UAV Controller Dual-Action Commands to Prevent Accidental Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unintentional or accidental start and termination of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flights pose risks to personnel and property, as existing single-button controllers can lead to unintended operations.
Innovation Solution
A safety system requiring dual independent actions for launching, landing, and emergency stopping of UAVs, using a controller with a processor and addressable memory, and a UAV with sensors to monitor its state and execute commands based on predefined limits, including vertical take-off and landing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single button is used to control UAV operations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental commands
Solution Approach 1:
The single button control is segmented into multiple independent activators (first activator and second activator). Each activator performs a distinct function: the first activator selects the command, and the second activator confirms execution. This segmentation prevents accidental activation by requiring intentional sequential actions, thereby improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system requires preliminary selection of the command through the first activator before final execution via the second activator. This preliminary action allows the user to review and confirm the intended operation before it occurs, reducing the likelihood of accidental commands while keeping the interface straightforward.
2Reliability
If dual independent actions are required for critical commands, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses a universal interface where the same two-activator pattern applies to all critical commands (launch, land, emergency stop). This multi-functional approach maintains consistency across different operations, reducing the perceived complexity despite the added reliability measure. The display screen serves multiple functions: showing command selections, activator positions, and system status.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen acts as an intermediary between the user and the UAV control system. It visually presents the selected command and the position of both activators, providing feedback and confirmation before execution. This intermediary layer simplifies the interaction by making the dual-action requirement transparent and intuitive, rather than hiding it in complex hardware mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for a safety system including: selecting an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) command on a controller, the controller comprising a first processor with addressable memory; presenting a first activator and a second activator on a display of the controller for the selected UAV command, wherein the second activator is a slider; and sending the UAV command to a UAV if the first activator and the second activator are selected, the UAV comprising a second processor with addressable memory.