UAV Flight Path Planning for Multi-Network Handover Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV control systems lack a mechanism for seamless switching between mobile communication networks during flight, leading to potential connection losses and safety risks due to the absence of a fallback mechanism and instantaneous switching capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that calculate and plan UAV flight paths based on service coverage from multiple mobile communication networks, incorporating switching criteria to ensure continuous communication by switching between networks, using soft or embedded SIM profiles to maintain connectivity and provide alerts for any issues during the switching process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If switching between mobile communication networks is implemented during UAV flight, then communication coverage is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to potential switching errors and temporary unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating the flight path in advance based on coverage areas of multiple mobile communication networks. The ground station determines scores for multiple networks covering portions of the flight path and selects a particular network before flight begins, establishing a connection plan that anticipates switching requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares fallback mechanisms in advance by determining scores for multiple networks and having alternative networks ready. If the target network becomes momentarily unavailable during switching, the system can fall back to previously identified alternative networks, preventing complete loss of connection.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If network switching mechanism is added to UAV control system, then communication continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground station serves as an intermediary that performs the complex network selection and switching coordination. The ground station receives flight path requests, determines network requirements, calculates scores for multiple networks, and provides flight path instructions to the UAV, thereby centralizing the complexity in the ground infrastructure rather than the UAV itself.
3Reliability
If flight path is calculated based on multiple network coverage areas, then communication reliability is improved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes parameters by determining scores for multiple networks based on network requirements and coverage areas. The ground station evaluates multiple networks using scoring criteria and selects the optimal network, transforming the path calculation into a parameter-based selection process that compares network scores rather than merely geometric path planning.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV is controlled based on communication via at least two mobile communication networks. Before takeoff, the UAV receives position data describing starting and destination points. A flight plan is set up from the starting point to the destination point by obtaining information about service coverage provided by the two mobile communication networks in a volume between the starting and destination points. A path to be followed by the UAV is calculated at least based on the obtained information. The path defines a restriction volume within which the UAV is allowed to fly from the starting point to the destination point. The path is calculated on the further basis of at least one switching criterion for changing from a communicative connection between the UAV and the first mobile communication network to a communicative connection between the UAV and the second mobile communication network.