Passenger Drone Network Switchover for ATC Link Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air traffic control systems are impractical for managing the large number of drones due to their sheer quantity and the need for autonomous communication, requiring innovative systems and methods to provide effective air traffic control and communication for drones.
Innovation Solution
The development of systems and methods for drone air traffic control using dynamic flying lane management, multiple wireless networks for connectivity, and obstruction detection and avoidance, including a modified Inevitable Collision State for collision prediction and real-time route adjustments, as well as an elevator or tube lift for drone takeoff and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing air traffic control networks are used for drone management, then traditional air traffic control functions can be provided, but the system becomes impractical due to the sheer quantity of drones and communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air traffic control system into multiple independent components: unmanned aircraft control systems on individual drones, local control servers in geographic zones, and a hierarchical network architecture. This segmentation allows the system to scale by adding individual drone units without overwhelming the entire system, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of operation by enabling drones to communicate and be controlled through existing commercial wireless networks (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) in addition to or instead of dedicated air traffic control frequencies. This dimensional shift from single-purpose dedicated networks to multi-purpose commercial networks reduces system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Device complexity
If drones communicate autonomously without existing air traffic control infrastructure, then system complexity is reduced, but effective air traffic control and communication becomes difficult to provide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where each drone carries its own control system that can autonomously communicate with other drones and with control servers. Drones can independently establish communications, report their status, and coordinate their movements without requiring complex centralized control for every interaction, thus improving productivity while keeping individual units simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the drone control system universal by enabling it to operate across multiple communication networks (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, dedicated frequencies) and to perform multiple functions (autonomous communication, controlled communication, ad-hoc networking). This multi-functionality allows efficient air traffic control through simple autonomous drones that can adapt to available communication infrastructure.
3Reliability
If multiple wireless networks are used for drone communication, then communication reliability is improved, but network switching and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network selection and switching capabilities in the drone control systems. Drones can dynamically switch between different wireless networks (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) based on availability, signal strength, and communication requirements. This dynamic adaptation improves communication reliability while the automation of the switching process minimizes the perceived complexity for operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where drones continuously monitor the status and performance of available wireless networks and adjust their communication strategy accordingly. The system receives feedback on network quality, signal strength, and connectivity status, and uses this feedback to automatically select the optimal network, improving reliability while keeping management simple through automated decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A method configured for implementation by a passenger drone include communicating with an Air Traffic Control (ATC) system via a primary wireless network, the primary wireless network being associated with a first cell tower; receiving emergency instructions from the ATC system; storing the emergency instructions in memory, the emergency instructions configured to be implemented during an emergency situation; detecting when communication with the ATC system via the primary wireless network is disrupted; responsive to detecting when the communication with the ATC system via the primary wireless network is disrupted, implementing a network switchover procedure to attempt to reestablish communication to the ATC system via a backup wireless network; and, responsive to a failed attempt to reestablish communication to the ATC system via the backup wireless network, implementing the emergency instructions.