UAV Mission Kit Authorization for Licensed Equipment Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV authorization systems are vulnerable to misuse as bad actors can circumvent security measures by obtaining unauthorized equipment and software, allowing unauthorized operations despite license constraints.
Innovation Solution
An external computing device-based authorization system that restricts UAV operation by only transmitting authorized software to the UAV based on user licenses, ensuring that only permitted equipment can be operated within designated constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UAV allows installation of various equipment to enhance functionality, then the adaptability and versatility of the UAV is improved, but the risk of unauthorized operation and security breaches increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authorization verification before allowing software installation and equipment operation. The external computing device checks the user license against the equipment list and generates an authorized equipment list in advance, preventing unauthorized operations before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
An external computing device acts as an intermediary between the user and the UAV system. This mediator verifies licenses, authorizes equipment operation, and controls software installation, thereby securing the system while allowing equipment customization.
2Ease of operation
If the UAV transmits all software to the UAV for installation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unauthorized software installation and misuse increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transmitting all software universally, the system transmits only the specific software portions that correspond to authorized equipment for each user. The external computing device generates customized software packages based on individual authorization status, ensuring convenience while preventing misuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The software is segmented into different portions corresponding to different equipment. The external computing device identifies and transmits only the relevant software segments for which the user has authorization, rather than transmitting the complete software suite.
3Reliability
If the system implements strict license verification, then the authorization security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external computing device automatically performs license verification, equipment authorization, and software package generation without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the authorization process by comparing user licenses against equipment lists and generating appropriate authorized software packages.
Solution Approach 2:
The external computing device performs multiple functions including license verification, equipment authorization, software identification, and package generation within a single system, thereby managing complexity while maintaining strong security controls.
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.