Levitation device, information management device, and separate mobile body

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of achieving communication with the outside at a position different from a position at which a surfacing device has surfaced.　A surfacing device 100 is released from a submerging body 200 sunk underwater UW to surface overwater OW and communicates with an external communicator 300. The surfacing device 100 comprises: a surfacing unit which surfaces, from underwater UW to overwater OW, the surfacing device 100 released from the submerging body 200; a communication unit which can transmit target information to the external communicator 300 after the surfacing device 100 has surfaced from underwater UW to overwater OW; and a moving unit which moves a target portion, which is at least a part of the surfacing device 100, after the surfacing device 100 has surfaced from underwater UW to overwater OW.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a floating device, an information management device, and a separated moving body. Background Art

[0002] Technologies are known that enable communication with the outside when trouble such as an accident or distress occurs in a submersible body submerged in water. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a floating device is released from a mother ship that has become immobile on the water bottom, the floating device rises to the water surface by buoyancy, and transmits a distress signal from the surfaced position. Prior Art Literature Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-314439 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology described above, the floating device transmits a distress signal from the position where it surfaces. However, the position where the floating device surfaces is not necessarily a position suitable for transmitting a distress signal. That is, there are cases where the distress signal is more likely to be received by an external communication device when transmitted from a position different from the surfaced position of the floating device, than when transmitted from the surfaced position.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the floating device, the information management device, and the separated moving body according to the present disclosure is to enable communication with the outside at a position different from the position where the floating device has surfaced. Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A buoyancy device (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a buoyancy device (100) that is released from a submersible (200) submerged in water (UW) and rises to the surface (OW) and communicates with an external communication device (300), comprising: a buoyancy section (20) that raises the buoyancy device (100) released from the submersible (200) from water (UW) to the surface (OW); a communication section (10) that can transmit target information to the external communication device (300) after the buoyancy device (100) has risen from water (UW) to the surface (OW); and a moving section (13) that moves a target part which is at least a part of the buoyancy device (100) after the buoyancy device (100) has risen from water (UW) to the surface (OW).

[0007] With this buoyancy device (100), after the buoyancy device (100) is released from the submersible (200) and surfaces from underwater (UW) to the water surface (OW), the target part can be moved from the surface position. Therefore, by using the moved target part, the buoyancy device (100) can communicate with the outside at a position different from the position where it surfaced.

[0008] In a levitation device (100) according to one aspect of this disclosure, the mobile unit (13) moves the target part by making it fly, and the communication unit (10) transmits target information to an external communication device (300) after the mobile unit (13) has started to make the target part fly. This allows the line of sight distance from the target part to be increased by having the target part fly at a position higher than the water surface (WS). Therefore, it is possible to facilitate communication with the external communication device (300).

[0009] In one aspect of the levitation device (100) of this disclosure, the communication unit (10) may transmit target information to an external communication device (300) when the target part is flying at an altitude of 15 m or more by the mobile unit (13). This allows for a more concrete realization of the functions and effects achieved by the levitation device (100) described above.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the levitation device (100) may cause the target part to fly by generating an upward thrust that propels the target part upward. In other words, the target part is propelled upward by the upward thrust, while its position does not need to be controlled laterally. This allows the levitation device (13) to utilize more of the energy available for moving the target part for upward propulsion. Therefore, the target part can be raised to a higher altitude, and thus the line of sight distance from the target part can be increased.

[0011] In a levitation device (100) according to one aspect of this disclosure, the moving part (13) may descend the flying target part so that it is directly downwards. This makes it possible to substantially coincide the position coordinates of the target part when it was flying with the position coordinates of the target part when it descended. Therefore, by detecting the position coordinates of the target part when it descended, it becomes easier to estimate the position coordinates of the target part when it was flying.

[0012] In a levitation device (100) according to one aspect of this disclosure, the moving unit (13) may descend the flying target part toward a position different from directly below. This allows the target part to change its position coordinates as it descends, enabling descent to a wider area. This may also be achieved, for example, by suppressing lateral control of the moving unit (13), in which case energy consumption by the moving unit (13) can be reduced.

[0013] In one aspect of the levitation device (100) of this disclosure, the moving unit (13) may keep the flying target part in the same position after the target information has been transmitted to the external communication device (300) by the communication unit (10). This allows the target part to be kept in a position where the target information can be transmitted to the external communication device (300) more reliably. Therefore, even if it becomes necessary to transmit the target information to the external communication device (300) again, it can be transmitted quickly. In addition, because the target part remains in the same position, the levitation device (100) is more easily discovered by others.

[0014] In a levitation device (100) according to one aspect of this disclosure, the mobile unit (13) may stop operating after the communication unit (10) has transmitted target information to the external communication device (300). This makes it possible to suppress energy consumption by the mobile unit (13).

[0015] A buoyancy device (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a separate mobile body (1) which is part of the buoyancy device (100), and the separate mobile body (1) comprises a communication unit (10) and a mobile unit (13), and after the buoyancy device (100) has risen from underwater (UW) to the surface (OW), it may be separated from the rest of the buoyancy device (100) and moved by the mobile unit (13). This allows for the movement of only the separate mobile body (1) and not the entire buoyancy device (100), thus reducing the energy consumption of the mobile unit (13). Furthermore, since the separate mobile body (1) is equipped with a communication unit (10), it is possible to communicate with the outside from the moved separate mobile body (1).

[0016] In one embodiment of the levitation device (100) of this disclosure, the mobile unit (13) may be moved by flying the separate mobile unit (1). This allows the line of sight distance from the separate mobile unit (1) to be increased by having the separate mobile unit (1) fly at a position higher than the water surface (WS). Therefore, it is possible to facilitate communication with the external communication device (300).

[0017] A flotation device (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing (2) equipped with an opening / closing section (22), which allows a separating mobile body (1) to be housed in a sealed state inside when the opening / closing section (22) is closed, and releases the sealed state and allows the separating mobile body (1) to be moved from the inside to the outside when the opening / closing section (22) is opened. The flotation device (100) floats from underwater (UW) to the surface (OW) when the separating mobile body (1) is housed inside the housing (2) with the opening / closing section (22) closed, and after the opening / closing section (22) is opened, the separating mobile body (1) may be separated from the housing (2) and moved by a moving section (13). According to this, by housing the separating mobile body (1) in a sealed state inside the housing (2) until the flotation device (100) floats from underwater (UW) to the surface (OW), it is possible to suppress the separating mobile body (1) from coming into contact with water. Furthermore, after the flotation device (100) has risen from underwater (UW) to the surface (OW), the detachable mobile body (1) can be separated from the housing (2) and the detachable mobile body (1) can be moved.

[0018] A flotation device (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a detection unit (21) that detects when the flotation device (100) has floated from underwater (UW) to the surface (OW), and the housing (2) may open its opening / closing unit (22) when the detection unit (21) detects that the flotation device (100) has floated from underwater (UW) to the surface (OW). This allows the flotation device (100) to suitably achieve its function and effect of suppressing contact between the separating mobile body (1) and water by housing the separating mobile body (1) in a sealed state inside the housing (2) until the flotation device (100) floats from underwater (UW) to the surface (OW). Furthermore, after the flotation device (100) has risen from underwater (UW) to the surface (OW), it can suitably perform the function and effect of the flotation device (100) of separating the separation mobile body (1) from the containment body (2) and moving the separation mobile body (1).

[0019] In the levitation device (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the container (2) may be filled with oil (F) when the opening / closing part (22) is in the closed state. According to this configuration, by causing the oil (F) to function as a so-called pressure equalizing oil, the water pressure applied to devices inside the container (2) such as the separated movable body (1) can be suppressed. Further, the oil (F) enables protection of devices inside the levitation device (100) from water when water splashes onto the levitation device (100).

[0020] In the levitation device (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the container (2) has an average density of 2.0g / cm 3 It may be configured as follows. According to this, the weight of the container (2) can be reduced, thereby suppressing the situation where the weight of the container (2) hinders the levitation of the levitation device (100).

[0021] The levitation device (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a fixing part capable of mutually fixing the separated movable body (1) and the container (2) in a state where the separated movable body (1) is accommodated inside the container (2). The levitation device (100) levitates from underwater (UW) to above water (OW) when the separated movable body (1) is accommodated inside the container (2) with the opening / closing part (22) in the closed state. After the opening / closing part (22) is brought into an open state and the fixation of the container (2) by the fixing part is released, the separated movable body (1) may be separated from the container (2) and moved by the moving part (13). According to this configuration, before the separated movable body (1) is separated from the container (2), inclination, overturning or the like of the separated movable body (1) inside the container (2) caused by influences such as ocean currents or waves can be suppressed.

[0022] In the levitation device (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the container (2) may include a curved surface part (C) whose outer surface is formed of a curved surface, and a non-curved surface part (P) whose outer surface is formed of a flat surface. According to this configuration, it is easy to improve the pressure resistance of the container (2) at the curved surface part (C), and it is easy to form an opening / closing mechanism for the opening / closing part (22) at the non-curved surface part (P).

[0023] In the levitation device (100) according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the separable moving body (1) may float on water. According to this configuration, when the separable moving body (1) descends to the water surface (WS), submergence can be suppressed.

[0024] In the levitation device (100) according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the submersible vehicle (200) may be a boarding submersible vehicle that allows an occupant to board. According to this configuration, the functions and effects achieved by the aforementioned levitation device (100) are more specifically realized. In particular, the levitation device (100) can be used to transmit a distress signal for requesting rescue of an occupant.

[0025] In the levitation device (100) according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the moving unit (13) may move a target portion in a specific direction. According to this configuration, by moving the target portion in a direction toward a position where the target information is easily received, communication with an external communication device (300) can be facilitated.

[0026] The levitation device (100) according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a determination unit (11) configured to determine whether the external communication device (300) has received the target information transmitted to the external communication device (300) by the communication unit (10), and the moving unit (13) does not need to move the target portion when the determination unit (11) determines that the external communication device (300) has received the target information. According to this configuration, when the external communication device (300) has received the target information, the separable moving body (1) is not moved, so energy consumption by the moving unit (13) can be suppressed.

[0027] In the levitation device (100) according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the target information may include position information indicating a position of at least one of the submersible vehicle (200) and the levitation device (100). According to this configuration, information relating to the current position of the submersible vehicle (200) can be transmitted to the external communication device (300). In particular, when a distress signal for the submersible vehicle (200) is transmitted as the target information, rescue can be performed more quickly and easily.

[0028] In a surfacing device (100) according to one aspect of this disclosure, the target information may include status information indicating the condition of the diving body (200). This allows information regarding the current condition of the diving body (200) to be transmitted to an external communication device (300). Furthermore, when a rescue team or the like obtains information regarding the current condition of the diving body (200) via the external communication device (300), they can be made to understand the current condition of the diving body (200).

[0029] In a levitation device (100) according to one aspect of this disclosure, the target information may have a data volume of 1B to 50B. This reduces the data volume of the target information, allowing it to be transmitted over a longer distance.

[0030] In a levitation device (100) according to one aspect of this disclosure, the communication unit (10) may communicate with an external communication device (300) using radio waves with a frequency of 1000 MHz or less. This allows the wavelength of the radio waves used for communication to be increased, thereby enabling the transmission of target information over a longer distance.

[0031] A levitation device (100) according to one aspect of this disclosure includes a movement parameter setting unit (12) that sets movement parameters indicating at least one of the distance, altitude, and time to which the target part should move, and a movement unit (13) may move the target part according to the movement parameters set by the movement parameter setting unit (12). This makes it easier to communicate with an external communication device (300) by moving the target part to a position where target information is easily received.

[0032] In a levitation device (100) according to one aspect of this disclosure, the moving unit (13) moves the target part until the energy available to the moving unit (13) for moving the target part is exhausted, and the communication unit (10) transmits target information to the external communication device (300) until the energy available to the communication unit (10) for transmitting target information to the external communication device (300) is exhausted. This allows the moving unit (13) and the communication unit (10) to utilize more energy, making successful communication with the external communication device (300) easier. Furthermore, because the moving unit (13) and the communication unit (10) can utilize more energy, the amount of data that can be communicated with the external communication device (300) can be increased.

[0033] In a levitation device (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the movable part (13) may be able to select a test movement mode that allows a target part to be test moved in order to confirm the operation of the movable part (13). This makes it possible to confirm in advance whether or not the movable part (13) will operate properly.

[0034] In a levitation device (100) according to one aspect of this disclosure, the communication unit (10) may be able to select a test communication mode in which it transmits test information to an external communication device (300) for the purpose of verifying the operation of the communication unit (10). This allows for prior verification of whether or not the communication unit (10) is functioning properly.

[0035] An information management device (400) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an identification information acquisition unit (30) that acquires identification information relating to any of the above-described levitation devices (100), a target information acquisition unit (31) that acquires target information transmitted to an external communication device (300) by a communication unit (10) provided in the levitation device (100), and an information management unit (33) that manages the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit (30) and the target information acquired by the target information acquisition unit (31) by linking them together.

[0036] According to this information management device (400), it becomes possible to manage the target information transmitted to the external communication device (300) for each levitation device (100) that can communicate with the outside at a location different from the levitation location.

[0037] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the information management device (400) may include status information indicating the status of the diving body (200). This allows for the management of information regarding the status of the diving body (200).

[0038] An information management device (400) according to one aspect of this disclosure may include a response information generation unit (35) that generates response information regarding the response to a diving body (200) after target information has been acquired by a target information acquisition unit (31). This allows for the management of information on rescue responses after receiving target information such as a distress signal, making it possible for, for example, an administrator to grasp the status of the response to the diving body (200).

[0039] An information management device (400) according to one aspect of this disclosure includes a contact information acquisition unit (32) that acquires contact information for contacts relating to a submersible (200), and an information management unit (33) that manages the contact information acquired by the contact information acquisition unit (32) in association with identification information, and an information communication unit (34) that contacts the contacts based on the contact information linked to the identification information linked to the target information when new target information is acquired by the target information acquisition unit (31). According to this, for surfacing devices (100) that can communicate with the outside at a location different from the surfacing location, it becomes possible to manage contact information for contacts relating to a submersible (200) for each surfacing device (100). Furthermore, when new target information is acquired, it is possible to contact the contacts of the submersible (200) relating to the surfacing device (100) that transmitted the target information. Therefore, for example, if a distress signal is transmitted from the surfacing device (100) of any of the submersibles (200), it becomes possible to quickly contact the persons involved with that submersible (200).

[0040] A detachable mobile body (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a detachable mobile body (1) that is part of a buoyancy device (100) which is released from a submersible body (200) submerged in water (UW), floats to the surface (OW) by a buoyancy part (20), and communicates with an external communication device (300), and comprises a communication unit (10) capable of transmitting target information to the external communication device (300) after the buoyancy device (100) has floated from water (UW) to the surface (OW), and a mobile unit (13) for moving the detachable mobile body (1) which has been separated from the rest of the buoyancy device (100) after the buoyancy device (100) has floated from water (UW) to the surface (OW).

[0041] With this detachable mobile body (1), after the buoyancy device (100) equipped with the detachable mobile body (1) is released from the submersible body (200) and surfaces from underwater (UW) to the surface (OW), the detachable mobile body (1) can be moved from the surface position. Therefore, the detachable mobile body (1) can communicate with the outside at a position different from the position where the buoyancy device (100) surfaces.

[0042] The reference numerals in parentheses above are shown as examples of the reference numerals of components in the embodiments described later, and this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0043] Thus, the levitation device, information management device, and detachable mobile body relating to this disclosure can communicate with the outside at a location different from the position where the levitation device is levitating. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0044] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a levitation device and an information management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the communication between the levitation device and the external communication device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a buoyancy device mounted on a submersible that is submerged underwater. [Figure 4]Figure 4 shows a buoyancy device being released from a submersible and used to ascend to the surface. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the buoyancy device floating on the water. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the levitation device with the opening / closing section of the containment body in the open position. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the housing with its opening / closing section in the open position, and the detachable mobile unit that has started flying from the housing. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a detachable mobile body being propelled upward from the containment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a separate mobile unit descending straight down from a state of flight. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a separate mobile body descending from a state of flight to a position different from directly below. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a levitation device according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] The following describes exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0046] [First Embodiment] [Overall structure] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the buoyancy device 100 and information management device 400 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing communication between the buoyancy device 100 and the external communication device 300. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the buoyancy device 100 mounted on a diving body 200 submerged in the underwater underwater water (UW). Figure 4 is a diagram showing the buoyancy device 100 being released from the diving body 200 and surfacing. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the buoyancy device 100 surfacing on the surface water (OW). As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the buoyancy device 100 is a device that is released from a diving body 200 submerged in the underwater underwater water (UW), surfacing from the underwater underwater water to the surface water (OW), and communicating with the external communication device 300. In other words, in its initial state, the buoyancy device 100 is mounted on or held by the diving body 200. The information management device 400 is a device that acquires various information related to the buoyancy device 100 from, for example, the external communication device 300, and manages said information.

[0047] Here, the surfacing device 100 is used when the submersible 200 transmits a distress signal to the external communication device 300. For example, the surfacing device 100 transmits a distress signal to the external communication device 300 when the submersible 200 experiences trouble such as an accident or distress in underwater underwater wrecking to request rescue of the crew. The surfacing device 100 is configured to be able to transmit the distress signal by moving to a position where the external communication device 300 can easily receive the distress signal (by moving at least a part of the surfacing device 100). Possible troubles that may occur to the submersible 200 in underwater wrecking include, for example, getting stuck on rocks, engine trouble, sudden illness of the crew, running out of fuel, fire, or lack of oxygen.

[0048] Furthermore, the use of the surfacing device 100 is not limited to transmitting distress signals (requesting rescue), and the signals transmitted to the external communication device 300 by the surfacing device 100 are not limited to distress signals. For example, the use of the surfacing device 100 may be to notify that the crew is safe, to notify about the conditions around the submersible 200, or to report the results of various investigations conducted by the submersible 200, etc., underwater.

[0049] "Underwater" means a position submerged in water at least below the water surface WS. More specifically, underwater UW may mean a position submerged to a predetermined depth (e.g., 50 cm or 1 m) or more below the water surface WS. Examples of actual usage of the surfacing device 100 include releasing the surfacing device 100 from a submersible 200 submerged in underwater UW to a depth of about 100 m, or releasing the surfacing device 100 from a submersible 200 submerged in underwater UW to a depth of about 500 m.

[0050] "Above the water" means near the water surface WS. In other words, above the water OW may be at the same height as the water surface WS, above the water surface WS, or below the water surface WS with a depth (water depth) of a predetermined amount (e.g., 50 cm) or less. Here, the depth from the water surface WS may be measured at the top of the flotation device 100, at the center, or at the center of gravity. The underwater UW and above the water OW may be in contact with each other at their interface, or they may be separated vertically by a separate layer.

[0051] "To surface from underwater" means to surface upward or diagonally upward from underwater UW to surface OW. "Surfacing" may be upward or diagonally upward movement due to buoyancy, upward or diagonally upward movement due to mechanical propulsion such as a screw or thruster, or upward or diagonally upward movement by other means. "Surfacing on the water" means being in the process of surfacing toward surface OW and being able to continue surfacing from that position. On the other hand, "having surfaced" means having completed surfacing to surface OW, or in other words, having surfaced to a position where further surfacing is not possible or a position close to that position. "Having surfaced" may also mean that at least a part of the surfacing device 100 has surfaced above the water surface WS. Here, "water" may be water from the sea, lake, river, etc., or other types of water.

[0052] A "submersible body" is an entity capable of submerging into an underwater underwater vessel (UW). Specifically, the submersible body 200 may be a submersible, a submarine, a structure or device installed in an underwater UW, or a user (diver) who has submerged into an underwater UW. If the submersible body 200 is a submersible or submarine, it may be a crew-carrying submersible or a non-crewing submersible. Here, a submersible configured as a crew-carrying submersible is given as an example of the submersible body 200.

[0053] "Released" means that the buoyancy device 100 is released from being mounted on or held by the submersible 200, and the buoyancy device 100 separates from the submersible 200. At this time, the buoyancy device 100 and the submersible 200 may be completely separated, or the main body of the buoyancy device 100 may separate from the submersible 200 while maintaining a connection by wire or the like.

[0054] For example, if the submerged body 200 is a submersible, a submarine, or a structure or device installed in an underwater underwater wreck, the buoyancy device 100, which is fixed (mounted) to the submerged body 200 by a fixing mechanism, may be released from the submerged body 200 when the fixing mechanism is released. Also, for example, if the submerged body 200 is a user who has dived into an underwater wreck, the buoyancy device 100 held by the submerged body 200 may be released by the submerged body 200.

[0055] As described above, in this embodiment, the submersible 200 is a submersible configured as a passenger submersible. The submersible 200 is equipped with various devices (not shown) used for diving and navigation. The submersible 200 also includes a hull 50, a base 51, a battery 52, a cable 53, and a first fixing mechanism 54.

[0056] The hull section 50 is the main body of the submersible 200. The hull section 50 has a crew compartment inside. The base section 51 is provided on the upper surface of the hull section 50 and is a base to which the buoyancy device 100 is fixed. The battery 52 is a storage battery for supplying power to the first fixing mechanism 54 and is electrically connected to the first fixing mechanism 54 by a cable 53.

[0057] The first fixing mechanism 54 is a mechanism for fixing the buoyancy device 100 onto the base portion 51 of the submersible body 200. The first fixing mechanism 54 is configured as an electromagnet and generates a magnetic force when power is supplied from the battery 52. ​​As will be described later, the buoyancy device 100 is provided with a second fixing mechanism 24 made of a magnetic material. As a result, when power is supplied from the battery 52 to the first fixing mechanism 54, the electromagnet generates a magnetic force, and this magnetic force attracts the second fixing mechanism 24 of the buoyancy device 100 towards the submersible body 200, fixing the buoyancy device 100 onto the base portion 51. On the other hand, when the power supply from the battery 52 to the first fixing mechanism 54 is stopped, the electromagnet stops generating a magnetic force, and the second fixing mechanism 24 of the buoyancy device 100 is no longer attracted towards the submersible body 200, causing the buoyancy device 100 to be released from the base portion 51.

[0058] The buoyancy device 100 is released from the submersible 200 to ascend from underwater UW to surface OW, and communicates with the external communication device 300 by moving a target part of the buoyancy device 100. The "target part" is at least a part of the buoyancy device 100, which is moved by the moving part 13 described later. Note that "at least a part" means that it may be all of the buoyancy device 100 (the entire buoyancy device 100), or it may be only a part of the buoyancy device 100.

[0059] Furthermore, "movement of the target part" may refer to movement on the water surface WS, movement in the air (flight), or movement on the ground GS. The target part may be configured as an amphibious drone capable of moving underwater UW, on water OW, and in the air, or as an amphibious drone capable of moving underwater UW, on water OW, and on the ground GS.

[0060] The volume of the buoyancy device 100 is 10,000 cm³ for convenience in mounting (or holding) it on the submersible 200. 3 The following is preferable: 5000 cm 3 The following is more preferable: 3000cm 3 The following is even more preferable. Furthermore, the weight of the flotation device 100 is preferably 5 kg or less, more preferably 3 kg or less, and even more preferably 1 kg or less, from the viewpoint of convenience of mounting (or holding) it on the submersible 200 and ease of ascent.

[0061] The levitation device 100 comprises a detachable mobile body 1 and a housing body 2. The detachable mobile body 1 is a device that can be separated from the housing body 2 and moved within the levitation device 100. In this embodiment, the detachable mobile body 1 corresponds to the target part. That is, in this embodiment, the target part is a part of the levitation device 100, but not the entire part. "To separate" may mean that the detachable mobile body 1 is completely separated from the housing body 2 without any connection whatsoever, or it may mean that the detachable mobile body 1 is partially separated from the housing body 2 while maintaining a connection with it by wires or the like. The detachable mobile body 1 is a so-called drone (unmanned aerial vehicle), and specifically, it is a multicopter (rotary-wing aircraft) equipped with multiple propellers that rotate around multiple vertical axes. More specifically, the detachable mobile body 1 is a quadcopter equipped with four propellers.

[0062] The housing 2 has the appearance of a pair of openable and closable hemispherical containers and is a housing that contains the separation mobile body 1 in a sealed state. "Sealed state" means that the outer shell is closed so that water does not enter the inside of the housing 2 in the underwater underwater water (UW). The housing 2 can contain the separation mobile body 1 in a state that is isolated from the surrounding water, for example, when the buoyancy device 100 is located in the underwater UW. Specifically, the housing 2 maintains a state in which the separation mobile body 1 is isolated from the surrounding water until the buoyancy device 100, which is fixed to the submersible body 200, is released from the submersible body 200 and surfaces from the underwater UW to the surface OW. Furthermore, after the buoyancy device 100 is released from the submersible body 200 and surfaces from the underwater UW to the surface OW, the housing 2 releases its sealed state and allows the separation mobile body 1 to move (detach) from the inside to the outside. The housing 2 may be made of, for example, carbon, glass, acrylic, rubber, plastic, or polyethylene. The container 2 may be a solid with a defined shape, or it may be a bag-like shape without a defined form.

[0063] The housing 2 comprises a curved portion C and a non-curved portion P. The "curved portion" is the part whose outer surface is made up of a curved surface. The "non-curved portion" is the part whose outer surface is made up of a flat surface. The non-curved portion P may have an outer surface made up of an uneven surface formed by a combination of flat surfaces. In this case, the non-curved portion P is the part to which the hinge of the opening / closing portion 22, which will be described later, is provided. The curved portion C is the part other than the non-curved portion P and is configured to form part of a sphere.

[0064] The maximum length of the container 2 is preferably 30 cm or less, more preferably 25 cm or less, and even more preferably 20 cm or less. This compact configuration of the container 2 improves convenience for carrying and mounting. Furthermore, the container 2 has an average density of 2.0 g / cm³. 3 The following configuration is used. "Average density of the containment" refers to the average density calculated without including the internal space of containment 2 in its volume. This low density of containment 2 reduces its weight, which in turn improves the portability and ease of handling of containment 2.

[0065] The functional configuration of the housing 2 will now be described. The housing 2 has a floating portion 20, a detection portion 21, an opening / closing portion 22, and a second fixing portion 23.

[0066] The buoyancy section 20 raises the buoyancy device 100, released from the submersible 200, from underwater UW to surface OW. The means by which the buoyancy section 20 raises the buoyancy device 100 (i.e., the specific form of the buoyancy section 20) are not particularly limited. For example, the buoyancy section 20 may be a propulsion device (thruster or screw, etc.) for raising the buoyancy device 100. Alternatively, the buoyancy section 20 may be a structural part that makes the density (average density) of the buoyancy device 100 less than the density of water so that the buoyancy device 100 floats on water. Specifically, the buoyancy section 20 may be a structural part for reducing the weight of the buoyancy device 100, or it may be a structural part for increasing the amount of air sealed in the buoyancy device 100 (i.e., the volume of the buoyancy device 100). The buoyancy section 20 may be an air introduction mechanism that introduces air into the sealed housing 2. The floating portion 20 does not necessarily refer to a specific part of the buoyancy device 100, but may refer to the buoyancy device 100 itself, for example, which is configured to have a density lower than that of water. "Density of water" may refer to the density of fresh water or the density of saltwater, such as seawater.

[0067] The detection unit 21 detects that the flotation device 100 has risen from the underwater UW to the surface OW. More specifically, the detection unit 21 detects that the flotation device 100 has risen from the underwater UW by the flotation part 20 and reached the surface OW. The means by which the detection unit 21 detects that the flotation device 100 has risen from the underwater UW to the surface OW (i.e., the specific form of the detection unit 21) are not particularly limited. For example, the detection unit 21 may be a camera or a water pressure sensor.

[0068] Figure 6 shows the levitation device 100 with the opening / closing section 22 of the housing 2 in the open state. Figure 7 shows the housing 2 with the opening / closing section 22 in the open state, and the separation mobile body 1 that has started flying from the housing 2. As shown in Figures 1 to 7, when the opening / closing section 22 is in the closed state, the inside of the housing 2 is sealed, and when it is in the open state, the sealed state inside the housing 2 is released, allowing the separation mobile body 1 to move from the inside to the outside of the housing 2. In other words, the housing 2 can accommodate the separation mobile body 1 in a sealed state when the opening / closing section 22 is in the closed state, and when the opening / closing section 22 is in the open state, the sealed state is released and the separation mobile body 1 can move from the inside to the outside. "Closed state" means a state in which the inside of the housing 2 is sealed and isolated from the surrounding water. The housing 2 has a volume that can accommodate the separation mobile body 1 in the closed state. On the other hand, "open state" means a state in which the sealed state inside the housing 2 is released and the space inside the housing 2 is opened to the outside. In the open state, the housing 2 may have a pair of hemispherical containers that open to each other, allowing the detachable mobile body 1, which was housed inside, to exit to the outside. The opening / closing section 22 may be automatically opened and closed by an electric mechanism.

[0069] The mechanism by which the container 2 is opened and closed by the opening / closing section 22 (closing mechanism) is realized here by a pair of hemispherical containers being connected to each other by hinges. The opening / closing mechanism may also be one in which the lid slides to open and close the container 2. Furthermore, the mechanism by which the container 2 is opened from a closed state by the opening / closing section 22 (opening mechanism) may be achieved by detonating at least a part of the container 2 with explosives, or by melting at least a part of the container 2 with the heat of a flame. Alternatively, the container 2 may be opened from a closed state by applying a force such as an elastic force from a spring.

[0070] The opening / closing section 22 may be opened from a closed state, for example, when the detection unit 21 detects that the buoyancy device 100 has risen from underwater UW to surface OW. In other words, the housing 2 opens the opening / closing section 22 from a closed state when the detection unit 21 detects that the buoyancy device 100 has risen from surface OW to surface OW. The opening / closing section 22 may also be opened from a closed state after a predetermined time has elapsed from a specific timing.

[0071] The second fixing part 23 is a mechanism that allows the separating mobile body 1 and the housing 2 to be fixed to each other when the separating mobile body 1 is housed inside the housing 2. The second fixing part 23 may work in cooperation with the first fixing part 14 of the separating mobile body 1, which will be described later, to fix the separating mobile body 1 and the housing 2 to each other. The second fixing part 23 is configured as an electromagnet and generates a magnetic force when power is supplied to it. The second fixing part 23 may be powered by battery 52 or by another battery. As will be described later, the separating mobile body 1 is provided with a first fixing part 14 made of a magnetic material. As a result, when power is supplied to the second fixing part 23, the electromagnet generates a magnetic force, and this magnetic force attracts the first fixing part 14 of the separating mobile body 1 to the second fixing part 23 side of the housing 2, thereby fixing the separating mobile body 1 to the housing 2. On the other hand, if the power supply to the second fixing part 23 is stopped, the electromagnet will no longer generate a magnetic force, and the first fixing part 14 of the separating mobile body 1 will no longer be attracted to the second fixing part 23 of the housing 2, thus allowing the separating mobile body 1 to move away from the housing 2. The second fixing part 23 may be located on top of the platform on which the separating mobile body 1 is placed.

[0072] Furthermore, the housing 2 has a second fixing mechanism 24. The second fixing mechanism 24 works in cooperation with the first fixing mechanism 54 to fix the buoyancy device 100 onto the base portion 51 of the submersible 200. The second fixing mechanism 24 is made of a magnetic material. As described above, when power is supplied from the battery 52 to the first fixing mechanism 54, which is configured as an electromagnet, a magnetic force is generated and the buoyancy device 100 is fixed to the base portion 51. On the other hand, when the supply of power from the battery 52 to the first fixing mechanism 54 is stopped, the magnetic force disappears and the buoyancy device 100 is released from the base portion 51 and becomes capable of surfacing.

[0073] The housing 2 may further include a control device (not shown). This control device may control the buoyancy section 20, the detection section 21, the opening / closing section 22, and the second fixing section 23, etc. In this case, the control device may be electrically connected by wire or wireless to the various devices constituting each of the buoyancy section 20, the detection section 21, the opening / closing section 22, and the second fixing section 23, etc., to exchange signals. Alternatively, the housing 2 may be electrically connected to the control unit 15 of the separate mobile body 1 (described later), and the control unit 15 may perform the same functions as the control device described above.

[0074] Next, the detachable mobile unit 1 will be described. The detachable mobile unit 1 is part of the levitation device 100 and includes a communication unit 10, a determination unit 11, a movement parameter setting unit 12, a movement unit 13, a first fixed unit 14, a control unit 15, and an energy storage unit 16. The detachable mobile unit 1 also has various components as a drone. For example, the detachable mobile unit 1 may include a propeller, a flight controller, a battery, a circuit board, a communication module, a memory unit, a camera, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope, a barometric pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, etc. The GNSS receiver may be, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. As will be described later, after the levitation device 100 has risen from the underwater UW to the surface OW, the detachable mobile unit 1 separates from the housing unit 2, which is the remaining part of the levitation device 100, and moves using the movement unit 13.

[0075] The communication unit 10 communicates with the external communication device 300 after the buoyancy device 100 has surfaced from the underwater UW to the surface OW. More specifically, the communication unit 10 communicates with the external communication device 300 after the separated mobile body 1 has begun flying due to the mobile unit 13, which will be described later. For example, the communication unit 10 may communicate with the external communication device 300 when the separated mobile body 1 is flying at an altitude of 15m or more due to the mobile unit 13. By communicating at a position higher than the water surface WS in this way, the line-of-sight distance (communication range) may be longer compared to when communication is performed at the height of the water surface WS. Note that the communication unit 10 only needs to communicate with the external communication device 300 after the separated mobile body 1 has begun flying due to the mobile unit 13, and may communicate with the external communication device 300 even before the separated mobile body 1 begins flying due to the mobile unit 13.

[0076] Here, the altitude at which the separating mobile body 1 is flying may be defined as the height (vertical distance) from the water surface WS if the water surface WS is directly below the separating mobile body 1. In this case, if the vertical position of the water surface WS fluctuates due to waves, the altitude at which the separating mobile body 1 is flying may be defined as the height from any position on the fluctuating water surface WS. Alternatively, the altitude at which the separating mobile body 1 is flying may be defined as the height (vertical distance) from the ground GS if the ground GS is directly below the separating mobile body 1. Furthermore, the altitude at which the separating mobile body 1 is flying may be obtained based on atmospheric pressure measured by a barometric pressure sensor. The target altitude that the separating mobile body 1 should reach may be predetermined (e.g., 15m, 100m, etc.), or it may be set to increase altitude indefinitely. Preferably, the separating mobile body 1 may be set to reach a target altitude of 15m or more, more preferably 50m or more, and even more preferably 100m or more.

[0077] "Communicating" may mean transmitting information, or it may mean both transmitting and receiving information. In other words, the communication unit 10 may only be capable of transmitting information to the external communication device 300, or it may be capable of transmitting and receiving information from the external communication device 300. The information communicated between the communication unit 10 and the external communication device 300 may be called target information. For example, the communication unit 10 may be capable of transmitting target information to the external communication device 300 after the buoyancy device 100 has surfaced from the underwater UW to the surface OW. Furthermore, "communicating with the external communication device" may also include cases where, when the communication unit 10 transmits information, the external communication device 300 is unable to receive the information (fails to receive the information).

[0078] "Target information" refers to various types of information transmitted from the surfacing device 100 to the external communication device 300. Specifically, the target information may include location information. "Location information" refers to information indicating the position of at least one of the submersible 200 and the surfacing device 100, and may include at least one of latitude, longitude, water depth, and altitude.

[0079] If the target information includes location information, the location information of the surfacing device 100 (e.g., the separate mobile body 1) may be obtained based on positioning data from a GNSS receiver mounted on the surfacing device 100 (e.g., the separate mobile body 1). On the other hand, the location information of the submersible body 200 may be estimated by calculating the direction and distance traveled by the submersible body 200 using data from an acceleration sensor or the like, based on the dive start point, or the water depth may be estimated using data from a pressure sensor or the like. The location information of the submersible body 200 may be transmitted from the submersible body 200 to the surfacing device 100 before the surfacing device 100 is released from the submersible body 200.

[0080] Furthermore, the target information may also include status information. "Status information" refers to information indicating the state of the submersible 200, and may include information indicating situations such as "it is in distress," "an emergency has occurred," "the crew's lives are in danger," or "the crew is injured." Alternatively, the status information may be expressed by numerical values, numbers, symbols, or icons corresponding to the urgency of the situation. The status information of the submersible 200 may be transmitted from the submersible 200 to the surfacing device 100 before the surfacing device 100 is released from the submersible 200.

[0081] Furthermore, the target information may include information other than that described above. For example, the target information may include information related to rescue requests, weather information, video or still images of the area around the diving body 200, video or still images of the area around the surfacing device 100, audio, message text, air temperature, or water temperature information.

[0082] The target information may have any amount of data, but preferably it may have an amount of 1B to 50B, more preferably 1B to 30B, and even more preferably 1B to 12B. Reducing the amount of data of the target information in this way makes it possible to increase the distance over which the target information can be transmitted. Also, if the amount of data of the target information is around 30B or 50B, it becomes possible to include information such as location information, status information, and message text. On the other hand, if the amount of data of the target information is between 1B and 12B, it becomes easier to comply with the standards of each communication method.

[0083] The communication unit 10 may communicate with the external communication device 300 using any communication method. For example, examples of communication methods used by the levitation device 100 include LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, LPWA (e.g., LoRa, Sigfox, ELTRES, etc.), or satellite communication. The communication unit 10 may also include an antenna and a communication control unit that communicates with the outside using the antenna.

[0084] The communication unit 10 may communicate with the external communication device 300 using radio waves with a frequency of 1000 MHz or less. By increasing the wavelength of the radio waves used for communication in this way, it becomes possible to extend the distance over which the target information can be transmitted.

[0085] When the communication unit 10 transmits information to the external communication device 300, it may transmit the information multiple times. In particular, the communication unit 10 may set in advance the number of times to transmit the information, or it may repeatedly transmit the information until the determination unit 11, which will be described later, determines that the transmitted information has been received by the external communication device 300. The communication unit 10 may also transmit information to the external communication device 300 at predetermined time intervals, for example, once every 30 seconds or once every minute.

[0086] The communication unit 10 may transmit target information to the external communication device 300 until the energy available to the communication unit 10 for transmitting target information to the external communication device 300 is exhausted. For example, the energy available to the levitation device 100 may be the energy stored in the energy storage unit 16 of the separated mobile body 1 (described later) that is available to the separated mobile body 1. The energy available to the communication unit 10 for transmitting target information to the external communication device 300 may be all the energy stored in the energy storage unit 16 until the energy stored in the energy storage unit 16 becomes zero, or it may be a predetermined amount of energy that has been allocated in advance according to its intended use.

[0087] The communication unit 10 may be able to select at least two modes when communicating with the external communication device 300: a normal communication mode and a test communication mode. In other words, the communication unit 10 may be able to select the test communication mode. The "normal communication mode" is the mode selected when the levitation device 100 is actually in operation. The "test communication mode" is the mode in which the communication unit 10 sends test information to the external communication device 300 to verify its operation. When the communication unit 10 selects the test communication mode, it may, for example, send test information to the external communication device 300. The "test information" is information indicating that the test communication mode has been selected, and may specifically be a predetermined text or number.

[0088] The determination unit 11 determines whether the external communication device 300 has received the target information transmitted to the external communication device 300 by the communication unit 10. For example, if the determination unit 11 receives confirmation of receipt information after the target information has been transmitted to the external communication device 300 by the communication unit 10, it may determine that the external communication device 300 has received the target information transmitted to the external communication device 300 by the communication unit 10. Alternatively, if the determination unit 11 does not receive confirmation of receipt information after the target information has been transmitted to the external communication device 300 by the communication unit 10, it may determine that the external communication device 300 has not received the target information transmitted to the external communication device 300 by the communication unit 10. "Confirmation of receipt information" refers to information that the external communication device 300 transmits to the levitation device 100 (communication unit 10) as a result of receiving the target information from the communication unit 10.

[0089] The movement parameter setting unit 12 sets movement parameters related to the movement of the separated mobile body 1. A "movement parameter" is a parameter that indicates at least one of the distance, altitude, and time that the separated mobile body 1 should travel. The movement parameter may also include parameters other than distance, altitude, and time. For example, the movement parameter may include the direction, path, or speed at which the separated mobile body 1 should travel.

[0090] The distance that the separating mobile body 1 should travel may be defined as, for example, 100m, 500m, or 3km. In this case, the distance may be a one-dimensional distance (i.e., a straight-line distance), a two-dimensional distance (i.e., a horizontal distance accumulated along the movement path of the separating mobile body 1 with respect to latitude and longitude), or a three-dimensional distance (i.e., a spatial distance accumulated along the movement path of the separating mobile body 1 with respect to latitude, longitude, and altitude).

[0091] The altitude to which the separated mobile body 1 should move may be defined as, for example, 15m, 50m, or 100m. When a predetermined altitude is specified by the movement parameters, the separated mobile body 1 may, upon reaching that predetermined altitude, suppress the change in altitude by, for example, hovering, and remain at that predetermined altitude. Alternatively, when a predetermined altitude is specified in the movement parameters, the separated mobile body 1 may, upon reaching that predetermined altitude, stop the operation of the mobile unit 13 (described later) and fall downward, or it may control the operation of the mobile unit 13 to gradually descend and land on the water surface WS (or on the ground GS).

[0092] The time for which the separated mobile body 1 should move may be defined as, for example, 3 minutes, 10 minutes, or 30 minutes. When a predetermined time is specified in the movement parameters, the separated mobile body 1 may, after the predetermined time has elapsed, suppress its movement by, for example, hovering and remain in that position. Alternatively, when a predetermined time is specified in the movement parameters, the separated mobile body 1 may, after the predetermined time has elapsed, stop the operation of the moving part 13 (described later) and fall downward, or it may control the operation of the moving part 13 to descend gradually and land on the water surface WS (or on the ground GS).

[0093] The movement parameter setting unit 12 may set predetermined movement parameters. Alternatively, the movement parameter setting unit 12 may set movement parameters specified by the user. For example, the movement parameter setting unit 12 may set movement parameters based on information input from a terminal operated by the user. Or, the movement parameter setting unit 12 may set movement parameters based on information input by the user via the submersible 200.

[0094] The movement parameter setting unit 12 may set the movement parameters depending on whether the movement unit 13 has selected the normal movement mode or the test movement mode, as will be described later. In this case, in the test movement mode, the distance that the separated moving body 1 should move may be shorter, the altitude that the separated moving body 1 should move to may be lower, and the time that the separated moving body 1 should move may be shorter compared to the normal movement mode.

[0095] The moving unit 13 moves the target part, which is at least a part of the buoyancy device 100, after the buoyancy device 100 has surfaced from underwater (UW) to surface (OW). Here, since the target part is the separated mobile body 1, it can be rephrased that the moving unit 13 moves the separated mobile body 1 after the buoyancy device 100 has surfaced from underwater (UW) to surface (OW). In other words, the separated mobile body 1 can be read as the target part. Specifically, the moving unit 13 moves the separated mobile body 1 by making it fly.

[0096] The moving unit 13 moves the separated mobile body 1 according to the movement parameters set by the movement parameter setting unit 12. When moving the separated mobile body 1, the moving unit 13 may be able to select at least two modes: a normal movement mode and a test movement mode. In other words, the moving unit 13 can select the test movement mode. The "normal movement mode" is the mode selected when the levitation device 100 is actually in operation. The "test movement mode" is a mode in which the separated mobile body 1 is moved as a test to confirm the operation of the moving unit 13. For example, in the test movement mode, the set values ​​for distance, altitude, and time may be smaller compared to the normal movement mode. The moving unit 13 may select either the normal movement mode or the test movement mode based on the movement parameters set by the movement parameter setting unit 12.

[0097] Furthermore, when the mobile unit 13 selects the test mobile mode, the communication unit 10 may simultaneously select the test communication mode. In other words, both the test mobile mode and the test communication mode may be set at the same time.

[0098] Figure 8 shows a separation mobile body 1 being propelled upward from the housing 2. As shown in Figures 1 to 8, the moving unit 13 can move the separation mobile body 1 in various ways depending on the movement parameters. For example, the moving unit 13 may make the separation mobile body 1 fly by generating an upward thrust that propels the separation mobile body 1 upward. In this case, while moving the separation mobile body 1 vertically upward, it may be allowed to be carried horizontally by the wind, etc., without generating a lateral thrust that propels the separation mobile body 1 sideways (horizontally). This saves energy that would otherwise be used for lateral thrust. The moving unit 13 may also generate lateral thrust in addition to upward thrust.

[0099] The mobile unit 13 may move the separated mobile body 1 in a specific direction. "Specific direction" may mean a specific cardinal direction, a direction toward a specific latitude and longitude, a direction toward a specific address, a direction toward a pre-stored location of an external communication device 300 (base station), or a direction toward vertically upward.

[0100] Figure 9 shows a separation mobile body 1 descending straight down from a flying state. As shown in Figure 9, the mobile unit 13 may cause the flying separation mobile body 1 to descend straight down. "Straight down" does not necessarily mean directly below the separation mobile body 1; for example, it may be considered to be directly below within a predetermined range centered on the exact area directly below the separation mobile body 1 (for example, within a radius of 1m, 5m, or 10m). The mobile unit 13 may cause the separation mobile body 1 to descend straight down after the communication unit 10 has transmitted target information to the external communication device 300 while the separation mobile body 1 is in flight.

[0101] Figure 10 shows a separation mobile body 1 descending from a flying state toward a position different from directly below. As shown in Figure 10, the mobile unit 13 may cause the flying separation mobile body 1 to descend toward a position different from directly below. "A position different from directly below" may be, for example, a position outside a predetermined range centered on the exact position directly below the separation mobile body 1 (for example, outside a radius of 1m, 5m, or 10m). "Towards a position different from directly below" may mean moving toward a preset position, or it may mean moving toward a position different from directly below as a result of not actively intending to move toward directly below. The mobile unit 13 may cause the separation mobile body 1 to descend toward a position different from directly below after the communication unit 10 has transmitted target information to the external communication device 300 while the separation mobile body 1 is in flight.

[0102] Returning to Figures 1 to 8, the mobile unit 13 does not need to move the separated mobile body 1 if the determination unit 11 determines that the target information has been received by the external communication device 300 (i.e., if communication is successful). More specifically, if the target information is transmitted to the external communication device 300 by the communication unit 10 after the buoyancy device 100 has surfaced from the underwater UW to the surface OW and before the separated mobile body 1 separates from the housing 2 and moves, and the determination unit 11 determines that the external communication device 300 has received the target information, the mobile unit 13 does not need to move the separated mobile body 1. Alternatively, the mobile unit 13 does not need to move the separated mobile body 1 if it has transmitted the target information to the external communication device 300 a predetermined number of times (for example, 20 or 50 times), or if it has transmitted the target information to the external communication device 300 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 minutes or 10 minutes).

[0103] The mobile unit 13 may keep the flying separated mobile body 1 in the same position after the target information has been transmitted to the external communication device 300 by the communication unit 10. "Keeping in the same position" may mean suppressing changes in altitude, as well as changes in latitude and longitude, by, for example, hovering. The mobile unit 13 may also keep the flying separated mobile body 1 in the same position if the determination unit 11 determines that the external communication device 300 has received the target information (i.e., if communication is successful). Alternatively, the mobile unit 13 may keep the flying separated mobile body 1 in the same position if it has transmitted the target information to the external communication device 300 a predetermined number of times (for example, 20 or 50 times), or if it has transmitted the target information to the external communication device 300 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 minutes or 10 minutes).

[0104] The mobile unit 13 may stop operating after the target information has been transmitted to the external communication device 300 by the communication unit 10. "Stopping operation" may mean stopping power such as a propeller, in which case the flying separated mobile body 1 may fall. The mobile unit 13 may also stop operating when the determination unit 11 determines that the external communication device 300 has received the target information (i.e., when communication is successful). Alternatively, the mobile unit 13 may stop operating after transmitting the target information to the external communication device 300 a predetermined number of times (for example, 20 or 50 times), or after transmitting the target information to the external communication device 300 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 minutes or 10 minutes).

[0105] The moving unit 13 may move the separated mobile body 1 until the energy available to the moving unit 13 for moving the separated mobile body 1 is exhausted from the energy available to the levitation device 100. For example, the energy available to the levitation device 100 may be the energy stored in the energy storage unit 16 (described later) that is available to the separated mobile body 1. The energy available to the moving unit 13 for moving the separated mobile body 1 may be all the energy stored in the energy storage unit 16 until the energy stored in the energy storage unit 16 becomes zero, or it may be a predetermined amount of energy that has been allocated in advance according to its intended use.

[0106] The first fixing part 14 is a mechanism that allows the separating mobile body 1 and the housing 2 to be fixed to each other when the separating mobile body 1 is housed inside the housing 2. The first fixing part 14 may also work in cooperation with the second fixing part 23 of the housing 2 to fix the separating mobile body 1 and the housing 2 to each other. The first fixing part 14 is made of a magnetic material. Therefore, as described above, when power is supplied to the second fixing part 23, which is made of an electromagnet, a magnetic force is generated and the separating mobile body 1 is fixed to the housing 2. On the other hand, when the supply of power to the second fixing part 23 is stopped, the magnetic force disappears and the separating mobile body 1 is released from the housing 2 and becomes movable.

[0107] The control unit 15 controls the communication unit 10, the determination unit 11, the movement parameter setting unit 12, the movement unit 13, the first fixed unit 14, and the energy storage unit 16, which will be described later. In this case, the control unit 15 may be electrically connected by wire or wireless to the various devices that constitute each of the communication unit 10, the determination unit 11, the movement parameter setting unit 12, the movement unit 13, the first fixed unit 14, and the energy storage unit 16, and transmit and receive signals.

[0108] The energy storage unit 16 stores energy to operate the various devices of the levitation device 100 and supplies energy to the devices as needed. When the separated mobile body 1 is fixed to the housing 2, the energy storage unit 16 may be able to supply energy to each of the various devices of the separated mobile body 1 and each of the various devices of the housing 2. Also, when the separated mobile body 1 is released from the housing 2, the energy storage unit 16 may be able to supply energy to each of the various devices of the separated mobile body 1. Here, the energy storage unit 16 is a battery that stores (stores) electricity.

[0109] Furthermore, the energy storage unit 16 is not limited to a battery, but may be a fuel tank that stores fuel such as gasoline. Also, when the separating mobile body 1 supplies energy to the various devices of the levitation device 100, it may not supply the energy stored in the energy storage unit 16 to the devices, but rather generate energy and supply the generated energy directly to the devices. For example, the separating mobile body 1 may have a solar panel instead of an energy storage unit 16, and the electricity generated by the solar panel may be supplied directly to the various devices of the levitation device 100.

[0110] In this configuration, the detachable mobile body 1 is housed inside the housing 2 with the opening / closing section 22 in the closed state, the levitation device 100 rises from underwater UW to surface OW, and after the opening / closing section 22 is opened, it separates from the housing 2 and flies (moves) using the mobile section 13. More specifically, the detachable mobile body 1 is housed inside the housing 2 with the opening / closing section 22 in the closed state, the levitation device 100 rises from underwater UW to surface OW, the opening / closing section 22 is opened, and after the fixing to the housing 2 by the first fixing section 14 and the second fixing section 23 is released, it separates from the housing 2 and flies (moves) using the mobile section 13.

[0111] Next, the external communication device 300 will be described. The external communication device 300 is a communication base station capable of communicating with the levitation device 100 and the information management device 400 via wired or wireless communication. The external communication device 300 may be configured to communicate with each of the levitation device 100 and the information management device 400 via a network. The external communication device 300 is installed on the ground GS. Note that the external communication device 300 is not limited to a communication base station, and may be, for example, a receiver installed in a terminal, or even an artificial satellite.

[0112] When the external communication device 300 receives target information from the levitation device 100, it may generate reception confirmation information indicating that it has received the target information and transmit the generated reception confirmation information to the levitation device 100. Alternatively, when the external communication device 300 receives target information from the levitation device 100, it may transmit the target information to the information management device 400. In this case, the external communication device 300 may promptly transmit the target information to the information management device 400 upon receipt of the target information, or it may transmit all target information up to a predetermined timing after receiving the target information to the information management device 400 at once.

[0113] Next, the information management device 400 will be described. The information management device 400 is a device that manages information for each diving body 200 and surfacing device 100. The information management device 400 is configured as a computer (server) that can communicate with an external communication device 300 and a user terminal via wired or wireless communication. The information management device 400 has a physical configuration that includes a control arithmetic unit, a memory device, and an input / output device. The control arithmetic unit is composed of a controller 3, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and performs arithmetic processing and controls the memory device and input / output device. The memory device has, for example, a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The main memory is composed of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). The auxiliary memory is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The input / output device has, for example, an input device that receives data from the outside and transmits it to the memory device, and for example, an output device that outputs the calculation results calculated by the control arithmetic unit and stored in the memory device to the outside.

[0114] The information management device 400 performs predetermined processing by, for example, loading a program stored in ROM into RAM and executing the program loaded into RAM using the CPU. The computer constituting the information management device 400 may have a physical configuration different from that described above.

[0115] Next, the functions of the information management device 400 will be described. Functionally, the controller 3 of the information management device 400 includes an identification information acquisition unit 30, a target information acquisition unit 31, a contact information acquisition unit 32, an information management unit 33, an information communication unit 34, and a corresponding information generation unit 35.

[0116] The identification information acquisition unit 30 acquires identification information relating to the flotation device 100. "Identification information" may be an ID for identifying the flotation device 100, or an individual submersible 200 or separate mobile body 1 related to the flotation device 100. Alternatively, the identification information may be IDs of various devices or modules included in the separate mobile body 1. The identification information acquisition unit 30 may acquire identification information based on information input from a terminal operated by the user. Alternatively, the identification information acquisition unit 30 may acquire identification information based on information input by the user via the submersible 200.

[0117] The target information acquisition unit 31 acquires the target information transmitted to the external communication device 300 by the communication unit 10 provided in the levitation device 100. More specifically, when the target information is transmitted to the external communication device 300 by the communication unit 10, the target information acquisition unit 31 acquires the target information by receiving it from the external communication device 300.

[0118] The contact information acquisition unit 32 acquires contact information relating to the diving vehicle 200. "Contact information" refers to contact information relating to the diving vehicle 200, and may include, for example, the contact information of the crew or owner of the diving vehicle 200, or related parties. Contact information may include, for example, telephone numbers, email addresses, addresses, etc. "Related parties" may include family members, rescue teams, safety management companies, public institutions, etc. The contact information acquisition unit 32 may acquire contact information based on information entered from a terminal operated by the user. Alternatively, the contact information acquisition unit 32 may acquire contact information based on information entered by the user via the diving vehicle 200.

[0119] The information management unit 33 manages the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 30 and the target information acquired by the target information acquisition unit 31 by linking them together. The information management unit 33 may also manage the contact information acquired by the contact information acquisition unit 32 by linking it with the identification information. "Managing information" may include storing the information in a storage device or storage medium, updating the stored information, and displaying the stored information on a terminal screen. In addition to identification information, target information, and contact information, the information management unit 33 may also manage information such as location information of the place where the rescue request was made (e.g., latitude, longitude, water depth, address, and landmarks on a map), the time the information was transmitted, and the status of the rescue (e.g., rescue request made, awaiting rescue, or rescue in progress).

[0120] When new target information is acquired by the target information acquisition unit 31, the information communication unit 34 contacts the contact person associated with the contact information, based on the identification information linked to the target information. At this time, the information communication unit 34 may, for example, make a notification to the contact person via telephone, email, website, or app through the input / output device of the information management device 400. In particular, the information communication unit 34 may contact the contact person if the target information newly acquired by the target information acquisition unit 31 is information indicating that the diving body 200 is in imminent danger due to distress or other reasons (crisis information).

[0121] The response information generation unit 35 generates response information regarding the response to the submersible 200 after the target information acquisition unit 31 has acquired the target information. "Response information" may be information such as "rescue request not completed," "rescue request in progress," "rescue request completed," "rescue operation in progress," "submersible found," "rescue completed," or "submersible lifted up completed." The response information generation unit 35 may automatically generate response information based on contact with the rescue team, etc., or it may generate response information based on information entered by the administrator (information entered as text, information entered via pull-down menus, etc.).

[0122] [Mechanism of Action and Effects] As described above, the buoyancy device 100 is a buoyancy device 100 that is released from a submersible body 200 submerged in the underwater UW and surfaces on the water OW, and communicates with an external communication device 300, and comprises a buoyancy section 20 that raises the buoyancy device 100 released from the submersible body 200 from the underwater UW to the water OW, a communication section 10 that can transmit target information to the external communication device 300 after the buoyancy device 100 has surfaced from the underwater UW to the water OW, and a moving section 13 that moves a target part which is at least a part of the buoyancy device 100 after the buoyancy device 100 has surfaced from the underwater UW to the water OW.

[0123] With this buoyancy device 100, after the buoyancy device 100 is released from the submersible 200 and surfaces from underwater (UW) to surface (OW), the target part can be moved from the surface position. Therefore, by using the moved target part, the buoyancy device 100 can communicate with the outside at a position different from the position where it surfaced.

[0124] In the levitation device 100, the mobile unit 13 moves the target part by making it fly, and the communication unit 10 transmits target information to the external communication device 300 after the mobile unit 13 has started to fly the target part. As a result, the line of sight distance from the target part can be increased by having the target part fly at a position higher than the water surface WS. Therefore, communication with the external communication device 300 can be made easier.

[0125] In the levitation device 100, the communication unit 10 transmits target information to the external communication device 300 when the target part is flying at an altitude of 15m or more via the mobile unit 13. This allows the functions and effects of the levitation device 100 described above to be realized more concretely.

[0126] In the levitation device 100, the moving unit 13 generates an upward thrust that propels the target part upward, thereby causing the target part to fly. In other words, the target part is propelled upward by the upward thrust, while its lateral position does not need to be controlled. As a result, the moving unit 13 can utilize more of the energy available for moving the target part for upward propulsion. Therefore, the target part can be raised to a higher altitude, and thus the line of sight distance from the target part can be increased.

[0127] In the levitation device 100, the moving unit 13 lowers the flying target part so that it points directly downwards. This makes it possible to approximate the position coordinates of the target part when it was flying with the position coordinates of the target part when it descends. Therefore, by detecting the position coordinates of the target part when it descends, it becomes easier to estimate the position coordinates of the target part when it was flying.

[0128] In the levitation device 100, the moving unit 13 causes the flying target part to descend to a position different from directly below. This allows the target part to change its position coordinates while descending, enabling descent to a wider area. This can also be achieved, for example, by suppressing lateral control of the moving unit 13, in which case energy consumption by the moving unit 13 can be reduced.

[0129] In the levitation device 100, the mobile unit 13 keeps the flying target part in the same position after the target information has been transmitted to the external communication device 300 by the communication unit 10. This allows the target part to remain in a position where the target information can be transmitted to the external communication device 300 more reliably. Therefore, even if it becomes necessary to transmit the target information to the external communication device 300 again, it can be transmitted quickly. In addition, because the target part remains in the same position, the levitation device 100 is more easily detected by others.

[0130] In the levitation device 100, the mobile unit 13 stops operating after the communication unit 10 transmits target information to the external communication device 300. This reduces energy consumption by the mobile unit 13.

[0131] The buoyancy device 100 includes a separate mobile body 1 which is part of the buoyancy device 100. The separate mobile body 1 includes a communication unit 10 and a mobile unit 13. After the buoyancy device 100 surfaces from the underwater UW to the surface OW, it separates from the rest of the buoyancy device 100 and moves using the mobile unit 13. This reduces energy consumption by the mobile unit 13 because only the separate mobile body 1 is moved, rather than the entire buoyancy device 100. Furthermore, since the separate mobile body 1 is equipped with a communication unit 10, it is possible to communicate with the outside world from the moved separate mobile body 1.

[0132] In the levitation device 100, the mobile unit 13 is moved by making the separated mobile body 1 fly. This allows the line of sight distance from the separated mobile body 1 to be increased by having the separated mobile body 1 fly at a position higher than the water surface WS. Therefore, it becomes easier to communicate with the external communication device 300.

[0133] The buoyancy device 100 includes a housing 2 equipped with an opening / closing section 22, which allows the separation mobile body 1 to be housed in a sealed state inside when the opening / closing section 22 is closed, and releases the sealed state and allows the separation mobile body 1 to be moved from the inside to the outside when the opening / closing section 22 is opened. The separation mobile body 1 is housed inside the housing 2 with the opening / closing section 22 closed when the buoyancy device 100 rises from the underwater UW to the surface OW, and after the opening / closing section 22 is opened, it separates from the housing 2 and moves with the moving section 13. This prevents the separation mobile body 1 from coming into contact with water by housing it in a sealed state inside the housing 2 while the buoyancy device 100 rises from the underwater UW to the surface OW. Furthermore, after the buoyancy device 100 rises from the underwater UW to the surface OW, the separation mobile body 1 can be separated from the housing 2 and moved.

[0134] The flotation device 100 is equipped with a detection unit 21 that detects when the flotation device 100 has risen from the underwater UW to the surface OW. When the detection unit 21 detects that the flotation device 100 has risen from the underwater UW to the surface OW, the housing 2 opens the opening / closing unit 22. This allows the flotation device 100 to suitably perform its function and effect of suppressing contact between the separating mobile body 1 and water by housing the separating mobile body 1 in a sealed state inside the housing 2 until the flotation device 100 rises from the underwater UW to the surface OW. Furthermore, after the flotation device 100 has risen from the underwater UW to the surface OW, the flotation device 100 can suitably perform its function and effect of separating the separating mobile body 1 from the housing 2 and moving the separating mobile body 1.

[0135] In the buoyancy device 100, the containment 2 has an average density of 2.0 g / cm³. 3 The configuration is as follows. This allows for a reduction in the weight of the containment body 2, thereby preventing the weight of the containment body 2 from hindering the buoyancy of the buoyancy device 100.

[0136] The buoyancy device 100 includes a first fixing part 14 and a second fixing part 23 that can fix the separating mobile body 1 and the housing 2 to each other when the separating mobile body 1 is housed inside the housing 2. The buoyancy device 100 rises from underwater UW to surface OW when the separating mobile body 1 is housed inside the housing 2 with the opening / closing part 22 in the closed state, the opening / closing part 22 is opened, and after the fixing to the housing 2 by the first fixing part 14 and the second fixing part 23 is released, the separating mobile body 1 separates from the housing 2 and moves by the moving part 13. This makes it possible to suppress the separating mobile body 1 from tilting or tipping over inside the housing 2 due to the influence of ocean currents or waves, for example, before the separating mobile body 1 separates from the housing 2.

[0137] In the levitation device 100, the housing 2 comprises a curved portion C whose outer surface is curved and a non-curved portion P whose outer surface is flat. This makes it easier to improve the pressure resistance of the housing 2 in the curved portion C, and to form the opening and closing mechanism of the opening and closing portion 22 in the non-curved portion P.

[0138] With the levitation device 100, the separation mobile body 1 floats on the water. This prevents the separation mobile body 1 from sinking when it descends to the water surface WS.

[0139] In the buoyancy device 100, the submersible 200 is a crew-carrying submersible. This allows for a more concrete realization of the functions and effects achieved by the buoyancy device 100 described above. In particular, the buoyancy device 100 can be used to transmit a distress signal to request rescue of the crew.

[0140] In the levitation device 100, the moving unit 13 moves the target part in a specific direction. This makes it easier to communicate with the external communication device 300 by moving the target part in a direction that is more likely to receive the target information.

[0141] The levitation device 100 includes a determination unit 11 that determines whether the external communication device 300 has received the target information transmitted to the external communication device 300 by the communication unit 10. If the determination unit 11 determines that the external communication device 300 has received the target information, the moving unit 13 does not move the target part. As a result, the energy consumption by the moving unit 13 can be suppressed because the separated moving body 1 is not moved when the external communication device 300 has received the target information.

[0142] In the surfacing device 100, the target information includes position information indicating the location of at least one of the diving body 200 and the surfacing device 100. This allows information regarding the current location of the diving body 200 to be transmitted to the external communication device 300. In particular, when the distress signal of the diving body 200 is transmitted as target information, rescue operations can be carried out more quickly.

[0143] The surfacing device 100 includes status information indicating the condition of the diving body 200. This allows information regarding the current condition of the diving body 200 to be transmitted to the external communication device 300. Furthermore, when a rescue team or other party obtains information regarding the current condition of the diving body 200 via the external communication device 300, they can obtain information regarding the current condition of the diving body 200.

[0144] In the levitation device 100, the target information has a data volume of 1B to 50B. This allows the data volume of the target information to be reduced, thus enabling the target information to be transmitted over a longer distance.

[0145] In the levitation device 100, the communication unit 10 communicates with the external communication device 300 using radio waves with a frequency of 1000 MHz or less. This allows the wavelength of the radio waves used for communication to be increased, thus enabling the transmission of target information over longer distances.

[0146] The levitation device 100 includes a movement parameter setting unit 12 that sets movement parameters indicating at least one of the distance, altitude, and time to which the target part should move, and the movement unit 13 moves the target part according to the movement parameters set by the movement parameter setting unit 12. This makes it easier to communicate with the external communication device 300 by moving the target part to a position where target information can be easily received.

[0147] In the levitation device 100, the moving unit 13 moves the target part until the energy available to the moving unit 13 for moving the target part is depleted, and the communication unit 10 transmits target information to the external communication device 300 until the energy available to the communication unit 10 for transmitting target information to the external communication device 300 is depleted. As a result, the moving unit 13 and the communication unit 10 can utilize a large amount of energy, making successful communication with the external communication device 300 more likely. In addition, because the moving unit 13 and the communication unit 10 can utilize a large amount of energy, the amount of data that can be communicated with the external communication device 300 can be increased.

[0148] In the levitation device 100, the movable part 13 can be selected to perform a test movement mode, which involves test-moving a target area to verify the operation of the movable part 13. This allows for prior confirmation of whether the movable part 13 operates properly.

[0149] In the levitation device 100, the communication unit 10 can select a test communication mode in which it transmits test information to an external communication device 300 to verify the operation of the communication unit 10. This allows for prior verification of whether the communication unit 10 is functioning correctly.

[0150] The information management device 400 includes an identification information acquisition unit 30 that acquires identification information relating to any of the above-mentioned levitation devices 100, a target information acquisition unit 31 that acquires target information transmitted to an external communication device 300 by a communication unit 10 provided in the levitation device 100, and an information management unit 33 that manages the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 30 and the target information acquired by the target information acquisition unit 31 by linking them together.

[0151] According to this information management device 400, it becomes possible to manage the target information transmitted to the external communication device 300 for each levitation device 100 that can communicate with the outside at a location different from the levitation location.

[0152] The information management device 400 includes status information indicating the status of the submersible 200. This allows for the management of information regarding the status of the submersible 200.

[0153] The information management device 400 includes a response information generation unit that generates response information regarding the response to the diving body 200 after the target information has been acquired by the target information acquisition unit 31. This allows for the management of information regarding rescue responses after receiving target information such as distress signals, making it possible for, for example, administrators to grasp the status of responses to the diving body 200.

[0154] The information management device 400 includes a contact information acquisition unit 32 that acquires contact information for contacts related to the submersible 200, and the information management unit 33 manages the contact information acquired by the contact information acquisition unit 32 in association with identification information, and further includes an information communication unit 34 that contacts the contacts based on the contact information linked to the identification information linked to the target information when new target information is acquired by the target information acquisition unit 31. This makes it possible to manage contact information for contacts related to the submersible 200 for each surfacing device 100 that can communicate with the outside at a location different from the surfacing location. Furthermore, when new target information is acquired, it is possible to contact the contacts of the submersible 200 related to the surfacing device 100 that transmitted the target information.Therefore, for example, if a distress signal is transmitted from the surfacing device 100 of any submersible 200, it becomes possible to quickly contact the persons related to that submersible 200.

[0155] The detachable mobile body 1 is part of a buoyancy device 100 that is released from a submersible body 200 submerged in the underwater underwater water (UW), surfaces on the waterway (OW) by a buoyancy section 20, and communicates with an external communication device 300. The detachable mobile body 1 includes a communication unit 10 capable of transmitting target information to the external communication device 300 after the buoyancy device 100 surfaces from the underwater UW, and a mobile unit 13 for moving the detachable mobile body 1, which has been separated from the rest of the buoyancy device 100, after the buoyancy device 100 surfaces from the underwater UW.

[0156] With this detachable mobile body 1, after the buoyancy device 100 equipped with the detachable mobile body 1 is released from the submersible 200 and surfaces from underwater UW to surface OW, the detachable mobile body 1 can be moved from the surface position. Therefore, the detachable mobile body 1 can communicate with the outside at a position different from the position where the buoyancy device 100 surfaces.

[0157] [Second Embodiment] A flotation device 100A according to the second embodiment will now be described. Figure 11 shows a flotation device 100A according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the flotation device 100A according to the second embodiment differs from the flotation device 100 according to the first embodiment mainly in that the inside of the housing 2A is filled with oil F and an oiling port L is formed at the upper end of the housing 2A, and is similar in other respects. The structure of the flotation device 100A according to the second embodiment will now be described in terms of differences from the structure of the flotation device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0158] An openable and closable oil inlet L is formed at the upper end of the housing 2A of the flotation device 100A. The oil inlet L can be sealed and opened by, for example, a cap. The housing 2A is filled with oil F when the opening / closing part 22 is in the closed position. More specifically, when the opening / closing part 22 is in the closed position, the oil inlet L is opened and oil F is injected into the housing 2A through the oil inlet L. After the housing 2A is filled (saturated) with oil F, the oil inlet L is sealed. The oil F functions as a so-called pressure equalizing oil. The housing 2A may further be equipped with a pressure adjustment mechanism to suitably allow the oil F to function as a pressure equalizing oil. Industrial insulating oil can be suitably used as the oil F.

[0159] As explained above, in the flotation device 100, the housing 2 is filled with oil F when the opening / closing section 22 is in the closed position. This allows the oil F to function as a so-called pressure equalizing oil, thereby suppressing the water pressure applied to the equipment inside the housing 2, such as the separating movable body 1. In addition, the oil F protects the equipment inside the flotation device 100 from water if water comes into contact with the flotation device 100.

[0160] [Transformed form] The embodiments described above can be implemented in various forms that are modified or improved based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0161] For example, some of the individual configurations described in each of the embodiments above may be combined as appropriate.

[0162] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the submersible 200 is a submersible. However, the submersible 200 does not have to be a submersible; it may be a submarine, or a structure or device installed in an underwater underwater vessel (UW). Moreover, the submersible 200 may be a user who has dived into the underwater UW. In this case, the buoyancy device 100, which is fixed (held) to the fasteners of the clothing (diving suit, etc.) of the submersible 200, may be released from the submersible 200 when the fasteners are released. Alternatively, if the submersible 200 is a user who has dived into the underwater UW, the buoyancy device 100, which is held (held) in the hand of the submersible 200, may be released from the submersible 200 when it is released from the hand.

[0163] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the separating mobile body 1 floats on water. Here, in order to ensure that the separating mobile body 1 floats on water more reliably, it may further have an air-filled member (for example, a member made of plastic, polyester, etc.), or it may further have a member with a lower density than water (lower weight per unit volume).

[0164] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the target part, the separated moving body 1, is a part of the flotation device 100. However, the target part may be the entire flotation device 100.

[0165] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the separated mobile body 1 is a multicopter (rotary-wing aircraft), and in particular a quadcopter equipped with four propellers. However, the separated mobile body 1 may be a multicopter other than a quadcopter, or it may not even be a multicopter. For example, the separated mobile body 1 may be a fixed-wing aircraft, or it may be a mobile body of the airship (balloon) type that flies using a balloon. Specifically, the separated mobile body 1 does not have to be a drone, and may be a device that automatically flies by injecting gas into the balloon, for example, consisting of communication equipment, a battery, a gas injector, a balloon, etc.

[0166] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the flotation device 100 is equipped with one separate mobile body 1. However, the flotation device 100 may be equipped with two or more separate mobile bodies 1. Alternatively, the flotation device 100 may be equipped with a separate mobile body (connected mobile body) that includes a separate mobile body 1 capable of submerging in underwater (UW) and a separate mobile body 1 capable of flying in the air, and these two types of separate mobile bodies 1 are connected. In this case, the connected mobile body may move to the surface (OW) and then be detached from each separate mobile body 1, and the separate mobile body 1 capable of flying in the air may begin flight.

[0167] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, at least one of the communication unit 10, determination unit 11, movement parameter setting unit 12, movement unit 13, control unit 15, and energy storage unit 16 may be provided not only in the separated moving body 1 but also in the housing unit 2.

[0168] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the communication unit 10 may have a main body that performs communication control provided in the housing 2, and an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves provided in the separate mobile body 1.

[0169] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the control unit 15 controls each function of the separation mobile body 1. However, each function of the separation mobile body 1 may be implemented without being controlled by the control unit 15. For example, the separation mobile body 1 may be configured to automatically separate from the housing 2 and begin moving when a predetermined time (for example, the time required to surface to the OW) has elapsed since the flotation device 100 was started (for example, since the power was turned on).

[0170] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the separation mobile body 1 begins to move after the flotation device 100 has risen from the underwater UW to the surface OW. However, the separation mobile body 1 only needs to move at least after the flotation device 100 has risen, and may have already started moving before the flotation device 100 has completed rising from the underwater UW to the surface OW.

[0171] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the separated mobile body 1 starts moving via the mobile unit 13 after communication is initiated via the communication unit 10. However, the separated mobile body 1 may start communicating via the communication unit 10 after it has started moving via the mobile unit 13, or it may start moving via the mobile unit 13 at the same time as communication is initiated via the communication unit 10.

Claims

1. A buoyancy device that is released from a submersible body that is submerged in water, rises to the surface, and communicates with an external communication device, A buoyancy section that raises the buoyancy device released from the submersible from the water to the surface, After the flotation device floats from the water to the surface, it includes a communication unit capable of transmitting target information to the external communication device, The buoyancy device includes a moving part that moves a target portion which is at least a part of the buoyancy device after it has floated from the water to the surface of the water, The moving unit moves the target part by making it fly, The communication unit transmits the target information to the external communication device after the target part has started flying due to the moving unit. The aforementioned information includes distress signals, The levitation device is equipped with a separate movable body which is part of the levitation device, The aforementioned separating mobile body is The aforementioned communication unit, The movable part comprises, After the buoyancy device has risen from the water to the surface, it separates from the rest of the buoyancy device and is moved by the moving part. The housing comprises an opening / closing section, which, when the opening / closing section is closed, can house the separating movable body in a sealed state, and when the opening / closing section is opened, the sealed state is released and the separating movable body can be moved from the inside to the outside. The detachable moving body is housed inside the housing with the opening / closing section in the closed state, the buoyancy device floats from the water to the surface, and after the opening / closing section is opened, it separates from the housing and moves with the moving section. The container is filled with oil when the opening / closing part is in the closed state. Levitation device.

2. The levitation device according to claim 1, wherein the moving part moves by making the separated moving body fly.

3. The flotation device is equipped with a detection unit that detects when it has floated from the water to the surface of the water, The flotation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing is set to the open / closed state when the detection unit detects that the flotation device has floated from the water to the surface of the water.

4. The flotation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the containment is configured to have an average density of 2.0 g / cm³ or less.

5. The housing is provided with a fixing portion that can fix the separating movable body and the housing to each other when the separating movable body is housed inside the housing, The flotation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detachable moving body floats from the water to the surface when the opening / closing part is housed inside the housing with the opening / closing part in the closed state, and after the opening / closing part is opened and the fixing to the housing by the fixing part is released, it separates from the housing and moves by the moving part.

6. The aforementioned housing is The outer surface is composed of a curved surface, A levitation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a non-curved portion whose outer surface is composed of a flat surface.

7. The separating mobile body floats on water, according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A buoyancy device that is released from a submersible body that is submerged in water, rises to the surface, and communicates with an external communication device, A buoyancy section that raises the buoyancy device released from the submersible from the water to the surface, After the flotation device floats from the water to the surface, it includes a communication unit capable of transmitting target information to the external communication device, The buoyancy device includes a moving part that moves a target portion which is at least a part of the buoyancy device after it has floated from the water to the surface of the water, The moving unit moves the target part by making it fly, The communication unit transmits the target information to the external communication device after the target part has started flying due to the moving unit. The aforementioned information includes distress signals, The system includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the external communication device has received the target information transmitted to the external communication device by the communication unit. The moving part is a levitation device that, when the determination unit determines that the external communication device has received the target information, does not move the target part.

9. The levitation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the communication unit transmits the target information to the external communication device when the target part is flying at an altitude of 15 m or more by the moving unit.

10. The levitation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the moving part generates an upward thrust force that propels the target part upward, thereby causing the target part to fly.

11. The levitation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the moving part lowers the target part that is in flight so that it is directed straight down.

12. The levitation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the moving part causes the target part in flight to descend toward a position different from directly below.

13. The levitation device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the moving unit keeps the flying target part in the same position after the target information has been transmitted to the external communication device by the communication unit.

14. The levitation device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the moving unit stops operating after the target information has been transmitted to the external communication device by the communication unit.

15. The surfacing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the submersible is a passenger submersible capable of carrying a crew member.

16. The levitation device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the moving part moves the target part in a specific direction.

17. The buoyancy device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the aforementioned target information includes position information indicating the position of at least one of the submersible body and the buoyancy device.

18. The surfacing device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the target information includes status information indicating the status of the submersible.

19. The levitation device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the target information has a data volume of 1B or more and 50B or less.

20. The levitation device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the communication unit communicates with the external communication device using radio waves with a frequency of 1000 MHz or less.

21. The unit includes a movement parameter setting unit that sets movement parameters indicating at least one of the distance, altitude, and time to which the target part should move. The levitation device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the moving part moves the target part according to the moving parameter set by the moving parameter setting unit.

22. The moving part moves the target part until the energy available to the moving part for moving the target part is exhausted from the energy available to the levitation device. The levitation device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the communication unit transmits the target information to the external communication unit until the energy available to the levitation device for transmitting the target information to the external communication unit is exhausted.

23. The levitation device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the moving part is capable of selecting a test movement mode for test moving the target part in order to confirm the operation of the moving part.

24. The levitation device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the communication unit can select a test communication mode for transmitting test information to the external communication device in order to confirm the operation of the communication unit.

25. An identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information relating to the flotation device described in any one of claims 1 to 24, A target information acquisition unit that acquires the target information transmitted to the external communication device by the communication unit provided in the levitation device, An information management device comprising: an information management unit that manages the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit and the target information acquired by the target information acquisition unit by linking them together.

26. The information management device according to claim 25, wherein the target information includes status information indicating the status of the diving body.

27. The information management device according to claim 25 or 26, further comprising a response information generation unit that generates response information relating to the submersible after the target information has been acquired by the target information acquisition unit.

28. The system includes a contact information acquisition unit that acquires contact information for the aforementioned diving body, The Information Management Unit manages the contact information obtained by the Contact Information Acquisition Unit by linking it with the identification information. The information management device according to any one of claims 25 to 27, further comprising an information communication unit that, when new target information is acquired by the target information acquisition unit, contacts the contact person based on the contact information linked to the identification information linked to the target information.

Images