Universal Controller Architecture for Multi-Platform Unmanned Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned systems require multiple dedicated controllers for each type, limiting situational awareness and mobility, as each system operates in a closed subnetwork, making it inefficient for controlling multiple systems and requiring increased hardware and training as more systems are added.
Innovation Solution
A universal control architecture that allows a single common control device to manage and control multiple types of unmanned systems, including aerial, ground, and maritime systems, by translating commands into movement models and transmitting instructions across different communication protocols, enabling unified control and interoperability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated controllers are used for each unmanned system type, then control reliability is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller that can control multiple types of unmanned systems (aerial, ground, maritime) through a common interface and communication protocol. The controller is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle diverse system types without requiring dedicated controllers for each platform, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining control reliability through standardized protocols and adaptive control algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated controllers are used for each unmanned system, then control precision is improved, but situational awareness deteriorates due to closed subnetworks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple closed subnetworks into a unified network architecture where a single controller can access and monitor all unmanned systems simultaneously. This integration allows the operator to maintain precise control over individual systems while also having comprehensive situational awareness of the entire fleet, eliminating the information silos created by separate dedicated controllers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more unmanned systems are added to the network, then system capability is improved, but the number of controllers and subnetworks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal controller is designed with scalable architecture that can accommodate an increasing number of unmanned systems without requiring additional dedicated controllers. The system maintains adaptability to control diverse platform types while keeping the controller count constant, thereby improving system capability without proportionally increasing device complexity or training requirements.
4Reliability
If multiple dedicated controllers are used, then control reliability is improved, but mobility and transport efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single portable controller device, eliminating the need to transport multiple dedicated controllers. This unified approach maintains control reliability through standardized protocols while significantly improving mobility and transport efficiency, as operators only need to carry one controller regardless of the number or type of unmanned systems being operated.
Data Source
AI summary
A common command and control architecture (alternatively termed herein as a “universal control architecture”) is disclosed that allows different unmanned systems, including different types of unmanned systems (e.g., air, ground, and/or maritime unmanned systems), to be controlled simultaneously through a common control device (e.g., a controller that can be an input and/or output device). The universal control architecture brings significant efficiency gains in engineering, deployment, training, maintenance, and future upgrades of unmanned systems. In addition, the disclosed common command and control architecture breaks the traditional stovepipe development involving deployment models and thus reducing hardware and software maintenance, creating a streamlined training/proficiency initiative, reducing physical space requirements for transport, and creating a scalable, more connected interoperable approach to control of unmanned systems over existing unmanned systems technology.