A system for storing an unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a system (100) for storing an UAV (800). The system (100) comprises at least one side wall (130) enclosing an internal volume (140), a top opening (112) for the UAV (800) to enter and exit the internal volume (140), and a support platform (150) in the internal volume (140) for supporting the UAV (800) and / or its docking station (810). In a storage position the support platform (150) is arranged in the internal volume (140) at a predetermined distance (d) from the top opening (112) in a height direction (H) such that the UAV (800) and / or its docking station (810) are located within the internal volume (140) when supported on the support platform (150). The system (100) has a predetermined height (h) chosen such that a person cannot reach to the top opening (112). A top side (110) of the system (100) around the top opening (112) is provided with protection means (114) for preventing a person from gripping the system (100) on the top side (110) around the top opening (112).

Description

[0001] A system for storing an unmanned aerial vehicle

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for storing an unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0004] Background art

[0005] An unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, such as for example a drone, may be used for monitoring or surveying a terrain. When the UAV is not used it is stored inside a docking station. To prevent unauthorised access to the UAV inside the docking station, the opening through which the UAV enters and exits the docking station may be sealed off with closing means, such as for example a sliding door or a folding cover.

[0006] The commonly used docking systems have however the disadvantage that they are relatively small in size, such that the closing means are readily accessible by an unauthorised person and can be forced open to gain access to the UAV inside the docking station. Additionally, when the docking station is sufficiently small, an unauthorised person can even take away the docking station as a whole with the UAV inside.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] It is an aim of the present invention to provide a system for storing an unmanned aerial vehicle with improved security.

[0009] This aim is achieved according to the invention with a system for storing an unmanned aerial vehicle showing the technical characteristics of the independent claim.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention provides a system for storing an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, such for example a drone. The system comprises at least one side wall enclosing an internal volume. Preferably, each side wall is an upstanding side wall. Preferably, each side wall is a closed or closable side wall. Preferably, the system comprises a bottom wall closing off the system at a bottom side. Alternatively, the system may be open at a bottom side, which bottom side is closed off by the system standing on the ground or other supporting surface. The system comprises a top opening configured for the UAV to enter and exit the internal volume. Preferably, the top opening is arranged through a top side of the system. Preferably, the top opening is an horizontal opening, i.e. located in an horizontal plane. Preferably, the top opening is defined by the upper edge or the upper edges of the at least one side wall. The system comprises a support platform in the internal volume configured for supporting the UAV and / or a corresponding docking station for the UAV. Preferably, the support platform is a horizontal support platform. In a storage position the support platform is arranged in the internal volume at a predetermined distance from the top opening in a height direction. The predetermined distance is chosen such that the UAV and / or the corresponding docking station are located, preferably completely, within the internal volume when the UAV and / or the corresponding docking station are supported on the support platform, i.e. supported on the support platform in the storage position. The system has a predetermined height. The predetermined height is chosen such that a person cannot reach to the top opening. Preferably, the predetermined height is chosen such that a standing person cannot reach to the top opening. Preferably, the predetermined height is chosen such that a person standing on the ground next to the system cannot reach to the top opening. Preferably, the predetermined height is chosen such that a person of average height cannot reach to the top opening. A top side of the system around the top opening is provided with protection means. The protection means are configured for preventing a person from gripping the system on the top side around the top opening.

[0011] With the support platform of the system being configured for supporting an UAV and / or a corresponding docking station it is meant that the system may be used for storing an UAV itself without a docking station or for storing a docking station. In the latter case, the UAV is then stored in the docking station, or, in case the docking station is not designed for storing the UAV, then the system is used for storing the docking station together with the UAV, preferably with the UAV arranged above the docking station.

[0012] The system according to the present invention offers the advantage that, due to the height of the system, an unauthorised person standing next to the system cannot reach into internal volume via the top opening for gaining access to an UAV and / or corresponding docking station stored inside the internal volume on the support platform. The system according to the present invention also offers the advantage that, due to the protection means, an unauthorised person, cannot grip on the top side of the system around the top opening for climbing on the system and for gaining access to an UAV and / or corresponding docking station stored inside the internal volume on the support platform in this way.

[0013] In an embodiment of the system according to the present invention the system is configured such that the predetermined height is at least 200 cm, preferably at least 210 cm, more preferably at least 220 cm, even more preferably at least 230 cm, yet even more preferably at least 240 cm, and most preferably at least 250 cm.

[0014] This embodiment offers the advantage that an unauthorised person, certainly an unauthorised person of average height, standing next to the system cannot reach over the top side of the system around the protection means into the top opening for gaining access to an UAV and / or corresponding docking station stored inside the internal volume on the support platform, certainly in view of the presence of the protection means on top side of the system around the top opening over which the unauthorised person has to reach before even being able to reach down into the top opening. With the higher predetermined height this becomes even more difficult, since then an unauthorised person will even be unable to reach to the level of the top side of the system with stretched arms when standing next to the system.

[0015] In an embodiment of the system according to the present invention the system is configured such that the support platform is moveable in the height direction in the internal volume between the storage position and a raised position. In the raised position the support platform is located at the top opening for receiving and releasing the UAV.

[0016] This embodiment offers the advantage that the UAV does not have to pass through the top opening and the internal volume of the system while flying for entering or exiting the internal volume, but can land on or take off from the support platform in the raised position. In this way, there is no risk of the UAV coming in contact with the sides of the top opening and with the side walls during flight and getting damaged as a consequence of such a contact.

[0017] In an embodiment of the system according to the present invention the protection means comprises at least one of spikes, teeth and barbed wire. The inventors have found that such protection means are very suitable for preventing a person from gripping the system on the top side around the top opening.

[0018] In an embodiment of the system according to the present invention the system further comprises a power supply for providing power to the UAV and / or the corresponding docking station. Preferably, the power supply is arranged in the internal volume below the support platform. Preferably, the support platform is provided with an opening for passing a power cable from the power supply to the to the UAV and / or the corresponding docking station.

[0019] This embodiment offers the advantage that, when an UAV is stored in the system, a battery or batteries of the UAV, can be charged by means of the power supply, such that the UAV is ready for later use with a full battery charge.

[0020] In an embodiment of the system according to the present invention the system comprises at least one solar panel. The at least one solar panel is arranged for providing power to the power supply, preferably to a battery of the power supply. Preferably, the at least one solar panel is arranged on at least one of the at least one side wall.

[0021] This embodiment offers the advantage that for powering the system and the power supply of the system, the system does not necessarily need to be connected to an external power source. As such, the system can be used standalone and also in remote locations where no external power source is available.

[0022] In an embodiment of the system according to the present invention at least one of the at least one side wall is provided with a lockable door to allow an authorised person access to the internal volume.

[0023] This embodiment offers the advantage that an authorised person is provided with an easy access to the internal volume of the system for maintenance and for access to the UAV and / or the corresponding docking station.

[0024] In an embodiment of the system according to the present invention the system further comprises a climbing device arranged in the internal volume, preferably below the support platform. Preferably, the system is arranged to allows an authorised person access to the internal volume, preferably by means of a lockable door at at least one of the at least one side wall. Preferably, the climbing device is arranged in the internal volume below the support platform. The climbing device is configured for being used by an authorised person to climb upwards for, preferably ergonomic, access to the UAV and / or the corresponding docking station on the support platform.

[0025] This embodiment offers the advantage that an authorised person having access to the internal volume can easily reach the UAV and / or the corresponding docking station in a comfortable position by standing on the climbing device without. This is beneficial for the comfort of the user of the system, i.e. the authorised person.

[0026] In an embodiment of the system according to the present invention the system further comprises a control unit configured for data communication with the UAV and / or the corresponding docking station. Preferably, the control unit is also configured for external data communication, i.e. with external networks, preferably wirelessly. Preferably, the control unit is arranged in the internal volume below the support platform. Preferably, the support platform is provided with an opening for passing a data communication cable from the control unit to the UAV and / or the corresponding docking station. Preferably, the system further comprises data storage means configured for storing data retrieved from the UAV and / or the corresponding docking station by means of the control unit.

[0027] This embodiment is beneficial for retrieving data from or providing data to the UAV and / or the corresponding docking station when the UAV is received in the internal volume, without necessarily requiring the presence of an UAV operator for this. Retrieving data from the UAV is for example beneficial for freeing up internal storage means of the UAV for use in later surveillance tasks. Data received form the UAV and / or the corresponding docking station may for example be video recordings made by the UAV during a surveillance task. Data provided to the UAV may for example be instructions for further surveillance tasks. Data provided to the UAV may for example also be data related to environmental conditions in the environment of the system measured by environmental sensing means, which data the UAV make take into account for further surveillance tasks.

[0028] In an embodiment of the system according to the present invention the system is configured to be transportable.

[0029] This embodiment offers the advantage that the system can easily be transported to and positioned on a terrain for monitoring or surveying the terrain. Afterwards, the system can then also be removed easily from the terrain and transported to another terrain for use there or to a warehouse for storage until later use.

[0030] In an embodiment of the system according to the present invention the system is provided with at least one set of forklift trays such that the system can be lifted up by a forklift for being transported. Preferably, the at least one set of forklift trays is arranged at a bottom side of the system. Preferably, the system is provided with at least two sets of forklift trays arranged in different directions, such that the system can be lifted up by a forklift from different sides.

[0031] This embodiment offers the advantage that the system can easily be lifted up by means of a forklift for being moved around or for being positioned onto a transport means, such as for example a truck.

[0032] In an embodiment of the system according to the present invention the system is provided with at least one hoisting point such that the system can be lifted up by a hoisting device via the at least one hoisting point for being transported. Preferably, the at least one hoisting point is arranged at a top side of the system. Preferably, the system is provided with at least four hoisting points.

[0033] This embodiment offers the advantage that the system can easily be lifted up via the at least one hoisting point by means of a hoisting device, such as for example a crane, for being moved around or for being positioned onto a transport means, such as for example a truck.

[0034] In an embodiment of the system according to the present invention the system further comprises monitoring means configured for detecting unauthorised access to the system.

[0035] This embodiment is beneficial for further improving the security of the system for storing the UAV. The monitoring means may for example be vibration detection means configured for detections vibrations caused by an unauthorised person attempting to access the system, a camera for detecting the presence of unauthorised persons in the vicinity of the system or detection means configured for detecting an unauthorised opening of a door of the system.

[0036] In an embodiment of the system according to the present invention the system further comprises environmental sensing means configured for sensing environmental parameters at the location of the system. This embodiment is beneficial for gathering be data related to environmental conditions in the environment of the system, which data the UAV may take into account for safely carrying out surveillance tasks. The environmental sensing means may for example be temperature sensing means and wind velocity sensing means.

[0037] In an embodiment of the system according to the present invention the system can be configured for storing an UAV connected to a docking station via a tether cable. Preferably, the docking station is not configured for storing the UAV. The system further comprises a support table configured for being supported on the support platform with the docking station arranged underneath the support table, and the UAV, when stored in the system, supported on the support table. Preferably, the support table is provided with an opening for passing the tether cable from the docking station to the UAV. Preferably, the system is configured such that the support table, when not in use, can be stored in the internal volume of the system, preferably below the support platform.

[0038] For an UAV that is connected to a docking station by means of a tether cable the docking station is not always provided for storing the UAV. In an open field the UAV is landed next to the docking station. This would however be difficult in the system according to the present invention. This embodiment offers in this respect the advantage that by means of the support table the UAV can be stored in the system above the docking station. The considerable height of the system is hereby beneficial that in the storage position of the support platform sufficient space can be made available between the top opening and the support platform for storing the UAV above the docking station in the internal volume of the system.

[0039] Brief description of the drawings

[0040] The invention will be further elucidated by means of the following description and the appended figures.

[0041] Figure 1 shows a side view of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention with the support platform in the storage position.

[0042] Figure 2 shows a side view of the system of Figure 1 with the support platform in the raised position.

[0043] Figure 3 shows a top view of the system of Figure 1. Figure 4 shows a side view of the system of Figure 1 demonstrating the storage of an UAV.

[0044] Figure 5 shows a side view of the system of Figure 1 demonstrating the storage of an UAV and corresponding docking station configured for storing the UAV.

[0045] Figure 6 shows a side view of the system of Figure 1 demonstrating the storage of an UAV and corresponding docking connected to the UAV by means of a tether cable.

[0046] Modes for carrying out the invention

[0047] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0048] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. The terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention can operate in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0049] Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

[0050] The term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It needs to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0051] Figures 1-6 show a system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention for storing an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV 800, such as for example a drone. The system 100 may be used for storing only an UAV 800 such as shown in Figure 4. The system 100 may also be used for storing an UAV 800 together with a corresponding docking station 810 of the UAV 800. The docking station 810 may be a docking station 810 configured for storing the corresponding UAV 800, such as shown in Figure 5. The docking station 810 may also be a docking station 810 that is connected to the corresponding UAV 800 by means of a tether cable 820, such as shown in Figure 6, whereby the docking station 810 is not configured for storing the UAV 800.

[0052] The system 100 comprises four upstanding side walls 130 which together enclose an internal volume 140 of the system 100. The internal volume 140 is used for storing the UAV 800 and / or the corresponding docking station 810 in the system 100. The internal volume 140 is also used for housing several components of the system 100, which will be discussed in further detail below. In alternative embodiments the system 100 may also comprise more or less upstanding side walls 130 for enclosing an internal volume 140 of the system 100, such as for example a single circular side wall 130 or a triangular, pentagonal or hexagonal arrangements of side walls 130.

[0053] At a top side 110 the system 100 is provided with a horizontal top opening 112 through which an UAV 800 can enter and exit the internal volume 140 of the system 100. In the system 100 according to the present invention the top opening 112 is intended to be left open. Hence, no closing means, such as for example a sliding door or a folding cover, are provided for closing off the top opening 112. In the shown embodiment the top opening 112 is defined between the upper edges of the side walls 130. In alternative embodiments of the system 100 the top opening 112 may however also be formed in other ways, such as for example as an opening through a plate arranged on the top side 110 of the system 100.

[0054] At a bottom side 120 the system 100 may be provided with a bottom wall, which together with the side walls 130 encloses the internal volume 140. Alternatively, the bottom side 120 of the system 100 may also be left open, in which case the system 100 would be closed off at the bottom side 120 by the ground or any other supporting surface on which the system 100 is supported.

[0055] In the internal volume 140 the system 100 is provided with a horizontal support platform 150 that is configured for supporting the UAV 800 thereon. Hereby, the UAV 800 may be supported directly on the support platform 150, such as shown in Figure 4. The UAV 800 may also be supported indirectly on the support platform 150. In the case of Figure 5, for example, it is the docking station 810 of the UAV 800 that is supported on the support platform 150, and the UAV 800 is intended to be stored in the docking station 810, and as such supported indirectly on the support platform 150. In the case of Figure 6, on the other hand, the docking station 810 of the UAV 800 is supported on the support platform 150 together with a support table 156 that is arranged over the docking station 810, and the UAV 800 is intended to be supported on the support table 156, and as such supported indirectly on the support platform 150. In the shown embodiment, the support table 156 is provided with an opening 158 for passing the tether cable 820 from the docking station 810 to the UAV 800. With respect to the support table 156 it is also noted that it can be stored beneficially in the available space in the internal volume 140 below the support platform 150 when it is not being used, for example when the system 100 is being used in one of the cases shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0056] The support platform 150 is moveable along the height direction H between a storage position, as shown in Figure 1, and a raised position, as shown in Figure 2. In the shown embodiment the system 100 is provided for this purpose with an actuator 156. It should however be clear that in alternative embodiments of the system 100 any other suitable means can be used for moving the support platform 150.

[0057] In the storage position the support platform 150 is arranged in the internal volume at a predetermined distance d from the top opening in the height direction H. The predetermined distance d is chosen such that when the UAV 800 or the UAV 800 and its corresponding docking station 810 are supported on the support platform 150 in the storage position the UAV 800 or the UAV 800 and its corresponding docking station 810 are completely located within the internal volume 140 of the system 100, i.e. located below the level of the top opening 112 in the internal volume 140. In the raised position the support platform 150 is located at the top opening 112, i.e. at the level of the top opening 112, for receiving the UAV 800 on the support platform 150 and for releasing the UAV 800 from the support platform 150. As such the UAV 800 can land on and take off from the support platform 120 without the UAV 800 having to fly through the top opening 112 and through the internal volume, where there is a risk of the UAV 800 coming into contact with sides of the top opening 112 and the side walls 130 or other structures in the internal volume 140 and getting damaged as a consequence of such a contact. When the UAV 800 has landed on the support platform 150 in the raised position, the UAV 800 can then be moved easily into the internal volume 140 by lowering the support platform 150 to the storage position. In the other direction, when the UAV 800 is stored in the internal volume 140 by being supported on the support platform 150 in the storage position, the UAV 800 can easily be released from the system 100 by moving the support platform 150 to the raised position and the UAV 800 taking off from the support platform 150 in the raised position.

[0058] To prevent an unauthorised person from accessing an UAV 800 and / or corresponding docking station 810 stored inside the internal volume 140 the system 100 is provided with two main measures.

[0059] First, the system 100 has a predetermined height h, which height h is chosen such that a person of average height standing next to the system 100 cannot reach the top opening 112 for accessing the UAV 800 in the internal volume 140 via the top opening 112. Preferably, the predetermined height h is chosen such that a person standing next to the system 100 cannot even reach the level of the top opening 112 with stretched out arms, but it is sufficient that the predetermined height h is such that a person standing next to the system 100 cannot reach into the top opening 112 when reaching with its arm over a top side 110 of the system 100 around the top opening 112. Preferably, the predetermined height h is for this purpose at least 200 cm, preferably at least 210 cm, more preferably at least 220 cm, even more preferably at least 230 cm, yet even more preferably at least 240 cm, and most preferably at least 250 cm.

[0060] Second, the system 100 is provided at the upper edges of the side walls 130, which upper edges form the top side 110 around the top opening 112, with protection means114 that are configured for preventing a person from gripping the system 100 on the top side 110 around the top opening 112. In the shown embodiment, the protection means 114 are teeth, but any other suitable protection means 114 known to skilled person can be used, such as for example spikes or barbed wire. The protection means 114 prevent an unauthorised person from gripping on the top side 110 around the top opening 112 for climbing on the system 110 in order to gain access to an UAV 800 and / or corresponding docking station 810 stored inside the internal volume 140. The protection means 114 are also beneficial for hindering a large person from reaching over the top side 110 around the top opening 112 and down into the top opening 112.

[0061] At two opposing side walls 130, the system 100 is provided with a door 132 to allow access to the internal volume 140, for example for the purpose of maintenance of the system 100, maintenance of the UAV 800 and / or its corresponding docking station 810, etc. The door 132 is lockable by locking means such that only an authorised person having the key or the key access code to locking means can access the internal volume 140. The locking means can for example be mechanical locking means or electronic locking means.

[0062] To facilitate an authorised person in accessing the UAV 800 and / or its corresponding docking station 810 inside the internal volume 140, the system 100 is further provided with a climbing device 180 on which the authorised person can climb upwards towards the UAV 800 and / or the corresponding docking station 810 on the support platform 150. In the shown embodiment, the climbing device 180 is a step stool 180 which is beneficially arranged in the available space in the internal volume 140 below the support platform 150. When needed, the authorised person can take the step stool 180 out of the internal volume 140, arrange it next to the system 100 and step upwards on the step stool 180 up to the level of the support platform 150 to access the UAV 800 and / or the docking station 810 on the support platform 150. In alternative embodiments any other suitable type of climbing device 180 may be used, such as for example a fixed ladder in the internal volume 140.

[0063] To further improve the security of the system 100, the system may optionally be provided with monitoring means 192 configured for detecting unauthorised access to the system 100. The monitoring means 192 may for example be vibration detection means configured for detections vibrations caused by an unauthorised person attempting to access the system 100, a camera for detecting the presence of unauthorised persons in the vicinity of the system 100 or detection means configured for detecting an unauthorised opening of a door 132 of the system 100.

[0064] The system 100 may also be provided with environmental sensing means 194 configured for sensing environmental parameters at the location of the system 100. This is beneficial for gathering be data related to environmental conditions in the environment of the system 100, which data the UAV 800 may take into account for safely carrying out surveillance tasks. The environmental sensing means 194 may for example be temperature sensing means and wind velocity sensing means.

[0065] The system 100 further comprises a power supply 160 that is configured for providing power to a docking station 810 supported on the support platform 150 or directly to an UAV 800 supported on the support platform 150. In case a docking station 810 supported on the support platform 150 is powered by means of the power supply 160, said docking station 810 can then provide power to the corresponding UAV 800. The power supply 160 is beneficially arranged in the available space in the internal volume 140 below the support platform 150. To allow the docking station 810 or the UAV 800 above the support platform 150 to be connected to the power supply 160 below the support platform 150 by means of a power cable 164, as illustrated in Figure 5, the support platform 150 is provided with an opening 152 through which the power cable 164 can be passed. In an alternative embodiment, the power cable 164 may however also be passed from below the support platform 150 to above the support platform 150 without making use of an opening 152 through the support platform 150, for example by passing the power cable 164 along the height direction H besides the support platform 150 on one of the side walls 130. Preferably, the power supply 160 is also configured for providing power to other components of the system 100, such as for example the actuator 154 for moving the support platform 150, the monitoring means 192 and the environmental sensing means 194, but not limited thereto.

[0066] The system 100 further comprises two solar panels 134 that are arranged on the two opposing side walls 130 of the system that are not provided with a lockable door 132. The solar panels 134 are connected to a battery 162 of the power supply 160 for charging said battery 162 by means of solar power. In this way, the system 100 can be used stand-alone, as it does not need to be connected to an external power source, such as the electrical grid, for the power supply 160 to be able to provide power to the docking station 810 or the UAV 800.

[0067] The system 100 also comprises a control unit 170 is configured for data communication with an UAV 800 supported on the support platform, either directly or via the corresponding docking station 810 of the UAV 800 supported on the support platform 150. This allows data to be retrieved from or provided to the UAV 800 and / or the corresponding docking station 810. Data received form the UAV 800 and / or the corresponding docking station 810 may for example be video recordings made by the UAV 800 during a surveillance task. Data provided to the UAV 800 may for example be instructions for further surveillance tasks. Data provided to the UAV 800 may for example also be data related to environmental conditions in the environment of the system 100 measured by the environmental sensing means 194, which data the UAV 800 make take into account for further surveillance tasks.

[0068] The system also comprises data storage means 172 configured for storing data retrieved from the UAV 800 and / or the corresponding docking station 810 by means of the control unit 170. This is beneficial for freeing up internal storage means of the UAV 800 for use in later surveillance tasks.

[0069] The control unit 170 and the storage means 172 are beneficially arranged in the available space in the internal volume 140 below the support platform 150. To allow the docking station 810 or the UAV 800 to be connected to the control unit 170 by means of a data communication cable 174, as illustrated in Figure 5, the support platform 150 is provided with an opening 152 through which the data communication cable 174 can be passed. In the shown embodiment, the opening 152 through which the power cable 164 is passed is the same as the opening 152 through which the data communication cable 174 is passed, but in alternative embodiments this may be different openings 152. In an alternative embodiment, the data communication cable 174 may however also be passed from below the support platform 150 to above the support platform 150 without making use of an opening 152 through the support platform 150, for example by passing the data communication cable 174 along the height direction H besides the support platform 150 on one of the side walls 130. Preferably, the control unit 170 is also configured for external data communication, i.e. with external networks, preferably wirelessly. This allows an external operator which is located off-site to retrieve data from or provide data to the UAV 800 and / or the corresponding docking station 810. Preferably, the control unit 170 is also provided for data communication with and / or for operating or controlling other components of the system 100, such as for example the monitoring means 192 and the environmental sensing means 194, but not limited thereto.

[0070] The system 100 is configured such that it can be transported easily, which enables the system 100 transported to and positioned at a desired position on a terrain for monitoring or surveying the terrain by means of an UAV 800 stored in the internal volume 140 of the system 100, and which also enables the system 100 to be removed easily and transported to another position or terrain for use there or to a warehouse for storage until later use.

[0071] In the shown embodiment the system 100 is provided for this purpose with a set of forklift trays 122 at the bottom side 120, such that the system 100 can be lifted up and transported by means of a forklift or lifted up by means of the forklift and positioned onto other transport means, such as for example a truck, for further transport. In further embodiments, the system 100 may be provided with one or more further sets of forklift trays 122 at the bottom side 120 along different directions, such that the system 100 can be lifted up from different sides by means of a forklift.

[0072] For the purpose of transporting the system 100, the system 100 may also be provided with one or more hoisting points (not shown), preferably at the top side 110 of the system 100, which enable the system 100 to be lifted up by means of a hoisting device, such as for example a crane, for being moved around or for being positioned onto a transport means, such as for example a truck.

Claims

Claims1. A system (100) for storing an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV (800), wherein the system (100) comprises: at least one side wall (130) enclosing an internal volume (140); a top opening (112) configured for the UAV (800) to enter and exit the internal volume (140); and a support platform (150) in the internal volume (140) configured for supporting the UAV (800) and / or a corresponding docking station (810) for the UAV (800), wherein in a storage position the support platform (150) is arranged in the internal volume (140) at a predetermined distance (d) from the top opening (112) in a height direction (H), wherein the predetermined distance (d) is chosen such that the UAV (800) and / or the corresponding docking station (810) are located within the internal volume (140) when the UAV (800) and / or the corresponding docking station (810) are supported on the support platform (150); wherein the system (100) has a predetermined height (h), wherein the predetermined height (h) is chosen such that a person cannot reach to the top opening (112), wherein a top side (110) of the system (100) around the top opening (112) is provided with protection means (114), wherein the protection means (114) are configured for preventing a person from gripping the system (100) on the top side (110) around the top opening (112).

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the system (100) is configured such that the predetermined height (h) is at least 200 cm, preferably at least 210 cm, more preferably at least 220 cm, even more preferably at least 230 cm, yet even more preferably at least 240 cm, and most preferably at least 250 cm.

3. The system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the system (100) is configured such that the support platform (150) is moveable in the height direction (H) in the internal volume (140) between the storage position and a raised position, wherein in the raised position the support platform (150) is located at the top opening (112) for receiving and releasing the UAV (800).

4. The system (100) according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the protection means (114) comprises at least one of spikes, teeth and barbed wire.

5. The system (100) according to any one of the claims 1-4, wherein the system (100) further comprises a power supply (160) for providing power to the UAV (800) and / or the corresponding docking station (810), wherein the power supply (160) is arranged in the internal volume (140) below the support platform (150), wherein the support platform (150) is provided with an opening (152) for passing a power cable (164) from the power supply (160) to the to the UAV (800) and / or the corresponding docking station (810).

6. The system (100) according to claim 5, wherein the system (100) comprises at least one solar panel (134), wherein the at least one solar panel (134) is arranged for providing power to the power supply (160), wherein the at least one solar panel (134) is arranged on at least one of the at least one side wall (130).

7. The system (100) according to any of the claims 1-6, wherein at least one of the at least one side wall (130) is provided with a lockable door (132) to allow an authorised person access to the internal volume (140).

8. The system (100) according to any one of the claims 1-7, wherein the system (100) further comprises a climbing device (180) arranged in the internal volume (140), wherein the climbing device (180) is configured for being used by an authorised person to climb upwards for access to the UAV (800) and / or the corresponding docking station (810) on the support platform (150).

9. The system (100) according to any of the claims 1-8, wherein the system (100) further comprises a control unit (170) configured for data communication with the UAV (800) and / or the corresponding docking station (810), wherein the control unit (170) is arranged in the internal volume (140) below the support platform (150), wherein the support platform (150) is provided with an opening (152) for passing a data communication cable (174) from the control unit (170) to the UAV (800) and / or the corresponding docking station (810), wherein the system (100) further comprises data storage means (172) configured for storing data retrieved from the UAV18(800) and / or the corresponding docking station (810) by means of the control unit (170).

10. The system (100) according to any one of the claims 1-9, wherein the system (100) is configured to be transportable.

11. The system (100) according to claim 10, wherein the system (100) is provided with at least one set of forklift trays (122), such that the system (100) can be lifted up by a forklift for being transported.

12. The system (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the system (100) is provided with at least one hoisting point, such that the system (100) can be lifted up by a hoisting device via the at least one hoisting point for being transported.

13. The system (100) according to any one of the claims 1-12, wherein the system (100) further comprises monitoring means (192) configured for detecting unauthorised access to the system (100).

14. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the system (100) further comprises environmental sensing means (194) configured for sensing environmental parameters at the location of the system (100).

15. The system (100) according to any one of the claims 1-14, wherein the system (100) is configured for storing an UAV (800) connected to a docking station (810) via a tether cable (820), wherein the system (100) further comprises a support table (156) configured for being supported on the support platform (150) with the docking station (810) arranged underneath the support table (156) and the UAV (800), when stored in the system (100), supported on the support table (156), wherein the support table (156) is provided with an opening (158) for passing the tether cable (820) from the docking station (810) to the UAV (800).

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