Relay-based unmanned aerial vehicle covert optical link establishment method and device

Abstract

The application relates to a relay-based unmanned aerial vehicle hidden optical link establishment method and device, wherein the method comprises the following steps: establishing a laser communication link between a main unmanned aerial vehicle and a relay unmanned aerial vehicle, and broadcasting or scanning in the respective uncertain areas of each relay unmanned aerial vehicle to search for a target unmanned aerial vehicle in the respective uncertain areas; transmitting a reply laser signal once by the target unmanned aerial vehicle to the relay unmanned aerial vehicle that has searched for the target unmanned aerial vehicle, and transmitting a request laser signal to the target unmanned aerial vehicle after the relay unmanned aerial vehicle receives the reply laser signal once, so as to obtain the identity and coordinate information of the target unmanned aerial vehicle according to the request laser signal; and based on the laser communication link, the identity information and coordinate information of the target unmanned aerial vehicle are transmitted back to the main unmanned aerial vehicle, so that the main unmanned aerial vehicle establishes a target laser communication link according to the target unmanned aerial vehicle. Thus, the problems that the unmanned aerial vehicles use beacon light to actively scan and establish an optical link in the prior art, resulting in low safety and efficiency of optical link establishment, are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of UAV laser communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for establishing a UAV covert optical link based on relay. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of drone technology, secure communication between multiple drones has become one of the current hot topics in drone technology. They need to communicate, coordinate and control each other to achieve collaborative work.

[0003] In existing technologies, drones often use radio frequency (RF) communication for information exchange. However, in the event of RF interference or interception, the RF communication link can be blocked, communication information can be leaked, and the entire drone communication network can fail. Therefore, this technology is not suitable for communication between drones in complex environments with high security requirements. In addition, space laser communication is a communication technology that uses light waves as the information transmission carrier. It has advantages such as high transmission speed, large communication capacity, and strong confidentiality, making it very suitable for secure communication in complex electromagnetic environments.

[0004] Currently, most laser communication technologies based on drones achieve acquisition between the two parties through active beacon light scanning. First, active beacon light scanning is easily detected, thus revealing the user's position, resulting in low security. Second, active beacon light scanning has a small scanning range, long acquisition time, and low efficiency.

[0005] In summary, the current technology for establishing optical links between UAVs using beacon light active scanning results in low security and efficiency, which urgently needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a relay-based method and apparatus for establishing covert optical links between UAVs, which solves the problems of low security and efficiency in the existing technology, where UAVs use beacon light to actively scan and establish optical links.

[0007] The first aspect of this application provides a relay-based method for establishing a covert optical link between a UAV and at least one relay UAV, comprising the following steps: establishing a laser communication link between a target main UAV and at least one target relay UAV, and using each of the at least one target relay UAV to broadcast or scan within a target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV to search for a target UAV within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV; transmitting a response laser signal from the target UAV to the target relay UAV that has searched for the target UAV, and transmitting a request laser signal to the target UAV after each target relay UAV receives the response laser signal, so as to obtain the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV according to the request laser signal; and transmitting the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV back to the target main UAV based on the laser communication link, so that the target main UAV establishes a target laser communication link based on the target UAV.

[0008] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, establishing a laser communication link between a target master UAV and at least one target relay UAV, and utilizing each of the at least one target relay UAV to broadcast or scan within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV to search for a target UAV within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV, includes: the target master UAV transmitting an infrared laser signal to each target relay UAV to establish the laser communication link; based on the laser communication link, the target master UAV controlling each target relay UAV to modulate their respective identity information into their respective transmitted ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or infrared scanning laser signal; and utilizing each target relay UAV to search for the target UAV within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV by broadcasting or scanning using the ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or the infrared scanning laser signal.

[0009] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, the step of transmitting a response laser signal from the target drone to the target relay drone that has located the target drone includes: when the target drone receives the ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or the infrared scanning laser signal, performing a decoding and confirmation operation on the ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or the infrared scanning laser signal by the target drone, and obtaining a decoding and confirmation result; generating identity confirmation information corresponding to the target drone based on the decoding and confirmation result, modulating the identity confirmation information to the response laser signal, and sending the response laser signal to the corresponding target relay drone.

[0010] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, the step of transmitting a request laser signal to the target drone after each target relay drone receives the first response laser signal, so as to obtain the identity information and coordinate information of the target drone based on the request laser signal, includes: after each target relay drone receives the first response laser signal from the corresponding target drone, causing each target relay drone to decode the first response laser signal to obtain the identity confirmation information; based on the identity confirmation information, transmitting the request laser signal to the corresponding target drone through each target relay drone; when the target drone receives the request laser signal, decoding the request laser signal to obtain decoding information, and modulating the identity information and coordinate information of the target drone into a second response laser signal based on the decoding information, and sending the second response laser signal to the corresponding target relay drone.

[0011] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, the step of transmitting the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV back to the target master UAV based on the laser communication link, so that the target master UAV establishes a target laser communication link based on the target UAV, includes: modulating the infrared laser signal emitted by the target master UAV to obtain a modulated infrared laser signal; loading the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV into the modulated infrared laser signal, and transmitting the modulated infrared laser signal back to the target master UAV based on a preset reverse modulation strategy; acquiring the attitude information of the target master UAV, and generating the orientation information of the target UAV based on the attitude information and the coordinate information of the target UAV in the modulated infrared laser signal; and pointing the target UAV according to the orientation information to establish the target laser communication link.

[0012] A second aspect of this application provides a relay-based covert optical link establishment device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), comprising: a search module, configured to establish a laser communication link between a target main UAV and at least one target relay UAV, and to use each of the at least one target relay UAV to broadcast or scan within a target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV to search for a target UAV within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV; an acquisition module, configured to transmit a response laser signal from the target UAV to the target relay UAV that has searched for the target UAV, and after each target relay UAV receives the response laser signal, transmit a request laser signal to the target UAV to acquire the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV based on the request laser signal; and an establishment module, configured to transmit the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV back to the target main UAV based on the laser communication link, so that the target main UAV establishes a target laser communication link based on the target UAV.

[0013] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, the search module includes: a first transmitting unit, configured to transmit infrared laser signals to each target relay drone via the target master drone to establish the laser communication link; a first modulation unit, configured to, based on the laser communication link, enable the target master drone to control each target relay drone to modulate their respective identity information into their respective transmitted ultraviolet broadcast laser signals or infrared scanning laser signals; and a scanning unit, configured to use each target relay drone to search for the target drone within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay drone in a broadcast or scanning manner via the ultraviolet broadcast laser signals or the infrared scanning laser signals.

[0014] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, the acquisition module includes: a first decoding unit, configured to, when the target UAV receives the ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or the infrared scanning laser signal, perform a decoding confirmation operation on the ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or the infrared scanning laser signal through the target UAV, and obtain a decoding confirmation result; and a second modulation unit, configured to generate identity confirmation information corresponding to the target UAV based on the decoding confirmation result, modulate the identity confirmation information to the first response laser signal, and send the first response laser signal to the corresponding target relay UAV.

[0015] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, the acquisition module further includes: a second decoding unit, configured to, after each target relay UAV receives the first response laser signal from the corresponding target UAV, enable each target relay UAV to decode the first response laser signal to obtain the identity confirmation information; a second transmitting unit, configured to, based on the identity confirmation information, transmit the request laser signal from each target relay UAV to the corresponding target UAV; and a third modulation unit, configured to, when the target UAV receives the request laser signal, decode the request laser signal to obtain decoding information, and modulate the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV into a second response laser signal according to the decoding information, and send the second response laser signal to the corresponding target relay UAV.

[0016] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, the establishment module includes: a fourth modulation unit, configured to modulate the infrared laser signal emitted by the target main UAV to obtain a modulated infrared laser signal; a return unit, configured to load the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV into the modulated infrared laser signal, and return the modulated infrared laser signal to the target main UAV based on a preset reverse modulation strategy; a generation unit, configured to acquire the attitude information of the target main UAV, and generate the orientation information of the target UAV according to the attitude information and the coordinate information of the target UAV in the modulated infrared laser signal; and a pointing unit, configured to point the target UAV according to the orientation information to establish the target laser communication link.

[0017] A third aspect of this application provides an electronic device, including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the program to implement the relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment method as described in the above embodiments.

[0018] A fourth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment method.

[0019] A fifth aspect of this application provides a computer program product, including a computer program that is executed to implement the above-described relay-based method for establishing a covert optical link for unmanned aerial vehicles.

[0020] Therefore, the embodiments of this application have the following beneficial effects:

[0021] The embodiments of this application establish a laser communication link between a target master UAV and at least one target relay UAV. Each of the at least one target relay UAV broadcasts or scans within its corresponding uncertain target area to search for target UAVs within that area. The target UAV transmits a response laser signal to each of the relay UAVs it has located, and upon receiving the response signal, each relay UAV transmits a request laser signal to the target UAV to obtain its identity and coordinate information. Based on the laser communication link, the target UAV's identity and coordinate information is transmitted back to the master UAV, enabling the master UAV to establish a target laser communication link. This application obtains target UAV information by having relay UAVs broadcast or scan within uncertain areas and then transmits this information back to the master UAV, thus achieving a fast and covert optical link establishment between the master and target UAVs. This solves the problems of low security and efficiency in existing technologies where UAVs use beacon light to actively scan and establish optical links.

[0022] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a relay-based method for establishing a covert optical link for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating a relay-based covert optical link establishment process for a UAV, as provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the execution logic of a relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment system is provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 5 This is an example diagram of a relay-based covert optical link establishment device for unmanned aerial vehicles according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Among them, 100-pointing module, 101-inverse modulation unit, 102-attitude module, 103-signal processing module, 104-scanning module; 20-relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment device; 201-search module, 202-acquisition module, 203-establishment module; 601-memory, 602-processor, 603-communication interface. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0032] The following describes a relay-based method and apparatus for establishing a covert optical link for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) according to embodiments of this application, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Addressing the problems mentioned in the background section, this application provides a relay-based method for establishing a covert optical link for UAVs. In this method, a laser communication link is established between a target main UAV and at least one target relay UAV. Each of the at least one target relay UAV broadcasts or scans within a target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV to search for target UAVs within that area. The target UAV transmits a response laser signal to the target relay UAV that has been found, and after receiving the response laser signal, each target relay UAV transmits a request laser signal to the target UAV to obtain the target UAV's identity and coordinate information. Based on the laser communication link, the target UAV's identity and coordinate information are transmitted back to the target main UAV, enabling the target main UAV to establish a target laser communication link. This application obtains information about target UAVs by having relay UAVs broadcast or scan within uncertainty areas and then transmits this information back to the main UAV, thereby achieving rapid and covert establishment of an optical link between the main UAV and the target UAV. This solves the problems of low security and efficiency in establishing optical links between UAVs by actively scanning beacon lights in existing technologies.

[0033] Specifically, Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a relay-based method for establishing a covert optical link for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) according to an embodiment of this application.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the relay-based method for establishing a covert optical link for UAVs includes the following steps:

[0035] In step S101, a laser communication link is established between the target main UAV and at least one target relay UAV, and each of the at least one target relay UAV broadcasts or scans within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV to search for target UAVs within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV.

[0036] In this embodiment, the main UAV can first dispatch at least one relay UAV and establish a stable laser communication link with the relay UAV using the main UAV's own pointing function. In addition, each relay UAV can use its own signal processing function to modulate its own identity information onto an ultraviolet broadcast laser or an infrared scanning laser and transmit it through a scanning function unit, and continuously search for the target UAV in an uncertain area by broadcasting or scanning.

[0037] Therefore, the relay UAV in this application embodiment can not only serve as an information relay platform, but also as a mobile scanning platform, thereby performing laser scanning on target UAVs in uncertain areas.

[0038] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, establishing a laser communication link between a target master UAV and at least one target relay UAV, and utilizing each of the at least one target relay UAV to broadcast or scan within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV to search for target UAVs within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV, includes: establishing a laser communication link by transmitting an infrared laser signal from the target master UAV to each target relay UAV; based on the laser communication link, enabling the target master UAV to control each target relay UAV to modulate its own identity information into its own transmitted ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or infrared scanning laser signal; and utilizing each target relay UAV to search for target UAVs within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV by broadcasting or scanning using the ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or infrared scanning laser signal.

[0039] In actual implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment of the application, the main UAV A can dispatch relay UAV B and relay UAV C, and use its own pointing function to emit infrared laser signals to relay UAV B and relay UAV C to establish a stable laser communication link for relay UAV B and relay UAV C.

[0040] Relay UAVs B and C use their own signal processing capabilities to modulate their own identity information onto ultraviolet broadcast lasers or infrared scanning lasers and transmit it through their scanning function units. They continuously search for target UAVs D and E within their respective uncertain areas by broadcasting or scanning. The ultraviolet broadcasting method of the relay UAVs in the uncertain areas is either non-omnidirectional or omnidirectional, and the infrared scanning method includes grating scanning, spiral scanning, grating spiral scanning, or Lissajous scanning.

[0041] Therefore, in this embodiment, the main UAV controls the relay UAV to continuously search for the target UAV in an uncertain area by means of ultraviolet broadcasting or infrared scanning. Compared with the main UAV directly using beacon light to scan the uncertain area, this embodiment can more effectively improve the stealth and security of the main UAV, and can significantly expand the scanning range and reduce the acquisition time. It can solve the problems of easy exposure, small scanning range and long acquisition time caused by the main UAV actively using beacon light scanning, and provide conditions for safe and covert optical communication between UAVs.

[0042] In step S102, the target drone sends a response laser signal to the target relay drone that has searched for the target drone, and after each target relay drone receives a response laser signal, it sends a request laser signal to the target drone in order to obtain the identity information and coordinate information of the target drone based on the request laser signal.

[0043] Furthermore, in embodiments of this application, after the target drone receives the laser signal from the relay drone, it can use its own signal processing function to decode and confirm it. After successful identification, the target drone can send a response laser signal loaded with confirmation information to the relay drone through the pointing function.

[0044] The relay drone receives a primary response laser signal from the target drone via its scanning function and transmits it to its own signal processing unit for decoding. After decoding, it determines that mutual recognition is successful and sends a request laser signal to the target drone through this laser communication link, requesting the target drone to provide its identity and coordinate information. After receiving the request laser signal from the relay drone, the target drone uses its pointing function to emit a secondary response laser signal containing its own identity and coordinate information back to the relay drone, thereby obtaining the target drone's identity and coordinate information.

[0045] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, transmitting a response laser signal from the target drone to the target relay drone that has searched for the target drone includes: when the target drone receives an ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or an infrared scanning laser signal, performing a decoding confirmation operation on the ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or the infrared scanning laser signal by the target drone, and obtaining a decoding confirmation result; generating identity confirmation information corresponding to the target drone based on the decoding confirmation result, modulating the identity confirmation information to a response laser signal, and sending the response laser signal to the corresponding target relay drone.

[0046] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, when target UAV D and target UAV E receive laser signals from relay UAV B or relay UAV C, they can use their own signal processing functions to decode the ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or infrared scanning laser signal to confirm their identity. After successful identification, target UAV D and target UAV E use their own signal processing functions to modulate the identity confirmation information onto a response laser signal, and use their own pointing function to send a response laser signal to the relay UAV, thereby providing guidance and basis for obtaining the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV.

[0047] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, after each target relay UAV receives a response laser signal, it transmits a request laser signal to the target UAV to obtain the target UAV's identity information and coordinate information based on the request laser signal. This includes: after each target relay UAV receives a response laser signal from the corresponding target UAV, each target relay UAV decodes the response laser signal to obtain identity confirmation information; based on the identity confirmation information, each target relay UAV transmits a request laser signal to the corresponding target UAV; when the target UAV receives the request laser signal, it decodes the request laser signal to obtain decoding information, modulates the target UAV's identity information and coordinate information onto a secondary response laser signal based on the decoding information, and sends the secondary response laser signal to the corresponding target relay UAV.

[0048] In the specific implementation process, the embodiments of this application can use the scanning function of relay UAV B and relay UAV C to receive the first response laser signal from target UAV D and target UAV E and transmit the first response laser signal to their own signal processing function to decode the received first response laser signal, thereby obtaining the confirmation information sent by target UAV D and target UAV E and completing the mutual identification process.

[0049] Furthermore, embodiments of this application can use the scanning function to send a request laser signal modulated by its own signal processing function to the target UAV D and the target UAV E along this link, so as to request the target UAV D and the target UAV E to provide their own identity information and coordinate information using the request laser signal.

[0050] Subsequently, after target UAV D and target UAV E receive laser signals from relay UAV B and relay UAV C, embodiments of this application can utilize their own signal processing functions to decode and confirm the request, enabling target UAV D and target UAV E to modulate their own identity and coordinate information onto the secondary response laser signal through their own signal processing functions, and then transmit the secondary response laser signal to the relay UAV through their pointing function.

[0051] Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, after the main UAV establishes a communication link with any target UAV, it can transmit the identity and location information of other target UAVs to it. This eliminates the need for the target UAV to use radio frequency positioning and beacon light scanning when establishing a communication link with other target UAVs, thereby improving anti-interference capabilities and ensuring the rapid construction of laser communication links.

[0052] In step S103, based on the laser communication link, the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV are transmitted back to the target master UAV, so that the target master UAV establishes a target laser communication link based on the target UAV.

[0053] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also require that the relay drone uses its own reverse modulation function to modulate the infrared laser signal of the main drone to obtain a modulated infrared laser signal, and then transmits the obtained coordinate information and identity information back to the main drone.

[0054] Furthermore, the main UAV can utilize its own signal processing capabilities to obtain azimuth information based on the coordinate information of the target UAV that needs to establish a communication link and the attitude information of the main UAV. Then, through the pointing function, it can point to the target UAV that needs to establish a communication link based on the azimuth information, thereby realizing the establishment of the laser communication link (i.e., the target laser communication link) for the target UAV.

[0055] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, based on a laser communication link, the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV are transmitted back to the target master UAV, enabling the target master UAV to establish a target laser communication link. This includes: modulating the infrared laser signal emitted by the target master UAV to obtain a modulated infrared laser signal; loading the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV into the modulated infrared laser signal, and transmitting the modulated infrared laser signal back to the target master UAV based on a preset reverse modulation strategy; acquiring the attitude information of the target master UAV, and generating the orientation information of the target UAV based on the attitude information and the coordinate information of the target UAV in the modulated infrared laser signal; and pointing the target UAV according to the orientation information to establish a target laser communication link.

[0056] In actual operation, after relay UAVs B and C receive the secondary response laser signals from target UAVs D and E through their scanning function, they use their own reverse modulation function to modulate the infrared laser signal emitted by the main UAV to obtain a modulated infrared laser signal. The identity and coordinate information of target UAVs D and E obtained above are then loaded onto the modulated infrared laser signal and transmitted back to the main UAV along the original optical path.

[0057] Subsequently, after the main UAV A receives the modulated infrared laser signal from relay UAV B and relay UAV C using its pointing function, it transmits the signal to its own signal processing unit. Using its own signal processing function, it obtains the azimuth information based on the coordinate information of the selected target UAV D or target UAV E that needs to establish a communication link and the attitude information of the main UAV A. Based on the azimuth information, it points to the selected target UAV D or target UAV E that needs to establish a communication link, thereby realizing the establishment of a laser communication link with the target UAV D or target UAV E.

[0058] Therefore, the embodiments of this application use an inverse modulation strategy between the main UAV and the relay UAV to exchange identity and coordinate information in a low-speed, low-bandwidth information transmission mode, thereby eliminating the need for a complex tracking and aiming mechanism and effectively reducing the complexity of the system.

[0059] The execution logic of the relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment method of this application is described below through a specific embodiment and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the execution logic of the relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment method of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the execution process of the relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment method of this application is as follows:

[0061] S301: The main UAV dispatches a relay UAV and establishes a stable laser communication link with it;

[0062] S302: The relay drone modulates its own identity information onto an ultraviolet or infrared laser to search for target drones in an uncertain area by broadcasting or scanning.

[0063] S303: After the target UAV receives the laser signal and confirms the identity of the relay UAV, it sends a response signal to the relay UAV to indicate successful confirmation;

[0064] S304: After receiving a response signal, the relay drone transmits a request laser signal, asking the target drone to return its identity information and coordinate information;

[0065] S305: After receiving the request, the target UAV sends a secondary response laser signal containing its own identity and coordinate information back to the relay UAV.

[0066] S306: The relay drone transmits the identity and coordinate information fed back by the target drone back to the main drone;

[0067] S307: The main UAV selects the target UAV as needed to establish a laser communication link.

[0068] In summary, this application utilizes a method where a master UAV controls a relay UAV to emit ultraviolet broadcast lasers or infrared scanning lasers to locate a target UAV in an uncertain area. This method enables efficient and accurate acquisition of the target UAV's identity and coordinate information, thereby securely and covertly establishing a laser communication link between the master UAV and the selected target UAV. This reduces the risk of the master UAV being exposed and lays a solid foundation for future secure and efficient laser communication between UAVs.

[0069] Furthermore, based on the relay-based method for establishing covert optical links for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in this application, this application also constructs a relay-based system for establishing covert optical links for UAVs.

[0070] The following provides a detailed description and explanation of the relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment system of this application.

[0071] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment system of this application. Figure 4As shown, the relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment system of this application mainly includes: a pointing module 100, an inverse modulation unit 101, an attitude module 102, a signal processing module 103, and a scanning module 104. The main UAV is equipped with the pointing module 100, the attitude module 102, and the signal processing module 103; the relay UAV is equipped with the scanning module 104, the inverse modulation unit 101, and the signal processing module 103; and the target UAV is equipped with the pointing module 100 and the signal processing module 103.

[0072] The pointing module 100 is used to transmit infrared laser signals to the target UAV or relay UAV, and at the same time, it is used to receive modulated infrared laser signals and transmit them to the signal processing module 103 of its own UAV.

[0073] It should be noted that in actual execution, there can be multiple pointing modules 100. Multiple pointing modules 100 are used to point to different drones respectively, so as to connect more relay drones to expand the scanning range, or connect more target drones to send information.

[0074] Specifically, in the embodiments of this application, the pointing module 100 includes a laser, an optical antenna, a fiber optic coupling module, and a servo mechanism;

[0075] The laser is used to generate an infrared laser beam, which is then emitted after passing through an optical antenna. The optical antenna is used to receive modulated infrared laser signals, which are then coupled into an optical fiber coupling module and transmitted to a signal processing module. The servo mechanism is used to change the pointing position of the laser beam, enabling scanning and pointing of the UAV.

[0076] The inverse modulation unit 101 is used to modulate the received laser signal and reflect the modulated laser signal along the original optical path.

[0077] It should be noted that the reverse modulation unit 101 includes a modulator and a retroreflector structure; the retroreflector structure uses devices such as corner mirrors, MEMS galvanometers, and cat's eye mirrors to reflect the original light path; the modulator can be a liquid crystal modulator or other devices capable of information modulation.

[0078] The attitude module 102 is used to acquire the attitude information of its own UAV and transmit the attitude information of its own UAV to the signal processing module 103 of its own UAV. The attitude module 102 includes an attitude sensor, and the attitude information includes multiple or all of the roll angle, pitch angle and yaw angle.

[0079] The signal processing module 103 is used to modulate the identity information of the relay UAV onto an ultraviolet broadcast signal or an infrared scanning signal, and can also modulate the confirmation information of the target UAV onto a primary response signal; in addition, it can also be used to modulate the identity and coordinate information of the target UAV onto a secondary response signal.

[0080] Furthermore, the signal processing module 103 can also be used to convert the received optical signal into an electrical signal and decode it to obtain the information transmitted in the optical signal.

[0081] In the specific implementation process, the signal processing module 103 is also used to obtain azimuth information based on the position information of the target UAV that needs to establish a communication link and the attitude information of its own UAV, and transmit the azimuth information to the pointing module 100. Specifically, the signal processing module 103 first determines the orientation of its own UAV to space based on the attitude information of its own UAV and determines the coordinate system of its own UAV; then it transforms the coordinates of the target UAV to the coordinate system of its own UAV, and obtains the azimuth angle or direction vector of the target UAV relative to the servo mechanism of its own UAV through vector operation or rotation matrix, and finally obtains the azimuth information of the servo mechanism in its own UAV.

[0082] The scanning module 104 includes a laser source, an optical antenna, an optical fiber coupling module, and a servo mechanism; it can be used to transmit ultraviolet broadcast laser signals or infrared scanning laser signals loaded with corresponding information after passing through the signal processing module 103, and at the same time to receive response laser signals from the target UAV.

[0083] The laser source in the scanning module 104 is an ultraviolet light source or an infrared light source. The laser emitted by the laser source is transmitted to the signal processing module through the fiber optic coupling module for processing, and then emitted after passing through the optical antenna. The optical antenna is also used to receive the response laser signal, which is transmitted to the signal processing module for processing through the fiber optic coupling module. The servo mechanism is used to control the scanning or pointing of the laser.

[0084] Therefore, the relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment system of this application includes a main UAV, a relay UAV, and a target UAV. The main UAV dispatches the relay UAV, and a stable laser communication link is established between the main UAV and the relay UAV through a pointing module. The relay UAV emits ultraviolet broadcast laser signals or infrared scanning laser signals through its own scanning module to continuously search for the target UAV in an uncertain area. The target UAV receives the laser signal from the relay UAV and decodes it for confirmation. After successful identification, the target UAV emits a first-response laser signal with confirmation information to the relay UAV through its own pointing module. The relay UAV detects and decodes the received first-response laser signal to determine that mutual identification is successful, and then transmits the signal to the target UAV through this link. The drone sends a request laser signal, asking the target drone to provide its identity and coordinate information. Upon receiving the request, the target drone transmits a secondary response laser signal containing its identity and coordinate information to the relay drone via its pointing module. After receiving the secondary response laser signal, the relay drone transmits this information back to the master drone through its inverse modulation unit. The master drone calculates the target drone's location information based on the received signal and its own attitude information, and controls its pointing module to establish a laser communication link with the selected target drone. Thus, through the cooperation of the relay drone, an efficient and covert laser communication link between drones is established, reducing the exposure risk of the master drone and laying the foundation for safe and efficient laser communication between drones.

[0085] The relay-based covert optical link establishment method for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) proposed in this application establishes a laser communication link between a target main UAV and at least one target relay UAV. Each of the at least one target relay UAV broadcasts or scans within its corresponding uncertain target area to search for target UAVs within that area. The target UAV transmits a response laser signal to the relay UAV that has been located, and after receiving the response laser signal, each relay UAV transmits a request laser signal to the target UAV to obtain its identity and coordinate information. Based on the laser communication link, the target UAV's identity and coordinate information are transmitted back to the target main UAV, enabling the main UAV to establish a target laser communication link. This application achieves rapid and covert optical link establishment between the main UAV and the target UAV by acquiring target UAV information through broadcasting or scanning within uncertain areas by relay UAVs and transmitting the information back to the main UAV.

[0086] Secondly, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a relay-based covert optical link establishment device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) according to an embodiment of this application is described.

[0087] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0088] like Figure 5 As shown, the relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment device 20 includes: a search module 201, an acquisition module 202, and an establishment module 203.

[0089] The search module 201 is used to establish a laser communication link between the target main UAV and at least one target relay UAV, and to use each of the at least one target relay UAV to broadcast or scan within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV in order to search for the target UAV within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV.

[0090] The acquisition module 202 is used to send a response laser signal from the target drone to the target relay drone that has searched for the target drone, and after each target relay drone receives a response laser signal, it sends a request laser signal to the target drone in order to obtain the identity information and coordinate information of the target drone based on the request laser signal.

[0091] Module 203 is used to transmit the identity and coordinate information of the target UAV back to the target master UAV based on the laser communication link, so that the target master UAV can establish a target laser communication link based on the target UAV.

[0092] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, the search module 201 includes: a first transmitting unit, a first modulation unit, and a scanning unit.

[0093] The first transmitting unit is used to transmit infrared laser signals from the target main UAV to each target relay UAV in order to establish a laser communication link.

[0094] The first modulation unit is used to enable the target master UAV to control each target relay UAV to modulate their respective identity information into their respective ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or infrared scanning laser signal based on the laser communication link.

[0095] The scanning unit is used to search for the target drone within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay drone by using ultraviolet broadcast laser signals or infrared scanning laser signals in a broadcast or scanning manner.

[0096] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, the acquisition module 202 includes: a first decoding unit and a second modulation unit.

[0097] The first decoding unit is used to perform decoding and confirmation operations on the ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or infrared scanning laser signal when the target UAV receives the ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or infrared scanning laser signal, and obtain the decoding and confirmation result.

[0098] The second modulation unit is used to generate identity verification information corresponding to the target UAV based on the decoding confirmation result, modulate the identity verification information to a first response laser signal, and send the first response laser signal to the corresponding target relay UAV.

[0099] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, the acquisition module 202 further includes: a second decoding unit, a second transmission unit, and a third modulation unit.

[0100] The second decoding unit is used to decode the response laser signal after each target relay drone receives the response laser signal from the corresponding target drone in order to obtain the identity confirmation information.

[0101] The second transmitting unit is used to transmit a request laser signal from each target relay drone to the corresponding target drone based on the identity verification information.

[0102] The third modulation unit is used to decode the request laser signal when the target UAV receives the request laser signal, obtain the decoded information, and modulate the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV into a secondary response laser signal based on the decoded information, and send the secondary response laser signal to the corresponding target relay UAV.

[0103] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, the establishment module 203 includes: a fourth modulation unit, a return unit, a generation unit, and a pointing unit.

[0104] The fourth modulation unit is used to modulate the infrared laser signal emitted by the target main UAV to obtain a modulated infrared laser signal.

[0105] The backhaul unit is used to load the target UAV's identity and coordinate information into the modulated infrared laser signal, and based on a preset reverse modulation strategy, backhaul the modulated infrared laser signal to the target UAV.

[0106] The generation unit is used to acquire the attitude information of the target UAV and generate the azimuth information of the target UAV based on the attitude information and the coordinate information of the target UAV in the modulated infrared laser signal.

[0107] The pointing unit is used to point to the target UAV based on the azimuth information in order to establish a laser communication link with the target.

[0108] It should be noted that the foregoing explanation of the relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment method embodiment also applies to the relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment device of this embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0109] The relay-based covert optical link establishment device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) according to embodiments of this application includes a search module for establishing a laser communication link between a target main UAV and at least one target relay UAV, and using each of the at least one target relay UAV to broadcast or scan within a target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV to search for target UAVs within that target uncertainty area; an acquisition module for transmitting a response laser signal from the target UAV to the target relay UAV that has been searched, and transmitting a request laser signal to the target UAV after each target relay UAV receives a response laser signal, to acquire the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV based on the request laser signal; and an establishment module for transmitting the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV back to the target main UAV based on the laser communication link, enabling the target main UAV to establish a target laser communication link based on the target UAV. This application acquires information about target UAVs by relay UAVs broadcasting or scanning within an uncertainty area and transmitting the information back to the main UAV, thereby achieving rapid and covert optical link establishment between the main UAV and the target UAV.

[0110] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. The electronic device may include:

[0111] The memory 601, the processor 602, and the computer program stored on the memory 601 and capable of running on the processor 602.

[0112] When the processor 602 executes the program, it implements the relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment method provided in the above embodiments.

[0113] Furthermore, electronic devices also include:

[0114] Communication interface 603 is used for communication between memory 601 and processor 602.

[0115] The memory 601 is used to store computer programs that can run on the processor 602.

[0116] The memory 601 may include high-speed RAM memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device.

[0117] If the memory 601, processor 602, and communication interface 603 are implemented independently, then the communication interface 603, memory 601, and processor 602 can be interconnected via a bus to complete communication between them. The bus can be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 6 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0118] Optionally, in a specific implementation, if the memory 601, processor 602, and communication interface 603 are integrated on a single chip, then the memory 601, processor 602, and communication interface 603 can communicate with each other through an internal interface.

[0119] The processor 602 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application.

[0120] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment method.

[0121] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which, when executed, is used to implement the above-described relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment method.

[0122] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0123] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "N" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0124] Any process or method described in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or N executable instructions for implementing custom logic functions or processes, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of this application includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as should be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of this application pertain.

[0125] The logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-included system, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device). For the purposes of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires (electronic device), a portable computer disk drive (magnetic device), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable and editable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), fiber optic devices, and portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM). Alternatively, the computer-readable medium may be paper or other suitable media on which the program can be printed, since the program can be obtained electronically by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, interpreting, or otherwise processing as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0126] It should be understood that the various parts of this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, the N steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. If implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0127] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the methods in the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, the program includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

[0128] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into a processing module, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0129] The storage medium mentioned above can be a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk, etc. Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for establishing a covert optical link for unmanned aerial vehicles based on relays, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Establish a laser communication link between the target main UAV and at least one target relay UAV, and use each of the at least one target relay UAV to broadcast or scan within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV in order to search for target UAVs within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV. The target drone sends a response laser signal to the target relay drone that has located the target drone, and after each target relay drone receives the response laser signal, it sends a request laser signal to the target drone to obtain the identity information and coordinate information of the target drone based on the request laser signal. Based on the laser communication link, the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV are transmitted back to the target master UAV, so that the target master UAV establishes a target laser communication link based on the target UAV. The step of establishing a laser communication link between the target master UAV and at least one target relay UAV, and utilizing each of the at least one target relay UAV to broadcast or scan within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV to search for target UAVs within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV, includes: The target master UAV transmits infrared laser signals to each target relay UAV to establish the laser communication link; Based on the laser communication link, the target master UAV controls each target relay UAV to modulate their respective identity information into their respective emitted ultraviolet broadcast laser signals or infrared scanning laser signals; The target relay drone is searched for within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay drone by means of the ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or the infrared scanning laser signal in a broadcast or scanning manner. The step of transmitting a response laser signal from the target drone to the target relay drone that has located the target drone includes: When the target UAV receives the ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or the infrared scanning laser signal, the target UAV performs a decoding and confirmation operation on the ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or the infrared scanning laser signal and obtains the decoding and confirmation result. Based on the decoding confirmation result, generate the identity confirmation information corresponding to the target UAV, modulate the identity confirmation information to the first response laser signal, and send the first response laser signal to the corresponding target relay UAV; The step of transmitting a request laser signal to the target drone after receiving the first response laser signal in each target relay drone, in order to obtain the identity information and coordinate information of the target drone based on the request laser signal, includes: After each target relay drone receives the first response laser signal from the corresponding target drone, each target relay drone decodes the first response laser signal to obtain the identity confirmation information. Based on the identity verification information, the request laser signal is transmitted from each target relay drone to the corresponding target drone. When the target UAV receives the request laser signal, it decodes the request laser signal to obtain decoding information, and modulates the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV into a secondary response laser signal according to the decoding information, and sends the secondary response laser signal to the corresponding target relay UAV. The step of transmitting the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV back to the target master UAV based on the laser communication link, so that the target master UAV establishes a target laser communication link based on the target UAV, includes: The infrared laser signal emitted by the target main UAV is modulated to obtain a modulated infrared laser signal; The identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV are loaded into the modulated infrared laser signal, and the modulated infrared laser signal is transmitted back to the target main UAV based on a preset reverse modulation strategy; The attitude information of the target UAV is obtained, and the orientation information of the target UAV is generated based on the attitude information and the coordinate information of the target UAV in the modulated infrared laser signal. The target UAV is directed based on the location information to establish a laser communication link with the target.

2. A relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment device, characterized in that, include: The search module is used to establish a laser communication link between the target main UAV and at least one target relay UAV, and to use each of the at least one target relay UAV to broadcast or scan within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV in order to search for target UAVs within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay UAV. The acquisition module is used to transmit a response laser signal to the target relay drone that has searched for the target drone, and after each target relay drone receives the response laser signal, it transmits a request laser signal to the target drone, so as to acquire the identity information and coordinate information of the target drone according to the request laser signal; A module is established to transmit the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV back to the target master UAV based on the laser communication link, so that the target master UAV establishes a target laser communication link based on the target UAV. The search module includes: The first transmitting unit is used to transmit infrared laser signals from the target main UAV to each target relay UAV to establish the laser communication link; The first modulation unit is used to enable the target master UAV to control each target relay UAV to modulate their respective identity information into their respective transmitted ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or infrared scanning laser signal based on the laser communication link; The scanning unit is used to search for the target drone within the target uncertainty area corresponding to each target relay drone by means of the ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or the infrared scanning laser signal in a broadcast or scanning manner. The acquisition module includes: The first decoding unit is used to perform a decoding and confirmation operation on the ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or the infrared scanning laser signal through the target drone when the target drone receives the ultraviolet broadcast laser signal or the infrared scanning laser signal, and obtain the decoding and confirmation result. The second modulation unit is used to generate identity verification information corresponding to the target UAV based on the decoding confirmation result, modulate the identity verification information to the first response laser signal, and send the first response laser signal to the corresponding target relay UAV. The acquisition module further includes: The second decoding unit is configured to, after each target relay drone receives the first response laser signal from the corresponding target drone, enable each target relay drone to decode the first response laser signal to obtain the identity confirmation information. The second transmitting unit is used to transmit the request laser signal from each target relay drone to the corresponding target drone based on the identity confirmation information. The third modulation unit is used to decode the request laser signal when the target UAV receives the request laser signal, obtain decoding information, and modulate the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV into a secondary response laser signal according to the decoding information, and send the secondary response laser signal to the corresponding target relay UAV. The establishment module includes: The fourth modulation unit is used to modulate the infrared laser signal emitted by the target main UAV to obtain a modulated infrared laser signal; The backhaul unit is used to load the identity information and coordinate information of the target UAV into the modulated infrared laser signal, and based on a preset reverse modulation strategy, backhaul the modulated infrared laser signal to the target main UAV. A generation unit is used to acquire the attitude information of the target main UAV and generate the orientation information of the target UAV based on the attitude information and the coordinate information of the target UAV in the modulated infrared laser signal. The pointing unit is used to point the target UAV according to the orientation information in order to establish a laser communication link with the target.

3. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: The system includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the program to implement the relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment method as described in claim 1.

4. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, The program is executed by the processor to implement the relay-based method for establishing covert optical links for unmanned aerial vehicles as described in claim 1.

5. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, The computer program is executed to implement the relay-based UAV covert optical link establishment method as described in claim 1.

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