UAV Return Protection Mode Triggered by Distance and Link Status

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of consumer-oriented UAVs face challenges in accurately determining the flying environment of their drones when the distance between the UAV and the controller exceeds human viewing distance, leading to potential safety risks due to loss of radio contact and inability to control the drone effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine the distance between the UAV and the controller using positioning systems, detect the normalcy of data collection links with external systems, and initiate a return protection mode when the distance exceeds a predetermined value and data link is abnormal, allowing the UAV to fly back to a safe position or a user-defined location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the distance between UAV and controller exceeds human viewing distance, then the UAV can operate beyond visual range, but the user cannot accurately determine the flying environment leading to safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational rangeVSAvoidflight safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the data collection link status between external systems and the controller, and providing feedback signals to trigger automatic return when the link is abnormal, enabling the controller to adjust UAV behavior based on real-time environmental monitoring status

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting a predetermined distance threshold and automatically initiating return protection mode when the UAV exceeds this distance combined with abnormal data link conditions, preventing potential safety issues before they occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the data collection link from external system to controller is abnormal, then the controller cannot receive environmental data, but the UAV continues flying without protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflight continuityVSAvoidflight safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by preparing a return protection mode in advance that automatically activates when data link abnormalities are detected combined with distance conditions, providing a safety cushion that prevents uncontrolled flight without interrupting normal operations under safe conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the UAV operates beyond predetermined distance with abnormal data link, then the UAV maintains flight freedom, but collision risk with surrounding objects increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflight flexibilityVSAvoidcollision risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the UAV to automatically monitor its own position relative to the controller, assess data link status, and autonomously initiate return protection mode without external intervention when safety conditions are met, allowing the UAV to protect itself while maintaining operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3163394B1Method and device for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3163394B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3163394B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3163394B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and a device for controlling an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The method comprises: determining (101) whether a distance between an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and a controller of the UAV goes beyond a predetermined distance; detecting (102) whether a link for collecting data from an external system of the UAV to the controller is normal; and when the distance between the UAV and the controller goes beyond the predetermined distance and the link for collecting data from the external system to the controller is abnormal, controlling the UAV to enter into a return protection mode.