A system and method for connecting and backing up two unmanned aerial vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of drone technology, and in particular to a system and method for interconnecting and backing up dual drones, the system comprising: a first drone, a second drone, a flight control module, and a communication module, the first drone and the second drone being physically connected via a traction rope; the communication module being used to receive and send flight data of the first drone and the second drone in real time to synchronize the flight data; the flight control module being used to control the flight status of the first drone and the second drone, and when a failure occurs in the first drone or the second drone, receiving the failure information via the communication module, switching to a rescue mode, and using the traction rope to allow the target drone to drag the failed drone back home. The two drones of the present invention are physically connected via a traction rope to prevent the main drone from being physically damaged or lost due to falling or bombing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicles, and in particular to a system and method for interconnecting and backing up two unmanned aerial vehicles. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of modern technology, drones are increasingly used in many fields, such as aerial photography, logistics distribution, emergency rescue, infrastructure inspection, etc.

[0003] However, the current UAV system still faces many challenges when facing complex mission environments and long-term continuous operations. On the one hand, the reliability of a single UAV is limited by its mechanical structure, electronic components, and flight control system. When encountering sudden failures (such as power system failure, flight control software errors, communication link interruptions, etc.), it is very easy to crash, which will not only cause direct losses to the equipment, but also pose a threat to the surrounding environment and personnel safety. On the other hand, in some critical mission scenarios, the interruption or failure of the mission may bring huge indirect losses. For example, in the process of emergency relief material distribution, the crash of a UAV may delay the rescue time and lead to serious consequences.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an innovative design solution to improve the reliability and safety of UAV missions and ensure the continuity and effectiveness of missions. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a system and method for connecting and backing up two UAVs to each other, so as to solve the problem that the current UAV system is very prone to crash accidents when facing complex mission environments and long-term continuous operations.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a system for interconnecting and backing up two UAVs, the system comprising: a first UAV, a second UAV, a flight control module, and a communication module, wherein the first UAV and the second UAV are physically connected via a traction rope;

[0007] The communication module is used to receive and send the flight data of the first UAV and the second UAV in real time, so as to synchronize the flight data of the first UAV and the second UAV;

[0008] The flight control module is used to control the flight status of the first UAV and the second UAV, and when a fault occurs to the first UAV or the second UAV, the flight control module receives fault information through the communication module, switches to a rescue mode, and uses the towing rope to make the target UAV drag the faulty UAV back home.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the system further includes a data storage module;

[0010] The data storage module is used to store the flight data of the first UAV and the second UAV.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the system further includes a return module;

[0012] The return module is used to make the first drone and the second drone return to a preset return point when the first drone and the second drone perform a return process.

[0013] In an optional implementation, the system further includes a task allocation module;

[0014] The task allocation module is used to allocate the primary and secondary roles of executing tasks between the first drone and the second drone. When the first drone and the second drone are both in normal state, the first drone is allocated as the main drone and the second drone is allocated as the backup drone, and the second drone is controlled to follow the first drone through the flight control module; when the first drone is in a fault state and the second drone is in a normal state, the first drone is allocated as the backup drone and the second drone is allocated as the main drone, and the task of the first drone is interrupted through the flight control module, the second drone is controlled to take over the flight mission of the first drone, and the second drone is dragged back by the traction rope; when the second drone is in a fault state and the first drone is in a normal state, the first drone is allocated as the main drone and the second drone is allocated as the backup drone, and the task of the second drone is interrupted through the flight control module, the first drone is controlled to take over the flight mission of the second drone, and the first drone is dragged back by the traction rope.

[0015] In an optional implementation, the system further includes a fault analysis module;

[0016] The fault analysis module is used to analyze the flight data of the faulty UAV after the first UAV and the second UAV return to optimize the performance of the faulty UAV.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the system further includes a fault prediction module;

[0018] The fault prediction module is used to monitor the drone status of the first drone and the second drone in real time and predict potential faults.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, a sensor is built into the traction rope, and the sensor is used to monitor the tension and length of the traction rope.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, the communication module adopts a multi-mode communication method, including 4G communication, 5G communication, Wi-Fi wireless communication and satellite communication.

[0021] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for interconnecting and backing up two UAVs, the method being applied to a system for interconnecting and backing up two UAVs as described above, the method comprising:

[0022] Start the first UAV and the second UAV respectively, and perform an initial status check;

[0023] Receiving and sending the flight data of the first UAV and the second UAV in real time through the communication module to synchronize the flight data between the first UAV and the second UAV;

[0024] The flight status of the first UAV and the second UAV is controlled by the flight control module, and when the first UAV or the second UAV fails, the fault information is received through the communication module, and the rescue mode is switched to use the towing rope to make the target UAV drag the failed UAV back.

[0025] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a computer device, comprising: a memory and a processor, the memory and the processor are communicatively connected to each other, the memory stores computer instructions, and the processor executes a method for interconnecting and backing up two drones according to the first aspect or any corresponding embodiment thereof by executing the computer instructions.

[0026] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon, the computer instructions being used to enable a computer to execute a method for interconnecting and backing up two unmanned aerial vehicles according to the first aspect or any corresponding embodiment thereof.

[0027] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product, including computer instructions, which are used to enable a computer to execute a method for connecting and backing up two drones according to the first aspect or any corresponding embodiment thereof.

[0028] The technical solution provided by the present invention may include the following beneficial effects:

[0029] Each drone of the present invention can serve as a backup for another one. If one of the drones fails while performing a mission, the other drone can immediately take over the mission to ensure the continuity of the mission. The two drones synchronize flight data in real time through a communication module, including position, speed, flight status, etc. In this way, even if the main drone fails, the backup machine can quickly obtain the latest data and seamlessly take over the mission. When the main drone fails, the backup drone can quickly receive the fault information through the communication module and immediately switch to the rescue mode to reduce the time and mission loss caused by the failure. The two drones of the present invention are physically connected by a traction rope. When the main drone fails, the backup drone can use the rope to drag the faulty drone back to avoid physical damage or loss of the main drone due to falling or explosion. In the dual drone system, the real-time synchronization and backup mechanism of data ensures the continuity and stability of the data, and even if one drone fails, it will not affect the integrity and availability of the data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific implementation methods of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the specific implementation methods or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some implementation methods of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0031] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a system for interconnecting and backing up two unmanned aerial vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a method for connecting and backing up two unmanned aerial vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of towing of two mutually connected UAVs according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 is a flow chart of another method for connecting and backing up two drones to each other according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 is a structural block diagram of a device for interconnecting and backing up two unmanned aerial vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a computer device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a system 10 for interconnecting and backing up two unmanned aerial vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the system 10 includes: a first drone 110, a second drone 120, a flight control module 140, and a communication module 130, wherein the first drone 110 and the second drone 120 are physically connected via a traction rope;

[0039] The communication module 130 is used to receive and send the flight data of the first drone 110 and the second drone 120 in real time, so as to synchronize the flight data of the first drone 110 with the flight data of the second drone 120;

[0040] The flight control module 140 is used to control the flight status of the first drone 110 and the second drone 120, and when a fault occurs to the first drone 110 or the second drone 120, receive fault information through the communication module 130, switch to the rescue mode, and use the towing rope to make the target drone drag the faulty drone back.

[0041] Further, the first drone 110 is a main drone in the system, responsible for performing specific tasks, such as monitoring, reconnaissance, cargo transportation, etc. It is equipped with necessary sensors, cameras, power systems and other equipment required to perform tasks. The second drone 120 is another main drone, working in conjunction with the first drone 110, and also has the ability to perform tasks. When the first drone 110 fails, the second drone 120 will be responsible for rescue, and when the second drone 120 fails, the first drone 110 can be responsible for rescue. The traction rope is a physical connection device used to connect the first drone 110 and the second drone 120. This connection not only provides physical stability, but also allows the rescue of the failed drone by traction or dragging when necessary. The traction rope may be made of high-strength material to ensure that it will not break during the rescue process. The communication module 130 is responsible for real-time data exchange between the first drone 110 and the second drone 120, which allows the two drones to share flight data (such as position, speed, altitude, attitude, etc.), as well as other information related to the mission. This real-time communication can keep the two drones synchronized and coordinated. The flight control module 140 is the central brain of the system, responsible for controlling the flight status of the two drones. It receives flight data from the communication module 130 and adjusts the flight parameters of the drones based on these data. When a fault occurs, the flight control module 140 will receive the fault information and automatically switch to rescue mode, using a towing rope to rescue the faulty drone.

[0042] In an optional embodiment, the flight control module 140 and the communication module 130 may also be arranged in the first drone 110 and the second drone 120, that is, the first drone 110 is provided with a first flight control module and a first communication module, and the second drone 120 is provided with a second flight control module and a second communication module.

[0043] In an optional embodiment, the system further includes a data storage module;

[0044] The data storage module is used to store the flight data of the first UAV 110 and the second UAV 120 .

[0045] Furthermore, the main function of the data storage module is to store the flight data of the first drone 110 and the second drone 120, including but not limited to the location, speed, altitude, attitude, sensor readings, camera images, etc. of the drones. Through the stored data, the user can query the historical flight records of the drones at any time to understand the flight status and performance of the drones. In the event of an accident or failure, the stored flight data can serve as an important basis for analysis to help determine the cause and responsibility of the accident.

[0046] In an optional embodiment, the system further includes a return module;

[0047] The return module is used to make the first drone 110 and the second drone 120 return to a preset return point when the first drone 110 and the second drone 120 perform a return process.

[0048] Furthermore, the return module usually works in conjunction with the flight control module 140, receives instructions from the flight control module 140, and controls the flight trajectory of the drone. The return module can ensure that the drone can safely return to the base or a designated safe area when the mission is completed or a failure occurs, avoiding the risk of loss or damage to the drone. Through the return module, the return process of the drone can be automatically controlled, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving the efficiency and reliability of the system.

[0049] In an optional embodiment, the system further includes a task allocation module;

[0050] The task allocation module is used to allocate the primary and secondary roles of executing tasks between the first drone 110 and the second drone 120. When both the first drone 110 and the second drone 120 are in a normal state, the first drone 110 is allocated as the main drone and the second drone 120 is allocated as the backup drone, and the second drone 120 is controlled to follow the first drone 110 through the flight control module 140; when the first drone 110 is in a fault state and the second drone 120 is in a normal state, the first drone 110 is allocated as the backup drone and the second drone 120 is allocated as the main drone, and the flight control module 140 is controlled to control the second drone 120 to follow the first drone 110. The mission of the first drone 110 is interrupted, and the second drone 120 is controlled to take over the flight mission of the first drone 110, and the second drone 120 is used to drag the first drone 110 back home using the towing rope; when the second drone 120 is in a fault state and the first drone 110 is in a normal state, the first drone 110 is assigned as the main drone and the second drone 120 is assigned as the backup drone, and the mission of the second drone 120 is controlled to be interrupted through the flight control module 140, and the first drone 110 is controlled to take over the flight mission of the second drone 120, and the towing rope is used to drag the second drone 120 back home by the first drone 110.

[0051] Furthermore, when both drones are in a normal state, the task allocation module will designate the first drone 110 as the main drone responsible for performing the main task, while the second drone 120 will serve as a backup drone, following the main drone through the command of the flight control module 140, ready to provide support or take over the task when needed. If the first drone 110 fails and the second drone 120 is normal, the task allocation module will quickly adjust the role, upgrade the second drone 120 to the main drone, responsible for continuing to perform the task, and at the same time instruct the flight control module 140 to control the first drone 110 to interrupt the current task, and drag the second drone 120 back through the towing rope to ensure that the faulty drone can return safely. On the contrary, if the second drone 120 fails and the first drone 110 is normal, the task allocation module will keep the main drone role of the first drone 110 unchanged and continue to perform the task. At the same time, the flight control module 140 will instruct the second drone 120 to interrupt the task, and drag the first drone 110 back through the towing rope to achieve the safe recovery of the faulty drone. The design of this task allocation module not only improves the flexibility and adaptability of the dual-UAV system, but also ensures that the system can respond quickly when any UAV fails, and maximizes the continuity of the mission and the safety of the UAV through automatic role switching and fault handling mechanisms.

[0052] In an optional embodiment, the system further includes a fault analysis module;

[0053] The fault analysis module is used to analyze the flight data of the faulty drone after the first drone 110 and the second drone 120 return to the air, so as to optimize the performance of the faulty drone.

[0054] Furthermore, the fault analysis module is used to conduct in-depth analysis of the flight data of the faulty drone after the drone returns. These flight data include but are not limited to the flight trajectory, sensor readings, system logs, etc. By analyzing the fault data, the specific cause of the drone failure can be identified, so that targeted improvement measures can be taken to optimize the performance of the drone. Fault analysis helps reduce the occurrence of drone failures, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the entire system.

[0055] In an optional embodiment, the system further includes a fault prediction module;

[0056] The fault prediction module is used to monitor the drone status of the first drone 110 and the second drone 120 in real time and predict potential faults.

[0057] Furthermore, the fault prediction module uses machine learning or deep learning algorithms to predict potential faults by real-time monitoring of various status parameters of the drone, such as motor temperature, battery power, sensor signals, etc. The fault prediction module can issue an early warning before a fault occurs, providing maintenance personnel with sufficient time to troubleshoot and repair the fault, thereby avoiding the impact of the fault on mission execution. By predicting faults in advance, the downtime of the drone caused by faults can be reduced, thereby reducing maintenance costs. Fault prediction helps to promptly discover and deal with potential safety hazards and improve the flight safety of drones.

[0058] In an optional embodiment, a sensor is built into the traction rope, and the sensor is used to monitor the tension and length of the traction rope.

[0059] Furthermore, the sensors built into the traction rope can monitor the tension and length changes of the rope. By monitoring the tension and length of the traction rope, the connection status between drones can be understood in real time to ensure the stability and safety of the connection. When the tension or length of the traction rope exceeds the normal range, the sensor will send out a warning signal to remind the operator to pay attention and take corresponding measures.

[0060] In an optional embodiment, the communication module 130 adopts a multi-mode communication method, including 4G communication, 5G communication, Wi-Fi wireless communication and satellite communication.

[0061] Furthermore, the communication module 130 adopts a multi-mode communication method, including 4G communication, 5G communication, Wi-Fi wireless communication and satellite communication, to ensure stable communication of the UAV in different environments and conditions. The multi-mode communication method can select the most appropriate communication method according to the actual situation, improve the reliability and stability of communication, and is also suitable for different network environments, including complex terrains and climatic conditions such as cities, suburbs, mountains, and oceans.

[0062] In summary, each drone of this embodiment can serve as a backup for another one. If one of the drones fails while performing a mission, the other drone can immediately take over the mission to ensure the continuity of the mission. The two drones synchronize flight data in real time through the communication module 130, including position, speed, flight status, etc. In this way, even if the main drone fails, the backup machine can quickly obtain the latest data and seamlessly take over the mission. When the main drone fails, the backup drone can quickly receive the fault information through the communication module 130 and immediately switch to the rescue mode to reduce the time and mission loss caused by the failure. The two drones of this embodiment are physically connected by a towing rope. When the main drone fails, the backup drone can use the rope to drag the faulty drone back to avoid physical damage or loss of the main drone due to falling or bombing. In the dual drone system, the real-time synchronization and backup mechanism of data ensures the continuity and stability of the data, and even if one drone fails, it will not affect the integrity and availability of the data.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method embodiment of connecting and backing up two drones to each other is provided. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer executable instructions, and although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in an order different from that shown here.

[0064] In this embodiment, a method for connecting and backing up two drones is provided. Figure 1 In the illustrated dual-drone interconnected and backed-up system 10, the flight control module 140 may execute: Figure 2 is a flow chart of a method for connecting and backing up two UAVs with each other according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0065] In step S201, the first drone 110 and the second drone 120 are started respectively and an initial status check is performed.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first UAV 110 (main UAV) and the second UAV 120 (backup UAV) are respectively started by the flight control module 140 to ensure that both UAVs are started and ready to start the mission. After starting, the two UAVs are checked for initial status. The status check includes checking the hardware status (such as battery power, sensor status, etc.) and software status (such as the running status of the flight control software) of the UAV to ensure that the UAV is in good working condition before starting the mission and reduce failures caused by poor initial status.

[0067] In step S202 , the flight data of the first drone 110 and the second drone 120 are received and sent in real time through the communication module 130 to synchronize the flight data between the first drone 110 and the second drone 120 .

[0068] Furthermore, the flight control module 140 controls the two drones to exchange flight data in real time through the communication module 130 (such as the wireless communication module 130). These data may include location information, speed, altitude, heading, etc. The synchronization of flight data between the two drones is the basis for the first drone 110 and the second drone 120 to be connected and backed up with each other. Through data synchronization, it can be ensured that when any drone fails, the other drone can quickly obtain its status information and take corresponding rescue measures.

[0069] In step S203, the flight status of the first UAV 110 and the second UAV 120 are controlled through the flight control module 140, and when a fault occurs to the first UAV 110 or the second UAV 120, fault information is received through the communication module 130, and the rescue mode is switched to use the towing rope to make the target UAV drag the faulty UAV back.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flight control unit is responsible for controlling the flight status of the two drones, including take-off, cruising, steering, altitude adjustment, etc. At the same time, when any drone fails (such as motor failure, sensor failure, etc.), the other drone will receive the fault information through the communication unit. Once the fault information is received, the drone will switch to rescue mode. In rescue mode, the flight control unit will use a towing rope (usually a strong rope connecting the two drones) to drag the faulty drone back home. During this process, the target drone (i.e., the drone that has not failed) will take on the task of towing the faulty drone to ensure that the faulty drone can safely return to the base or designated location. Through the rescue mode, mission failures or flight accidents caused by drone failures can be minimized. At the same time, the use of a towing rope for towing and returning also reduces the complexity and cost of rescue operations.

[0071] For further information, see Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the towing of the two UAVs connected to each other is shown. Figure 4The flowchart of another method for connecting and backing up two drones is shown. Two drones A and B (A is the first drone 110, and B is the second drone 120) are physically connected by a traction rope. This connection method establishes a direct physical connection between them. The material of the traction rope can be selected according to the specific mission requirements and environmental conditions. Its function is not only to simply connect the two drones together, but more importantly, to provide a physical means for rescue when a fault occurs. When one drone loses its ability to fly, the traction rope can withstand the tension, so that the other drone can control the attitude of the faulty drone by applying appropriate force to prevent it from falling directly. In this embodiment, with the help of the communication module 130, all real-time data between the two drones A and B are backed up. This means that whether it is flight attitude data, speed data, position data, or task-related data (such as aerial image data, inspection sensor data, etc.), it can be stored synchronously between the two drones. During normal flight, data backup helps the staff themselves to comprehensively monitor and analyze the status of the two drones and discover potential problems in a timely manner. Once a failure occurs, the backed-up data allows the rescue drone to quickly understand the previous status of the faulty machine, thereby formulating rescue strategies more accurately. It also ensures that mission data will not be lost due to a single machine failure, thereby ensuring the integrity of mission execution.

[0072] When A is the main drone flying to perform a mission, B follows it. In this process, A is mainly responsible for the core work of mission execution. For example, in an aerial photography mission, A is responsible for photographing the main target area, and its flight path and shooting angle are precisely controlled according to the mission plan. B is in an auxiliary position. On the one hand, it follows the flight trajectory of A and maintains a relatively stable position relationship, such as maintaining a certain distance and relative height to avoid mutual interference; on the other hand, B can undertake some auxiliary tasks, such as monitoring the surrounding environment (such as weather conditions, obstacles, etc.), and feeding back relevant information to A and the ground control station in real time. At the same time, through the communication module 130, A and B continuously exchange flight data to ensure that the flight status information of both parties is consistent and achieve collaborative flight.

[0073] If the A aircraft fails and cannot fly, at this time, after receiving the fault information of the A aircraft through the communication module 130, the B aircraft quickly switches to the working state of rescuing the A aircraft. The B aircraft adjusts its flight attitude and power output according to the pre-set rescue program and the flight data received before the failure of the A aircraft through the flight control module 140. The A aircraft is exerted with a pulling force through the traction rope, and the magnitude and direction of this pulling force will be dynamically adjusted according to the current attitude of the A aircraft (such as the tilt angle, the rotation direction, etc.) and the surrounding environment (such as the wind direction, the wind speed, etc.). For example, if the A aircraft tilts to the left due to the failure of one side of the power, the B aircraft may apply a pulling force to the upper right to gradually restore the balance posture of the A aircraft, and then drag the A aircraft back along the safe return path. During the entire rescue process, the B aircraft needs to accurately control its own flight to ensure that it maintains its own stability while dragging the A aircraft, so as to avoid the two drones from losing control at the same time due to uneven force or improper operation.

[0074] When the B drone is the main drone flying to perform a mission and the A drone follows it, the working mode is similar to that of the A drone performing the mission, but the roles are swapped. The B drone takes the lead in the mission execution and the A drone assists. The B drone performs flight operations according to the mission requirements. For example, in a logistics distribution mission, the B drone carries the goods to the destination, and the A drone is responsible for escorting, monitoring the safety of the surrounding airspace, and providing safety protection for the B drone. Similarly, during the flight, the data is backed up in real time, and the two drones maintain close contact through the communication module 130 to complete the mission in collaboration.

[0075] Once the B aircraft fails and cannot fly and shuts down, the A aircraft will immediately switch to the rescue mode after receiving the fault information. The operating principle of the A aircraft is similar to that of the B aircraft rescuing the A aircraft, and the B aircraft will be towed back to the base using the towing rope. The A aircraft will adjust its own flight attitude and pulling force according to the fault condition of the B aircraft and the previously backed-up flight data to ensure that the B aircraft maintains a relatively stable attitude during the towing process to prevent collision with surrounding objects. For example, if the B aircraft loses control due to a communication failure, the A aircraft may slowly approach the B aircraft based on the position and attitude information of the B aircraft during the last normal communication, and then connect it with the towing rope and tow it back. During the return process, the A aircraft will continue to monitor the status of the B aircraft and adjust the flight parameters according to the actual situation.

[0076] In summary, each drone of this embodiment can serve as a backup for another one. If one of the drones fails while performing a mission, the other drone can immediately take over the mission to ensure the continuity of the mission. The two drones synchronize flight data in real time through the communication module 130, including position, speed, flight status, etc. In this way, even if the main drone fails, the backup machine can quickly obtain the latest data and seamlessly take over the mission. When the main drone fails, the backup drone can quickly receive the fault information through the communication module 130 and immediately switch to the rescue mode to reduce the time and mission loss caused by the failure. The two drones of this embodiment are physically connected by a towing rope. When the main drone fails, the backup drone can use the rope to drag the faulty drone back to avoid physical damage or loss of the main drone due to falling or bombing. In the dual drone system, the real-time synchronization and backup mechanism of data ensures the continuity and stability of the data, and even if one drone fails, it will not affect the integrity and availability of the data.

[0077] In this embodiment, a device for connecting and backing up two drones is also provided, which is used to implement the above embodiments and preferred implementations, and will not be repeated for what has been described. As used below, the term "module" can be a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the devices described in the following embodiments are preferably implemented in software, the implementation of hardware, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and conceivable.

[0078] This embodiment provides a device for connecting and backing up two drones, which is applied to Figure 1 The system 10 of dual UAVs interconnected and backed up can be executed by the flight control module 140, such as Figure 5 As shown, including:

[0079] A starting unit 501, used to start the first UAV 110 and the second UAV 120 respectively, and perform an initial status check;

[0080] The flight data synchronization unit 502 is used to receive and send the flight data of the first drone 110 and the second drone 120 in real time through the communication module 130 to synchronize the flight data between the first drone 110 and the second drone 120;

[0081] The rope rescue unit 503 is used to control the flight status of the first drone 110 and the second drone 120 through the flight control module 140, and when a fault occurs in the first drone 110 or the second drone 120, receive fault information through the communication module 130, switch to the rescue mode, and use the towing rope to make the target drone drag the faulty drone back.

[0082] The further functional description of each of the above modules and units is the same as that of the above corresponding embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0083] In this embodiment, a device for connecting and backing up two drones to each other is presented in the form of a functional unit, where the unit refers to an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or fixed programs, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0084] The embodiment of the present invention also provides a computer device, see Figure 6 , Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer device provided by an optional embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 6 As shown, the computer device includes: one or more processors 610, memory 620, and interfaces for connecting various components, including high-speed interfaces and low-speed interfaces. Various components are connected to each other using different buses for communication, and can be installed on a common mainboard or installed in other ways as needed. The processor can process the instructions executed in the computer device, including instructions stored in or on the memory to display the graphical information of the GUI on an external input / output device (such as, a display device coupled to the interface). In some optional embodiments, if necessary, multiple processors and / or multiple buses can be used together with multiple memories and multiple memories. Similarly, multiple computer devices can be connected, and each device provides some necessary operations (for example, as a server array, a group of blade servers, or a multi-processor system). Figure 6 A processor 610 is taken as an example.

[0085] The processor 610 may be a central processing unit, a network processor or a combination thereof. The processor 610 may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be a dedicated integrated circuit, a programmable logic device or a combination thereof. The programmable logic device may be a complex programmable logic device, a field programmable logic gate array, a general purpose array logic or any combination thereof.

[0086] The memory 620 stores instructions executable by at least one processor 610, so that the at least one processor 610 executes the method shown in the above embodiment.

[0087] The memory 620 may include a program storage area and a data storage area, wherein the program storage area may store an operating system, an application required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created according to the use of the computer device, etc. In addition, the memory 620 may include a high-speed random access memory, and may also include a non-transient memory, such as at least one disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other non-transient solid-state storage device. In some optional embodiments, the memory 620 may optionally include a memory remotely arranged relative to the processor 610, and these remote memories may be connected to the computer device via a network. Examples of the above-mentioned network include, but are not limited to, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and combinations thereof.

[0088] The memory 620 may include a volatile memory, such as a random access memory; the memory may also include a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory, a hard disk or a solid state drive; the memory 620 may also include a combination of the above types of memory.

[0089] The computer device also includes a communication interface 630, which is used for the computer device to communicate with other devices or a communication network.

[0090] The embodiment of the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The method according to the embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, firmware, or can be implemented as a computer code that can be recorded in a storage medium, or can be implemented as a computer code that is originally stored in a remote storage medium or a non-temporary machine-readable storage medium and will be stored in a local storage medium through a network download, so that the method described herein can be stored in such software processing on a storage medium using a general-purpose computer, a dedicated processor, or programmable or dedicated hardware. Among them, the storage medium can be a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a read-only storage memory, a random access memory, a flash memory, a hard disk or a solid-state hard disk, etc.; further, the storage medium can also include a combination of the above types of memories. It can be understood that a computer, a processor, a microprocessor controller, or programmable hardware includes a storage component that can store or receive software or computer code. When the software or computer code is accessed and executed by a computer, a processor, or hardware, the method shown in the above embodiment is implemented.

[0091] A part of the present invention may be applied as a computer program product, such as a computer program instruction, which, when executed by a computer, can call or provide the method and / or technical solution according to the present invention through the operation of the computer. Those skilled in the art should understand that the existence of the computer program instruction in a computer-readable medium includes, but is not limited to, a source file, an executable file, an installation package file, etc., and accordingly, the way in which the computer program instruction is executed by the computer includes, but is not limited to: the computer directly executes the instruction, or the computer compiles the instruction and then executes the corresponding compiled program, or the computer reads and executes the instruction, or the computer reads and installs the instruction and then executes the corresponding installed program. Here, the computer-readable medium may be any available computer-readable storage medium or communication medium accessible to the computer.

[0092] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations are all within the defined scope.

Claims

1. A system for connecting and backing up two unmanned aerial vehicles, characterized in that: The system comprises: a first drone, a second drone, a flight control module and a communication module, wherein the first drone and the second drone are physically connected via a traction rope; The communication module is used to receive and send the flight data of the first UAV and the second UAV in real time, so as to synchronize the flight data of the first UAV and the second UAV; The flight control module is used to control the flight status of the first UAV and the second UAV, and when a fault occurs to the first UAV or the second UAV, the flight control module receives fault information through the communication module, switches to a rescue mode, and uses the towing rope to make the target UAV drag the faulty UAV back home.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The system also includes a data storage module; The data storage module is used to store the flight data of the first UAV and the second UAV.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The system also includes a return module; The return module is used to make the first drone and the second drone return to a preset return point when the first drone and the second drone perform a return process.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The system also includes a task allocation module; The task allocation module is used to allocate the primary and secondary roles of executing tasks between the first drone and the second drone. When the first drone and the second drone are both in normal state, the first drone is allocated as the main drone and the second drone is allocated as the backup drone, and the second drone is controlled to follow the first drone through the flight control module; when the first drone is in a fault state and the second drone is in a normal state, the first drone is allocated as the backup drone and the second drone is allocated as the main drone, and the task of the first drone is interrupted through the flight control module, the second drone is controlled to take over the flight mission of the first drone, and the second drone is dragged back by the traction rope; when the second drone is in a fault state and the first drone is in a normal state, the first drone is allocated as the main drone and the second drone is allocated as the backup drone, and the task of the second drone is interrupted through the flight control module, the first drone is controlled to take over the flight mission of the second drone, and the first drone is dragged back by the traction rope.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The system also includes a fault analysis module; The fault analysis module is used to analyze the flight data of the faulty UAV after the first UAV and the second UAV return to optimize the performance of the faulty UAV.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The system also includes a fault prediction module; The fault prediction module is used to monitor the drone status of the first drone and the second drone in real time and predict potential faults.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that A sensor is built into the traction rope, and the sensor is used to monitor the tension and length of the traction rope.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The communication module adopts a multi-mode communication method, including 4G communication, 5G communication, Wi-Fi wireless communication and satellite communication.

9. A method for connecting and backing up two unmanned aerial vehicles, characterized in that: The method is applied to a system of two UAVs connected to each other and backed up as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, and the method comprises: Start the first UAV and the second UAV respectively, and perform an initial status check; Receiving and sending the flight data of the first UAV and the second UAV in real time through the communication module to synchronize the flight data between the first UAV and the second UAV; The flight status of the first UAV and the second UAV is controlled by the flight control module, and when the first UAV or the second UAV fails, the fault information is received through the communication module, and the rescue mode is switched to use the towing rope to make the target UAV drag the failed UAV back.

10. A computer device, characterized in that: include: A memory and a processor, wherein the memory and the processor are communicatively connected to each other, the memory stores computer instructions, and the processor executes the method for interconnecting and backing up two unmanned aerial vehicles as described in claim 8 by executing the computer instructions.

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