Unattended observatory data collection system
By deploying fiber-optic tethered liftable communication platforms and quadrupedal mobile platforms at astronomical observatories in remote areas, the problems of unstable communication, insufficient battery life, low security, and high operation and maintenance costs in the data collection system of unattended astronomical observatories have been solved, achieving efficient and stable data transmission and reducing operating costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY CHINESE ACAD OF SCI
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing data collection systems for unmanned astronomical observatories in remote areas suffer from problems such as unstable communication, insufficient battery life, low security, system complexity, and high operation and maintenance costs.
Fiber optic tethered, liftable communication platforms, such as fiber optic drones, tethered airships, balloon platforms, or liftable communication towers, can be used to replace traditional wireless drones. By combining quadrupedal mobile platforms and data transmission lines, a stable data transmission architecture can be constructed to achieve high-bandwidth, low-latency, and interference-resistant data communication.
It improves the stability and security of data transmission, reduces operation and maintenance costs, meets the data collection needs of long-term observation tasks, and is suitable for complex terrain and highly confidential environments.
Smart Images

Figure CN224555618U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of data collection devices, specifically relating to an unattended astronomical observatory data collection system. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of astronomical observation, high-quality observational data is crucial, but traditional data collection methods face significant challenges due to the unique nature of the observation environment. Astronomical observation has extremely stringent environmental requirements. For example, optical telescopes need to be far from urban light pollution, infrared and submillimeter-wave observations require high altitudes and low-water-vapor environments, while radio telescopes need to be far from radio frequency interference generated by human activity. These requirements necessitate that most astronomical observatories be located in remote areas, where accessibility and logistical conditions are relatively poor.
[0003] Against this backdrop, traditional manned data collection methods face enormous challenges and high costs. For example, maintenance work requires regular manual inspections, which not only incurs high labor costs but may also harm the health of maintenance personnel; and the massive amounts of payload data generated by astronomical observations are difficult to transmit back to manned bases in a short time due to inconvenient transportation and other reasons.
[0004] Although various solutions exist for data collection at remote observatories, such as a Wi-Fi relay drone-based solution that uses reusable drones to transmit data between collection points and base stations via short-range wireless links, improving data transmission efficiency in complex environments like mountains and forests due to their flexibility and mobility, the following major drawbacks still exist:
[0005] 1. The communication link has poor stability and is susceptible to interference;
[0006] Existing solutions generally use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or 4G / 5G wireless modules for data transmission. In complex natural environments such as mountains and forests, these systems are often affected by terrain obstruction, electromagnetic interference, or weather conditions, resulting in unstable transmission, large latency fluctuations, and even communication interruptions.
[0007] 2. Drones have limited battery life and cannot perform tasks stably for extended periods;
[0008] Limited by drone flight time: Wireless drones require batteries, limiting their flight time and preventing long-term continuous operation. Traditional wireless drones rely on built-in batteries for power, resulting in short flight times and limited flight ranges, making them unsuitable for scenarios requiring prolonged stays over data collection points. Frequent takeoffs, landings, and recharging also lead to high operation and maintenance costs and increased system complexity. Furthermore, wireless drones must navigate around obstacles such as valleys and waterways, resulting in complex path planning and high energy consumption.
[0009] 3. Data security is weak, and it is easily intercepted or interfered with;
[0010] Wireless communication is susceptible to interference and interruptions: In remote terrains (such as mountains and dense forests), signal penetration is poor and link stability is low. Existing data transmission methods based on wireless channels are subject to certain risks of eavesdropping, hijacking, or interference. Wireless channels cannot avoid external eavesdropping or malicious interference, resulting in poor security and making them unsuitable for high-security or high-value data backhaul tasks. 4. High long-term operation and maintenance costs and difficult deployment.
[0011] In remote areas, equipment deployment is limited, power supply is scarce, and wireless equipment is prone to aging or requires frequent maintenance, resulting in high overall operation and maintenance costs. Some systems require the establishment of multiple relay points, which increases the number of deployments and management difficulty. Utility Model Content
[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide an unattended astronomical observatory data collection system to solve the problems of unstable communication, insufficient battery life, low security, system complexity, and high operation and maintenance costs in the existing unattended astronomical observatory data collection systems in remote areas.
[0013] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an unmanned astronomical observatory data collection system, comprising: a manned base, a field data collection node, an astronomical telescope array, a data relay device for transmitting data between the astronomical telescope array and the field data collection node, and a liftable communication platform with optical fiber that simultaneously communicates with the field data collection node and the manned base.
[0014] The data relay device is a quadrupedal mobile platform, tracked robot, or wheeled unmanned vehicle that can move between the astronomical telescope array and the field data collection node to transmit data, or a data transmission line that connects the astronomical telescope array and the field data collection node to transmit data.
[0015] The liftable communication platform communicates with the ground control terminal of the manned base via fiber optic cable and wirelessly with the field data aggregation node, and the liftable communication platform is powered by the manned base.
[0016] The number of the liftable communication platform is one, which is suspended above the manned base; or, the number of the liftable communication platform is multiple, and multiple liftable communication platforms are stationed together in different areas.
[0017] The liftable communication platform is connected to the manned base via a photoelectric composite cable, or via a separate power cable and independent optical cable, or via a photoelectric composite cable and laser / microwave stabilization and alignment compensation.
[0018] The liftable communication platform can be a fiber optic drone, a cabled airship, a balloon platform, a liftable communication tower, or a flexible, stretchable mast.
[0019] The astronomical telescope array comprises multiple data acquisition units with identical structures but located at different positions; each data acquisition unit is equipped with a receiver, a data collector, and a recorder, as well as a first temporary data storage device and a first data transmission module; the data relay device is equipped with a second temporary data storage device, a camera, and a second data transmission module; the second data transmission module includes a second Bluetooth module and a second wireless local area network transceiver; the field data aggregation node comprises a third data transmission module, a third temporary data storage device, and an electronic control device; the third data transmission module includes a third Bluetooth module and a third wireless local area network transceiver; the liftable communication platform is equipped with a fourth data transmission module and a fourth temporary data storage device; the fourth data transmission module includes a fourth Bluetooth module and a fourth wireless local area network transceiver; the manned base is equipped with a fifth data transmission module and a fifth temporary data storage device; the fifth data transmission module includes a fifth Bluetooth module and a fifth wireless local area network transceiver.
[0020] On the other hand, this utility model provides an unmanned astronomical observatory data collection system, including a manned base, an astronomical telescope array, and a liftable communication platform with optical fiber that is simultaneously connected to the astronomical telescope array and the manned base.
[0021] The liftable communication platform communicates with the manned base via fiber optic cable and directly with multiple data acquisition units of the astronomical telescope array via wireless communication. The liftable communication platform is powered by the manned base.
[0022] The liftable communication platform can be a fiber optic drone, a cabled airship, a balloon platform, a liftable communication tower, or a flexible, stretchable mast.
[0023] This invention relates to an unattended astronomical observatory data collection system. By replacing traditional wireless drones with a fiber-optic tethered, liftable communication platform, or by using it in conjunction with data transmission lines and quadrupedal mobile platforms, the system can stably establish data communication links in areas with complex terrain. This eliminates the need for frequent drone takeoffs and landings, overcomes endurance issues, greatly reduces reliance on manual labor, and improves system stability, security, and data transmission efficiency. It meets the continuous data collection needs of field observatories in unattended conditions and is particularly suitable for field observatory environments with long-term observation missions and high-security data transmission requirements. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the unattended astronomical observatory data collection system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the unattended astronomical observatory data collection system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the unattended astronomical observatory data collection system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0027] This invention provides an unmanned astronomical observatory data collection system, used to transmit raw observation data (such as celestial images, spectral data, and station equipment status information) collected by astronomical telescope arrays from remote unmanned stations to manned base data centers. This achieves automated data collection in harsh terrain, reduces human intervention, and improves transmission stability and security. The raw observation data specifically includes: high-resolution astronomical images / videos of celestial bodies (extremely large data volume, requiring high bandwidth), time-series spectral observation data (such as changes in stellar brightness and radio signals), and station equipment status information (temperature, humidity, power status, etc.).
[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the unmanned astronomical observatory data collection system includes: a manned base 10, a field data collection node 20, an astronomical telescope array 30, a quadrupedal mobile platform 40 that can move between the astronomical telescope array 30 and the field data collection node 20 and transmit data, and an optical fiber drone 50 that is simultaneously connected to the field data collection node 20 and the manned base 10.
[0029] The field data aggregation node 20 is a fixed or semi-fixed device deployed near the manned base 10, capable of data acquisition, relay, preliminary storage, processing, and uploading / forwarding. The field data aggregation node 20 typically includes a data interface module, a processing module, a storage module, a communication module, and a power management module.
[0030] In this embodiment, a manned base 10 is used to collect raw observation data from at least one unmanned station. An unmanned station typically includes an astronomical telescope array 30 and one or more field data collection nodes 20. The astronomical telescope array 30 includes multiple data acquisition units with identical structures but located at different positions. Each data acquisition unit is equipped with a receiver, a data collector, a recorder, a first temporary data storage device, and a first data transmission module. Thus, multiple data acquisition units cover a wider observation area, improve accuracy, increase fault tolerance, and support multi-band acquisition. The receiver receives radio signals (antenna + amplification); the data collector converts the radio signals into digital data; the recorder stores the acquired digital data in the first temporary data storage device for later uploading. The first data transmission module includes a first Bluetooth module and a first wireless local area network transceiver.
[0031] Typically, not every data acquisition unit of the astronomical telescope array 30 corresponds to a field data aggregation node 20. In most cases, one field data aggregation node 20 serves multiple data acquisition units. Depending on distance and layout, modular management can also be achieved by assigning one field data aggregation node 20 to each data acquisition unit. The minimum number of field data aggregation nodes 20 required for an unattended station depends on the scale and deployment density of the station; the number of field data aggregation nodes 20 is directly proportional to link bandwidth, telescope density, and maintenance capabilities. Each field data aggregation node 20 includes a third data transmission module, a third temporary data storage device, and an electronic control device. The third data transmission module includes a third Bluetooth module and a third wireless LAN transceiver. The electronic control device controls the power management and module scheduling of the field data aggregation node 20, ensuring efficient and low-power data transmission, reception, and storage control under unattended field conditions. Specific functions of the electronic control device include power scheduling, module switch management, status monitoring and fault response, wake-up, and communication process coordination, thereby ensuring the long-term reliable operation of the data aggregation node 20 in complex environments.
[0032] The quadrupedal mobile platform 40 can move flexibly in complex and varied terrains, connecting the astronomical telescope array 30 and the field data collection node 20 to achieve high-efficiency data transmission. The quadrupedal mobile platform 40 not only adapts to complex outdoor environments but also quickly adapts to different terrains, greatly improving the efficiency and security of data transmission.
[0033] The quadrupedal mobile platform 40 is equipped with a second temporary data storage device, a camera, and a second data transmission module. The second data transmission module includes a second Bluetooth module and a second wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver. The camera assists the platform in positioning, identifying target devices, and acquiring images of the operating environment. The Bluetooth module enables low-power, short-range communication for device wake-up, identity verification, and emergency transmission. The WLAN transceiver handles high-bandwidth data communication. This dual-transmission system of the second data transmission module improves the communication efficiency and robustness between the quadrupedal mobile platform 40 and the astronomical telescope array 30, adapting to various complex field environments.
[0034] In this embodiment, there is one fiber optic drone 50, which hovers above the manned base 10. It communicates with the ground control terminal of the manned base 10 via fiber optic cable and wirelessly with the field data aggregation node 20, serving as a fixed aerial data transmission relay. The fiber optic drone 50 is powered by the manned base 10. The fiber optic drone 50 is a fiber optic composite cable drone, connected to the manned base 10 via a fiber optic composite cable 60. The fiber optic drone achieves stable power supply and high-speed fiber optic communication through the fiber optic composite cable 60, eliminating endurance bottlenecks and transmission interruption issues. It also avoids various interferences that may be encountered with traditional radio communication, effectively replacing relay mobile drones. It features long-term stable hovering, high transmission security, and strong terrain adaptability. The fiber optic drone 50 is equipped with a fourth data transmission module and a fourth temporary data storage device. The fourth data transmission module includes a fourth Bluetooth module and a fourth wireless LAN transceiver. The Bluetooth module enables low-power short-range communication for device wake-up, identity verification, and emergency transmission; the wireless LAN transceiver handles high-bandwidth data communication. Therefore, the design of the fiber optic UAV 50 fully considers the special environment of remote areas. It is highly adaptable, easy to operate, and can complete complex data transmission tasks without human intervention.
[0035] The manned base 10 is equipped with a fifth data transmission module and a fifth temporary data storage device; the fifth data transmission module includes a fifth Bluetooth module and a fifth wireless LAN transceiver; the Bluetooth module enables low-power short-range communication and is used for device wake-up, identity verification and emergency transmission; the wireless LAN transceiver undertakes high-bandwidth data communication tasks.
[0036] Therefore, the astronomical telescope array 30, the field data collection node 20, and the manned base 10 have local wireless (such as WLAN) functions, which enables efficient data collection and uploading, so that the data can be efficiently uploaded to the fiber optic drone 50, the quadrupedal mobile platform 40, and the maintenance personnel terminal, etc.
[0037] The unattended astronomical observatory data collection system of this invention solves the following technical problems:
[0038] 1. This invention solves the problems of short flight time and uninterrupted missions of wireless drones, optimizing energy consumption management and improving operational continuity. Specifically, this invention uses a fiber-optic tethered drone powered by a photoelectric composite cable, breaking through the limitations of traditional battery life. It can achieve long-term continuous hovering and stable operation without frequent battery replacements or takeoffs and landings, thus meeting the data transmission needs of long-term, continuous observation missions at field stations and significantly improving system continuity and practicality.
[0039] 2. This invention addresses the interference of complex terrain on wireless communication, improving communication stability and mitigating information security risks during data transmission, thereby enhancing security. The fiber-optic tethered UAV utilizes a photoelectric composite cable to establish a high-bandwidth, low-error-rate wired communication link. It possesses inherent electromagnetic isolation and anti-eavesdropping capabilities, effectively avoiding terrain obstruction and electromagnetic interference. This enables high-bandwidth, low-latency, and interference-resistant data communication, improving the stability and reliability of the communication link and significantly enhancing the system's information security level, making it suitable for highly confidential environments.
[0040] 3. This invention addresses the issues of complex wireless network maintenance and poor reliability in unattended stations. By deploying a fixed fiber optic ground station at one end of the base, coupled with a stable hovering fiber optic UAV, it replaces the traditional wireless network. This reduces intermediate relay nodes and supports data transmission from the astronomical telescope array directly or via data aggregation nodes back to the base, reducing system complexity and improving overall reliability. The system architecture is simple, the communication link is controllable, reducing the maintenance burden on field equipment and improving long-term maintainability and reliability.
[0041] 4. High labor costs for maintenance. Because data can be transmitted on a scheduled and fixed-point basis via fiber optic drones, the fiber optic drone system has a simple structure, a fixed and reliable core communication link, and is easy to install and maintain on the ground. It is suitable for long-term operation of field observation stations, and maintenance work has shifted from manual inspections to remote monitoring and regular maintenance, significantly reducing labor and maintenance costs. The use of fiber optic drones reduces the need for traditional microwave / fiber optic cable laying, correspondingly reducing engineering costs and subsequent maintenance costs.
[0042] 5. Addressing data transmission instability and improving communication stability. This invention constructs a hierarchical collaborative data acquisition architecture among the astronomical telescope array, field data aggregation nodes, and fiber optic drones, enhancing overall reliability and scalability. Furthermore, by deploying a quadrupedal mobile platform and fiber optic drones at astronomical observatories in remote areas, the system effectively solves the problem of communication instability, enabling rapid and secure transmission of massive amounts of field observation data, thereby significantly improving the work efficiency and data utilization of the observatories. The quadrupedal mobile platform can move rapidly between the astronomical telescope array and the field data aggregation nodes, or communicate between them using fiber optic data lines. This allows for effective data transfer and edge data aggregation between the astronomical telescope array and the field data aggregation nodes, achieving air-to-ground collaboration and greatly improving the flexibility and efficiency of data transmission. Compared to traditional physical cables or microwave transmission, the use of the quadrupedal mobile platform not only increases transmission speed but also significantly reduces transmission obstacles caused by terrain and other external factors. After being collected by the quadrupedal mobile platform, this data can be quickly transmitted back to the manned base via fiber optic drones. The use of fiber optic drones, especially those equipped with fiber optic cables, provides high-bandwidth, low-latency data transmission capabilities, significantly improving data transmission efficiency and reliability. Furthermore, compared to traditional wireless communication methods, fiber optic drones offer stronger anti-interference capabilities and higher data transmission rates, effectively reducing packet loss and error rates during data transmission. Simultaneously, the use of fiber optic drones greatly reduces data backhaul costs, particularly in remote areas, eliminating the need for extensive infrastructure construction and lowering overall operating costs.
[0043] In some embodiments, fiber optic drones can be used to directly connect to astronomical telescope arrays, reducing the number of relay hops and lowering the risk of latency and fault transmission.
[0044] Therefore, the unmanned astronomical observatory data collection system of this utility model replaces the traditional wireless drone with a fiber-optic tethered liftable communication platform, or uses it in conjunction with a data transmission line and a quadrupedal mobile platform. It can stably establish data communication links in areas with complex terrain (such as forests, rivers, and mountains), without the need for frequent drone take-offs and landings, overcomes the endurance problem, greatly reduces reliance on manual labor, and improves system stability, security, and data transmission efficiency. It meets the continuous data collection needs of field astronomical observatories in an unmanned state, and is particularly suitable for field astronomical observatory environments with long-cycle observation tasks and high-security data transmission requirements.
[0045] First embodiment (fiber optic UAV + quadrupedal mobile platform + field aggregation node):
[0046] As shown in Figure 1, according to the first embodiment of this utility model, a data collection system for an unmanned field observatory in a remote area includes a manned base 10, a field data collection node 20, an astronomical telescope array 30, a quadrupedal mobile platform 40 that can move between the astronomical telescope array 30 and the field data collection node 20 and transmit data, and an optical fiber drone 50 that communicates with both the field data collection node 20 and the manned base 10.
[0047] The astronomical telescope array 30 includes multiple data acquisition units with identical structures but located at different positions. Each data acquisition unit is equipped with a receiver, a data acquisition unit, a recorder, a first temporary data storage device, and a first data transmission module. Thus, multiple data acquisition units cover a wider observation area, improve accuracy, increase fault tolerance, and support multi-band acquisition. The receiver receives radio signals (antenna + amplification); the data acquisition unit converts the radio signals into digital data; the recorder stores the acquired digital data in the first temporary data storage device for later uploading. The first data transmission module includes a first Bluetooth module and a first wireless local area network transceiver.
[0048] The field data aggregation node 20 includes a third data transmission module, a third temporary data storage device, and an electronic control device. The third data transmission module includes a third Bluetooth module and a third wireless LAN transceiver. The electronic control device controls the power management and module scheduling of the field data aggregation node 20, ensuring efficient and low-power data transmission, reception, and storage control under unattended field conditions. Specific functions of the electronic control device include power supply scheduling, module switch management, status monitoring and fault response, wake-up and communication process coordination, thereby ensuring the long-term reliable operation of the data aggregation node 20 in complex environments.
[0049] The quadrupedal mobile platform 40 is equipped with a second temporary data storage device, a camera, and a second data transmission module. The second data transmission module includes a second Bluetooth module and a second wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver. The camera assists the platform in positioning, identifying target devices, and acquiring images of the operating environment. The Bluetooth module enables low-power, short-range communication for device wake-up, identity verification, and emergency transmission. The WLAN transceiver handles high-bandwidth data communication. This dual-transmission system of the second data transmission module improves the communication efficiency and robustness between the quadrupedal mobile platform 40 and the astronomical telescope array 30, adapting to various complex field environments.
[0050] A single fiber optic drone 50 hovers above the manned base 10, communicating with it via fiber optic cable and wirelessly with the field data aggregation node 20, serving as a fixed aerial data transmission relay. The fiber optic drone 50 is powered by the manned base 10. The drone connects to the base 10 via a fiber optic composite cable 60 (including power lines and optical fibers), enabling high-speed, stable, and real-time data communication with the field data aggregation node 20. It offers advantages such as long-term hovering, high-bandwidth transmission, and stable power supply, making it suitable for complex terrain and challenging long-distance communication environments. The fiber optic drone 50 is equipped with a fourth data transmission module and a fourth temporary data storage device. The fourth data transmission module includes a fourth Bluetooth module and a fourth wireless LAN transceiver. The Bluetooth module enables low-power short-range communication for device wake-up, authentication, and emergency transmission; the wireless LAN transceiver handles high-bandwidth data communication.
[0051] The manned base 10 is equipped with a fifth data transmission module and a fifth temporary data storage device; the fifth data transmission module includes a fifth Bluetooth module and a fifth wireless LAN transceiver; the Bluetooth module enables low-power short-range communication and is used for device wake-up, identity verification and emergency transmission; the wireless LAN transceiver undertakes high-bandwidth data communication tasks.
[0052] The working principle of this unattended astronomical observatory data collection system is as follows:
[0053] S1: Deploy field data collection nodes 20 near unattended stations;
[0054] S2: After each data acquisition unit of the astronomical telescope array 30 completes its observation, it stores the digital data in the first temporary data storage of that data acquisition unit.
[0055] S3: Quadrupedal mobile platform 4, ready to be deployed to field data collection node 20;
[0056] S4: The quadrupedal mobile platform 4 travels to the data acquisition unit of each astronomical telescope array 30 to acquire data via wireless communication.
[0057] S5: The quadrupedal mobile platform 4 returns to the data field data collection node 20 to transmit data to the data field data collection node 20 via wireless communication; or the astronomical telescope array 30 transmits data directly to the data field data collection node 20 via wireless communication.
[0058] S6: The fiber optic drone 50 hovers above the manned base 10 and establishes a wireless communication link with the field data collection node 20. It achieves high-speed and stable transmission through the fourth data transmission module and transmits the data to the manned base 10 in real time through the fiber optic composite cable 60 of the fiber optic drone 50.
[0059] Second embodiment (fiber optic drone + data transmission line + field aggregation node):
[0060] As shown in Figure 2, according to the second embodiment of this utility model, the data collection system for an unmanned field observatory in a remote area includes a manned base 10, a field data collection node 20, an astronomical telescope array 30, a data transmission line 70, and a fiber optic drone 50. The fiber optic drone 50 is a fiber optic composite cable drone, which is connected to the manned base 10 via a fiber optic composite cable 60. The astronomical telescope array 30 is connected to the field data collection node 20 via the data transmission line 70 (which is a field cable or optical fiber).
[0061] The astronomical telescope array 30 includes multiple data acquisition units with identical structures but located at different positions. Each data acquisition unit is equipped with a receiver, a data acquisition unit, a recorder, a first temporary data storage device, and a first data transmission module. Thus, multiple data acquisition units cover a wider observation area, improve accuracy, increase fault tolerance, and support multi-band acquisition. The receiver receives radio signals (antenna + amplification); the data acquisition unit converts the radio signals into digital data; the recorder stores the acquired digital data in the first temporary data storage device for later uploading. The first data transmission module includes a first Bluetooth module and a first wireless local area network transceiver.
[0062] The field data aggregation node 20 includes a third data transmission module, a third temporary data storage device, and an electronic control device. The third data transmission module includes a third Bluetooth module and a third wireless LAN transceiver. The electronic control device controls the power management and module scheduling of the field data aggregation node 20, ensuring efficient and low-power data transmission, reception, and storage control under unattended field conditions. Specific functions of the electronic control device include power supply scheduling, module switch management, status monitoring and fault response, wake-up and communication process coordination, thereby ensuring the long-term reliable operation of the data aggregation node 20 in complex environments.
[0063] The data transmission line 70 is used for data transfer between the astronomical telescope array 30 and the field data collection node 20. The data transmission line 70 is a fiber optic cable or electrical cable deployed in the field.
[0064] The fiber optic UAV 50 hovers above the manned base 10 and communicates in real-time with the ground control terminal of the manned base 10 via a fiber optic composite cable 60. It is responsible for transmitting data from the field data aggregation node 20 to the manned base 10. The fiber optic UAV 50 establishes a data channel between the field data aggregation node 20 and the manned base 10 and completes data transmission. The fiber optic UAV 50 simultaneously provides power and data transmission via the fiber optic composite cable 60, offering high communication speeds, immunity to wireless interference, and suitability for data transmission missions in harsh terrain.
[0065] The fiber optic UAV 50 is equipped with a fourth data transmission module and a fourth temporary data storage device; the fourth data transmission module includes a fourth Bluetooth module and a fourth wireless local area network transceiver; the Bluetooth module enables low-power short-range communication and is used for device wake-up, identity verification and emergency transmission; the wireless local area network transceiver undertakes high-bandwidth data communication tasks.
[0066] The manned base 10 is equipped with a fifth data transmission module and a fifth temporary data storage device; the fifth data transmission module includes a fifth Bluetooth module and a fifth wireless LAN transceiver; the Bluetooth module enables low-power short-range communication and is used for device wake-up, identity verification and emergency transmission; the wireless LAN transceiver undertakes high-bandwidth data communication tasks.
[0067] The working principle of this unattended astronomical observatory data collection system is as follows:
[0068] S1: Field data collection node 20 is located in the observation center area;
[0069] S2: After the data acquisition unit completes the observation, it transmits the data to node 5 through data transmission line 70;
[0070] S3: The fiber optic drone 50 takes off and hovers above the manned base 10. The fiber optic drone 50 communicates wirelessly with the data field data collection node 20 to collect all data.
[0071] S4: After the data collection is completed, the fiber optic drone 50 will transmit the data back to the manned base 10 via fiber optic wired communication, where it will be received and stored by the fifth data transmission module of the manned base 10.
[0072] Third embodiment (fiber optic drone directly connected to astronomical telescope array):
[0073] As shown in Figure 3, according to the third embodiment of this utility model, a data collection system for an unmanned field observatory in a remote area includes a manned base 10, an astronomical telescope array 30, and a liftable communication platform with optical fiber that is simultaneously connected to the astronomical telescope array 30 and the manned base 10.
[0074] In this embodiment, the field data collection node 20 is eliminated. Instead, the fiber optic UAV 50 takes off directly from the manned base 10 and hovers above the manned base 10 to poll the data acquisition units of the astronomical telescope array 30 for data acquisition and transmission.
[0075] The astronomical telescope array 30 includes multiple data acquisition units with identical structures but located at different positions. Each data acquisition unit is equipped with a receiver, a data acquisition unit, a recorder, a first temporary data storage device, and a first data transmission module. Thus, multiple data acquisition units cover a wider observation area, improve accuracy, increase fault tolerance, and support multi-band acquisition. The receiver receives radio signals (antenna + amplification); the data acquisition unit converts the radio signals into digital data; the recorder stores the acquired digital data in the first temporary data storage device for later uploading. The first data transmission module includes a first Bluetooth module and a first wireless local area network transceiver.
[0076] The fiber optic UAV 50 hovers above the manned base 10. The UAV 50 communicates with the manned base 10 via fiber optic cable and directly with multiple data acquisition units of the astronomical telescope array 30, serving as a fixed aerial data transmission relay to replace the function of the field data aggregation node 20. This results in a simpler system structure, a more stable communication link, and easier maintenance, making it suitable for small- to medium-scale or flexibly deployed astronomical array applications. The fiber optic UAV 50 connects to the manned base 10 via a fiber-optic composite cable 60 (including power lines and optical fibers), enabling high-speed, stable, and real-time data communication with the field data aggregation node 20. It offers advantages such as long-term hovering, high-bandwidth transmission, and stable power supply, making it suitable for complex terrain and challenging long-distance communication environments. The fiber optic UAV 50 is equipped with a fourth data transmission module and a fourth temporary data storage device. The fourth data transmission module includes a fourth Bluetooth module and a fourth wireless LAN transceiver. The Bluetooth module enables low-power short-range communication for device wake-up, authentication, and emergency transmission; the wireless LAN transceiver handles high-bandwidth data communication.
[0077] The manned base 10 is equipped with a fifth data transmission module and a fifth temporary data storage device; the fifth data transmission module includes a fifth Bluetooth module and a fifth wireless LAN transceiver; the Bluetooth module enables low-power short-range communication and is used for device wake-up, identity verification and emergency transmission; the wireless LAN transceiver undertakes high-bandwidth data communication tasks.
[0078] When the distance between the astronomical telescope array 30 and the fiber optic drone 50 is less than 500 meters: if the line of sight is good and there are no obstacles, the field data collection node 20 does not need to be set up; when the distance between the astronomical telescope array 30 and the drone 50 is between 500 meters and 2 kilometers: it is recommended not to set up the field data collection node 20 and use the fiber optic drone 50, or to set up the field data collection node 20; when the distance between the astronomical telescope array 30 and the drone 50 is greater than 2 kilometers or the terrain is complex: it is strongly recommended to use the fiber optic drone 50.
[0079] The working principle of this unattended astronomical observatory data collection system is as follows:
[0080] S1: Fiber optic UAV 50 takes off from manned base 10 and is tethered to the fiber optic composite cable;
[0081] S2: It does not need to cross terrain obstacles, and its flight range covers the astronomical telescope array;
[0082] S3: The fiber optic UAV polls and accesses each acquisition unit (1, 2, 3) 50 times, and collects data through wireless connection or short-range interface;
[0083] S4: The collected data is directly transmitted back to the manned base 10 via optical fiber, and the fifth data module completes the reception and recording.
[0084] In addition to the technical solution of the fiber-optic tethered UAV proposed in this utility model, there are several other feasible alternative solutions in other embodiments. These solutions can be regarded as reasonable modifications or equivalent technologies of this utility model without departing from the basic concept of this utility model:
[0085] 1. Alternative solution for fiber optic composite cables:
[0086] The optoelectronic composite cable 70 (i.e., a composite cable and optical cable) can be replaced with a separate cable + independent optical cable (physically separated); or the optoelectronic composite cable can use a high-strength, ultra-light, flexible optical cable + laser / microwave stable alignment compensation as an enhanced communication method.
[0087] Among them, replacing the optical fiber composite cable 70 with a cable and laser-to-ground communication or directional microwave communication: although not as stable as optical fiber, in specific short-range airspace, a high-bandwidth communication link can also be established by using an optical fiber UAV 50 carrying a directional laser transmitter / receiver device, combined with a manned base 10.
[0088] 2. Alternatives to the fiber optic drone 50:
[0089] The fiber optic drone 50 can be replaced with a tethered airship, balloon platform, or other liftable communication platform equipped with fiber optics. These platforms offer longer loiter time, greater stability, and can also function as communication nodes. Alternatively, the fiber optic drone 50 can be replaced with other liftable communication platforms equipped with fiber optics, such as liftable communication towers or flexible masts integrated with fiber optic cable systems, suitable for semi-fixed sites. However, these replacement options require quarterly maintenance by base personnel.
[0090] 3. Alternative to the quadrupedal mobile platform 40:
[0091] The quadrupedal mobile platform 40 can be replaced with other data relay devices, such as a data transmission line connecting the astronomical telescope array 30 and the field data collection node 20 for data transfer, or a tracked robot, wheeled unmanned vehicle, or other mobile device that can move between the astronomical telescope array 30 and the field data collection node 20 for data transfer, to adapt to different terrain conditions. Furthermore, the computing unit of the field data collection node 20 can be embedded into the acquisition unit of the astronomical telescope array 30 to form an edge computing terminal, eliminating the need for a relay at the field data collection node 20 and achieving point-to-point direct connection and batch data backhaul between the edge computing terminal and the fiber optic telescope.
[0092] 4. Multi-fiber drones collaboratively construct an aerial fiber optic network:
[0093] In other embodiments, multiple fiber optic drones 50 are used, coordinating their presence over different areas to connect different astronomical telescope arrays 30 with the same manned base 10, forming an aerial "Y"-shaped or "tree-like" link structure to support the deployment of large-scale observatories. Furthermore, in the event of a fiber optic drone failure, a backup fiber optic drone 50 or a ground communication backup link can take over, achieving fault-tolerant operation control.
[0094] In other embodiments, the fiber optic composite cable 60 of the fiber optic drone 50 includes a portion of concealed optical cable (such as buried or laid close to the ground) and a portion of suspended optical cable, enabling the fiber optic drone to act as a remote link extension and effectively cope with changes in the ground environment.
[0095] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various variations can be made to the above embodiments of this utility model. All simple and equivalent changes and modifications made based on the claims and description of this utility model application fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model patent. Any aspects not described in detail in this utility model are conventional technical content.
Claims
1. A data collection system for an unattended astronomical observatory, characterized in that, include: The system includes a manned base, a field data collection node, an astronomical telescope array, a data relay device for transmitting data between the astronomical telescope array and the field data collection node, and a liftable communication platform with fiber optic cables that simultaneously communicates with both the field data collection node and the manned base.
2. The unattended astronomical observatory data collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data relay device is a quadrupedal mobile platform, tracked robot, or wheeled unmanned vehicle that can move between the astronomical telescope array and the field data collection node to transmit data, or a data transmission line that connects the astronomical telescope array and the field data collection node to transmit data.
3. The unattended astronomical observatory data collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liftable communication platform communicates with the ground control terminal of the manned base via fiber optic cable and wirelessly with the field data aggregation node, and the liftable communication platform is powered by the manned base.
4. The unattended astronomical observatory data collection system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of the liftable communication platform is one, which is suspended above the manned base; or, the number of the liftable communication platform is multiple, and multiple liftable communication platforms are stationed together in different areas.
5. The unattended astronomical observatory data collection system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The liftable communication platform is connected to the manned base via a photoelectric composite cable, or via a separate power cable and independent optical cable, or via a photoelectric composite cable and laser / microwave stabilization and alignment compensation.
6. The unattended astronomical observatory data collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liftable communication platform can be a fiber optic drone, a cabled airship, a balloon platform, a liftable communication tower, or a flexible, stretchable mast.
7. The unattended astronomical observatory data collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The astronomical telescope array includes multiple data acquisition units with identical structures but located at different positions; each data acquisition unit is equipped with a receiver, a data acquisition device, a recorder, a first temporary data storage device, and a first data transmission module; The data relay device is equipped with a second temporary data storage device, a camera, and a second data transmission module; the second data transmission module includes a second Bluetooth module and a second wireless local area network transceiver. The field data aggregation node includes a third data transmission module, a third temporary data storage device, and an electronic control device; the third data transmission module includes a third Bluetooth module and a third wireless local area network transceiver. The liftable communication platform is equipped with a fourth data transmission module and a fourth temporary data storage; the fourth data transmission module includes a fourth Bluetooth module and a fourth wireless local area network transceiver. The manned base is equipped with a fifth data transmission module and a fifth temporary data storage device; the fifth data transmission module includes a fifth Bluetooth module and a fifth wireless local area network transceiver.
8. A data collection system for an unattended astronomical observatory, characterized in that, It includes a manned base, an astronomical telescope array, and a liftable communication platform with fiber optic cables that communicates with both the astronomical telescope array and the manned base.
9. The unattended astronomical observatory data collection system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The liftable communication platform communicates with the manned base via fiber optic cable and directly with multiple data acquisition units of the astronomical telescope array via wireless communication. The liftable communication platform is powered by the manned base.
10. The unattended astronomical observatory data collection system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The liftable communication platform can be a fiber optic drone, a cabled airship, a balloon platform, a liftable communication tower, or a flexible, stretchable mast.