UAV Authorization System Using External Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV authorization systems are vulnerable to misuse as they rely on hardware and software safeguards that can be circumvented by bad actors, allowing unauthorized equipment operation despite license constraints.
Innovation Solution
An external computing device-based authorization system that transmits software only for authorized equipment, ensuring that unauthorized equipment remains inoperable by restricting software installation based on user licenses and equipment profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardware and software safeguards are implemented in UAV authorization systems, then equipment operation security is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to circumvention by bad actors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external computing device as an intermediary between the user and the UAV equipment. This mediator holds the authorized software and transmits it to the UAV, creating an additional layer of control that is not present in traditional onboard-only authorization systems. The external device acts as a trusted third party that can verify licenses and distribute software selectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the authorization logic and software storage from the UAV itself and places it in an external computing device. By taking out the critical authorization functions from the potentially compromised onboard system, the patent creates a more secure architecture where the source of truth for equipment authorization resides outside the UAV, making circumvention more difficult.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software is pre-installed on the UAV for multiple equipment types, then equipment versatility is improved, but unauthorized equipment can be operated if safeguards are circumvented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring that software be transmitted from the external computing device to the UAV before the equipment can be operated. The external device prepares and sends the appropriate software based on the user's license status in advance, ensuring that only authorized equipment receives the necessary software. This preliminary software distribution step prevents unauthorized equipment from being operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by transmitting software from the external computing device to the UAV. The external device maintains the master copy of the software and creates a copy on the UAV only when authorization is verified. This copying mechanism ensures that the UAV has the necessary software to operate authorized equipment while maintaining centralized control over software distribution.
3Reliability
If user licenses restrict equipment operation, then safety and compliance are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external computing device serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of license verification and software distribution. Instead of embedding complex authorization logic in the UAV, the patent offloads this complexity to an external system that handles license validation, software selection, and transmission coordination, simplifying the onboard system while maintaining comprehensive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or hardware-based authorization mechanisms with a software-based system. Instead of using physical keys, locked hardware modules, or complex mechanical switches to control equipment access, the system uses software transmission and installation as the authorization mechanism, which is more flexible and easier to manage centrally.
Data Source
AI summary
An authorization system includes a controller of an external computing device communicatively connected to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The controller obtains a mission kit that includes software for controlling a piece of equipment configured to be assembled on the UAV. The controller receives a license that is associated with a user and determines, based on the license, whether the piece of equipment is authorized for operation on the UAV as controlled by the user. Responsive to determining that the piece of equipment is authorized, the controller initiates transmission of at least some of the software of the mission kit to the UAV for installation by the UAV to allow the user to operate the piece of equipment.