Bi-directional Communication for Unmanned System Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for interacting with unmanned systems are limited by their reliance on specialized hardware and complex graphical interfaces, restricting interactions in ad-hoc or emergent situations, such as rescue operations or package delivery scenarios, where supplemental communication with entities unrelated to the ground control station is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional communication system that allows operators to use personal communication devices with native interfaces to select and send command, control, and communication messages to unmanned systems via various communication links, including audio, visual, and digital networks, enabling interaction without relying on specialized hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If special-purpose communication transceivers and ground control stations are used to control unmanned systems, then reliable command and control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to specialized hardware requirements and complex graphical interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling standard personal communication devices (smartphones, tablets, radios) to function as command and control interfaces for unmanned systems. The system translates native interface inputs from these universal devices into C3 messages, allowing one device type to serve multiple functions including control, communication, and monitoring without requiring specialized hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a virtual representation of the ground control station interface within the personal communication device. The system replicates essential C3 functionality through software-based interfaces that mirror traditional GCS capabilities, allowing operators to interact with unmanned systems using familiar devices rather than specialized hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ground control stations with graphical interfaces are used, then comprehensive control capability is achieved, but ease of operation worsens due to the complexity of graphical interfaces and maps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the traditional approach: instead of requiring operators to adapt to complex GCS graphical interfaces, the system adapts the control interface to match the operator's familiar native device interface. The system inverts the complexity burden by processing and translating simple native inputs into comprehensive control commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables universal personal communication devices to perform specialized GCS functions through software-based translation layers that maintain comprehensive control capability while using simple, familiar interfaces that operators already know how to use.
3Reliability
If exclusive binding of C3 to special-purpose devices is maintained, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability worsens by limiting interactions in ad-hoc situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that sits between standard personal communication devices and the unmanned system's C3 interface. This mediator translates native interface messages into standardized control commands, enabling flexible ad-hoc interactions while maintaining the reliability of the underlying control system through standardized message protocols.
4Reliability
If specialized hardware devices are used for unmanned system control, then command and control functionality is ensured, but ease of manufacture and deployment worsens due to custom hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for specialized hardware manufacturing by enabling universal personal communication devices to serve as control interfaces. The system uses software-based translation to adapt standard devices for C3 functionality, significantly simplifying manufacturing and deployment while maintaining reliable command and control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Bi-directional personal communication systems and processes may be utilized to control unmanned systems. Such systems and processes may enable operator interface with unmanned systems as a replacement or a supplement to use of specialized hardware and rich, graphical interfaces. The bi-directional communication systems and methods also may be integrated as a subsystem within a ground control station. The system may include a personal communications device with a native interface for an operator to select command, control and/or communication (C3) messages to interact with the unmanned system, and a communication link operable to send the C3 messages selected by the operator to the unmanned system, wherein the unmanned system includes a receiver that receives the C3 messages over the communication link and an onboard computing device that processes and responds to the C3 messages received by the receiver.