Aerial Vehicle Mode Switching Based on Route Communication Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication techniques for aerial vehicles lack effective control over operating modes when collecting and transmitting data, particularly in scenarios where flight plans are deviated from due to malfunctions, communication issues, or changes in control methods.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that sets aerial vehicles into specific operating modes based on communication quality and flight plan information, allowing for dynamic mode switching between main and auxiliary units using both networked and non-networked wireless communication units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a main unit is selected from among a plurality of terminal devices on the basis of information such as reception quality, remaining battery power, or the like, then data collection and transmission can be organized, but the system lacks adaptability when flight plans are deviated from due to malfunctions, communication issues, or changes in control methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role assignment where aerial vehicles can switch between main unit and auxiliary unit roles based on real-time conditions. The control device dynamically determines operating modes (first operating mode for main unit, second operating mode for auxiliary unit) and notifies affected vehicles, enabling the system to adapt to flight plan deviations, malfunctions, and communication issues without requiring complex manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control device monitors flight status and communication quality, then adjusts operating modes accordingly. The control device notifies aerial vehicles of mode changes based on received information, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions while maintaining organized data collection and transmission
2Reliability
If aerial vehicles use wireless communication via communication network to transmit data to ground, then data can be sent to data processing device, but communication quality may deteriorate when flight plans are deviated from
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary that manages communication between aerial vehicles and the ground data processing device. The control device receives data from aerial vehicles via wireless communication, determines appropriate operating modes based on communication quality and flight status, and manages data transmission reliability by coordinating between multiple communication channels (first wireless communication unit via network, second wireless communication unit direct communication)
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters dynamically by switching between different operating modes. When communication quality deteriorates or flight plans are deviated from, the control device changes the operating mode parameter, switching vehicles between first operating mode (transmitting to data processing device via network) and second operating mode (auxiliary unit mode), thereby adapting to varying communication conditions
3Ease of operation
If a terminal device is not mounted to an aerial vehicle used on the ground, then ground-based operation is simplified, but the aerial vehicle cannot collect and transmit data from other aerial vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control device that can operate in multiple roles - both as a ground-based control station and as an aerial vehicle controller. The control device performs multiple functions including receiving data from aerial vehicles, determining operating modes, notifying vehicles of mode changes, and managing data transmission. This multi-functional design allows ground-based operation to maintain simplicity while still enabling data collection and transmission capabilities when needed
Data Source
AI summary
Setting unit performs the setting of each of the operating modes of a plurality of aerial vehicles on the basis of communication quality information of the planned route of the plurality of aerial vehicles that fly in a group. Specifically, setting unit firstly specifies the planned positions and periods in which each aerial vehicle is to fly from the flight plan information of the plurality of aerial vehicles that fly in a group. Next, setting unit specifies a communication quality of first wireless communication unit of each aerial vehicle in each position and each period from the communication quality information that represents the communication quality in the specified positions and periods. Then, setting unit specifies an operating mode setting schedule of main unit mode and auxiliary unit mode, which sets an aerial vehicle having a specified communication quality, and sets the remaining aerial vehicles as auxiliary units.