System and method for remote driver communication via ground-based communication gateway device

Abstract

Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for facilitating remote user airspace communications are disclosed. For example, a method can include connecting with a user device associated with and remote from a first vehicle located in a shared air traffic control sector, receiving voice communication data from at least one of the user device, a second vehicle located in the shared air traffic control sector, and an air traffic control station located in the shared air traffic control sector, generating analog data or digital data based on the received voice communication data, determining a recipient of the generated analog data or the generated digital data in the shared air traffic control sector, transmitting the generated analog data or the generated digital data to the recipient, and terminating the connection with the user device as the first vehicle exits the shared air traffic control sector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for communications between remote pilots and air traffic control and / or other air vehicles, and more particularly to systems and methods for enabling remote pilot communications via a ground-based communication gateway device. Background Art

[0002] As the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industry expands, UAM vehicles will begin to occupy airspace previously occupied by commercial air transport and general aviation aircraft. Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is an aviation industry term for on-demand passenger or cargo air transport services, typically flown without a pilot on board (e.g., remotely operated). When operating a vehicle in controlled airspace and flying under instrument flight rules, a remote pilot may be used to maintain continuous, or at least near-continuous, two-way voice communication with air traffic control in order to comply with certain aviation regulations. Continuous voice communication between other vehicles in the same air traffic control sector and air traffic control (such as manned vehicles) is also important for all parties within the same air traffic control sector to provide situational awareness.

[0003] Conventional methods for voice communications between remotely controlled UAM vehicles and air traffic control and other vehicles within the same air traffic control sector include air-to-ground very high frequency (VHF) radios or other means, such as via satellite, ground relays, data links, and internet-based systems. For example, a radio (e.g., a VHF radio) for exchanging voice communication data with other radios in the air traffic control sector (e.g., air traffic control radios or manned aircraft radios) may be installed onboard a remotely piloted UAM vehicle, and the UAM vehicle may be configured to communicate with a remote pilot at a ground station. However, such methods for voice communications may result in communication delays, communication losses (e.g., communication failures), radio channel congestion, poor reception and / or transmission quality, communication errors, and excessive bandwidth utilization.

[0004] Furthermore, existing methods and systems for voice communications may involve the remote pilot performing tasks that divert their attention from operating the UAM vehicle, such as manually tuning the radio to the appropriate frequency each time the UAM vehicle enters a different air traffic control sector.

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more of the challenges described above. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for facilitating airspace communications for remote users.

[0007] For example, a method may include: establishing a connection between a user device associated with and away from the first vehicle and a first ground communication device from a plurality of connected ground communication devices when a flight path of the first vehicle is near a first ground communication device and a first air traffic control sector radio including the first ground communication device and a first air traffic control sector radio interacting with the first ground communication device; receiving, by the first ground communication device, voice communication data in the form of digital data or analog data from the user device associated with the first vehicle, a second vehicle tuned to the first air traffic control sector radio, and an air traffic control station located in the first air traffic control sector; receiving, by the first ground communication device, voice communication data in the form of digital data or analog data from at least one of the user device associated with the first vehicle, a second vehicle tuned to the first air traffic control sector radio, and an air traffic control station located in the first air traffic control sector; and receiving, by the first ground communication device, voice communication data in the form of digital data or analog data based on data from the user device and / or the second vehicle and / or the air traffic control station located in the first air traffic control sector. generating analog data or digital data from received voice communication data received by a first air traffic control station in an air traffic control sector; determining a recipient of the analog data or digital data by a first ground communication device; transmitting the generated analog data or the generated digital data from the first ground communication device to the recipient; terminating a connection between a user device and the first ground communication device when the first vehicle approaches a second air traffic control sector, the second air traffic control sector including a second ground communication device from a plurality of connected ground communication devices and a second air traffic control sector radio interacting with the second ground communication device; and establishing a connection between the user device and the second ground communication device when the flight path of the first vehicle is near the second ground communication device and the second air traffic control sector.

[0008] A system may include: a user device associated with and remote from a vehicle; at least one air traffic control sector radio located in at least one air traffic control sector including a ground communication device connected to a plurality of connected ground communication devices, the at least one air traffic control sector radio interacting with the ground communication device; and at least one ground communication device connected to the plurality of connected ground communication devices. The user device may be configured to: establish a connection with a ground communication device from the plurality of connected ground communication devices located in the air traffic control sector when a flight path of the vehicle is near the ground communication device; transmit analog data or digital data to the ground communication device selected from the plurality of connected ground communication devices upon establishing the connection between the user device and the ground communication device; receive analog data or digital data from the ground communication device selected from the plurality of connected ground communication devices upon establishing the connection between the user device and the ground communication device; and switch the connection from the ground communication device to a different ground communication device from the plurality of connected ground communication devices when the flight path of the vehicle is near the different ground communication devices, the multiple connected ground communication devices being located in different air traffic control sectors. Each ground communication device can be configured to: connect with a user device associated with and away from the vehicle when the flight path of the vehicle is near the ground communication device; receive voice communication data from the user device associated with the vehicle, a second vehicle tuned to an air traffic control sector radio that interacts with the ground communication device, and at least one of an air traffic control station near the ground communication device; generate analog data or digital data based on the received voice communication data; and transmit the generated analog data or digital data to at least one of the user device, the second vehicle, and the air traffic control station near the ground communication device.

[0009] A non-transitory computer-readable medium may store instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method. The method may include: connecting with a user device associated with and away from a first vehicle located in a shared air traffic control sector; receiving voice communication data in the form of digital data or analog data from at least one of the user device associated with the first vehicle, a second vehicle located in the shared air traffic control sector, and an air traffic control station located in the shared air traffic control sector; generating analog data or digital data based on the received communication data; determining a recipient of the generated analog data or generated digital data in the shared air traffic control sector; transmitting the generated analog data or generated digital data to the recipient; and terminating the connection with the user device as the first vehicle leaves the shared air traffic control sector.

[0010] Additional objects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments.

[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.

[0013] Figure 1 An exemplary environment is shown in which the methods, systems, and other aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0014] Figure 2 An exemplary system according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0015] Figure 3 Another example system is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0016] Figure 4 An exemplary block diagram of a method for facilitating airspace communications for remote users according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0017] Figure 5 An exemplary system is shown that can perform the techniques presented herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to systems and methods for facilitating airspace communications for remote users.

[0019] Generally speaking, various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for communication between a remote pilot and air traffic control and / or other air vehicles, and more specifically, to systems and methods for enabling remote pilot communication via a ground-based communication gateway device. Specifically, a connection may be established between a user device and a first ground communication device when a flight path of a first vehicle is within the vicinity of a first ground communication and a first air traffic control sector. The user device may be associated with and removed from the first vehicle. The first ground communication device may be selected from a plurality of connected ground communication devices, and the first air traffic control sector may include the first ground communication device and a first air traffic control sector radio that interacts with the first ground communication device. The method may also include: receiving, by the first ground communication device, communication data in the form of analog data or digital data from at least one of a user device associated with the first vehicle, a second vehicle tuned to the radio of the first air traffic control sector, and an air traffic control station located in the first air traffic control sector; generating, by the first ground communication device, analog data or digital data based on the received communication data; determining, by the first ground communication device, a recipient of the analog data or digital data; and transmitting the generated analog data or the generated digital data from the first ground communication device to the recipient.

[0020] In addition, the method may include: terminating a connection between the user device and the first ground communication device when the first vehicle approaches a second air traffic control sector, the second air traffic control sector including a second ground communication device from a plurality of connected ground communication devices and a second air traffic control sector radio interacting with the second ground communication device; and establishing a connection between the user device and the second ground communication device when the flight path of the first vehicle is near the second ground communication device and the second air traffic control sector.

[0021] The first ground communication device and each ground communication device from a plurality of connected ground communication devices can be used as a gateway, and this gateway bridges the communication between the remote pilot of operating a vehicle (e.g., UAM vehicle) in the air traffic control sector identical with other vehicles and in which the air traffic control sector radio is located. Each ground communication device can be configured to interact with the air traffic control sector radio. For the purpose of this disclosure, the air traffic control sector radio (e.g., the first air traffic control sector radio) located in the air traffic control sector (e.g., the first air traffic control sector radio) can be used for receiving communication data (e.g., analog data or digital data) from other vehicles (e.g., the second vehicle) in the air traffic control sector and / or from the air traffic control station in the air traffic control sector. The received communication data can be transmitted to the ground communication device (e.g., the first ground communication) from the air traffic control sector radio, and the ground communication device can transmit the communication data to the user equipment after processing the communication data. In addition to transmitting communication data to the ground communication device, the air traffic control sector radio can also receive communication data from the user equipment by the ground communication device. Therefore, communication data from other vehicles and / or air traffic control located within the air traffic control sector can be transmitted to the remote user device via the ground communication (gateway) equipment located within the air traffic control sector, and communication data from the remote user device can be transmitted to other vehicles and / or air traffic control located within the air traffic control sector via the ground communication (gateway) equipment that interacts with the air traffic control sector radio.

[0022] The present disclosure may utilize a system that allows a user device associated with and away from a vehicle to switch a connection with a ground communication device from a plurality of connected ground communication devices each time the vehicle enters a different air traffic control sector containing one of the ground communication device and an air traffic control station. Switching a connection with the ground communication device from the plurality of connected ground communication devices may include disconnecting an existing connection with the ground communication device and establishing a new connection with a different ground communication device. In some examples, at least one other vehicle (e.g., an air vehicle or aircraft) may be present in each air traffic control sector.

[0023] For example, the system of the present disclosure may include a remote user device associated with a vehicle. The (remote) user device may be configured to establish a connection with one of a plurality of connected ground communication devices located in an air traffic control sector when the flight path of the vehicle is near the ground communication device; once a connection is established between the user device and the ground communication device, transmit analog data or digital data to one of the ground communication devices selected from the plurality of connected ground communication devices; once a connection is established between the user device and the ground communication device, receive analog data or digital data from one of the ground communication devices selected from the plurality of connected ground communication devices; and when the flight path of the vehicle is near different ground communication devices, switch the connection with one of the plurality of connected ground communication devices to a connection with a different ground communication device from the plurality of connected ground communication devices, the plurality of connected ground communication devices being located in different air traffic control sectors. In some examples, the user device may be configured to automatically switch the connection with the ground communication device without user intervention. In other examples, the user device may be configured to semi-automatically switch the connection with the ground communication device.

[0024] The system may also include at least one air traffic control sector radio located in at least one air traffic control sector including a ground communication device connected to a plurality of connected ground communication devices. The at least one air traffic control sector radio may interact with the ground communication device. In some embodiments, the at least one air traffic control sector radio may be configured to: receive voice communication data from an air traffic control station and / or a second vehicle tuned to the air traffic control sector radio; transmit the voice communication data received from the air traffic control station and / or the second vehicle to the ground communication device interacting with the air traffic control sector radio; and receive voice communication data from the ground communication device interacting with the air traffic control sector radio; and transmit the voice communication data received from the ground communication device to the air traffic control station and / or the second vehicle, wherein the ground communication device receives the voice communication data from the user device and transmits the voice communication data to the user device. In at least one embodiment, at least one air traffic control sector radio may be further configured to link an inhibition line between the air traffic control sector radio and other radios located in the same air traffic control sector, wherein an inhibition signal is generated when the air traffic control sector radio transmits voice communication data or when one of the other radios transmits voice communication data.

[0025] The system of the present disclosure can also include at least one ground communication device connected with the plurality of connected ground communication devices. Each ground communication device can be configured to connect with a user device associated with and remote from the vehicle when a flight path of the vehicle is in proximity to the ground communication device, receive voice communication data from at least one of the user device, a second vehicle tuned to an air traffic control sector radio interacting with the ground communication device, and an air traffic control station in proximity to the ground communication device, generate analog or digital data based on the received voice communication data, and transmit the generated analog or digital data to at least one of the user device, the second vehicle, and the air traffic control station in proximity to the ground communication device. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of connected ground communication devices can form a scalable network infrastructure capable of data communication between any nodes within the network. In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one ground communication device can be further configured to command an air traffic control sector radio interacting with the ground communication device to enter a transmit mode and / or command an air traffic control sector radio interacting with the ground communication device to enter a receive mode.

[0026] Accordingly, the system and method of the present disclosure enable continuous or at least near-continuous two-way communication between a remote user (e.g., a remote pilot) operating a vehicle and air traffic control and other vehicles sharing an air traffic control sector by providing a single channel for receiving and transmitting communication data (e.g., analog and digital data) for all entities within the same air traffic control sector. Allowing a user device associated with and remote from the vehicle to switch connections with one ground communication device selected from a plurality of connected ground communication devices (e.g., an ad hoc network) each time the vehicle enters a different air traffic control sector can help ensure continuous voice communication between the remote pilot and air traffic control and other vehicles in the air traffic control sector throughout the entire flight of the remote pilot. Not only does the present disclosure enable continuous or at least near-continuous communication, but the system, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium of the present disclosure can also enable the remote pilot to focus on other aspects of operating the vehicle rather than manually tuning a radio each time a new air traffic control sector is entered. Furthermore, the system and method of the present disclosure can help preserve bandwidth of a data link between the vehicle and the remote pilot at a ground station as the remote pilot will be able to communicate with air traffic control and / or other vehicles through the ground communication (gateway) device.

[0027] Although the present disclosure describes systems and methods with reference to UAM vehicles, it should be understood that the present systems and methods are also applicable to the management of other types of vehicles, including those of aircraft, drones, cars, ships, spacecraft, or any other unmanned, autonomous, and / or internet-connected vehicles. Furthermore, for the purposes of this disclosure, the term "RPA" for remotely piloted aircraft and the term "UAM vehicle" for urban air mobility vehicles are used interchangeably.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 An exemplary environment in which the methods, systems, and other aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown. Figure 1 The following illustrates an exemplary environment of an air traffic control sector or controlled airspace in which various forms of data (e.g., communication data, surveillance data, etc.) are exchanged (i.e., transmitted and / or received) between air traffic control (ATC), remote pilots operating UAM vehicles, and other air vehicles. Figure 1 Conventional routes for transmitting and receiving data in controlled airspace may be depicted, but transmitting and receiving data (including communication data) in controlled airspace according to embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted as follows. Figure 2 shown. Figure 1 shows the types of data transmitted in the air traffic control sector and the possible transmitters and receivers, while Figure 2 An exemplary system according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 A more detailed description of a system that facilitates airspace communications for remote users is further provided.

[0029] Figure 1 The environment of FIG100 may include airspace 100, a remote pilot 102, and an air traffic control station (ATC) 106. Remote pilot 102 may be located at a ground station or any other facility or center on the ground and may be equipped for remotely operating a vehicle, such as a UAM vehicle or aircraft. For example, remote pilot 102 may operate a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) 108. RPA 108 may travel through airspace 100 under the control / navigation of remote pilot 102. Other aircraft (other A / Cs) 110 may also travel through airspace 100 and may be in the vicinity of RPA 108.

[0030] The airspace 100 may be controlled airspace. An ATC 106 located on the ground may guide and / or provide guidance to RPAs 108 and other A / Cs 110 as they travel through the controlled airspace 100. For example, the ATC 106 may be a control tower located on the ground and may serve as a location for air traffic controllers, air traffic control specialists, and any other personnel responsible for air traffic flow and related matters. The ATC 106 may be located below a designated portion of the airspace 100, and the air traffic controllers therein may provide support and assistance to the designated or assigned portion of the airspace 100. The ATC 106 may control Figure 1 106, which makes the airspace 100 shown as controlled airspace. In some embodiments, the environment surrounding and including ATC 106, including (controlled) airspace 100, RPA 108 and other A / C 110, can be considered an air traffic control sector.

[0031] Figure 1 Also shown are various forms of communication that may exist and may be necessary in the above exemplary environment. For example, Figure 1 An exemplary environment for exchanging voice communication data between a vehicle and air traffic control in an air traffic control sector is shown. As shown, voice communication data 112 may be exchanged between a remote pilot 102 and air traffic control (ATC) 106, with transmission and / or reception of communication data 112 occurring on the ground. The radio may be located on an onboard RPA 108. Voice communication data 122B may also be exchanged between the remote pilot 102 and ATC 106 via the RPA 108 exchanging voice communication data 122A with the remote pilot 102. Furthermore, voice communication data 122C may be exchanged between the remote pilot 102 and other air traffic controllers 110 via the RPA 108 exchanging voice communication data 122A with the remote pilot 102. Voice communication data 122D may be exchanged between the other air traffic controllers 110 and ATC 106.

[0032] Figure 1 The voice communication data (e.g., 112, 122A, 122B, 122C, and 122D) in the environment may be in the form of analog data or digital data. Figure 1The satellite 104 may transmit navaid input 114A or navigation data to the RPA 108, and the RPA 108 may transmit navaid input 114B to the remote pilot 102. The navaid input 114B may help the remote pilot 102 navigate the RPA 108. The remote pilot 102 may transmit aeronautical data 118 to the RPA 108. In addition to receiving aeronautical data 118, the RPA 108 may also transmit aeronautical data 118 to the remote pilot 102. The RPA 108 may also transmit surveillance data 120A to the remote pilot 102. Data such as navaid input 114B, aeronautical data 118, and surveillance data 120A may be exchanged between the RPA 108 and the remote pilot 102 via a communication data link 116. The communication data link 116 may be a command and control (C2) link that serves as a data link between the RPA 108 and the remote pilot 102 at a ground control station.

[0033] In addition, the RPA 108 may transmit monitoring data 120C to and receive monitoring data 120C from other A / cs 110. The RPA 108 may transmit monitoring data 120B to and receive monitoring data 120B from the ATC 106. In addition, the ATC 106 may transmit monitoring data 120D to and receive monitoring data 120D from other A / cs 110.

[0034] Figure 1 The exemplary environment may be configured for at least one of satellite communications (SATCOM), very high frequency (VHF) communications, ultra high frequency (UHF) communications, high frequency (HF) communications, or any other suitable communication technology.

[0035] Figure 2 An exemplary system according to one or more embodiments is shown. Figure 2 The illustrated system 200 may represent an exemplary system for facilitating remote pilot communications within controlled airspace of an air traffic control sector. The system 200 may include a remote pilot 102, a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) 108 operated by the remote pilot 102, an air traffic control station (ATC) 106, and a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) 108 operated by the remote pilot 102. Figure 1other A / Cs 110 described in the environment of FIG. 1. Also shown in the system 200 is a remote pilot communication device (RPCD) 210, an ATC voice gateway device (AVGW) 220, and a VHF radio 230. The three main components for facilitating remote pilot airspace communications in the system 200 are the RPCD 210, the AVGW 220, and the VHF radio 230. According to the present disclosure, the RPCD 210 can allow the remote pilot 102 to communicate with the ATC 106 and the other A / Cs 110 through the ground communication device, the AVGW 220. The VHF radio 230 can allow the ATC 106 and the other A / Cs 110 to communicate with the remote pilot 102 through the ground communication device, the AVGW 220.

[0036] The RPCD 210 can function as a user device that the remote pilot 102 can use to communicate with the ATC 106 and the other A / Cs 110 through the AVGW 220. Suitable user devices for use in the present disclosure can include: a desktop computer; a mobile computer (e.g., a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a netbook computer); a smart phone; a wearable computing device (e.g., a smart watch); and the like. Moreover, suitable user devices according to the present disclosure can be a push-to-talk or push-to-transmit (PTT) device that allows half-duplex communication. In some embodiments, the RPCD 210 can be a smart phone. In other embodiments, the RPCD 210 can be a desktop computer or a mobile computer used by the remote pilot 102 at a ground station. For example, the RPCD 210 can include a speaker and a microphone. In some examples, the RPCD 210 can include a headset having a speaker and a microphone. The microphone can be directly or indirectly connected to the RPCD 210. The RPCD 210 including the microphone can receive audio from the remote pilot 102, convert the audio to an analog or digital signal, and transmit the analog or digital signal to the AVGW 220.

[0037] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the remote pilot 102 can use the RPCD 210 to communicate with the ATC 106 and the other A / Cs 110 via the AVGW 220 that interacts with the VHF radio 230. For example, the remote pilot 102 can speak into the microphone of the RPCD 210. As shown, voice communication data 222A in the form of speech input can be provided from the remote pilot 102 to the RPCD 210. The RPCD 210 can convert the remote pilot's speech input into digital or digitized data. In some examples, the digital data can be in the form of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) data. The voice communication data 222B, which can be in the form of digital data, can be transmitted from the RPCD 210 to the AVGW 220 via a data link. Figure 2

[0038] ​The RPCD 210 may also be configured to convert received digital data into analog voice. For example, the RPCD 210 may receive voice communication data 222B, which may be in the form of digital data, from the AVGW 220 via a data link. The RPCD 210 may convert the digital data into analog voice data and output a voice message via a speaker for the remote driver 102 to hear. In some embodiments, the RPCD 210 may also include a display and may be configured to convert the voice communication data 222B received from the AVGW 220 into printed text and display the printed text on the display.

[0039] In order to transmit communication data 222B between the RPCD 210 and the AVGW 220, wherein the RPCD 210 can transmit voice communication data to the AVGW 220 and receive voice communication data from the AVGW 220, the RPCD 210 can be configured to connect to the AVGW 220. Thus, when the RPA 108 operated by the remote pilot 102 is in the vicinity of the AVGW 220, the RPCD 210 can be configured to establish a connection with the AVGW 220. For example, when the RPA 108 is within controlled airspace (i.e., an air traffic control sector) that includes the ATC 106, the AVGW 220, the VHF radio 230, and other A / Cs 110, the RPCD 210 can connect to the AVGW 220. The RPCD 210 can be programmed to automatically connect to the AVGW 220 based on the geographic location of the RPA 108.

[0040] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the RPCD 210 may also present and display a user interface (e.g., a graphical user interface). The user interface may be configured to display a pop-up list generated from a database that stores information about ground communications, ATC gateway devices (AVGWs) in other nearby air traffic control sectors. For example, the list may display the name and corresponding location information of the AVGW within the air traffic control sector and the connectivity status of the AVGW (e.g., online or offline). In some examples, the AVGW list may also be displayed as a drop-down menu on the RPCD 210. The RPCD 210 may be further configured to include a button or any other mechanism that allows the remote pilot 102 to prompt a pop-up list to display the AVGW to be connected to. In some embodiments, the pop-up list configuration of the RPCD 210 may be used as an alternative to automatically connecting to the AVGW. Refer to the following Figure 3 A more detailed description of methods for automatically connecting an RPCD (eg, RPCD 210 ) and an AVGW (eg, AVGW 220 ) and semi-automatically connecting an RPCD and an AVGW according to the present disclosure is further provided.

[0041] The ATC Voice Gateway device (AVGW) 220 may serve as a gateway for all voice communications within the air traffic control sector of the system 200. Specifically, the AVGW 220 may act as a bridge between the RPCD 210 and the VHF radio 230. Figure 2 As shown, all voice communications within the air traffic control sector may pass through the AVGW 220. The AVGW 220 may be located on the ground and may be configured to interact with a VHF radio 230, also located on the ground. The AVGW 220 may be located near the ATC 106. For example, the AVGW 220 may be located near the ATC 106 so that it is within the coverage area of ​​the ATC 106 radio, but avoids radio frequency interference. Instead of exchanging voice communication data on an unmanned onboard RPA 108, the AVGW 220 may enable continuous and uninterrupted voice communication between the remote pilot 102 and the ATC 106 and other A / Cs 110, wherein the exchange of voice communication data occurs entirely on the ground.

[0042] AVGW 220 can exchange voice communication data 222B with RPCD 210. Voice communication data 222C can also be exchanged with VHF radio 230. Thus, voice communication data 222D and 222F provided by other A / Cs 110 and ATC 106, respectively, can be transmitted to RPCD 210 via AVGW 220, which interacts with VHF radio 230. AVGW 220 can be configured to convert received analog voice into digital data and vice versa. For example, if ATC 106 transmits analog voice data, AVGW 220 can convert the analog voice data received via VHF radio 230 into digital data. AVGW 220 can then transmit the digital data to RPCD 210.

[0043] The AVGW 220 may also be configured to control radio transmissions of the VHF radio 230. The AVGW 220 may be configured to command the VHF radio 230 to transmit voice communication data from the RPCD 210. The AVGW 220 may also be configured to command the VHF radio 230 to enter a receive mode. In some embodiments, when the remote pilot 102 uses the push-to-talk (PTT) function on the RPCD 210, the AVGW 220 may command the VHF radio 230 to transmit voice communications from the remote pilot 102 on the carrier frequency. For example, voice communication data 222B may be transmitted. When the push-to-talk or push-to-transmit functions of the RPCD 210 are not being used, the AVGW 220 may command the VHF radio 230 to enter a receive mode.

[0044] In addition to converting analog voice and digital data and controlling radio transmissions of the VHF radio 230, the AVGW 220 may also be configured to form a ground network of multiple connected AVGW devices across different air traffic control sectors. Figure 3 A more detailed description of the AVGW ground equipment network infrastructure is provided further below. In at least one embodiment, the AVGW 220 can also be configured to provide the status of all other AVGWs to which it is connected in various air traffic control sectors upon user request via the RPCD 210. For example, the AVGW 220 can provide whether another AVGW in a different air traffic control sector is online or offline.

[0045] The VHF radio 230 can function in the same manner as the onboard radio. According to the present disclosure, the VHF radio 230 can be located on the ground within an air traffic control sector and will be a different radio from the ATC 106 radio. The VHF radio 230 can be located within the system 200 (i.e., the same air traffic control sector as the ATC 106) in a location that does not cause interference with the ATC 106 radio. The VHF radio 230 can be configured to have the same performance and be tuned the same as the ATC 106 radio (e.g., frequency, transmit power level, and receive SQL).

[0046] As described above, the VHF radio 230 can be configured to interact with the AVGW 220. The interaction between the VHF radio 230 and the AVGW 220 can enable dual voice lines or two-way analog voice communications. Interaction with the AVGW 220 can also enable the VHF radio 230 to transmit when the remote pilot 102 uses the PTT function (e.g., a button or key) on the RPCD 210. Finally, interaction with the AVGW 220 can also enable a receiver activation line that provides the remote pilot 102 with active voice communications from the air, such as voice communications from other A / c 110 (e.g., 222D). Figure 2 As shown, voice communication data 222D may be exchanged with other A / Cs 110 via a VHF radio 230 interacting with the AVGW 220 , and voice communication data 222F may be exchanged with the ATC 106 via a VHF radio 230 interacting with the AVGW 220 .

[0047] In addition, the VHF radio 230 can be configured to route an inhibit line 224 to its peer ATC 106 radio. For example, the VHF radio 230 can be configured to have an inhibit line 224 linked between the VHF radio 230 and the ATC 106 radio. When the VHF radio 230 or the ATC 106 radio is transmitting, an inhibit signal (not shown) can be generated. In some embodiments, the signal (voltage) level of the inhibit line 224 (e.g., the inhibit signal) can change to reflect the "inhibit" state. A high voltage level can reflect an inactive inhibit state, while a low voltage level can reflect an active inhibit state. For example, when none of the radios or air traffic control sectors in the system 200 are transmitting (e.g., in receive mode), the inhibit line 224 can remain at a high voltage level. In other words, the inhibit signal (not shown) can be inactive. However, when a radio such as the VHF radio 230 is transmitting, the inhibit signal will become active. The inhibit line 224 can be at a low voltage level so that the ATC 106 radio cannot transmit. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that generating an inhibition signal between the VHF radio 230 and the ATC 106 radio may prevent hardware failures and unwanted interference.

[0048] Although the system 200 includes a VHF radio 230, other radios such as a high frequency (HF) radio or a UHF radio may also be used in a system according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 As described in the environment of FIG, other forms of data depicted in system 200, such as surveillance data, may be exchanged between the remote pilot 102, other A / Cs 110, and ATC 106.

[0049] Figure 3 Another exemplary system according to the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, system 300 may represent an expansion of system 200 described above. System 300 may include multiple air traffic control sectors. For example, system 300 includes ATC sector #1, ATC sector #2, and ATC sector #3. ATC sector #1 includes VHF radio 330, AVGW 328, ATC 326, and other A / Cs 324. ATC sector #2 includes VHF radio 308, AVGW 310, ATC 312, and other A / Cs 314. ATC sector #3 includes VHF radio 320, AVGW 322, ATC 318, and other A / Cs 316.

[0050] Each ATC voice gateway device in system 300 (including AVGW 310, AVGW 322, and AVGW 328) can be located on the ground within an air traffic control sector and can interact with a corresponding VHF radio. Figure 3As shown, each AVGW can be connected via ground network infrastructure. For example, AVGW 310, AVGW 322, and AVGW 328 form an ad hoc network. The ad hoc network of system 300 includes node 302, node 304, and node 306. Node 302 includes ATC sector #2, node 304 includes ATC sector #3, and node 306 includes ATC sector #1. The ad hoc network formed by the connections between AVGW 310, AVGW 322, and AVGW 328 can enable data communication, including voice communication, between any nodes within the network.

[0051] In addition, the self-organizing network formed in the system 300 can allow remote pilots 102 using a remote pilot communication device or RPCD as described above (e.g., RPCD 210) to join the self-organizing network as different types of nodes. Once the remote pilot 102 joins the self-organizing network via the RPCD 210, the RPCD 210 can establish a link or connection to any AVGW node in the system 300. In some examples, the network infrastructure can be the Internet or a private network. In addition, the self-organizing network formed can be dynamic and scalable.

[0052] Figure 3 Also shown is the flight path of the RPA 108 operated by the remote pilot 102. The RPA 108 is shown leaving ATC sector #2 (node ​​302) and entering ATC sector #1 (node ​​306). When the RPA 108 enters ATC sector #1, the remote pilot 102 can establish a connection with the AVGW 328 in node 306 via the RPCD 210, and can terminate or disconnect the connection with the AVGW 310 in node 302. The system 300 allows the remote pilot 102 to switch connections between the AVGW 310, AVGW 322, and AVGW 328 using the RPCD 210. According to the present disclosure, the switching can occur automatically or semi-automatically.

[0053] In some embodiments, the RPCD 210 used by the remote pilot 102 can automatically switch AVGWs based on the current location (latitude / longitude / altitude) of the RPA 108. Real-time position data of a UAM vehicle such as the RPA 108 can be obtained via a C2 link (e.g., the communication data link 116) and transmitted to a remote pilot (such as the remote pilot 102) at a ground station. In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a remote user device such as the RPCD 210 can be configured to interact with a computer located at the remote pilot's ground station and obtain position data. As described above, the RPCD 210 can be configured to store a database including information related to each connected AVGW in different air traffic control sectors. The RPCD 210 is capable of performing calculations to determine when the RPA 108 will enter ATC sector #1. The calculation can be based on parameters such as the position data and speed trend of the RPA 108. When the RPCD 210 determines that the RPA 108 will enter a new ATC sector (eg, ATC sector #1) within a predetermined threshold, the RPCD 210 may automatically switch to a new AVGW selected from the database.

[0054] For example, when the RPCD 210 determines that the RPA 108 will enter ATC sector #1, the corresponding AVGW for ATC sector #1 (e.g., AVGW 328) will be automatically selected. An exemplary predefined threshold duration for predicting or determining when the RPA 108 will enter a new ATC sector may be 1 minute or less before entering the new ATC sector. According to the present disclosure, the action of switching the connection between the remote pilot device (such as the RPCD 210) and the ground communication gateway device (such as the AVGW) involves disconnecting the active connection between the RPCD and the current AVGW and establishing a new connection with the AVGW in the next ATC sector. In some embodiments, disconnecting the active AVGW connection and establishing the new AVGW connection may occur simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. In other words, as the connection with the new ground communication device is established, the existing connection with the ground communication device will be terminated.

[0055] In other aspects of the present disclosure, switching the connection between the remote pilot communication device (e.g., RPCD 210) and the ground communication device (e.g., AVGW) can occur semi-automatically. Figure 2 As described above, the user interface of the RPCD 210 can be configured to display a pop-up list in the form of a drop-down menu generated from a database that stores information about ground communications and ATC gateway devices (AVGWs) in other nearby air traffic control sectors. In some embodiments, the pop-up list can also be generated and displayed on a computer at the ground station of the remote pilot 102 that interacts with the RPCD (e.g., RPCD 210).

[0056] When the handoff is a semi-automatic handoff, the remote pilot 102 may be prompted to select an AVGW, such as AVGW 328, from a pop-up list of AVGWs. For example, as the RPA 108 approaches the boundary between ATC sector #2 and ATC sector #1, the RPCD 210 may use parameters used in the automatic handoff implementation (including predefined thresholds based on position data and speed trends) to determine when the RPA 108 will enter the new ATC sector and display an alert and message for the remote pilot 102 to select the AVGW for the new ATC sector. In this scenario, the alert and message may prompt the remote pilot 102 to select the AVGW for ATC sector #1 (e.g., AVGW 328). In other examples, the remote pilot 102 may use the RPCD 210 to pull up a list of AVGWs to make a selection based on their own judgment as to when a handoff connection is needed or after receiving instructions (e.g., voice communication) from air traffic control to switch air traffic control sectors.

[0057] Figure 4 An exemplary block diagram of a method 400 is shown. The method 400 includes steps for facilitating airspace communications for remote users using the system described above.

[0058] Step 402 involves establishing a connection between a user device associated with and away from the first vehicle and a first ground communication device from a plurality of connected ground communication devices when a flight path of the first vehicle is in the vicinity of the first ground communication device and a first air traffic control sector including the first ground communication device and a first air traffic control sector radio interacting with the first ground communication device.

[0059] Step 404 involves receiving, by the first ground communication device, voice communication data in the form of digital data or analog data from at least one of a user device associated with the first vehicle, a second vehicle tuned to the first air traffic control sector radio, and an air traffic control station located in the first air traffic control sector.

[0060] Step 406 involves generating, by the first ground communication device, analog data or digital data based on received voice communication data received from the user device and / or the second vehicle and / or the air traffic control station located in the first air traffic control sector.

[0061] Step 408 involves determining, by the first ground communication device, a recipient for the analog data or digital data. In some embodiments, the first ground communication device may determine the recipient by commanding a first air traffic control sector radio (e.g., a VHF radio) to enter a transmit mode or a receive mode. Step 410 involves transmitting the generated analog data or generated digital data from the first ground communication device to the recipient.

[0062] Step 412 involves terminating a connection between the user device and the first ground communication device when the first vehicle approaches a second air traffic control sector, the second air traffic control sector including a second ground communication device from the plurality of connected ground communication devices and a second air traffic control sector radio interacting with the second ground communication device.

[0063] Step 414 involves establishing a connection between the user equipment and the second ground communication device when the flight path of the first vehicle is in proximity to the second ground communication device and the second air traffic control sector.

[0064] Figure 5 An exemplary system that can perform the techniques presented herein is shown. Specifically, Figure 5 The exemplary system shown may be used to implement the above-described techniques performed by a terrestrial communication gateway device (AVGW) and a remote customer device (RPCD). Figure 5 5 is a simplified functional block diagram of a computer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which computer may be configured to perform the technology described herein. Specifically, the computer (or "platform", because it may not be a single physical computer infrastructure) may include a data communication interface 560 for packet data communication. The platform may also include a central processing unit ("CPU") 520 in the form of one or more processors for executing program instructions. The platform may include an internal communication bus 510, and the platform may also include program storage devices and / or data storage devices for various data files to be processed and / or transmitted by the platform, such as ROM 530 and RAM 540, although the system 500 can receive programming and data via network communication. The system 500 may also include input and output ports 550 to be connected to input and output devices such as keyboards, mice, touch screens, monitors, displays, etc. Of course, various system functions can be implemented in a distributed manner on multiple similar platforms to distribute processing loads. Alternatively, the system can be implemented by the appropriate programming of a computer hardware platform.

[0065] The general discussion of the present disclosure provides a brief overall description of the suitable computing environment that can realize the present disclosure. In one embodiment, any one of the disclosed system, method and / or graphical user interface can be performed or realized by a computing system consistent with or similar to the computing system shown and / or explained in the present disclosure. Although not required, various aspects of the present disclosure are described in the context of computer-executable instructions, such as by a data processing device, for example, a routine performed by a server computer, a wireless device and / or a personal computer. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various aspects of the present disclosure can be put into practice using other communications, data processing or computer system configurations, including internet devices, handheld devices (including personal digital assistants ("PDAs")), wearable computers, various cellular phones or mobile phones (including voice over IP ("VoIP") phones), dumb terminals, media players, gaming devices, virtual reality devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, set-top boxes, network PCs, microcomputers, mainframe computers, etc. In fact, the terms "computer", "server" etc. are generally used interchangeably herein and refer to any of the above-mentioned devices and systems and any data processor.

[0066] Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in a special-purpose computer and / or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured, and / or constructed to perform one or more computer-executable instructions described in detail herein. Although aspects of the present disclosure, such as certain functions, are described as being performed only on a single device, the present disclosure may also be practiced in a distributed environment where functions or modules are shared between different processing devices linked by a communication network, such as a local area network ("LAN"), a wide area network ("WAN"), and / or the Internet. Similarly, the technology presented herein as involving multiple devices may be implemented in a single device. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in a local memory storage device and / or a remote memory storage device.

[0067] Aspects of the present disclosure may be stored and / or distributed on non-transitory computer-readable media, including magnetic or optically readable computer disks, hard-wired or pre-programmed chips (e.g., EEPROM semiconductor chips), nanotechnology memories, biological memories, or other data storage media. Alternatively, computer-implemented instructions, data structures, screen displays, and other data under various aspects of the present disclosure may be distributed over a period of time on propagation signals on a propagation medium (e.g., one or more electromagnetic waves, acoustic waves, etc.) over the Internet and / or over other networks (including wireless networks), and / or they may be provided over any analog or digital network (packet switching, circuit switching, or other schemes).

[0068] The procedural aspects of the technology can be considered as a "product" or "article of manufacture," typically in the form of executable code and / or associated data, which is carried or embodied in a type of machine-readable medium. "Storage" type media include any or all tangible memories of a computer, processor, etc., or its associated modules, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives, etc., which can readily provide non-transitory storage for software programming. All or part of the software can sometimes be communicated via the Internet or various other telecommunications networks. For example, such communication can enable software to be loaded from one computer or processor to another, such as from a management server or host of a mobile communication network to a server's computer platform and / or from a server to a mobile device. Therefore, another type of medium that can carry software elements includes optical waves, radio waves, and electromagnetic waves, such as those used on physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and optical ground networks, and through various air links. Physical elements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links, etc., can also be considered as media that carry software. As used herein, unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible "storage" media, terms such as computer or machine "readable medium" refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

[0069] The terms used above should be interpreted in their broadest reasonable manner, even when used in conjunction with certain specific exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized above; however, any term intended to be interpreted in any limited manner will be explicitly and specifically defined in this detailed description. The foregoing general and specific embodiments are merely exemplary and illustrative and are not intended to limit the features protected by the claims.

[0070] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "includes," "has," "contains" or variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements may not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0071] In this disclosure, relative terms such as, for example, "about," "substantially," "generally," and "approximately" are used to indicate a possible variation of ±10% from the specified value.

[0072] The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of an “example” rather than an “ideal.” As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0073] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A system for facilitating airspace communications for remote users, the system comprising: A user device associated with a vehicle and remote from the vehicle, the user device being configured to: establishing a connection with a ground communication device among a plurality of connected ground communication devices located in an air traffic control sector when the flight path of the vehicle is in the vicinity of the ground communication device; After a connection has been established between the user equipment and the terrestrial communication device, transmitting analog data or digital data to a terrestrial communication device selected from a plurality of connected terrestrial communication devices; After a connection has been established between the user equipment and the ground communication device, selecting a ground communication device from a plurality of connected ground communication devices to receive analog data or digital data; as well as switching a connection with a ground communication device among the plurality of connected ground communication devices to a connection with a different ground communication device among the plurality of connected ground communication devices located in a different air traffic control sector when the flight path of the vehicle is in proximity to the different ground communication device; at least one air traffic control sector radio located in at least one air traffic control sector, the at least one air traffic control sector including ground communication equipment connected to a plurality of connected ground communication equipment, the at least one air traffic control sector radio interacting with the ground communication equipment; as well as at least one ground communication device connected to a plurality of connected ground communication devices, each ground communication device being configured to: When the flight path of the vehicle is near the ground communication device, establishing a connection with a user device that is associated with the vehicle and is away from the vehicle; receiving voice communication data from at least one of the user device associated with the vehicle, a second vehicle tuned to an air traffic control sector radio interacting with the ground communication device, and an air traffic control station located near the ground communication device; generating analog data or digital data based on the received voice communication data; as well as The generated analog data or digital data is transmitted to at least one of the user equipment, the second vehicle, and the air traffic control station located near the ground communication device.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein switching a connection with a ground communication device among a plurality of connected ground communication devices to a connection with a different ground communication device among the plurality of connected ground communication devices comprises disconnecting an existing connection with the ground communication device and establishing a new connection with a different ground communication device.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the user device is further configured to automatically switch the connection with the ground communication device without user intervention.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the user equipment is further configured to: generating a ground communication device list from a plurality of connected ground communication devices; displaying a list of ground communication devices from a plurality of connected ground communication devices; and When the vehicle approaches an air traffic control sector that includes the ground communication device, a user is prompted to select a ground communication device from the list to establish a connection.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one air traffic control sector radio is configured to: receiving voice communication data from an air traffic control station and / or a second vehicle tuned to the air traffic control sector radio; transmitting voice communication data received from the air traffic control station and / or the second vehicle to ground communication equipment that interfaces with the air traffic control sector radio; receiving voice communication data from ground communication equipment interacting with said air traffic control sector radio; as well as transmitting the voice communication data received from the ground communication device to the air traffic control station and / or the second vehicle; The ground communication device receives voice communication data from the user device and transmits voice communication to the user device.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the at least one air traffic control sector radio is further configured to have an inhibit line between the air traffic control sector radio and other radios located in the same air traffic control sector, wherein an inhibit signal is generated when the air traffic control sector radio transmits voice communication data or when one of the other radios transmits voice communication data.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of connected ground communication devices form a scalable network infrastructure that enables data communication between any nodes within the network.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one terrestrial communication device is further configured to: commanding an air traffic control sector radio interacting with said ground communication equipment to enter a transmit mode; and / or An air traffic control sector radio that interfaces with the ground communication equipment is commanded to enter a receive mode.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one terrestrial communication device is further configured to: Status from each of a plurality of connected ground communication devices is provided.

10. A method for facilitating remote user airspace communications using the system of claim 1, the method comprising: establishing a connection between a user device associated with and located away from the first vehicle and a first ground communication device from the plurality of connected ground communication devices when a flight path of the first vehicle is in the vicinity of a first ground communication device and a first air traffic control sector including the first ground communication device and a first air traffic control sector radio interacting with the first ground communication device; receiving, by the first ground communication device, voice communication data in the form of digital data or analog data from at least one of the user equipment associated with the first vehicle, a second vehicle tuned to the first air traffic control sector radio, and an air traffic control station located in the first air traffic control sector; generating, by the first ground communication device, analog data or digital data based on received voice communication data received from the user equipment and / or the second vehicle and / or the air traffic control station located in the first air traffic control sector; determining, by the first terrestrial communication device, a recipient of the analog data or digital data; transmitting the generated analog data or the generated digital data from the first terrestrial communication device to the recipient; terminating a connection between the user device and the first ground communication device when the first vehicle approaches a second air traffic control sector, the second air traffic control sector comprising a second ground communication device from the plurality of connected ground communication devices and a second air traffic control sector radio interacting with the second ground communication device; as well as A connection is established between the user equipment and the second ground communication device when the flight path of the first vehicle is in the vicinity of the second ground communication device and the second air traffic control sector.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein calculations are performed to determine when the first vehicle will enter the second air traffic control sector.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein terminating the connection between the user equipment and the first terrestrial communication device and establishing the connection between the user equipment and the second terrestrial communication device occur substantially simultaneously.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein terminating the connection between the user equipment and the first terrestrial communication device and establishing the connection between the user equipment and the second terrestrial communication device occurs automatically without user intervention.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising enabling a user to select a second ground communication device on the user device to establish a connection with the user device when the first vehicle approaches a second air traffic control sector.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the voice communication data in the form of digital data received by the first terrestrial communication device from the user equipment has been converted from analog data to digital data by the user equipment.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the second vehicle transmits analog data to the first air traffic control sector radio, and wherein the first ground communication device transmits digital data generated based on the analog data received from the second vehicle to the user device.

17. The method of claim 10, further comprising generating an inhibition signal between the first air traffic control sector radio and other radios located in the first air traffic control sector when the first air traffic control sector radio is transmitting voice communication data or when one of the other radios is transmitting voice communication data.

18. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: receiving, by the second ground communication device, voice communication data from at least one of the user equipment associated with the first vehicle, a third vehicle tuned to the second air traffic control sector radio, and an air traffic control station located in the second air traffic control sector after a connection has been established between the user equipment and the second ground communication device; generating, by the second ground communication device, analog data or digital data based on received voice communication data received from the user equipment and / or the third vehicle and / or the air traffic control station located in the second air traffic control sector; determining, by the second terrestrial communication device, a recipient of the analog data or digital data; transmitting the generated analog data or the generated digital data from the second terrestrial communication device to the recipient; terminating a connection between the user device and the second ground communication device when the first vehicle approaches a third air traffic control sector, the third air traffic control sector comprising a third ground communication device from the plurality of connected ground communication devices and a third air traffic control sector radio interacting with the third ground communication device; as well as When the flight path of the first vehicle is in proximity to the third ground communication device and the third air traffic control sector, a connection is established between the user equipment and the third ground communication device.

19. The method of claim 10, wherein determining a recipient of the analog data or digital data comprises commanding the first air traffic control sector radio to enter a receive mode or a transmit mode.

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