Autonomous UAV Route Management Under Threat and Resource Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) management systems require remote operator intervention, which can be hindered by hostile environments and resource limitations, leading to inefficiencies and potential mission failures due to the need for real-time route adjustments and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enables UAVs to autonomously monitor environmental conditions and dynamically adjust their flight routes and resource allocation to optimize mission performance, using onboard and offboard systems for real-time route planning and resource management, reducing exposure to threats and maximizing target point reachability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If remote operator monitors and adjusts UAV route in real-time, then mission adaptability to hostile environments is improved, but operational time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV is equipped with an autonomous mission management process that automatically monitors environmental conditions, detects threats, and adjusts the flight route without requiring continuous remote operator intervention. The system serves itself by making real-time decisions based on sensor data and pre-programmed mission parameters, thereby reducing operational time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mission management process continuously receives feedback from environmental sensors and threat detection systems, processes this information, and automatically adjusts the flight route in response to changing conditions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables rapid adaptation to hostile environments without the time delay associated with remote operator communication and decision-making.
2Productivity
If UAV follows predetermined route with multiple waypoints, then mission completeness is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flight route is made dynamic rather than static, allowing the UAV to automatically adjust its path based on real-time environmental conditions, threat levels, and remaining resources. The mission management process continuously evaluates whether to proceed to the next waypoint or alter the route to conserve resources, enabling the system to maintain mission completeness while optimizing energy consumption according to actual flight conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for managing a flight of an aircraft. Conditions in an environment around the aircraft are monitored during the flight of the aircraft on a route having a number of target points. In response to detecting a condition requiring a change to the route of the aircraft, current resources for the aircraft are identified. A determination is made as to whether changing the route reduces the number of target points that can be reached based on the current resources for the aircraft. In response to a determination that changing the route reduces the number of target points that can be reached, the route is changed to include a portion of the number of target points using the condition and a policy.