Voice-Channel UAV Control for Areas Without Radio Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are unable to operate in areas where radio waves are not present, rendering them inoperable in such environments.

Innovation Solution

A wireless mobile object system that utilizes a voice channel over a mobile communication network to receive control signals and maneuver information, allowing for reliable control of the object even in areas without radio wave coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional radio wave communication is used for UAV control, then control speed and responsiveness are improved, but operational range is limited to areas with radio wave coverage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol speedVSAvoidoperational range

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile communication network as an intermediary communication channel between the controller and the wireless mobile object. When radio wave communication is unavailable, the system automatically switches to using mobile phone voice call channels (via SMS or voice commands) as a mediator to transmit control signals, thereby extending operational range to areas without radio wave coverage while maintaining control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic communication channel selection that adapts to available communication environments. The system automatically switches between radio wave communication (when available for fast control) and mobile communication network (when radio waves are unavailable for extended range), optimizing both control speed and operational range based on real-time conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If voice channel over mobile network is used for control, then operational range is improved to areas without radio waves, but control precision and reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational rangeVSAvoidcontrol reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the wireless mobile object automatically responds to control commands with status information. The system monitors whether control signals are successfully transmitted and executed, and provides feedback to the controller. This feedback loop ensures that even when using the less reliable mobile communication network, the system can verify command execution and maintain control reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares alternative communication pathways in advance (both radio wave and mobile communication channels) so that when one channel becomes unavailable, the system can immediately switch to the pre-prepared alternative without loss of control reliability. This redundancy cushioning ensures continuous reliable operation across different environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12204328B2Wireless mobility device, control system, method and program

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

A wireless mobile object 1 includes: a response unit 32 that responds to a call received through a voice channel over a mobile communication network; and a control unit 36 that controls an action of the wireless mobile object, based on maneuver information received through the voice channel.