UAV Return Path Planning After Communication Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV systems face challenges in safely and efficiently returning to a home location during communication failures due to obstacles in the line of sight, with conventional methods either risking collisions or prolonging the return time, which can deplete the UAV's battery.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for UAVs to detect communication failures and autonomously return to the last healthy communication waypoint, then follow a linear shortest flight path to the home location, considering factors like battery power, sensor status, and mission parameters, while monitoring parameters like location, payload, and fuel level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the UAV follows a linear shortest flight path to return to home location, then the return time is minimized, but the possibility of collision with obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by recording multiple waypoints along the original flight path before communication failure occurs. These pre-recorded waypoints serve as reference points for constructing a safe return path that avoids obstacles while minimizing detour distance, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the UAV retraces the original flight path to return to home location, then collision avoidance is improved, but the return time increases and battery is depleted faster
Solution Approach 1:
The return path is segmented into multiple sections defined by pre-recorded waypoints rather than being a single continuous retraced path. The UAV can selectively follow portions of the original path that are safe while taking shortcuts through open spaces, optimizing the balance between safety and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional path planning (flat map view) to three-dimensional navigation by utilizing altitude information and spatial relationships between waypoints. This allows the UAV to fly over obstacles or take advantage of vertical clearance, creating more efficient return paths that neither strictly retrace nor follow dangerous linear routes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the UAV loses communication due to obstacle blocking line of sight, then mission flexibility is improved, but the ability to receive real-time guidance and feedback is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV is equipped with autonomous capabilities to detect obstacles, determine its own position using recorded waypoints, and independently plan a safe return path without continuous operator intervention. This self-service capability ensures the UAV can complete its emergency return even when communication is completely lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring communication status and automatically triggering emergency return protocols when communication failure is detected. The UAV also provides feedback to the operator about its return progress and status, maintaining situational awareness even during communication interruptions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for executing safe-return of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) moving along a path having a plurality of communication waypoints in the event of a communication failure. In an aspect, the proposed method can include the steps of detecting, at the UAV, a communication failure; enabling the UAV to return to last healthy communication waypoint location; and based on status of the communication failure, enabling the UAV to return to its home location.