Universal Unmanned Control Architecture for Multi-System Coordination
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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 impractical for mobile operations and increasing hardware and software maintenance needs with the number of systems.
Innovation Solution
A universal control architecture that allows a single common control device to manage multiple unmanned systems, including air, ground, and maritime systems, using a scalable and interoperable approach, enabling efficient control and situational awareness through a common command and control interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated controllers are used for each unmanned system, then each system can be controlled independently, but the number of controllers increases and situational awareness is limited
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 control architecture. The controller is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle diverse vehicle types, eliminating the need for dedicated controllers for each system while maintaining reliable control through standardized communication protocols and unified control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple dedicated controllers into a single unified control device that can manage multiple unmanned systems simultaneously. The control functions, user interface, and processing capabilities are combined into one device, reducing the total number of controllers while providing comprehensive control over aerial, ground, and maritime vehicles through integrated system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each unmanned system operates in a closed subnetwork, then system-specific control is maintained, but situational awareness and mobility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common control device as an intermediary between the operator and multiple unmanned systems. This mediator provides a unified interface that maintains system-specific control capabilities while aggregating information from all controlled vehicles, enabling comprehensive situational awareness through centralized monitoring and coordination without requiring open subnetworks.
3Productivity
If more unmanned systems are added to the network, then operational capability increases, but the number of user devices and subnetworks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal controller capable of managing multiple unmanned systems across different domains (aerial, ground, maritime) through standardized interfaces. This multi-functional controller can scale to accommodate additional vehicles without requiring additional dedicated user devices, as the single controller can simultaneously manage multiple vehicle types through unified control architecture and communication protocols.
4Measurement precision
If dedicated controllers are used for each unmanned system, then control precision is maintained, but hardware and software maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated controllers into a single unified control device, consolidating hardware and software resources. This reduction in the number of controllers directly decreases maintenance needs, as there are fewer devices requiring updates, repairs, and calibration. The unified architecture maintains control precision through standardized control algorithms and interfaces while simplifying the maintenance burden through centralized system management.
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.