Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a system and method for assisting landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle onto a land vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Unmanned aerial vehicle such as drones work like other modes of air transportation, and are gaining popularity in fields such as military, health, commercial, agriculture etc. In automotive field, drones can be used to improve safety as well as to ease the riding experience of the rider of the vehicle. Drones can be used to track traffic conditions on the road as well as to capture photos and videos. Also, it can be used to send necessary things in case of emergency. Using the drone while riding the vehicle improves safety and can be used as an excellent partner to guide one’s way on unknown roads and terrains. Drone assisted vehicle is an excellent way to record and capture the surroundings using drone camera.
[003] For drone to work with a land vehicle such as a saddle type vehicle, the drone needs to land on a moving vehicle. Landing of drone is as important as flying a drone as an inaccurate landing can damage the vehicle on which the drone lands as well as drone itself can be damaged. Also, in cases of emergencies, tracking, road trips, the rider needs to focus on driving and the drone should land accurately on the vehicle without assistance from the rider of the vehicle.
[004] In the prior arts, the drone landing is generally concentrated on a static place and, therefore, normal resolutions cameras installed in the drones have been used for safe landing. However, for accurate landing of the drone on a moving land vehicle, a normal resolution camera will not be able to detect and process the moving vehicle image in real-time. So, normal resolution cameras cannot be used for landing of drones on a moving vehicle as it will not be able to track down exact location of the vehicle and eventually the landing area on the land vehicle.
[005] Further, infrared (IR) sensors that are cheap and easily implementable have also been used for drone landing. In some cases, global positioning system (GPS) along with IR beacons have also been used for drone landing. However, operation of such IR sensors are affected by fog and external environmental factors. Therefore, the precise landing of the drones may be affected.
[006] The existing drones which are capable of landing on a moving vehicle are using high-end technologies such as Real-Time Kinematic GPS, Sensor Fusion, etc. The price of such advanced technologies is very high. The challenge lies in designing of an affordable drone that can predict a safe trajectory to land on a moving land vehicle precisely without using costly technologies.
[007] In view thereof, there is a need-felt to overcome at least the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior arts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] In one aspect of the present invention, a system for assisting landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle onto a land vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit is disposed in the land vehicle. The second control unit is disposed in an unmanned aerial vehicle. The first control unit is communicatively coupled to the second control unit. The first control unit is configured to detect a mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle can be a flight mode or a safe landing mode. Upon detection of the mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle being other than a safe landing mode, the first control unit is configured to transmit a request to the second control unit for switching the mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle to the safe landing mode. Upon mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle being the safe landing mode, the first control unit is configured to determine a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle from the land vehicle. Based on the distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle from the land vehicle, the first control unit is configured to perform one or more pre-defined operations for safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle onto the land vehicle.
[009] In an embodiment, the one or more pre-defined operations comprises at least one of the following operations: (a) reducing speed of the land vehicle to a first pre-defined speed upon detection of a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle from the land vehicle being in a first pre-defined range, (b) reducing speed of the land vehicle to a second pre-defined speed upon detection of a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle from the land vehicle being in a second pre-defined range, (c) instructing one or more infrared transmitters disposed on a landing area of the land vehicle to transmit infrared radiations of a first pre-defined intensity when the speed of the land vehicle being in the second pre-defined range, (d) reducing the speed of the land vehicle to a third pre-defined speed upon detection of a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle from the land vehicle being in a third pre-defined range, (e) instructing the one or more infrared transmitters to transmit infrared radiations of a second pre-defined intensity when the speed of the land vehicle being in third pre-defined range, (f) activating one or more magnetic plates provided on the landing area of the land vehicle to generate a magnetic field for attracting one or more iron plates disposed on the unmanned aerial vehicle for safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle onto the landing area of the land vehicle. The distance in the first pre-defined range is greater than the distance in the second pre-defined range and the distance in the second pre-defined range is greater than the distance in the third pre-defined range. The first pre-defined speed is greater than the second pre-defined speed and the second pre-defined speed is greater than the third pre-defined speed. The first pre-defined intensity is greater than the second pre-defined intensity.
[010] In an embodiment, the landing area of the land vehicle comprises one or more locking mechanisms adapted to lock the unmanned aerial vehicle onto the landing area of the land vehicle.
[011] In an embodiment, the landing area of the land vehicle comprises one or more charging units configured to charge the unmanned aerial vehicle.
[012] In an embodiment, the pairing of the unmanned aerial vehicle with the land vehicle is based on a pattern of infrared radiations transmitted by the one or more infrared transmitters provided on the land vehicle.
[013] In an embodiment, the system comprises one or more GPS sensors disposed in the land vehicle. The GPS sensor is configured to detect distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle from the land vehicle in the first pre-defined range.
[014] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for assisting landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle onto a land vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises a step of detecting a mode of an unmanned aerial vehicle. The step of detecting a mode of an unmanned aerial vehicle is performed by a first control unit disposed in a land vehicle and communicatively coupled to a second control unit disposed in the unmanned aerial vehicle. Upon detection of the mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle being other than a safe landing mode, the method comprises transmitting a request to the second control unit for switching mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle to the safe landing mode. The step of transmitting a request to the second control unit for switching mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle is performed by the first control unit. Upon the mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle being the safe landing mode, the method further comprises a step of determining a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle from the land vehicle. The step of determining is also performed by the first control unit. The method further comprises a step of performing a plurality of pre-defined operations for safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle onto the land vehicle. The step of performing is performed by the first control unit based upon the distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle from the land vehicle.
[015] In an embodiment, the one or more pre-defined operations comprises at least one of the following operations: (a) reducing speed of the land vehicle to a first pre-defined speed upon detection of a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle from the land vehicle being in a first pre-defined range, (b) reducing speed of the land vehicle to a second pre-defined speed upon detection of a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle from the land vehicle being in a second pre-defined range, (c) instructing one or more infrared transmitters disposed on a landing area of the land vehicle to transmit infrared radiations of a first pre-defined intensity when the speed of the land vehicle being in the second pre-defined range, (d) reducing the speed of the land vehicle to a third pre-defined speed upon detection of a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle from the land vehicle being in a third pre-defined range, (e) instructing the one or more infrared transmitters to transmit infrared radiations of a second pre-defined intensity when the speed of the land vehicle being in third pre-defined range, (f) activating one or more magnetic plates provided on the landing area of the land vehicle to generate a magnetic field for attracting one or more iron plates disposed on the unmanned aerial vehicle for safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle onto the landing area of the land vehicle when the speed of the land vehicle is in third pre-defined range. The distance in the first pre-defined range is greater than the distance in the second pre-defined range and the distance in the second pre-defined range is greater than the distance in the third pre-defined range. The first pre-defined speed is greater than the second pre-defined speed and the second pre-defined speed is greater than the third pre-defined speed. The first pre-defined intensity is greater than the second pre-defined intensity.
[016] In an embodiment, the method further comprises a step of locking the unmanned aerial vehicle onto the landing area of the land vehicle by one or more locking mechanisms.
[017] In an embodiment, the method further comprises a step of charging the unmanned aerial vehicle locked onto the landing area of the land vehicle by means of one or more charging units/mechanism.
[018] In an embodiment, the method further comprises a step of transmitting radiations having a pre-defined pattern for pairing of the unmanned aerial vehicle with the land vehicle by means of one or more infrared transmitters.
[019] In an embodiment, the method further comprises a step of detecting distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle from the land vehicle in the first pre-defined range by means of one or more GPS sensors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[020] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for assisting landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle onto a landing vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for assisting landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle onto a landing vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3a, 3b and 3c is a flow chart illustrating a method for assisting landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle onto a landing vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a plurality of pre-defined ranges, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5a and Figure 5b illustrates intensity of infrared transmissions by an infrared transmitter disposed on the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5c illustrates magnetic plates disposed on the land vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5d illustrates iron plates disposed on the unmanned aerial vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[021] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[022] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system 100 for assisting landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle 102 onto a land vehicle 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[023] For the purpose of the present invention, the term “land vehicle” comprises any vehicle which moves on the land or water such as, not being limited to, scooters, motorcycles, rickshaws, cars, trucks, boats etc. The term “unmanned aerial vehicle” refers to drones.
[024] As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 comprises a first control unit 106 and a second control unit 108. The first control unit 106 is disposed in the land vehicle 104 and the second control unit 108 is disposed in the unmanned aerial vehicle 102. The first control unit 106 is communicatively coupled to the second control unit 108. To facilitate safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 onto the land vehicle 104 in a moving or running state, the system 100 may further comprise components such as one or more GPS sensors 116, infrared (IR) transmitters 110 and magnetic plates 112 disposed on the land vehicle 104 and components such as infrared detectors, iron plates 114 disposed on the unmanned aerial vehicle 102.
[025] For safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 onto the land vehicle 104, it is important that the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 should be in a safe landing mode. The unmanned aerial vehicle 102 can have a flight mode and a safe landing mode. In order to safely land the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 onto the land vehicle 104, the mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 should be changed from flight mode to a safe land mode. For safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102, the first control unit 106, therefore, transmits a first signal to the second control unit 108 to detect a mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102. In case the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is in a flight mode, the first control unit 106 transmits a signal to change the mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 from a flight mode to the safe landing mode. When the mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is in a safe landing mode, the first control unit 106 determines a distance between the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104. Based on the distance between the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104, the first control unit 106 performs one or more pre-defined operation for safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 onto the land vehicle 104. In one non-limiting example, three pre-defined ranges for distance between the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104 are pre-defined in the first control unit 106. The three pre-defined ranges are a first pre-defined range, a second pre-defined range and a third pre-defined range wherein distances in first pre-defined range are greater than the distances in second pre-defined range and the distances in the second pre-defined range are greater than the distances in the third pre-defined range. However, this should not be construed as limiting and further pre-defined ranges can be pre-defined for safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 onto the land vehicle 104. When the mode of unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is changed from the flight mode to the safe landing mode, the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 starts moving in a direction towards the moving land vehicle 104. In order to calculate a distance between the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104, one or more sensors such as GPS sensors 116 disposed in the land vehicle 104 are activated which are configured to calculate distance between the between the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104. Upon detection of distance between the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104 being in the first pre-defined range, the first control unit 106 is configured to reduce the speed of the land vehicle 104 to a first pre-defined speed. When the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 enters in the second pre-defined range, the first control unit 106 is configured to further reduce the speed of the land vehicle 104 to a second pred-defined speed. It is to be understood the first pre-defined speed of the land vehicle 104 is greater than the second pre-defined speed of the land vehicle 104. When the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is in the second pre-defined range, the control unit 106 is further configured to activate one or more infrared (IR) transmitters 110 disposed on the land vehicle 104 to emit infrared radiations of a first pre-defined intensity. The infrared radiations of the first pre-defined intensity are detected by one or more infrared detectors disposed on the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and positioning of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 with respect to the landing area of the land vehicle 104 commences. When the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 descends further towards the land vehicle 104 and enters the third pre-defined range, the first control unit 106 is further configured to reduce the speed of the land vehicle 104 to a third pre-defined speed. The third pre-defined speed is lesser than the second pre-defined speed. Also, in the third pre-defined range, as the distance between the land vehicle 104 and unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is less, the first control unit 106 is further configured to reduce the intensity of the one or more infrared (IR) transmitters 110 to second pre-defined intensity. As the intensity of the infrared radiations reduces, the accuracy of landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 onto a landing area of the land vehicle 104 increases. In the third pre-defined range, the first control unit 104 is further configured to activate one or more magnetic plates 112 provided on the landing area of the land vehicle 104 to generate a magnetic field for attracting one or more iron plates 114 disposed on the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 for safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 on the landing area of the land vehicle 104. In a non-limiting example, the one or more iron plates 114 are disposed on a belly of the unmanned aerial vehicle or on a surface of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 which will come in contact with the landing area of the land vehicle 104. The landing area of the land vehicle 104 comprises one or more locking mechanisms (not shown) adapted to lock the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 safely onto the landing area of the land vehicle 104. In a non-limiting example, the locking mechanism may be a magnetic clamping structure or a mechanical clamping structure.
[026] In the locked state, the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 can also be charged by means of one or more charging mechanisms/units (not shown). As there can be multiple land vehicles and multiple unmanned aerial vehicles in vicinity of each other during the operation of landing, paring of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104 is required and can be done based on pattern of the infrared radiations transmitted by the infrared transmitters 112 disposed in the land vehicle 104. For each pair of unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104, a unique infrared pattern is used. However, this should not be construed as limiting and other method of pairing an unmanned aerial vehicle 102 with a land vehicle 104 are well within the scope of the present invention.
[027] It is to be understood that while hovering, if the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is away from the land vehicle 104, it is difficult for the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 to detect the IR radiation transmitted by IR transmitters 112. In such scenarios, the IR transmitters 112 can be set to radiate at higher intensity when the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is in a second pre-defined range. This will help the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 to synchronize its moving speed with that of the land vehicle 104. Moreover, the low intensity radiation of IR transmitters 112 will be of more use when the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is nearer to the land vehicle 104. For shorter distance between the land vehicle 104 and unmanned aerial vehicle 102, the low intensity of IR transmitters 112 will aid in precise marking of the moving landing area.
[028] As already stated in the preceding paragraphs, controllable IR transmissions are for identification of target unmanned aerial vehicle 102 among a cluster of unmanned aerial vehicles 102. The transmission of the IR radiations can be set to blink in a specific pattern with a pre-defined frequency. The pre-defined frequency and specific pattern will be unique for individual land vehicle-unmanned aerial vehicle set.
[029] In a non-limiting example, the request for safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 can be input by a rider of the land vehicle using one or more input means such as switch, buttons etc.
[030] It is to be understood that the first control unit 106 and the second control unit 108 are communicatively coupled to exchange tracking related information as well as landing related information.
[031] In a non-limiting example, one of the distance in the first pre-defined range is 100 meter, one of the distance in the second pre-defined range is 60 meter and one of the distance in third pre-defined range is 20-30 centimetre.
[032] In a non-limiting example, a notification can be shown on a display unit of the land vehicle 104 for a rider of the land vehicle 104 to slow down the speed of the land vehicle 104 to a first pre-defined speed, a second pre-defined speed and the third pre-defined speed.
[033] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method 200 for assisting landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle 102 onto a landing vehicle 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[034] As shown, at step 201, the method 200 comprises a step of detecting a mode of unmanned aerial vehicle 102. The step of detecting is performed by a first control unit 106 disposed in the land vehicle 104. The first control unit 106 is communicatively coupled to the second control unit 108 disposed in the unmanned aerial vehicle 102. At step 202, the method 200 comprises transmitting a request to the second control unit 108 for switching mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 to a safe landing mode when the mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is detected to be other than the safe landing mode. It is to be understood that the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 comprises at least a drive mode and a safe landing mode. At step 203, the method comprises determining a distance between the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104. At step 204, based upon the distance between the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and land vehicle 104, the first control unit 106 performs a plurality of pre-defined operations for safe landing of unmanned aerial vehicle 102 onto the land vehicle 104
[035] As already stated in the preceding paragraphs, in an embodiment, the one or more pre-defined operations comprises at least one of the following operations: (a) reducing speed of the land vehicle 104 to a first pre-defined speed upon detection of a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 from the land vehicle being in a first pre-defined range, (b) reducing speed of the land vehicle 104 to a second pre-defined speed upon detection of a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 from the land vehicle 104 being in a second pre-defined range, (c) instructing one or more infrared transmitters 112 disposed on a landing area of the land vehicle 104 to transmit infrared radiations of a first pre-defined intensity when the speed of the land vehicle 104 is in the second pre-defined range, (d) reducing the speed of the land vehicle 104 to a third pre-defined speed upon detection of a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 from the land vehicle 104 being in a third pre-defined range, (e) instructing the one or more infrared transmitters 112 to transmit infrared radiations of a second pre-defined intensity when the speed of the land vehicle 104 is in third pre-defined range, (f) activating one or more magnetic plates 112 provided on the landing area of the land vehicle 104 to generate a magnetic field for attracting one or more iron plates 114 disposed on the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 for safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 onto the landing area of the land vehicle 104 when the speed of the land vehicle 104 is in third pre-defined range. The distance in the first pre-defined range is greater than the distance in the second pre-defined range and the distance in the second pre-defined range is greater than the distance in the third pre-defined range. The first pre-defined speed is greater than the second pre-defined speed and the second pre-defined speed is greater than the third pre-defined speed. The first pre-defined intensity is greater than the second pre-defined intensity.
[036] In an embodiment, the method 200 further comprises a step of locking the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 onto the landing area of the land vehicle 104 by one or more locking mechanisms.
[037] In an embodiment, the method further comprises a step of charging the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 locked onto the landing area of the land vehicle 104 by means of one or more charging mechanisms/units.
[038] In an embodiment, the method further comprises a step of transmitting radiations having a pre-defined pattern for pairing of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 with the land vehicle 104 by means of one or more infrared transmitters 112.
[039] In an embodiment, the method further comprises a step of detecting distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 from the land vehicle 104 in the first pre-defined range by means of one or more GPS sensors 116.
[040] Figure 3a, 3b and 3c is a flow chart illustrating a method 300 for assisting landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle 102 onto a landing vehicle 104, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[041] As shown, at step 301, the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is in a flight mode. At step 302, the second control unit 108 determines if the request for safe landing has been received from the first control unit 106. In case a request for safe landing is received from the first control unit 106 , the method goes to step 303, else step 301. At step 303, the mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is changed from the flight mode to the safe landing mode. At step 304 and 305, the first control unit 106 activates one or more sensors disposed on the land vehicle. In a non-limiting example, a GPS sensor 116 is activated by the first control unit 106 to calculate the distance between the land vehicle 104 and the unmanned aerial vehicle 102. At step 306, the first control unit 106 calculates distance between the approaching unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104. At step 307, the first control unit 106 determines whether the distance between the approaching unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104 is within a first pre-defined range. In case the distance between the approaching unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104 is not within the first pre-defined range, the method moves to step 306, else step 308. At step 308, the first control unit 106 is configured to reduce the speed of the land vehicle 104 to a first pre-defined speed. At step 309, the first control unit 106 continues to measure the distance between the approaching unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104. At step 310, the first control unit 106 determines if the distance between the approaching unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104 is within a second pre-defined range. In case the calculated distance is not within the first pre-defined range, the method moves to step 309, else 311. At step 311, the first control unit 106 reduce the speed of the land vehicle 104 to a second pre-defined speed. The second pre-defined speed is lesser than the first pre-defined speed. At step 312, when the distance between the approaching unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104 is within the second pre-defined range, the first control unit 106 also activates one or more IR transmitters 112 disposed on the land vehicle 104. The IT transmitters 112 emit IR signals at a first pre-defined intensity when the distance between the approaching unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104 is in the first pre-defined range. With the help of such IR signals, the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 starts to approach towards the landing area of the land vehicle 104. At step 313, the first control unit 106 continues to measure the distance between the approaching unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104. At step 314, the first control unit 106 determines if the distance between the approaching unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104 is within a third pre-defined range. In case the calculated distance is not within the third pre-defined range, the method moves to step 313, else 315. At step 315, the first control unit 106 reduces the speed of the land vehicle 104 to a third pre-defined speed. The third pre-defined speed is lesser than the second pre-defined speed. At step 316, when the distance between the approaching unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104 is within the third pre-defined range, the IR transmitters 112 emit IR signals at a second pre-defined intensity which is lesser than the first pre-defined intensity. As the second pre-defined intensity is lesser than the first pre-defined intensity, the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 approaches the landing area of the land vehicle 104 with more accuracy. At step 317, the first control unit 106 continues to measure the distance between the approaching unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104. At step 318, the first control unit 106 determines if the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is within a magnetic field of landing area. The magnetic field is produced upon activation of one or more magnetic plates 112 disposed on the landing area of the land vehicle 104 and activated when the distance between the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and land vehicle 104 is within the third pre-defined range. In case the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is not within the magnetic field of the magnetic plates 112 disposed on the landing area of the land vehicle 104, the method moves to step 317, else step 319. Ats step 319, the magnetic field/force will aid in precision landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 on the landing area of the land vehicle 104.
[042] Figure 4 illustrates a plurality of pre-defined ranges, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[043] At range 4, as shown in Figure 4, the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is in a flight mode and the first control unit 106 disposed in the land vehicle 104 transmits a request to the second control unit 108 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 to change the mode of vehicle from a flight mode to the safe landing mode. Upon selection of the safe landing mode, the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 starts approaching the land vehicle 104 and the one or more sensors such as GPS sensors 116 disposed in the land vehicle 104 calculates a distance between the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104. When the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is at a distance which is within a first pre-defined range (marked as Range 3), the first control unit 106 reduces the speed of the land vehicle 104 to a first pre-defined speed. When the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is at a distance which is within a second pre-defined range (marked as Range 2), the speed of the land vehicle 104 is reduced to a second pre-defined speed which is lesser than the first pre-defined speed. When the distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 from the land vehicle 104 is within the second pre-defined range, the first control unit 106 also activates the one or more IR transmitters 112 disposed on the landing area of land vehicle 104. When the distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 from the land vehicle 104 is within the second pre-defined range, the IR transmitters 112 emit IR radiations with a first pre-defined intensity to direct the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 in a direction towards the landing area of the land vehicle 104.
[044] When the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is at a distance which is within a third pre-defined range (marked as Range 1), the speed of the land vehicle 104 is reduced to a third pre-defined speed which is lesser than the second pre-defined speed. When the distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 from the land vehicle 104 is within the third pre-defined range, the first control unit 106 instructs the one or more IR transmitters 112 disposed on the landing area of land vehicle 104 to emit IR radiations with a second pre-defined intensity. The second pre-defined intensity is lesser than the first pre-defined intensity which helps the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 to approach the landing area of land vehicle 104 with more accuracy. When the distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 from the land vehicle 104 is within the third pre-defined range, the first control unit 106 also activates one or more magnetic plates 112 disposed on the landing area of the land vehicle 104 so that the magnetic field generated by the magnetic plates 112 attract the iron plates 114 disposed on a belly of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and results in precise landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 onto the landing area of the land vehicle 104.
[045] Figure 5a and Figure 5b illustrates intensity of infrared transmissions by an infrared transmitter 112 disposed on the land vehicle 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[046] Figure 5a illustrates the intensity of IR transmitters when the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 is in the third pre-defined range. This has been defined as second pre-defined intensity in the preceding paragraphs. Figure 5b illustrates the intensity of IR transmitters 112 when the vehicle is in a second pre-defined range. This has been defined as first pre-defined intensity in the preceding paragraphs. As can be clearly seen, the first pre-defined intensity shown in Figure 5b is greater than the second pre-defined intensity shown in Figure 5a.
[047] Figure 5c illustrates magnetic plates 112 disposed on the land vehicle 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5d illustrates iron plates 114 disposed on the unmanned aerial vehicle 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[048] As already stated in the preceding paragraphs, the landing area of the land vehicle 104 comprises one or more magnetic plates 112 and the one or more unmanned aerial vehicle 102 comprises one or more iron plates 114 or plates made of the material which can be attracted by a magnetic field. When the distance between the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and the land vehicle 104 is in the third pre-defined range, the one or more magnetic plates 112 are activated by the first control unit 106 to generate a magnetic field which will attract the iron plates 114 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 102 and leads to precise landing of unmanned aerial vehicle 102 on the landing area of the land vehicle 104.
[049] It is to be understood that typical hardware configuration of the first control unit 106 and the second control unit 108 disclosed in the present invention can include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the first control unit 106 and the second control unit 108 to perform the above-disclosed method.
[050] Each of the first control unit 106 and the second control unit 108 may include a processor which may be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. The processor may be one or more general processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed devices for analysing and processing data. The processor may implement a software program, such as code generated manually i.e. programmed.
[051] Each of the first control unit 106 and the second control unit 108 comprises a storage unit. The storage unit may include a memory. The memory may be a main memory, a static memory, or a dynamic memory. The memory may include, but is not limited to computer readable storage media such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media, including but not limited to random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media and the like. The memory is operable to store instructions executable by the processor. The functions, acts or tasks illustrated in the figures or described may be performed by the programmed processor executing the instructions stored in the memory.
[052] Each of the first control unit 106 and the second control unit 108 may also include a disk or optical drive unit. The disk drive unit may include a computer-readable medium in which one or more sets of instructions, e.g. software, can be embedded. Further, the instructions may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described. In a particular example, the instructions may reside completely, or at least partially, within the memory or within the processor during execution by the telematics unit. The memory and the processor also may include computer-readable media as discussed above. The present invention contemplates a computer-readable medium that includes instructions or receives and executes instructions responsive to a propagated signal so that a device connected to a network can communicate data over the network. Further, the instructions may be transmitted or received over the network. The network include wireless networks, Ethernet AVB networks, or combinations thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network. Further, the network may be a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later developed.
[053] Each of the first control unit 106 and the second control unit 108 may accept incoming content and send content to connected components via a communication channel such as Controller Area Network (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN) and Bluetooth.
[054] The claimed features/method steps of the present invention as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed features/steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the technical problem of unsafe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle onto a moving land vehicle is solved by present invention.
[055] The present is reliable and cost effective and does not use high end technologies such as real-time kinematics, sensor fusion etc. for safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle onto the moving land vehicle.
[056] In the present invention, the unmanned aerial vehicle is landed on a moving vehicle. Therefore, the land vehicle is not required to stop for the landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle.
[057] In the present invention, no manual intervention is required for the safe landing of unmanned aerial vehicle on the moving vehicle.
[058] In the present invention, the first control unit and the second control unit are in continuous communication with each. This synchronous communication ensures that the driver can focus on riding/driving while the unmanned aerial vehicle can automatically land on the land vehicle.
[059] Further, the present invention also has several applications. If a driver/rider is lost or wants to investigate the road up ahead, they can use the unmanned aerial vehicle to check out the terrain ahead.
[060] The vehicle-assisted unmanned aerial vehicle can be used to monitor and to enhance early warning systems.
[061] The present invention can be utilized for capturing dynamic aerial shots. The unmanned aerial vehicle is generally equipped with capturing devices to capture image and/or videos. It is easy to capture moving subjects effectively using unmanned aerial vehicle. During the road-trips the riders/drivers can enjoy the views instead of engaging their minds in the safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle.
[062] The present invention can be used in the large road events with bigger population where safe landing of unmanned aerial vehicle is a challenge. It will be convenient to enhance the situational awareness and to manage the event.
[063] Vehicle assisted unmanned aerial vehicles can be used in the regions with adverse weather conditions. It will be helpful for surveillance purpose, especially on the country borders where the riders can concentrate on their safety instead of worrying about landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle.
[064] The vehicle assisted unmanned aerial vehicles may be also used for logistics. Herein, the vehicle may enable landing of a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicle. In an example, the vehicle assisted unmanned aerial vehicle may be used to deliver parcels (food delivery, courier delivery, etc.) to several persons residing at different nearby locations. Herein, the vehicle may move to a first location along a main road. The first location may be a centre point from the different nearby locations where the parcels may need to be delivered. First location may also be a location that may be a point on a main lane. Upon moving to the first location, the plurality of drones may be enabled in tracking mode and may be provided instruction to the deliver the parcels.
[065] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
100- system
102- unmanned aerial vehicle
104- land vehicle
106- first control unit of land vehicle
108- second control unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle
110- infrared transmitters
112- magnetic plates
114- iron plates
116- GPS sensors , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for assisting landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle (102) onto a land vehicle (104), the system (100) comprising:
a first control unit (106), the first control unit (106) disposed in the land vehicle (104);
a second control unit (108), the second control unit (108) disposed in the unmanned aerial vehicle (102);
the first control unit (106) communicatively coupled to the second control unit (108), the first control unit (106) configured to:
detect a mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102);
transmit, upon detection of the mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) being other than a safe landing mode, a request to the second control unit (108) for switching the mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle to the safe landing mode.
determine, upon the mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) being the safe landing mode, a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) from the land vehicle (104);
perform, based upon the distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) from the land vehicle (104), one or more pre-defined operations for safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) onto the land vehicle (104).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more pre-defined operations comprises at least one of:
reducing speed of the land vehicle (104) to a first pre-defined speed upon detection of a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) from the land vehicle (104) being in a first pre-defined range;
reducing speed of the land vehicle (104) to a second pre-defined speed upon detection of a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) from the land vehicle (104) being in a second pre-defined range;
instructing, when the speed of the land vehicle (104) being in the second pre-defined range, one or more infrared transmitters (110) disposed on a landing area of the land vehicle to transmit infrared radiations of a first pre-defined intensity;
reducing the speed of the land vehicle (104) to a third pre-defined speed upon detection of a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) from the land vehicle (104) being in a third pre-defined range;
instructing, when the speed of the land vehicle being in third pre-defined range, the one or more infrared transmitters (110) to transmit infrared radiations of a second pre-defined intensity;
activating, when the speed of the land vehicle (104) being in third pre-defined range, one or more magnetic plates (112) provided on the landing area of the land vehicle to generate a magnetic field for attracting one or more iron plates (114) disposed on the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) for safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) onto the landing area of the land vehicle (104).

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the distance in the first pre-defined range being greater than the distance in the second pre-defined range and the distance in the second pre-defined range being greater than the distance in the third pre-defined range.

4. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first pre-defined speed being greater than the second pre-defined speed and the second pre-defined speed being greater than the third pre-defined speed.

5. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first pre-defined intensity being greater than the second pre-defined intensity.

6. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the landing area of the land vehicle (104) comprises one or more locking mechanisms adapted to lock the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) onto the landing area of the land vehicle (104).

7. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the landing area of the land vehicle (104) comprises one or more charging units configured to charge the unmanned aerial vehicle (102).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein pairing of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) with the land vehicle (104) being based on a pattern of infrared radiations transmitted by the one or more infrared transmitters (110).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprising one or more GPS sensors (116) disposed in the land vehicle (104), the GPS sensors (116) configured to detect distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) from the land vehicle (104) in the first pre-defined range.

10. A method for assisting landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle (102) onto a land vehicle (104), the method comprising:
detecting, by a first control unit (106) disposed in the land vehicle (104) and communicatively coupled to a second control unit (108) disposed in the unmanned aerial vehicle (102), a mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102);
transmitting, by the first control unit (106) upon detection of the mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle being other than a safe landing mode, a request to the second control unit (108) for switching mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) to the safe landing mode;
determining, upon the mode of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) being the safe landing mode, a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) from the land vehicle (104);
performing, based upon the distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) from the land vehicle (104), a plurality of pre-defined operations for safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) onto the land vehicle (104).

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the one or more pre-defined operations comprises at least one of:
reducing speed of the land vehicle (104) to a first pre-defined speed upon detection of a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) from the land vehicle being in a first pre-defined range;
reducing speed of the land vehicle (104) to a second pre-defined speed upon detection of a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) from the land vehicle (104) being in a second pre-defined range;
instructing, when the speed of the land vehicle (104) being in the second pre-defined range, one or more infrared transmitters (110) disposed on a landing area of the land vehicle (104) to transmit infrared radiations of a first pre-defined intensity;
reducing the speed of the land vehicle (104) to a third pre-defined speed upon detection of a distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) from the land vehicle (104) being in a third pre-defined range;
instructing, when the speed of the land vehicle (104) being in third pre-defined range, the one or more infrared transmitter (110) to transmit infrared radiations of a second pre-defined intensity;
activating, when the speed of the land vehicle (104) being in third pre-defined range, one or more magnetic plates (112) provided on the landing area of the land vehicle (104) to generate a magnetic field for attracting one or more iron plates (114) disposed on the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) for safe landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) onto the landing area (104) of the land vehicle (104).

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first pre-defined range being greater than the second pre-defined range and the second pre-defined range being greater than the third pre-defined range.

13. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first pre-defined speed being greater than the second pre-defined speed and the second pre-defined speed being greater than the third pre-defined speed.

14. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first pre-defined intensity being greater than the second pre-defined intensity.

15. The method as claimed in claim 10, comprising:
locking, by one or more locking mechanisms, the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) onto the landing area of the land vehicle (104).

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, comprising:
charging, by one or more charging mechanisms, the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) locked onto the landing area of the land vehicle (104).

17. The method as claimed in claim 10, comprising:
transmitting, by the one or more infrared transmitters (110), radiations having a pre-defined pattern for pairing of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) with the land vehicle (104).

18. The method as claimed in claim 11, comprising:
detecting, by one or more GPS sensors (116) disposed in the vehicle, distance of the unmanned aerial vehicle (102) from the land vehicle (104) in the first pre-defined range.
Dated this 12th day of March 2024
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471