Cellular UAV Control Using Network-Level Regulator Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to prevent misuse and unauthorized operations, as central regulators cannot prioritize commands over those from UAV manufacturers or operators.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where UAVs connected to cellular networks receive commands from a regulator entity with higher priority, allowing for remote control, blocking of services, and mitigation actions in case of connectivity loss, using Non-Access Stratum messages and user plane connections to override other controlling entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If UAVs are controlled via default Internet connections through cellular networks, then ease of operation and connectivity are improved, but central regulators cannot enforce control or prioritize commands over manufacturer/operator commands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cellular network entity (MME/AMF) as an intermediary between the regulator entity and the UAV. This intermediary receives commands from the regulator and forwards them to the UAV with higher priority than manufacturer or operator commands. The intermediary enables regulators to enforce control by mediating the command transmission path and ensuring regulator commands take precedence through network-level prioritization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple entities (manufacturer, operator, regulator) can control the UAV, then adaptability and operational flexibility are improved, but command priority and regulatory enforcement become ambiguous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different priority levels to commands from different entities at the UAV and network entity level. Regulator commands are marked with highest priority, manufacturer commands with medium priority, and operator commands with lowest priority. This local differentiation of command quality ensures that when multiple entities control the UAV, the system automatically resolves conflicts by executing higher-priority commands first.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the UAV and cellular network entity with priority rules before conflicts occur. The UAV is programmed to recognize and prioritize regulator commands, and the cellular network entity is pre-configured to forward regulator commands with highest priority. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex real-time decision-making when multiple entities issue simultaneous commands.
3Reliability
If regulator commands are prioritized over manufacturer and operator commands, then regulatory enforcement is improved, but operational flexibility and autonomy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by applying priority enforcement only to specific critical commands from regulators (e.g., no-fly zone restrictions, emergency landings, safety-critical interventions) rather than all commands. Non-critical operational commands from manufacturers and operators retain full flexibility. This selective prioritization ensures regulatory compliance for safety-critical functions while preserving operational autonomy for routine operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, (100) by a regulator entity (612) is provided, wherein the UAV (100) is connected to a cellular network. A method implementation of the technique is performed by the UAV (100) and comprises receiving, from a cellular network entity (604) of the cellular network, a command originating from the regulator entity (612), the command being directed to the UAV (100) and taking precedence in the UAV (100) over commands originating from other entities (608, 610) controlling the UAV (100).