Semi-Autonomous Aircraft Control Reallocation Under Data Link Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semi-autonomous aircraft systems face hazards due to the unavailability of remotely-controlled functions when the data link is down and the continuous activation of onboard functions, which can lead to adverse consequences.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for reallocating control authority over aircraft functions between the aircraft and ground pilot station based on data link conditions, including automatic transitions to ensure operational safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control authority is allocated to ground pilot station for semi-autonomous aircraft functions, then operational control and safety are improved, but system reliability deteriorates when data link is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reallocates control authority between ground pilot station and onboard systems based on data link availability. When data link is available, ground pilot station controls aircraft functions; when data link is unavailable, control automatically transitions to onboard systems. This dynamic allocation resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to changing operational conditions rather than fixed in one configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of control authority allocation based on data link status. By monitoring data link availability and automatically transitioning control authority between ground and onboard systems, the system maintains reliability across different operational states without requiring permanent structural changes or increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If onboard aircraft functions operate continuously by default, then operational independence is improved, but safety deteriorates due to erroneous activations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from data link status to control onboard function activation. Rather than continuous operation or complete inactivity, the system receives feedback about data link availability and automatically adjusts control authority accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures onboard functions are activated only when appropriate, preventing erroneous activations while maintaining operational independence when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control authority for onboard functions transitions dynamically based on operational conditions. The system is neither statically fixed to ground control nor continuously autonomous, but adapts its degree of independence in real-time based on data link availability, phase of flight, and system state, thereby avoiding erroneous activations while maintaining necessary operational independence.
3Reliability
If control authority is reallocated automatically based on data link condition, then operational safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting data link status and reallocating control authority without requiring external intervention or complex manual procedures. The aircraft systems monitor their own operational state and autonomously transition control between ground and onboard systems based on predefined criteria, improving safety while minimizing the complexity burden on operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes predefined criteria and automatic transition protocols in advance for control authority reallocation. By preparing the reallocation mechanism beforehand with clear decision logic based on data link status and flight phase, the system ensures safe automatic transitions without requiring complex real-time decision-making or increasing operational complexity during critical moments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote pilot control is used for collision avoidance, then operational flexibility is improved, but response time deteriorates compared to onboard DAA systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between remote pilot control and onboard DAA based on data link availability and flight conditions. When data link is available and pilot intervention is beneficial, flexible remote control is used; when rapid response is critical or data link is unavailable, automatic onboard DAA takes over. This dynamic allocation optimizes both flexibility and response time by using the appropriate control mode for each situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures the capability for automatic DAA activation and establishes clear criteria for when onboard systems should take control. By having the DAA system ready and pre-programmed with decision logic, the system can transition to autonomous collision avoidance rapidly when needed, minimizing response time loss while maintaining the option for flexible remote control when conditions permit.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for operating a semi-autonomous aircraft according to a condition of a data communication channel are presented. The techniques include: detecting a condition of a data communication channel between a semi-autonomous aircraft and a ground pilot station for the semi-autonomous aircraft; reallocating a control authority for an aircraft function from one of the semi-autonomous aircraft or the ground pilot station to an other of the semi-autonomous aircraft or the ground pilot station, where the reallocating is performed automatically and in response to a fulfilment of predefined criteria comprising the condition of the data communication channel; obtaining, from the other of the semi-autonomous aircraft or the ground pilot station, an instruction to activate or deactivate the aircraft function; and executing, by the semi-autonomous aircraft, the instruction to activate or deactivate the aircraft function in response to the obtaining the instruction.