Multi-Controller UAV Synchronization Using a Master Relay Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing multiple control devices with a movable object, such as UAVs, face challenges in point-to-multipoint communication systems, where devices may synchronize at different times due to varying boot-up sequences and system environments, and downlink frequency hopping can disrupt synchronization, especially as the UAV moves further away from control devices.
Innovation Solution
The method involves synchronizing a first control device with the movable object and then using the synchronization information to synchronize a second control device with the movable object through the first control device, ensuring that both devices can establish communication by adjusting their frequency and AGC settings based on the synchronization information received from the first control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple control devices independently synchronize with the movable object using traditional point-to-point methods, then each device can establish communication, but the devices synchronize at different times causing an intermediate state where communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master control device as an intermediary that first synchronizes with the movable object, then relays synchronization information to slave control devices. This mediator approach ensures all devices synchronize at the same time through the master device, eliminating the intermediate state where some devices are synchronized while others are not, thus improving communication reliability.
2Productivity
If the movable object performs quick downlink frequency hopping among a large set of frequencies, then communication performance improves, but synchronization difficulty increases for devices still searching for the signal
Solution Approach 1:
The master control device performs preliminary synchronization with the movable object before slave devices attempt to synchronize. The master device obtains synchronization information (including frequency information) in advance and then relays this information to slave devices. This preliminary action allows slave devices to jump directly to the correct frequency without searching, making synchronization easier even when the movable object performs quick frequency hopping.
3Productivity
If the set of downlink frequencies is large, then communication performance improves, but synchronization time increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The master control device acts as an intermediary that obtains synchronization information from the movable object and relays it to slave control devices. This eliminates the need for slave devices to search through a large set of frequencies independently, reducing synchronization time from potentially lengthy frequency searches to a simple information relay process, while still allowing the use of a large frequency set for improved communication performance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the UAV flies farther away from control devices, then operational range improves, but synchronization signal strength decreases making synchronization challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The master control device serves as a relay or intermediary that receives strong synchronization signals from the movable object at closer distances and forwards this synchronization information to slave control devices. This allows slave devices to synchronize reliably even when the movable object is far away, as they depend on the master device's received signal rather than their own direct weak signals, thus maintaining synchronization reliability while extending operational range.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for synchronizing communications between a movable object and first and second control devices are provided. In some exemplary implementations, the systems and methods may synchronize the first control device with the movable object, synchronize the second control device with the first control device, and synchronize the second control device with the movable object based on the synchronization between the second control device and the first control device.