Drone Trajectory Timeline Synchronization for Low-Bandwidth Swarms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for synchronizing the trajectories of multiple autonomous VTOL flying drones are complex, require high bandwidth, and limit flight areas due to the need for fixed sensors or master-slave configurations, leading to potential crashes if synchronization is not precise.
Innovation Solution
A system where each flying drone stores a 3D trajectory with a timeline and receives a synchronization signal from a central coordinator with a timecode, allowing for accurate and flexible synchronization without complex central position calculations, using a wireless receptor and control computer to adjust its trajectory accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed sensors and central coordinator are used to control drone trajectories, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex central coordinator and fixed sensor infrastructure from the system, replacing them with autonomous timing devices on each drone. Each drone carries its own timecode generator and timeline, eliminating the need for ground-based cameras and central position calculation systems while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Each drone becomes self-sufficient by generating and storing its own timecode and trajectory timeline independently. The drones use their onboard clocks and pre-stored timing information to synchronize autonomously without requiring external coordination or complex central control infrastructure.
2Reliability
If master-slave technology is used for drone synchronization, then synchronization is achieved, but data transfer bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing complete trajectory timelines with timecodes on each drone before flight operations. Instead of continuously transmitting synchronization data during flight, the timing information is prepared in advance, eliminating the need for high-bandwidth real-time data transfer while maintaining synchronization reliability.
3Measurement precision
If fixed sensors are used to monitor drone positions, then synchronization control is improved, but flight area flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes fixed ground-based sensor infrastructure that constrains flight areas. By extracting the timing and synchronization functionality from ground infrastructure and placing it onboard each drone, the system enables unrestricted flight paths and areas while maintaining precise position measurement and synchronization capabilities.
4Measurement precision
If central coordinator performs position calculations in quasi real time, then drone positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized position calculation function into individual autonomous timing units on each drone. Instead of one complex central coordinator performing all position calculations, each drone independently uses its onboard timeline and timecode to determine its position and synchronize with others, distributing the computational burden and reducing central system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flying drone (10) comprises a memory (16) for storing a forecasted flying trajectory, said trajectory being defined by a list (26) of 3D coordinates points, and a control and command computer (18) for driving drone directional and motorization means, said control and command computer (18) being connected to the memory (16) for reading the forecasted trajectory so that the flying drone (10) is able to move along said forecasted trajectory. The flying drone (10) further comprises: • a wireless receptor (20) able to receive a synchronization signal (28) emitted from a timecode (38); • the 3D coordinates points are associated to a timeline; and • the control and command computer (18) is adapted for synchronizing the flying drone timeline with the synchronization signal (28).