UAV Fleet Control with Multi-Band Links and Satellite Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV fleet operations face challenges in communication interference, location accuracy, task assignment inefficiency, and synchronization issues, leading to instability and increased risk of collisions.
Innovation Solution
A fleet operation system with a ground control device utilizing multiple communication units with different radio wave characteristics, real-time satellite correction signals, and a central processing unit for precise task planning and emergency control, ensuring stable communication and collision avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one communication method or one frequency channel is used for UAV fleet communication, then the communication system is simple, but communication is interrupted and stability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into multiple independent communication units, each operating on different frequency channels (e.g., 2.4GHz, 5.8GHz, 900MHz). This segmentation allows the system to switch between channels if one experiences interference or interruption, thereby improving communication reliability without requiring a completely complex new system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground control system is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple communication units that can serve different purposes: primary control commands, telemetry data transmission, and backup communication paths. This universal design enables the same ground control system to handle various communication tasks simultaneously across different frequency bands.
2Measurement precision
If GNSS location information is used for UAV navigation, then the navigation system is simple, but location accuracy is low (3m to 5m error)
Solution Approach 1:
A visual odometry system acts as an intermediary between the GNSS and the UAV's navigation control. The visual odometry uses onboard cameras to capture environmental features and calculate precise position and orientation data. This intermediary system compensates for GNSS errors by providing high-precision location information through visual feature tracking and triangulation, achieving centimeter-level accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on satellite-based electromagnetic positioning (GNSS) with a vision-based optical measurement system. By substituting the mechanical/electromagnetic positioning mechanism with optical field-based visual odometry, the system achieves higher precision without proportionally increasing complexity, as the visual system uses existing onboard cameras.
3Productivity
If tasks are assigned to UAVs in the order of specific IDs with constant formation, then task assignment is simple, but a lot of labor is required and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The task assignment system transitions from a static, pre-defined ID-based allocation to a dynamic, real-time optimization approach. The system continuously monitors UAV positions, task requirements, and fleet status, then dynamically reassigns tasks to optimize overall fleet productivity. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for manual rearrangement and constant formation maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The task assignment system incorporates feedback loops where the ground control system receives real-time status information from all UAVs, processes this data through optimization algorithms, and sends updated task assignments back to the fleet. This closed-loop feedback mechanism automatically adjusts task distribution based on current fleet conditions, improving efficiency without requiring manual intervention.
4Reliability
If one synchronization signal is transmitted to multiple UAVs, then the signal transmission is simple, but packets may be delayed or lost causing synchronization issues
Solution Approach 1:
Each UAV is equipped with a dedicated synchronization signal receiver that is optimized for its specific position and communication conditions. The ground control system transmits synchronization signals with local quality adjustments, tailoring the signal characteristics (power, frequency, modulation) to the specific requirements of each UAV's location and environment, thereby improving reception reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary synchronization signal transmission attempts before critical operations begin. The ground control system proactively sends synchronization packets in advance, allowing UAVs to buffer and verify signal reception before executing time-sensitive tasks. This preliminary action prevents synchronization issues during critical operational phases.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fleet operation system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The UAV according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of UAVs configured to fly in a fleet according to a determined task plan; and a ground control device for a fleet operation of the plurality of UAVs. The ground control device includes a first communication unit configured to receive flight information comprising a locations from the plurality of UAVs and transmit the task plan and satellite correction information to each of the plurality of UAVs; a second communication unit configured to transmit the satellite correction information to each of the plurality of UAVs; and a central processing unit configured to generate and transmit the task plan of each of the plurality of UAVs to each of the plurality of UAVs through the first communication unit.