HALE UAV Fleet Control Across Altitude-Based Operator Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing a large fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) poses challenges due to regulatory requirements for a 1:1 operator-to-UAV ratio at certain altitudes, logistical and financial burdens, and the need for efficient descent and ascent operations amidst weather and wind conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a fleet of UAVs with flight control computers, where operators manage a ratio of N:M at higher altitudes, transitioning to a 1:1 ratio upon descent, with semi-autonomous management and communication between UAVs for optimal positioning and separation, and using ground control stations to coordinate the ascent and descent of UAVs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a 1:1 operator-to-UAV ratio is maintained at all altitudes, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but operator workload and logistical burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operational space by altitude, creating distinct zones (above and below threshold altitude) with different operator-to-UAV ratio requirements. This segmentation allows the system to apply less stringent 1:1 ratios at high altitudes while maintaining strict 1:1 ratios only when necessary at lower altitudes, thereby reducing overall operator workload while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic transition of operator control between computing devices based on UAV altitude. When a UAV descends below the threshold altitude, control dynamically transfers from the first computing device (managed by operator) to the second computing device (managed by operator), and vice versa when ascending. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize operator allocation in real-time based on operational conditions.
2Productivity
If multiple UAVs are managed by a single operator at high altitude, then fleet management efficiency improves, but control precision and safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different control architectures to different altitude zones. At high altitudes, multiple UAVs are managed by a single operator through the first computing device, optimizing fleet management efficiency. At low altitudes, each UAV is managed by a dedicated operator through the second computing device, ensuring control safety and precision. This local differentiation of control quality based on operational context resolves the contradiction between efficiency and safety.
3Productivity
If threshold altitude is set lower, then more UAVs can operate under N:M ratio, but regulatory compliance at lower altitudes may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors UAV altitude and provides feedback to the control system. When a UAV crosses the threshold altitude boundary during descent or ascent, the system automatically triggers control transfer between computing devices. This feedback mechanism ensures that the threshold altitude is optimally positioned to maintain regulatory compliance while maximizing operational flexibility, as the system adapts its control architecture in real-time based on actual UAV positions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for a fleet of three or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), where each UAV of the fleet of UAVs comprise a respective flight control computer (FCC); at least one computing device at a ground control station, where each computing device is in communication with each FCC, and where each computing device is associated with at least one operator; where the fleet of UAVs above the threshold altitude are in communication with the first computing device monitored by at least one operator such that a ratio of operators to UAVs above the threshold altitude exceeds a 1:1 ratio; and where the first UAV below the threshold altitude is in communication with the second computing device monitored by at least one operator such that a ratio of operators to UAVs below the threshold altitude does not exceed the 1:1 ratio.