UAV Air Traffic Control Using Concurrent Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air traffic control systems in the United States are impractical for managing the large number of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and require communication for autonomous flight control, necessitating a system that can concurrently utilize multiple wireless networks for effective air traffic control.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where UAVs maintain communication with a primary and secondary wireless network, using cellular networks for bidirectional communication and location identification networks for unidirectional status updates, allowing for flight control and constraint based on network coverage, enabling separation assurance, navigation, and real-time control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the existing National Airspace System (NAS) air traffic control network is used for UAVs, then the UAVs can receive air traffic control services, but the system becomes overwhelmed and impractical due to the sheer quantity of UAVs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air traffic control function by introducing a distributed architecture where multiple Unmanned Aircraft Control and Telemetry (UATC) servers are deployed across different geographic locations. Each server handles a specific region or function, dividing the overwhelming central NAS workload into manageable segments that can independently process UAV traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UATC servers as intermediary components between the existing NAS infrastructure and UAVs. These servers act as mediators that translate and adapt NAS air traffic control functions for UAV-specific needs, buffering the direct impact on the NAS system and preventing it from being overwhelmed by the volume of UAV communications.
2Extent of automation
If UAVs require autonomous flight control communication, then navigation and control capabilities are improved, but the communication system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional communication modules within the UATC system that can handle multiple types of communications simultaneously - voice, data, telemetry, and autonomous control commands. This universal communication infrastructure supports both manual and autonomous flight control without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby managing complexity while enabling automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous feedback loops between UATC servers and UAVs through telemetry data transmission. Autonomous flight control is achieved by implementing closed-loop control where the UATC system receives real-time status information from UAVs and automatically adjusts control parameters, enabling automation through systematic feedback mechanisms rather than complex open-loop control systems.
3Reliability
If multiple wireless networks are used concurrently for air traffic control, then reliability and coverage are improved, but the communication management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network selection and switching capabilities in the UATC system. The system can dynamically adjust which wireless network (cellular, satellite, or other) is used for communication based on real-time conditions such as signal strength, network availability, and traffic load. This dynamic adaptation provides redundancy and reliability without requiring manual configuration of multiple static network connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the UATC communication system to automatically manage multiple wireless networks through self-service mechanisms. The system autonomously monitors network conditions, performs seamless handovers between networks, and manages communication resources without requiring external intervention or complex manual configuration, thereby achieving reliability through automated self-management.
Data Source
AI summary
An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) air traffic control method is implemented in a UAV during a flight, for concurrently utilizing a plurality wireless networks for air traffic control. The UAV air traffic control method includes maintaining communication with a first wireless network and a second wireless network of the plurality of wireless networks; communicating first data with the first wireless network and second data with the second wireless network throughout the flight, wherein one or more of the first data and the second data is provided to an air traffic control system configured to maintain status of a plurality of UAVs in flight and perform control thereof; adjusting the flight based on one or more of the first data and the second data and control from the air traffic control system.