Vaydyn Drone Ground Control Software - ARTpark, IISc India

About the Product

Vaydyn is a leading vertically integrated company specializing in the Design, Engineering, and Manufacturing of indigenous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The ground control software is a critical component of Vaydyn's comprehensive UAV solutions. Designed with precision and user experience in mind, this software provides robust and intuitive controls for operating Vaydyn Drones. Seamlessly integrated with the Drones, it offers real-time data monitoring, mission planning, and flight management, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.

Key features of the ground control software

• Device Connection and Calibrations: Easy connection via Wifi or USB and sensors’ calibration of UAV devices to ensure optimal performance and accurate data collection.

• Mission Planning and Automation: Create, edit, and manage flight paths and missions with ease, leveraging advanced algorithms for optimal route planning and waypoint actions.

• Safety and Redundancy: Built-in safety protocols and redundancy features to ensure secure and reliable operations, even in challenging environments.

• Real-time Data Monitoring: Track UAV performance metrics, including speed, altitude, battery life, and sensor data, for informed decision-making during flights.

• Comprehensive Reporting: Generate detailed reports and analytics post-mission to evaluate performance and improve future operations.

This is the first time I am designing a Hardware Support/Control Solution. Earlier in my career, I only had opportunities to work on projects that focused solely on the human mind and behaviour. Still, now I need to learn about the device and its operations too. For example, if we want to build a remote controller for a television, we first have to understand all the features and functionalities of the television itself.

Kick-starting the Product Design

As usual, before the design team got involved, the PM and Business Analyst teams had initial discussions and collected essential data. They also provided us with all the initial business and requirement documents. After a thorough review, We obtained a high-level understanding of the client’s basic requirements. However, that high-level information was not sufficient to start the design process. We needed to break down all the requirements and functionalities they wanted and filter out all the needs for the first phase.

Before initiating the project, we visited Artpark in Bangalore, engaging in in-depth discussions with the core team members to thoroughly understand the product.

In-Person discussion outcomes

• Understand the basic Vaydyn products(R&D In-Progress)

• Functionalities and Use-cases of drones

• The Target Audience and end-users who gonna use the Product & Software

• Expectations and Requirements about the software

• Met all the team members of Vaydyn, including Management, Engineering, Product Designers(Mechanical), Product Analysts, Drone Pilots, Technicians & etc..

• Information about the Competitors and Existing Solutions

We divide the entire product journey into Five milestones.

• Device Connection and Calibration: Connection Via Wifi or USB, Sensor Calibrations, Radio Controller Setup, Add-On sensor connection & Failsafe Setup

• Pre-Flight Setup: Location/Map Settings, Mission Planning, Geofence Setup, Rally Points

• In-Flight Management: Mission Upload to Drone, Pre-flight Check, Flight Path and Navigation, Alerts and Notifications, Status Indicators, Control Interface, Mission, Mode Control, Flight Telemetry, Live Camera Feed

• Post-Flight Analytics: Flight Logs and Analytic, Warning & Error Analysis

• Firmware & Admin Controls: Firmware Update, Basic Settings of Drones, Vaydyn Admin control, Client Side Admin Control

Understanding Competitors & Existing Solutions

After our initial discussion with the client, we learned that they currently utilize QGroundControl software for internal testing purposes. Our research also uncovered several other software solutions used for UAVs' control. Following a thorough analysis of these platforms,

we decided to concentrate on QGroundControl due to its widespread usage in UAV control. As a free, open-source platform, it offers unrestric ted accessibility to users. However, QGroundControl is designed for managing various types of UAVs, whereas Vaydyn specialises solely in drones. Therefore, we can streamline our focus on specific functionalities and features that are relevant to Vaydyn's drone operations.

We started by studying drone functionalities and client needs and gaining insights into the software. We then created a list of functionalities and needs. Following internal meetings with the Product & Engineering Team, we categorised those functionalities into different groups. We then identified the core functionalities for Phase 1 and categorised the others for Phase 2, which is for enhancements and improvements.

User Flows and Information Architecture

As soon as we had established basic user journeys, we began to draft user flows and the information architecture for the ground control software.

Setting up Design Language & System

After defining the most suitable solution by considering different perspectives, we began drafting wireframes for the platform and conducted internal design meetings to make corrections and refine the flows and layout.

Simultaneously, we began developing a design language and system for the software's user interface. Our focus was on ensuring that the interface would be easy to use, visually distinct, and well-organized for the end user. We created three mood boards for the software and discussed the look and feel with the client. After receiving the client's approval, we proceeded with creating the visual design of the software.

Final Solution

1. Device Connection

The UAV can connect to the ground controller via USB, WiFi, or radio signals, each serving specific purposes. During flight, the UAV primarily uses radio signals for connection. For tasks like data transfer or firmware troubleshooting, WiFi or USB connections are more suitable. In environments with high electromagnetic interference, USB connections ensure greater accuracy and faster data transfer speeds.

We've introduced a simple screen for device connection. The system automatically detects and connects devices. Once a vehicle is connected, its basic details will appear as a card. Users can click on the card to access the specific vehicle settings.

Also the previously connected vehicle details also listed at the bottom for, if a user wants the previously connected vehicle details and flight logs they can access it by clicking on the “View Log” Button.

Sensors Calibration

In UAVs, there are multiple sensors, some of which are particularly crucial, such as the compass, accelerometer, and gyroscope. Sensor calibration is a critical step in ensuring the reliability, safety, and effectiveness of UAV missions. Although this process is typically performed once, if a sensor malfunction alert is triggered, recalibration is needed for better performance.

In the vehicle details page, there is a dedicated session for sensors. Users can check the calibration status and perform calibration there. The system will provide proper guidance for calibrations step by step, users can do the calibration by following the steps intuitively.

Radio Controler Calibration

In this session, users can connect to check the functionality of the radio controller and ensure all switches are working perfectly. If they detect any malfunctions in the radio controls, they need to perform calibration for the main control sticks/channels. Additionally, users can assign different actions to different switches and channels.

Mission Planning

From the main navigation menu, users can choose the mission planning session. There, they can view all the existing mission plans in the system. If they want to create a new mission plan, clicking on the “Create New” button will bring up an interface to select the mission location on the map. After selecting the location, the user will move to the mission planning interface with a basic details widget in the top left corner and a settings panel on the right side. Using various mission planning tools, they can create mission plans seamlessly. Additionally, all indications on the map such as waypoints, launch points, return points, etc., help in understanding the mission route and coverage area.

Geo-fence settings help define air boundaries and prevent the drone from entering restricted or sensitive areas. Different tools are provided for setting up these boundaries, allowing users to create air boundaries and plan missions accordingly.

Upload Mission Plan to Drone

If drones are connected to the software, hovering over the mission thumbnail card will reveal two buttons: 'View Mission' and 'Upload Mission'. Clicking on the 'Upload Mission' button initiates the process of uploading the mission to the drone, with real-time progress updates displayed on a top floating card resembling Apple's dynamic island. Once the mission is uploaded to the drone, the thumbnail of the recently uploaded mission plan will move to the first position on the mission listing page, making it easier to identify which mission is currently stored inside the drone. If a mission is already stored in the drone connected to the software, a 'Fly Now' button will appear on the floating card. Clicking the button will allow the drone to fly with the planned mission.

During Flight Controls

During the flight, a screen displays the mission map with all relevant markings. At the top, an information bar shows key details such as mission name, connected vehicle details, climate data, data transfer speed, radio controller signal strength, battery status, alerts, and status indications. The bottom bar contains all control buttons for easy access, including Takeoff, Land, Hold, Return to Launch, and Widget action buttons, centrally positioned for convenient reach. The mission mode switch is located on the left side of the bottom bar. Above the map area, information widgets, compass/level widget, and camera feed and control widget are displayed. The left slider shows all telemetry data, while the right slider provides mission plan details. Both sliders can be opened or closed using floating buttons attached to them. 

An ambient lighting UI element is used to easily convey the current drone status. If the screen's ambient light is red, it indicates that the drone is not ready to fly. Green means the drone is ready to fly, blue indicates the drone is in flight, and an orange/yellow shade signals that the drone is in hold or warning mode.

Post Flight Data Sync & Analytics

After completing the flight, the drone generates and stores flight logs in its memory. By selecting the analytics menu from the main navigation, the user will see a pop-up displaying a list of flight logs if any are stored in the drone's memory. The user can download the desired flight log, and once downloaded, the software processes it and displays detailed flight analytics, including all flight data with the help of graphs.

Firmware Update

If Vaydyn releases new firmware for the drone models, the software will automatically detect the availability when the user connects the drone. A red indicator will appear on the firmware navigation menu. The firmware update screen will display both the current and available firmware details. By clicking the 'Update Now' button, the process will begin with the firmware being downloaded from the cloud, uploaded to the drone, and the update initiated. After a successful update, the software will notify the user with the updated firmware details.

Currently, the software is in the development and testing phase. The vehicle setup and in-flight modules have been successfully tested and are functioning well with the drone models. Following successful testing, we plan to develop more UAV-related projects soon. Additionally, the team is now focused on enhancing the software.

I am so glad for, participated and led this project which is going to use by the sectors Defence, Fire & Rescue, Safety, Survey & Surveillance etc..

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The designs showcased in this portfolio are confidential. The mockups included here are used solely for interview purposes, and detailed discussions regarding these designs will be conducted exclusively during one-to-one meetings. Thank you.