UAV Access Control via External Authorization Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV systems face security challenges when multiple users need to access and control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) dynamically, particularly in managing access levels and prioritizing tasks while ensuring secure communication and resource management.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that includes a mission policy management subsystem with an access management system and a mission decision engine to authenticate and authorize users, determine the feasibility of alternate missions based on user requests, UAV state, and environmental factors, and implement or redirect missions as necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption and decryption mechanisms are implemented for secure communication, then security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the security management functionality from the UAV itself and places it in an external authorization server. The UAV only needs to communicate encrypted commands to a ground-based server that handles the complex decryption and authorization logic, thereby removing complex electronics from the UAV while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an authorization server as an intermediary between the UAV and users. This mediator handles the complex encryption/decryption and authorization processes, allowing the UAV to maintain simple electronics while still achieving secure communication through the intermediary's processing capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users are dynamically added to access the UAV, then adaptability is improved, but security management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service authorization system where users can dynamically request and receive authorization through automated processes. The authorization server automatically evaluates requests against predefined policies and grants access without manual intervention, enabling flexible user addition while keeping security management simple through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic authorization system where user access rights are not fixed but can be requested, granted, revoked, and modified in real-time based on mission requirements. The authorization server continuously evaluates new requests against current system state and policies, allowing the system to adapt to changing operational needs while maintaining security through automated decision-making.
3Productivity
If the UAV intelligently decides whether to respond to user commands, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining mission policies, priorities, and decision-making rules in the authorization server before operations begin. The UAV's intelligent decision-making relies on these pre-configured policies rather than requiring complex real-time AI processing onboard, thereby improving productivity through automated prioritization while keeping the UAV's onboard complexity low.
4Adaptability or versatility
If secure access is enabled for multiple entities, then adaptability is improved, but loss of information increases due to potential security breaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms where the authorization server monitors all access requests, grants, and revocations in real-time. The system continuously evaluates the current state of authorized users and mission requirements, providing feedback loops that enable dynamic adjustment of access rights. This continuous monitoring and automated response reduces security breach risks while maintaining multi-user adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for enabling access to an unmanned aerial vehicle are disclosed. The method includes receiving a request from a user for access to an unmanned aerial vehicle through a control system. The method further includes making a determination of whether to grant access to the control system. If the determination is made to grant access the control system then receiving alternate mission parameters for an alternate mission from the user. The method also includes making a decision about whether to implement the alternate mission based on a set of predetermined policies. If the decision is to implement the alternate mission then implementing the alternate mission and saving the alternate mission parameters.