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 constraints, and the need for efficient descent and ascent operations amidst weather and turbulence conditions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with a fleet of UAVs, each equipped with a flight control computer, where a ground control station with multiple computing devices and operators can manage UAVs above and below a threshold altitude, allowing for an N:M operator-to-UAV ratio, enabling efficient transition from N:M to 1:1 ratio as UAVs descend, and utilizing autonomous communication for optimal positioning and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a 1:1 operator-to-UAV ratio is maintained for all UAVs, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but operator workload and management complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operator-to-UAV ratio requirement by altitude threshold. UAVs above the threshold operate under N:M ratio (reduced complexity) while UAVs below the threshold operate under 1:1 ratio (full compliance). This segmentation allows the system to meet regulatory requirements without applying the strict 1:1 ratio universally, thereby reducing overall management complexity.
2Ease of operation
If N:M operator-to-UAV ratio is used for UAVs above threshold altitude, then operator workload is reduced, but regulatory compliance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different operator-to-UAV ratio qualities to different altitude zones. Above the threshold altitude, N:M ratio is applied (easier operation). Below the threshold altitude, 1:1 ratio is applied (ensures compliance). This local differentiation of operational quality allows the system to optimize operator workload where regulatory constraints are less stringent while maintaining compliance where required.
3Productivity
If UAVs operate in fleet formation above threshold altitude, then mission efficiency is improved, but communication and coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism where UAVs above the threshold altitude communicate through a coordinated fleet communication system rather than direct operator-to-UAV channels. The system uses automated fleet management protocols to handle coordination, reducing the communication burden on individual operators while maintaining efficient fleet formation and mission execution.
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.