UAV Remote Control Network Switching for Stable Long-Range Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for UAVs face instability and limited range due to interference and occlusion in direct wireless connections, while indirect mobile connections offer longer range but at higher costs and delayed data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-mode communication system that automatically or manually switches between direct wireless and mobile communication networks based on connection stability, using two transceivers in both the UAV and remote controller to ensure continuous communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If direct wireless connection is used for remote control, then communication speed and real-time performance are improved, but connection stability deteriorates due to interference and occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile communication network as an intermediary communication path. When the direct wireless connection becomes unstable or unavailable, the system automatically switches to transmitting control signals and data through the mobile network, ensuring continuous and reliable communication between the remote controller and UAV.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two communication modes (direct wireless and mobile network) based on real-time connection quality assessment. The remote controller and UAV continuously monitor the state of the direct wireless connection and adaptively select the appropriate communication path, optimizing both speed and reliability.
2Length of stationary object
If mobile communication network is used for remote control, then communication range is extended, but data transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic mode switching based on operational needs. When long-range communication is required, it utilizes the mobile network despite the delay. When real-time control is critical and within range, it switches to direct wireless connection for low-latency communication, thus balancing range and response time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication data into different types (control signals, video stream, telemetry) and can selectively transmit different data types through different communication channels. Critical control commands are sent through the low-latency direct wireless link when available, while non-time-critical data can use the mobile network for extended range.
3Reliability
If dual-mode communication system is implemented, then communication stability and range are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote controller and UAV are designed with multi-functional communication capabilities, integrating both direct wireless transceivers and mobile network modules. This universal design allows the same hardware platform to operate in multiple communication modes, reducing the need for separate specialized systems and managing complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic connection management and quality assessment mechanisms that operate autonomously. The remote controller and UAV automatically monitor connection quality, assess the state of both communication modes, and perform switching without requiring manual intervention, thereby simplifying the user interface despite the underlying system complexity.
4Loss of energy
If direct wireless connection is used, then cost is reduced, but operational range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the communication mode based on range requirements and cost considerations. For short-range operations, it uses the cost-effective direct wireless connection. When the UAV exceeds the direct wireless range, it automatically switches to the mobile network to maintain connectivity, ensuring the mission can continue despite the higher cost of mobile data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method for communicating with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes: transmitting a signal from a remote controller to the UAV through a first communication network; monitoring a state of the first communication network; and in response to the state of the first communication network not meeting a state condition: prompting, on an interface of the remote controller, a user to perform a user selection for selecting a cooperative method of the first communication network and a second communication network; receiving the user selection; and performing a network switching according to the selected corporation method to transmit at least a portion of the signal from the remote controller to the UAV through the second communication network.