Unmanned aerial vehicles and flight device management systems

Abstract

To provide a management device, a scanning device, and a flight management method for improving safety of an unmanned flight device.SOLUTION: An unmanned flight device 1 that flies on the basis of instruction information obtained from an external device (e.g., an operation device 2 or a computer) includes: a storage unit 16 that stores device identification information for identifying the unmanned flying device 1; an instruction information acquisition unit 171 that acquires instruction information; an authentication processing unit 172 that certifies that the instruction information is valid by comparing registration authentication information stored in a storage medium with biometric information of an operator periodically transmitted from an operation device for operating the unmanned flight device; and a flight control unit 173 that makes the unmanned flight device 1 fly on the condition that the authentication processing unit determines that the instruction information is valid, on the basis of the instruction information, within an operable range determined by a relation between the registration authentication information and the device identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an unmanned flying device, a management device for managing the unmanned flying device, an operation device for operating the unmanned flying device, and a flight management method for managing the unmanned flying device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an aircraft control system that transmits instructions to an unmanned flying device via a network, and the unmanned flying device executes various operations based on the received instructions (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-52474 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When an unmanned aerial vehicle receives instructions via a network, it is assumed that the unmanned aerial vehicle may receive not only legitimate instructions but also illicit instructions. If the unmanned aerial vehicle operates based on illicit instructions, the unmanned aerial vehicle may perform undesirable operations, which may cause safety problems.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to improve the safety of unmanned flying devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The unmanned flying device of the first aspect of the present invention is an unmanned flying device that flies based on instruction information acquired from an operating device, and has a memory unit that stores device identification information for identifying the unmanned flying device, an instruction information acquisition unit that acquires the instruction information, an authentication processing unit that authenticates that the instruction information is appropriate by comparing registered authentication information stored in a storage medium with biometric information of an operator that is periodically transmitted from an operating device for operating the unmanned flying device, and a flight control unit that flies the unmanned flying device based on the instruction information within an operable range determined by the relationship between the registered authentication information and the device identification information, provided that the authentication processing unit determines that the instruction information is appropriate.

[0007] The authentication processing unit may determine the time interval at which the operating device transmits the biometric information to the unmanned flying device based on the position at which the unmanned flying device flies, and instruct the operating device of the determined time interval.

[0008] The authentication processing unit may shorten the time interval at which the operating device transmits the biometric information when the unmanned flying device is flying at a location set to a first security level, compared to when the unmanned flying device is flying at a location set to a second security level that is lower than the first security level.

[0009] The unmanned flying device may further have a data collection unit that transmits data collected by the unmanned flying device to a designated server while the biometric information received from the operating device matches the registered authentication information or while the biometric information has a designated correspondence with the registered authentication information, and does not transmit data collected by the unmanned flying device to the server while the biometric information matches the registered authentication information.

[0010] The data collection unit may transmit the data to the server at a timing when the biometric information matching the registered authentication information is received from the operation device.

[0011] The flight control unit may send a message to the operating device when it determines that when the unmanned flying device continues flying based on the instruction information, it will reach a position that is not included in flight range information included in the authentication result received from the authentication server in response to the authentication processing unit associating the device identification information with the registered authentication information and sending it to the authentication server.

[0012] When the flight control unit determines that the authentication information contained in the instruction information acquired by the instruction information acquisition unit is not identical to the registered authentication information, it may transmit data indicating that an unauthorized instruction has been received to an external device.

[0013] The flight control unit may transmit data indicating that an unauthorized instruction has been received to an external device when the instruction information acquisition unit acquires the instruction information for instructing an operation that exceeds the operable range determined by the relationship between the registration authentication information and the device identification information.

[0014] A management device of a second aspect of the present invention is a management device capable of communicating with a plurality of unmanned flying devices, and has a memory unit that stores a plurality of device identification information for identifying the plurality of unmanned flying devices and a plurality of registered authentication information associated with a plurality of operators or a plurality of operating devices capable of operating at least one of the plurality of unmanned flying devices, an information receiving unit that receives from the first unmanned flying device first device identification information for identifying a first unmanned flying device which is one of the plurality of unmanned flying devices, and instruction information including biometric information of the operator which the first unmanned flying device periodically receives from the operating device, an authentication unit that generates an authentication result that the instruction information received by the first unmanned flying device is appropriate information, provided that the biometric information included in the instruction information is identical to the first registered authentication information associated with the first unmanned flying device corresponding to the first device identification information among the plurality of registered authentication information, and an information transmitting unit that transmits the authentication result to the first unmanned flying device.

[0015] The authentication unit may authenticate the first unmanned flying device based on whether the first registered authentication information is stored in the memory unit in association with the first device identification information received by the information receiving unit.

[0016] The memory unit may further store operating range information indicating the operating range of the unmanned flying device, associated with each of the multiple registered authentication information, and the authentication unit may identify the operating range of the first unmanned flying device that transmitted the first registered authentication information by referring to the memory unit, and the information transmission unit may transmit the authentication result indicating the range identified by the authentication unit to the first unmanned flying device.

[0017] The system may further include a compensation determination unit that determines a compensation for the flight of the unmanned flying device based on the size of the operable range indicated by the operational range information.

[0018] The memory unit may store a standard amount of the compensation corresponding to each of a plurality of areas in space in which the unmanned flying device can fly, the information receiving unit may acquire location information indicating the position of the first unmanned flying device, and the compensation determination unit may determine the compensation corresponding to the first unmanned flying device based on the standard amount stored in the memory unit in association with the area that includes the location indicated by the location information.

[0019] The memory unit may store a flight distance and a base amount of the compensation in association with each other for each device identification information, the information receiving unit may acquire multiple location information indicating multiple locations flown by the first unmanned flying device in association with each other, and the compensation determination unit may identify the distance flown by the first unmanned flying device based on the multiple location information, and determine the compensation corresponding to the first unmanned flying device based on the base amount stored in the memory unit in association with the identified flight distance and the first device identification information of the first unmanned flying device.

[0020] The memory unit may store a standard amount of the compensation corresponding to each of a plurality of areas in space in which the unmanned flying device can fly, in association with each of the plurality of registered authentication information, and the compensation determination unit may determine the compensation corresponding to the first registration authentication information based on the location where the first unmanned flying device flew and the standard amount stored in the memory unit in association with the first registration authentication information included in instruction information sent to the first unmanned flying device to fly the first unmanned flying device among the plurality of registered authentication information.

[0021] The memory unit stores a plurality of illegal flight patterns which are flight patterns when the unmanned flying device is flying illegally, the information receiving unit acquires a plurality of location information indicating a plurality of positions of the first unmanned flying device in association with time, and the management device may further have an operation determination unit that outputs information indicating that the first unmanned flying device is flying illegally in association with the first registered authentication information when the flight pattern of the first unmanned flying device identified based on the plurality of location information is similar to any of the plurality of illegal flight patterns stored in the memory unit.

[0022] A flight management method of a third aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: associating registered authentication information stored in a storage medium possessed by an unmanned flying device with device identification information for identifying the unmanned flying device and transmitting the associated registered authentication information to a management device capable of communicating with the unmanned flying device; the management device transmitting to the unmanned flying device an authentication result indicating whether the registered authentication information is stored in a memory unit in association with the device identification information received from the unmanned flying device; acquiring instruction information from an operating device for operating the unmanned flying device, the instruction information including instructions for flying the unmanned flying device and biometric information of an operator periodically transmitted from the operating device; and, if the biometric information included in the instruction information is identical to the registered authentication information, flying the unmanned flying device based on the instruction information within the operable range indicated by the authentication result.

[0023] An operating device of a fourth aspect of the present invention is an operating device for operating an unmanned flying device, and has a biometric information acquisition unit that periodically acquires biometric information of an operator operating the operating device, and a transmitting unit that periodically transmits the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit to the unmanned flying device, which authenticates the operator by comparing registered authentication information stored in a storage medium with the biometric information received from the operating device. Effect of the Invention

[0024] The present invention has the effect of improving the safety of unmanned flying devices. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a flight device management system S. [Diagram 2] A diagram showing the configuration of an unmanned flying device 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a management device 3. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a management database stored in a storage unit 32. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a management device 3a which is another example of the management device 3. [Figure 6] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the flight device management system S. [Figure 7] A sequence diagram showing a modified example of the processing flow in the flight device management system S. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] [Outline of Flight Equipment Management System S] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a flight device management system S. The flight device management system S has an unmanned flight device 1, an operation device 2, and a management device 3. The unmanned flight device 1 is a device that can fly unmanned based on instruction information acquired from an external device (e.g., an operation device 2 or a computer), such as a drone. The unmanned flight device 1 may fly based on instruction information received from the operation device 2, or may fly based on instruction information received from a computer that outputs predetermined instruction information.

[0027] The operation device 2 is a device used by the operator to operate the unmanned flying device 1, and has an operation unit (e.g., operation buttons, operation joystick), a display unit (e.g., a display), a biometric information acquisition unit, and a transmission unit. The operation device 2 accepts operations by the operator and transmits instruction information based on the accepted operation to the unmanned flying device 1. The biometric information acquisition unit periodically acquires biometric information of the operator operating the operation device 2, and notifies the transmission unit of the acquired biometric information. The transmission unit periodically transmits the notified biometric information to the unmanned flying device 1.

[0028] The unmanned flying device 1 and the operation device 2 transmit and receive various information via a wireless communication line. The unmanned flying device 1 and the operation device 2 may use a wireless communication line W1 for directly transmitting and receiving information by transmitting and receiving radio waves to each other, or may use a second wireless communication line W2 for transmitting and receiving information via a base station B of a mobile phone network.

[0029] The management device 3 is a computer that transmits and receives various information to and from the unmanned flying device 1 via the base station B and the network N, and functions, for example, as an authentication server that authenticates instruction information transmitted from the operation device 2 to the unmanned flying device 1. The management device 3 executes various processes to prevent the unmanned flying device 1 from performing abnormal operations.

[0030] Although details will be described later, for example, the management device 3 monitors whether it is permitted to cause the unmanned flying device 1 to execute an operation corresponding to the instruction information based on the content of the instruction information received by the unmanned flying device 1. Specifically, the management device 3 monitors whether the instruction information was sent by an operator who has the authority to operate the unmanned flying device 1, monitors whether the content of the operation corresponding to the instruction information is permitted for the operator, and monitors whether the unmanned flying device 1 is flying in an unauthorized area. The configurations of the unmanned flying device 1 and the management device 3 will be described in detail below.

[0031] [Configuration of Unmanned Flying Device 1] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the unmanned flying device 1. The unmanned flying device 1 has a first communication unit 11, a second communication unit 12, a storage medium mounting unit 13, a flying mechanism 14, a camera 15, a storage unit 16, and a control unit 17. The control unit 17 has an instruction information acquisition unit 171, an authentication processing unit 172, a flight control unit 173, a data collection unit 174, and an encryption unit 175.

[0032] The first communication unit 11 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from the operation device 2. The first communication unit 11 has, for example, a wireless communication controller for communicating with the operation device 2 via a first wireless communication line W1. The first communication unit 11 notifies the instruction information acquisition unit 171 of the instruction information received from the operation device 2.

[0033] The second communication unit 12 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from the management device 3 via the base station B and the network N. The second communication unit 12 has a wireless communication controller for communicating with the management device 3 via, for example, the second wireless communication line W2. The second communication unit 12 transmits to the management device 3 information required for authenticating whether or not the instruction information received from the operation device 2 is appropriate information, and receives the authentication result from the management device 3. The storage medium loading unit 13 notifies the authentication processing unit 172 of the authentication result received from the management device 3.

[0034] The storage medium mounting unit 13 is an interface for mounting the storage medium M1. The storage medium M1 may be any storage medium having a non-volatile memory capable of storing data. The storage medium M1 may be a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card provided by a communications carrier that provides the second wireless communication line W2.

[0035] The storage medium M1 stores, for example, registered authentication information. The registered authentication information is information given to an operator who is permitted to fly the unmanned flying device 1, and is, for example, operator identification information for identifying the operator, a password associated with the operator identification information, or information in which the operator identification information or password is encrypted. The registered authentication information may be text information or biometric information of the operator.

[0036] In the following description, an example will be given in which operator identification information is used as the registered authentication information, and the registered authentication information may be referred to as a "registered operator ID." In the flight device management system S of this embodiment, an operator who operates the unmanned flying device 1 using the operation device 2 can operate the unmanned flying device 1 by mounting a storage medium M1, which stores the operator's registered operator ID, in the storage medium mounting section 13.

[0037] The operator may also have the operation device 2 mount a storage medium M2 storing his / her registered operator ID, or input his / her registered operator ID or password, etc., into the operation device 2, so that the operation device 2 can transmit the registered operator ID or password to the unmanned flying device 1. Also, the biometric information acquisition unit of the operation device 2 may periodically (i.e., at regular time intervals) acquire the operator's biometric information, and the transmission unit may periodically transmit instruction information including the acquired biometric information to the unmanned flying device 1.

[0038] The biometric information is, for example, a fingerprint pattern, a vein pattern, the color and shape of the pupils, an image of a face, information stored in an integrated circuit implanted in the body, or a voice. The unmanned flying device 1 flies based on instruction information received from the operation device 2, on the condition that the received biometric information matches the registered authentication information previously stored in the storage medium M1. If the received biometric information does not match the registered authentication information previously stored in the storage medium M1, the unmanned flying device 1 returns, for example, to a preset location (e.g., a base).

[0039] The transmitter of the operation device 2 may determine the time interval for transmitting the biometric information to the unmanned flying device 1 based on the position where the unmanned flying device 1 flies. For example, when the unmanned flying device 1 is flying at a position set to a first security level, the operation device 2 shortens the time interval for transmitting the biometric information compared to when the unmanned flying device 1 is flying at a position with a second security level lower than the first security level. The operation device 2 controls the time interval by, for example, referring to the position information transmitted from the unmanned flying device 1 and data in which the position and the security level are associated. By operating in this manner, the operation device 2 can reduce the risk that an operator other than the registered operator flies the unmanned flying device 1 in an area with a high security level.

[0040] The authentication processing unit 172 of the unmanned flying device 1 may determine the time interval at which the operating device 2 transmits biometric information to the unmanned flying device 1 based on the position at which the unmanned flying device 1 flies, and may instruct the operating device 2 of the determined time interval. For example, when the unmanned flying device 1 is flying at a position set to a first security level, the authentication processing unit 172 shortens the time interval at which the operating device 2 transmits biometric information compared to when the unmanned flying device 1 is flying at a position at a second security level lower than the first security level. The authentication processing unit 172 controls the time interval, for example, by referring to data in which the position of the unmanned flying device 1 is associated with the security level. By operating in this manner, the authentication processing unit 172 can reduce the risk that an operator other than the registered operator flies the unmanned flying device 1 in an area with a high security level.

[0041] The flight mechanism 14 includes mechanisms such as a motor and a propeller required for flying the unmanned flying device 1. The flight mechanism 14 operates each mechanism to fly the unmanned flying device 1 at a speed, direction, and altitude determined based on control data input from the flight control unit 173.

[0042] The camera 15 generates a captured image by capturing an image of the surroundings of the unmanned flying device 1. The camera 15 inputs the generated captured image to the data collection unit 174.

[0043] The storage unit 16 includes a storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a hard disk. The storage unit 16 stores a program executed by the control unit 17. In addition, the non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM) of the storage unit 16 stores device identification information (hereinafter, referred to as a "device ID") for identifying the unmanned flying device 1. The storage unit 16 may temporarily store captured images generated by the camera 15.

[0044] The control unit 17 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). By executing a program stored in the storage unit 16, the control unit 17 functions as an instruction information acquisition unit 171, an authentication processing unit 172, a flight control unit 173, a data collection unit 174, and an encryption unit 175. The control unit 17 may be configured with a circuit other than a CPU.

[0045] The instruction information acquisition unit 171 acquires the instruction information transmitted by the operation device 2 via the first communication unit 11. The instruction information is numerical information or text information for instructing the speed, direction, and altitude at which the unmanned flying device 1 flies. The instruction information includes authentication information used to determine whether the instruction information is proper information. The authentication information is, for example, an operator ID, a password, or biometric information, which is information for identifying the operator. The instruction information acquisition unit 171 notifies the authentication processing unit 172 and the flight control unit 173 of the acquired instruction information.

[0046] The authentication processing unit 172 acquires the registered operator ID stored in the storage medium M1, and uses the acquired registered operator ID to authenticate that the instruction information acquired by the instruction information acquisition unit 171 is proper. "The instruction information is proper" means that the instruction information was transmitted in response to the operation of an operator who has the authority to operate the unmanned flying device 1. If the instruction information is not proper, it means, for example, that the instruction information was illegally transmitted to the unmanned flying device 1 by a person who does not have the authority to operate the unmanned flying device 1 through hacking.

[0047] The authentication processing unit 172 determines that the instruction information is proper, for example, when the authentication information (e.g., operator ID) included in the instruction information is identical to the registered operator ID stored in the storage medium M1, or when the authentication information (e.g., password or biometric information) included in the instruction information corresponds to the registered operator ID. "When the authentication information included in the instruction information corresponds to the registered authentication information" includes, for example, a case where the authentication information included in the instruction information includes the registered authentication information, or the authentication information included in the instruction information is identical to information obtained by converting the registered authentication information according to a predetermined rule.

[0048] The authentication processing unit 172 associates the instruction information acquired by the instruction information acquisition unit 171 from the operation device 2 with the device ID and the registered operator ID, transmits them to the management device 3, and receives the result of authentication by the management device 3. Details of the authentication process in the management device 3 will be described later, but the management device 3 transmits an authentication result to the unmanned flying device 1 that the instruction information is proper information, provided that the operator ID as authentication information included in the instruction information is identical to the registered operator ID, or the password or biometric information as authentication information corresponds to the registered operator ID. The authentication processing unit 172 notifies the flight control unit 173 of the authentication result received from the management device 3.

[0049] Before causing the flight control unit 173 to start an operation based on the instruction information, the authentication processing unit 172 may determine whether or not to operate the flight control unit 173 based on the relationship between the registered operator ID and the device ID. For example, after the power of the unmanned flying device 1 is turned on, the authentication processing unit 172 authenticates that the operator corresponding to the registered operator ID has been given the authority to operate the unmanned flying device 1. For example, after the power of the unmanned flying device 1 is turned on, the authentication processing unit 172 associates the device ID with the registered operator ID and transmits them to the management device 3, and determines whether or not the operator may operate the unmanned flying device 1 based on the authentication result received from the management device 3.

[0050] If the authentication processing unit 172 determines that the operator may operate the unmanned flying device 1, it notifies the flight control unit 173 that the operation is permitted, and if it determines that the operator may not operate the unmanned flying device 1, it notifies the flight control unit 173 that the operation is prohibited. If the authentication processing unit 172 determines that the operator may not operate the unmanned flying device 1, the flight control unit 173 controls the power supply to, for example, turn off the power supply of the unmanned flying device 1.

[0051] The authentication processing unit 172 may execute the authentication process at predetermined time intervals, instead of executing the authentication process every time instruction information is received. By operating the authentication processing unit 172 in this manner, it is possible to reduce the effect of delays in operation caused by executing the authentication process.

[0052] Furthermore, the authentication processing unit 172 may execute the authentication process when it receives instruction information for executing an operation that is not included in the operable range determined by the relationship between the registered operator ID and the device ID. The operable range is, for example, the range of operating conditions such as the maximum speed, maximum acceleration, or maximum altitude at which the unmanned flying device 1 can fly, the range in which the unmanned flying device 1 can fly, or the range of functions that the unmanned flying device 1 can execute. By operating in this manner, the authentication processing unit 172 can prevent delays in operation caused by executing the authentication process, while preventing the unmanned flying device 1 from performing inappropriate operations.

[0053] The flight control unit 173 controls the flight mechanism 14 to fly the unmanned flying device 1. On condition that the authentication processing unit 172 determines that the instruction information acquired by the instruction information acquisition unit 171 is appropriate, the flight control unit 173 flies the unmanned flying device 1 based on the instruction information within an operable range determined by the relationship between the registered operator ID and the device ID.

[0054] The flight control unit 173 controls the flight mechanism 14 based on the instruction information, for example, after the authentication processing unit 172 associates the registered operator ID with the device ID and transmits them to the management device 3, and receives the authentication result from the management device 3. The authentication result includes operating condition information indicating the operating condition range. The operating condition range is, for example, a range below the maximum speed, acceleration, or altitude allowed when the unmanned flying device 1 flies. The operating condition information is determined, for example, for each registered operator ID, device ID, or combination of a registered operator ID and device ID.

[0055] The flight control unit 173 flies the unmanned flying device 1 based on the instruction information within an operating condition range determined based on the authentication result received from the management device 3 in response to the authentication processing unit 172 associating the device ID with the registered operator ID and transmitting it to the management device 3. Specifically, the flight control unit 173 flies the unmanned flying device 1 based on the instruction information within the range of speed, acceleration, or altitude indicated by the operating condition information.

[0056] However, it may be desirable to change the area in which the unmanned flying device 1 can be flown depending on the operator. For example, an operator with high skills has a low risk of causing problems when flying the unmanned flying device 1 above an area where people are present, but it is dangerous for an operator with low skills to fly the unmanned flying device 1 above an area where people are present. In addition, the area in which the unmanned flying device 1 can be flown may differ depending on the weight or size of the unmanned flying device 1. The area in which the unmanned flying device 1 can be flown may differ depending on the combination of the operator and the specifications of the unmanned flying device 1.

[0057] Therefore, the authentication result may include flight range information indicating the possible flight range of the unmanned flying device 1. The flight range information includes position information such as latitude and longitude information and altitude information indicating the boundaries of the range in which the unmanned flying device 1 can fly. The flight range information is determined, for example, for each registered operator ID, device ID, or combination of registered operator ID and device ID.

[0058] The flight control unit 173 flies the unmanned flying device 1 so that the flight position of the unmanned flying device 1 is included in the possible flight range indicated by the flight range information. The flight control unit 173 may send a message to an external device when it determines, based on the instruction information, that the unmanned flying device 1 will reach a position that is not included in the possible flight range if the unmanned flying device 1 continues flying. The external device is, for example, the operation device 2 or a computer of an administrator of the unmanned flying device 1.

[0059] In addition, it may be desirable to allow different operations to be performed using the unmanned flying device 1 depending on the operator. For example, it may be desirable to allow media personnel or people who have given permission in advance and paid a certain fee to take pictures of the event venue from above the event venue for the purpose of reporting, and to prohibit other people from taking pictures. Therefore, the authentication result may include function range information indicating the range of functions that the unmanned flying device 1 can perform. The function range information is information indicating which of multiple functions, such as the function of the unmanned flying device 1 to take pictures, the function of the unmanned flying device 1 to grab objects, the function of the unmanned flying device 1 to release liquid, or the function of emitting light or infrared rays, is permitted to be performed.

[0060] The function range information is determined for each registered operator ID, device ID, or a combination of a registered operator ID and a device ID. The flight control unit 173 executes permitted functions that are included in the range indicated by the function range information among the multiple functions possessed by the unmanned flying device 1, and does not execute unpermitted functions that are not included in the range indicated by the function range information.

[0061] As described above, the flight control unit 173 does not perform operations outside the operational range determined based on the operating condition information, flight range information, or functional range information, thereby preventing the unmanned flying device 1 from flying with the purpose of committing inappropriate acts, such as destroying buildings or illegally obtaining information.

[0062] The flight control unit 173 may transmit data indicating that an unauthorized instruction has been received to an external device when it is determined that the operator ID included in the instruction information acquired by the instruction information acquisition unit 171 is not identical to the registered operator ID. The flight control unit 173 may transmit data indicating that an unauthorized instruction has been received to an external device when the instruction information acquisition unit 171 acquires instruction information for instructing an operation that exceeds an operable range determined by the relationship between the registered operator ID and the device ID. The external device is, for example, the operation device 2 or a computer of an administrator of the unmanned flying device 1.

[0063] In this way, the operator or the administrator of the unmanned flying device 1 is notified that an unauthorized instruction has been received, so that the operator or the administrator of the unmanned flying device 1 can realize that the unmanned flying device 1 has been taken over by a third party. Therefore, the operator or the administrator of the unmanned flying device 1 can prevent the unmanned flying device 1 from performing dangerous operations by performing remote control to stop the flight of the unmanned flying device 1.

[0064] The flight control unit 173 may transmit data indicating that an unauthorized instruction has been received to an external device, or may execute a predetermined operation to prevent the unmanned flying device 1 from performing a dangerous operation instead of transmitting data indicating that an unauthorized instruction has been received to an external device. The predetermined operation is, for example, an operation to land the unmanned flying device 1 at the nearest safe location, an operation to reduce the flight speed, or an operation to cut off the power after landing. By the flight control unit 173 operating in this manner, the unmanned flying device 1 can be prevented from performing a dangerous operation in advance.

[0065] The data collection unit 174 collects data during the flight of the unmanned flying device 1. The data collected by the data collection unit 174 is, for example, photography data obtained by photographing the surroundings of the unmanned flying device 1, or weather data indicating the weather conditions around the unmanned flying device 1. The data collection unit 174 inputs the collected data to the encryption unit 175.

[0066] The data collection unit 174 may transmit data collected while the biometric information received from the operation device 2 matches the registered authentication information or while the biometric information has a predetermined correspondence with the registered authentication information to a predetermined server, and may not transmit data collected while the biometric information received from the operation device 2 does not match the registered authentication information to the predetermined server. The data may be, for example, date and time information, information indicating the flown position, information on the operator, etc. The data collection unit 174 may transmit such information at the timing when the biometric information matching the registered authentication information is received. When the operation device 2 shortens the time interval for transmitting the biometric information while the unmanned flying device 1 is flying in an area with a high security level, the unmanned flying device 1 can transmit data at a shorter time interval while flying in an area with a high security level than while flying in an area with a low security level.

[0067] The encryption unit 175 creates encrypted data by encrypting the data collected by the data collection unit 174 using a private key stored in the storage medium M1. The private key is assigned to an operator corresponding to a registered operator ID stored in the storage medium M1, for example, and is used to prevent a third party other than the operator from accessing the data collected by the data collection unit 174.

[0068] The encryption unit 175 stores the created encrypted data in the storage medium M1, or transmits the data to an external computer via the second communication unit 12. The encryption unit 175 may transmit the encrypted data to the blockchain. By transmitting the encrypted data to the blockchain, the encrypted data can be stored without being tampered with by a third party.

[0069] [Configuration of management device 3] 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management device 3. The management device 3 has a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 33. The control unit 33 has an information receiving unit 331, an authentication unit 332, an information transmitting unit 333, and a value determining unit 334.

[0070] The communication unit 31 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving various information to and from the unmanned flying device 1, the operation device 2, or another computer. The communication unit 31 has, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) controller for accessing the network N. The communication unit 31 receives information such as a device ID and a registered operator ID from the unmanned flying device 1, and notifies the information receiving unit 331 of the received information. The communication unit 31 also transmits the authentication result input from the information transmitting unit 333 to the unmanned flying device 1. The communication unit 31 also transmits information indicating the compensation input from the compensation determination unit 334 to the operation device 2 or an external computer.

[0071] The storage unit 32 includes storage media such as ROM, RAM, and a hard disk. The storage unit 32 stores a plurality of device IDs for identifying a plurality of unmanned flying devices 1, and a plurality of registered operator IDs associated with a plurality of operators capable of operating at least one of the plurality of unmanned flying devices 1 or a plurality of operation devices 2. The device ID may be information unique to the unmanned flying device 1, or may be information common to unmanned flying devices 1 of the same model name.

[0072] The storage unit 32 stores operational range information indicating the operable range of the unmanned flying device 1 in association with each of a plurality of registered operator IDs. The storage unit 32 stores, for example, a management database in which the registered operator ID, the device ID, and the operational range are associated with each other.

[0073] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a management database stored in the memory unit 32. In the management database shown in Fig. 4, a registered operator ID, a device ID, and operating range information are associated with each other. The operating range information is information indicating the range in which an operator corresponding to the registered operator ID can operate the unmanned flying device 1 corresponding to the device ID associated with the registered operator ID. The device ID in Fig. 4 indicates the model name of the unmanned flying device 1, but the device ID may be identification information that differs for each unmanned flying device 1.

[0074] 4 includes, as operating range information indicating the operable range, information indicating the maximum speed and maximum altitude at which the operator can fly the unmanned flying device 1, the area in which it can be flown, and whether or not photography is possible. It is assumed that an operator with a registered operator ID of 0002 has higher skills than an operator with a registered operator ID of 0001, and therefore the operator with a registered operator ID of 0001 can fly the unmanned flying device 1 at a higher speed and to a higher altitude.

[0075] The areas "A", "B", and "C" are information indicating the latitude and longitude included in the area in which the unmanned flying device 1 can be flown, and include, for example, latitude and longitude information on the borders of the areas. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the areas are set in the order of Area A > Area B > Area C. Area A may correspond to an area in which a person with high skills can fly the unmanned flying device 1, and Area C may correspond to an area in which even a person with low skills can fly the unmanned flying device 1.

[0076] An "X" in the "Photography Function" indicates that the operator is not permitted to execute the function of photographing the surroundings of the unmanned flying device 1 while flying the unmanned flying device 1, and an "O" indicates that the operator is permitted to execute the photographing function. This information contained in the management database can be preset or updated by the administrator of the unmanned flying device 1. The administrator of the unmanned flying device 1 updates the information that specifies the operable range, for example, when the operator undergoes prescribed training or obtains a higher-ranked license.

[0077] 3, the control unit 33 will be described in detail. The control unit 33 includes, for example, a CPU, and functions as an information receiving unit 331, an authentication unit 332, an information transmitting unit 333, and a value determining unit 334 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 32.

[0078] The information receiving unit 331 receives from the unmanned flying device 1a via the communication unit 31 a first device ID for identifying the unmanned flying device 1a, which is one of the multiple unmanned flying devices 1, and a first registered operator ID stored in a storage medium M1 attached to the unmanned flying device 1a, in association with each other. The information receiving unit 331 may receive the first device ID and the first registered operator ID in association with instruction information received by the unmanned flying device 1 from the operation device 2. The information receiving unit 331 notifies the authentication unit 332 of the received information.

[0079] In addition, the information receiving unit 331 may receive location information indicating the location where the unmanned flying device 1a is flying from the unmanned flying device 1 via the communication unit 31. The information receiving unit 331 notifies the price determination unit 334 of the received location information.

[0080] The authentication unit 332 authenticates the unmanned flying device 1a based on whether or not the first registered operator ID is stored in the storage unit 32 in association with the first device ID received by the information receiving unit 331. The authentication unit 332 identifies the operable range of the unmanned flying device 1a that transmitted the first registered operator ID, for example, by referring to a management database stored in the storage unit 32. The authentication unit 332 notifies the information transmitting unit 333 of the authentication result including information indicating the identified range, and instructs the information transmitting unit 333 to transmit the authentication result to the unmanned flying device 1a.

[0081] Specifically, the authentication unit 332 instructs the information transmitting unit 333 to transmit to the unmanned flying device 1a an authentication result indicating that the instruction information received by the unmanned flying device 1 is appropriate information, provided that the authentication information contained in the instruction information received by the information receiving unit 331 from the unmanned flying device 1a is identical to or corresponds to the first registered operator ID.

[0082] The authentication unit 332 may update the data in the management database. For example, the authentication unit 332 manages the number of years that have passed since the device ID and the operator ID were registered in the management database, and when the number of years that have passed reaches a predetermined number, notifies the operator or the administrator of the unmanned flying device 1 of renewal guidance information indicating that license renewal is necessary.

[0083] After a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the transmission of the update guide information, the authentication unit 332 deletes data associated with the device ID of the unmanned flying device 1 that has reached a predetermined number of years since registration, or data associated with the registered operator ID of the operator that has reached a predetermined number of years since registration. If an update process is performed within a predetermined period of time since the transmission of the update guide information, the authentication unit 332 leaves the data associated with the device ID or registered operator ID without deleting it. By operating in this manner, the authentication unit 332 can prevent an outdated unmanned flying device 1 from continuing to be used, or prevent an operator who may not have sufficient operating skills from operating the unmanned flying device 1.

[0084] The information transmitting unit 333 transmits to the unmanned flying device 1a, based on the notification received from the authentication unit 332, an authentication result indicating whether or not the first registered operator ID is stored in the memory unit 32 in association with the first device ID received by the information receiving unit 331. The information transmitting unit 333 may transmit to the unmanned flying device 1a the authentication result including operating range information indicating the operable range identified by the authentication unit 332.

[0085] The compensation determination unit 334 determines the compensation for the operator's use of the unmanned flying device 1. The compensation determination unit 334 determines the compensation for the flight of the unmanned flying device 1 based on, for example, the size of the operable range indicated by the operating range information. The compensation determination unit 334 transmits the compensation to an external computer or the like via the communication unit 31 in association with the registered operator ID. The compensation determination unit 334 transmits, for example, the registered operator ID and the compensation in association with each other to a server that creates billing information for the operator.

[0086] The price determination unit 334 can determine the price based on various conditions. For example, the price determination unit 334 determines the price based on the location where the unmanned flying device 1 has flown. To achieve this, the storage unit 32 stores a standard price corresponding to each of a plurality of areas in the space where the unmanned flying device 1 can fly, and the information receiving unit 331 acquires location information indicating the location of the unmanned flying device 1. The price determination unit 334 determines the price corresponding to the unmanned flying device 1a based on the standard price stored in the storage unit in association with the area including the location indicated by the location information.

[0087] In the memory unit 32, for example, the price of an area in the air above a tourist spot is set higher than the price of an area above a non-tourist spot. By setting the price for each area in this way, it is possible to prevent the number of unmanned flying devices 1 flying in areas where many people want to fly unmanned flying devices 1 from increasing too much.

[0088] The compensation determination unit 334 may determine the compensation based on the distance flown by the unmanned flying device 1. To achieve this, the storage unit 32 stores the flight distance and the base amount of the compensation for each device ID in association with each other, and the information receiving unit 331 acquires a plurality of location information indicating a plurality of locations where the unmanned flying device 1 has flown in association with each other. The compensation determination unit 334 identifies the distance flown by the unmanned flying device 1 based on the plurality of location information. Then, the compensation determination unit 334 determines the compensation corresponding to the unmanned flying device 1 based on the identified flight distance of the unmanned flying device 1 and the base amount stored in the storage unit 32 in association with the device ID of the unmanned flying device 1. In this way, the compensation determination unit 334 determines the compensation based on the flight distance, thereby preventing the operator from flying the unmanned flying device 1 for longer than necessary.

[0089] However, it may be necessary to allow operators to use the unmanned flying device 1 at different fees. For example, it is appropriate to charge an operator who has paid a high basic fee in advance a lower fee for flying a specific area than an operator who has paid a low basic fee. Therefore, the storage unit 32 may store a standard amount of the fee corresponding to each of a plurality of areas in the space in which the unmanned flying device 1 can fly, in association with each of a plurality of registered operator IDs. Then, the fee determination unit 334 may determine the fee corresponding to the registered operator ID based on the position where the unmanned flying device 1 has flown and the standard amount stored in the storage unit 32 in association with the registered operator ID included in the instruction information transmitted to the unmanned flying device 1 to fly the unmanned flying device 1 among the plurality of registered operator IDs.

[0090] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a management device 3a which is another example of the management device 3. The management device 3a shown in Fig. 5 differs from the management device 3 in that it has an operation determination unit 335 instead of the consideration determination unit 334 in the management device 3 shown in Fig. 3. The management device 3a may have the operation determination unit 335 together with the consideration determination unit 334.

[0091] The operation determination unit 335 determines whether the operation performed by the operator is appropriate. In order for the operation determination unit 335 to determine whether the operation is appropriate, the storage unit 32 in the management device 3a stores a plurality of illegal flight patterns, which are flight patterns when the unmanned flying device 1 is flying illegally. The illegal flight patterns are flight patterns such as flying at a dangerous speed or acceleration, or approaching a prohibited area.

[0092] The information receiving unit 331 acquires multiple pieces of position information indicating multiple positions of the unmanned flying device 1 in association with time. Then, the operation determination unit 335 determines that the unmanned flying device 1 is flying illegally when the flight pattern of the unmanned flying device 1 identified based on the multiple pieces of position information acquired by the information receiving unit 331 is similar to any of the multiple illegal flight patterns stored in the memory unit 32. In this case, the operation determination unit 335 outputs information indicating that the unmanned flying device 1 is flying illegally in association with the registered operator ID.

[0093] The operation determination unit 335 transmits information indicating that the unmanned flying device 1 is flying illegally to the computer of the administrator of the unmanned flying device 1, for example, via the communication unit 31. By operating the operation determination unit 335 in this manner, it is possible to reduce the risk that the unmanned flying device 1 will be used in a terrorist act. In addition, by operating the operation determination unit 335 in this manner, it is possible for the administrator of the unmanned flying device 1 and the operator to identify an operator performing an unauthorized operation, and to prohibit the operator from operating the unmanned flying device 1 or to revoke the license granted to the operator.

[0094] The operation determination unit 335 may identify the operation skill of the operator by comparing the content of the operation performed by the operator with the content of a reference operation. The operation determination unit 335 may transmit data indicating the identified operation skill to another computer in association with information for identifying the operator (for example, an operator ID or name). The operation determination unit 335 may output the operator, the type of unmanned flying device 1, and the operation skill in association with each other. By the operation determination unit 335 outputting these data, a person looking for a person to operate the unmanned flying device 1 can easily find a suitable operator.

[0095] Furthermore, the operation determination unit 335 may output information for identifying the unmanned flying device 1 (e.g., a device ID), information for identifying the operator, the time when the operation was performed, and the content of the operation in association with each other. At this time, the operation determination unit 335 may output this information in a manner that allows for distinguishing between inappropriate operations and other operations. By the operation determination unit 335 outputting such information, it becomes easier for the administrator of the operator or the administrator of the unmanned flying device 1 to investigate the situation when an inappropriate operation was performed.

[0096] The operation determination unit 335 may search for the unmanned flying device 1 and the operator who performed the inappropriate flight based on the position and time identified based on the image information acquired via the information receiving unit 331. The image information is, for example, an image of the unmanned flying device 1 taken with a mobile terminal acquired from a victim who was unfairly tracked by the unmanned flying device 1, and includes information indicating the shooting position and shooting time (for example, GPS information). Specifically, the operation determination unit 335 identifies the unmanned flying device 1 and the operator whose position and time at which the unmanned flying device 1 performed the inappropriate operation are determined to be equivalent to the shooting position and shooting time indicated by the acquired image information. By operating in this manner, the operation determination unit 335 makes it possible to identify the operator who performed the inappropriate operation early, and it is possible to prevent the operator from performing the inappropriate operation.

[0097] [Processing flow in the flight equipment management system S] Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the flight device management system S. The sequence diagram shown in Fig. 6 starts from the point when the unmanned flying device 1 is powered on (S11). When the unmanned flying device 1 is powered on, the authentication processing unit 172 acquires the registered operator ID stored in the storage medium M1 (S12). The authentication processing unit 172 makes an authentication request to the management device 3 by associating the registered operator ID with the device ID and transmitting them to the management device 3.

[0098] In the management device 3, when the information receiving unit 331 receives the authentication request, the authentication unit 332 executes authentication processing (S13). Specifically, the authentication unit 332 identifies an operable range associated with the registered operator ID and the device ID by referring to the management database stored in the storage unit 32 (S14), and transmits an authentication result indicating the identified operable range to the unmanned flying device 1. The authentication processing unit 172 stores information indicating the operable range indicated by the received authentication result in the storage unit 16 (S15).

[0099] Thereafter, an operator operates the operation device 2, and an instruction for operating the unmanned flying device 1 is input to the operation device 2 (S16). The operation device 2 transmits instruction information corresponding to the operation content to the unmanned flying device 1.

[0100] The authentication processing unit 172 acquires the operator ID included in the instruction information received from the operation device 2 (S17), and determines whether the acquired operator ID matches the registered operator ID (S18). If the authentication processing unit 172 determines that the operator ID does not match the registered operator ID (NO in S18), it notifies the operation device 2 that an error has occurred. If the authentication processing unit 172 determines that the operator ID matches the registered operator ID (YES in S18), it instructs the flight control unit 173 to operate the unmanned flying device 1 based on the instruction information received from the operation device 2 (S19).

[0101] Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of the processing flow in the flight device management system S. In the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 6, after the unmanned flying device 1 is powered on, an authentication result indicating the range in which the unmanned flying device 1 can operate is obtained from the management device 3, and the memory unit 16 stores information indicating the operable range indicated by the obtained authentication result.

[0102] In contrast, the sequence diagram shown in Figure 7 differs from the sequence diagram shown in Figure 6 in that each time the unmanned flying device 1 receives instruction information from the operating device 2, the authentication processing unit 172 associates the instruction information with the operator ID and device ID obtained from the instruction information and transmits the instruction information to the management device 3.

[0103] When an operator operates the operation device 2, an instruction for operating the unmanned flying device 1 is input to the operation device 2 (S21). The operation device 2 transmits instruction information corresponding to the operation content to the unmanned flying device 1.

[0104] The authentication processing unit 172 acquires the operator ID included in the instruction information received from the operation device 2 (S22). The unmanned flying device 1 transmits the operator ID, device ID, and instruction information to the management device 3 in association with each other.

[0105] In the management device 3, when the information receiving unit 331 receives the operator ID, the device ID, and the instruction information from the unmanned flying device 1, the authentication unit 332 identifies the operable range registered in the management database in association with the operator ID and the device ID (S23). Next, the authentication unit 332 authenticates the instruction information by determining whether the operation content indicated by the instruction information is included in the identified operable range (S24), and transmits the authentication result to the unmanned flying device 1.

[0106] The authentication processing unit 172 operates the unmanned flying device 1 by controlling the flight control unit 173 based on the authentication result received from the management device 3 (S25). Specifically, when the authentication result indicates that the instruction information is proper, the authentication processing unit 172 causes the flight control unit 173 to execute the operation indicated by the instruction information. On the other hand, when the authentication result indicates that the instruction information is not proper, the authentication processing unit 172 does not cause the flight control unit 173 to execute the operation indicated by the instruction information, and transmits an error notification to the operation device 2.

[0107] In this way, the authentication processing unit 172 can transmit instruction information together with the operator ID and device ID to the management device 3 and receive authentication of the instruction information, so that the unmanned flying device 1 can perform appropriate operations even if the operational range changes over time due to external factors such as airspace congestion or weather conditions. Note that, in order to reduce the effect of delays caused by transmitting instruction information to the management device 3 and obtaining authentication results, the authentication processing unit 172 may transmit instruction information to the management device 3 and receive authentication, on the condition that instruction information for changing the operation of the unmanned flying device 1 by a predetermined level or more has been received.

[0108] [First Modification] In the above explanation, an example has been shown in which the registered operator ID is stored in the storage medium M1 attached to the storage medium attachment unit 13 of the unmanned flying device 1, but the unmanned flying device 1 does not have to have a storage medium attachment unit 13 for attaching the storage medium M1. In this case, the registered operator ID is stored, for example, in an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) of the storage unit 16. The administrator of the unmanned flying device 1 can write the registered operator ID to the EEPROM using, for example, a computer.

[0109] [Second modified example] In the above description, the authentication processing unit 172 associates the instruction information received from the operation device 2 with the device ID and the registered operator ID and transmits them to the management device 3, and the management device 3 authenticates the instruction information. However, the process of authenticating the instruction information may be executed inside the unmanned flying device 1. For example, the authentication processing unit 172 may execute a process equivalent to the authentication process executed by the management device 3. That is, the authentication processing unit 172 may determine that the instruction information is appropriate when the operator ID included in the instruction information matches the registered operator ID.

[0110] [Third Modification] In the above description, the maximum speed, maximum acceleration, maximum altitude, possible flight range, and executable functions are exemplified as the operable range stored in the memory unit 32, but the memory unit 32 may store specifications of the unmanned flying device 1 that the operator can operate (e.g., the weight, possible flight distance, and use of the unmanned flying device 1) in association with the operator ID. In this case, the authentication unit 332 permits the operation of the unmanned flying device 1 on the condition that the specifications corresponding to the device ID received from the unmanned flying device 1 correspond to the specifications of the unmanned flying device 1 that the operator can operate and that are stored in the memory unit 32 in association with the operator ID received from the unmanned flying device 1.

[0111] [Effects of Flight Equipment Management System S] As described above, the unmanned flying device 1 has an authentication processing unit 172 that authenticates that the instruction information is appropriate based on the registered authentication information (e.g., registered operator ID) stored in the storage medium M1, and a flight control unit 173 that flies the unmanned flying device 1 based on the instruction information within an operable range determined by the relationship between the registered authentication information and the device identification information (e.g., device ID) on the condition that the authentication processing unit 172 has determined that the instruction information is appropriate. By having this configuration, the unmanned flying device 1 executes an operation based on an operation within the range permitted by the operator only when the instruction information is appropriate.

[0112] Therefore, the unmanned flying device 1 will not operate inappropriately due to an operator performing an operation that is not authorized for the operator (for example, an operation that cannot be performed with the operator's skill), and the unmanned flying device 1 will not operate inappropriately based on false instruction information sent by an unauthorized third party for fraudulent purposes. As a result, the safety of the unmanned flying device 1 can be improved.

[0113] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by distributing or integrating functionally or physically in any unit. In addition, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effect of the new embodiment resulting from the combination combines the effect of the original embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1 Unmanned flying device 2 Control device 3 Management device 11 First Communications Department 12 2nd Communications Department 13 Storage medium loading section 14 Flight mechanism 15 Camera 16 Memory section 17 Control section 31 Communications Department 32 Storage section 33 Control Unit 171 Instruction information acquisition unit 172 Authentication processing unit 173 Flight Control Unit 174 Data Collection Department 175 Encryption section 331 Information Receiving Department 332 Authentication Department 333 Information Transmission Department 334 Compensation Determination Department 335 Operation judgment section

Claims

1. An unmanned flying device that flies based on instruction information acquired from an operation device, A storage unit for storing device identification information for identifying the unmanned flying device; a storage medium mounting section capable of mounting a storage medium for storing registered authentication information given to an operator who is permitted to operate the operation device; An instruction information acquisition unit that acquires the instruction information; an authentication processing unit that acquires an authentication result from the authentication server in response to transmitting the device identification information and the registered authentication information to the authentication server in association with each other; a flight control unit that transmits a message to the operating device or a computer of an administrator of the unmanned flying device when it is determined that the unmanned flying device will reach a position that is not included in the possible flight range indicated by the flight range information included in the authentication result if the unmanned flying device continues to fly based on the instruction information; having the authentication processing unit, on condition that the instruction information for executing an operation that is not included in an operable range defined by the relationship between the registered authentication information and the device identification information, associates the device identification information with the registered authentication information and transmits them to the authentication server; Unmanned flying device.

2. The flight range information includes latitude and longitude information and altitude information indicating the boundaries of the range in which the unmanned flying device can fly. The unmanned flying device according to claim 1 .

3. The flight range information indicates the flight range determined by the relationship between the device identification information and the registration authentication information.

3. An unmanned flying device as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. The flight control unit flies the unmanned flying device within a range not exceeding a maximum speed, a maximum acceleration, or a maximum altitude indicated by the operating condition information included in the authentication result. An unmanned flying device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The flight control unit causes the unmanned flying device to execute permitted functions included in the range indicated by functional range information indicating the range of functions that the unmanned flying device can execute, which is included in the authentication result, and does not execute unauthorized functions that are not included in the range indicated by the functional range information. An unmanned flying device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. An unmanned flying device that flies based on instruction information acquired from an operation device, and a management device that manages the unmanned flying device, The unmanned flying device includes: A storage unit for storing device identification information for identifying the unmanned flying device; a storage medium mounting section capable of mounting a storage medium for storing registered authentication information given to an operator who is permitted to operate the operation device; An instruction information acquisition unit that acquires the instruction information; an authentication processing unit that acquires an authentication result from the authentication server in response to transmitting the device identification information and the registered authentication information to the authentication server in association with each other; a flight control unit that transmits a message to the operating device or a computer of an administrator of the unmanned flying device when it is determined that the unmanned flying device will reach a position that is not included in the possible flight range indicated by the flight range information included in the authentication result if the unmanned flying device continues to fly based on the instruction information; having The management device includes: A storage unit that associates and stores device identification information for identifying the unmanned flying device, registration authentication information for identifying an operator or the operating device associated with the unmanned flying device, and flight range information indicating the flight range of the unmanned flying device; An information receiving unit that receives an authentication request including the device identification information and the registration authentication information from the unmanned flying device; An information transmission unit that transmits an authentication result including the flight range information associated with the device identification information and the registered authentication information received by the information receiving unit to the unmanned flying device when the device identification information and the registered authentication information received by the information receiving unit are associated and stored in the memory unit; having the authentication processing unit, on condition that the instruction information for executing an operation that is not included in an operable range defined by the relationship between the registered authentication information and the device identification information, associates the device identification information with the registered authentication information and transmits them to the authentication server; Flight equipment management system.

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