RPA Flight Control via Communication Quality Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) are unreliable in anomalous conditions, particularly due to weak or severed communication links and atmospheric interference, which disrupts the exchange of instructions between the operator and the RPA.
Innovation Solution
The RPA is equipped with a clock, radio receivers, and transmitters for communication with a ground station, which analyzes communication quality by calculating parameters like bit error ratio, signal strength, and latency, and modifies flight parameters based on pre-loaded threshold values to ensure reliable control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite communication is used to communicate instructions to the RPA, then communication coverage is improved, but noise or interference gets generated due to atmospheric disturbances which disrupts the interchange of instructions/data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (communication quality analysis system) that mediates between the satellite communication channel and the RPA control system. This intermediary analyzes communication quality parameters and activates pre-programmed instructions when interference is detected, thereby resolving the contradiction by protecting against atmospheric disturbances while maintaining satellite communication coverage.
2Extent of automation
If pre-programmed instructions are integrated into the RPA for control, then operational autonomy is improved, but the method is not reliable in case of anomalous conditions for which specific instructions are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming multiple sets of instructions covering various anticipated anomalous conditions before the RPA operates. When communication quality analysis detects specific anomalous conditions, the corresponding pre-programmed instructions are activated, ensuring reliability without sacrificing operational autonomy.
3Ease of operation
If communication link between operator and RPA is maintained, then real-time control capability is improved, but the link becomes weak or severed in adverse conditions which disrupts control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously analyzing communication quality parameters between the operator and RPA. This feedback mechanism detects when the communication link becomes weak or severed due to adverse conditions, triggering the activation of pre-programmed instructions to maintain control reliability while preserving real-time control capability when conditions permit.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and a system for modifying flight parameters of a remotely piloted aircraft. The remotely piloted aircraft includes a clock, at least one radio receiver and at least one radio transmitter for communicating with at least one radio transmitter of a ground station, via at least one radio communication network. The method includes analysing a communication between the remotely piloted aircraft and the ground station, such as calculating a communication quality. The method also includes modifying at least one flight parameter based on the calculated communication quality and pre-loaded instructions. The pre-loaded instructions comprise at least one threshold value of the communication quality and allowed flight parameters.