Patent ID: 12246866

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that these embodiments do not limit this invention. Furthermore, constituents in the following embodiments include constituents that can be readily substituted by those skilled in the art or that are substantially the same. Moreover, constituents described below can be combined as appropriate, and, when there are a plurality of embodiments, the embodiments can also be combined.

First Embodiment

A drone port1of a first embodiment is a portable port installed on a landing surface on which a drone4lands. The drone4of the first embodiment is an unmanned aircraft and includes a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, such as a helicopter. In the first embodiment, an unmanned helicopter is exemplified as the drone4in the description; however, limitation to a helicopter is not particularly intended, and any drone4may be used as long as the drone4is an unmanned aircraft.

Drone Port

FIG.1is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating example installation of the drone port according to the first embodiment.FIG.2is a plan view schematically illustrating the drone port according to the first embodiment.FIG.3is a side view schematically illustrating the drone port according to the first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.1, the drone port1is installed on a vessel5as a moving object moving on the water. Thus, the drone4lands on the vessel5that moves relative to the drone4. Note that, in the first embodiment, the drone port1is disposed on the vessel5; however, limitation to the vessel5is not particularly intended, and the drone port1may be disposed on a vehicle or the like as a moving object moving on the ground or may be disposed on a non-moving facility or on the ground.

As illustrated inFIGS.2and3, the drone port1includes a port body (covering section)11covering the landing surface. The port body11is provided with a plurality of markers7of different sizes. In the first embodiment, each marker7is, for example, an AR marker color-coded with two colors, black and white, and is a square marker. This marker7serves as an indicator for allowing the drone4to land on a predetermined landing position of the drone port1. A camera6disposed on the drone4images the marker7, and image processing is performed, whereby the landing position is captured. Note that the marker7is not limited to an AR marker and may be any marker enabling capturing of the landing position through image processing.

The markers7include a plurality of small markers72and a plurality of large markers74. The small markers72are disposed in a central portion of the port body11and are arranged next to each other such that their center positions are mutually different. The small markers72are arranged in a matrix and are arranged, for example, in five rows and three columns as illustrated inFIG.2. Note thatFIG.2exemplifies the small markers72arranged in five rows and three columns; however, the number of the rows and the number of the columns are not particularly limited. Furthermore, the small markers72are not necessarily arranged in a matrix and may be arranged in a scattered manner. That is, the distances between adjacent small markers72are not necessarily equal.

The large markers74are disposed in a peripheral portion of the port body11and are arranged so as to surround the small markers72. The large markers74are larger in size than the small markers72. The large markers74are arranged such that their center positions are mutually different and are arranged so that their center positions are different from those of the small markers72. The large markers74are arranged in a matrix and are arranged, for example, in two rows and two columns as illustrated inFIG.2. Note thatFIG.2exemplifies the large markers74arranged in two rows and two columns; however, the number of the rows and the number of the columns are not particularly limited. Furthermore, the large markers74are not necessarily arranged in a matrix and may be arranged in a scattered manner. That is, the distances between adjacent large markers74are not necessarily equal.

The port body11provided with the small markers72and the large markers74includes a plurality of port pieces (covering pieces)13and a coupling member14coupling the port pieces13. The port pieces13are shaped into rectangles. The port pieces13are arranged in a matrix and are arranged, for example, in five rows and seven columns as illustrated inFIG.2. The port pieces13have different sizes inFIG.2but may have the same size, and no limitation is particularly intended. The port pieces13are arranged in a matrix to form the small markers72and the large markers74.

Each small marker72is formed on a single port piece13. Thus, each small marker72is not divided, which prevents recognition of the marker7by the camera6from being affected. On the other hand, each large marker74is formed by a plurality of the port pieces13. Thus, each large marker74enhances portability. Note that, in the first embodiment, each large marker74is formed by four port pieces13.

Since the port pieces13are arranged in a matrix to form the small markers72and the large markers74, arrangement numbers for properly forming the small markers72and the large markers74are assigned to the port pieces13. As the arrangement numbers, as illustrated inFIG.2, matrix notation is used. That is, the numbers from 1 to 5 are assigned as rows, and the letters from A to G are assigned as columns. Thus, as the arrangement numbers, for example, “1A” is assigned to the upper left port piece13, and “5G” is assigned to the lower right port piece13.

As the coupling member14, for example, a cable tie is used. The coupling member14is inserted into a through hole17formed in the port piece13. The coupling member14is inserted into the through holes17of adjacent port pieces13and is tied to couple the adjacent port pieces13to each other. Note that a cable tie is applied as the coupling member14in the description; however, any member may be used as long as the member can couple the port pieces13to each other. Furthermore, the through hole17has a size that does not affect image processing by the camera6and is formed, avoiding the marker7.

Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG.3, the port body11(port pieces13) includes a flat plate21and a hook-and-loop fastener22as a restraining section.

As the flat plate21, for example, a rigid plate material, such as an acrylic plate or a polyvinyl chloride plate, is used. The flat plate21prevents flapping of the port body11due to downwash by the drone4in landing. Thus, the flat plate21has a weight and rigidity capable of preventing flapping of the port body11.

The hook-and-loop fastener22restrains, on the port body11, the drone4that lands on the port body11. The hook-and-loop fastener22preferably has water resistance, weather resistance, and antifouling property. The hook-and-loop fastener22are composed of, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener22aon the hook side and a hook-and-loop fastener22bon the loop side. In the hook-and-loop fastener22, the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon one side is disposed on the port body11, and the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the other side is disposed on the drone4.

The hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the one side is disposed over the entire surface on the upper side of the port body11. Thus, the small markers72and the large markers74formed on the port body11are formed by the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the one side. The hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the one side is disposed over the entire surface on the upper side of the port body11, so that, regardless of which landing position of the port body11the drone4lands on, the drone4can be restrained on the port body11. Furthermore, the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the one side is joined to the top surface of the flat plate21through adhesive. The top surface of the flat plate21is a flat surface, so that the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the one side has a top surface being a flat surface.

The hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the other side is disposed on a contact surface, coming into contact with the drone port1, of a leg section of the drone4. In specific, the leg section of the drone4is provided with a receiving plate25on which the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the other side is disposed. The receiving plate25has a bottom surface (contact surface) on the lower side being a flat surface. The hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the other side is joined to the bottom surface of the receiving plate25through adhesive. The bottom surface of the receiving plate25is a flat surface, so that the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the other side has an undersurface being a flat surface. Note that the contact surface of the drone4is not particularly limited to a flat surface.

In the hook-and-loop fastener22, the top surface of the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the one side and the undersurface of the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the other side are flat surfaces. Thus, when the drone4is landing, the hook-and-loop fasteners22are joined through surface contact, so that the drone4is attached to the port body11through surface attachment.

In the above-described drone port1, the drone4is landing on a predetermined landing position of the port body11using the markers7disposed on the port body11as indicators in landing. When the drone4lands on the port body11, the hook-and-loop fasteners22aand22bare joined to each other through surface attachment. Thus, the drone4is restrained on the port body11.

If the aerodynamic lift as to pull the hook-and-loop fasteners22aand22bapart from each other can be produced in takeoff, the drone4takes off from the port body11. On the other hand, if it is difficult to pull the hook-and-loop fasteners22aand22bapart from each other in takeoff, the hook-and-loop fasteners22aand22bare pulled apart from each other to detach the drone4from the port body11after the drone4lands on, and the drone4is restrained with a restraining device separately disposed on the vessel5. In takeoff, the drone4is released from the restraint made by the restraining device and takes off.

Note that, in the first embodiment, the hook-and-loop fastener22is applied as the restraining section restraining the drone4on the port body11; however, instead of the hook-and-loop fastener22, a mechanism using an electromagnet may be applied. For example, instead of the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the one side disposed on the port body11, a magnetic material having magnetism, such as a steel plate, is disposed, and instead of the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the other side disposed on the drone4, an electromagnet is disposed. When the drone4is landing, the electromagnet is energized to magnetize the magnetic material on the port body11. On the other hand, when the drone4takes off, the magnetization of the electromagnet is demagnetized to allow the drone4to take off.

Second Embodiment

Next, a drone port31of a second embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.4. Note that, in the second embodiment, parts different from the first embodiment are described to avoid overlapping description, and constituents similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference signs in the description.FIG.4is a side view schematically illustrating the drone port according to the second embodiment.

Drone Port

As illustrated inFIG.4, in the drone port31of the second embodiment, grooves32serving as drainage channels are formed in the flat plate21. If water, such as rain and sea water, falls on the drone port31, the grooves32drain the falling water out of the drone port31.

Third Embodiment

Next, a drone port41of a third embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.5and6. Note that, in the third embodiment, parts different from the first and second embodiments are described to avoid overlapping description, and constituents similar to those of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference signs in the description.FIG.5is a plan view schematically illustrating the drone port according to the third embodiment.FIG.6is a side view schematically illustrating the drone port according to the third embodiment.

Drone Port

As illustrated inFIGS.5and6, the drone port41includes a port sheet42covering the landing surface, numerous through holes47formed in the port sheet42, weights43, accommodating sections44, and a buffer sheet45.

Similar to the first embodiment, the port sheet42is provided with a plurality of markers7of different sizes. Note that the markers7are similar to those of the first embodiment, the configuration in the third embodiment is provided by reading the port body11of the first embodiment as the port sheet42of the third embodiment, and the description is thus omitted.

The port sheet42is formed into a sheet covering the landing surface and is shaped into a rectangle. As the port sheet42, tarpaulin having waterproofness is used. The markers7are printed on the port sheet42. The numerous through holes47are formed through the port sheet42. The numerous through holes47have the same size and are regularly arranged in the port sheet42. That is, the numerous through holes47are also formed in the markers7printed on the port sheet42. Thus, the through holes47have a size that does not affect image processing on the markers7by the camera6. The numerous through holes47are arranged, for example, in a matrix.

The accommodating sections44are disposed on the respective four sides on the periphery of the rectangular port sheet42. The accommodating sections44are cylindrical bags accommodating the weights43. The accommodating sections44accommodate the weights43in a removable manner. The accommodating sections44are disposed, extending along the sides. The weights43are, for example, iron rods formed into bars and are accommodated in the accommodating sections44. Thus, when the drone port41is used, the weights43are accommodated in the accommodating sections44, while, when the drone port41is not used, the weights43are removed from the accommodating sections44. Thus, the drone port41from which the weights43are removed can be folded to be compact in size.

The numerous through holes47and the weights43prevent flapping of the port sheet42due to downwash by the drone4in landing. Thus, the weights43have a weight capable of preventing flapping of the port sheet42.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the buffer sheet45is disposed between the port sheet42and the landing surface and absorbs impact caused by landing of the drone4. The buffer sheet45is formed of a buffer material, such as rubber, into a sheet. The buffer sheet45is covered by the port sheet42. Thus, the port sheet42is in a free state relative to the buffer sheet45.

In the above-described drone port41, the drone4lands on a predetermined landing position of the port sheet42using the markers7disposed on the port sheet42as indicators in landing. Even if downwash occurs when the drone4is landing, the port sheet42allows airflow to circulate through the numerous through holes47formed in the port sheet42, which prevents flapping of the port sheet42. Furthermore, the periphery of the port sheet42is held down by the weights43, so that, even if downwash occurs when the drone4is landing, flapping of the port sheet42is prevented.

In takeoff, the drone4takes off from the port sheet42. Note that the drone4may be detached from the port sheet42after landing and be restrained with a restraining device separately disposed on the vessel5. In takeoff, the drone4may be released from the restraint made by the restraining device and take off.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a drone port51of a fourth embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.7. Note that, in the fourth embodiment, parts different from the first to third embodiments are described to avoid overlapping description, and constituents similar to those of the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference signs in the description.FIG.7is a side view schematically illustrating the drone port according to the fourth embodiment.

Drone Port

As illustrated inFIG.7, the drone port51of the fourth embodiment is provided with a hook-and-loop fastener52on the port sheet42of the third embodiment. The hook-and-loop fastener52is similar to the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the one side of the hook-and-loop fastener22of the first embodiment. Thus, similar to the first embodiment, the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the other side is provided to the drone4. When the drone4is landing, the hook-and-loop fastener52is joined through surface contact with the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the other side disposed on the drone4, so that the drone4is restrained on the port sheet42through surface attachment. Note that to prevent the hook-and-loop fastener52from blocking the numerous through holes47formed in the port sheet42, numerous through holes corresponding to the numerous through holes47of the port sheet42are formed in the hook-and-loop fastener52.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a drone port61of a fifth embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.8. Note that, in the fifth embodiment, parts different from the first to fourth embodiments are described to avoid overlapping description, and constituents similar to those of the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference signs in the description.FIG.8is a plan view schematically illustrating the drone port according to the fifth embodiment.

Drone Port

As illustrated inFIG.8, in the drone port61of the fifth embodiment, the numerous through holes47formed in the port sheet42of the third embodiment have different sizes. In specific, in the numerous through holes47, the size of through holes47ain a central portion of the port sheet42is small, and the size of through holes47bin a peripheral portion of the port sheet42is large. Note that the through holes47may be increased in size from the central portion toward the peripheral portion of the port sheet42in steps or continuously.

Even if downwash occurs when the drone4is landing, the port sheet42allows airflow to circulate through the numerous through holes47formed in the port sheet42. In this case, the through holes47, increased in size, in the peripheral portion of the port sheet42allow airflow going from the peripheral portion of the port sheet42to the underside of the port sheet42to readily circulate, and flapping at the peripheral portion of the port sheet42is suitably prevented.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, a drone port71of a sixth embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.9. Note that, in the sixth embodiment, parts different from the first to fifth embodiments are described to avoid overlapping description, and constituents similar to those of the first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference signs in the description.FIG.9is a plan view schematically illustrating the drone port according to the sixth embodiment.

Drone Port

As illustrated inFIG.9, in the drone port71of the sixth embodiment, the numerous through holes47formed in the port sheet42of the third embodiment are disposed only in a partial region. In specific, when the port sheet42is divided into a region E1in a central portion of the port sheet42and a region E2in a peripheral portion of the port sheet42, the numerous through holes47are disposed in the region E2. That is, the numerous through holes47are disposed only in the peripheral portion of the port sheet42.

Even if downwash occurs when the drone4is landing, the port sheet42allows airflow to circulate through the numerous through holes47formed in the port sheet42. In this case, airflow readily goes from the peripheral portion of the port sheet42to the underside of the port sheet42, so that the through holes47disposed in the peripheral portion of the port sheet42suitably prevent flapping at the peripheral portion of the port sheet42.

As described above, the drone ports1,31,41,51,61, and71described in the embodiments are understood, for example, as follows.

The drone port1,31, or51of a first aspect is the portable drone port1,31, or51that is portable to be disposed on the landing surface for the drone4and includes the covering section (port body11, port sheet42) configured to cover the landing surface and provided with the markers7of different sizes. The covering section includes the restraining section (hook-and-loop fastener22, hook-and-loop fastener52) configured to restrain, on the covering section, the drone4that lands on the covering section.

With this configuration, the drone4that lands on the covering section of the drone port1,31, or51can be restrained with the restraining section, which can prevent overturning of the drone4in landing.

As a second aspect, the drone4includes the contact surface configured to come into contact with the covering section when the drone4lands on the covering section, and the restraining section joins the top surface of the covering section to the contact surface through surface attachment.

With this configuration, when the drone4lands on the top surface of the covering section, the drone4can be readily restrained on the covering section through surface attachment by the restraining section. In addition, the contact area can be made large, so that the drone4can be properly restrained on the covering section.

As a third aspect, the restraining section is the hook-and-loop fastener22including the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the one side disposed on the covering section.

With this configuration, the hook-and-loop fastener22can be applied as the restraining section, so that the drone4can be restrained on the covering section with a simple configuration.

As a fourth aspect, the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the one side is disposed over the entire surface of the covering section and forms the markers7.

With this configuration, while the markers7are properly formed, the drone4can be properly restrained in any position on the covering section.

As a fifth aspect, the covering section further includes the flat plate21disposed between the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the one side and the landing surface and joined to the hook-and-loop fastener22aor22bon the one side.

With this configuration, the flat plate21can prevent flapping of the covering section, so that the drone4can suitably land on the covering section.

As a sixth aspect, the flat plate21includes the grooves32configured to serve as drainage channels.

With this configuration, even if water, such as rain and sea water, falls on the covering section, the falling water can be suitably drained from the covering section through the grooves32.

As a seventh aspect, the covering section includes the covering pieces (port pieces13) divided and the coupling member14coupling the covering pieces.

With this configuration, the covering section can be divided into the covering pieces and conveyed, which can further enhance portability.

As an eighth aspect, the markers7include the small markers72and the large markers74larger than the small markers72, the small markers72are each disposed on a single covering piece, and the large markers74are formed by a plurality of the covering pieces.

With this configuration, the small markers72are not divided, which can prevent recognition of the small markers72from being affected. Furthermore, the large markers74are formed by the covering pieces, which can enhance portability of the covering section corresponding to the large markers74.

As a ninth aspect, the numerous through holes47are formed in the covering section.

With this configuration, even if downwash occurs when the drone4is landing, airflow is circulated through the numerous through holes47, which can prevent flapping of the covering section.

The drone port41,51,61, or71of a tenth aspect is the portable drone port41,51,61, or71that is portable to be disposed on the landing surface for the drone4and includes the port sheet42formed into a sheet configured to covering the landing surface and provided with the markers7of different sizes, and the numerous through holes47formed in the port sheet42.

With this configuration, even if downwash occurs when the drone4is landing, airflow is circulated through the numerous through holes47, which can prevent flapping of the port sheet42.

As an eleventh aspect, the weights configured to be disposed in the peripheral portion of the port sheet42and the accommodating sections44disposed on the port sheet42and configured to accommodate the weights43are further included.

With this configuration, even if downwash occurs when the drone4is landing, the weights43can prevent flapping of the port sheet42.

As a twelfth aspect, the buffer sheet45disposed between the port sheet42and the landing surface and configured to absorb impact caused by landing of the drone4is further included.

With this configuration, the buffer sheet45can absorb impact caused by landing of the drone4.

As a thirteenth aspect, the port sheet is made of tarpaulin.

With this configuration, the port sheet can be formed of an inexpensive material having waterproofness.

As a fourteenth aspect, in the numerous through holes47, the size of the holes in the central portion of the port sheet42is small, and the size of the holes in the peripheral portion of the port sheet42is large.

With this configuration, even if downwash occurs when the drone4is landing, flapping at the peripheral portion of the port sheet42can be suitably prevented.

As a fifteenth aspect, the numerous through holes47are disposed only in the peripheral portion of the port sheet42.

With this configuration, even if downwash occurs when the drone4is landing, flapping at the peripheral portion of the port sheet42can be suitably prevented.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1Drone port (first embodiment)4Drone5Vessel7Marker11Port body13Port piece14Coupling member17Through hole21Flat plate22,22a,22bHook-and-loop fastener25Receiving plate31Drone port (second embodiment)32Groove41Drone port (third embodiment)42Port sheet43Weight44Accommodating section45Buffer sheet47Through hole51Drone port (fourth embodiment)52Hook-and-loop fastener61Drone port (fifth embodiment)71Drone port (sixth embodiment)72Small marker74Large marker