UAV Motion Feedback Control for Out-of-Sight User Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) lack effective methods to provide users with real-time feedback on the UAV's state, distance, and direction, especially in varying environments and when out of the user's line of sight.
Innovation Solution
The UAV is equipped with a controller that includes a processor, sensors, and communication units, enabling it to calculate its position, detect user proximity, and perform motion feedback such as changing altitude or direction to remain within the user's view, using LEDs and sounds for notification, and adjusting flight based on user commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the UAV flies out of the user's line of sight to expand operational range, then the coverage area increases, but the user loses awareness of the UAV's state and position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UAV continuously transmits state information (position, altitude, battery level) to the user via remote controller displays and audio notifications. This allows the user to maintain awareness of the UAV's state even when out of visual range, resolving the contradiction between expanded operational coverage and loss of information about UAV status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system (remote controller with display and audio output) that mediates between the UAV and user. This intermediary transmits UAV state information to the user, enabling the user to monitor the UAV's position and status without requiring direct visual contact, thus allowing expanded operational range while maintaining information awareness.
2Loss of information
If the UAV provides continuous visual and audio feedback to maintain user awareness, then user awareness of UAV state is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic feedback rather than continuous feedback. The UAV provides visual and audio notifications at specific intervals or triggered by specific events (e.g., returning to home position, low battery warning, obstacle detection). This periodic action maintains user awareness of UAV state while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous feedback systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of feedback provision from continuous to event-triggered or interval-based. The system monitors UAV state continuously but only activates visual and audio notifications when specific conditions are met (e.g., critical position changes, battery thresholds, obstacle proximity). This parameter change maintains necessary user awareness while optimizing energy consumption by eliminating unnecessary continuous feedback.
3Productivity
If the UAV moves autonomously without user commands to improve operational efficiency, then productivity increases, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that adapts between autonomous and manual control modes based on operational needs. The UAV can execute autonomous return-to-home maneuvers or follow-me paths to improve efficiency, while simultaneously maintaining the option for users to intervene and take manual control when desired. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by allowing autonomous operation for routine tasks while preserving user control authority when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the UAV to perform self-service functions such as autonomous return-to-home, automatic landing, and self-positioning. These self-service capabilities improve operational efficiency by reducing the need for constant user intervention. However, the system maintains ease of operation by allowing users to override autonomous functions and manually control the UAV when desired, balancing automation with user control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for enhanced user interaction and control, ensuring the UAV remains visible and responsive to user commands, even when out of sight, improving safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A UAV that is flying or hovering may provide its status to the user by a light emitting diode (LED) flicker
Data Source
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AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a method for controlling the flight of the UAV are provided. The UAV provides a motion feedback corresponding to a user command received and a method for controlling the flight of the UAV. The UAV further provides a magnitude of motion feedback that is varied depending on the distance and/or direction between the user and the UAV and a method for controlling the flight of the UAV.