KR20210020192A - Module-type Drone - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a module-type drone which comprises: an assembly unit which includes a base block, a power supply unit engaged with the base block, one or more module blocks identifiable for each, and one or more function units which output a programmed command; a plurality of arms of which one side is engaged with the base block, and the other side includes an engagement body of a motor and a propeller; a wireless communication unit for exchanging a control signal and data with an external device; and a control unit for controlling the assembly unit, the arms, and the wireless communication unit. The control unit receives a first control signal and a second control signal from the external device through the wireless communication unit, provides power to the engagement body of the motor and the propeller form the power supply unit in accordance with the first control command, and controls the functions of the function unit in accordance with the second control signal. Therefore, the present invention provides various practical functions.

Description

Modular drone {Module-type Drone}

The present invention relates to a modular drone.

In recent years, the toy industry is evolving as it converges with advanced technologies. Traditionally, still lifes that simply reduced real objects, which were limited to entertainments that enjoyed a certain pattern of promised sight, touch, and hearing, are active by introducing sensor technologies such as touch, voice, pupil movement, and motion detection. It expands to smart devices that perform functions, and by fusion/combination with robots, remote control, and image processing technologies, it is breaking the boundaries between entertainment products and educational products.

The present inventors reassemble according to user needs at the level of a unit block including a body, a base unit, an application unit, a function unit, and a power unit, like the smart toy platform described in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2015-0136456. By presenting a block toy platform that can be used, the LEGO block system, a representative brand in this field, has solved the problem that has fundamentally limited the creativity of users by invariably specifying the color, size, and shape characteristics of each block. .

Furthermore, Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2015-0123086 discloses a concept of an assembly toy capable of controlling a controlled device, that is, various external mechanical devices or electronic devices according to the selective combination of a base block and an assembly unit group.

It is necessary to provide effects in various practical work and entertainment areas that are possible off the ground by making it possible to check and control on other smartphones, tablet PCs, and computers through a modular drone based on such a smart toy platform (Patent Document 1-6).

Patent Document 1: Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0037206 Patent Document 2: Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-2006-0100126 Patent Document 3: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-0651262 Patent Document 4: Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-2006-0097202 Patent Document 5: US Patent Publication No. 9868431 Patent Document 6: US Patent Publication No. 2008-0149758

The present invention is designed to solve the above problems, and one technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a modular drone that provides various practical functions according to modules based on a smart toy platform.

Another technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to implement various practical and entertainment functions through a modular drone whose functions vary according to modules.

Another technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide autonomy so that a user can directly use a module having a required function, and that a user can use various functions more easily and conveniently.

Another technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to help a user obtain necessary information by using a module of a necessary function and to perform other functions using the information.

Another technical task to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a modular drone based on a smart toy platform, and to enable confirmation and control from other smartphones, tablet PCs, and computers through communication, thereby providing various practical tasks and It is to provide an effect in the entertainment field.

The problem of the present invention is not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description.

According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, an assembly unit including a base block, a power supply unit coupled to the base block, at least one module block identifiable for each individual, and at least one functional unit outputting a programmed command; A plurality of arms having one side coupled to the base block and the other side comprising a combination of a motor and a propeller;

A wireless communication unit for exchanging control signals and data with external devices; And a control unit for controlling the assembly unit, the arm, and the wireless communication unit, wherein the control unit receives a first control signal and a second control signal from the external device through the wireless communication unit, It provides a modular drone that provides power to the combination of the motor and the propeller from the power supply according to a first control signal and controls the function of the functional unit according to the second control signal.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the assembling unit controls the controlled device by transmitting the command output from the functional unit to the controlled device through the wireless communication unit.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the assembly unit includes at least one of a moving block, a trigger block, and a special operation block.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the assembly unit further includes a display.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the assembling unit interworks with the controlled device and other functional units to output a corresponding job status or content on the display.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the base block receives a feedback command from the controlled device and transmits the feedback command to a corresponding functional unit by using the at least one module block.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the module block outputs at least one of a controlled device selection command, a keypad input command, a voice input command, an image input command, and a motion control command.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the module block is configured to be capable of changing an output command through reprogramming.

In the present specification, each embodiment is described independently, but each embodiment can be combined with each other, and a combined embodiment is also included in the scope of the present invention.

The above summary is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the above-described illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the detailed description below.

According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, there is an effect of providing a modular drone that provides various practical functions according to modules based on a smart toy platform.

In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to implement various practical and entertainment functions through a modular drone whose functions vary according to modules.

In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to directly use a module of a function required by a user, and there is an effect of providing autonomy so that the user can use various functions more easily and conveniently.

In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, there is an effect of helping a user to obtain necessary information by using a module having a required function and to perform other functions using the information.

In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a variety of practical tasks possible off the ground by providing a modular drone based on a smart toy platform and enabling confirmation and control from other smartphones, tablet PCs, and computers through communication And there is an effect capable of providing an effect in the entertainment area.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description.

1 is a perspective view of a modular drone according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a functional block diagram of a modular drone according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a conceptual diagram of a modular drone according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.
4 to 8 are conceptual diagrams for explaining the operation of a modular drone according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating some examples of module blocks that can be used with a modular drone according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a modular drone according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a functional block diagram of a modular drone according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a modular drone according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 2, the modular drone according to at least one embodiment of the present invention forms an assembly block or an assembly unit by combining with the base block 100 and the base block 100, and at least A functional unit 200 including one module block 110 and a plurality of arms 120 are provided.

The assembly unit includes a battery (power supply unit) for supplying power, and each arm 120 includes a combination of a motor (not shown) and a propeller 130 at a tip end.

The modular drone according to at least one embodiment of the present invention further includes a controlled device 140 under the base block 100.

The controlled device 140 is a device for work/entertainment related to all possible activity areas, for example, aerial photography/surveillance devices, crime prevention devices, aerial transport devices, crane clamp devices, meeting event devices, lighting devices, search and rescue devices, It may include an environment management device, a control device, a sports competition device, and other application devices, and may mean various mechanical devices or electronic devices such as robots, toys, smart phones, and TVs. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, an aerial monitoring device 310, a crane clamp device 320, and a control device 330 will be described as an example.

A coupling element 110 including a stud is formed on at least one surface of the base block 100, and the functional unit 200 may be coupled to the base block 100 through the coupling element 110. The coupling element 110 may be a mechanical coupling element or a magnetic coupling element. The mechanical coupling element is a coupling stud formed on one surface of the body, and may include a portion protruding outward from the center of the body and a through hole portion. The magnetic coupling element may include at least one magnet.

The base block 100 has a plate shape, and a coupling stud protruding outward is formed on an upper surface thereof, and an insertion hole corresponding to the coupling stud may be formed on one surface of the functional unit 200. The size and shape of the base block 100 may be manufactured in various ways according to selection, and a method of assembling the base block 100 having a single coupling stud may be used.

In addition, since data lines are formed in the coupling studs of the base block 100 and the insertion holes of the functional unit 200, data communication can be performed with each other through electrical connection between the data lines.

The base block 100 may include a sensor capable of recognizing an identifiable module block of the functional unit 200. The base block 100 includes various sensors according to the type of the identifiable module block of the functional unit 200 to identify the combined functional unit 200. The sensor embedded in the base block 100 may be configured with, for example, a frequency receiver, a code reader, a pattern reader, an RF-ID reader, or the like. The base block 100 may generate combined information by identifying the combined functional unit 200.

The base block 100 may sense a command output from the combined functional unit 200, reconstruct it, and transmit it to the plurality of arms 120 and the controlled device 140. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the base block 100 supplies power to the combined functional unit 200 to receive a command programmed to the functional unit 200 and receive a plurality of arms 120 and controlled The device 140 may reconfigure and transmit a recognizable command system. The base block 100 may supply power to the functional unit 200 through, for example, a power supply contact formed along the outer peripheral surface of the coupling stud.

Alternatively, when the functional units 200 are combined, the functional unit 200 may be controlled to output a programmed command in a manner that outputs an operation command to the combined functional unit 200.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the base block 100 has a built-in wireless communication module such as a Wi-fi module, a 3G module, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) module, and a 5G module. 120) and the controlled device 140 may perform data communication.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the modular drone further includes a control unit (not shown) for controlling the assembly unit, the arm, and the wireless communication unit. The controller receives a first control signal and a second control signal from an external device through a wireless communication unit, provides power from the battery to the combination of the motor and propeller according to the received first control signal, and receives the second control It controls the function of the functional unit according to the signal.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, when a functional unit 200 capable of performing a communication function is coupled to the base block 100, a plurality of arms 120 and a controlled device ( 140) and data communication. The base block 100 includes a plurality of arms 120 and a controlled device 140 using a communication method not supported by the base block 100 through combination with a functional unit 200 capable of performing various communication methods. ) Can also perform data communication.

When the functional unit 200 is at least one of a keypad input device, an audio input device, and an image input device, the base block 100 combines a command input and output from the outside through the plurality of arms 120 and the blood. A command for controlling the operation of the control device 140 may be transmitted.

Alternatively, when there are a plurality of commands output from the functional unit 200, the base block 100 may sequentially transmit the commands to the plurality of arms 120 and the controlled device 140.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of arms 120 and the controlled device 140 transmit a feedback signal to the base block 100.

When the base block 100 receives a feedback command from the plurality of arms 120 and the controlled device 140, the base block 100 may transmit the feedback command to the corresponding functional unit 200 by using an identifiable module block. That is, when the functional unit 200 includes an output means, the base block 100 controls to perform an operation according to the feedback command through the output means of the functional unit 200.

The functional unit 200 may include a mechanical coupling element or a magnetic coupling element coupled to the base block 100. The mechanical coupling element is an insertion hole formed on one surface of the body and may include a portion protruding outward from the center of the body and a through hole portion. The magnetic coupling element may include at least one magnet. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the functional unit 200 may be manufactured in various shapes, and an insertion hole is formed at the lower surface thereof.

The functional unit 200 may output a programmed command while being coupled to the base block 100. The functional unit 200 has a function of outputting a command received from the outside to the base block 100, a function of automatically outputting a command for controlling the arm 120 and the controlled device 140, and a base block. A function that executes the command received from (100) can be programmed.

The functional unit 200 may output a command received from the outside to the base block 100 through a unit that provides functions such as a keypad input, an audio input, and an image input, for example.

Alternatively, the functional unit 200 automatically outputs a command for controlling the arm 300 in a plug-and-play (P&P) method that automatically outputs a pre-programmed command while being coupled to the base block 100. can do.

Alternatively, the functional unit 200 may perform a function of executing a command received from the base block 100 through, for example, a display device, a speaker device, or the like.

In addition to the examples listed above, the functional unit 200 may include various additional means and functional elements for outputting a command in combination with the base block 100 or receiving a feedback command to perform an output operation.

In addition, the functional unit 200 is manufactured to be reprogrammable and may be configured to perform an operation different from the conventional one according to a program change.

4 to 8 are conceptual diagrams for explaining the operation of a modular drone according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, the functional unit 200 outputs a command for selecting one of the arm 120 and the plurality of controlled devices 300 by being coupled to the base block 100. The base block 100 transmits an operation command to the aerial surveillance device 310 according to the command output from the functional unit 201, and the aerial surveillance device 310 in the idle state is turned on according to the received command. To the state.

In this case, a function to be operated may be changed by replacing a function unit that selects the controlled devices 310, 321, 330.

In FIG. 5, the functional unit includes seven keypad function units 202 to 208 and the functional units described in FIG. 3. The seven keypad function units 202 to 208 are coupled to the base block 100 and switch to a standby mode for receiving input from the outside. When receiving input from the outside, the seven keypad function units 202 to 208 output a control command that is programmed differently for each individual, and the base block 100 reconfigures it to provide a plurality of arms 120 and an aerial monitoring device 310. Sends a command to control the operation of ). At this time, the base block 100 sequentially transmits the control commands output from the seven keypad function units 202 to 208, or reconfigures and transmits the control command according to a combination of the seven keypad function units 202 to 208. I can.

In Fig. 6, the functional unit includes three operation control functional units 209 to 211. In FIG. 5, the three motion control function units 209 to 211 are combined with the base block 100 to output a motion control command programmed differently for each individual, and the base block 100 reconstructs the plurality of arms 120 ) And a command for controlling the operation of the aerial monitoring device 310. At this time, the base block 100 sequentially transmits control commands output from the three operation control function units 209 to 211 or reconstructs the control command according to a combination of the three operation control function units 209 to 211 Can be transmitted.

In Fig. 7, the functional unit 212 includes a functional unit 213 having an image output means and a functional unit 214 having an audio output means. The image output means may mean, for example, a display device, and the audio output means may mean, for example, a speaker device. When the functional units 213 and 214 are coupled to the base block 100, they switch to the standby mode. The base block 100 receives a feedback command from the aerial monitoring device 310 installed on the arm 120 and the functional units 213 and 214 operate according to the feedback command received from the base block 100.

The base block 100 receives, for example, monitoring information of the aerial surveillance device 310 installed on the arm 120 as a feedback command and transmits it to the functional units 213 and 214. The functional unit 213 having an image output means receives a feedback command from the base block 100 and outputs the image content captured by the camera of the modular drone to the outside. In addition, the functional unit 214 having a voice output means receives a feedback command from the base block 100 and outputs sound content picked up by the microphone of the modular drone to the outside.

In Fig. 8, the functional units 214 and 215 include a functional unit 214 having an image output means and a functional unit 215 having an image input means. The image input means may mean, for example, a motion recognition camera. In FIG. 8, the functional unit 215 having an image input means is coupled to the base block 100 and switches to a standby mode for receiving an image input from the outside. When receiving a GPS signal from the outside, the functional unit 215 having an image input unit outputs a control command that is converted according to the pre-stored location information of the corresponding region, and the base block 100 reconstructs it and controls the arm 120 and the control command. Sends a command to control the operation of the device 330. At this time, the base block 100 transmits a control command to the functional unit 214 having an image output means to control real-time image content to be output.

9 shows some examples of identifiable module blocks of the functional unit 200. As shown, the modular drone of some embodiments may be implemented with a Gyro block, a GPS block, an ultrasonic block, an infrared block, a camera block, a pupil detection block, an EEG detection block, and a solar charging block.

As described above, the modular drone according to at least one embodiment of the present invention may constitute a modular drone whose functions and shapes vary according to the shape of the smart block module and the Lego-type block.

The above embodiments can be combined as necessary to create another embodiment. For example, it is possible to use a combination of various mechanical devices or electronic devices such as a modular drone of some embodiments, a smart block-based robot, a toy, a smart phone, and a TV.

According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a modular drone that provides various practical functions according to modules based on a smart toy platform.

In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, various practical and entertainment functions may be implemented through a modular drone whose functions vary according to modules.

Further, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a user can directly use a module having a required function, and autonomy can be provided so that the user can use various functions more easily and conveniently.

Further, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible for a user to obtain necessary information by using a module having a required function, and to perform other functions using the information.

In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a variety of practical tasks possible off the ground by providing a modular drone based on a smart toy platform and enabling confirmation and control from other smartphones, tablet PCs, and computers through communication And it can provide an effect in the entertainment area.

Although the present invention has been described using several examples, these examples are illustrative and not limiting. As such, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that various changes and modifications can be made according to the equivalence theory without departing from the spirit of the present invention and the scope of the rights presented in the appended claims.

100: base block
110: module block
120: cancer
130: propeller
140: controlled device
200, 201, 213, 214, 215: functional unit
202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208: keypad function unit
209, 210, 211: operation control function unit
210, 220, 230, 240: module block
310: aerial surveillance system
320: crane clamp device
330: control device
This study was conducted with the support of the Ministry of Small and Medium Business in 2018 (s2606467)

Claims (8)

An assembly unit including a base block, a power supply unit coupled to the base block, at least one module block identifiable for each individual, and at least one functional unit outputting a programmed command;
A plurality of arms having one side coupled to the base block and the other side comprising a combination of a motor and a propeller;
A wireless communication unit for exchanging control signals and data with external devices; And
A control unit for controlling the assembly unit, the arm, and the wireless communication unit
And,
The control unit receives a first control signal and a second control signal from the external device through the wireless communication unit, and provides power to the combination of the motor and the propeller from the power supply unit according to the first control signal, and the Controlling the function of the functional unit according to a second control signal,
Modular drone. The method of claim 1,
The assembly unit controls the controlled device by transmitting the command output from the functional unit to the controlled device through the wireless communication unit,
Modular drone. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The assembly unit includes at least one of a moving block, a trigger block, and a special operation block,
Modular drone. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The assembly unit further comprises a display,
Modular drone. The method of claim 4,
The assembly unit interlocks with the controlled device and other functional units to output a corresponding job status or content to the display,
Modular drone. The method of claim 2,
The base block receives a feedback command from the controlled device and transmits the feedback command to a corresponding functional unit using the at least one module block,
Modular drone. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The module block outputs at least one of a controlled device selection command, a keypad input command, a voice input command, an image input command, and a motion control command,
Modular drone. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The module block is capable of changing the command output through reprogramming,
Modular drone.

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