Autonomous Drone Flight Planning With Low-Power Wireless Shutdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autonomous drone systems face challenges in fully autonomous flight due to size and power constraints, and users demand more services while ensuring safety, especially in environments with electromagnetic interference or multiple drones using similar wavelengths.

Innovation Solution

The system enables fully autonomous drone flights by preprogramming flight plans, allowing the drone to perform tasks such as flying around a person and taking videos, and landing on a hand, using user interface controls and wireless connections to conserve energy and navigate safely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the drone performs more services and tasks, then user demand is met, but power consumption increases and flight duration decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management by adjusting the drone's operational state based on task requirements. The system transitions between different power consumption modes - using full power for critical maneuvers and reducing power for routine operations. This dynamic adaptation allows the drone to provide diverse services while optimizing energy usage throughout the flight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic communication and sensing cycles rather than continuous operation. The drone performs sensing, communication, and data processing at specific intervals appropriate to each task phase. This periodic action reduces average power consumption while maintaining the ability to deliver comprehensive services when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the drone operates in environments with electromagnetic interference, then service coverage is expanded, but flight safety and reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidflight safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multiple feedback mechanisms including sensor data feedback, communication signal quality feedback, and navigation status feedback. The system continuously monitors environmental conditions and adjusts its operation in real-time. When electromagnetic interference is detected, the feedback loop triggers corrective actions such as switching to backup communication channels or adjusting sensor sensitivity, thereby maintaining safety while operating in challenging environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates redundancy and fail-safe mechanisms prepared in advance for potential interference scenarios. Multiple sensors, backup communication protocols, and pre-programmed emergency procedures are ready before flight. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when electromagnetic interference occurs, the drone can maintain safe operation without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the drone size is reduced for portability, then ease of operation improves, but power capacity and service capability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidpower capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy mechanical power systems with more efficient electromagnetic propulsion and power management systems. Advanced power density technologies and lightweight materials are used to maximize power capacity within a compact form factor. This substitution allows the drone to maintain portability while achieving sufficient power capacity for diverse services.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12344409B2Fully autonomous drone flights

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 SNAP INC

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.