Communication method and system for tethered unmanned aerial vehicle and vehicle-mounted end, medium and device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicle communication, and specifically provides a communication method and system for a tethered unmanned aerial vehicle and a vehicle-mounted end, a medium and a device. The method may comprise: monitoring whether a current communication link between a vehicle-mounted end and an airborne end is in normal communication; and, when a communication anomaly has occurred in the current communication link, switching the current communication link to a next communication link amongst a plurality of communication links for communication, wherein the plurality of communication links are all sorted according to priority, the communication modes of the communication links are different, and the priority of the current communication link is higher than that of the next communication link. Some embodiments of the present disclosure can ensure normal communication between a vehicle-mounted end and an airborne end by means of multiple links.

Description

A communication method, system, medium, and device between a tethered unmanned aerial vehicle and a vehicle-mounted terminal.

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024116365926, filed on November 15, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method, System, Medium and Device for a Tethered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and a Vehicle-Mounted Terminal", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method, system, medium, and device for a tethered UAV and a vehicle-mounted terminal. Background Technology

[0004] Tethered drones, also known as tethered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), use ground power transmitted via a tether cable as their power source. Currently, both the UAV and the vehicle-mounted terminal providing the ground power use relatively simple wireless or wired communication methods. However, in actual operation, wireless communication is susceptible to interference from other communication devices; wired communication requires high connection reliability, and a disconnection renders the UAV uncontrollable, posing a significant safety hazard.

[0005] Therefore, how to provide a highly reliable technical solution for communication between tethered drones and vehicle-mounted terminals has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of some embodiments of this disclosure is to provide a communication method, system, medium, and device for tethered drones and vehicle-mounted terminals. The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure can improve the reliability of communication between tethered drones and vehicle-mounted terminals and ensure the flight safety of tethered drones.

[0007] In a first aspect, some embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method between a tethered drone and a vehicle-mounted terminal, including: monitoring whether the current communication link between the vehicle-mounted terminal and the airborne terminal is communicating normally; if the current communication link is abnormal, switching the current communication link to the next communication link among multiple communication links for communication, wherein each communication link among the multiple communication links is ordered according to priority, each communication link has a different communication method, and the current communication link has a higher priority than the next communication link.

[0008] Some embodiments of this disclosure determine whether to switch the current communication link to the next higher priority communication link by judging whether the current communication link is functioning normally. The communication system for tethered drones and vehicle-mounted terminals provided in some embodiments of this disclosure contains multiple communication links, which can be switched in a timely manner based on actual conditions. This improves the reliability of communication between the vehicle-mounted and airborne terminals, ensures the safety of tethered drone flight, and reduces safety hazards caused by drone malfunction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the plurality of communication links include: a first link using optical fiber communication, a second link using wireless bridge communication, and a third link using radio station communication, wherein the plurality of communication links are ordered in priority as follows: the first link, the second link, and the third link.

[0010] Some embodiments of this disclosure construct multiple communication links using different communication methods, which can improve the reliability of communication between the vehicle-mounted end and the airborne end.

[0011] In some embodiments, monitoring whether the current communication link between the vehicle-mounted terminal and the airborne terminal is normal includes: determining whether the current communication link is normal by judging whether monitoring data under the current communication link is received, wherein the monitoring data is the heartbeat data of the airborne terminal or the communication data of the airborne terminal serial port server.

[0012] Some embodiments of this disclosure confirm whether the current communication link is communicating normally by monitoring data, enabling real-time monitoring and timely detection of anomalies.

[0013] In some embodiments, the current communication link is the first link; wherein, determining whether the current communication link is communicating normally by judging whether monitoring data under the current communication link is received includes: if no heartbeat data from the airborne terminal is received within a first preset time period, then confirming that the first link is communicating abnormally; the step of switching the current communication link to the next communication link among multiple communication links includes: connecting the vehicle-mounted terminal to the wireless bridge and switching to the second link for communication; sending a switching success prompt message to the ground monitoring station so that the ground monitoring station can display the second link.

[0014] Some embodiments of this disclosure, by confirming that no heartbeat data is received within a first preset time period, connect the vehicle-mounted terminal and the wireless bridge to switch to the second link for communication, and notify the ground monitoring station, thereby ensuring that the vehicle-mounted terminal and the airborne terminal can communicate normally, realizing effective control of the tethered drone and improving communication reliability.

[0015] In some embodiments, the current communication link is the second link; wherein, determining whether the current communication link is communicating normally by judging whether monitoring data is received under the current communication link includes: if no communication data is received from the airborne serial port server within a second preset time period, then confirming that the second link is communicating abnormally; the step of switching the current communication link to the next communication link among multiple communication links includes: connecting the flight controller to the radio station via a serial port, switching to the third link for communication; sending a switching success prompt message to the ground monitoring station so that the ground monitoring station can display the third link.

[0016] Some embodiments of this disclosure achieve effective control of the tethered UAV and improve communication reliability by confirming that no communication data is received within a second preset time period, switching the connection between the flight controller and the radio station to a third link for communication, and informing the ground monitoring station.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method further includes: controlling the drone to land within a preset time period when the third link communication is used, so as to facilitate maintenance.

[0018] Some embodiments of this disclosure control the landing of the drone and perform timely maintenance on the drone, thus avoiding the safety hazard of the drone becoming uncontrollable.

[0019] In some embodiments, the vehicle-mounted optical transceiver and the airborne optical transceiver are connected by multiple optical fibers; when any one of the multiple optical fibers is disconnected, the system automatically switches to other optical fibers besides the one mentioned above.

[0020] Some embodiments of this disclosure connect multiple optical fibers when using optical fiber communication. When the communication of one optical fiber is interrupted, the optical fibers can be switched to ensure the reliability of communication.

[0021] In some embodiments, one end of the wireless bridge is connected to the airborne optical transceiver via a network cable; the other end of the wireless bridge is connected to the vehicle-mounted optical transceiver via a first switch and a network cable.

[0022] Some embodiments of this disclosure connect the airborne terminal, the vehicle-mounted terminal, and the wireless bridge to form a local area network, providing a backup link to ensure normal communication between the tethered drone and the vehicle-mounted terminal, thereby improving communication reliability.

[0023] In some embodiments, one end of the radio is connected to the airborne optical transceiver via a serial port and an airborne serial port server, and the airborne serial port server is connected to the flight controller via a second switch; the other end of the radio is connected to the vehicle-mounted optical transceiver via a vehicle-mounted serial port server.

[0024] Some embodiments of this disclosure connect the airborne terminal, the vehicle-mounted terminal, and the radio station to form a local area network, providing a backup link to ensure normal communication between the tethered drone and the vehicle-mounted terminal, thereby improving communication reliability.

[0025] Secondly, some embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system for a tethered drone and a vehicle-mounted terminal, including: a monitoring module configured to monitor whether the current communication link between the vehicle-mounted terminal and the airborne terminal is communicating normally; and a link switching module configured to switch the current communication link to the next communication link among multiple communication links for communication when the current communication link is abnormal, wherein each communication link among the multiple communication links is ordered according to priority, each communication link has a different communication method, and the current communication link has a higher priority than the next communication link.

[0026] Thirdly, some embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, can implement the method described in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0027] Fourthly, some embodiments of this disclosure provide an electronic device including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the program, can implement the method as described in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0028] Fifthly, some embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program product, the computer program product including a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, can implement the method described in any embodiment of the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of some embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in some embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this disclosure and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 is a diagram of a communication system between a tethered drone and a vehicle-mounted terminal provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 is one of the flowcharts of a communication method between a tethered drone and a vehicle-mounted terminal provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3 is a second flowchart of a communication method between a tethered drone and a vehicle-mounted terminal provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the communication system of a tethered drone and a vehicle-mounted terminal provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device provided by some embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of some embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, in the description of this disclosure, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] In related technologies, the spectrum used by drones globally is mainly concentrated in the C-band (1.0–2.0 GHz), L-band (4.0–8.0 GHz), and UHF (Ultra-High Frequency, 300–3000 MHz) bands, with a small number of drones also using other bands. To meet the requirements of unmanned aerial vehicles, some dedicated frequency bands have been set up to meet the needs of applications such as forest fire prevention, emergency rescue, scientific research, and environmental monitoring. The communication methods between tethered drones (or airborne terminals) and vehicle-mounted terminals (or ground terminals, vehicle-mounted terminals) are mainly divided into wired and wireless. In practical applications, tethered drones and vehicle-mounted terminals usually use a single communication method, which has low reliability. Moreover, if wireless communication is used, it is easily interfered with by other communication devices during actual operation; if wired communication is used, the connection reliability between the drone and the vehicle-mounted terminal is high. If the physical connection is broken, communication is lost, leading to the inability to control the drone and easily causing a series of safety hazards.

[0038] In view of this, some embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method between a tethered drone and a vehicle-mounted terminal. This method includes multiple communication links ordered by priority, each with a different communication mode. In practical applications, the current communication links of the vehicle-mounted and airborne terminals can be obtained. By monitoring whether monitoring data is received under the current communication link, it can be determined whether to switch the current communication link to the next higher priority communication link for communication. The embodiments of this disclosure improve the reliability of communication between the vehicle-mounted and airborne terminals through redundant communication via multiple communication links, enabling effective control of the airborne terminal and avoiding safety issues caused by loss of control. This method is highly practical.

[0039] The overall composition and structure of the communication system for tethered drones and vehicle-mounted terminals provided by some embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated below with reference to Figure 1.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, some embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system between a tethered drone and a vehicle-mounted terminal. This communication system includes a vehicle-mounted terminal 110 for the vehicle platform and an airborne terminal 120 for the drone platform. The vehicle platform further includes a vehicle-mounted payload control sub-link 111 and an integrated instrument display and control system 112. The drone platform further includes an airborne payload control sub-link 121, a flight control sub-link 122, and a command and control sub-link 123.

[0041] The functions of each unit in Figure 1 are illustrated below.

[0042] The airborne payload control sub-link 111 forms a local area network with the airborne camera and other airborne payloads via a network cable; the airborne payload equipment includes one or more of the following: fuselage lighting, work surface lighting, photoelectric composite cable throwing mechanism, water hose throwing mechanism, network camera, water cannon gimbal, window breaker throwing device, and fire extinguishing bomb throwing device.

[0043] Flight control sub-link 122 connects to the flight controller, high-voltage power distribution box, low-voltage power distribution box, airborne battery pack, and motor controller via CAN bus to form a CAN network; the CAN bus then connects to other devices via CAN server, optical transceiver to form a local area network.

[0044] Command and control sub-link 123 connects to the serial port server (airborne end, or airborne serial port server) and radio station (airborne end) through an internal serial port automatic switcher; the serial port server forms a local area network with the optical transceiver through a network cable.

[0045] The integrated instrument display and control system 112 includes a ground monitoring station, a payload control station, a ground control station, and a serial port server (vehicle-mounted). The ground monitoring station analyzes and displays information from motor controllers, onboard battery packs, low-voltage distribution boxes, and high-voltage distribution boxes within the local area network. The payload control station analyzes and controls onboard cameras, generators, tethered winches, and other onboard payload equipment within the local area network and displays them. The ground control station sends control commands and displays aircraft instrument information via the serial port server or radio.

[0046] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle-mounted terminal 110 and the airborne terminal 120 can communicate using multiple communication links to improve communication reliability.

[0047] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the multiple communication links include: a first link using optical fiber communication, a second link using wireless bridge communication, and a third link using radio station communication. The multiple communication links are ordered by priority as: the first link, the second link, and the third link.

[0048] For example, the vehicle-mounted terminal 110 and the airborne terminal 120 can communicate through the main network (as an optional example of the first link), the first backup link (i.e., the backup 1 link in Figure 1, as an optional example of the second link), and the second backup link (i.e., the backup 2 link in Figure 1, as an optional example of the third link).

[0049] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the vehicle-mounted optical transceiver and the airborne optical transceiver are connected by multiple optical fibers; when any one of the multiple optical fibers is disconnected, the system automatically switches to other optical fibers except for that one optical fiber.

[0050] For example, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the main network connects the vehicle-mounted terminal 110 and the airborne terminal 120 via a fiber optic composite cable. The fiber optic composite cable contains multiple optical fibers (e.g., at least four fibers), some of which are primary and some are backups. Taking four optical fibers as an example, the optical transceiver includes two optical fiber interfaces and four network cable interfaces, with two optical fibers connecting to the optical transceivers at the airborne terminal 120 and the vehicle-mounted terminal 110. The optical transceiver has an automatic switching function, automatically switching to another fiber when one fiber communication is interrupted (as an optional example of other optical fibers); the optical transceiver also functions as a switch, and the eight network cable interfaces of the optical transceivers at the airborne terminal 120 and the vehicle-mounted terminal 110 (i.e., the airborne optical transceiver and the vehicle-mounted optical transceiver) can form a local area network. In addition, the number of optical transceivers in the main network can be set as needed. For example, there can be 4 optical transceivers, namely 2 in the air (airborne) and 2 on the ground. The 4 optical transceivers are connected by optical fibers and can be online at the same time to back each other up. The optical-electric composite cable contains 4 optical fibers. As long as one or more optical fibers are communicating normally, the main network is normal.

[0051] It is understood that the number of interfaces of the optical transceiver can be adjusted based on the number of optical fibers, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto.

[0052] In some embodiments of this disclosure, one end of the wireless bridge is connected to the airborne optical transceiver via a network cable; the other end of the wireless bridge is connected to the vehicle-mounted optical transceiver via a first switch and a network cable.

[0053] For example, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the wireless bridge in the first backup link can be a 5.8G bridge, which forms a local area network (LAN) by connecting the vehicle-mounted terminal 110 and the airborne terminal 120. The airborne 5.8G bridge is connected to the airborne optical transceiver via a network cable, and the network automatic switch 130 is connected to the vehicle-mounted optical transceiver and the vehicle-mounted 5.8G bridge via a network cable. The first backup link can replace the fiber optic network to form a LAN with the airborne terminal 120 and the vehicle-mounted terminal 110. When the main network is working normally, the network automatic switch 130 defaults to not connecting the vehicle-mounted 5.8G bridge to the vehicle-mounted optical transceiver. It should be noted that the wireless bridge in the first backup link can be a 5.8G bridge, or it can be a 2.4G bridge, a 5G, a 6G mobile network, or other bridges and mobile networks. This disclosure does not specifically limit the types of bridges and mobile networks used.

[0054] It should be noted that the main network and the first backup link have no functional difference, only the bandwidth and the number of load devices they can accommodate are different. The bandwidth of the first backup link is slightly lower than that of the main network.

[0055] In some embodiments of this disclosure, one end of the radio station is connected to the airborne optical transceiver via a serial port and an airborne serial port server, and the airborne serial port server is connected to the flight controller via a second switch; the other end of the radio station is connected to the vehicle-mounted optical transceiver via a vehicle-mounted serial port server.

[0056] For example, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the frequency band of the radio in the second backup link can be set based on the relevant regulations of the aircraft and the actual situation. For example, the frequency band is 800MHz. Alternatively, the 800MHz radio can be replaced with a 2.4G radio or other frequency band radios. This disclosure does not specifically limit the frequency band. Optionally, the ground control station's command, control, and display data are communicated with the flight controller via the vehicle-mounted terminal 110 and the airborne radio. The automatic serial port switcher defaults to connecting the flight controller to the airborne serial port server.

[0057] As can be seen from the above, the priority order of the three communication links provided is: main network > first backup link > second backup link; the bandwidth relationship of the three communication links is: main network > first backup link > second backup link.

[0058] It should be understood that although the above embodiments are illustrated using three communication links as an example, the number of communication links can be set according to actual conditions in practical applications (e.g., 2 links, 5 links, etc.). The links and terminals inside the system in Figure 1 can be adjusted according to the actual application scenario, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto.

[0059] The following describes, with reference to Figure 2, the implementation process of communication between the tethered drone and the vehicle-mounted terminal provided by the system shown in Figure 1, according to some embodiments of this disclosure. It is understood that the communication method between the tethered drone and the vehicle-mounted terminal can be executed by the network automatic switcher 130 or the serial port automatic switcher, or by other switching control modules or controllers within the vehicle-mounted platform or the drone platform. This disclosure does not specifically limit the method described herein.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a flowchart of a communication method between a tethered drone and a vehicle-mounted terminal according to some embodiments of this disclosure. The communication method between the tethered drone and the vehicle-mounted terminal may include:

[0061] S210 monitors whether the current communication link between the vehicle-mounted and airborne terminals is functioning normally.

[0062] For example, in some embodiments of this disclosure, when the vehicle-mounted terminal 110 and the airborne terminal 120 communicate using the current communication link, it is first monitored whether the current communication link is communicating normally.

[0063] In some embodiments of this disclosure, S210 may include: determining whether the current communication link is communicating normally by judging whether monitoring data under the current communication link is received, wherein the monitoring data is the heartbeat data of the airborne end or the communication data of the airborne end serial port server.

[0064] For example, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the network automatic switcher 130 confirms whether the current communication link is normal by determining whether it receives heartbeat data sent by the airborne terminal 120. The serial port automatic switcher confirms whether the current communication link is normal by determining whether it receives communication data from the airborne serial port server. If monitoring data can be received normally, the current link communication is normal.

[0065] S220, in the event of an abnormality in the current communication link, the current communication link is switched to the next communication link among multiple communication links for communication, wherein each communication link among the multiple communication links is ordered according to priority, each communication link has a different communication method, and the current communication link has a higher priority than the next communication link.

[0066] For example, in some embodiments of this disclosure, since there are priorities among multiple communication links, in actual practice, if it is confirmed that there is an anomaly in the current communication link, it can be switched to the next communication link of the next level to achieve normal communication between the vehicle terminal 110 and the airborne terminal 120.

[0067] The above process is illustrated below by example.

[0068] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the current communication link is the first link; S210 may include: if no heartbeat data is received from the airborne terminal within a first preset time period, then confirm that the first link communication is abnormal. S220 may include: connecting the vehicle-mounted terminal to the wireless bridge and switching to the second link for communication; sending a successful switch notification message to the ground monitoring station so that the ground monitoring station can display the second link.

[0069] For example, in some embodiments of this disclosure, if the current communication link is the main network and the network automatic switcher 130 fails to receive heartbeat data from the airborne equipment (i.e., airborne terminal 120) via optical fiber for more than 200ms (as an optional example of the first preset time period), then all optical fibers in the main network are confirmed to be abnormal. At this time, the network connection between the vehicle-mounted 5.8G bridge and the vehicle-mounted optical transceiver is established, and communication is switched to the first backup link. The first backup link has all the communication functions of the main network. After a successful switch, information is sent to the ground monitoring station, which displays it as backup link 1 (i.e., the first backup link).

[0070] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the current communication link is the second link; S210 may include: if no communication data is received from the airborne serial port server within a second preset time period, then confirm that the second link communication is abnormal. S220 may include: connecting the flight controller to the radio station via a serial port, switching to the third link for communication; sending a successful switch notification message to the ground monitoring station so that the ground monitoring station can display the third link.

[0071] For example, in some embodiments of this disclosure, if the current communication link is Backup Link 1, and the serial port automatic switcher fails to receive communication data from the airborne serial port server for more than 500ms (as an optional example of a second preset time period) (indicating that both the main network and Backup Link 1 are disconnected), the flight controller serial port is connected to the radio station, switching to Backup Link 2. After a successful switch, information is sent to the ground monitoring station, which displays Backup Link 2.

[0072] It is understood that the first and second preset time periods can be determined according to the actual application scenario, and this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Furthermore, during the communication link switching process, after a successful switch, the network automatic switcher 130 and the serial port automatic switcher can send a successful switch instruction to the vehicle-mounted terminal 110 and the airborne terminal 120 to change the communication method. After a successful switch, the vehicle-mounted terminal 110 and the airborne terminal 120 can resend the data that failed to be transmitted due to communication abnormalities before the switch. This failed data can be transmitted together with new data or transmitted separately to ensure the integrity of data transmission and prevent loss. The transmission time and method of the failed data can be selected according to the actual situation, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0073] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the communication method between the tethered drone and the vehicle-mounted terminal further includes: controlling the drone to land within a preset time period when using the third link communication, so as to facilitate maintenance.

[0074] For example, in some embodiments of this disclosure, under the backup 2 link, only command and control communication with the aircraft (i.e., the drone) is maintained, and the drone must be landed and inspected as soon as possible. That is, the backup 2 link is to ensure that the aircraft can still be commanded and controlled and to execute the emergency landing procedure in the event that both the main network and the backup 1 link fail.

[0075] The following describes, with reference to Figure 3, the specific communication process between the tethered drone and the vehicle-mounted terminal provided by some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0076] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a flowchart of a communication method between a tethered drone and a vehicle-mounted terminal provided by some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0077] The above process is illustrated below by example.

[0078] The S310 uses the main network for communication between the vehicle-mounted and airborne terminals.

[0079] S320: The network automatic switcher determines whether it has received heartbeat data from the airborne end. If so, it continues to execute S320 according to the preset cycle; otherwise, it executes S330.

[0080] S330 switches the main network to backup link 1 and sends link information to the ground monitoring station.

[0081] S340: The serial port automatic switcher determines whether it has received communication data from the onboard serial port server. If so, it continues to execute S340 according to the preset cycle; otherwise, it executes S350.

[0082] S350 switches the backup link 1 to the backup link 2 and sends link information to the ground monitoring station.

[0083] S360 controls the drone to land within a preset time period.

[0084] It is understood that the specific implementation process of S310 to S360 can be referred to the method embodiments provided in Figures 1 and 2 above. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0085] Some embodiments of this disclosure utilize a combined wired and wireless backup approach to divide communication methods into multiple types, thereby improving communication reliability. When the surrounding electromagnetic environment is complex and wireless communication is susceptible to interference leading to interruptions, the main network in this disclosure uses wired transmission, with dual optical fibers serving as backups. This reduces the risk of communication interruptions caused by single optical fibers being susceptible to plug contamination or fiber optic cable wear and tear. Simultaneously, two wireless communication methods are retained, ensuring the ability to execute aircraft emergency landing commands even if both fail, effectively combining the advantages of both methods to create a complementary system.

[0086] Furthermore, fiber optic data transmission boasts high speed, large capacity, low loss, and strong anti-interference capabilities. Fiber optic transmission is unaffected by electromagnetic interference, effectively avoiding radio wave interference. To ensure data transmission reliability, a fiber optic redundancy design is employed, using multiple fibers to transmit data in parallel. If one fiber fails, the others can immediately take over, ensuring uninterrupted data transmission. While fiber optic transmission inherently offers high security, data encryption technologies such as AES and RSA can be used to encrypt the transmitted data, further enhancing security. Due to the physical connection of cables, wired data links are generally more stable than wireless data links and less susceptible to external interference. Cables can provide higher data transmission rates, making them suitable for applications requiring real-time transmission of large amounts of data. Tethered drones can obtain a continuous power supply from a ground station via cables, avoiding battery life limitations and extending the drone's operating time. Wired connections reduce potential security risks, such as communication interruptions caused by hacking attacks or radio interference.

[0087] Please refer to Figure 4, which shows a block diagram of a communication system for a tethered drone and a vehicle-mounted terminal provided in some embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that this communication system for the tethered drone and the vehicle-mounted terminal corresponds to the method embodiments described above and is capable of performing the various steps involved in the method embodiments described above. The specific functions of the communication system for the tethered drone and the vehicle-mounted terminal can be found in the description above. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0088] The communication system of the tethered drone and vehicle-mounted terminal shown in Figure 4 includes at least one software functional module that can be stored in a memory or embedded in the communication system of the tethered drone and vehicle-mounted terminal in the form of software or firmware. The communication system of the tethered drone and vehicle-mounted terminal includes: a monitoring module 410, configured to monitor whether the current communication link between the vehicle-mounted terminal and the airborne terminal is normal; and a link switching module 420, configured to switch the current communication link to the next communication link among multiple communication links for communication when the current communication link is abnormal. Among the multiple communication links, each communication link is ordered according to priority, and each communication link has a different communication mode. The current communication link has a higher priority than the next communication link.

[0089] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the monitoring module 410 is configured to determine whether the current communication link is communicating normally by judging whether monitoring data under the current communication link is received, wherein the monitoring data is the heartbeat data of the airborne end or the communication data of the airborne end serial port server.

[0090] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the current communication link is the first link; the monitoring module 410 is configured to confirm that the first link is abnormal if it does not receive heartbeat data from the airborne terminal within a first preset time period; the link switching module 420 is configured to connect the vehicle-mounted terminal to the wireless bridge and switch to the second link for communication; and send a successful switching prompt message to the ground monitoring station so that the ground monitoring station can display the second link.

[0091] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the current communication link is the second link; the monitoring module 410 is configured to confirm that the second link is abnormal if no communication data is received from the airborne serial port server within a second preset time period; the link switching module 420 is configured to connect the flight controller to the radio station via a serial port and switch to the third link for communication; and send a switching success prompt message to the ground monitoring station so that the ground monitoring station can display the third link.

[0092] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the link switching module 420 is configured to control the drone to land within a preset time period when the third link communication is used, so as to facilitate maintenance.

[0093] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the system described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the aforementioned method, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0094] Some embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, can perform the operation of any of the methods corresponding to the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0095] Some embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer program product, which includes a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, it can perform the operation of any of the methods corresponding to the above embodiments provided in the above embodiments.

[0096] As shown in FIG5, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic device 500, which includes a memory 510, a processor 520, and a computer program stored in the memory 510 and executable on the processor 520. When the processor 520 reads the program from the memory 510 via a bus 530 and executes the program, it can implement the method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0097] Processor 520 can process digital signals and can include various computing architectures. For example, it can be a complex instruction set computer architecture, a reduced instruction set computer architecture, or an architecture that implements multiple instruction set combinations. In some examples, processor 520 can be a microprocessor.

[0098] Memory 510 may be configured to store instructions executed by processor 520 or data related to instruction execution. These instructions and / or data may include code configured to implement some or all of the functions of one or more modules described in embodiments of this disclosure. Processor 520 of embodiments of this disclosure may be configured to execute instructions in memory 510 to implement the methods described above. Memory 510 includes dynamic random access memory, static random access memory, flash memory, optical memory, or other memories well known to those skilled in the art.

[0099] The above description is merely an embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0100] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0101] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element. Industrial applicability

[0102] By adopting the above scheme, the reliability of communication between the vehicle-mounted and airborne terminals can be improved through redundant communication of multiple communication links, enabling effective control of the airborne terminal and avoiding safety issues caused by loss of control. It has high practicality.

Claims

1. A tethered drone and vehicle-mounted terminal communication method characterized by comprising: include: Monitor whether the current communication link between the vehicle-mounted and airborne terminals is functioning normally; In the event of a communication failure on the current communication link, the current communication link is switched to the next communication link among multiple communication links for communication. Each of the multiple communication links is ordered according to priority, and each communication link has a different communication method. The current communication link has a higher priority than the next communication link.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The monitoring of whether the current communication link between the vehicle-mounted terminal and the airborne terminal is normal includes: By determining whether monitoring data under the current communication link is received, it is determined whether the current communication link is communicating normally. The monitoring data is the heartbeat data of the airborne end or the communication data of the airborne end serial port server.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The multiple communication links include: a first link using optical fiber communication, a second link using wireless bridge communication, and a third link using radio station communication, wherein the multiple communication links are ordered by priority as follows: the first link, the second link, and the third link.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The current communication link is the first link; wherein, determining whether the current communication link is communicating normally by judging whether monitoring data is received under the current communication link includes: If no heartbeat data is received from the airborne terminal within the first preset time period, the first link communication is confirmed to be abnormal. The step of switching the current communication link to the next communication link among multiple communication links includes: Connect the vehicle-mounted terminal to the wireless bridge and switch to the second link for communication; A successful handover notification message is sent to the ground monitoring station so that the ground monitoring station can display the second link.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein, The current communication link is the second link; wherein, determining whether the current communication link is communicating normally by judging whether monitoring data is received under the current communication link includes: If no communication data is received from the airborne serial port server within the second preset time period, the second link communication is confirmed to be abnormal. The step of switching the current communication link to the next communication link among multiple communication links includes: The flight controller is connected to the radio station via a serial port, and communication is switched to the third link. A successful handover notification is sent to the ground monitoring station so that the ground monitoring station can display the third link.

6. The method of any one of claims 3-5, wherein, The method further includes: When using the third link communication, the drone is controlled to land within a preset time period to facilitate maintenance.

7. The method of any one of claims 3-5, wherein, The vehicle-mounted optical transceiver and the airborne optical transceiver are connected by multiple optical fibers; when any one of the multiple optical fibers is disconnected, the system automatically switches to other optical fibers except for that one optical fiber.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, One end of the wireless bridge is connected to the airborne optical transceiver via a network cable; the other end of the wireless bridge is connected to the vehicle-mounted optical transceiver via a first switch and a network cable.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein, One end of the radio is connected to the airborne optical transceiver via a serial port and an airborne serial port server. The airborne serial port server is connected to the flight controller via a second switch. The other end of the radio is connected to the vehicle-mounted optical transceiver via a vehicle-mounted serial port server.

10. A communication system of a tethered drone and a vehicle-mounted terminal, characterized by, include: The monitoring module is configured to monitor whether the current communication link between the vehicle-mounted terminal and the airborne terminal is normal. The link switching module is configured to switch the current communication link to the next communication link among multiple communication links in the event of a communication failure of the current communication link. Each of the multiple communication links is ordered according to priority, and each communication link has a different communication method. The current communication link has a higher priority than the next communication link.

11. A computer readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

12. An electronic device, comprising: The method includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and running on the processor, wherein the computer program is executed by the processor to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-9.

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