Onboard Drone HMI for Jam-Resistant Autonomous Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drone control systems using wireless controllers are difficult to learn, have limited range, and are susceptible to interference or jamming, especially in complex missions, and require external devices for operation, making them challenging for autonomous operations.
Innovation Solution
An onboard drone human-machine interface that eliminates the need for external control hardware by integrating a programmable control unit, input devices like push buttons or voice commands, and feedback systems, allowing for autonomous operation and secure communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless controller is used for drone control, then real-time direct control is achieved, but control difficulty increases and range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is extracted from external wireless controllers and integrated directly into the drone's onboard system. The human-machine interface, input devices, and control unit are now resident on the drone itself, eliminating the need for external controllers and their associated communication links.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone becomes self-controlled through its onboard human-machine interface. The drone can receive and process control inputs locally without requiring external controllers, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating communication vulnerabilities.
2Extent of automation
If external electronic device is used for mission control, then autonomous mission capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mission control capabilities previously requiring separate external electronic devices are merged into the drone's onboard control unit. The programmable onboard control unit can store and execute mission parameters locally, eliminating the need for external devices like laptops or tablets.
Solution Approach 2:
The onboard control unit serves multiple functions: it manages autonomous mission execution, processes real-time control inputs from the human-machine interface, and controls drone operations. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate specialized devices.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used for control, then remote operation is enabled, but susceptibility to interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerable wireless communication link for control commands is extracted and removed from the system. Control inputs are now received and processed locally on the drone through onboard input devices, eliminating the communication link that could be subject to interference or jamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The onboard control unit acts as an intermediary between the human-machine interface and the flight controller. It processes control inputs locally and generates appropriate commands, eliminating the need for direct wireless communication between external controllers and the flight controller.
4Reliability
If onboard control system is implemented, then control security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single integrated onboard control system. The human-machine interface, input devices, programmable control unit, and feedback devices work together as one cohesive system, reducing overall complexity compared to having separate external control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The onboard control unit performs multiple functions including processing control inputs, executing mission parameters, controlling flight operations, and managing feedback devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous drone system uses an onboard command and control system for controlling operations of a drone without the need for a radio frequency controller or an external electronic device programming unit. The system uses a control unit that interacts with the drone's unmanned aerial system flight controller. The control unit is programmed via an HMI button that is resident onboard the drone. Various sequences of HMI button depressions program the drone for its missions as well as command the drone to perform the missions. A microphone can be substituted for or can augment the HMI button. Various devices, such as a speaker, lights, a visual display screen, etc., can be resident on the drone for giving a user feedback during command and programming of the drone.