Antenna determination method and device of networked unmanned aerial vehicle, and electronic equipment
By determining the lens antenna type and feed information for connected drones and optimizing antenna parameters, the problem of poor omnidirectional antenna signal quality in low-altitude scenarios was solved, resulting in improved signal quality and extended flight time.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA MOBILE GROUP DESIGN INST
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
In low-altitude scenarios, the antennas of connected drones are omnidirectional antennas. Adding radio frequency power amplifiers to improve signal quality has not been effective, and it has also increased the drone's payload and shortened its flight time.
The flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the connected drone were determined to be a lens antenna. Based on the flight altitude and coverage distance, the maximum elevation angle, beamwidth, and beam gain of the antenna were calculated. The feed information of the lens antenna was determined, including the number, arrangement, parameters, and placement location. The lens antenna was optimized to improve the uplink signal quality.
It improved uplink signal quality in low-altitude scenarios, enhanced uplink coverage performance, and avoided impacting drone payload and endurance.
Smart Images
Figure CN122052855A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and in particular to an antenna determination method, apparatus and electronic device for a networked unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Background Technology
[0002] Currently, the signal loss in low-altitude scenarios differs from that in ground-based scenarios. Compared to ground-based scenarios, low-altitude scenarios do not require consideration of losses due to trees or human obstruction. However, in low-altitude scenarios, due to the increased probability of line-of-sight propagation, target stations may receive more uplink signals, resulting in higher overlap and thus more interference and poorer uplink signal quality.
[0003] In related technologies, the antennas of connected drones in low-altitude scenarios are omnidirectional antennas, and the transmission power is mainly increased by adding a power amplifier to the radio frequency section. In the above solution, adding a power amplifier increases the noise floor, but the uplink signal quality is not effectively improved; moreover, it increases the payload of the connected drone and shortens the drone's endurance. Summary of the Invention This disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and electronic device for determining the antenna of a network-connected unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method for determining the antenna of a connected unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The method includes: determining the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the connected UAV; the antenna type being a lens antenna; determining the maximum elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, and antenna beam gain of the connected UAV's antenna based on the flight altitude and the coverage distance; determining lens antenna feed information based on the maximum elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, antenna beam gain, and the lens antenna type; and determining the lens antenna of the connected UAV based on the lens antenna feed information.
[0005] In one embodiment of this disclosure, determining the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the connected drone includes: determining the target low-altitude coverage airspace of the connected drone; determining the flight altitude and coverage area of the connected drone based on the target low-altitude coverage airspace; and determining that the antenna type of the connected drone is a lens antenna type.
[0006] In one embodiment of this disclosure, determining the maximum elevation angle, beamwidth, and beam gain of the network-connected drone's antenna based on the flight altitude and the coverage distance includes: determining the maximum elevation angle of the antenna based on the flight altitude and the coverage distance; determining the antenna beamwidth based on the maximum elevation angle of the antenna and the coverage distance; and determining the antenna beam gain based on the antenna beamwidth and lens antenna performance data.
[0007] In one embodiment of this disclosure, determining the antenna beam gain based on the antenna beamwidth and lens antenna performance data includes: determining the aperture efficiency based on the lens antenna performance data; and determining the antenna beam gain based on the aperture efficiency and the antenna beamwidth.
[0008] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the antenna beamwidth includes a 10 dB antenna beamwidth.
[0009] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the lens antenna feed information includes at least one of the following: the number of lens antenna feeds, the feed arrangement, the feed parameter information, and the feed placement location.
[0010] In one embodiment of this disclosure, determining the lens antenna feed information based on the maximum elevation angle of the antenna, the antenna beamwidth, the antenna beam gain, and the lens antenna type includes: determining the number of lens antenna feeds based on the antenna beamwidth, the antenna beamwidth of a single-feed lens antenna, and the transceiver channel configuration requirements of the networked UAV; determining the feed arrangement matching the multi-feed lens antenna; querying a feed parameter reference table corresponding to the number of lens antenna feeds based on the number of lens antenna feeds, the antenna beamwidth, and the antenna beam gain to obtain the feed parameter information of the number of feeds; and determining the feed placement position of the number of feeds based on the maximum elevation angle.
[0011] In one embodiment of this disclosure, determining the feed placement positions of the lens antenna feed sources based on the maximum elevation angle includes: determining the feed source azimuth; the feed source azimuth indicating that the feed source is located above and to the side of the lens antenna; determining the feed source placement radius at the feed source azimuth based on the lens antenna radius and the maximum elevation angle; and determining the feed source placement positions of the lens antenna feed sources based on the feed source placement radius and the feed source azimuth.
[0012] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes: during the operation of the connected drone, determining the reference signal receiving power corresponding to at least one feed source in the lens antenna according to a reference time interval; selecting a target feed source for the transmission channel from the at least one feed source according to the at least one reference signal receiving power and the transceiver channel configuration requirements of the connected drone; and determining the transmission channel of the lens antenna according to the target feed source.
[0013] In one embodiment of this disclosure, determining the reference signal received power corresponding to at least one feed source in the lens antenna according to a reference time interval includes: for each feed source in the lens antenna, determining the reference signal received power of the feed source at at least one time point within the reference time interval; averaging the reference signal received power at the at least one time point to obtain the processed power; and determining the processed power as the reference signal received power corresponding to the feed source.
[0014] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes: performing a coverage test on the target low-altitude coverage airspace based on the networked drone, and obtaining the coverage test result; determining whether the coverage test result meets the coverage performance requirements; and if the coverage test result does not meet the coverage performance requirements, re-determining the lens antenna of the networked drone, or adjusting the parameter information of at least one feed source in the lens antenna.
[0015] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an antenna determination device for a connected unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is also provided. The device includes: a first determination module for determining the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the connected UAV; wherein the antenna type is a lens antenna; a second determination module for determining the maximum elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, and antenna beam gain of the connected UAV based on the flight altitude and the coverage distance; a third determination module for determining lens antenna feed information based on the maximum elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, antenna beam gain, and lens antenna type; and a fourth determination module for determining the lens antenna of the connected UAV based on the lens antenna feed information.
[0016] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is also provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing processor-executable instructions; wherein the processor is configured to: implement the steps of the antenna determination method for a networked unmanned aerial vehicle as described above.
[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is also provided, wherein when instructions in the storage medium are executed by a processor, the processor is able to perform the antenna determination method for a networked unmanned aerial vehicle as described above.
[0018] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure have at least the following beneficial effects: By determining the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the connected drone (specifically, a lens antenna), and based on the flight altitude and coverage distance, the maximum elevation angle, beamwidth, and beam gain of the antenna are determined. Then, based on these parameters, the lens antenna feed information is determined. Finally, the lens antenna of the connected drone is selected. This process of setting the lens antenna type and determining the feed information based on the drone's flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type, thereby determining the appropriate lens antenna, improves uplink signal quality in low-altitude scenarios, thus enhancing uplink coverage performance. Furthermore, it avoids impacting the drone's payload and flight time.
[0019] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure, and are not intended to unduly limit this disclosure.
[0021] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an antenna determination method for a network-connected drone according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 A schematic diagram for determining the maximum elevation angle of the antenna; Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the beam generated by the lens antenna on a connected drone, including the maximum elevation angle; Figure 4 A flowchart of an antenna determination method for a networked drone according to another embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a lens antenna mounted on a connected drone; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the placement of the lens antenna feed source; Figure 7 A flowchart of an antenna determination method for a networked drone according to another embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna determination device for a networked unmanned aerial vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 9 This is a structural block diagram of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation
[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this disclosure, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0023] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this disclosure described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.
[0024] Currently, the signal loss in low-altitude scenarios differs from that in ground-based scenarios. Compared to ground-based scenarios, low-altitude scenarios do not require consideration of losses due to trees or human obstruction. However, in low-altitude scenarios, due to the increased probability of line-of-sight propagation, target stations may receive more uplink signals, resulting in higher overlap and thus more interference and poorer uplink signal quality.
[0025] In related technologies, the antennas of connected drones in low-altitude scenarios are omnidirectional antennas, and the transmission power is mainly increased by adding a power amplifier to the radio frequency section. In the above solution, adding a power amplifier increases the noise floor, but the uplink signal quality is not effectively improved; moreover, it increases the payload of the connected drone and shortens the drone's endurance.
[0026] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for determining the antenna of a connected drone according to this disclosure. It should be noted that the antenna determination method for a connected drone in this embodiment can be applied to an antenna determination device for a connected drone, which can be configured in an electronic device to enable the electronic device to perform the antenna determination function for the connected drone.
[0027] The electronic device can be any device with computing capabilities, such as a terminal device or a server. The following embodiments use an electronic device as an example for illustration.
[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the method includes the following steps: Step 101: Determine the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the connected drone; the antenna type is a lens antenna.
[0029] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the process of the electronic device performing step 101 may include, for example, determining the target low-altitude coverage airspace of the connected drone; determining the flight altitude and coverage area of the connected drone based on the target low-altitude coverage airspace; and determining that the antenna type of the connected drone is a lens antenna type.
[0030] Among them, the antenna under the lens antenna type is a lens antenna. A lens antenna is a directional antenna. A lens antenna can concentrate energy within a narrow, conical beam, thereby achieving long-distance coverage and improving signal anti-interference capabilities.
[0031] In this embodiment, the target low-altitude coverage airspace can be defined by a flight altitude range and a coverage area. The coverage area can be represented by a ground coverage area. The target low-altitude coverage airspace can be the area above the ground coverage area within the flight altitude range. The flight altitude of the connected drone can be a selected altitude from the flight altitude range. The coverage distance of the connected drone can be a distance determined based on the coverage of ground base stations, such as 5G base stations.
[0032] Step 102: Determine the maximum elevation angle, beamwidth, and beam gain of the networked drone's antenna based on the flight altitude and coverage distance.
[0033] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device may perform step 102 as follows: determine the maximum elevation angle of the antenna based on the flight altitude and coverage distance; determine the antenna beamwidth based on the maximum elevation angle and coverage distance; and determine the antenna beam gain based on the antenna beamwidth and lens antenna performance data.
[0034] The schematic diagram for determining the maximum elevation angle of the antenna can be shown as follows: Figure 2 As shown. In Figure 2 middle, Indicates the coverage distance of the connected drone; This indicates the flight altitude of the connected drone. This indicates the antenna's maximum elevation angle.
[0035] The flight altitude can be, for example, 300 meters, etc., without specific limitations, and can be determined based on the application scenario of the connected drone. The coverage distance can be, for example, 1500 meters, etc., without specific limitations, and can be determined based on the application scenario of the connected drone.
[0036] The application scenarios for connected drones include, for example, inspection scenarios, logistics and transportation scenarios, agricultural surveying scenarios, agricultural spraying scenarios, forestry monitoring scenarios, and air monitoring scenarios, without specific limitations here.
[0037] The formula for calculating the maximum elevation angle of the antenna can be shown in the following formula (1).
[0038] (1) In this embodiment of the disclosure, the process by which the electronic device determines the antenna beamwidth based on the antenna's maximum elevation angle and coverage distance can be, for example, by determining the relationship between the antenna's maximum elevation angle and the antenna beamwidth based on the antenna's maximum elevation angle and coverage distance; and by determining the antenna beamwidth based on this relationship and the antenna's maximum elevation angle.
[0039] The coverage distance refers to the communication distance between the connected drone and the ground base station. In other words, the beam of the connected drone needs to cover the area where the ground base station is located. Therefore, based on this understanding, it can be seen that in order to achieve the coverage effect of an omnidirectional antenna, each beam generated by the lens antenna on the connected drone needs to include the maximum elevation angle. That is, twice the 10dB antenna beamwidth needs to exceed the maximum elevation angle. Therefore, the formula for calculating the antenna beamwidth can be, for example, as shown in the following formula (2).
[0040] (2) The diagram illustrating the beam generated by the lens antenna on the connected drone, including the maximum elevation angle, is as follows: Figure 3 As shown. In Figure 3 In this case, twice the beamwidth of the 10dB antenna is greater than or equal to the maximum elevation angle of the lens antenna.
[0041] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the process by which the electronic device determines the antenna beam gain based on the antenna beamwidth and lens antenna performance data can be, for example, by determining the aperture efficiency based on the lens antenna performance data, and then determining the antenna beam gain based on the aperture efficiency and the antenna beamwidth.
[0042] The performance data of the lens antenna may include at least one of the following indicators: illumination efficiency, leakage efficiency, impedance matching efficiency, dielectric loss efficiency, and beamforming efficiency. Aperture efficiency can be the product of the values of at least one of the above indicators.
[0043] Step 103: Determine the lens antenna feed information based on the antenna's maximum elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, antenna beam gain, and lens antenna type. In this embodiment of the disclosure, the lens antenna feed information includes at least one of the following: the number of lens antenna feeds, the feed arrangement, feed parameter information, and the feed placement location. The feed arrangement may include, for example, a rectangular / planar grid arrangement, a triangular grid arrangement, a concentric ring arrangement, or a sparse / random array arrangement. The feed parameter information may include, for example, the feed gain, the feed 3dB beamwidth, the feed 10dB beamwidth, the feed horizontal beam pointing, the feed front-to-back ratio, and the feed vertical beamwidth.
[0044] Among them, at least one feed source defined by the lens antenna feed source information, and the antenna beam obtained by combining the beams generated by the at least one feed source, can meet the requirements of the maximum elevation angle, the antenna beamwidth and the antenna beam gain of the antenna, that is, so that the lens antenna determined according to the at least one feed source can meet the requirements of the maximum elevation angle, the antenna beamwidth and the antenna beam gain of the antenna.
[0045] Step 104: Determine the lens antenna of the connected UAV based on the lens antenna feed information.
[0046] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device can perform feed source setting processing on the lens antenna based on the lens antenna feed source information and lens antenna performance index data, thereby obtaining the lens antenna of the network-connected drone.
[0047] In the antenna determination method for a connected drone according to this embodiment, the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the connected drone are determined; the antenna type is a lens antenna; based on the flight altitude and coverage distance, the maximum elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, and antenna beam gain of the connected drone's antenna are determined; based on the maximum elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, antenna beam gain, and lens antenna type, the lens antenna feed information is determined; based on the lens antenna feed information, the lens antenna of the connected drone is determined; wherein, setting the lens antenna type, and determining the lens antenna feed information based on the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the connected drone, thereby determining the lens antenna, can improve the uplink signal quality in low-altitude scenarios, thereby improving uplink coverage performance; and avoid affecting the payload and endurance of the connected drone.
[0048] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an antenna determination method for a connected drone according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the antenna determination method for a connected drone in this embodiment can be applied to an antenna determination device for a connected drone, which can be configured in an electronic device to enable the electronic device to perform the antenna determination function for the connected drone.
[0049] The electronic device can be any device with computing capabilities, such as a terminal device or a server. The following embodiments use an electronic device as an example for illustration.
[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the method includes the following steps: Step 401: Determine the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the connected drone; the antenna type is a lens antenna.
[0051] Step 402: Determine the maximum elevation angle, beamwidth, and beam gain of the networked drone's antenna based on the flight altitude and coverage distance.
[0052] Step 403: Determine the number of lens antenna feeds based on the antenna beamwidth, the antenna beamwidth of the single-feed lens antenna, and the transceiver channel configuration requirements of the networked UAV.
[0053] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device performing step 403 may, for example, determine the minimum number of lens antenna feeds based on the antenna beamwidth and the antenna beamwidth of the single-feed lens antenna; determine the maximum number of channels required in the transceiver channel configuration requirements of the networked drone; and determine the maximum value between the minimum number and the maximum number of channels as the number of lens antenna feeds. For example, if the minimum number is 2 and the transceiver channel configuration requirement is 2T4R, then the number of lens antenna feeds can be determined to be 4.
[0054] Step 404: Determine the feed arrangement to match the multi-feed lens antenna.
[0055] The feed arrangement can include, for example, rectangular / planar grid arrangement, triangular grid arrangement, concentric ring arrangement, sparse / random array arrangement, etc. A concentric ring arrangement can be used, for example, to match a multi-feed lens antenna.
[0056] Step 405: Based on the number of lens antenna feed sources, antenna beamwidth, and antenna beam gain, query the feed source parameter reference table corresponding to the number of lens antenna feed sources to obtain the feed source parameter information for the number of lens antenna feed sources.
[0057] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when there are four lens antenna feed sources, the feed source parameter reference table corresponding to the number of lens antenna feed sources can be, for example, YD / T 2868-2015 "Measuring Method for Passive Antennas in Mobile Communication Systems". This feed source parameter reference table contains feed source parameter information for the four feed sources at different frequencies. A frequency can be selected from this table, and the feed source parameter information for the four feed sources at that frequency can be determined as the feed source parameter information for the number of lens antenna feed sources.
[0058] It should be noted that the selected number of feed sources and their feed parameter information, when used to construct the lens antenna, can meet the requirements for maximum elevation angle, beamwidth, and beam gain.
[0059] Step 406: Determine the number of feed sources and their placement positions based on the maximum elevation angle.
[0060] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the process of the electronic device performing step 406 may be as follows: determining the feed azimuth; the feed azimuth indicates that the feed is located above and to the side of the lens antenna; determining the feed placement radius at the feed azimuth based on the lens antenna radius and the maximum elevation angle; and determining the feed placement position of the number of feeds of the lens antenna feed based on the feed placement radius and the feed azimuth.
[0061] A schematic diagram of a network-connected drone equipped with a lens antenna can be shown as follows: Figure 5 As shown. In Figure 5 In the middle, the lens antenna is located directly below the connected drone, and the feed (in) Figure 5 (The beam, represented by a cross in the image, is located above the lens antenna and the generated beam faces the ground-based 5G base station.)
[0062] In formula (2), it is assumed that twice the beamwidth of the 10dB antenna is equal to the maximum elevation angle of the lens antenna. Then, the formula for calculating the feed radius of the lens antenna feed can be shown in formula (3) below.
[0063] (3) in, Indicates the radius of the feeder deployment; This indicates the radius of the lens antenna.
[0064] Among them, Figure 5 In the diagram, the placement of the lens antenna feed can be illustrated as follows: Figure 6 As shown. In Figure 6 In this setup, multiple feed sources can be positioned to form a concentric ring. The radius of the feed source placement can be the radius of this concentric ring. The concentric ring can be located on the surface of the lens antenna; and the plane containing the concentric ring is parallel to the [other plane].
[0065] Based on the feed radius and feed orientation, a concentric ring can be uniquely determined. Four positions on this concentric ring with identical angular intervals can be identified as feed placement locations. These identical angular intervals mean, for example, that the angles of the two rays extending from the center of the concentric ring to any two adjacent feeds are the same, such as 90 degrees.
[0066] Step 407: Determine the lens antenna of the network-connected UAV based on the number of lens antenna feeds, feed arrangement, feed parameter information, and feed placement location.
[0067] It should be noted that for details regarding steps 401 to 402 and steps 407, please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference]. Figure 1 Steps 101 to 102 and 104 in the illustrated embodiment will not be described in detail here.
[0068] In the antenna determination method for a network-connected drone according to this embodiment, the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the network-connected drone are determined; the antenna type is a lens antenna; based on the flight altitude and coverage distance, the maximum elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, and antenna beam gain of the network-connected drone's antenna are determined; based on the antenna beamwidth, the antenna beamwidth of the single-feed lens antenna, and the transceiver channel configuration requirements of the network-connected drone, the number of lens antenna feed sources is determined; the feed source arrangement matching the multi-feed lens antenna is determined; based on the number of lens antenna feed sources, antenna beamwidth, and antenna beam gain, a feed source parameter reference table corresponding to the number of lens antenna feed sources is consulted to obtain the feed source parameter information of the number of lens antenna feed sources; based on the maximum elevation angle, the number of lens antenna feed sources is determined. The placement of the feed sources is determined; based on the number of feed sources, their arrangement, parameter information, and placement location, the lens antenna for the connected drone is determined; the feed parameter information is determined by combining the antenna beamwidth, antenna beam gain, and a feed parameter reference table corresponding to the number of lens antenna feed sources, ensuring that the determined feed parameter information meets the requirements included in the feed parameter reference table, and that the lens antenna determined based on at least one feed source meets the requirements for maximum antenna elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, and antenna beam gain. This enables the lens antenna to achieve omnidirectional antenna functionality through multiple directional beams, improves uplink signal quality in low-altitude scenarios, and enhances uplink coverage performance; and avoids impacting the payload and endurance of the connected drone.
[0069] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an antenna determination method for a connected drone according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the antenna determination method for a connected drone in this embodiment can be applied to an antenna determination device for a connected drone, which can be configured in an electronic device to enable the electronic device to perform the antenna determination function for the connected drone.
[0070] The electronic device can be any device with computing capabilities, such as a terminal device or a server. The following embodiments use an electronic device as an example for illustration.
[0071] like Figure 7 As shown, the method includes the following steps: Step 701: Determine the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the connected drone; the antenna type is a lens antenna.
[0072] Step 702: Determine the maximum elevation angle, beamwidth, and beam gain of the networked drone's antenna based on the flight altitude and coverage distance.
[0073] Step 703: Determine the lens antenna feed information based on the antenna's maximum elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, antenna beam gain, and lens antenna type.
[0074] Step 704: Determine the lens antenna of the connected UAV based on the lens antenna feed information.
[0075] Step 705: During the operation of the networked drone, determine the reference signal receiving power corresponding to at least one feed source in the lens antenna according to the reference time interval.
[0076] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device may perform step 705 as follows: for each feed in the lens antenna, determine the reference signal received power of the feed at at least one time point within the reference time interval; perform averaging on the reference signal received power at at least one time point to obtain the processed power; and determine the processed power as the reference signal received power corresponding to the feed.
[0077] In the operation of the connected drone, each feed source in the lens antenna is used to generate a beam. In one example, within a reference time interval, each feed source in the lens antenna can be controlled to generate a beam simultaneously, transmitting the same reference signal on each generated beam. A ground-based 5G base station performs Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) detection processing on the reference signals transmitted on each beam to obtain the RSRP value of each feed source at at least one time point within the reference time interval. The reference time interval can be, for example, 5 seconds, etc., and is not specifically limited here; it can be set according to actual needs.
[0078] In another example, the reference time interval can be divided according to the number of feedhorns, resulting in multiple sub-time intervals; each feedhorn corresponds to one sub-time interval. For each feedhorn, within the corresponding sub-time interval, the feedhorn is controlled to generate beams, and the same reference signal is transmitted on the generated beams. The terrestrial 5G base station performs Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) detection processing on the reference signals transmitted on each beam to obtain the RSRP value of the feedhorn at at least one time point within the reference time interval.
[0079] Step 706: Select a target feed source for the transmission channel from at least one feed source based on the received power of at least one reference signal and the transceiver channel configuration requirements of the networked UAV.
[0080] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device performing step 706 may, for example, determine the number of transmission channels according to the transceiver channel configuration requirements of the networked drone; determine the target feed source for the transmission channel among at least one feed source according to the at least one reference signal receiving power; wherein the number of target feed sources is consistent with the number of transmission channels, and the reference signal receiving power of the beam generated by the target feed source is greater than the reference signal receiving power of the beam generated by the non-target feed source.
[0081] Assuming there are 2 transmission channels, the electronic device can select the two larger reference signal reception powers from at least one reference signal reception power; determine the beams corresponding to these two reference signal reception powers; and determine the feed source used to generate these two beams as the target feed source.
[0082] Selecting a feed source with higher reference signal reception power as the target feed source can ensure higher uplink signal reception power, thereby further improving uplink signal quality in low-altitude scenarios and enhancing uplink coverage performance, which can meet the transmission needs of high-volume uplink data in low-altitude scenarios.
[0083] Step 707: Determine the transmission channel of the lens antenna based on the target feed source.
[0084] Specifically, the electronic equipment can determine the beam generated by the target feed source as the transmission channel of the lens antenna. Uplink signal transmission processing is performed through the beam generated by the target feed source.
[0085] In this embodiment of the disclosure, in order to ensure the coverage performance of the connected drone, after step 704, the electronic device may also perform the following process: conduct a coverage test on the target low-altitude coverage airspace based on the connected drone, and obtain the coverage test results; determine whether the coverage test results meet the coverage performance requirements; if the coverage test results do not meet the coverage performance requirements, re-determine the lens antenna of the connected drone, or adjust the parameter information of at least one feed source in the lens antenna.
[0086] The coverage test results can include, for example, the actual data transmission rate, actual data transmission success rate, and actual interference situation of the connected drone at various locations in the target low-altitude coverage airspace, without specific limitations here.
[0087] Among them, the electronic equipment can calculate and determine the theoretical coverage result of the connected drone based on its location and lens antenna, etc. The theoretical coverage result includes the theoretical data transmission rate, theoretical data transmission success rate, and theoretical interference situation of the connected drone at various locations in the target low-altitude coverage airspace, etc., which are not specifically limited here.
[0088] The electronic device can compare the coverage test results with the theoretical coverage results to obtain the comparison results. If the difference between the coverage test results and the theoretical coverage results is small, the coverage test results are determined to meet the coverage performance requirements. If the difference between the coverage test results and the theoretical coverage results is large, the coverage test results are determined to not meet the coverage performance requirements.
[0089] The process of re-determining the lens antenna of the connected drone can be referenced. Figure 1 , Figure 4 or Figure 7 Examples are provided, and will not be described in detail here.
[0090] The process of adjusting the parameter information of at least one feed source in the lens antenna can be the same as the process of reselecting feed source parameter information from the feed source parameter reference table in step 405, and is not specifically limited here.
[0091] In the antenna determination method for a network-connected drone according to this embodiment, the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the network-connected drone are determined; the antenna type is a lens antenna; based on the flight altitude and coverage distance, the maximum elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, and antenna beam gain of the network-connected drone's antenna are determined; based on the maximum elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, antenna beam gain, and lens antenna type, the lens antenna feed information is determined; based on the lens antenna feed information, the lens antenna of the network-connected drone is determined; during the operation of the network-connected drone, the reference signal received power corresponding to at least one feed in the lens antenna is determined according to the reference time interval; based on the at least one reference signal received power and the transceiver channel configuration requirements of the network-connected drone, a target feed for the transmission channel is selected from at least one feed; the transmission channel of the lens antenna is determined based on the target feed; wherein, reselecting the feed for determining the transmission channel based on the reference signal received power corresponding to at least one feed in the lens antenna can ensure that the signal on the transmission channel maintains a high quality, thereby further improving the uplink transmission rate to achieve the large uplink bandwidth requirements of video backhaul services.
[0092] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna determination device for a networked unmanned aerial vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0093] like Figure 8 As shown, the antenna determination device for the networked drone may include: a first determination module 801, a second determination module 802, a third determination module 803, and a fourth determination module 804.
[0094] The first determining module 801 is used to determine the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the connected drone; the antenna type is a lens antenna. The second determining module 802 is used to determine the maximum elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, and antenna beam gain of the connected drone based on the flight altitude and coverage distance. The third determining module 803 is used to determine the lens antenna feed information based on the maximum elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, antenna beam gain, and lens antenna type. The fourth determining module 804 is used to determine the lens antenna of the connected drone based on the lens antenna feed information.
[0095] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first determining module 801 is specifically used to: determine the target low-altitude coverage airspace of the connected drone; determine the flight altitude and coverage area of the connected drone based on the target low-altitude coverage airspace; and determine that the antenna type of the connected drone is a lens antenna type.
[0096] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second determining module 802 is specifically configured to: determine the maximum elevation angle of the antenna based on the flight altitude and the coverage distance; determine the antenna beamwidth based on the maximum elevation angle of the antenna and the coverage distance; and determine the antenna beam gain based on the antenna beamwidth and lens antenna performance data.
[0097] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second determining module 802 is further configured to: determine the aperture efficiency based on the lens antenna performance index data; and determine the antenna beam gain based on the aperture efficiency and the antenna beamwidth.
[0098] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the antenna beamwidth includes a 10 dB antenna beamwidth.
[0099] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the lens antenna feed information includes at least one of the following: the number of lens antenna feeds, the feed arrangement, the feed parameter information, and the feed placement location.
[0100] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the third determining module 803 is specifically used to: determine the number of feed sources for the lens antenna based on the antenna beamwidth, the antenna beamwidth of the single-feed lens antenna, and the transceiver channel configuration requirements of the networked UAV; determine the feed source arrangement matching the multi-feed lens antenna; query a feed source parameter reference table corresponding to the number of feed sources for the lens antenna based on the number of feed sources, the antenna beamwidth, and the antenna beam gain, and obtain the feed source parameter information of the number of feed sources for the lens antenna; and determine the feed source placement position of the number of feed sources for the lens antenna based on the maximum elevation angle.
[0101] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the third determining module 803 is further configured to: determine the feed azimuth; the feed azimuth indicates that the feed is located above and to the side of the lens antenna; determine the feed placement radius at the feed azimuth based on the lens antenna radius and the maximum elevation angle; and determine the feed placement positions of the number of feeds of the lens antenna feed based on the feed placement radius and the feed azimuth.
[0102] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the apparatus further includes: a fifth determining module, a selecting module, and a sixth determining module; the fifth determining module is configured to determine, during the operation of the connected UAV, the reference signal receiving power corresponding to at least one feed source in the lens antenna according to a reference time interval; the selecting module is configured to select a target feed source for a transmission channel from the at least one feed source according to the at least one reference signal receiving power and the transceiver channel configuration requirements of the connected UAV; the sixth determining module is configured to determine the transmission channel of the lens antenna according to the target feed source.
[0103] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the fifth determining module is specifically configured to: for each feed source in the lens antenna, determine the reference signal received power of the feed source at at least one time point within the reference time interval; perform averaging processing on the reference signal received power at the at least one time point to obtain the processed power; and determine the processed power as the reference signal received power corresponding to the feed source.
[0104] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the apparatus further includes: an acquisition module, a seventh determination module, and an adjustment processing module; the acquisition module is used to perform a coverage test on the target low-altitude coverage airspace based on the networked drone, and acquire the coverage test result; the seventh determination module is used to determine whether the coverage test result meets the coverage performance requirements; the adjustment processing module is used to, if the coverage test result does not meet the coverage performance requirements, re-determine the lens antenna of the networked drone, or adjust the parameter information of at least one feed source in the lens antenna.
[0105] In the antenna determination device for the connected drone of this embodiment, the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the connected drone are determined; the antenna type is a lens antenna; based on the flight altitude and coverage distance, the maximum elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, and antenna beam gain of the connected drone's antenna are determined; based on the maximum elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, antenna beam gain, and lens antenna type, the lens antenna feed information is determined; based on the lens antenna feed information, the lens antenna of the connected drone is determined; wherein, the setting of the lens antenna type, and the determination of the lens antenna feed information based on the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the connected drone, thereby determining the lens antenna, can improve the uplink signal quality in low-altitude scenarios, thereby improving uplink coverage performance; and avoid affecting the payload and endurance of the connected drone.
[0106] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is also provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor is configured to: implement the antenna determination method for a networked unmanned aerial vehicle as described above.
[0107] To implement the above embodiments, this disclosure also proposes a storage medium.
[0108] When the instructions in the storage medium are executed by the processor, the processor is able to execute the antenna determination method for the networked drone as described above.
[0109] To implement the above embodiments, this disclosure also provides a computer program product.
[0110] When the computer program product is executed by the processor of the electronic device, it enables the electronic device to perform the above-described method.
[0111] Figure 9 This is a structural block diagram of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 The electronic device shown is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting the functionality and scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0112] like Figure 9As shown, the electronic device 1000 includes a processor 111, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to a program stored in read-only memory (ROM) 112 or a program loaded from memory 116 into random access memory (RAM) 113. The RAM 113 also stores various programs and data required for the operation of the electronic device 1000. The processor 111, ROM 112, and RAM 113 are interconnected via a bus 114. An input / output (I / O) interface 115 is also connected to the bus 114.
[0113] The following components are connected to I / O interface 115: memory 116 including hard disks, etc.; and communication section 117 including network interface cards such as local area network (LAN) cards, modems, etc., communication section 117 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet; and driver 118 is also connected to I / O interface 115 as needed.
[0114] In particular, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the processes described above with reference to the flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, embodiments of this disclosure include a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, the computer program containing program code for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via communication section 117. When the computer program is executed by processor 111, it performs the functions defined in the methods of this disclosure.
[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, a storage medium including instructions is also provided, such as a memory including instructions, which can be executed by the processor 111 of the electronic device 1000 to perform the above-described method. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as a ROM, random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device.
[0116] In this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that can be used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In this disclosure, a computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such propagated data signals can take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium can also be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium, which can transmit, propagate, or transfer a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The program code contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wireless, wireline, optical fiber, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.
[0117] Furthermore, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous compared to other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the term “exemplary” is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner. As used herein, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, “X applies A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive arrangements. That is, “X applies A or B” satisfies any of the foregoing instances if X applies A; X applies B; or both X applies A and B. Additionally, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context to refer to the singular form, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims are generally understood to mean “one or more.”
[0118] Similarly, although this disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. This disclosure includes all such modifications and variations and is limited only by the scope of the claims. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the components described above (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), unless otherwise indicated, the terminology used to describe such components is intended to correspond to any component (functionally equivalent) that performs the specific function of the described component, even if structurally not equivalent to the disclosed structure. Furthermore, although specific features of this disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other implementations, as may be desired and advantageous to any given or particular application. Moreover, with regard to the terms “comprising,” “owning,” “having,” “having,” or variations thereof as used in the detailed description or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “including.”
[0119] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.
[0120] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A method for determining the antenna of a network-connected unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), characterized in that, The method includes: Determine the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the connected drone; the antenna type is a lens antenna. Based on the flight altitude and the coverage distance, determine the maximum elevation angle, beamwidth, and beam gain of the antenna of the network-connected UAV. The lens antenna feed information is determined based on the antenna's maximum elevation angle, the antenna beamwidth, the antenna beam gain, and the lens antenna type. The lens antenna of the connected UAV is determined based on the lens antenna feed information.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The determination of the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the network-connected drone includes: Determine the target low-altitude coverage airspace for connected drones; Based on the target low-altitude coverage airspace, determine the flight altitude and coverage area of the connected UAV; The antenna type of the network-connected drone is determined to be a lens antenna type.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of determining the maximum elevation angle, beamwidth, and beam gain of the networked drone's antenna based on the flight altitude and coverage distance includes: The maximum elevation angle of the antenna is determined based on the flight altitude and the coverage distance. The antenna beamwidth is determined based on the antenna's maximum elevation angle and the coverage distance. The antenna beam gain is determined based on the antenna beamwidth and lens antenna performance data.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The step of determining the antenna beam gain based on the antenna beamwidth and lens antenna performance data includes: The aperture efficiency is determined based on the lens antenna performance data. The antenna beam gain is determined based on the aperture efficiency and the antenna beamwidth.
5. The method according to claim 1 or 3 or 4, characterized in that, The antenna beamwidth includes a 10 dB antenna beamwidth.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The lens antenna feed information includes at least one of the following: the number of lens antenna feeds, the feed arrangement, the feed parameter information, and the feed placement location.
7. The method according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The step of determining the lens antenna feed information based on the antenna's maximum elevation angle, beamwidth, beam gain, and type includes: The number of feed sources for the lens antenna is determined based on the antenna beamwidth, the antenna beamwidth of the single-feed lens antenna, and the transceiver channel configuration requirements of the networked UAV. Determine the feed arrangement to match the multi-feed lens antenna; Based on the number of lens antenna feed sources, the antenna beamwidth, and the antenna beam gain, the feed source parameter reference table corresponding to the number of lens antenna feed sources is consulted to obtain the feed source parameter information for the number of feed sources of the lens antenna. Based on the maximum elevation angle, determine the placement positions of the feed sources for the lens antenna.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The step of determining the placement positions of the number of feed sources for the lens antenna based on the maximum elevation angle includes: Determine the feed azimuth; the feed azimuth indicates that the feed is located above and to the side of the lens antenna; The feed placement radius at the feed azimuth is determined based on the lens antenna radius and the maximum elevation angle. Based on the feed radius and the feed orientation, the feed positions of the lens antenna feeds are determined.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: During the operation of the networked drone, the reference signal receiving power corresponding to at least one feed source in the lens antenna is determined according to the reference time interval. Based on the received power of at least one of the reference signals and the transceiver channel configuration requirements of the networked UAV, a target feed source for the transmission channel is selected from the at least one feed source; The transmission channel of the lens antenna is determined based on the target feed source.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The step of determining the reference signal received power corresponding to at least one feed source in the lens antenna according to the reference time interval includes: For each feed in the lens antenna, determine the reference signal received power of the feed at at least one time point within the reference time interval; The average power of the reference signal received at at least one time point is calculated to obtain the processed power. The processed power is determined as the reference signal received power corresponding to the feed source.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: The network-connected drone conducts a coverage test on the target low-altitude airspace and obtains the coverage test results. Determine whether the coverage test results meet the coverage performance requirements; If the coverage test results do not meet the coverage performance requirements, the lens antenna of the connected UAV is re-determined, or the parameter information of at least one feed source in the lens antenna is adjusted.
12. An antenna determining device for a network-connected unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), characterized in that, The device includes: The first determining module is used to determine the flight altitude, coverage distance, and antenna type of the network-connected drone; the antenna type is a lens antenna. The second determining module is used to determine the maximum elevation angle, antenna beamwidth, and antenna beam gain of the network-connected drone based on the flight altitude and the coverage distance. The third determining module is used to determine the lens antenna feed information based on the maximum elevation angle of the antenna, the antenna beamwidth, the antenna beam gain, and the lens antenna type. The fourth determining module is used to determine the lens antenna of the network-connected UAV based on the lens antenna feed information.
13. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: processor; Memory used to store the processor's executable instructions; The processor is configured as follows: The steps of implementing the antenna determination method for a networked unmanned aerial vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.
14. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, wherein instructions in the storage medium, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform the antenna determination method for a networked unmanned aerial vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.