Flying Toy Height Control via Bit Error Rate Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling flying toys are limited by bi-state control mechanisms that rely on receiving or not receiving a signal, lacking error detection and being susceptible to environmental conditions, which restricts their ability to achieve robust and efficient flight control.
Innovation Solution
The system controls a flying toy based on the bit error rate (BER) determined by comparing the transmitted signal with the received signal, allowing for more robust and efficient flight control by adjusting the motor output based on the BER and its comparison to a threshold value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If bi-state control system is used to control flying toy based on signal reception, then the control mechanism is simple, but the control precision and reliability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the binary control state (signal received/not received) into a continuous control parameter (bit error rate) that varies with distance. The controller adjusts motor speed based on the magnitude of BER rather than just its presence, enabling proportional control with much finer granularity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by constantly monitoring the bit error rate of reflected signals and adjusting motor speed accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism uses BER as the feedback parameter, providing real-time distance information to maintain precise height control above the surface.
2Reliability
If reflected IR signal is used for control, then the system can detect surface distance, but the system is susceptible to environmental conditions and surface properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical reflection detection system with an electronic digital communication system. Instead of measuring optical signal strength from surface reflection, the system uses digital signal transmission and measures bit error rates, which are less affected by surface properties and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from optical signal intensity (highly sensitive to surface properties) to bit error rate (less sensitive to environmental factors). This parameter transformation makes the distance measurement more reliable across different surfaces and conditions.
3Device complexity
If error detection is not implemented in the control system, then the system is simpler, but the control robustness is extremely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by continuously monitoring its own signal quality through bit error rate detection. The controller uses the BER information to automatically adjust control parameters and maintain reliable operation, enabling the system to self-correct for signal degradation without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Error detection feedback is integrated into the control loop. The bit error rate serves as both an error detection mechanism and a control parameter, providing feedback about signal quality that the controller uses to adjust motor speed and maintain stable flight.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the flying toy to maintain a consistent height and distance from a surface with greater precision and adaptability than traditional bi-state systems, enhancing the overall control and stability of the flying toy.
Implementation Method 1
A signal is transmitted from a transmitter on the toy, which reflects off of a surface (e.g., the ground or a substrate below the flying toy), then returns to a receiver on the toy.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A system and method for controlling a flying toy is shown and described herein. The flying toy may transmit a signal and receive a return signal after the signal reflects off of a surface. The return signal may be compared to the transmitted signal to determine information indicative of an error between the transmitted signal and the return signal. A control signal may be sent to a motor to control the speed of the motor based on the information indicative of the error. The motor may operate a propeller to control the distance between the flying toy and the surface.