A system for communicating with unmanned aerial vehicles using two frequency bands

Abstract

A system for RF communication with a UAV includes two distinct frequency bands: a frequency band optionally used to support datagrams between the UAV payload and a computer or controller, and a second RF communication band dedicated to command and control and navigation datagrams between the UAV and a host controller or control network. Embodiments of the system are implemented to cover a large area with the second RF communication subsystem, suitable for communication with multiple UAVs by creating a skyward-projected cellular system and dividing its frequency range into sub-channels, wherein the sub-bands into which the frequency range can be divided can be used in a reuse scheme.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 201780034674.5, filing date June 14, 2017, and invention name “System for communicating with an unmanned aerial vehicle using two frequency bands”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of wireless communications, and more particularly, to systems, methods, and components for operating a cellular communication network associated with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs). Background Art

[0003] Wireless systems used today for general public communications are often based on "cells", e.g. Figure 1 As shown in the figure. In such a system, mobile phones or mobile devices (100) within a larger geographic area (101) are served by distributed fixed-location local radio transceivers that provide two-way wireless communication to devices in sub-areas (102) of the larger area. When a mobile phone or mobile device moves from one location to a new location (103), it can be served by another different local fixed radio transceiver in the cellular wireless system (104), or by a different sector (104a, 104b, 104c) within the range of the same local fixed radio transceiver. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs) can also move in and out of the range of the fixed radio transceivers.

[0004] The antenna radiation pattern of a fixed radio transceiver in a wireless system is typically oriented to be directional along the ground, rather than omnidirectional or toward the sky. Some reasons for such a limited radiation pattern include: first, users of wireless devices in such systems are restricted to being physically located on the Earth's surface almost all the time, as wireless telephone and smartphone communications are generally prohibited by law on commercial aircraft; and second, cellular-based communication systems avoid interference between cells that reuse frequencies by limiting the radiated power that can enter adjacent or nearby cells, which is accomplished at least in part by controlling the radiation pattern emanating from the antenna associated with the fixed radio transceiver. Figure 2 A simplified diagram of the radiation patterns of a typical fixed radio transceiver in a cellular based wireless communication system is shown in . The horizontal or "parallel to the ground plane" pattern is indicated at ( 200 ) and the vertical pattern is indicated at ( 210 ).

[0005] Further references Figure 3The vertical pattern can be further visualized by the schematic diagram in FIG. 1 . A fixed cellular radio transceiver antenna system (300) is typically mounted on an antenna tower, some distance above the ground (304), and is designed to enable communication with mobile devices within a certain radial range of the antenna (303) by covering the area with a so-called beam (301) at specific frequencies used to transmit and receive datagrams or voice traffic between mobile devices (not shown) and a cellular-based communication system via the fixed antenna (300). The beam is typically designed to subtend a useful angle of 5 to 10 degrees (302) and can also be tilted toward the ground by an additional 5 to 10 degrees (305). The so-called vertical side lobes directed toward the ground actually help provide coverage to mobile devices closer to the antenna (306a), while the vertical side lobes (306b) directed toward the sky are generally of no use or consequence and are ignored as a by-product of the antenna system.

[0006] refer to Figure 4 (400a), showing Figure 3 Simplified diagram of fixed radio transceiver antennas indicated in , wherein each antenna (401, 402) is mounted above the ground (410) and has a vertical radiation pattern (401a, 401b, 402a, 402b) substantially along the ground, and wherein the fixed radio transceivers are spaced according to some plan as might be in a typical cellular type communication network in order to ensure continuity of coverage. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the actual spacing of the fixed radio transceivers is performed in 2 dimensions on the surface of the area to be covered, and a frequency reuse pattern is established so that the frequencies radiated from one fixed radio transceiver (401b) towards another (402a) are different, avoiding interference between adjacent locations. That is, the communication frequency associated with beam (401b) can be from frequency group fA, while the frequency associated with beam (402a) can be from frequency group fB, and so on. Frequency reuse patterns for cellular based communication systems are well studied, and in addition to Figure 4 In addition to the simple frequency diversity shown by (401a, 401b, 402a, 402b), the directivity of antennas (401, 402) in the horizontal direction is often involved, such as Figure 1 (104a, 104b, 104c) and Figure 2 As shown in (201, 202, 203).

[0007] Figure 4The simplified situation depicted in is replicated in two dimensions in densely populated areas of the world today, so that there are large areas or even entire countries where there is a substantially continuous area or layer of coverage (421) near the ground in which reliable communications can be made between a mobile device and the cellular system and subsequently subsequent endpoints connected to the cellular system (such as the public switched telephone network, other mobile devices or computer systems that exchange datagrams with the mobile device on the cellular network) under most open air conditions. Figure 5 The so-called coverage map of the United States is shown in blue, where the blue areas are areas of continuous coverage of cellular networks capable of transmitting voice or datagram traffic to and from mobile devices located near the ground, and the white areas are areas without coverage. From a simple inspection, it is obvious that most of the United States is covered.

[0008] Currently, there is significant interest in the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs) for commercial operations. These include capabilities ranging from local distribution warehouses to remote sensing of 1,000-mile oil pipelines to detect leaks or right-of-way intrusions.

[0009] For the purposes of this discussion, but without loss of generality and understanding that there may be considerable overlap between the categories, UAVs will be considered short-range and low-altitude aircraft weighing less than 50 pounds, flying at 2000 feet above ground level (AGL) and / or below legally controlled airspace, and may or may not have a remote operator actively guiding the UAV for part or all of the flight, with the remainder of the flight being guided autonomously; RPVs will be considered long-range and high-altitude remote-controlled aircraft weighing more than 50 pounds, with typical normal route flights exceeding 2000 feet AGL and / or within legally controlled airspace, and typically having a person remotely piloting and / or monitoring the aircraft, allowing automation of normal route flight, such as using an autopilot commonly used in manned aircraft.

[0010] Typical UAVs and typical RPVs are as follows: Figure 6 and Figure 7 UAVs and RPVs were originally developed primarily for military reasons, and therefore communications with them primarily utilize military line-of-sight communication methods for UAVs and military satellite networks for RPVs. Figure 8 An example of a communication network configuration used for many current military RPVs is shown in FIG, which shows the UAV / RPV first communicating only with a dedicated satellite (801) above it in the indicated military application, which then relays the communication to a command center (810). In practice, as Figure 9 As shown, Figure 7The nose of the RPV shown in FIG is primarily dedicated to a high-gain tracking antenna that communicates with satellites orbiting at distances between 650 and 22,500 miles above the RPV. The path loss associated with communicating with a transceiver or transponder at such distances requires a high-gain antenna such as Figure 9 (901) indicated.

[0011] In order for RPVs, and to some extent UAVs, to be useful for commercial activities, in most jurisdictions they must comply with the laws and regulations governing the use of controlled airspace. Typically, this compliance requires that the UAV / RPV be able to communicate with air traffic controllers and also be able to see or sense and subsequently avoid other air traffic. Therefore, in addition to sending any real-time datagrams required for commercial activities between the UAV / RPV and its operations center, the RPV must maintain continuous communication with its operations center to transmit imagery from the RPV and communicate between the RPV and the air traffic control center so that the RPV can act and be directed as if it were a manned aircraft.

[0012] The need for continuous communications places high demands on communications links with orbiting satellites. In addition to the difficulty of communicating at such distances (650 miles to 22,500 miles), there are a limited number of available satellites, each with limited bandwidth, and their number and available operating bandwidth are insufficient to accommodate significant commercial activity via RPVs and UAVs. Additionally, smaller RPVs and UAVs do not have the space or payload capacity for the antenna systems necessary for the RPV or UAV to communicate with the satellites. Furthermore, satellites have little or no redundancy, and if a satellite transponder fails and / or communications through that satellite are compromised, all communications with the RPV / UAV may be lost, and subsequently control of the RPV / UAV may be lost.

[0013] Communicating with a UAV via an RF link often presents difficulties when the UAV is in controlled airspace or beyond the visual range of a controller or operator. In the United States, controlled airspace is the space above 400 feet. Continuously communicating with an UAV via an RF link presents problems when the UAV is in controlled airspace (i.e., above 400 feet in the United States) and / or beyond the visual range of a controller or operator. While a system is needed to project a ground-based RF cellular type system into the air to facilitate communications with UAVs, the system also needs to provide sufficient reliability for critical command and control of the UAV while providing high bandwidth support for remote sensing applications. Summary of the Invention

[0014] A system for communicating with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The system provides high reliability for critical operations (e.g., command and control and navigation functions of the UAV) while also providing high bandwidth support for handling remote sensing applications (e.g., payload operations, imaging, camera, sound, and delivery activities). The system is preferably configured to include multiple frequency bands, and according to a preferred embodiment, a first frequency band is provided for a first type of communication and a second frequency band is provided for a second type of communication. The communication is preferably RF communication between the UAV and another component, preferably occurring over a network that supports RF communication. According to a preferred implementation, the other component is a command and control device, such as a computer, which provides datagrams to the UAV to control operations or functions. The command and control device can also receive communications from the UAV. Embodiments of the system provide RF communication with the UAV, and the system includes two different frequency bands: a frequency band that is optionally used to support datagrams between the UAV payload (e.g., remote sensing operations) and the computer or controller, and a second RF communication band that is dedicated to sending and receiving command and control and navigation datagrams between the UAV and a host controller or control network.

[0015] According to a preferred implementation, the system is configured to transmit and exchange RF communications with the UAV. In an implementation of the system, the system is configured with two different frequency bands, which are preferably RF communication bands. One communication band is optionally used to support datagrams, such as between the UAV payload and a computer or controller, while a second RF communication band is provided and dedicated to the transmission and reception of command and control and navigation datagrams between the UAV and a host controller or control network. Preferably, an embodiment can be implemented to provide command and control and navigation datagrams between the UAV and the command and control computer within a designated RF band, which is preferably separate and dedicated to command, control, and navigation operations.

[0016] The system can be configured to utilize a spatial frequency reuse scheme similar to that of terrestrial cell systems, but projected upward into the air rather than along the ground. Additionally, preferred embodiments can be configured to implement polarization, such as left circular polarization or right circular polarization, for specific sub-band regions (e.g., sub-band regions of a dedicated or second RF communication band) designated to handle command and control and navigation datagrams between the UAV (or RPV) and the command and control computer. Reliability can be further enhanced by implementing features such as forward error correction (including convolutional error correction codes) in datagram construction and / or the use of turbo codes in datagram construction. Additionally, some embodiments of the system can utilize a separate redundant backhaul between wireless device datagram transceiver points and a central computer that processes regional air traffic control datagrams to enhance reliability. For example, separate redundant backhaul operations can be implemented between or among communication components of the network, such as fixed-site transceivers, base station transceivers, base stations, nodes, or their equivalents (depending on the network protocol).

[0017] The sub-band groups of the radiation band over which command and control transmissions are processed may be arranged in a reuse configuration, and the angle of the radiation cone projected by the antenna may be adjusted, for example, electronically or mechanically.

[0018] The system may be implemented in conjunction with existing cell towers, or alternatively may be implemented using separately provided towers dedicated to UAV / RPV command and control communications.

[0019] Systems, methods, and components can be implemented for managing and operating reliable communications with various RPVs and UAVs. Embodiments of the system are configured to provide redundant coverage, particularly over densely populated areas where operation of and communication with RPVs / UAVs is particularly important for safety reasons. The present invention is an improvement over current limited modern cellular data and voice networks that are currently restricted to near-ground operation.

[0020] According to some preferred embodiments, a cellular communication system is provided. The system is configured to provide a first near-ground area for communicating with devices near the ground. Additional layers, such as one or more second layers, are provided, which cover approximately the same area as the first near-ground area but are separated from each other and are also significantly higher than the ground. The system is configured to provide a second or additional elevated area or layer to serve as an area where aircraft can rely on using a cell-based communication network for communication. Therefore, the cellular-based network handles near-ground communications through the first near-ground area and handles skyward communications through the second or one or more elevated areas. Preferably, the levels of the areas are separated from each other, which can be physically achieved by using barriers (such as passive reflectors). Additionally or alternatively, the communication transceivers, i.e., the communication transceivers of the near-ground devices and the communication transceivers of aircraft such as RPVs and UAVs, can be configured to operate using different protocols so that when attempting to communicate within the second area using the near-ground devices, they will not affect the operation of the second horizontal aerial area communication. For example, skyward communication protocols may be distinguished from groundward communication protocols in order to uniquely identify UAV and RPV transceivers from groundward cellular phones and smartphones, etc.

[0021] To implement a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system can be configured by deploying an antenna system mounted on a fixed transceiver antenna bracket of an existing cellular network base station. The antenna system is preferably a skyward-facing antenna system and is configured to radiate radio frequency energy skyward. According to a preferred embodiment, the radiated frequency is propagated in a conical or other shape at some diagonal angles. According to some embodiments, the antenna system can be connected to a second set of transceiver equipment similar to or identical to existing cellular network equipment and accomplish communications with airborne vehicles (e.g., UAVs and RPVs) rather than aircraft along the ground.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the skyward signal propagated by the antenna pointing upward is polarized, and preferably, horizontally or circularly polarized. According to some preferred embodiments, two sets of signals of different frequency groups are radiated into the air, wherein the angles subtended by the radiation patterns are different, so as to complete continuous communication coverage of different altitude bands above the antenna. For example, a first angle of the radiation pattern may extend upward and represent a frequency region that a first type of skyward aircraft is configured to use for communication. This can be used for UAVs, which typically operate at lower levels compared to some RPVs. In this instance, a second frequency region can be provided by a second radiation pattern having a different diagonal angle, which can provide an area for RPV communications. The different altitude bands can represent a second layer of the skyward area.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the upward signal propagated by the antenna pointing upward can be polarized according to a preferred polarization. For example, the upward radiation propagation from the upward antenna can be configured to radiate in a pattern (e.g., in a cone shape). The embodiments of the system and the communication device can be combined to achieve signal isolation to improve the quality of communication, and thereby eliminate or reduce the possibility of unintentional interaction between signals of different frequencies or frequency bands. The embodiment can use frequency diversity (e.g., certain frequencies are used for UAVs and other frequencies are used for RPVs) to provide signal isolation. In addition to frequency diversity, signals can also be isolated by polarization patterns. According to a preferred embodiment, polarization can include right-hand circular polarization and left-hand circular polarization. For example, one upward cone (e.g., a lower layer) can have a propagation signal with right-hand circular polarization, while another upward cone (e.g., a higher layer) can have a propagation signal with left-hand circular polarization. According to some embodiments, the system, method and device can also provide polarization patterns for UAV and RPV transmission and reception and base stations. For example, corresponding polarization patterns can be implemented for transmission and reception between communication components such as transceivers.

[0024] The skyward radiant energy is preferably emitted in a pattern, and according to some preferred embodiments, the skyward directed radiation pattern is electronically created and controlled. According to some preferred embodiments, the skyward directed radiation pattern can be electronically steered to follow a specific UAV or RPV.

[0025] The energy radiated for a given skyward pattern may be limited to help provide separation between frequency bands for continuous communication areas for aircraft.

[0026] According to some additional embodiments, other methods and configurations may be implemented to distinguish UAV and RPV type aircraft (and their communications) from ground-based cellular devices. UAV and RPV transceivers may be configured with unique or distinct IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) identification numbers or categories, enabling rapid differentiation of RPV and UAV communications from ground-based communications via cellular communication networks. The system may be configured to take any of the above actions, such as special routing of datagrams or voice traffic.

[0027] The system may incorporate and include a processing component, such as a processor, microprocessor, and circuitry and software having instructions for processing communications from the communication device and its associated transceiver. The software may be stored on a suitable storage component, such as flash memory, hard disk storage, or other suitable medium, and include instructions for executing steps for implementing communications at a first, or near-ground level, and a second, or airborne level, with an aircraft.

[0028] Features described herein in connection with one embodiment may be implemented in connection with other embodiments, and features may be combined together so that a combination of one, two, or several features may be provided for one embodiment.

[0029] These and other advantages of the present invention are described herein and illustrated in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a "cell" based wireless system in use today for general public communications.

[0031] Figure 2 is a diagram of the radiation pattern of a typical fixed radio transceiver in a cellular-based wireless communication system.

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a base station and antennas in a fixed transceiver antenna system, with a visualization of the vertical radiation pattern shown.

[0033] Figure 4 It shows multiple Figure 3 Figure 1 is a diagram of a fixed radio transceiver antenna, showing the antennas spaced apart from each other and showing corresponding radiation patterns.

[0034] Figure 5 is a depiction of a coverage map of the United States showing the coverage areas of cellular-type networks capable of transmitting voice or datagram traffic to and from mobile devices located near the ground.

[0035] Figure 6 is a diagram depicting an example of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

[0036] Figure 7 is a diagram depicting an example of a remotely piloted vehicle (RPV).

[0037] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a typical UAV / RPV military communication network.

[0038] Figure 9 is a diagram depicting an example of a remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) satellite communications antenna.

[0039] Figure 10 is a diagram depicting a preferred embodiment of a system for communicating with a UAV and an RPV.

[0040] Figure 11 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system for utilizing a separate frequency band for communicating with a UAV, the diagram showing a system including Figure 12 The area of ​​the line AA' is an arrangement of cones radiating upward.

[0041] Figure 12 is a representative arrangement of sub-band radiation for the second subsystem and presents a top view of the sub-band physical distribution and the use of command and control bands. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] refer to Figures 1 to 12 , shows a communication system, including a system for providing skyward communications, the system being designed to exchange communications between an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (or RPV) and a command and control computer that may be located remotely from the UAV (or RPV).

[0043] Some embodiments of the present invention may use portions of the existing cellular network installed base currently serving the majority of the world's population along the ground as the backbone of a system for serving the communications and datagram exchange needs of emerging commercial UAV and RPV aerial activities. Other embodiments may provide separate communications components.

[0044] refer to Figure 10 The new antenna is mounted on one or more existing cellular network towers (1001e, 1002e), but is pointed toward the sky rather than along the ground, and has a horizontal or right-handed or left-handed circularly polarized radiation pattern, and nominally radiates upward in a conical shape at an angle (1050), although any other shape is possible. The shape of the upward radiation pattern can be electronically steered or controlled. It can also be further isolated from the ground radiation pattern by a passive shield or screen (1060), further minimizing the impact of side lobes from the ground-oriented radiation pattern on the airborne transceiver, and vice versa.

[0045] The radiation region (1001c, 1002c) in which there is sufficient link margin for successful communication between the fixed-position transceiver and the UAV or RPV is created by designing the shape of the radiation pattern and the power of each transceiver (those on the UAV / RPV and those associated with the fixed-position transceiver) in a variety of ways well known to those skilled in the art, including commercially available software. When the distance to other fixed-position transceivers is further taken into account, an overlapping region can be easily designed, which creates an elevated layer (1021) in which there is no black-out region (1080) for the aircraft and there is sufficient link margin to ensure reliable communication.

[0046] Additionally, in one embodiment, a second (or third or fourth, etc.) set of skyward radiation pattern cones may be constructed, with each transceiver pair having a different diagonal angle (1051) and a different polarization and / or power, such that another layer (1031) is created that continuously covers some larger area at different altitudes. Although an aircraft may enter the airspace in which it operates under a continuous communication layer and still obtain a signal from a particular fixed antenna, such as at point (1070), if it continues at the same altitude and reaches point (1071), it will actually be outside the high altitude signal cone (1001d, 1002d), exceeding sufficient link margin to obtain a reliable communication link through the low altitude signal cone (1001c, 1002c) and will therefore likely lose communication. According to some preferred embodiments, the skyward cone group may have a polarization that is different from the polarization of the other skyward cone groups. The polarization may also be configured to correspond to the polarization of the receiving and transmitting transceivers of the communication components (e.g., UAVs and RPVs). For example, one group of cones can be configured with right-hand circular polarization, while another group of skyward cones can be configured with left-hand circular polarization. These configurations can also provide increased signal isolation in addition to any isolation provided by frequency diversity (e.g., between cone groups). For example, according to some preferred embodiments, a first group of skyward signals can be polarized with a first polarization pattern, and a second group of skyward signals can be polarized with a second polarization pattern. According to some preferred embodiments, the polarization pattern can be a circular pattern. According to an exemplary embodiment, one group of skyward signals can be polarized with a right-hand circular polarization pattern, while another group (such as the second group) of skyward signals can be polarized with a left-hand circular polarization pattern. Each group of skyward signals can be configured to form a shape, such as a cone. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system can be configured to communicate when the first group of skyward signals forms a first skyward cone and when the second group of skyward signals forms a second skyward cone. The first and second groups of signals preferably have different polarizations to further isolate the first signal group from the other signal groups. For example, the first skyward cone can be polarized with a right-hand circular polarization pattern, and the second skyward cone can be polarized with a left-hand circular polarization pattern. The skyward-pointing antenna can be used to radiate signal groups of different frequencies, and each signal group has a different frequency. The skyward radiation pattern is preferably created electronically. According to a preferred embodiment, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or a remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) can be configured with a transceiver that communicates via a polarization signal pattern that is similar to the polarization signal pattern of a communication from a network and radiated from an skyward-pointing antenna having a communication frequency. For example, the skyward-pointing radiation pattern can be electronically manipulated to follow a specific unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or remotely piloted vehicle (RPV). In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, one skyward-pointing signal cone can be an upper layer, and another skyward-pointing cone can be a lower layer. Each layer preferably has a different polarization pattern.For example, the first or upper skyward layer can have a left-handed circularly polarized radiation pattern, and the second or lower skyward layer can have a right-handed circularly polarized radiation pattern. The radiated energy of each layer is configured to have a different frequency for each layer or cone. In this exemplary embodiment, RPV communication occurs within the first or upper layer (e.g., the first skyward cone), and UAV communication occurs within the second or lower layer (e.g., the second skyward cone), as combined. Figure 10 Fixed position transceivers, such as those 3001, 3002, 3003, 3004 ( Figure 11 ) transmits RF radiation (e.g., a radiation pattern) through one or more associated antennas (e.g., antennas 5001, 5002, 5003, 5004). The UAV in this example has a transceiver configured for transmitting and receiving, and more specifically, the UAV transceiver is configured to transmit and receive signals in a right-hand circular polarization pattern. The RPV according to this example has a transceiver configured for transmitting and receiving, and more specifically, the RPV transceiver is configured to transmit and receive signals in a left-hand circular polarization pattern. The cellular network base station preferably has a transceiver that is configured to transmit and receive signals in a polarization pattern that matches (and frequently does) the pattern of the communication transceiver (such as the transceiver of the UAV or RPV), which polarization pattern can be a right-hand circular polarization pattern or a left-hand circular polarization pattern according to some preferred embodiments.

[0047] By electronically controlling the beam angles (1050, 1051) and the power delivered by the fixed-position transceivers (1001, 1002) to the skyward-pointing antenna system in any of a number of ways well known to those skilled in the art, the height and thickness of the continuous communication layer can be adjusted. This adjustment capability enables the continuous communication layer to assume a certain height above ground level or a certain height above mean sea level. Aircraft altitude is often controlled by measuring barometric altitude, and UAVs and RPVs can be directed in a similar manner by local air traffic controllers or regulations. The layer can be adjusted in altitude above ground level or mean sea level as often as desired, even as often as once a minute, according to any necessary parameters.

[0048] For example, the low altitude continuous communication layer (1021) may be controlled within a range of 500 feet above ground level to 2000 feet above ground level. The high altitude continuous communication layer (1031) may be controlled within a range of 20,000 feet above mean sea level to 25,000 feet above mean sea level.

[0049] When the indicated UAV (1051) is operating in a lower continuous communication layer (which passes through a coverage cone pointing to a higher communication layer), the receiver in the UAV (1051) is multiple times closer to the transmitter (1002) than the high altitude RPV (1050). However, in most commercial applications, the smaller UAV (1051) has a lower gain receiving antenna than the larger RPV (1050), and therefore the signal power received by the UAV (1051) from the radiated power in the high altitude directional cone (1002d) may be less than the signal power received by the UAV (1051) from the radiated power in the low altitude directional cone (1002c). In other words, the available gain of a ground-based directional antenna that can be deployed in an RPV (1050) can more than make up for any signal loss from its additional range, and therefore in many configurations, the field strength at the UAV (1051) of a high-altitude directional beam (1002d) emitted from a ground-based antenna (1002f) can be much lower than the field strength at the UAV (1051) of a low-altitude directional beam (1002c).

[0050] Although Figure 10 The frequency diversity shown in FIG. 1 uses only four frequency groups (fA, fB, fC, fD), but those skilled in the art of cellular system design will readily recognize that more arrangements are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the link margin between the fixed terrestrial transceivers (1001, 1002) and the UAV (1051) and RPV (1050) operating in the communication layers (1021) and (1031), respectively, can be more tightly constrained than the link margin between the fixed terrestrial transceivers and typical personal mobile devices and smartphones transceiving via the ground links (1001a, 1001b, 1002a, 1002b). This is because, unlike mobile phones (which can be in a drawer, in a person's pocket, or deep inside a building in a large city, with multipath, fading, and difficult signal attenuation conditions that must be accommodated), the attenuation of the UAV to fixed terrestrial transceiver link or the RPV to fixed terrestrial transceiver link is, in most cases, dominated solely by path loss.

[0052] In addition to creating one or more continuous communication layers with the addition of frequency diversity considerations in skyward beams, typical cellular system protocols (such as those employed in GSM, 3G, 4G, or LTE signaling and link management protocols) can include special identification of signals directed to or from a UAV or RPV. Such an adjustment to the protocol can be as simple as a specialized IMEI class number. By quickly enabling the identification of a subscriber class on a mobile network as a UAV or RPV as opposed to a mobile device primarily for ground use (such as a personal cell phone or smartphone), the system can eliminate the possibility of connecting to a person who accidentally leaves their personal cell phone on while on a commercial flight, for example.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the system is configured for transmitting and exchanging RF communications with a UAV, wherein the system is provided with two different frequency bands, preferably RF communication bands. One communication band is optionally used to support datagrams, such as between a UAV payload and a computer or controller, while a second RF communication band is provided and dedicated for command and control and navigation datagrams between the UAV and a host controller or control network.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the layer, such as is configured to include a second air region (e.g., for example, Figure 10 The layer in the second layer 1021 serving UAV communications is preferably configured to include a first subsystem and a second subsystem of the UAV communication system. The first subsystem is preferably dedicated only to serving the needs of the UAV for RF transceiving of application datagrams with the payload of the UAV (for example, but not limited to, a digital video camera that may be carried by the UAV). In addition to the first subsystem, a second subsystem isolated from the first subsystem is provided. The second subsystem is configured to handle more critical command, control and navigation functions regarding the UAV. According to a preferred embodiment, the system is configured so that the second subsystem acts as an RF transceiver channel for datagrams between a controller or a control computer network hosting the UAV air traffic control system. The first subsystem and the second subsystem preferably operate using different frequencies or channels, but in elevated areas of UAV communications (for example, such as Figure 10 Communication is provided at the low-altitude continuous communication layer 1021).

[0055] The second subsystem is preferably configured as an RF communication system having multiple upwardly projected cellular type radiation areas that provide coverage. The cellular areas are preferably divided into sub-channels, and multiple sub-channels are provided as part of the second subsystem. With respect to the second RF communication subsystem, for example, a large area can be covered that is suitable for communicating with many UAVs by creating an upwardly projected cell system and dividing its frequency range into sub-channels so as to reuse frequencies over a large geographic area, similar to how traditional cellular based systems operate. For example, the range of 5000 MHz to 5091 MHz can be divided into three sub-bands, which can be 5000 MHz to 5030 MHz, 5030 MHz to 5060 MHz, and 5060 MHz to 5090 MHz. Preferably, according to a preferred implementation of the system, various sub-bands can be reused in a reuse scheme, such as the three sub-bands depicted in the exemplary implementation of the system.

[0056] Figure 11 and Figure 12 An exemplary description of a system according to the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 11 , without limitation to examples, an arrangement depicting a plurality of skyward radiation cones is shown. A first radiation cone 4001 is depicted and represents subband group 1, which has subbands that are preferably within the range of the second subsystem. A second radiation cone 4002 is depicted and represents subband group 2, which has subbands that are preferably within the range of the second subsystem. A third radiation cone 4003 is depicted and represents subband group 3, which has subbands that are preferably within the range of the second subsystem. A fourth radiation cone 4004 is depicted and shown to represent subband group 3, which is a subband depicted in conjunction with radiation cone 4003. By Figure 11 The groups of sub-areas shown by the radiation cones 4001, 4002, 4003, 4004 in FIG are preferably propagated by respective skyward-pointing antennas (5001, 5002, 5003, 5004) associated with respective plurality of transceivers 3001, 3002, 3003, 3004 on the network tower. The angles of the radiation cones projected by the antennas can be adjusted, for example, electronically or mechanically. For example, according to Figure 11 , the radiation cones 4001, 4002, 4003, 4004 projected by the respective associated skyward-pointing antennas 5001, 5002, 5003, 5004 may be adjusted by electronically or mechanically steering the antennas. For example, fixed-position transceivers 3001, 3002, 3003, 3004 (similar to those incorporating Figure 10 The beam angle of the radiation cone can be controlled electronically, such as Figure 11The control of the beam angle can be achieved by any of a number of ways known to those skilled in the art, and the beam angle can be adjusted by adjusting the beam angle of the successive communication layers (such as Figure 12 The height and thickness of the command and control and navigation communication layer 4100). Figure 10 As discussed with respect to the layers 1021, 1031 shown and described, the adjustment capability enables the continuous communication layer 4100 to assume a certain altitude above ground level or a certain altitude above mean sea level. For example, Figure 11 The layer 4100 depicted in FIG. 4 may preferably serve the second subsystem of the UAV communication system and may be used in conjunction with layer 1021 ( Figure 10 ) is provided at the same level. Layer 4100 may include layer 1021 as a second subsystem of the UAV communication system, and preferably includes layer 1021 having a first subsystem layer (for handling other UAV communications). For example, according to a preferred implementation of the system, layer 1021 may include a first frequency range and may include a second frequency range (or frequencies) in which command and control and navigation communications (by Figure 11 and Figure 12 Other communications, such as datagrams, are exchanged between the UAV payload (e.g., telemetry operations) and the computer or controller within the second frequency range. Alternatively, the layer can be adjusted as often as desired, even once a minute, in altitudes above ground level or mean sea level, according to any necessary parameters, such as Figure 12 4100. This may be done in conjunction with or separately from the UAV payload datagram layer or one or more of its constituent frequencies.

[0057] Embodiments of the system may be implemented separately, with the transceiver components and / or antennas located on a separate tower, such as a dedicated tower for this purpose only. Alternatively, according to some other embodiments, the system may be implemented by installing hardware components on existing cellular telephone towers. According to other embodiments, the system may be configured such that some components are located on dedicated towers, while other components may be located on existing towers. For example, an array of existing cellular telephone towers may be used to provide signal propagation to transmit data over a sub-band group frequency band range (e.g., such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 Communication signals are generated on sub-band groups 1, 2 and 3) depicted in FIG.

[0058] According to preferred embodiments, the system is configured to improve reliability. Some preferred embodiments may employ a separate redundant backhaul between the wireless device datagram transceiver point and a management component, such as a central computer that processes regional air traffic control datagrams. The redundant backhaul may preferably be configured to provide redundant access points on the network. For example, a transceiver provided in a tower that handles communications between the UAV and a command and control computer on the network, and that may be connected to communicate via a base station transceiver, for example, is preferably configured to provide redundancy between the wireless transceiver and the command computer.

[0059] As shown, the system preferably provides a plurality of radiation signal cones that are generated in a skyward direction and are preferably arranged to form a physically distributed communication area 4100. Area 4100 is a depiction showing an exemplary depiction of a representation of an area represented by an arrangement of radiation areas consisting of sub-band groups. The second subsystem preferably forms a sub-band group. Figure 12 As shown, the top view shows adjacently arranged radiation cones 4001 , 4003 , 4002 , 4004 and also shows further radiation cones. Figure 12 The radiation cones in the Figure 11 The elevated area or region 4001a, 4002a, 4003a, 4004a of each radiation cone 4001, 4002, 4003, 4004 is shown in FIG. Figure 11 The radiation cones 4001, 4002, 4003, 4004 are formed Figure 12 The cones of the elevated areas 4001a, 4002a, 4003a, 4004a in the Figure 12 The area of ​​the line A-A' in FIG is shown as passing through the center of each conical segment. The radiating cones are preferably arranged adjacent to form corresponding elevated areas of the cone, such as Figure 12 As shown in the depiction. Figure 11 In addition to the radiation cones 4001, 4002, 4003, 4004 depicted in FIG, further radiation zones or regions are provided, including a first plurality of cones for sub-band group 1, a second plurality of cones for sub-band group 2, and a third plurality of cones for sub-band group 3. According to a preferred embodiment, each radiation cone is preferably generated from a respective RF generation source (e.g., a transceiver) and propagated by one or more respective associated antennas, and each radiation cone is provided in an adjacent arrangement to achieve continuous coverage of a zone or region.

[0060] like Figure 12 A representative arrangement of the subbands of the second subsystem is shown in the depiction of FIG. Each group of subbands (groups 1, 2 and 3 in the exemplary illustration) is preferably located within the scope of the second subsystem. Three subband groups are shown, similar to Figure 11The sub-band groups depicted in , include Figure 12 The frequency bands shown are 4005a, 4006a, 4007a, 4008a, 4009a, 4010a, 4011a, 4012a, 4013a, 4014a, 4015a, 4016a, 4017a, and 4018a. Figure 12 The frequency band in the is preferably the corresponding radiation cone (similar to Figure 11 The opposite parts of the cones 4001, 4002, 4003, 4004). Figure 12 , sub-band group 1 is shown to include a first set of representative areas, namely representative cones 4001a, 4005a, 4007a, 4009a, 4011a, and 4012a. Sub-band group 2 is depicted to include another set of representative areas, namely representative cones 4003a, 4008a, 4010a, 4013a, 4015a, and 4017a. Sub-band group 3 is depicted to include another set of representative cones 4002a, 4004a, 4006a, 4014a, 4016a, and 4018a. Physically distributed communication areas 4100 are shown as elevated areas forming an area of ​​continuous coverage on the ground. Figure 12 The elevated area 4100 consists of Figure 11 The region 4100 is represented between arrows B and C of the depicted radiation cone. Additional radiation bands are broadcast to provide Figure 12 The additional sub-band components (eg, 4005a to 4018a) depicted in Figure 11 Four cones 4001, 4002, 4003, 4004) are depicted.

[0061] The elevated region 4100 preferably represents a command and control frequency band for UAV communications. Preferably, the system is configured to handle UAV command and control operations including navigation functions. Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the diagram depicted in FIG, elevated region 4100 includes a second subsystem. According to a preferred implementation of the system, UAV control transmissions are processed by elevated region 4100. A remotely located computer or control component can issue commands to the UAV via transmissions, which preferably occur via the RF subsystem. For example, datagrams between a controller or a control computer network hosting a UAV air traffic control system can be processed by the second subsystem (as represented by region 4100), which preferably includes an RF transceiver channel.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, the sub-band groups are preferably divided within a continuous bandwidth range. Figure 11 and Figure 12The second RF communication subsystem represented by area 4100 in FIG. 4 provides a large area that can be covered, which is suitable for enabling communication with many UAVs. In the exemplary depiction, the cell system projected toward the sky is shown to divide its frequency range into multiple sub-channels (represented by sub-band groups 1, 2, and 3). For example, the elevated area 4100 can be formed by multiple sub-bands. The sub-bands are preferably bandwidth areas within the elevated area 4100. As shown, three sub-band groups are shown. According to an example, the range of 5000 MHz to 5091 MHz can be divided into three sub-bands of 5000 MHz to 5030 MHz, 5030 MHz to 5060 MHz, and 5060 MHz to 5090 MHz, wherein each sub-band is reused in a reuse scheme. Figure 11 and Figure 12 An exemplary implementation is depicted in which the cone radiating skyward represents three separate radiation sub-bands, wherein the sub-bands comprise a portion of a frequency band range, which is preferably a continuous portion of a continuous frequency band range, divided by the number of sub-bands. The sub-bands preferably comprise adjacent portions of the bandwidth range.

[0063] An alternative bandwidth arrangement can be implemented for the second layer, which is configured to include a second air region. For example, the second RF communications band can be configured to have a frequency range of approximately 4200 MHz to 4400 MHz. This range can, for example, be subdivided into three sub-band groups, for example, each 200 / 3 or approximately 66.67 MHz region, wherein the first sub-band group is from approximately 4200 MHz to 4267 MHz, the second sub-band group is from approximately 4268 MHz to 4333 MHz, and the third sub-band group is from approximately 4334 MHz to 4400 MHz. According to another exemplary embodiment, the second RF communications band can be configured to have a frequency range of approximately 5000 MHz to 5250 MHz and can be divided into multiple sub-band groups.

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment, the reuse scheme can be configured as a spatial frequency reuse scheme, similar to the spatial frequency reuse scheme of a terrestrial cell system, however it is projected upward into the air rather than along the ground. Preferably, the reuse scheme is arranged to increase the coverage and capacity of communications that can be handled. In the cell arrangement, adjacent cells are configured to use different frequencies. Cells that are appropriately far away from each other can operate on the same operating frequency (wherein the cellular transceiver or user equipment is not transmitting at an excessively strong range). The cells are separated so as to minimize or eliminate the tendency for co-channel interference. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment, the UAV is preferably configured with a transceiver that is appropriately powered to communicate within the cell range without generating an excess amount of interference to other adjacent cells that use / reuse the same frequency as the cell with which the UAV is communicating.

[0065] Frequency reuse can be determined by considering the reuse distance and the reuse factor, which can be expressed by equation (1) as follows:

[0066]

[0067] Where D is the reuse distance, R is the cell radius, and N is the number of cells per cluster. For example, the radius of a cell can vary from about 1 km to 30 km (about 0.62 mi to 18.64 mi). Frequency reuse can be specified by a factor and is represented by 1 / K, where K is the number of cells that cannot transmit using the same frequency. Figure 12 In the diagram depicted in , the frequency reuse factor of the second subsystem of the second aerial region is 1 / 3. According to some alternative embodiments, the frequency reuse factor may be 1 / 4, 1 / 7, 1 / 9 and / or 1 / 12.

[0068] According to some implementations using a system based on code division multiple access (CDMA), a wider frequency band can be used to achieve the same transmission rate as FDMA. A reuse factor of 1 can be used, for example using a 1 / 1 reuse pattern, where adjacent base station sites can use the same frequency. However, the base station and users are separated by codes rather than frequencies, and the entire cell bandwidth can also be used for each sector individually.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, Figure 11 and Figure 12 The group of sub-areas shown in the radiation cone is preferably provided by antennas (5001, 5002, 5003, 5004, Figure 11 ) propagation. According to a preferred embodiment, these skyward signals propagated by the skyward pointing antenna may be polarized, and preferably, horizontally or circularly polarized. As previously described in connection with Figure 10 As discussed above, two sets of signals of different frequency groups can be radiated into the sky with the radiation patterns subtending different angles to achieve continuous communication coverage of frequency bands at different altitudes above the antenna. For example, consider an example where the UAV is operating at a lower level as shown (see Figure 10 ), according to a preferred embodiment, it is possible to use Figure 11 and Figure 12 The sub-band groups depicted in are arranged to transmit UAV command and control functions. The sub-band groups preferably represent RF signals propagating at a specific or specified frequency range, of which some examples are provided (e.g., 5000 MHz to 5091 MHz, and 4200 MHz to 4400 MHz). According to some embodiments, Figure 11 and Figure 12The skyward signals propagated by the skyward-pointing antennas depicted in FIG, such as antennas propagating signals of the sub-band groups 1, 2, and 3, can be polarized according to a preferred polarization. For example, the radiation propagation from the skyward antennas can be configured to radiate in a pattern (such as in a cone or other shape). As shown in accordance with the exemplary depiction, signal isolation can be achieved in conjunction with the sub-band groups to improve communication quality and reduce or eliminate potential undesirable interactions, particularly with respect to command and control datagrams. The polarization patterns implemented by the antennas can be further isolated. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The cones and sub-band groups in the spectrum may represent frequency diversity of the signals. According to a preferred embodiment, the polarizations may include right-hand circular polarization and left-hand circular polarization. For example, one skyward cone (e.g., the first sub-band group) may have a propagating signal with right-hand circular polarization, while another skyward cone (e.g., another sub-band group, which may be an adjacent sub-band) may have a propagating signal with left-hand circular polarization. According to some embodiments, the systems, methods, and apparatus may also provide polarization patterns for UAV and RPV transmission and reception, and base stations. For example, corresponding polarization patterns may be implemented for transmission and reception between communication components such as transceivers. The implementation of polarization (e.g., such as where right circular polarization and left circular polarization are employed) may be configured as part of a spatial frequency reuse scheme. One or more sub-group bands may be polarized. For example, as Figure 12 As depicted, and using the depiction to illustrate exemplary embodiments, according to some embodiments, the sub-band groups may be propagated such that one or more groups are right circularly polarized and one or more other groups are left circularly polarized.

[0070] Embodiments of the system can be configured to implement forward error correction (FEC) in the construction of datagrams. For example, communications and transmissions between a UAV and a command and control component or computer can be generated by encoding the transmission message in one or more error correction formats. According to some embodiments, forward error correction is implemented by encoding the transmission in a redundant manner, which can preferably be performed using error correction codes (EC). According to this embodiment, the transmission code redundancy allows a receiver (such as a UAV or a control computer) to detect a limited number of errors that may occur anywhere in the message transmission. The benefit of implementing FEC in communications between a UAV and another component such as a command and / or control computer is that detected errors can preferably be corrected without the need to retransmit the message. For example, the implementation of FEC allows the receiver of the encoded message to have the ability to correct errors without requiring additional bandwidth (such as a backchannel) to request retransmission, thereby saving time and bandwidth usage.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the UAV and the command or control computer may provide alternative or additional error correction features. According to some embodiments, transmissions between the UAV and the command or control computer may be configured to generate communication messages having convolutional error correction codes in the construction of the datagram. For example, according to some embodiments, the convolutional error correction code implements a sliding application of a Boolean polynomial function to a data stream that generates parity symbols, and represents the so-called "convolution" of the encoder on the data. A time-invariant trellis decoding scheme can be used to allow the convolutional code to be decoded. The sliding nature of the convolutional code facilitates the use of a time-invariant trellis for trellis decoding.

[0072] Embodiments of the system can be configured to implement forward error correction (FEC) in the construction of datagrams implemented as Turbo codes. For example, communications and transmissions between a UAV and a command and control component or computer can be generated by encoding transmission messages according to forward error correction using Turbo codes in the datagram construction. The UAV and the command and control computer can be configured with suitable hardware components that contain instructions for implementing the processing and generation of Turbo codes. For example, the UAV (and preferably the command and control computer) can be provided with an encoder arrangement having two identical RSC encoders (preferably encoder 1 and encoder 2 connected in a parallel cascade configuration), wherein an interleaver performs permutation of the payload data. The arrangement of RSC encoders encodes the message, and preferably encodes the payload data, to provide Turbo code error correction for communications transmitted from the UAV and / or the command and control computer. Similarly, the UAV and the command or control computer are preferably provided with decoders, which can be constructed similarly to the encoders, but with a serial arrangement. In the case where the UAV and the command and control computer each have an encoder and decoder, Turbo code error correction can be performed on transmissions sent and received between the two. Turbo codes can be configured in different implementations using different component encoders, input / output ratios, interleavers, and puncturing patterns. According to an exemplary embodiment, FEC can be implemented using Turbo codes, where the encoder sends three bit sub-blocks. In an exemplary implementation, the first sub-block can be an m-bit block of payload data (which contains the message or transmission importance from the UAV / command or control computer, without metadata or headers). The second sub-block can be n / 2 parity bits of the payload data and can be generated using a recursive systematic convolutional code (RSC code), while the third sub-block, which can also be generated using an RSC code, is n / 2 parity bits for a known permutation of the payload data. Thus, the encoded message payload data transmitted from the UAV to the command and control computer (or vice versa) can include two redundant (but different) sub-blocks of parity bits and the payload data. According to an exemplary embodiment, the block can preferably have m+n data bits with a code rate of m / (m+n). The transmitted encoded message (or message component) is decoded using a decoder configured in one of the receiving UAV and / or command and control computer. The decoder decodes the encoded message (or datagram). For example, the decoder can decode an m+n bit data block by generating a likelihood metric block, where one likelihood metric is for each bit in the data stream. The decoder can be configured with two convolutional decoders, each of which generates a hypothesis based on the derived likelihood of an m-bit pattern in the payload sub-block. The system is configured to compare the hypothesized bit patterns to determine whether they differ, and if they differ, the decoders swap their corresponding derived likelihoods for each bit in the hypothesis.Each decoder generates a new hypothesis (D1Hn and D2Hn) by combining the derived likelihood estimates from the other decoders. The newly generated hypotheses (D1Hn and D2Hn) are compared, and the process is repeated, generating additional hypotheses (D1Hn+1 and D2Hn+1) until both decoders arrive at the same hypothesis (D1Hx=D2Hx) for the m-bit pattern of the payload data.

[0073] These and other advantages can be achieved using the present invention. Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Although the cells are depicted as hexagonal areas, they can be configured to have other shapes, such as, for example, square, circular, or other rectangular shapes. Additionally, the radiating shape or pattern according to some preferred embodiments is described as a cone, but it can be configured to have other shapes. For example, in Figure 12 In the example embodiment, the cells are depicted as hexagonal areas, but they can be configured to have other shapes, such as squares, circles or other rectangular or other geometric perimeters. In addition, the sub-band groups are depicted as being divided into three groups in the exemplary embodiment, but the frequency range can be divided into other numbers of sub-band groups. Although referred to as a second subsystem, embodiments can be implemented with a dedicated subsystem that handles the communication command and control center and navigation datagrams depicted and described herein. In addition, although Figure 10 Network towers 1001, 1002 are shown, and Figure 11 Network towers 1001e and 1002e are shown, but multiple network towers can be used in conjunction with the systems, methods, and components shown and described herein. For example, the skyward-pointing antennas can be connected to existing network equipment and / or supported by existing network towers. According to some implementations, the network equipment can be configured to treat one or more skyward-pointing antennas as additional cell areas. According to some embodiments, the skyward-pointing antennas can be configured to operate in conjunction with another set of network equipment or components thereof. Various modifications and variations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein and defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for RF communication with a UAV, the method using two different frequency bands: a first frequency band for supporting datagrams between a UAV payload and a computer or controller, and a second RF communication frequency band dedicated to command and control and navigation datagrams between the UAV and a host controller or control network, the method comprising: communicating with the UAV using RF communications for command and control and navigation datagram transmission and reception, wherein the RF communications with the UAV are conducted in a regional layer that can be adjusted as desired once per minute in an altitude above ground level or mean sea level; and adjusting a regional layer including a second RF communications band dedicated to the transmission and reception of command and control and navigation datagrams at altitudes above ground level or mean sea level; wherein adjusting a regional layer can be accomplished together with or separately from the UAV payload datagram layer or one or more of its component frequencies, the regional layer including a second RF communications band dedicated to command and control and navigation datagrams at altitudes above ground level; The adjustment includes adjusting the altitude of a regional layer of a second RF communication band dedicated to the transmission and reception of command and control and navigation datagrams, which is synchronized with adjusting one or more component frequencies of a continuous communication layer of a first frequency band used to support datagrams between the UAV payload and a computer or controller.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein A second RF communication band dedicated to the transmission and reception of command and control and navigation datagrams is used to communicate with the UAV, wherein the second RF communication band is within a frequency range of 4200 MHz to 4400 MHz.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Communications with the UAV are performed using a second RF communications band dedicated to the transmission and reception of command and control and navigation datagrams, wherein the second RF communications band is divided into a plurality of sub-bands.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The second RF communication band is divided into three sub-band groups, each sub-band group consists of a bandwidth segment having a frequency range within the range of 4200 MHz to 4400 MHz, and wherein each sub-band range of a sub-band group is different from a sub-band range of another group.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The subband groups are arranged in a reuse configuration.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein A second RF communication band dedicated to the transmission and reception of command and control and navigation datagrams is used to communicate with the UAV, wherein the second RF communication band is within a frequency range of 5000 MHz to 5250 MHz.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The second RF communication band is divided into a plurality of sub-bands.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The second RF communication band is divided into three sub-band groups, each sub-band group consists of a bandwidth segment having a frequency range within the range of 5000 MHz to 5250 MHz, and wherein each sub-band range of a sub-band group is different from a sub-band range of another group.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The subband groups are arranged in a reuse configuration.

10. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The second RF communication band is arranged in a spatial frequency reuse scheme of a terrestrial cell system, wherein the RF communication band includes radiation that is projected upward into the air rather than along the ground.

11. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The second RF communication band is arranged in a spatial frequency reuse scheme of a terrestrial cell system, wherein the RF communication band includes radiation that is projected upward into the air rather than along the ground.

12. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Command and control and navigation datagram transmission and reception between the UAV and a host controller or control network are performed using forward error correction in the datagram construction.

13. The method according to claim 6, wherein: Command and control and navigation datagram transmission and reception between the UAV and a host controller or control network are performed using forward error correction in the datagram construction.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The forward error correction includes a convolutional error correction code in the datagram construction.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The forward error correction includes a convolutional error correction code in the datagram construction.

16. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Command and control and navigation datagram transmission and reception between the UAV and a host controller or control network are performed using Turbo codes in the datagram construction.

17. The method according to claim 6, wherein Command and control and navigation datagram transmission and reception between the UAV and a host controller or control network are performed using Turbo codes in the datagram construction.

18. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Right circular polarization and left circular polarization are employed as part of a spatial frequency reuse scheme.

19. The method according to claim 6, wherein Right circular polarization and left circular polarization are employed as part of a spatial frequency reuse scheme.

20. The method according to claim 2, wherein The method includes operating a plurality of wireless transceivers and operating at least one central computer for processing air traffic control datagrams for a region, and wherein the method includes providing a separate redundant backhaul between the wireless device datagram transceiver points and the central computer processing the air traffic control datagrams for the region.

21. The method according to claim 6, wherein The method includes operating a plurality of wireless transceivers and operating at least one central computer for processing air traffic control datagrams for a region, and wherein the method includes providing a separate redundant backhaul between the wireless device datagram transceiver points and the central computer processing the air traffic control datagrams for the region.

22. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The method includes radiating RF communications using an antenna associated with a transceiver and propagating radiation in a second RF communications band by propagating the radiation through the antenna to form a cone of radiation, and electronically adjusting an angle of the cone of radiation projected by the antenna.

23. The method according to claim 6, wherein The method includes radiating RF communications using an antenna associated with a transceiver and propagating radiation in a second RF communications band by propagating the radiation through the antenna to form a cone of radiation, and electronically adjusting an angle of the cone of radiation projected by the antenna.

24. The method according to claim 2, wherein The method includes radiating RF communications using an antenna associated with a transceiver and propagating radiation in a second RF communications band by propagating the radiation through the antenna to form a cone of radiation, and mechanically adjusting an angle of the cone of radiation projected by the antenna.

25. The method according to claim 6, wherein The method includes radiating RF communications using an antenna associated with a transceiver and propagating radiation in a second RF communications band by propagating the radiation through the antenna to form a cone of radiation, and mechanically adjusting an angle of the cone of radiation projected by the antenna.

26. The method according to claim 1, wherein This includes broadcasting radiation in a second RF communications band through equipment mounted on existing cellular telephone towers, the second RF communications band being dedicated to command and control and navigation datagram transmissions between the UAV and a host controller or control network.

27. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method includes propagating radiation of a second RF communication band using right circular polarization and left circular polarization as part of a spatial frequency reuse scheme via equipment mounted on a cellular telephone tower, the equipment providing communications exclusively via the second RF communication band, the second RF communication band being dedicated to the transmission and reception of command and control and navigation datagrams between the UAV and a host controller or control network, and wherein the method includes propagating signals to form at least one first upward cone of propagated signals, the at least one first upward cone of propagated signals including a lower layer having at least one of right circular polarization or left circular polarization of the propagated signals of the first upward cone, and wherein the method includes propagating signals to form at least one second upward cone of propagated signals, the second upward cone of propagated signals being located at a higher layer than the lower layer, and wherein the second upward cone of propagated signals has the other of right circular polarization or left circular polarization of the propagated signals of the second upward cone.

28. The method according to claim 1, wherein This includes propagating radiation of a second RF communications band dedicated to command and control and navigation datagrams between the UAV and a host controller or control network via equipment mounted on a cellular telephone tower dedicated to providing communications through the RF subsystem.

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