CN106170441B

CN106170441B - Method and mechanism for balloon launching

Info

Publication number: CN106170441B
Application number: CN201580019453.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: D.拉特纳
Original assignee: X Development LLC
Current assignee: Loon LLC
Priority date: 2014-02-13
Filing date: 2015-02-13
Publication date: 2018-06-22
Anticipated expiration: 2035-02-13
Also published as: WO2015123500A1; CN106170441A; AU2015218369A1; AU2015218369B2

Abstract

A method for balloon launching may include loading a prepackaged balloon and payload into a shell structure. The prepackaged balloon can be pulled vertically out of its packaging, for example using a gantry crane. The gantry crane may be configured to inflate the balloon from the top of the balloon. The balloon may be inflated while substantially within the housing structure, which may provide protection from wind gusts. A vehicle such as a heavy forklift may provide mobility and support for the balloon and the housing. Optionally, once the balloon is inflated, the vehicle may move the balloon/housing combination at a rate and direction that substantially matches the current wind direction/speed. Additionally, the vehicle may assist and/or initiate opening of the housing after a zero speed condition relative to the wind is reached. The tether connecting the balloon to the housing structure may be disconnected, allowing the balloon to fire.

Description

For the method and mechanism of balloon transmitting

Cross reference to related applications

This application claims in 2 months 2014 U.S. Patent Application No.s submitted for 13rd No. 14/179,673 and 2 months 2014 The priority of the U.S. Patent Application No. submitted for 13rd 14/179,710, entire contents are hereby incorporated.

Background technology

Unless otherwise indicated, the material otherwise described in this part is not the existing of the claim in the application Technology, and be not just recognized as being the prior art because being included in this part.

Such as personal computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, cellular phone and numerous types have networking energy The computing device of the equipment of power etc is just more and more common in many aspects of the modern life.In this way, for via internet, The demand of the data connectivity of cellular data network and other such networks is increasing.However, in many areas in the world, Data connectivity is still unavailable or if can obtain, and is insecure and/or with high costs.Thus, it is desirable to have volume Outer network infrastructure.

Network infrastructure can be high cost, however, and thus, some technologies can utilize provisional or non-permanent Structure.It may also face the challenge to such provisional or semipermanent structure deployment.

Invention content

In the first aspect, it provides a method.This method includes providing the balloon being positioned substantially in shell structure. Balloon includes the air bag in initial package state.Air bag in initial package state includes inflated and is compressed Air bag.Method further comprises unlocking gas on the direction basically perpendicular to ground when balloon is substantially in shell structure The packaging of capsule is so as to stretch air bag.Method extraly includes being filled with lift gas when balloon is substantially in shell structure Air bag.Method can optionally include determining external environment based on the associated wind data of external environment on the outside of shell structure The wind direction and wind speed of apoplexy.Also further, method optionally includes shell structure is caused to lead to the condition of basic zero wind Direction and speed movement.The condition of zero wind is including direction is on substantially wind direction and speed is in substantially wind speed.Method can be also optional Ground includes the condition in response to basic zero wind so that shell structure is opened balloon to be made to be externally exposed environment, and emit Balloon.

In second aspect, a kind of system is provided.The system include being configured to enclose substantially balloon and open so as to Balloon is made to be externally exposed the shell structure of environment.Balloon includes the air bag in initial package state.In initial package Air bag in state includes air bag that is inflated and being compressed.External environment includes the environmental condition on the outside of shell structure.System System further comprises being configured to promote air bag and fills the lift elements of air bag.Unlock air bag packaging be included in based on perpendicular to Air bag is stretched on the direction on ground.Air bag is filled to include filling air bag with lift gas.System can optionally include configuration Moving element for the mobile shell structure in the plane for being basically parallel to ground.System extraly includes being configured to when housing knot So that lift elements unlock the control system of the packaging of air bag when structure encloses balloon.Control system can be configured to work as shell Body structure causes lift elements to fill air bag when enclosing balloon.Control system can be optionally configured to be based on from least one The wind data of a wind sensor determines the wind direction of external environment apoplexy and wind speed.Control system can also be optionally configured to so that Moving element is to cause the direction of the condition of basic zero wind and speed to move.The condition of zero wind include direction on substantially wind direction and Speed is in substantially wind speed.Control system can also be optionally configured to the condition in response to basic zero wind so that shell structure is beaten It opens and causes balloon transmitting.

In a third aspect, a kind of non-transitory computer-readable medium of the instruction with storage is provided.Instruction can be by Computing device performs so that computing device performs function.The function includes so that the air bag of balloon is basically perpendicular to ground Packaging is disengaged on direction to stretch air bag.Balloon includes the air bag in initial package state.In initial package Air bag in state includes inflated air bag.Shell structure encloses the balloon.Function further comprises so that using gas Fill air bag.

In fourth aspect, provide a kind of including being positioned substantially at the device of the balloon in shell structure for offer Another system.Balloon includes the air bag in initial package state.Air bag in initial package state includes not filled Gas and the air bag compressed.System further comprise for when balloon is substantially in shell structure basically perpendicular to ground Direction on unlock the packaging of air bag so as to make air bag stretch device.System extraly includes being substantially at shell in balloon With the device of lift gas filling air bag when in body structure.System can optionally include for based on on the outside of shell structure The associated wind data of external environment is come the device that determines the wind direction of external environment apoplexy and wind speed and for causing shell structure To lead to the device in the direction of the condition of basic zero wind and speed movement.The condition of zero wind include direction on substantially wind direction and Speed is in substantially wind speed.System can optionally include in response to the condition of basic zero wind cause shell structure open so as to Balloon is made to be externally exposed environment and emits the device of balloon.

Described in detail below by taking the circumstances into consideration refer to the attached drawing reading, those of ordinary skill in the art will be clear that these and other Aspect, advantage and alternative.

Description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is the simplified block diagram for illustrating balloon network according to example embodiment.

Fig. 2 is the simplified block diagram for illustrating balloon network control system according to example embodiment.

Fig. 3 is the simplified block diagram for illustrating aerostat according to example embodiment.

Fig. 4 is the simplified block diagram for illustrating balloon emission system according to example embodiment.

The balloon that Fig. 5 depicts according to example embodiment loads scene.

The balloon that Fig. 6 is depicted according to example embodiment unlocks packaging scene.

Fig. 7 depicts balloon inflation scene according to example embodiment.

Fig. 8 depicts optional balloon transmitting scene according to example embodiment.

Fig. 9 is method according to example embodiment.

Figure 10 is method according to example embodiment.

Specific embodiment

This document describes exemplary methods and system.Any example embodiment or feature described herein are not necessarily to be interpreted It is more preferably or more advantageous than other embodiments or feature.Example embodiment described herein is not intended to be defined.It will be readily understood that The some aspects of disclosed system and method can arrange and be combined by many kinds of different configurations, all these herein all It is susceptible to.

In addition, the specific arrangements shown in attached drawing be not construed as it is restricted.It should be appreciated that other embodiments can wrap Include each element shown in more or fewer given attached drawings.In addition, the element of some diagrams can be combined or omitted.This Outside, example embodiment may include not shown element in attached drawing.

1. it summarizes

Example embodiment helps provide the data network for including multiple balloons (balloon)；For example, by being deployed in advection Mesh network (the mesh that aerostat (high-altitude balloon) in layer (stratosphere) is formed network).It is each in example network because the wind in stratosphere can influence the position of balloon in a manner of differential Balloon can be configured as changing its horizontal position by adjusting its upright position (that is, height).For example, by adjusting its height Degree, balloon can be found it, flatly (such as on latitude and/or on longitude) is carried to desired horizontal position Wind.

In addition, in example balloon network, balloon can be using free space optical communication come with communicating with one another.For example, balloon It can be configured for the optic communication using superbright LED (alternatively referred to as " high power " or " height output " LED).In some scenarios, Replace LED or laser can be used in addition to the led, although making for laser can be limited for the regulations of laser communication With.In addition, balloon can utilize radio frequency (radio-frequency, RF) communication and (one or more) continental rise station (ground- Based station) communication.

In some embodiments, aerostat network can be homogeneity.That is, the balloon in aerostat network Can by one or more modes with it is substantially similar to one another.More specifically, in homogeneity aerostat network, each balloon quilt It is configured to via free space optical link and one or more of the other balloon communication.In addition, one in balloon in this network It can all be configured as a bit or extraly using RF and/or optic communication with (one or more) the continental rise station and/or based on satellite The station communication.So as to which in some embodiments, balloon is configured for the free space optical with other balloons with regard to each balloon It can be homogeneity for communication, but be heterogeneous for communicating with the RF of the continental rise station.

In other embodiments, aerostat network can be heterogeneous, so as to include two or more inhomogeneities The balloon of type.For example, some balloons in heterogeneous network can be configured as supernode (super-node), and other balloons can quilt It is configured to child node (sub-node).It is also possible to some balloons in heterogeneous network can be configured as not only having served as supernode but also fill Child node.This balloon may act as supernode or child node in the specific time, alternatively, alternatively, depending on situation Both can be used as simultaneously.For example, example balloon can assemble the searching request of the first kind to be sent to the continental rise station.Example gas The searching request of Second Type can be also sent to another balloon by ball, which can be used as supernode under that situation. In addition, can be in the exemplary embodiment supernode some balloons can be configured as via optical link and the continental rise station and/or Satellite communication.

In example arrangement, supernode balloon can be configured as via free space optical link and neighbouring supernode balloon Communication.However, child node balloon can not be configured for free space optical communication, but it can be configured for some other type Communication, such as RF communication.It that case, supernode is also configured to communicate with child node using RF communications.So as to, Child node can utilize RF communications trunking traffic between supernode and one or more continental rise stations.In this way, supernode can be overall On serve as the backhaul (backhaul) of balloon network, and child node is played the work(that the continental rise station is relayed to from supernode that communicates Energy.

The present disclosure describes the transmittings of balloon for being generally operable to assist to operate in this aerostat network The various example embodiments for the function that device, method and computer-readable medium can be run.Valuably, disclosed method and mechanism The operation lifetime of balloon envelope can be improved, this can reduce the maintenance for being related to operating balloon network and/or cost.It is that is, disclosed Method and mechanism can provide the protection from fitful wind during balloon inflation and/or transmitting.

In the exemplary embodiment, a kind of method may include providing the balloon being positioned substantially in shell structure.Balloon can wrap Include the air bag in initial package state.Air bag in initial package state may include gas that is inflated and being compressed Capsule.For example, air bag can be initially packaged in protective package or pig.

Method may additionally include when balloon is substantially in shell structure and gas unlocked on the direction basically perpendicular to ground The packaging of capsule is to stretch air bag.In other words, air bag can be for example by lift elements or hoisting gear in vertical direction It is extended.

In addition, method may include filling air bag with lift gas when balloon is substantially in shell structure.For example, it is promoted Gas can be introduced in air bag via the filling hose for being coupled to lift elements or hoisting gear.

Extraly, method may include based on determining external rings with the associated wind data of external environment on the outside of shell structure The wind direction and wind speed of border apoplexy.

Still further, method may include so that shell structure is to cause the direction of the condition of basic zero wind and speed to be moved It is dynamic.The condition of zero wind may include direction on substantially wind direction and speed is in substantially wind speed.For example, can in order to match wind direction and Wind speed makes great efforts mobile shell structure and balloon.In some embodiments, fork lifter (forklift) or other carriers can With mobile shell structure.

Method may also include the condition in response to basic zero wind so that shell structure is opened to be externally exposed balloon Environment, and emit balloon.For example, determine shell structure just with the approximately uniform speed of wind in external environment and direction After movement, shell structure can be opened and balloon can be emitted.

2. example balloon network

Fig. 1 is the simplified block diagram for illustrating balloon network 100 according to example embodiment.As shown in the figure, balloon network 100 wraps Balloon 102A to 102F is included, these balloons are configured as via free space optical link 104 with communicating with one another.Balloon 102A is extremely 102F can be additionally or alternatively configured as via RF links 114 with communicating with one another.Balloon 102A to 102F can be total to It is same to serve as the mesh network to communicate for packet data.In addition, at least some of balloon 102A and 102B can be configured for It communicates via corresponding RF links 108 with the continental rise station 106 and 112RF.In addition, some balloons, such as balloon 102F, can by with It is set to and communicates via optical link 110 with the continental rise station 112.

In the exemplary embodiment, balloon 102A to 102F is the aerostat being deployed in stratosphere.In medium latitude, put down Fluid layer includes about 10 kilometers (km) on earth's surface to the height between 50km height.In south poles, stratosphere starts from about The height of 8km.In the exemplary embodiment, aerostat can be generally configured to relatively low wind speed (for example, Between 5 to 20 mph. (mph)) stratosphere in altitude range in operate.

More specifically, in aerostat network, balloon 102A to 102F can be generally configured to arrive in 18km High speed operation (although other height are also possible) between 25km.This altitude range may due to several but have Profit.Specifically, this stratospheric layer generally has relatively low wind speed (for example, 5 to the wind between 20mph) and opposite Smaller turbulent flow.In addition, though the wind between 18km to 25km can change, but can be with suitable with latitude and according to season Accurate mode models these variations.Extraly, the height of more than 18km has been usually more than what is specified for business air traffic Ceiling altitude.Therefore, when balloon is deployed between 18km to 25km, that worries is not meant to the interference of commercial airliner Problem.

In order to which to another balloon transmission data, given balloon 102A to 102F can be configured as sending out via optical link 104 Send optical signal.In the exemplary embodiment, one or more High Power LEDs can be used in given balloon 102A to 102F (light-emitting diode, LED) sends optical signal.Alternatively, some or all of balloon 102A to 102F It may include laser system, for passing through the free space optical communication of optical link 104.Other types of free space optical communication is can Can.In addition, in order to receive optical signal from another balloon via optical link 104, given balloon 102A to 102F may include one A or multiple optical receivers.The additional detail of example balloon is discussed in greater detail below with reference to Fig. 3.

In another aspect, balloon 102A to 102F can utilize one kind or more in a variety of different RF air interface protocols Kind communicates via corresponding RF links 108 with the continental rise station 106 and 112.For example, in balloon 102A to 102F some or it is complete Portion can be configured as using described in IEEE 802.11 (any revised edition including IEEE 802.11) agreement, such as GSM, The various cellular protocols of CDMA, UMTS, EV-DO, WiMAX and/or LTE etc and/or one for balloon-ground RF communication exploitation A or multiple proprietary protocols etc. to communicate with the continental rise station 106 and 112.

In another aspect, following scene may be present：RF links 108 do not provide desired chain for the communication of balloon to ground Appearance of a street amount.For example, in order to provide from the return link of continental rise gateway and in other scenes, it may be desirable to there is increased capacity. Therefore, example network may also include downlink balloon, these downlink balloons can provide high power capacity Air-Ground link.

For example, in balloon network 100, balloon 102F is configured as downlink balloon.With it is other in example network Balloon is the same, and downlink balloon 102F is operable for via the optic communication of optical link 104 and other balloons.Under however, Line link balloon 102F also can be configured for the free space optical communication via optical link 110 and the continental rise station 112.Optical link Therefore 110 can be used as balloon network 100 with the high power capacity link between the continental rise station 112 (compared with RF links 108).

Note that in some implementations, downlink balloon 102F can extraly operate for the continental rise station 106 RF communicates.In other cases, downlink balloon 102F can be only by optical link for the communication of balloon to ground.In addition, Although the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 only includes a downlink balloon 102F, example balloon network may also comprise multiple downlinks Link balloon.On the other hand, balloon network can be also realized as no any downlink balloon.

In other realization methods, replace free-space optical communication system or in addition to free-space optical communication system with Outside, downlink balloon can be equipped with special high bandwidth RF communication systems for the communication of balloon to ground.High bandwidth RF Communication system can take the form of radio ultra wide band system, which can be provided with essentially identical with one of optical link 104 Capacity RF links.Other forms are also possible.

The continental rise station, such as the continental rise station 106 and/or 112, can take various forms.Usually, the continental rise station may include The component of such as transceiver, transmitter and/or receiver etc, for leading to via RF links and/or optical link with balloon network Letter.In addition, various air interface protocols can be used to communicate by RF links 108 with balloon 102A to 102F for the continental rise station.This Sample, the continental rise station 106 and 112 can be configured as access point, and via the access point, various equipment may be connected to balloon network 100. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the continental rise station 106 and 112 can have other configurations and/or play the role of other.

In another aspect, the replacement other than land-based communication link or as land-based communication link, balloon 102A It can be configured as establishing communication link with space-based satellite to some or all of 102F.In some embodiments, balloon can be through By optical link and satellite communication.However, other types of satellite communication is possible.

In addition, some continental rise stations, such as the continental rise station 106 and 112, can be configured as balloon network 100 and one or Gateway between a number of other networks.Such continental rise station 106 and 112 thus can be used as balloon network and internet, honeycomb Interface between the network of service provider and/or other types of network.About this configuration and 106 He of the continental rise station The variation of 112 other configurations is also possible.

2a) mesh network function

As specified, balloon 102A to 102F can collectively act as mesh network.More specifically, because balloon 102A extremely 102F can utilize free space optical link with communicating with one another, so these balloons can collectively act as Free Space Optics mesh network Network.

In mesh network configuration, each balloon 102A to 102F may act as the node of mesh network, and the node is operable It is sent to its data to receive and routes data to other balloons.In this way, by determining between source gas ball and destination balloon Optical link appropriate sequence, data can be routed to destination balloon from source gas ball.These optical links are for source gas ball and mesh Ground balloon between connection may be collectively referred to herein as " light path (lightpath) ".In addition, each optical link is referred to alternatively as in light path " jumping (hop) ".

In order to which as mesh network operation, various route technologies and self-regeneration algorithm can be used in balloon 102A to 102F. In some embodiments, adaptive or dynamic routing can be used in balloon network 100, wherein between source gas ball and destination balloon Light path is determined and establishes, and some time is released from afterwards when needing connection.In addition, when using adaptive routing, it can Light path is dynamically determined according to current state, past state and/or the predicted state of balloon network.

In addition, as balloon 102A to 102F is relative to each other and/or relative to ground moving, network topology can change. Therefore, example balloon network 100 can update the state of network using MESH protocol come the change in topology with network.For example, In order to solve the mobility of balloon 102A to 102F, balloon network 100 can be used and/or adaptively change mobile self-grouping network The various technologies used in (mobile ad hoc network, MANET).Other examples are also possible.

In some implementations, balloon network 100 can be configured as transparent mesh network.More specifically, transparent In balloon network, balloon may include the component of the physical exchange for complete optics, wherein in the physics routing of optical signal It is not related to any electric component.So as to which in the transparent configuration exchanged with optics, signal is passed through the multi-hop light of complete optics Road.

In other realization methods, balloon network 100 can realize opaque Free Space Optics mesh network.Impermeable In bright configuration, some or all balloons 102A to 102F can realize optical-electrical-optical (optical-electrical-optical, OEO it) exchanges.For example, some or all balloons may include that the optical crossover of the OEO conversions for optical signal connects (optical Cross-connect, OXC).Other opaque configurations are also possible.Extraly, including both with transparent segment or with not The network configuration of the routed path of transparent segment is possible.

In another aspect, the balloon in example balloon network 100 can realize wavelength-division multiplex (wavelength Division multiplexing, WDM), this can help to increase link capacity.When realizing WDM with transparent exchange, across gas The physics light path of net network can be by " wavelength continuity constraint ".More specifically, because the exchange in transparent network is complete Optics, it is possible that assigning identical wavelength it is necessary to all optical links in given light path.

On the other hand, opaque configuration can avoid wavelength continuity from constraining.Specifically, the balloon in opaque balloon network It may include can be used to the OEO exchange systems of wavelength convert.As a result, balloon conversion light can be believed at each jump along light path Number wavelength.Alternatively, optical wavelength conversion can occur only at the selected jump along light path.

In addition, various routing algorithms can be used in opaque configuration.For example, in order to determine main optical path for given connection And/or Shortest path routing technology can be applied or be considered to one or more different spare light paths, example balloon, such as The algorithm and k shortest paths and/or edge and node diverse or disjoint path of Dijkstra is by the algorithm of such as Suurballe Etc..Additionally or alternatively, it can be used to maintain certain quality of service (quality of when determining light path Service, QoS) technology.Other technologies are also possible.

2b) station keeps function

In the exemplary embodiment, balloon network 100 can realize that the station keeps function to help to provide desired network topology. It maintains and/or is moved to relative to one or more of network for example, station holding can relate to each balloon 102A to 102F The specific position (and may be in specific position relative to ground) of other balloons.As a part of this process, Mei Geqi Ball 102A to 102F can realize that the station keeps function to determine that it is expected the expected location in topology, and if necessary, then It determines how and is moved to desired locations.

It is expected that topology can be different according to specific realization method.In some cases, balloon can realize that the station is protected It holds to provide substantially uniform topology.In this case, given balloon 102A to 102F can realize that the station keeps work( Its own can be located in the neighbouring balloon in balloon network 100 at a distance of substantially same distance (or in a spacing From in the range of).

In other cases, balloon network 100 can have non-uniform topology.For example, example embodiment can relate to it is following Topology：In these topologys, due to various reasons, balloon is distributed more dense or less dense in some regions.As showing Example, in order to help to meet typical more high bandwidth requirements in urban area, balloon can more densely packed cluster on urban area. Due to similar, the land side that is distributed in of balloon can be more more dense than above big water body.The many of non-uniform topology Other examples are possible.

In another aspect, the topology of example balloon network can be that adaptability is changed.Specifically, example balloon The station keeps function to allow balloon according to the variation of the expectation topology of network to adjust its respective positioning.For example, one or Multiple balloons can be moved into new position to increase or reduce the density of balloon in given area.Other examples are possible.

In some embodiments, energy function can be used to determine whether balloon should move and/or answer in balloon network 100 Desired topology is provided when how to move.Specifically, the state of given balloon and the state of some or all neighbouring balloons can To be the input of energy function.The current state of given balloon and neighbouring balloon can be applied to desired network-like by energy function State (for example, with it is expected the corresponding state of topology).Then it can determine the given gas of instruction by determining the gradient of energy function The vector of the expectation movement of ball.Given balloon then can determine in order to realize desired movement and the appropriate action to be taken.Example Such as, balloon can determine that one or more height are adjusted so that wind will move balloon in the desired manner.

2c) to the control of the balloon in balloon network

In some embodiments, it can be centralized that netted networking and/or the station, which keep function,.For example, Fig. 2 is basis Example embodiment illustrates the block diagram of balloon network control system.Specifically, Fig. 2 shows dcs, including Central control system 200 and several area control system 202A to 202C.This control system can be configured as balloon network 204 coordinate certain functions, and therefore can be configured as that certain functions are controlled and/or coordinated for balloon 206A to 206I.

In the illustrated embodiment, central control system 200 can be configured as via several area control system 202A extremely 202C communicates with balloon 206A to 206I.These area control systems 202A to 202C can be configured as being covered from it each Balloon in geographic area receives communication and/or aggregation data and these communications and/or data is relayed to center control system System 200.In addition, area control system 202A to 202C can be configured as communication being routed to it respectively from central control system 200 From geographic area in balloon.For example, as shown in Figure 2, area control system 202A can be in balloon 206A to 206C in Trunking traffic and/or data between the control system 200 of centre, area control system 202B can be controlled in balloon 206D to 206F and center Trunking traffic and/or data between system 200 processed, and area control system 202C can be controlled in balloon 206G to 206I and center Trunking traffic and/or data between system 200 processed.

In order to promote central control system 200 and balloon 206A, to the communication between 206I, certain balloons can be configured as It is operable to the downlink balloon to communicate with area control system 202A to 202C.Therefore, each area control system 202A One or more of each geographic area that can be configured as being covered with it to 202C downlink balloon communication.For example, In the illustrated embodiment, balloon 206A, 206F and 206I is configured as downlink balloon.In this way, area control system 202A to 202C can communicate respectively via optical link 206,208 and 210 with balloon 206A, 206F and 206I respectively.

In the configuration of diagram, only some are configured as downlink balloon in balloon 206A to 206I.It is configured as Communication can be relayed to from central control system 200 in balloon network by balloon 206A, 206F and 206I of downlink balloon Other balloons, such as balloon 206B to 206E, 206G and 206H.It will be appreciated, however, that in some implementations, it is possible to All balloons all may act as downlink balloon.In addition, though Fig. 2 shows multiple balloons to be configured as downlink balloon, But it is also possible to balloon network to only include a downlink balloon or downlink balloon may not included even.

Note that area control system 202A to 202C actually may be only configured as and downlink balloon communication The certain types of continental rise station (for example, continental rise station 112 of such as Fig. 1).So as to although being not shown in fig. 2, combine The other types of continental rise station (for example, access point, gateway etc.) realizes control system.

Centerized fusion arrangement in, it is all as shown in Figure 2 that, central control system 200 (and region control system System 202A to 202C may also) can be balloon network 204 coordinate certain netted network savvies.For example, balloon 206A to 206I can Certain status informations are sent to central control system 200, central control system 200 can determine balloon using these status informations The state of network 204.Status information from given balloon may include position data, optical link information (for example, balloon is built therewith The identity of other balloons of vertical optical link, the bandwidth of link, chain road wavelength use and/or availability, etc.), balloon receives The wind data of collection, and/or other types of information.Therefore, central control system 200 can assemble in balloon 206A to 206I Some or all of status information to determine the integrality of network.

The integrality of network is subsequently used in coordination and/or promotes certain netted network savvies, is such as determined to connect Light path.For example, central control system 200 can be based on the coherent condition information from balloon 206A to some or all of 206I To determine present topology.Topology can provide available current optical link in balloon network and/or the wavelength availability of chain road View.This topology then may be sent to that some or all of balloon, so that using route technology come to pass through The communication of balloon network 204 selects appropriate light path (and may select spare light path).

In another aspect, central control system 200 (and area control system 202A to 202C may also) can also be Balloon network 204 coordinates certain stations and keeps function.For example, central control system 200 can be connecing from balloon 206A to 206I The status information of receipts is input to energy function, which can effectively carry out the present topology of network and desired topology Compare, and be provided as the vector (if there is movement) in the mobile direction of each balloon instruction, so that balloon can be towards Desired topology is mobile.In addition, central control system 200 can using height wind data come determine to be initiated realize towards It is expected each height adjustment of the movement of topology.Central control system 200 also can provide and/or support other stations to keep work( Energy.

Fig. 2 shows the distributed arrangement for providing centerized fusion, during wherein area control system 202A to 202C coordinates Entreat the communication between control system 200 and balloon network 204.This arrangement carries the balloon network to cover large geographical area Can be useful for centerized fusion.In some embodiments, distributed arrangement can even support each place on earth The global balloon network of covering is provided.Certainly, distributed AC servo system arrangement can also be useful in other scenes.

In addition, it will be appreciated that other control system arrangements are also possible.For example, some realization methods can relate to have The centralized control system of additional layer (for example, sub-district domain system, etc.) in area control system.Alternatively, it controls Function can be provided by single centralized control system, which can be with one or more downlink balloon direct communications.

It in some embodiments, can be by continental rise control system to balloon network-based control and coordination depending on realization method Gentle net network is shared to varying degrees.In fact, in some embodiments, can there is no continental rise control system.This In embodiment, all-network control and coordination function can be realized by balloon network itself.For example, certain balloons can be configured as carrying For with central control system 200 and/or the same or similar functions of area control system 202A to 202C.Other examples are also can Can.

In addition, to balloon network-based control and/or coordinate be distributed.For example, each balloon can believe state Breath is relayed to some or all neighbouring balloons, and from some or all neighbouring balloon receiving status informations.In addition, each balloon It can be it from the relays status information that neighbouring balloon receives to some or all neighbouring balloons.When all balloons are all done so When, the state of network can be individually determined in each balloon.Alternatively, certain balloons can be designated as the given portion for network Divide coherent condition information.These balloons then coordinated with each other can determine the integrality of network.

In addition, in certain aspects, can partially or completely localize to balloon network-based control, so that its Integrality independent of network.For example, individual balloon can realize that the station for only considering balloon nearby keeps function.Specifically Ground, each balloon can realize the energy function that the state by its own state and neighbouring balloon is taken into account.The energy function can For maintaining and/or being moved to the desired locations relative to neighbouring balloon, without considering the expectation topology of network on the whole.So And when each balloon in order to the station keep realize this energy function when, balloon network can maintain on the whole it is desired topology and/ It is or mobile towards desired topology.

As an example, each balloon A can be received relative to the range information d of each in its k nearest-neighbors₁To d_k。 Each balloon A can be virtual spring be considered as, wherein vector is represented from the first arest neighbors to the distance of each in k balloon Balloon i is occupied towards the force direction of balloon A, and the amplitude and d of power_iIt is proportional.Balloon A can seek each in k vector With, and summation vector is the vector of the expectation movement of balloon A.Balloon A can attempt to realize desired by controlling its height It is mobile.

Alternatively, this process can for example assign the power amplitude of each in these fictitious forces to be equal to d_i×d_i.For net It is possible that each balloon in shape network, which assigns other algorithms of power amplitude,.

In another embodiment, similar process can be performed for each in k balloon, and each balloon can incite somebody to action Its motion-vector planned is sent to its local neighbour.The more wheels of the plan motion-vector of each balloon are become more meticulous and can be based on The corresponding of its neighbour plans motion-vector to carry out.It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in balloon network Other algorithms can be achieved to attempt to maintain one group of balloon spacing and/or specific network capacity water above given geographical location It is flat.

2d) example balloon is configured

It may include various types of balloon systems in example balloon network.As indicated above, example embodiment can profit With aerostat, these aerostats can usually operate in the altitude range between 17km to 25km.Fig. 3 is implemented according to example It is illustrated aerostat 300.As shown in the figure, balloon 300 includes air bag 302, shroud (skirt) 304,306 and of payload Attach to the lower cutting system 308 between balloon 302 and payload 306.

It can be various forms current known or still leaved for development that air bag 302 and shroud 304, which can be taken,.For example, air bag 302 And/or shroud 304 can be made of the material for including metallized polyester film (Mylar) or biaxially oriented polyester film (BoPet). Additionally or alternatively, some or all of air bag 302 and/or shroud 304 can be by the Gao Ling of such as chlorobutadiene etc Active latex material or rubber material are formed.Other materials are also possible.In addition, the shape of air bag 302 and shroud 304 and big It is small can be different according to specific realization method.Extraly, air bag 302 can be filled with various types of gas, Such as helium and/or hydrogen.Other types of gas is also possible.

The payload 306 of balloon 300 may include processor 312 and included data storage device, such as memory 314. Memory 314 can take the form of non-transitory computer-readable medium or including non-transitory computer-readable medium.It is non-transient Instruction can be stored on computer-readable medium, these instructions can be accessed and be performed by processor 312 to be described herein to perform Balloon function.So as to which processor 312 is combined with the instruction stored in memory 314 and/or other components and may act as balloon 300 controller.

It is several different to provide that the payload 306 of balloon 300 may also include equipment and the system of various other types Function.For example, payload 306 may include optical communication system 316, which can be via superbright LED information display system 320 Optical signal is sent, and optical signal can be received via optical communication receiver 322 (for example, photodiode receiver system).Separately Outside, payload 306 may include RF communication systems 318, which can send and/or connect via antenna system 340 Receive RF communications.

Payload 306 may also include power supply 326 and supply electric power to the various assemblies of balloon 300.Power supply 326 may include Rechargeable battery.In other embodiments, power supply 326 can additionally or alternatively represent as known in the art be used for Generate other means of electric power.In addition, balloon 300 may include that solar electric power generates system 327.Solar electric power generates system 327 may include solar panel and the electric power for charging to power supply 326 and/or being dispensed by power supply 326 available for generation.

Payload 306 can extraly include alignment system 324.Alignment system 324 may include such as global positioning system (GPS), inertial navigation system and/or star-tracking system.Alignment system 324 can additionally or alternatively include various fortune Dynamic sensor (for example, accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope and/or compass).

Alignment system 324 can additionally or alternatively include one or more videos and/or stationary cameras and/or For capturing the various sensors of environmental data.

Some or all of component and system in payload 306 can in radiosonde (radiosonde) or It is realized in other detectors, the radiosonde or other detectors are operable to measure such as pressure, height, geographical location (latitude and longitude), temperature, relative humidity and/or wind speed and/or wind direction and other information.

As specified, balloon 300 includes superbright LED information display system 320, for the free space optical communication with other balloons. In this way, optical communication system 316 can be configured as sending free space optical signal by modulating superbright LED information display system 320.Optic communication System 316 can realize mechanical system and/or hardware, firmware and/or software.Usually, realize that the mode of optical communication system can It is different according to concrete application.Optical communication system 316 and other associated components are described in more detail below.

In another aspect, balloon 300 can be configured for height control.For example, balloon 300 may include variable buoyancy system System, the system can be configured as changing the height of balloon 300 by adjusting the volume and/or density of the gas in balloon 300. Variable buoyancy system can take various forms, and generally can be gas in any changeable air bag 302 volume and/or The system of density.

In the exemplary embodiment, variable buoyancy system may include being located at the pouch (bladder) 310 inside air bag 302.Capsule Bag 310 can be configured as keeping the elastic cavity of liquid and/or gas.Alternatively, pouch 310 is not needed in air bag 302 It is internal.For example, pouch 310 can be the rigid pouch that can be pressurized to far more than neutral pressure.It therefore can be by changing pouch The density and/or volume of gas in 310 adjusts the buoyancy of balloon 300.In order to change the density in pouch 310, balloon 300 The system and/or mechanism for heating and/or cooling the gas in pouch 310 can be configured with.In addition, in order to change volume, Balloon 300 may include adding gas to pouch 310 and/or removing the pump or other feature of gas from pouch 310.Extraly Or alternatively, in order to change the volume of pouch 310, balloon 300 may include being controlled to allow what gas was escaped from pouch 310 Vent valve or other feature.Multiple pouches 310 can be realized within the scope of this disclosure.For example, multiple pouches can be used for improving gas Ball stability.

In the exemplary embodiment, air bag 302 can be filled with helium, hydrogen or other lighter-than-air gas or gas Combination.When inflated, air bag 302 so as to associated to buoyancy.In such an embodiment, in pouch 310 Air can be considered as the ballast tank that can have associated downward ballast power.In another example embodiment, by pouch 310 In be pumped into air (such as utilizing air compressor) and pump out air from pouch 310, thus it is possible to vary the air in pouch 310 Amount.By adjusting the amount of the air in pouch 310, ballast power can be controlled.In some embodiments, ballast power can part For offsetting buoyancy and/or providing high stability.

In other embodiments, air bag 302 can be substantially rigid and including enclosing (enclosed) volume. While substantially maintaining this to enclose volume, air can be discharged from air bag 302.In other words, at this, enclose in volume can be with It generates and maintains at least part vacuum.So as to, air bag 302 and enclose volume and can become lighter than air and buoyancy is provided.At it In its embodiment, controllably air or other material can be introduced into the partial vacuum for enclose volume whole to attempt adjustment Body buoyancy and/or offer height control.

In another embodiment, a part of of air bag 302 can be the first color (for example, black) and/or the first material, And the rest part of air bag 302 can have the second color (for example, white) and/or the second material.For example, the first color and/or First material can be configured as absorbing relatively a greater amount of solar energies than the second color and/or the second material.So as to rotary pneumatic Ball is so that the first material face can play the role of the sun to heat the gas inside air bag 302 and air bag 302.In this way, gas The buoyancy of capsule 302 can increase.By rotating balloon so that the second material face is to the sun, the temperature of the gas inside air bag 302 It can reduce.Therefore, buoyancy can reduce.In this way, change the temperature/volume of the gas inside air bag 302 by using solar energy, The buoyancy of balloon can be adjusted.In such an embodiment, it is possible to which pouch 310 can not be the necessary component of balloon 300.From And in the various embodiments being susceptible to, it can be realized at least partially by adjustment balloon relative to the rotation of the sun to gas The height control of ball 300.

In addition, balloon 300 may include navigation system (not shown).Navigation system can realize that the station keeps function to maintain the phase Position in the topology of prestige and/or it is moved to a position according to desired topology.Specifically, height wind number can be used in navigation system According to come determine so that wind in a desired direction and/or to desired position delivery balloon height adjust.Height control system Then the density of balloon chamber can be adjusted to realize identified height adjustment and so that balloon moves laterally to expectation Direction and/or desired position.Alternatively, height adjustment can by continental rise control system or satellite-based control system Lai It calculates and is communicated to aerostat.In other embodiments, the specific balloon in heterogeneous balloon network can be configured as it Its balloon computed altitude adjusts and sends adjustment order to these other balloons.

As shown in the figure, balloon 300 further includes lower cutting system 308.Lower cutting system 308 can be activated with by payload 306 It is detached with the other parts of balloon 300.Lower cutting system 308 may include payload 306 being connected at least one of air bag 302 Connector (connector), such as balloon rope and for cut off the means of the connector (for example, cutting mechanism or explosion spiral shell Bolt).In the exemplary embodiment, it can be wrapped for the balloon rope of nylon with nichrome wire.The nickel chromium triangle can be passed the current through Alloy wire is to heat it and be melted the rope, so as to which payload 306 be cut off from air bag 302.

At any moment for needing to access payload on the ground, such as when in time by balloon 300 from balloon network During middle removal, when should be safeguarded in the system in payload 306 and/or when the needs of power supply 326 are recharged or more When changing, using incision function.

In replaceable arrangement, balloon may not include lower cutting system.In this arrangement, it is needing balloon from network It removes and/or needs in the case of accessing balloon on the ground, navigation system is operable to balloon navigating to landing position.Separately Outside, it is possible to which balloon can be self-centered, without accessing it on the ground.In other embodiments, Ke Yiyou It is specific to service balloon or another type of service air device or servicing aircraft to overhaul balloon in-flight.

4. illustrate sexual system

Balloon emission system may include shell structure, balloon, lift elements and control system.Balloon emission system can Selection of land includes moving element.Thus, it is illustrated that sexual system can refer to Fig. 4-Fig. 8 and be described.Fig. 4 is to illustrate according to example embodiment Go out the simplified block diagram of shell structure 410, balloon 430, lift elements 450, optional moving element 470 and control system 490.

Shell structure 410 may include communication system 412, at least two housing parts 414, activated apparatus 416 and/or sensing Device 418.Housing parts 414 may include at least two casing members for being configured to open and close.Housing parts 414 can be taken respectively Kind shape.For example, housing parts 414 can shape as such as clam shell.Alternatively, housing parts 414 can shape as that can beat If open and close dry petal.Other geometries for housing parts 414 will be aobvious to those skilled in the art And it is clear to.Housing parts 414 are operable to close to protect balloon 430 around balloon 430.Specifically, when by housing knot When structure 410 encloses, balloon 430 can be protected from the fitful wind in the external environment in 410 outside of shell structure and other environment substantially Element.Optionally, housing parts 414 are operable to open that balloon 430 is allowed to emit.

Shell structure 410 can include at least interior section and exterior section.Interior section may include being configured to air bag Reduce the soft material of frictional force during 432 contact.Exterior section may include the rigid material for being configured to resist the wind-force in external environment Material.In exemplary embodiments, interior section may include the non-viscous paint of such as Teflon (Teflon).For shell structure The other materials of 410 interior section can be used to minimize the damage to air bag 432.Exterior section may include rigid material, Such as engineering compound (for example, glass fibre, carbon fiber reinforced polymer, metallic matrix composite and/or ceramic matrix composite).One As, shell structure 410 may include fire-retardant or refractory material.

Activated apparatus 416 can be coupled at least two housing parts 414.Activated apparatus 416 can be configured as beating on and off Close at least two housing parts 414.Thus, activated apparatus 416 may include at least one hydraulic piston.Activated apparatus 416 can profit It is operated with the actuating (for example, electromagnetic type, pneumatic type etc.) of other forms.Activated apparatus 416 can be coupled to its of system 400 Its part.For example, activated apparatus can be coupled to moving element 470.

Balloon 430 can be similar to or be equal to as with reference to figure 3 illustrate and described in balloon 300.Specifically, balloon 430 can Including air bag 432, payload 434 and communication system 436.Balloon 430 can be grasped in balloon network as described herein Make.In addition, balloon 430 can be configured as being located in shell structure 410.When being initially positioned in shell structure 410, air bag 432 can be inflated and be compressed.In other words, air bag 432 can be folded or be wrapped into for be easier ship and/or In the packaging of manipulation.Balloon 430 may include can be coupled to the tether of anchor.Anchor can be physical weight or can be in shell structure 410 Anchor point.Tether can be configured as that balloon physically is bound to shell structure when balloon is inflated.Tether can extraly by It is configured to controllably couple with shell structure 410 and/or the releasing of balloon 430.For example, in response to for example from control system 490 Firing order, tether can be released from coupling so that balloon 430 is allowed to emit.

System can extraly include lift elements 450.Lift elements 450 may include hoisting gear 452, filling hose 454 With communication system 456.Lift elements 450 can be configured as unlocking the packaging of air bag 432.Lift elements 450 are also configured to Air bag 432 is filled with lift gas.In exemplary embodiments, lift elements 450 may include gantry crane.Gantry crane It can be configured as promoting air bag 432 when balloon 430 is enclosed by shell structure 410.For example, hoisting gear 452 can be configured as Across in shell structure 410 opening, be coupled to air bag 432 and perpendicular to the direction on ground pull up air bag 432.Hoisting gear 452 may include such as winch motor, winch rope and hook or are configured to hoisting gear 452 being coupled to the other of air bag to set Standby element.In such embodiments, the power being applied on air bag 432 by hoisting gear 452 can make gas in vertical direction Capsule 432 stretches the packaging to unlock air bag 432 and decompresses air bag 432.Filling hose 454 can be optionally configured to coupling Close hoisting gear 452.Filling hose 454 can be configured as lift gas being delivered to air bag 432.It promotes hose 454 and carries Rising winch 452 can be configured as being coupled to air bag 432 in same position.Alternatively, hose 454 and hoisting gear 452 are filled It can be configured as being coupled to air bag 432 in different location.In addition, filling hose 454 and hoisting gear 452 are not necessarily separated object Manage element.For example, filling hose 454 can be configured as stretching air bag 432 and filling air bag 432 with lift gas.

System can optionally include moving element 470.Moving element 470 may include that data storage device 472, program refer to Enable 474 and communication system 476.Moving element 470 may include carrier, such as fork lifter, truck, automobile, ship or be configured to Promote and move any other carrier of load.In exemplary embodiments, moving element 470 may include being configured couple to shell The electric fork or rake of body structure 410.Moving element 470 can be configured as mobile shell structure 410, and optionally, mobile gas Ball 430.Specifically, moving element 470 can be configured as in the plane for being basically parallel to ground mobile shell structure 410 (with And optionally, the mobile balloon 430 enclosed).

Control system 490 may include data storage device 492, program instruction 494 and communication system 496.Communication system 496 can be configured as communicating with any or all in communication system 412,426,456 and 476.In other words, control system 490 can be configured as from any one transmission in shell structure 410, balloon 430, lift elements 450 and/or moving element 470 And/or receive information.Control system 490 can be configured as causing lift elements 450 when shell structure 410 encloses balloon 430 It unlocks the packaging of air bag 432 and fills air bag 432.Extraly, control system 490 can be optionally configured to determine housing knot The wind direction and wind speed of the external environment apoplexy in 410 outside of structure.In exemplary embodiments, wind sensor can be to control system 490 Wind data is provided.Data based on reception, control system 490 can be optionally configured to calculate, predict and/or estimate housing The wind condition in 410 outside of structure.

Control system 490 can be optionally configured to so that moving element 470 with wind speed determined by matching substantially and The speed of wind direction and direction are along ground moving.In doing so, the condition of zero wind may be caused.In other words, the condition of zero wind can Caused by speed and direction movement moving element with the external wind condition of matching.In response to the condition of zero wind, control system 490 It can be optionally configured to so that shell structure is opened.In exemplary embodiments, control system 490 can be optionally in shell Body structure 410 determines the condition of zero wind to match substantially when the speed of external wind condition and direction are moved.In the item for determining zero wind After part, signal can be transmitted for control system 490 so that shell structure 410 is opened.In addition, control system 490 can optionally by The condition in response to zero wind is configured to so that balloon 430 emits.In exemplary embodiments, signal can be transmitted in control system 490 So that balloon emits after shell structure 410 is opened.

5. illustrative method

Method 900 is provided for unlocking the packaging of balloon, filling and transmitting balloon under conditions of zero wind.It is available Any device for being shown and described above in Fig. 1-Fig. 4 performs this method.However, other configurations can be used.Fig. 9 reference charts 3- Fig. 8 illustrates the function in illustrative method 900.It is appreciated that in other embodiments, the function can be with different suitable Sequence occurs and can add or subtract function.

Function 902 includes providing the balloon being positioned substantially in shell structure.Balloon is included in initial package state Air bag.Balloon can be similar to or be equal to balloon 300 or wrapped balloon 502 as shown in Figure 5 in Fig. 3.Shell Body structure can be similar to or be equal to shell structure 410 or shell structure 504 as shown in Figure 5 in Fig. 4.In n-lustrative reality It applies in example, the balloon being positioned substantially in shell structure is provided and includes wrapped balloon 502 being loaded into as shown in Fig. 5 Shell structure 504 in.For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the air bag 302 of unaerated and the other parts of balloon 300 can initial quilts Packaging or compression are within a package.Wrapped balloon 502 can be loaded onto in shell structure 504 in the preparation of transmitting. After wrapped balloon 502 is loaded into shell structure 504, shell structure 504 can be substantially about wrapped gas Ball 502 is closed.

Function 904 includes unlocking air bag on the direction basically perpendicular to ground when balloon is substantially in shell structure Packaging so as to stretch air bag.In exemplary embodiments, lift elements 602 can be coupled to air bag as illustrated in Figure 6 604.Lift elements 602 stretch in vertical direction the air bag 604 of unaerated (or partial inflation) so as to by air bag from its Packaging 606 is unlocked packaging and is unclamped.Lift elements 602 may include that may pass through shell structure 612 when shell structure 614 is closed pushes up The hoisting gear 608 of opening near portion and filling hose 610.In some embodiments, by gantry crane 620 or can match The other structure of support lifting means is set to support lift elements 602.

Function 906 includes filling air bag with lift gas when balloon is substantially in shell structure.Such as reference chart 6 above It is described, lift elements may include can be coupled to the filling hose 610 of air bag 604.Filling hose 610 can use lift gas (such as helium, hydrogen, hot-air etc.) inflates air bag 604.

Although function 904 and 906 is described above as discrete function, they can occur simultaneously.For example, with While lift gas from filling hose 610 fills air bag 604, the power applied by hoisting gear 608 can make air bag 604 606 are packed from it to stretch out upwards.Additionally or alternatively, each step need not primary execution extremely completion in office.For example, work( 904 and 906 can partly be performed (for example, air bag does not have full extension or entirely pneumatic) in an alternating fashion if Dry time gradually to stretch and fill air bag 604.In other words, the power that air bag 604 can apply initially through hoisting gear 608 Partly stretched.Then, air bag 604 can by filling hose 610 by partial inflation, and so on, until air bag is complete Inflation.Fig. 7 depicts the scene before balloon transmitting with inflated airbag 702.

Some embodiments can optionally include the further function that can be performed in the range of the method.For example, Function 908 include based on the associated wind data of external environment on the outside of shell structure come determine the wind direction of external environment apoplexy and Wind speed.It can be by as performed with reference to the control system 490 described in figure 4 to wind direction and the determining of wind speed.Alternatively or volume Other places, different computing systems can determine wind direction and wind speed.Wind data can be obtained by one or more wind sensors. In the exemplary embodiments described in Fig. 8, wind sensor 804 can be located in shell structure 802.However, wind sensor can position In other places.For example, wind sensor 806 can be positioned in moving element 810 or wind sensor 808 can be fixed to ground. In addition, wind sensor can be positioned in several different locations.

The determining direct measurement that may include to external environment apoplexy to wind direction and wind speed.If for example, wind sensor 808 Ground is fixed to, then conventional meteorologic instrument (weather can be similar to wind direction and the determining of wind speed instrumentation).Alternatively or in addition, to wind direction and wind speed determine to combine shell structure 802 and/or The movement of moving element 810.For example, if wind sensor 806 is coupled to moving element 810 and moving element 810 is being moved It is dynamic, then wind direction in external environment and the determining of wind speed can be influenced by the relative movement of wind sensor 806.Therefore, in n-lustrative In embodiment, mobile vector (direction is added or subtracts to the determining wind direction that may include to measuring and wind speed of wind direction and wind speed And speed).

Function 910 includes causing shell structure so that the direction of the condition of basic zero wind and speed to be caused to be moved.For example, zero wind Condition may include such condition：Wherein shell structure 802 is substantially being moved on the direction of wind direction and shell structure 802 Just moved with the speed of substantially wind speed.In exemplary embodiments, control system 490 may be such that moving element 810 in substantially wind To direction on and with the speed mobile shell structure 802 of substantially wind speed.It is appreciated that function 910 can in disclosed side Other steps in method are performed simultaneously.For example, while function 908 (determining wind direction and wind speed) is performed, shell structure 802 can It is moving.Extraly, while as described below so that shell structure 802 is opened, shell structure 802 can be moved along ground It is dynamic.

Function 912 includes the condition in response to basic zero wind so that shell structure 802 is opened to expose balloon 820 In external environment, and emit balloon 820.In the exemplary embodiments described in fig. 8, shell structure 802 (and therefore gas Ball 820) it can just be advanced with speed approximately uniform with external environment apoplexy and direction, this can lead to the condition of zero wind.At this In the case of sample, control system 490 may be such that shell structure 802 is opened and balloon 820 is made to be externally exposed environment.Cause housing The opening of structure 802 may include that shell structure 802 opens the two halves such as clam shell.Alternatively, shell structure 802 can be opened such as Color.So that the opening of shell structure 802 may include so that activated apparatus 830 activates shell structure part 840A and 840B opening. For example, activated apparatus 830 may include hydraulic piston and control system 490 may be such that moving element 810 is lived to being connected to hydraulic pressure The auxiliary hydraulic line filling liquid (charge) of plug so that shell structure part 840A and 840B is opened.

After shell structure 802 is caused to open, control system 490 may be such that balloon 820 emits.In exemplary embodiments In, transmitting signal can be sent to shell structure 802 and/or balloon 820 so that tether 850 is by balloon by control system 490 820 release coupling from shell structure 802 or anchor.It is closed as an example, the nickel chromium triangle being wrapped in around tether 850 can be passed the current through Gold thread (not shown) is to cut off tether 850 and to emit balloon 820.

6. n-lustrative non-transitory computer-readable medium

Some or all of function of being described above and illustrated in Fig. 5-Fig. 9 can be by computing device in response to storage The execution of instruction in non-transitory computer-readable medium and be performed.Non-transitory computer-readable medium can be for example with Machine access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, cache memory, one or more magnetic codings The non-transient data storage device of disk, one or more pumped FIR laser disks or any other form.Non-transitory computer-readable medium It can also be distributed between multiple data storage elements, the position of the multiple data storage elements can be away from each other.Scheming In the property shown embodiment, non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instruction 474 as depicted and described in reference to figure 4 and/ Or program instruction 494.Perform storage instruction computing device can be such as described with reference to fig. 3 and illustrate processor 312 computing device.Alternatively, processor can be shell structure 410 as depicted and described in reference to figure 4, balloon 430th, the element of moving element 470, control system 490 and/or lift elements 450.Optionally, the calculating of the instruction of storage is performed Equipment can be other computing device, such as server or the continental rise station in server network.

Non-transitory computer-readable medium, which can store, to perform various work(by the execution of any one in aforementioned processor The instruction of energy.The function includes so that the air bag of balloon is disengaged packaging so as to make gas on the direction basically perpendicular to ground Capsule stretches.The balloon includes the air bag in initial package state.Air bag in initial package state include not by Inflated airbag.Shell structure encloses balloon.The function further comprises so that using gas containing bladder.The function can be with Optionally include determining in external environment based on the associated wind data of external environment on the outside of the shell structure with enclosing balloon The wind direction and wind speed of wind.The function can further comprise so that shell structure is to lead to the direction of the condition of basic zero wind and speed Degree movement.The condition of zero wind is including direction is on substantially wind direction and speed is in substantially wind speed.The function is also optionally Including the condition in response to basic zero wind so that shell structure is opened balloon to be made to be externally exposed environment, and emit gas Ball.

Non-transitory computer-readable medium may include additional function, such as so that carrier mobile shell structure.Extraly, Non-transitory computer-readable medium may include performing some or all of work(of the method 900 as depicted and described in reference to figure 9 Energy.

Refer to the attached drawing discussed in detail above retouches the various feature and function of disclosed system, apparatus and method It states.Although disclosed herein various aspects and embodiment, those skilled in the art will be clear that other aspects and embodiment. Various aspects and embodiment disclosed herein are to illustrate, and are not intended to be defined, and true scope and spirit are by institute Attached claim instruction.

Claims

1. a kind of method for balloon transmitting, including：

The balloon being located in shell structure is provided, wherein, the balloon includes the air bag in initial package state, In, the air bag in initial package state includes air bag that is inflated and being compressed；

When the balloon is in the shell structure, unlocked on the direction perpendicular to ground the packaging of the air bag so as to Stretch the air bag；

When the balloon is in the shell structure, the air bag is filled with lift gas；

Based on determining the wind direction of external environment apoplexy and wind with the associated wind data of external environment on the outside of the shell structure Speed；

So that the shell structure to be to cause the direction of the condition of zero wind and speed to move, wherein the condition of zero wind includes side To on wind direction and speed is in wind speed；And

In response to the condition of zero wind so that the shell structure opens that the balloon is made to be externally exposed environment, and And transmitting balloon.

2. according to the method described in claim 1, wherein, the lift gas includes lighter-than-air gas.

3. according to the method described in claim 1, wherein, the packaging for unlocking the air bag includes unlocking the gas with hoisting gear The packaging of capsule.

4. it according to the method described in claim 3, wherein, fills the air bag and includes with the filling for being coupled to the hoisting gear Hose fills the air bag.

5. according to the method described in claim 4, wherein, the shell structure includes opening, and wherein, the filling hose It is configured as moving through the opening with the hoisting gear.

6. according to the method described in claim 1, wherein, the shell structure includes being configured to the balloon via tether coupling Close the anchor of the shell structure.

7. it is associated with according to the method described in claim 1, further comprising receiving with the external environment on the outside of the shell structure Wind data.

8. according to the method described in claim 1, wherein so that the shell structure movement is included so that carrier moves the shell Body structure.

9. according to the method described in claim 8, wherein, the carrier includes fork lifter.

10. according to the method described in claim 1, wherein, the shell structure includes being configured to the balloon via tether It is coupled to the anchor of the shell structure, and wherein, emits the balloon and include disconnecting the tether.

11. a kind of system for balloon transmitting, including：

Shell structure is configured to enclose balloon and opens that the balloon is made to be externally exposed environment, wherein, the balloon Including the air bag being in initial package state, wherein, the air bag in initial package state include it is inflated and The air bag compressed, wherein, external environment includes the environmental condition on the outside of the shell structure；

Lift elements are configured to unlock the packaging of the air bag and fill the air bag, wherein unlocking the packaging packet of the air bag Including stretches the air bag on the direction perpendicular to ground, and wherein, fills the air bag and includes being filled with lift gas The air bag；

Moving element is configured in the plane for being parallel to ground the mobile shell structure；And

Control system is configured to：

When the shell structure encloses the balloon so that the lift elements unlock the packaging of the air bag；

When the shell structure encloses the balloon so that the lift elements fill the air bag；

The wind direction of external environment apoplexy and wind speed are determined based on the wind data from least one wind sensor；

So that the moving element to be to cause the direction of the condition of zero wind and speed to move, wherein, the condition of zero wind includes Direction is on wind direction and speed is in wind speed；And

In response to the condition of zero wind so that the shell structure is opened and balloon emits.

12. system according to claim 11, wherein, the shell structure includes interior section and exterior section, wherein, The interior section includes being configured to the soft material with reducing frictional force during the balloon contacts, and wherein, the outside Part includes the rigid material for being configured to resist the wind-force in external environment.

13. system according to claim 11, wherein, the shell structure includes fire proofing.

14. system according to claim 11, wherein, the lift gas includes lighter-than-air gas.

15. system according to claim 11, wherein, the shell structure includes at least two housing parts, wherein institute At least two housing parts are stated to be configured around the balloon closing and be opened so that the balloon can emit.

16. system according to claim 15, wherein, the shell structure includes being coupled at least two housing section The activated apparatus divided, and wherein, the activated apparatus is configured as opening and closes at least two housing parts.

17. system according to claim 11, wherein, the balloon further comprises payload.

18. a kind of system for balloon transmitting, including：

Shell structure is configured to enclose balloon and opens that the balloon is made to be externally exposed environment, wherein, the balloon Including the air bag being in inflated condition, wherein, external environment includes the environmental condition on the outside of the shell structure；

Control system is configured to：

19. system according to claim 18, wherein the shell structure further comprises anchor, and wherein, the shell Body structure is configured to be coupled to the balloon via the anchor and tether.