Dual-Channel Privileged Command Architecture for Unmanned Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned vehicle systems lack a robust fail-safe mechanism to prevent inadvertent execution of privileged commands, such as munitions or payload release commands, due to operator error or software glitches.
Innovation Solution
A layered fail-safe redundancy system and architecture that utilizes a command execution system residing on a mobile device connected to a vehicle controller via multiple channels, ensuring that privileged commands are initiated and completed through separate channels to prevent accidental execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single channel is used for command transmission, then the system complexity is reduced, but the reliability of privileged command execution is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The command transmission system is segmented into multiple independent channels. Privileged commands are split into two parts: the first part is transmitted through a first channel, and the second part is transmitted through a second channel. This segmentation ensures that a single channel failure or error cannot result in inadvertent execution of privileged operations, thereby improving reliability without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary verification mechanism where the command execution system receives and verifies the second channel input before executing the privileged command. This intermediary step acts as a mediator that ensures both channels agree on the command intent, adding a layer of safety while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured verification protocols.
2Reliability
If multiple channels are used for command transmission, then the reliability of privileged command execution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The architecture is segmented into distinct communication channels with specific roles. The first channel handles initial command transmission, while the second channel handles verification and confirmation. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability while keeping the complexity manageable through clear separation of duties.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by requiring the first channel input to be received and processed before the second channel input is even expected. This preliminary setup establishes the context for the second channel verification, ensuring that the multi-channel architecture operates in a controlled sequence that manages complexity while maintaining high reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a layered fail-safe system is implemented, then the safety of privileged operations is enhanced, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The command execution system serves as an intermediary that automatically manages the complexity of multi-channel verification. From the operator's perspective, the process appears simplified while the intermediary handles the intricate coordination between channels, balancing safety enhancement with operational ease by shielding the user from underlying complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification through the multi-channel architecture, where the second channel automatically verifies the intent behind the first channel command. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex manual verification steps by the operator, maintaining ease of operation while enhancing safety through automated cross-checking.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described herein for a layered fail-safe redundancy system and architecture for privileged operation execution. The system may receive vehicle maneuvering commands from a controller over a first channel. When a user input is received to initiate a privileged mode for executing privileged commands, the system may receive a privileged command over a second channel. The system may identify, based on the privileged mode of operation and the privileged command, a privileged operation to be performed by a vehicle. The system may then transmit a request to the vehicle to perform the privileged operation.