Cellular Control Link for Unmanned Vehicle Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned vehicles face control limitations due to line-of-sight (LOS) link breaks and propagation delays in satellite communications, especially in obstructed environments and adverse weather conditions, necessitating an alternative communication method for reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that utilizes cellular communication to control unmanned vehicles, allowing for transfer of operational control among multiple communication links, including LOS, satellite, and cellular interfaces, ensuring continuous control without the need for direct line-of-sight contact and reducing propagation delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If line-of-sight (LOS) link is used for control communication, then control accuracy is improved, but control reliability deteriorates when the unmanned vehicle travels behind an obstacle or over the horizon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cellular communication networks as an intermediary medium between the base unit and unmanned vehicle. Instead of direct LOS radio frequency communication, the system uses cellular towers as relay points to transmit control signals and telemetry data, enabling communication when direct line-of-sight is blocked by obstacles or beyond the horizon.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements multi-functionality by enabling the unmanned vehicle to operate with multiple communication modes - LOS link when available for high-precision control, and cellular link when LOS is unavailable for maintaining basic control and telemetry. The base unit can switch between these modes seamlessly.
2Reliability
If satellite link is used for control communication, then control reliability is improved, but response time deteriorates due to propagation delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cellular communication towers as intermediary relay points positioned much closer to the unmanned vehicle than satellites. This reduces the physical distance signals must travel, thereby minimizing propagation delays while maintaining reliable communication coverage through the distributed cellular network infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If satellite link is used for control communication, then control coverage is improved, but communication stability deteriorates in bad weather
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses cellular communication infrastructure as a weather-resistant intermediary for control communication. Cellular networks operate at lower frequencies that penetrate weather conditions better than satellite frequencies, and the distributed tower infrastructure provides multiple potential signal paths that can bypass weather-related obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial communication functionality by maintaining essential control and telemetry capabilities through cellular links when satellite communication degrades in bad weather. The system can operate with reduced but sufficient functionality rather than complete communication failure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of controlling an unmanned vehicle. The system includes a base station configured to transmit operational commands and an unmanned vehicle including a cellular communication interface and a controller. The cellular communication interface communicates with the base station through cellular communication. The controller communicates with the communication interface and operates the unmanned vehicle based on operational commands received from the base station.