configurations of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11. An abnormality includes an abnormality of the battery 27, specifically when the remaining charge of the battery 27 falls below a threshold. The anomaly detection unit 26b detects an anomaly in the battery 27 if the remaining charge of the battery 27 is insufficient for the planned operating time of the unmanned aircraft 11, and determines that the remaining charge of the battery 27 is below a threshold.

[0059] The abnormality notification unit 26c notifies the control system of abnormality information regarding the aircraft's malfunction. When the anomaly detection unit 26b detects an anomaly in the unmanned aircraft 11, the anomaly notification unit 26c immediately notifies the control device of the anomaly information via wireless communication through the communication unit 22. Anomaly information regarding the aircraft itself includes identification information unique to the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, information on which of the functional parts constituting the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 is experiencing an anomaly, and information on the extent of the anomaly. Examples of malfunctions in the aircraft include, for example, malfunctions of the various sensors mentioned above, the flight drive mechanism 30, the flight drive unit 29, the GPS receiver 31, the image sensor 36, and the light-emitting unit 21. For example, malfunctions in the aircraft include failures of the illuminance sensor 32, the geomagnetic sensor 33, and the altitude sensor 34. Furthermore, malfunctions in the aircraft itself can include, for example, malfunctions in the various functional units (26a to 26f) of the control unit 26.

[0060] The autopilot function unit 26d is responsible for the autopilot function of the unmanned aircraft 11 as described above. The autopilot function unit 26d controls the autonomous and automatic flight of the unmanned aircraft 11. During autonomous flight, the autopilot unit 26d makes real-time decisions using the GPS receiver 31, various sensors, image sensor 36, and AI technology, and controls the flight drive unit 29 and flight drive mechanism 30 to fly the unmanned aircraft 11. During automatic flight, the autopilot unit 26d controls the flight drive unit 29 and flight drive mechanism 30, etc., while making decisions in real time, using the GPS receiver 31, various sensors, image sensor 36, and AI technology, etc., according to coordinates specified by a pre-created program implemented in the unmanned aircraft 11, and flies the unmanned aircraft 11.

[0061] The remote control unit 26e controls the flight drive unit 29 and the flight drive mechanism 30, etc., based on commands from the control device, utilizing the GPS receiver 31, various sensors, image sensor 36, and AI technology, etc., to fly the unmanned aircraft 11. The commands transmitted by the control system include commands transmitted by the control system in response to manual operation by a person, and commands transmitted by the control system according to pre-programmed and implemented programs.

[0062] The automatic landing function unit 26f is responsible for the automatic landing function of the unmanned aircraft 11 as described above. The automatic landing function unit 26f continuously tracks the marker 12 associated with the aircraft using the image sensor 36, and, utilizing the GPS receiver 31, various sensors, the image sensor 36, and AI technology, makes decisions in real time while controlling the flight drive unit 29 and the flight drive mechanism 30, gradually lowering its altitude towards the tracked marker 12 as the landing target, and landing the unmanned aircraft 11 at the landing target.

[0063] Next, the stacking structure of the container 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4, 9 through 11. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the housing 1 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 in a closed state, Figure 9 is a partially enlarged view to explain the stacking structure of the housing 1 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11, Figure 10 is a diagram to explain the state in which the housings 1 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 are stacked, and Figure 11 is a diagram to explain the movement of the housings 1 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 in a stacked state.

[0064] In the storage unit 1, a stacking structure is formed between two adjacent storage units 1 by stacking multiple storage units 1 on top of each other. As shown in Figure 4, the container 1 has an inclined edge 50 that protrudes downward and inward at the bottom and a protruding edge 51 that protrudes straight up at the top. A stacking structure is a structure that can stably maintain a stacked state of goods when stacked upwards. The stacking structure of the container 1 is composed of inclined edges 50 and protruding edges 51, etc. The structure is composed of a combination of an inclined edge 50 and a protruding edge 51. When the containers 1 are stacked, the inclined edge 50 is placed inside the protruding edge 51, which has the effect of stabilizing the orientation of the stacked containers 1. The inclined edge 50 is formed around the entire circumference of the outer edge of the bottom surface of the housing body 2. The protruding edge 51 is formed around the entire circumference of the outer edge of the upper surface of the lid portion 3. The height of the inclined edge 50 and the protruding edge 51 is a few millimeters, but is not limited to a specific height. The height of the inclined edge 50 and the protruding edge 51 is, for example, 4 millimeters or 5 millimeters, but may be 4 millimeters or less or 5 millimeters or more. The stacking structure of the container 1, as shown in Figure 9, allows multiple containers 1 to be stacked and piled up. When multiple containers 1 are stacked and piled up, the entire circumference of the inclined edge 50 fits inside the protruding edge 51, making it less likely for the stacked containers 1 to collapse and allowing the package to be maintained stably. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the packaging can be stably maintained whether two containers 1 are stacked (see Figure 10(a)) or three containers 1 are stacked (see Figure 10(b)). The same effect can be obtained even when four or more containers 1 are stacked.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the storage unit 1 can be moved by placing multiple storage units 1 on a mesh trolley 52 in a stacked configuration. The example shown in Figure 11 illustrates the case where eight storage units 1 are stacked. A mesh trolley 52 is a trolley made by combining mesh-like (net-like) plates in a three-dimensional manner to form a cage, and attaching casters 53 to the bottom. The mesh trolley 52 shown in Figure 11 is formed by placing four mesh guards 54 upright on a rectangular trolley in a plan view. Eight storage units 1 are stacked on top of the mesh trolley 52. ​​The mesh trolley 52 prevents the load from collapsing by surrounding the eight stacked storage units 1 with the mesh guards 54. A mesh guard is a mesh-like (net-like) side wall that protects the cargo inside the mesh trolley 52 and prevents the cargo from collapsing and flying out.

[0066] According to the embodiment described above, multiple unmanned aerial vehicles 11 can be stored in the housing 1 and transported, and at the destination where the multiple unmanned aerial vehicles 11 are transported, the housing 1 can be used as a takeoff and landing area 13 for the multiple unmanned aerial vehicles 11, and furthermore, an environment for charging the unmanned aerial vehicles 11 can be obtained. Therefore, when preparing to hold a drone show and deploying a large number of unmanned aerial vehicles 11 to a predetermined location, the housing 1 can be used to transport the multiple unmanned aerial vehicles 11 and secure an environment for takeoff and landing and a charging environment at the destination, thereby reducing the effort required.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, since a marker 12 associated with the unmanned aircraft 11 is installed in each takeoff and landing area 13, there is no risk of the unmanned aircraft 11 accidentally landing in a takeoff and landing area 13 used by another unmanned aircraft 11.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, when flying based on signals acquired by the GPS receiver 31, the position of the unmanned aircraft 11 may contain an error of several meters, but by capturing the landmark 12 with the image sensor 36, it is possible to land accurately at the target position.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, since the container 1 is equipped with an inclined edge 50 and a protruding edge 51, a stacking structure is formed by the combination of the inclined edge 50 and the protruding edge 51, and the orientation of the container 1 when stacked can be stabilized.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the housing 1 is equipped with a power supply unit (non-contact power supply unit 14, power supply unit connector 15), so the unmanned aircraft 11 can charge the battery 27, which is the power supply unit, by landing on the housing 1.

[0071] (Accommodation 1A for the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the second embodiment) The housing 1A for the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 18. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the unmanned aerial vehicle housing 1A, Figure 13 is a top view showing multiple unmanned aerial vehicle housings 1A lined up, Figures 14 and 15 are diagrams illustrating the stacked state of the unmanned aerial vehicle housings 1A, Figure 16 shows the stacked unmanned aerial vehicle housings 1A loaded onto a truck, and Figures 17 and 18 are diagrams illustrating the movement of the stacked unmanned aerial vehicle housings 1A.

[0072] The housing 1A for the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 according to the second embodiment differs from the housing 1 for the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 according to the first embodiment in that the lid 3 is detachable and in the configuration of the stacking structure (see Figures 9 and 15). The lid portion 3 of the housing 1A is separated from the housing body portion 2 by disassembling the first hinge 9 and the second hinge 10. The first hinge 9 and the second hinge 10 are disassembled by removing the pin (not shown), which is the pivot part of the hinge, from the hinge tube (not shown). The disassembled first hinge 9 and the second hinge 10 are then restored by inserting the removed pin back into the hinge tube and putting it back together. Figure 12 shows the state in which the lid 3 has been removed from the main body 2 of the housing 1A. Figure 13 shows how the storage units 1A are arranged in a planar configuration, with a total of 16 storage units 1A spread out in 4 rows vertically and 4 rows horizontally. By removing the lid 3 of the storage unit 1A, that is, by leaving only the main body 2 of the storage unit, as shown in Figure 13, space is saved when arranged in a planar configuration, allowing more storage units 1A to be placed within a limited area.

[0073] The stacking structure of container 1A will be explained with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the stacked state of the housing 1A of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 according to the second embodiment, with Figure 15 being a cross-sectional view of the housing 1A cut vertically. As shown in Figure 14, whether two containers 1A are stacked (see Figure 14(a)) or three containers 1A are stacked (see Figure 14(b)), the stacking structure of the containers 1A allows for stable maintenance of the packaged shape, and the same effect can be obtained even when four or more containers 1A are stacked. As shown in Figure 14, the containers 1A are stacked with the lids 3 removed, but with the exception of the container 1A stacked on top, the other containers 1A act as lids 3, so the contents of container 1A are not exposed to the outside world. As shown in Figure 15, the storage unit 1A has a stacking structure and is provided with an outer downward protruding edge 60 that extends downward at multiple locations or around the entire circumference of the outer circumference of the bottom of the storage unit body 2, and an inner upward protruding edge 61 that extends upward at multiple locations or around the entire circumference of the opening 6 at the top of the storage unit body 2. When two or more storage units 1A are stacked, the outer downward protruding edge 60 and the inner upward protruding edge 61 of the other storage unit 1A are adjacent to each other. Since the outer downward protruding edge 60 and the inner upward protruding edge 61 are each provided on the storage unit body 2, the stacked state of two or more storage units 1A can be stably maintained. Furthermore, since the lid 3 of the container 1A is removed, its height can be reduced, and in particular, when stacked, the height of the stacked container 65 can be reduced even further, allowing the stacked state to be stably maintained.

[0074] Figure 16 shows the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 according to the second embodiment, with its housing 1A stacked and placed on the cargo bed 64 of a truck 63. The stacked units 65 of the storage unit 1A can be stably maintained in a stacked state due to the stacking structure of the storage unit 1A described above. Furthermore, since truck 63 may experience sudden braking and sharp turns while driving, it is desirable that the laminated structure 65 be securely fixed to the cargo bed 64 with ropes or the like.

[0075] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, the movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 in a stacked state according to the second embodiment will be described. Figures 17 and 18 are diagrams illustrating the movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 in a stacked state according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, multiple storage units 1A can be stacked and moved on the mesh trolley 52. ​​The example shown in Figure 17 shows 16 storage units 1A stacked. Since the storage units 1A have their lids 3 removed, their height can be reduced, allowing more storage units 1A to be placed on the mesh trolley 52. The stacking structure allows the storage units 1A to be stably maintained in a stacked state, but by placing them on the mesh trolley 52, they are covered on all sides by the mesh guard 54, thus further stably maintaining the stacked state. Since the mesh trolley 52 can be loaded onto the cargo bed 64 of the truck 63, the mesh trolley 66 carrying multiple stacked containers 1A can be loaded onto the cargo bed 64 of the truck 63 and moved. As shown in Figure 18, by providing a truck 63 that can carry multiple (five in Figure 18) mesh trolleys 66 on its cargo bed 64, large-scale transportation of hundreds or thousands of unmanned aerial vehicles 11 at once can be realized.

[0076] According to the housing 1A in the second embodiment described above, the lid 3 is detachable from the housing body 2, so the lid 3 can be removed from the housing 1A when not in use. Then, when using the lid 3, the lid 3 can be attached to the housing 1A.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the container 1A in the second embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 13, the lid 3 can be removed when spreading out and arranging multiple containers 1A in a planar manner. This allows for efficient use of the area on which the containers 1A are placed, making it possible to arrange more containers 1A in a limited area.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the housing 1A in the second embodiment described above, since the outer downward protruding edge 60 and the inner upward protruding edge 61 that constitute the stacking structure are provided on the housing body 2, the housing 1A in the state with the lid 3 removed, that is, the state in which the housing body 2 is stacked, can be stably maintained.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the container 1A in the second embodiment described above, the lid portion 3 can be removed, which allows the height of the stacked body 65 formed by stacking multiple container body portions 2 to be suppressed, thereby preventing the stacked body 65 from collapsing.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the housing 1A in the second embodiment described above, the mesh trolley 52 loaded with stacks 65 of housing 1A can be placed on the cargo bed 64 of the truck 63, thus enabling large-scale transportation that can carry hundreds or thousands of unmanned aerial vehicles 11 at once.

[0081] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the containers 1 and 1A according to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented by various other modifications or applications without departing from the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. Also, although the word "data" is used in the embodiments described above, the word "data" can be replaced with "information," and the word "information" can be replaced with "data."

[0082] Furthermore, in the description of the housings 1 and 1A in the above-described embodiments, instead of referring to them as main body partition 7a, main body partition 7b, and main body partition 7c, they may be referred to as main body partition 7 as a representative.

[0083] Furthermore, in the description of the containers 1 and 1A in the above-described embodiments, instead of referring to them as lid partition 8a, lid partition 8b, and lid partition 8c, they may be referred to as lid partition 8 as a representative.

[0084] Furthermore, in the description of the containment bodies 1 and 1A in the above-described embodiments, instead of describing them as unmanned aerial vehicles 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, and 11f, the unmanned aerial vehicle 11 may be described as a representative of them.

[0085] Furthermore, in the description of the containers 1 and 1A in the above-described embodiments, instead of referring to them as marking parts 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, and 12f, the marking part 12 may be referred to as a representative of them.

[0086] Furthermore, in the description of the accommodations 1 and 1A in the above-described embodiments, instead of describing them as takeoff / landing area 13a, takeoff / landing area 13b, takeoff / landing area 13c, takeoff / landing area 13d, takeoff / landing area 13e, and takeoff / landing area 13f, takeoff / landing area 13 may be described as a representative of these areas.

[0087] Furthermore, in the description of the housings 1 and 1A in the embodiments described above, instead of referring to them as contactless power supply units 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, and 14f, the contactless power supply unit 14 may be referred to as a representative unit.

[0088] Furthermore, in the description of the housings 1 and 1A in the embodiments described above, instead of referring to them as power supply connectors 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e, and 15f, the power supply connector 15 may be referred to as a representative power supply connector 15.

[0089] Furthermore, in the description of the housings 1 and 1A in the embodiments described above, instead of referring to them as the first arm 19a, second arm 19b, third arm 19c, and fourth arm 19d, the arm 19 may be referred to as a representative of them.

[0090] Furthermore, in the description of the housings 1 and 1A in the above-described embodiments, instead of referring to them as the first propeller 20a, second propeller 20b, third propeller 20c, and fourth propeller 20d, the propeller 20 may be referred to as a representative of them. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1. Container for unmanned aerial vehicles 1A Container with lid removed 1a Handle 1b Hook-down type lock section 1c hook 1d Hook part 2. Main body of the housing 3 Lid 4. Main body outer frame 5. Outer frame of the lid 6 openings 7 Main body partition 7a Main body partition 7b Main body partition 7c Main body partition 8 Lid partition 8a Lid partition 8b Lid partition 8c Lid partition 9. First hinge 10. Second hinge 11 Unmanned aircraft 11a unmanned aerial vehicle 11b Unmanned aerial vehicle 11c unmanned aerial vehicle 11d unmanned aerial vehicle 11e unmanned aerial vehicle 11f Unmanned Aerial Vehicle 12 Marker section 12a Marker section 12b Marker section 12c Marker section 12d Marker section 12e Marker section 12th floor Landmark 13 Takeoff and Landing Area 13a Takeoff and Landing Area 13b Takeoff and Landing Area 13c Takeoff and Landing Area 13d Takeoff and Landing Area 13e Takeoff and Landing Area 13f Takeoff and Landing Area 14. Contactless power supply unit 14a Contactless power supply unit 14b Contactless power supply unit 14c Non-contact power supply unit 14d Contactless power supply unit 14e Contactless power supply unit 14f Contactless power supply unit 15 Power supply connector 15a Power supply connector 15b Power supply connector 15c power supply connector 15d Power supply connector 15e Power supply connector 15f Power supply connector 18 Main body 19 Arms 19a First Arm 19b Second Arm 19th Third Arm 19d Fourth Arm 20 propellers 20a No. 1 propeller 20b Second propeller 20c Third propeller 20d Fourth propeller 21 Light-emitting part 22 Communications Department 23 ROM (Read Only Memory) 24 RAM (Random Access Memory) 25 Memory section 26 Control Unit 26a Acquisition Department 26b Anomaly detection unit 26c Abnormality notification section 26d Autopilot Function Unit 26e Remote Control Unit 26f Automatic Landing Function Unit 27. Battery (Power Supply Unit) 28 Input / Output Interfaces 29. Flight drive unit (motor) 30. Flight propulsion mechanism (rotor) 31 GPS receivers 32 Illuminance Sensor 33 Geomagnetic Sensor 34. Altitude Sensor 35 Gyroscope Sensor 36 Image Sensors 37 Battery charging section 37a Contactless charging part 37b Charging connector 39 Legs 39a Legs 39b Legs 39c leg 39d leg 40 storage spaces 40a Main unit storage space 40b Lid storage space 41 storage space 41a Main unit storage space 41b Storage space in the lid 42 storage spaces 42a Main unit storage space 42b Lid storage space 43 storage space 43a Main unit storage space 43b Storage space in the lid 44 storage spaces 44a Main unit storage space 44b Storage space in the lid 45 storage spaces 45a Main unit storage space 45b Storage space in the lid 50 Sloping edge 51. Protruding edge 52 Mesh Trolley 53 Casters (wheels) 54 Mesh Guard 60 Lateral lower protruding edge 61 Inner upward projecting edge 62 Bottom 63 Tracks 64 cargo bed 65 Stack of containment unit 1A 66 Mesh trolley loaded with housing unit 1A

Claims

1. A container for unmanned aerial vehicles, for accommodating and transporting multiple unmanned aerial vehicles, The containment includes a takeoff and landing area for the multiple unmanned aircraft that appears when the containment is opened, The aforementioned takeoff and landing area is Each of the aforementioned unmanned aircraft has a unique landing target marker, A power supply unit that supplies power to the power supply unit of the aforementioned unmanned aircraft, A housing for an unmanned aerial vehicle, characterized by having the following features.

2. The housing for the unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the marker portion is recognized by an image sensor installed on the unmanned aerial vehicle.

3. The container for an unmanned aircraft according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the marker portion is a landing target for an automatic landing function that causes the unmanned aircraft, which has flown above the container, to lower its altitude and land by the automatic pilot function or remote control of the unmanned aircraft.

4. The container for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the marking portion is a two-dimensional code associated with the aircraft number of each unmanned aerial vehicle.

5. The housing for the unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply unit supplies power to the power supply unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle by contactless charging.

6. The housing for an unmanned aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing is removable and includes a lid that closes the opening of the housing.

7. The housing for an unmanned aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing includes a partition section that demarcates the takeoff and landing area for each of the unmanned aircraft.

8. The container for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that a stacking structure is formed between two adjacent containers by stacking a plurality of containers.

Images