UAV File Transfer Routing Through Cloud Relay Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transfer systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges when software updates or changes in data storage locations require updating application programming interfaces (APIs), leading to increased development costs and system complexity, especially in fleets of drones.
Innovation Solution
A cloud service manages data transfer by using unique identifiers for data files, determining transfer instructions based on these identifiers, and communicating with a relay resource to facilitate seamless data transfer to designated destinations, while allowing for software updates and changes in data handling without requiring extensive API updates across the fleet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the API is updated to accommodate changes in data file handling or storage location, then the system can access and transfer data files correctly, but development costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud service as an intermediary between the drone and the data destination. The cloud service receives transfer requests from the drone, determines the appropriate destination based on file identifiers, and orchestrates the data transfer. This mediator absorbs the complexity of managing multiple destinations and transfer protocols, allowing the drone's API to remain simple and unchanged even when data handling requirements evolve.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud service provides a universal interface that handles multiple data transfer scenarios through a single API endpoint. Instead of requiring separate API implementations for different storage locations or transfer methods, the cloud service universally manages all data transfer operations, making the system adaptable to changes without requiring API updates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new API is created to enable drones to transfer media associated with a new functionality, then the new functionality can be supported, but development costs and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud service acts as a universal platform that supports multiple functionalities through a single data transfer interface. Whether the drone captures traditional photos, videos, or data from newly added sensors, the same cloud service infrastructure handles the transfer by routing requests based on file identifiers, eliminating the need for separate API implementations for each functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud service pre-configures transfer destinations and protocols based on file identifiers before actual data transfer occurs. When new functionalities are added to the drone, the cloud service can accommodate them without requiring preliminary API development, as the routing logic is determined in advance by the file identifier matching system.
3Reliability
If software updates are broadcast to the entire fleet to accommodate data handling changes, then all drones can access updated data locations, but development time and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud service serves as a central mediator that manages fleet-wide data transfer coordination. When data handling requirements change, updates are made centrally in the cloud service rather than being distributed to each drone. The cloud service then orchestrates transfers for all drones using the updated routing logic, eliminating the need for time-consuming fleet-wide software updates while maintaining consistent data access across the entire fleet.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology is disclosed herein to enable data transfer from unmanned aerial vehicles to cloud destinations. In an implementation, a relay resource in communication with a UAV sends a transfer request to a cloud service for managing data transfer for unmanned aerial vehicles. The request includes a unique identifier for the data file. The cloud service determines instructions for transferring the data file to a destination based on the file's unique identifier. The cloud service sends the transfer instructions to the relay resource via an API, the instructions including information for uploading the file to the destination.