Drone Air Traffic Control Over Wireless Networks for UAV Holding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for package delivery poses challenges in air traffic control, as existing systems are impractical for managing the large number of UAVs and require communication for autonomous flight, necessitating efficient systems for air traffic control and communication over wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for Drone Air Traffic Control (ATC) over wireless networks that enables UAVs to communicate and receive instructions for package pickup and delivery, using a network of cell sites, mobile devices, and servers to manage flight paths, obstructions, and network switchover, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing air traffic control network (NAS) is used for UAVs, then air traffic control capability is provided, but it is impractical due to the sheer quantity of UAVs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air traffic control system into multiple components: ground control stations that manage flight paths, onboard collision avoidance systems that operate independently, and modular communication systems. This segmentation allows the system to handle large numbers of UAVs by distributing control functions rather than relying on a centralized NAS infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary systems including ground control stations that act as mediators between UAVs and the broader air traffic management infrastructure, and onboard systems that serve as intermediaries for real-time collision avoidance. These intermediaries enable scalable operation by handling local control decisions without requiring direct NAS involvement for every UAV.
2Extent of automation
If autonomous flight control communication is implemented, then autonomous operation is enabled, but communication infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through onboard collision avoidance systems that autonomously detect and resolve conflicts without requiring continuous ground control intervention. The UAVs independently monitor their environment, calculate collision risks, and execute avoidance maneuvers, enabling autonomous operation while reducing communication infrastructure demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-programming flight paths, pre-establishing communication protocols, and pre-configuring collision avoidance parameters before UAV deployment. This allows autonomous operation to commence immediately upon activation without requiring complex real-time communication infrastructure setup.
3Productivity
If multiple UAVs operate concurrently for package delivery, then delivery capacity increases, but air traffic control challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delivery operation into independent UAV units, each with its own collision avoidance system and flight path management. This allows multiple UAVs to operate concurrently without requiring centralized coordination for every maneuver, thereby increasing delivery capacity while keeping traffic control management complexity manageable through distributed autonomy.
Data Source
AI summary
Drone systems and methods for delayed package delivery includes, in an air traffic control system configured to manage UAV flight in a geographic region, communicating to one or more UAVs over one or more wireless networks; directing a UAV, in transit, to deliver a package to a delivery location and following a flight plan provided to the UAV by the air traffic control system or a drone operator, to hold a position; and directing the UAV to deliver the package after holding the position.