UAV Command Control via PLMN Multi-USS Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in maintaining reliable, robust, and secure command and control (C2) communication links, especially when operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and requiring multi-UAV service supplier (USS) deployments.
Innovation Solution
The system and methods enable in-flight UAVs to maintain reliable C2 links via public land mobile networks (PLMN) and support multi-USS deployments by dynamically switching between different USSs based on configuration parameters and operational constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If UAV operates beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) using single USS, then operational range is extended, but communication reliability deteriorates due to limited coverage and single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication system into multiple USS entities (primary USS and secondary USS) that can independently provide service. The UAE layer segments the USS list and enables selective switching between multiple USS based on coverage and reliability conditions, resolving the single point of failure issue while maintaining extended operational range
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between different USS based on real-time conditions such as coverage availability, communication quality, and mission requirements. The UAE layer monitors parameters like signal strength and network status to trigger USS changes, maintaining reliability while preserving BVLOS capability
2Reliability
If multi-USS deployment is implemented, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple network configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The UAE layer provides a universal interface that handles multiple USS configurations through a single standardized mechanism. Instead of requiring separate management for each USS, the system uses a unified UAE layer that abstracts the complexity of multiple network configurations into a single manageable interface, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-USS reliability benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The UAE layer acts as an intermediary between the UAV application layer and multiple USS entities. It mediates the complexity by providing a single point of interaction that manages multiple USS configurations, authentication, and switching logic, thereby reducing the complexity burden on the UAV system while maintaining reliable multi-USS operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic USS switching is enabled, then adaptability to network conditions is improved, but control complexity increases due to change management
Solution Approach 1:
The UAE layer implements self-service by automatically monitoring network conditions and triggering USS changes based on pre-configured policies and real-time parameters. The system autonomously evaluates coverage status, communication quality, and mission requirements to initiate USS switching without requiring manual control, thereby improving adaptability while reducing control complexity through automation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for supporting multiple uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) Service Suppliers (multi-USS) are described. The methods may be performed by a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) including a UAV application enabling (UAE) client located in the UAV with the method performed with the UAV in-flight. Steps may include: sending a registration request to a UAE server, the registration request including an indication of multi-USS capability; receiving a registration response message that includes an indication that the UAE server supports multi-USS capability; receiving a multi-USS configuration request that includes multi-USS configuration parameters related to conditions under which the UAE client may initiate a USS change and a list of allowed USSs; sending a multi-USS configuration response; and performing a multi-USS change and sending a multi-USS change notification based on the multi-USS configuration parameters.