UAV Controller Time Synchronization Using GPS During Connection Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with cameras face challenges in synchronizing time between the controller and the UAV, especially when the connection between them is lost, leading to data loss and synchronization issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving powering on the controller and UAV, setting their clocks to the same time, connecting to GPS for time comparison, and associating time stamps with sensor data to preserve it in a buffer during connection loss, ensuring data transfer to the controller when reconnected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time synchronization is performed continuously between controller and UAV, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but communication data loss increases when connection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary time synchronization by setting both the controller and UAV clocks to the same time when connected. This preliminary action ensures that time stamps are consistent before potential connection loss occurs, allowing data to be preserved with accurate timing information even during disconnection periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces GPS as an intermediary time source. Both the controller and UAV can independently synchronize with GPS time, serving as a common reference that maintains time consistency without requiring continuous direct communication between the controller and UAV. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing time synchronization without continuous data transmission.
2Measurement precision
If connection between controller and UAV is maintained continuously, then time synchronization is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
GPS serves as an intermediary time reference that both the controller and UAV can access independently. Instead of maintaining continuous communication for time synchronization, each device synchronizes with GPS separately, eliminating the need for continuous power-consuming communication while maintaining accurate time synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
Both the controller and UAV are equipped with independent GPS receivers that allow them to self-synchronize their clocks without relying on continuous communication with each other. This self-service approach to time synchronization reduces power consumption by eliminating unnecessary communication cycles while maintaining time accuracy.
3Loss of time
If sensor data is transferred in real-time, then data freshness is improved, but data loss occurs when connection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary time stamping of sensor data using synchronized clocks before potential connection loss. This preliminary action ensures that even if data transfer is interrupted, the data retains accurate timing information that allows for proper sequencing and synchronization when the connection is restored, preventing data loss and maintaining data freshness.
Solution Approach 2:
GPS time serves as an intermediary reference for timestamping sensor data. By using GPS-synchronized time stamps, the system can independently record accurate timing information for sensor data without requiring continuous communication for time reference, thus maintaining data freshness even during connection loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A method including powering on a controller and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Setting a clock time on the controller to an initial time. Connecting the UAV to a global positioning satellite (GPS). Linking the controller and the UAV and comparing the initial time to a time from the GPS. Setting the clock time of the controller and the UAV so that the controller and the UAV have a same time.