Unmanned aircraft and method of controlling the same

Disclosed is an unmanned aircraft including: a housing; a drive unit that is formed in such a manner that the housing is moved; multiple UWB communication modules that are arranged a distance away from one another and that receives a wireless signal from an external device; a sensor unit that detects movement of the housing; and a control unit that calculates a distance between the external device and the housing, using pieces of movement information which are output by the multiple UWB communication modules and the sensor unit, and that controls the drive unit in such a manner that a specific distance between the external device and the housing is maintained.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the National Phase of PCT International Application No. PCT/KR2015/012325, filed on Nov. 17, 2015, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) to Patent Application No. 10-2015-0117551, filed in the Republic of Korea on Aug. 20, 2015, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an unmanned aircraft that flies through the air.

BACKGROUND ART

An unmanned aircraft is an aircraft that does not need a runway. A small-sized relatively-lightweight main body of the unmanned aircraft is equipped with various functions such as transporting, photographing, and low-altitude searching. Recently, the unmanned aircraft has found applications in various fields. The unmanned aircraft can be remotely controlled in such a manner that the unmanned aircraft performs a function above a specific area.

Recently, the unmanned aircraft that flies above a specific area according to a user control command has been studied to find its application in an automotive field. As a typical example of this, the unmanned aircraft that, while in flight, performs a function of collecting information and providing information necessary for automotive driving has been developed.

The unmanned aircraft flies according to a control command that is input by a user. The user has the difficulty in controlling all of the flight direction, speed, and altitude of the unmanned aircraft that flies through the air.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an unmanned aircraft that flies based on movement of an external device.

Solution to Problem

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided an unmanned aircraft including: a housing; a drive unit that is formed in such a manner that the housing is moved; multiple UWB communication modules that are arranged a distance away from one another and that receives a wireless signal from an external device; a sensor unit that detects movement of the housing; and a control unit that calculates a distance between the external device and the housing, using pieces of movement information which are output by the multiple UWB communication modules and the sensor unit, and that controls the drive unit in such a manner that a specific distance between the external device and the housing is maintained.

In the unmanned aircraft, the drive unit may include at least three propellers that are arranged a predetermined distance away from one another, and the multiple UWB communication modules may be arranged in at least one or more of the three propellers.

Accordingly, the multiple communication modules can be arranged in a part that is separated a maximum distance away from the housing.

In the unmanned aircraft, movement information of the external device may be received from the external device, and the distance between the external device and the housing may be calculated.

Accordingly, quality of an image that is captured by a camera is improved by making compensation for the more precise movement of the external device.

In the unmanned aircraft, in a case where reception quality of the wireless signal is poorer than reference quality, the controller may receive the movement information or may transmit warning information to the external device. Thus, the unmanned aircraft flies in a more stable manner.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

An unmanned aircraft according to the present invention flies while maintaining a predetermined distance to an external device. Thus, in a case where a user is on the move while carrying the external device, a control command does not have to be transmitted. In addition, although the user does not detect, with the naked eye, the external device that is on the move, the unmanned aircraft photographs the external device while flying as the external device moves. Thus, in a case where the unmanned aircraft is detected with the naked eye, it is possible to control the unmanned aircraft.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

FIG. 1Ais a diagram illustrating an unmanned aircraft according to one embodiment of the present invention, when viewed from one direction.

An unmanned aircraft1000according to the present invention is formed in a substantially spherical shape in an accommodation mode. The unmanned aircraft1000includes an upper case1001, a lower case1002, an upper lid1003, an accommodation portion1004, a lower lid (not illustrated), which make up an external appearance of the unmanned aircraft1000. Thus, the unmanned aircraft1000has a space inside.

A solar heat charging unit1192is arranged between the upper case1001and the upper lid1003. External surfaces of the upper case1001, the lower case1002, the upper lid1003and the solar heat charging unit1192are curved, and one part of the unmanned aircraft1000is spherical.

In addition, the upper case1001and the upper lid1003are formed in such a manner that the external surfaces of the upper case1001and the upper lid1003are successively curved. A drive unit1210, the upper case1001, and the lower case1002are formed in such a manner that one surface of the drive unit1210, which is exposed to the outside, and the external surfaces of the upper case1001, and the lower case1002are successively curved in a state where a drive unit1210is accommodated into the accommodation portion1004.

The accommodation portion1004is formed between the upper case1001and the lower case1002, and the drive unit1210is accommodated into the accommodation portion1004. The drive unit1210is configured form multiple wing units. In the drawings, the drive unit1210is illustrated as including four wing units, but the number of wing units is not limited to 4.

The drive unit1210includes a propeller1211, a main body1212, which includes a holding unit1212bthat holds the propeller1211in such a manner that the propeller1211is rotatable and a connection unit1212athat is connected to a body, and a drive shaft1213that connects the connection unit1212ato the main body1212in such a manner that the connection1212ais rotatable. One part of the main body1212and the upper and lower cases1001and1002are formed in such manner that an external surface of the one part of the main body1212, which is exposed to the outside and the external surfaces of the upper and lower cases1001and1002are successively curved in the accommodation mode. In a case where the accommodation mode is changed to a flight mode, the drive shaft rotates the connection unit1212ain such a manner that the wing unit protrudes outward from the body and the holding unit1212bis arranged to the outside. In the flight mode, when the propeller1211rotates, the body flies.

The unmanned aircraft1000according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first camera1121a, a sound output unit1122, a power supply unit (not illustrated), and the solar heat charging unit1192.

The camera1121aphotographs the ground while the unmanned aircraft1000is in flight. The camera1121ais fixed to the lower case1002in such a manner that the camera1121aphotographs an external environment at a constant angle.

A parachute unit is arranged over a second circuit board that is arranged on an internal frame which is arranged over first and second sound output units. The internal frame includes an accommodation space into which the parachute unit is accommodated. The accommodation space is covered by the upper lid1003. The parachute unit is spread out based on a specific control command. When the parachute unit is spread out, the upper lid1003is separated from the unmanned aircraft1000.

The power supply unit (not illustrated) is included that supplies power to the unmanned aircraft1000. The power supply unit (not illustrated) is charged by the solar heat charring unit1192or a wireless charging unit (not illustrated).

The solar heat charging unit1192is charged while the unmanned aircraft1000is in flight, and with power that is supplied from the solar heat charging unit1192, flight hours are secured. The solar heat charging unit1192converts light energy, which is introduced from the outside while the unmanned aircraft1000is in flight, into electrical energy.

The wireless charging unit that supplies power to the power supply (not illustrated) is arranged in the lower portion of the body.

The unmanned aircraft1000further includes a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with a predetermined external device2000. The unmanned aircraft1000according to the present invention transmits and receives a wireless signal to and from the external device2000, and measures a distance to the external device2000. The external device2000here is an external device that performs wireless communication with the unmanned aircraft1000. There is no limitation to a type of the external device2000. For example, the external device2000, as illustrated in the drawing, is a mobile terminal, or a wearable device that is formed in such a manner that the wearable device can be mounted on one portion of a user's body.

FIG. 1Bis a block diagram for describing wireless communication between the external device and the unmanned aircraft.FIG. 1Cis a block diagram for describing a configuration of a first filter unit.

The external device2000includes a sensor unit2200that detects movement of the external device2000, a filter unit2300for movement information, and a UWB module2100.

The sensor unit2200includes an acceleration sensor2210, a gyro sensor2220, and a terrestrial magnetism sensor2230. However, the sensor unit2200is not limited to these sensors. A sensor module that is included in the sensor unit2200may be added or omitted.

The filter unit2300performs a processing step of filtering out noise or performing amplification in order to convert movement information that is collected by the sensor unit2200into a suitable electrical signal. The posture and movement of the external device2000are estimated by the sensor unit2200and the filter unit2300.

The UWB module2100is formed in such a manner that a UWB packet that is received from the unmanned aircraft1000is transmitted back. Alternatively, the UWB module2100has a predetermined period, and transmits the UWB packet to the unmanned aircraft1000. In this case, the external device2000transmits the motion information to the unmanned aircraft1000along with the UWB packet.

The unmanned aircraft1000includes a UWB module1311that receives the UWB packet, a first filter unit1312that filters the UWB packet, an inertial sensor1411that detects movement of the unmanned aircraft1000, a second filter unit1301that outputs posture information and speed information according to an inertial signal and UWB packet information, and a location control unit1421and a posture control unit1422that control the unmanned aircraft1000base on the posture information the speed information.

Referring back toFIG. 1A, the unmanned aircraft1000includes multiple UWB modules1310and1320. The unmanned aircraft1000desirably includes at least three UWB modules, and multiple UWB modules are arranged on the body of the unmanned aircraft1000in such a manner that the multiple UWB modules are positioned a maximum distance away from one another. For example, in a case where the unmanned aircraft1000includes four UWB modules, the four UWB modules are arranged in the four wing units of the drive unit1210, respectively.

Accordingly, the different UWB modules that are arranged at different positions receives the UWB packet that is transmitted from the external device2000, at different times. Based on a transmission speed of the UWB packet and information on a difference in the time when the UWB packet arrives at each of the multiple UWB modules, a distance between the external device2000and the unmanned aircraft1000is calculated. In addition, based on the difference in the time when the UWB packet arrives at each of the multiple UWB modules, a location at which the unmanned aircraft1000is arranged toward the external device2000is known.

The UWB packet is an ultra-wide band signal that can carry a large amount of digital data on a wide spectrum frequency at low power within a short-distance section. The UWB packet is configured as a pulse signal that is transmitted at intervals of specific time. Accordingly, although location information of each of the external device2000and the unmanned aircraft1000is not received indoors, a distance between the external device2000and the unmanned aircraft1000and relative locations of the external device2000and the unmanned aircraft1000are known. According to the present invention, a UWB tag is not positioned inside of UWB Access Points (APs) (the UWB module) and is positioned outside of the UWB APs, that is, in the external device2000to perform location recognition.

At least one location measurement algorithm among time of arrival (TOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), and angle of arrival (AOA) is used to determine the relative location. The TOA is a scheme in which an arrival time of a transmission signal is measured and then a distance is calculated by multiplying the arrival time by a signal speed. The TDOA is a scheme in which a location is estimated through the use of a signal direction, time, and the like and a wireless network base station is used. The AOA is a scheme in which differences in reception angle between signals are used. As a hybrid scheme, there is an enhanced observed time difference (E-OTD) that specifies a difference between the time when the UWB packet is transmitted and the time when the UWB packet is transmitted back.

The first filter unit1312estimates a location from the UWB packet that is received from the external device2000. The second filter unit1310performs a function of making compensation with the location that is estimated from the first filter unit1312and information on movement that occurs due to the inertial sensor1411.

Referring toFIG. 1A, the first and second UWB modules1310and1320are arranged with the camera1121ain between. In a case where the camera1121ais controlled in such a manner that the camera1121aphotographs a user who has the external device2000with him/her, which direction the camera1121ais currently arranged in is determined. That is, information on relative bearings of the unmanned aircraft1000with respect to the external device2000is calculated.

In a case where the camera1121ais arranged to face the external device2000, the time it takes the UWB packet to arrive at the first and second UWB modules1310and the1320is measured as being shorter than the time it takes the UWB packet to arrive at the third and fourth UWB modules (not illustrated). Based on the time it takes the UWB packet to arrive at each of the UWB modules, a control unit issues a control command to control flight and rotation of the unmanned aircraft1000.

Based on the motion information that is received from the external device2000along with the UWB packet, the control unit corrects a measured distance between the external device2000and the unmanned aircraft1000. That is, in a case where an obstacle such as a human body or an external object blocks the line of sight of the external device2000, a distortion due to this obstacle is compensated for based on the received movement information and the motion information of the unmanned aircraft.

Referring toFIG. 1C, the first filter unit is configured from a UWB location determination unit1301a, a dynamic model1301b, a location estimation model1301c, and a switch (limit)1301d. The UWB location determination unit1301acalculates the location of the unmanned aircraft using a UWB location measurement algorithm. The dynamic model1301bapplies posture and movement estimation values, which are transmitted from a basic dynamics model for the movement of the external device2000and the external device2000, to the calculated location. The location estimation model1301cupdates the dynamic model1301busing a location value that is calculated with the UWB location measurement algorithm, and repeatedly performs this update until an optimum value is estimated. The switch1301dis a filter for adjusting sensitivity of estimation, and is controlled from the outside.

An error value of a UWB location due to a difference in height is compensated for based on altitude information that is detected the altitude sensor1412.

That is, when the external device2000and the unmanned aircraft1000are wirelessly connected to each other, the unmanned aircraft1000calculates a relative distance by applying the UWB packet which is transmitted and received to a specific algorithm. Accordingly, the unmanned aircraft1000measures a distance to the external device2000without location information of each of the unmanned aircraft1000and the external device2000. In addition, distance information that is calculated by applying the external device2000and the unmanned aircraft1000is corrected and thus the relative locations of the unmanned aircraft1000and the external device2000are known in a more precise manner.

FIG. 2Ais a flowchart for describing a control method according to one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2Bis a conceptual diagram for describing the control method inFIG. 2A.

The unmanned aircraft1000receives a wireless signal from the external device2000(S210). Movement of the body of the unmanned aircraft1000is detected (S220), and estimated data on the location of each of the external device2000and the body of the unmanned aircraft100is output (S230).

The control unit calculates a distance between the external device2000and a housing using the estimated location data, and issues a flight control command in order for the calculated distance to be maintained (S240). The flight control command drives the drive unit1210.

Referring toFIG. 2B, when the external device2000and the unmanned aircraft1000are wirelessly connected to each other, the control unit transmits and receives a wireless signal that is configured as the UWB packet with a predetermined period. The control unit calculates a distance d between the external device2000and the unmanned aircraft1000. The distance d is corrected based on the movement information of each of the unmanned aircraft1000and the external device2000.

The control unit sets an initial distance between the unmanned aircraft1000and the external device2000to a reference distance d. In addition, the reference distance d is set based on a user control command. The control measures the distance between the unmanned aircraft1000and the external device2000while the unmanned aircraft1000and the external device2000are in motion.

When the distance between the external device2000and the unmanned aircraft1000is changed, the control unit issues the flight control command to move the unmanned aircraft1000in order for the reference distance d to be maintained back. Although the user does not apply the flight control command additionally, the control unit controls the unmanned aircraft1000in such a manner that the unmanned aircraft1000moves as the external device2000moves. In this case, the control unit performs control in such a manner that the camera1121ais activated and photographs the external device2000.

According to the present embodiment, the unmanned aircraft1000flies while maintaining a predetermined distance to the external device2000. Thus, in a case where the user is on the move while carrying the external device2000, the control command does not have to be transmitted. In addition, although the user does not detect, with the naked eye, the external device200that is on the move, the unmanned aircraft1000photographs the external device2000while flying as the external device200moves. Thus, in a case where the unmanned aircraft1000is detected with the naked eye, it is possible to control the unmanned aircraft1000.

Referring toFIG. 2C, a control method is described in which the unmanned aircraft1000is rotated based on the movement of the external device2000. According to the present embodiment, the unmanned aircraft1000includes first to fourth UWB modules (W1, W2, W3, and W4), but the unmanned aircraft1000is not limited to these UWB modules and may include three or more UWB modules.

The first to fourth UWB modules (W1, W2, W3, and W4) transmit and receives first to fourth wireless signals (S1, S2, S3, and S4), respectively. The first to fourth wireless signals (S1, S2, S3, and S4) are transmitted and received from different locations, respectively, and include different pieces of tag information that indicate the first to fourth UWB modules (W1, W2, W3, and W4), respectively. The control unit measures the distance between each of the UWB modules and the external device2000, and accordingly calculates information on bearings of the unmanned aircraft1000with respect to the external device2000.

In addition, while the unmanned aircraft1000is in flight, in a case where the camera1121ais arranged in the direction in which the external device2000is photographed, the control unit calculates the direction in which the camera of the unmanned aircraft1000performs photographing, with respect to the external device2000.

When it is determined with the movement of the external device2000that the external device2000is not arranged in the photographing direction, the control unit moves the unmanned aircraft1000.

For example, in a case where due to the movement of the external device2000, the wireless signal S1of the first UWB module that is the closest to the camera1121aarrives late, that is, in a case where the distance between the first UWB module and the external device2000is increased, bearing information of each of the external device2000and the camera1121ais determined as changed. This case is when the external device2000is moved while maintaining the reference distance to the unmanned aircraft1000or when the unmanned aircraft1000rotates about an internal rotation axis.

Although the distance between the external device2000and the unmanned aircraft1000is constantly maintained, in case where the direction in which the camera1121aperforms the photographing is changed with respect to the external device2000, the control unit issues a flight control command to rotate or move the unmanned aircraft1000.

According to the present embodiment, even in a case where, while the distance between the unmanned aircraft1000and the external device2000is maintained, the external device2000is located out of a photographing range of the camera1121a, with multiple UWB packets, relative rotation (relative movement) of the unmanned aircraft2000is determined.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare conceptual diagrams for describing a control method of maintaining the distance between the camera1121aand the unmanned aircraft1000, according to another embodiment. The control unit sets a photographing mode for the external device2000(S310). The photographing mode here is a mode that is set to photograph a specific subject (the external device) while the unmanned aircraft1000flies as the external device2000, or to photograph a specific subject (the external device) while the unmanned aircraft1000flies in a specific pattern.

For example, the photographing modes include a mode in which the external device2000is photographed while the unmanned aircraft1000flies around the external device2000, a mode in which the external device2000is photographed while the unmanned aircraft1000precedes or follows the external device2000, and a mode in which the external device2000is photographed while the unmanned aircraft1000flies above the external device2000.

The control unit determines the distance between the external device2000and the camera1121abased on the photographing mode (S320). For example, the control unit sets the distance between the external device2000and the camera1121ato a fixed distance, sets a distance that varies from one section to another, set the distance between the camera1121aand the external device2000in such a manner that the specific distance is changed based on the movement of the external device2000(S320).

The unmanned aircraft1000according to the present embodiment includes the first to fourth UWB modules, and the camera1121ais arranged between the first and second UWB modules. Accordingly, the third UWB module is arranged to face the camera1121a.

The control unit sets the distance between each of the first to fourth UWB modules and the external device2000according to the distance between the camera1121aand the external device2000, which is set (S330). In a case where the distance between the external device2000and the camera1121avaries, the distance between each of the first to fourth UWB modules and the external device2000is changed.

Based on the movement and rotation of the external device2000, the unmanned aircraft1000flies (S340). For example, in a case where the external device2000moves, the distance between each of the first to fourth UWB modules and the external device2000is changed. Referring toFIG. 3B, the distance between the first UWB module and the external device2000is increased and the distance between the second UWB module and the external device2000is decreased.

In this case, the external device2000is located out of the photographing range of the camera1121a.

The control issues the control command in such a manner that the distance between the second UWB module and the external device2000is increased back and the distance between the first UWB module and the external device2000is decreased back. Accordingly, the external device2000is arranged back within the photographing range of the camera1121a.

Although not illustrated in the drawings, in a case where a distance that the external device2000moves is shorter than a predetermined distance within a reference time, the control unit rotates the unmanned aircraft1000. In a case where the distance that the external device2000moves is greater than a predetermined distance within the reference time, the control unit moves the unmanned aircraft1000.

FIG. 4Ais a flowchart for describing a control method in which the estimated location data is corrected based on the movement information, according to still another embodiment.FIGS. 4B and 4Care conceptual diagrams for a control method of controlling the unmanned aircraft1000according to still another embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 4A and 4B, the control unit generates the movement information as a result of detecting movement of the housing of the unmanned aircraft1000(S410). The control unit corrects the estimated location data using the movement information (S420). At this point, the control unit includes the second filter unit1301that outputs the posture information and the speed information using the inertial signal and the UWB packet information.

Referring toFIG. 4C, the UWB module1311of the unmanned aircraft1000receives the movement information of the external device2000along with the UWB packet. The movement information includes the change in the altitude (H1) of the external device2000.

When the movement information including the change in the distance between the external device2000and the housing and the change in the altitude is received, a flight control command to change the altitude (h1) of the unmanned aircraft1000is issued.

Accordingly, in a case where the altitude (H2) of the external device2000is changed, the flight altitude (h2) of the unmanned aircraft1000is changed as well. Accordingly, in a state where a photographing angle is not changed, the camera1121aof the unmanned aircraft1000photographs the external device2000.

In a case where the housing of the unmanned aircraft1000moves minutely such as when the housing rotates, because a change in the distance between the housing the external device2000is very small, it is not determined that the change in the distance occurs. However, in a case where, based on the movement information, the estimated location data is changed, the unmanned aircraft1000is controlled minutely based on this fact. Particularly, in a case where the external device2000is photographed with the camera1121a, the external device2000is not photographed based on the minute movement. The camera1121ais controlled that the camera1121astably photographs a desired area using the movement information.

FIG. 4Cis a conceptual diagram for describing a method in which the unmanned aircraft1000is controlled based on a change in the altitude of the external device2000.

Referring toFIG. 4C, the UWB module1311of the unmanned aircraft1000receives the movement information of the external device2000along with the UWB packet. The movement information includes the change in the altitude of the external device2000.

When the movement information including the change in the distance between the external device2000and the housing and the change in the altitude is received, a flight control command to change the altitude of the unmanned aircraft1000is issued.

Accordingly, in a case where the altitude of the external device2000is changed, the flight altitude of the unmanned aircraft1000is changed as well. Accordingly, in a state where a photographing angle is not changed, the camera1121aof the unmanned aircraft1000photographs the external device2000.

FIG. 5Ais a flowchart for describing a method in which, in a case where a specific distance is maintained, the unmanned aircraft1000is controlled.FIGS. 5B to 5Dare conceptual diagrams for describing the control method inFIG. 5Aaccording to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS. 5A and 5B, the control unit detects the change in the distance between the external device2000and the unmanned aircraft1000(S510). When the change in the distance between the external device2000and the unmanned aircraft1000is detected, the control unit controls the unmanned aircraft2000in such a manner that the specific distance is maintained (S530).

On the other hand, when the change in the distance is not detected, the control unit receives the movement information from the external device2000(S520). For example, in a case where the change in the distance is not detected for a predetermined time t, the control unit receives the movement information. The unmanned aircraft1000maintains a stationary state for the predetermined time t.

Based on the motion information, the control unit moves the unmanned aircraft1000(S540). Referring toFIG. 5B, the control unit receives the movement information indicating that the external device2000rotates about a specific reference axis. The reference axis is set to be in the inside of the external device2000, but is not limited to this.

In this case, the control unit controls the unmanned aircraft1000in such a manner that the unmanned aircraft1000rotates in substantially the same direction as the external device2000.

According to the present embodiment, the camera1121aof the unmanned aircraft1000is controlled in such a manner that the camera1121aphotographs the external device2000in one direction.

On the other hand, the movement information includes information indicating that the external device2000rotates with respect to the unmanned aircraft1000. In this case, the control unit performs control in such a manner that the unmanned aircraft1000rotates about an internal reference axis of the housing, using the movement information.

Accordingly, the unmanned aircraft detects the movement of the external device2000, which occurs without the change in the distance, and, according to the movement, photographs the external device (or a specific photographic subject)2000with the camera1121a.

Referring toFIG. 5C, in a state where a specific mode is activated, the control unit detects the change in the distance between the external2000and the unmanned aircraft1000. In a case where the change in the distance is not detected for the predetermined time t, the control unit issues a flight control command for the unmanned aircraft1000to rotate around the external device2000.

Although not illustrated in detail, control commands for rotation radius, rotation speed, and rotational direction are issued based on a user setting.

In addition, in this case, the unmanned aircraft1000rotates as well in order for the camera1121ato face the external device2000.

While the external device2000rotates, the control unit also controls the unmanned aircraft1000in order for the distance between the external device2000and the unmanned aircraft1000to be maintained.

In this case, when the change in the distance due to the movement of the external device2000is detected, the control unit issues the flight control command to maintain the specific distance.

According to the present embodiment, the unmanned aircraft1000is described as rotating around the external device2000in a case where the external device2000maintains the stationary state, but a flight pattern of the unmanned aircraft1000is not limited to this. For example, the unmanned aircraft1000is controlled in such a manner that the altitude of the unmanned aircraft1000is changed to be in a state of photographing the external device2000or the unmanned aircraft1000rotates about the internal reference axis of the housing.

Referring toFIG. 5D, the control unit issues the flight control command for moving the unmanned aircraft1000based on the movement information. For example, in a case where the external device2000moves in a specific pattern, the control unit issues the flight control command for the unmanned aircraft1000to move in a corresponding pattern, using the movement information indicating the specific pattern.

FIG. 6AtoFIG. 6Care conceptual diagrams for describing a method in which the unmanned aircraft1000is controlled in a case where a communication state is poor.

Referring toFIG. 6A, the control unit detects reception quality of the wireless signal (S610). When the unmanned aircraft1000and the external device2000are wirelessly connected to each other, the control unit detects wireless communication quality at intervals of predetermined time.

In a case where the quality is poorer than a predetermined reference quality, a GPS module is activated and the movement information of the external device2000is received (S620). For example, in a case where there is an obstacle between the unmanned aircraft1000and the external device2000, the reception quality of the wireless signal is degraded. In a case where the user who has the external device2000with him/her enters into a building, the reception quality, for example, of a watch-type terminal is degraded due to movement of the user's body.

The control unit detects the location of the external device2000using the GPS module. When the location information and the movement information of the external device2000are received, the control unit issues the flight control command for the unmanned aircraft1000to approach the external device2000(S630). The location information and the movement information are transmitted using a wireless communication module instead of the UWB module.

In a case where the detected quality is poorer than the reference quality, the control unit activates a specific wireless communication module, and transmits a signal that requests the external device2000to transmit the location information and the movement information.

In a case where the degradation of the quality arises from a problem with the external device2000, based on the request signal, the external device2000performs a specific function of solving the degradation of the quality. In addition, the location information and the movement information are transmitted to the unmanned aircraft1000.

Referring toFIG. 6B, when the wireless communication quality is degraded, the unmanned aircraft1000transmits warning information2001to the external device2000. The external device2000outputs the warning information. The warning information is one among visual data, audio data and vibration data. With the warning information that is output from the external device2000, the user can solve a problem of the degradation of the quality by moving the external device2000. For example, in a case where the external device2000is the watch-type terminal, when the user puts his/her hand into his/her pocket and the like, the problem of the degradation of the quality occurs. In this case, when the warning information is output in the form of vibration, the user who feels the vibration can improve the communication quality by pulling his/her hand out of his/her pocket.

That is, the problem of the degradation of the quality can be prevented from occurring due to the external device2000.

Referring toFIG. 6C, in a case where the wireless communication quality is poorer than a predetermined reference quality for the predetermined time t, the control unit issues the flight control command for the unmanned aircraft1000to rotate around the external device2000. At this point, the unmanned aircraft1000rotates around the external device2000of which the location is last received.

In addition, the control unit issues the flight control command for the unmanned aircraft1000to rotate about the internal reference axis of the unmanned aircraft1000.

Although not illustrated in the drawings, in a case where, while the unmanned aircraft1000is in flight or in rotation, the external device2000is detected with the camera1121a, the control unit issues the flight control command for the unmanned aircraft1000to approach the external device2000.

According to the present embodiment, information on poor wireless communication is transmitted to the outside or a predetermined flight control command is issued in a state of the poor wireless communication. Thus, the unmanned aircraft is enabled to fly without improving a communication state or applying a control command. Accordingly, a problem can be minimized that occurs due to the poor wireless communication in a state where the user does not detect the unmanned aircraft1000with the naked eye.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bare conceptual diagrams for describing a control method in which the flight of the unmanned aircraft1000is controlled using the external device2000.

Referring toFIGS. 7A and 7B, the external device2000further includes a specific user input unit that receives a control command. The user input unit is realized as a touch sensor, a button, or the like, but is not limited to these.

In a case where the control command is not received, based on the distance between the unmanned aircraft1000and the external device2000, the unmanned aircraft1000controls the flight of the unmanned aircraft1000.

However, in a case where a specific control command that is applied to the external device2000is received in the unmanned aircraft1000, the control unit issues the flight control command for the unmanned aircraft1000to fly in a flight pattern corresponding to a movement pattern of the external device2000.

For example, in a state where the control command is applied (or after the control command is applied), in a case where the external device2000moves horizontally, the unmanned aircraft1000flies horizontally as well. In addition, in a state where the control command is applied (or after the control command is applied), in a case where the external device2000rotates, the unmanned aircraft1000is controlled in such a manner that the unmanned aircraft1000rotates according to the direction in which the external device2000rotates and the extent to which the external device2000rotates.

In this case, the control unit also issues the flight control command based on the distance between the body of the unmanned aircraft1000and the external device2000, and the motion information of each of the unmanned aircraft1000and the external device2000.

That is, the user can control the flight of the unmanned aircraft1000using the external device2000. According to the present embodiments, a control method in which an unmanned aircraft is controlled precisely using a UWB packet can be applied to various industry fields. The configuration and the method of the embodiments according to the present invention, described above, are not applied in a limiting manner, but all of or some of the embodiments may be selectively combined with each other to create various modifications to the embodiments. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present embodiments, a control method in which an unmanned aircraft is controlled precisely using a UWB packet can be applied to various industry fields.