Autonomous Drone Flight with Low-Power Remote-Free Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous drones face limitations due to size and power constraints, making remote control cumbersome and prone to interference, and users demand more services while ensuring safety.
Innovation Solution
A fully autonomous drone system that performs preprogrammed flight plans, includes energy conservation modes, and allows landing on a user's hand, using a user interface for control and integrating with networked computing environments for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous drones are equipped with more services and capabilities, then user demand is better met, but power consumption increases and size constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drone's operational modes into distinct states (takeoff, flight, landing, low-power modes) with predefined flight plans. The autonomous controller executes specific segments of operations independently, allowing the drone to provide comprehensive services while consuming less power by not continuously operating all systems at full capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action through preprogrammed flight plans and autonomous decision-making algorithms that are prepared in advance. The drone receives an initial command and indication of landing target, then autonomously executes the entire flight sequence without continuous power-intensive remote control communication, reducing real-time power consumption while maintaining service capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If remote control is used for autonomous drones, then user control is possible, but control becomes cumbersome and prone to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the autonomous controller that independently executes preprogrammed flight plans. The drone autonomously navigates, performs maneuvers, and lands based on initial commands without requiring continuous remote control input. This eliminates the cumbersomeness of remote control while improving reliability by reducing susceptibility to electromagnetic interference and signal loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical remote control system with an autonomous electronic control system. Instead of relying on continuous radio frequency communication between remote control and drone, the system uses onboard autonomous controllers and preprogrammed instructions, substituting the external mechanical control mechanism with an internal electronic decision-making system that is more reliable and less prone to interference.
3Reliability
If safety is prioritized in autonomous drone operations, then user protection is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning through safety checks and verification steps embedded in the autonomous flight system. Before executing flight maneuvers, the system performs preliminary safety validations. The autonomous controller includes built-in safety protocols that prevent dangerous operations, providing protection in advance without requiring complex external safety systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the autonomous controller continuously monitors flight parameters, battery status, and environmental conditions. This feedback loop allows the system to make real-time safety decisions and adjust operations accordingly, maintaining high safety standards through intelligent monitoring rather than through complex mechanical safety devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, computer readable medium and methods for fully autonomous drone flight are disclosed. Example methods include taking off, navigating in accordance with a flight plan, and navigating the autonomous drone to land. The autonomous drone performs flight plans with only an initial command for the autonomous drone to fly and, in some examples, an indication of a landing space such as an open hand presented under the autonomous drone. After an initial fly command, the autonomous drone is not controlled by a remote-control device and does not receive any additional commands to complete the flight plan. The autonomous drone enters a lower energy state while flying where the wireless connections are turned off since the autonomous drone does not respond to commands during flight.