Payload Intent Description Language for UAV Command Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face challenges in effectively controlling and coordinating the payload of aircraft, particularly unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), during mission execution, due to limitations in payload integration and interoperability, which restricts mission performance and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a Payload Intent Description Language (PIDL) that expresses operations to be performed by the payload in coordination with the aircraft trajectory, enabling flexible control and synchronization of payload commands with trajectory events, allowing for efficient mission objectives achievement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized communication protocol is implemented for payload control, then interoperability between heterogeneous UAV systems is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to maintain and process standardized command structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication protocol (STANAG 4586) that enables a single ground control system to operate multiple heterogeneous UAV platforms and payload types. The protocol defines standardized message structures, command codes, and data formats that allow different UAV systems to interoperate through a common interface, eliminating the need for separate control systems for each platform type.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol allows dynamic parameter configuration where command structures, data rates, and message formats can be adjusted based on the specific UAV platform and payload being controlled. This enables the system to adapt to different device complexities while maintaining standardized communication frameworks, resolving the contradiction between standardization and device-specific requirements.
2Productivity
If payload capabilities are enhanced with advanced sensors and devices, then mission performance is improved, but integration difficulty increases due to vehicle limitations in size, shape and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the UAV system into distinct modular components: the vehicle platform, the payload subsystem, and the ground control system. Each component can be independently designed, tested, and upgraded. The standardized protocol interface acts as a boundary that allows advanced payloads to be integrated without redesigning the entire vehicle system, reducing integration difficulty while maintaining enhanced mission capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic configuration where payload operations and command structures can be adjusted in real-time based on mission requirements and platform capabilities. This allows advanced sensors and devices to be integrated flexibly, with the control system adapting command sequences and data processing workflows to match the specific payload configuration, thereby managing integration complexity.
3Productivity
If mission management controls both air vehicle operations and payload performances, then mission execution is improved, but system complexity increases due to the need to coordinate multiple interoperability levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to mission management, organizing control functions across five distinct interoperability levels (LOI 1-5). Each level represents a different degree of integration and control authority, from basic data transmission to full launch and recovery control. This hierarchical structure allows mission management to coordinate complex operations systematically, breaking down system complexity into manageable layers while maintaining comprehensive mission execution control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for commanding a payload of an aircraft. A plurality of flight segments, which comprise trajectory information of the aircraft, are received. A plurality of payload commands are generated using statements of payload intents. Each one of the payload commands are synchronized with at least one of the plurality of flight segments. The system and method express the operations to be performed by the payload onboard in order to achieve the established mission goals of the aircraft.