Smartphone-Based UAS Control System for Over-the-Horizon Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous vehicle systems, such as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), are limited in flexibility and capability, particularly in urban environments due to line-of-sight requirements and lack of over-the-horizon control, and are often inflexible and costly, making them unsuitable for commercial applications.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that secures a smartphone to the vehicle frame, utilizing its sensors and software to enable autonomous and non-line-of-sight flight, with a software-defined inertial navigation system and control links, allowing for easy software updates and compatibility with various airframes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom integrated electronic board components are used in UAS designs, then system performance and lightweight characteristics are improved, but system flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a smartphone as a universal control platform that can interface with multiple types of UAS (fixed-wing, rotary-wing, hybrid) and perform various functions (flight control, navigation, sensor integration, communication). The smartphone's existing sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, barometer) serve multiple purposes for different vehicle types, eliminating the need for custom integrated components for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replicates the functionality of custom integrated electronic boards by using software on a smartphone to simulate and process sensor data from accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and barometers. The software-defined inertial navigation system copies the functions of dedicated hardware while maintaining flexibility through software updates.
2Ease of operation
If line-of-sight control is used for UAS operation, then control simplicity is improved, but operational range and capability in urban environments deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical line-of-sight control system with an electronic communication system using the smartphone's cellular broadband network and Wi-Fi capabilities. This substitution allows over-the-horizon control by transmitting control signals and sensor data through wireless networks rather than requiring direct visual contact between controller and vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The smartphone acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the UAS, using cellular networks and Wi-Fi to relay control commands and telemetry data. This intermediary enables control beyond line-of-sight by using infrastructure-based communication rather than direct radio links.
3Reliability
If specialized UAS control systems are developed, then flight capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The smartphone serves as a universal control system that can operate with multiple types of UAS (fixed-wing, rotary-wing, hybrid) without requiring specialized hardware for each platform. The existing sensors and processing capabilities of the smartphone provide sufficient flight capability across different vehicle types, reducing the need for complex specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple specialized components (inertial measurement unit, navigation system, communication module, control interface) into a single smartphone device. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining flight capability by leveraging the smartphone's integrated hardware and software.
4Manufacturing precision
If fixed sensor configurations are used in UAS, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability for different missions and sensors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sensor configuration through software that can adapt to different sensor types and mounting arrangements. The inertial navigation software can compensate for different sensor locations and orientations on various UAS platforms, allowing flexible sensor integration without requiring precise fixed mounting configurations for each sensor type.
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
The system provides flexible and cost-effective autonomous control of UAS, enabling over-the-horizon flight and remote sensing capabilities, enhancing ease of use and adaptability for commercial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The instructions may further be configured for electrically receiving information sensed by one of the accelerometer, the gyroscope, the magnetometer, and the barometer
Implementation Method 2
The instructions may further be configured for electrically receiving information sensed by one of the accelerometer, the gyroscope, the magnetometer, and the barometer
Implementation Method 3
The instructions may further be configured for electrically receiving information sensed by one of the accelerometer, the gyroscope, the magnetometer, and the barometer
Implementation Method 4
The instructions may further be configured for electrically receiving information sensed by one of the accelerometer, the gyroscope, the magnetometer, and the barometer
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system may include a vehicle frame, a mount secured to the vehicle frame and configured for rigidly securing a smartphone therein such that motions experienced by the vehicle frame are correspondingly experienced by the smartphone, and system electronics arranged on the frame and in communication with the smartphone and vehicle controllers, the system electronics configured to receive signals from the smartphone and control directional devices of the vehicle based on the signals via the vehicle controllers. A system for preparing signals for transmission to the vehicle to control navigation may also be provided.