UAV Processor Virtualization for Lightweight Redundant Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned vehicle control systems are limited by the need for multiple hardware components and backplane architectures, which are heavy, space-intensive, and prone to mechanical and electrical failures due to vibrations and temperature fluctuations, while also offering limited processing capabilities and communication inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A processing system for unmanned vehicles featuring a first and second processing unit with a virtualization layer, allowing for isolated operating environments and the execution of vehicle and mission control processes, utilizing heterogeneous field programmable gate arrays to provide diverse, configurable, and certifiable applications, enabling reliable and robust control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple hardware components and backplane architectures are used for vehicle control systems, then processing capabilities and communication efficiency are improved, but weight, space requirements, and susceptibility to mechanical/electrical failures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple vehicle control processes and mission control systems onto a single processing system through virtualization. The processing system executes multiple isolated operating environments (first operating environment for vehicle control, second operating environment for mission control) on one hardware platform, eliminating the need for separate hardware components for each control function. This merging reduces weight while maintaining system reliability through software-based isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system is designed as a universal platform capable of executing multiple types of control processes simultaneously. Through the virtualization layer, a single processor can perform both vehicle control functions and mission control functions, replacing the need for dedicated hardware for each function. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system weight while maintaining reliability through proper isolation.
2Reliability
If multiple hardware components and backplane architectures are used for vehicle control systems, then processing capabilities and communication efficiency are improved, but device complexity and susceptibility to mechanical/electrical failures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single processing system using virtualization. Instead of having separate hardware components for vehicle control and mission control, both functions run as isolated virtual environments on one processor. This reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant hardware while maintaining reliability through software isolation that prevents interference between control processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtualization layer acts as an intermediary between the hardware processing system and multiple control functions. It provides isolation and management for different operating environments, allowing multiple control processes to run simultaneously without direct hardware conflicts. This mediator approach simplifies the overall system architecture while ensuring reliable operation of critical control functions.
3Productivity
If individual hardware components are provided for each vehicle control system and mission control system, then processing capabilities are improved, but space requirements and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control systems that would traditionally require separate hardware into a single integrated processing system. The first operating environment handles vehicle control processes while the second operating environment handles mission control processes, both running on the same physical hardware platform. This consolidation maintains full processing capability for each function while dramatically reducing the volume required for the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system is designed as a universal platform that can execute multiple control functions simultaneously through virtualization. A single processor with sufficient computing power replaces multiple dedicated hardware components, providing the same processing capabilities for vehicle control and mission control without the space requirements of separate hardware installations.
4Reliability
If backplane architectures are used for vehicle control systems, then communication between components is improved, but susceptibility to vibrations and temperature fluctuations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical backplane architecture with a software-based virtualization system. Instead of relying on physical backplane connections that are susceptible to vibrations and temperature effects, the system uses software isolation and virtual communication channels. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components that are vulnerable to environmental factors while maintaining reliable communication between control processes through the virtualization layer.
Data Source
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AI summary
A processing system for an unmanned vehicle (UV) such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The processing system comprises a first processing unit of an integrated circuit and a second processing unit of the integrated circuit. The processing system comprises a first operating system 802 provisioned using the first processing unit. The first operating system 802 is configured to execute a first vehicle control process. The processing system comprises a virtualization layer 807 configured using at least the second processing unit, and a second operating system 836 provisioned using the virtualization layer 807. The second operating system 836, 844 is configured to execute a second vehicle control process.