Drone and Direction Finding System

Abstract

A drone comprises a body (12) and at least two rotor units (22) configured to propel the drone (10). The drone (10) comprises at least two antenna units (18) configured to receive radio signals. The antenna units (18) are positioned relative to the body (12) such that the antenna units (18) are assigned to different sides of the body (12). Furthermore, a direction finding system (36) is described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drone. In addition, the present invention relates to a direction finding system. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, it is known to use stationary direction-finding systems to monitor a specific area. This is also known as spectrum monitoring, because the electromagnetic spectrum, in particular the radio spectrum, allocated to the area to be monitored is monitored to identify the sources of radio signals, in particular interference sources.

[0003] In practice, spectrum monitoring can effectively help enforce compliance with (international) radiocommunication regulations, as violations can be detected promptly through radio regulation, or more precisely, radio monitoring. Radio traffic is often regulated to ensure that simultaneous broadcasts by police, radio stations, air traffic control, and amateur radio do not interfere with each other. Radio monitoring can be used to enforce compliance with these regulations.

[0004] Until now, stationary direction-finding systems have been used to locate ("direction-find") the source of a signal, such as an interference or jamming signal. However, some sources cannot be effectively identified because it may be necessary to get closer to the source, which may not be possible for various reasons.

[0005] Furthermore, to improve the reception quality of the direction finder, it is also necessary to adjust the relative bearing to the source of a particular radio signal. This is not always possible, as the direction finder may be a stationary system that cannot be moved to adjust the relative bearing.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for improved direction finding. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention provides an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a main body and at least two rotor units configured to propel the UAV. The UAV includes at least two antenna units configured to receive radio signals. The antenna units are positioned relative to the main body such that the antenna units are assigned to different sides of the main body.

[0008] The present invention is based on the discovery that an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also known as an unmanned aerial vehicle, has at least two antenna units that can be used for direction finding purposes. This is achieved by positioning the antenna units on different sides of the drone's body. This allows the antenna units to receive input signals in different ways that can be used for direction finding. In particular, the fact that the two antenna units are located on different sides of the body enables the angle of incidence to be determined. The radio signals received by the at least two radio antennas have different radio characteristics that can be evaluated to determine the source of a particular radio signal. The fact that the antenna units are positioned on different sides of the body ensures that they are not located on the upper or lower sides of the body.

[0009] In other words, the main body generally corresponds to the drone's payload, which includes the central control unit and any sensors assigned to the drone. In contrast to drones known in the prior art, the drone according to the present invention has at least two antennas configured to receive radio signals. The distance between the antenna units and the main body enables analysis of the radio signals received by each antenna unit, allowing the drone to provide direction-finding functionality. If the antenna units were located close together, for example, on the upper or lower side of the main body, this direction-finding functionality would not be possible because the radio signals received by the antenna units would have essentially identical radio characteristics.

[0010] Typically, direction finding is based on combining directional information from two or more appropriately spaced antenna units (also called receivers), whereby the source of the radio signal can be located via triangulation techniques. Therefore, it is ensured that the antenna units are appropriately spaced relative to each other, as they are assigned to different sides of the drone body.

[0011] UAVs are generally configured to operate in areas or regions where stationary direction-finding systems cannot operate, such as mountainsides, open seas, or more precisely, border areas.

[0012] According to an aspect, the at least two antenna units are assigned to the at least two rotor units. Thus, the at least two antenna units may be directly associated with the at least two rotor units.

[0013] For example, at least two functional pairs are provided, each functional pair comprising an antenna unit and a rotor unit associated with the antenna unit. In other words, each antenna unit is assigned to a dedicated rotor unit.

[0014] According to another aspect, the antenna units are located proximate to the rotor units. In fact, each antenna unit can be directly adjacent to a dedicated rotor unit. This provides a compact drone that simultaneously performs both flight and direction-finding functions. Typically, rotor units are located on the exterior of drones to ensure flight stability. Because the antenna units are positioned proximate to their respective rotor units, they are appropriately spaced relative to each other, enabling direction-finding functionality.

[0015] For example, each antenna unit can correspond to the bracket of the rotor unit to which it is assigned. Thus, the antenna unit can support each rotor unit, in particular the bearings of each rotor unit. In other words, the antenna unit can each correspond to the stabilizer of a dedicated rotor unit.

[0016] According to another aspect, each antenna unit and its assigned rotor unit together form an integrated module. Thus, the antenna unit and its assigned rotor unit can be separately formed modules connected to the main body. For example, the main body includes multiple interfaces for such integrated modules, allowing the main body to be expanded. In practice, the number of integrated modules (i.e., antenna units and / or rotor units) connected to the main body can vary depending on the desired respective situation.

[0017] For example, a higher payload might require more rotor units. In another case, more antenna units might be needed to improve direction finding. Generally, the various capabilities of a drone are adapted to the corresponding needs.

[0018] In practice, the antenna units can be positioned such that the distance between the antenna units is maximized. This ensures that the direction finding properties are improved since the time difference of the radio signals received by each antenna unit is maximized due to the maximum distance between the antenna units.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the drone has at least two arms. Each arm supports one of the at least two antenna units and the dedicated rotor unit. Thus, the antenna units are spaced apart from the main body by the respective arms. Each arm can be part of an integrated module, wherein the arm can provide an interface through which the integrated unit is coupled to the main body.

[0020] For example, the drone has more than two arms so that the corresponding antenna units and / or rotor units are positioned in a star-shaped manner relative to the main body.

[0021] In particular, the at least two arms extend radially and / or equidistantly from the main body. This ensures that the drone can be operated in a stable manner, as the different rotor units are equidistantly spaced from one another, thereby ensuring uniform propulsion of the drone. Consequently, flight stability is ensured.

[0022] The equidistant orientation of the at least two arms extending in a radial manner from the body of the drone results in an equidistant distance between the arms relative to a circumference around the drone body.

[0023] In the first operating mode, the drone can be configured to operate as a flying drone. In practice, the drone can be used to monitor areas inaccessible to stationary direction-finding systems, such as the open sea and / or mountainside. The drone can be enabled to fly by operating the rotor units. For flight operations, control signals can be received by the respective antenna units. Thus, the antenna units can be configured to receive control signals for flying the drone in the first operating mode.

[0024] In a second operating mode, the drone can be configured to operate as a direction finder, in particular a stationary direction finder. In the second operating mode (which is supplementary to the first operating mode or (only) valid separately from the first operating mode), the drone acts as a direction finder. Thus, radio signals received by the drone's antenna unit are forwarded to the drone's processing unit for separate analysis.

[0025] The processing unit may be located within the body. Thus, the body may comprise a control unit and a processing unit. Typically, the control and / or analysis unit may be located within the body.

[0026] However, the drone may also be operated in a stationary manner in the second operating mode. Thus, the plurality of rotor units may not be controlled in the second operating mode.

[0027] The drone can be configured to operate as a mobile locator for direction finding. Thus, the drone can also be used to get as close as possible to a particular source of a detected radio signal. This ensures improved identification of the source's location. In practice, the drone, and in particular the processing unit connected to the antenna units via signal transmission, can determine the respective coordinates of the source of the radio signal based on the radio signals received by the at least two antenna units.

[0028] Thus, direction finding can be improved by using drones operating as flying drones (i.e., unmanned aircraft) because different lines of sight can be achieved with drones. Drones can actually fly at different altitudes, particularly higher altitudes than can be achieved with stationary direction finding systems. In other words, relative orientation can be adjusted with drones because they can be flown to altitudes with different lines of sight to the source to be identified using direction finding techniques.

[0029] For example, the drone comprises a base interface configured to be connected to a mast. Therefore, the drone can also be connected to the mast, in particular the top of the mast, when the drone is not flying.

[0030] The drone thus has at least a dual functionality, as it can act both as a mobile direction finder (i.e. a flying drone) and as a stationary direction finder fixedly attached to a mast.

[0031] The mast may be a retractable mast. Thus, as long as the height can be achieved with the retractable mast, the height can be adjusted by simply retracting the mast to the desired height.

[0032] In practice, the (extractable or non-extractable) mast corresponds to a pole of a specific base station, for example a canopy mounted on a vehicle, a separate base station, a ship or any other system providing a mast for direction finding.

[0033] Another aspect provides a drone that includes a communication module configured to transmit measured direction-finding data. Thus, the drone collects direction-finding data while operating as a direction finder. The measured direction-finding data can be transmitted via the communication module to, for example, a base unit with higher computing power for analysis of the collected data.

[0034] Base units for communication purposes may be assigned to base stations.

[0035] Specifically, the communication module is configured to utilize optical communication technology, such as laser communication, to ensure secure communication between the drone and the base unit. Furthermore, communication can be accomplished via wired or wireless cables, provided the drone is connected to the mast.

[0036] Typically, the communication module corresponds to a data link module capable of transmitting the measured direction-finding data in a manner that cannot be intercepted by unauthorized third parties.

[0037] The communication module can establish a communication link, for example, by means of a simple cable or, more precisely, an optical link, thereby ensuring secure communication.

[0038] Furthermore, the present invention provides a direction-finding system comprising a mast and the aforementioned drone. The drone is fixedly connected to the mast. Thus, the drone can be connected to the mast, in particular to the top of the mast, via a basic interface.

[0039] In one aspect, the direction finding system comprises a base unit configured to communicate with the drone. The base unit may comprise a corresponding communication interface configured to communicate with the drone, in particular a communication module of the drone.

[0040] For example, the base unit includes an optical receiver that receives a laser signal sent by the communication module of the drone, provided that the communication module is configured to communicate by means of laser signals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the claimed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same may be better understood with reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0042] - Figure 1 A drone according to a first embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0043] - Figure 2 A drone according to a second embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0044] - Figure 3 schematically shows a direction finding system according to the present invention, and

[0045] - Figure 4 A further embodiment of a direction finding system according to the invention is schematically shown, comprising several drones according to the invention in an operational situation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed.

[0047] For purposes of this disclosure, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means, for example, (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all further possible permutations when more than three elements are listed. In other words, the term "at least one of A and B" generally refers to "A and / or B," i.e., "A" alone, "B" alone, or "A and B."

[0048] exist Figure 1 In FIG, a drone 10 is shown, which comprises a body 12 containing a control and / or analysis unit 14 of the drone 10 , eg a processing unit and a control unit formed separately with respect to each other.

[0049] Furthermore, the drone 10 has a plurality of arms 16 connected to the main body 12. The arms 16 extend radially from the main body 12, respectively, with the arms 16 being spaced equidistant from one another relative to a circumference around the main body 12.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the drone 10 includes five arms 16 , wherein two adjacent arms 16 define an angle α therebetween corresponding to 72° However, the drone 10 may generally include more or fewer arms 16 than the five arms 16 shown.

[0051] Additionally, the drone 10 includes a plurality of antenna units 18 located at a free end 20 of the arm 16. The free end 20 relates to the end opposite the body 12 to which the arm 16 is connected.

[0052] Therefore, the antenna unit 18 is at a maximum distance from the body 12. The maximum distance is defined by the length of each arm 16.

[0053] Furthermore, the antenna elements 18 are also spaced apart from one another in a maximally possible manner.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the antenna unit 18 extends in a (substantially) perpendicular direction with respect to the direction of extension of the arms 16. In practice, the extensions of the arms 16 intersect each other at a center point which coincides with the center of the body 12.

[0055] In contrast to the arms 16 , the antenna elements 18 each define a longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axes of the antenna elements 18 extend parallel to each other. In fact, the longitudinal axes of the antenna elements 18 are perpendicular to the surface of the body 12 .

[0056] Furthermore, the drone 10 comprises a number of rotor units 22, which are also assigned to the free end 20 of the arm 16. The rotor units 22 are generally configured to propel the drone 10.

[0057] In practice, the rotor units 22 are supported by the antenna units 18. In other words, each antenna unit 18 corresponds to a dedicated support for the rotor unit 22 to which it is assigned.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the entire drone 10 has a star shape in a top view of the drone 10 .

[0059] In practice, the antenna unit 18 and the associated rotor unit 22 are assigned to a lateral end, ie a free end 20 , of the arm 16 , which extends in a radial manner from the centrally arranged body 12 of the drone 10 .

[0060] Thus, the antenna units 18 are positioned relative to the body 12 of the drone 10 such that the antenna units 18 are assigned to different sides of the body 12 .

[0061] In a similar manner, the rotor units 22 are also assigned to different sides of the main body 12 , since the rotor units 22 are directly assigned to the respective antenna units 18 .

[0062] Thus, the antenna unit 18 and the rotor unit 22 are in close proximity to each other.

[0063] The antenna unit 18 and the assigned rotor unit 22 may together form an integrated module 24 that can be connected to the body 12 of the drone 10 .

[0064] In practice, the integrated module 24 may further include respective arms 16 connected to the antenna unit 18. Thus, the arms 16 may provide an interface of the integrated module 24, via which the integrated module 24 may be connected to the main body 12.

[0065] The main body 12 may include several corresponding interfaces so that several integrated modules 24 can be connected to the main body 12 .

[0066] Generally, the main body 12 can be configured in a modular manner, so that the number of antenna units 18 and / or rotor units 22 can be expanded as needed. In particular, the number of integrated modules 24 can be adjusted in a desired manner.

[0067] The drone 10 may be operated as a flying drone.

[0068] Thus, the drone 10 can have a first operating mode in which the drone 10 is controlled to fly. Thus, the drone 10 can receive corresponding control signals via its antenna unit 18, which are forwarded to the control and / or analysis unit 14 of the drone 10 for controlling the individual rotor units 22 in an appropriate manner.

[0069] In a first operating mode, flight mode, the drone 10 may also be configured to function as a mobile locator 26 for direction finding.

[0070] This means that the drone 10 is flown to certain areas, in particular areas that are not accessible via stationary direction finding systems.

[0071] When operating as a mobile locator 26, the drone 10 can receive radio signals from various monitored areas. The drone 10 can then perform direction finding to locate the source of a radio signal, such as a source of interference.

[0072] The corresponding direction finding data measured by the drone 10 may be (temporarily) stored in a memory 28 which may also be contained within the body 12 .

[0073] Additionally, the drone 10 may include a communication module 30 , which may also be contained within the body 12 .

[0074] The drone 10 is configured to communicate with the base unit ( Figure 1 ) in order to forward the corresponding direction finding data measured for evaluation purposes, which will be explained later.

[0075] The communication module 30 may use optical communication technology to transmit the measured direction-finding data, for example, using laser technology to transmit the data, thereby ensuring that secure communication cannot be intercepted by a third party who is not authorized to intercept the communication.

[0076] In a second operating mode (which may be effective in addition to or as an alternative to the first operating mode), the drone 10 is configured to operate as a (stationary) direction finder.

[0077] As described above, the drone 10 can operate as a mobile locator 26. Thus, the drone 10 can identify and locate a specific source of a radio signal.

[0078] In particular, the drone 10 may also be operated as a stationary direction finder.

[0079] In this mode, the rotor unit 22 of the drone 10 is not controlled to propel the drone 10 .

[0080] In practice, the drone 10 comprises a base interface 32 that can be assigned to the body 12. The drone 10 can be connected to a mast 34 via the base interface 32. The mast 34 can be associated with a direction finding system 36 comprising the drone 10 and the mast 34. Figure 3 In FIG. 3 , a direction finding system 36 is shown, wherein Figure 1 The drone 10 is connected to the mast 34 .

[0081] In other words, the drone 10 has a constructive design such that the body 12 or more precisely the antenna unit 18 can be used as a stand for the drone 10 when not in flight.

[0082] In this stationary operating mode, the drone 10 is fixedly connected to the mast 34 .

[0083] In practice, the mast 34 may be extractable or non-extractable. Thus, the mast 34 corresponds to a pole of a specific base station, such as a shroud mounted on a vehicle, a separate base station, a ship or any other system for direction finding.

[0084] Typically, the drone 10 may be connected to the base unit 38 of the direction finding system 36 via cables or wires to ensure secure communication.

[0085] exist Figure 2 , another embodiment of the drone 10 is shown.

[0086] In the second embodiment, the antenna units 18 are also allocated to different sides of the main body 12. However, the rotor units 22 are not directly allocated to the respective antenna units 18, but are allocated to the lower side of the main body 12.

[0087] In general, drone 10 may have different designs with regard to the respective arrangement of rotor unit 22 and antenna unit 18 .

[0088] also, Figure 2 The illustrated drone 10 includes a cage 40 for protecting components of the drone 10 , particularly the rotor unit 22 and / or the antenna unit 18 .

[0089] Furthermore, the drone 10 may include at least one further module 42 for collecting data, such as a camera.

[0090] exist Figure 4 , another embodiment of a direction finding system 36 is shown, which includes several drones 10 operating in flight mode and one drone 10 fixedly connected to a mast 34 .

[0091] like Figure 4 As shown, a rod 34 is assigned to the vehicle.

[0092] The direction finding system 36 comprises a base unit 38 which is assigned to the vehicle.

[0093] The flying drones 10 communicate with the base unit 38 by means of their communication modules 30 in order to forward the direction-finding data measured via the antenna units 18. These drones 10 can thus correspond to mobile locators 26.

[0094] Furthermore, the flying drone 10 may receive control signals via its antenna unit 18 .

[0095] A stationary drone 10 , ie a drone 10 connected to the mast 34 , operates only as a direction finder, as the individual rotor units 22 are not controlled.

[0096] Typically, the base unit 38 in communication with the communication module 30 of the drone 10 may include high computing capabilities.

[0097] This ensures that the base unit 38 can process direction finding data measured by several drones 10 .

Claims

1. A drone having a body (12) and at least two rotor units (22) configured to propel the drone (10), wherein the drone (10) includes at least two antenna units (18) configured to receive radio signals, and wherein the antenna units (18) are positioned relative to the body (12) such that the antenna units (18) are assigned to different sides of the body (12), wherein each antenna unit (18) corresponds to a bracket of the rotor unit (22) to which it is assigned, such that the antenna units (18) support bearings of the respective rotor units (22), thereby serving as stabilizers for the respective rotor units (22), wherein each antenna unit (18) extends through the rotor unit (22) to which it is assigned, such that opposite ends of the respective antenna units (18) are located on different sides of the rotor unit (22) to which it is assigned.

2. The drone according to claim 1, wherein the at least two antenna units (18) are assigned to the at least two rotor units (22).

3. The drone according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the antenna unit (18) is located close to the rotor unit (22).

4. The drone according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each antenna unit (18) and its assigned rotor unit (22) together form an integrated module (24).

5. The drone according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the antenna units (18) are positioned so as to maximize the distance between the antenna units (18).

6. The drone according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drone (10) has at least two arms (16), wherein each arm (16) supports one of the at least two antenna units (18) and a dedicated rotor unit (22).

7. The drone according to claim 6, wherein the at least two arms (16) extend from the body (12) in a radial and / or equidistant manner.

8. The drone of claim 1 or 2, wherein in a first operating mode, the drone (10) is configured to operate as a flying drone (10).

9. The drone according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the second operating mode, the drone (10) is configured to operate as a direction finder.

10. The drone according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drone (10) is configured to operate as a mobile locator (26) for direction finding.

11. The drone of claim 1 or 2, wherein the drone (10) comprises a base interface (32) configured to be connected to a mast (34).

12. The drone according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drone (10) comprises a communication module (30), the communication module (30) being configured to transmit the measured direction-finding data, in particular wherein the communication module (30) is configured to use optical communication technology.

13. The drone of claim 1 or 2, wherein the drone (10) has at least two arms (16) extending from a body (12), wherein each arm (16) supports one of the at least two antenna units (18) and a dedicated rotor unit (22), and wherein the antenna units (18) extend perpendicularly relative to the respective arms (16) such that opposite ends of the respective antenna units (18) are located on different sides of the respective arms (16).

14. A direction finding system comprising a mast and a drone (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drone (10) is fixedly connected to the mast (34).

15. The direction finding system of claim 14, wherein the direction finding system (36) comprises a base unit (38) configured to communicate with the drone (10).

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