Multi-sensor system for legally compliant detection, localization and authentication of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in sensitive airspaces

Abstract

Multi-sensor system for legally compliant detection, localization and authentication of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including: a) at least one remote ID receiver, b) an RF spectrum analysis module, c) an acoustic and / or optical detection module, d) a central evaluation unit for triangulation, sensor fusion and plausibility checks, e) an authentication module for verifying the remote ID, f) a documentation and alerting module.

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of civil aviation security and the detection of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, drones) in sensitive or security-relevant airspaces, in particular at airports, industrial plants, railway stations, major events or critical infrastructure. 2. State of the art

[0002] Common drone detection systems are often based on single sensor types such as radar, optical surveillance, or the reception of remote ID signals. Many of these systems are expensive, prone to false alarms (e.g., from birds), or require the use of active countermeasures (jammers, GPS spoofing), which are legally inadmissible for private operators and many authorities in Germany and the EU.

[0003] Remote ID capture alone can be fooled by manipulated identifiers (spoofing), while acoustic or optical systems alone are not reliable enough. Legally sound evidence preservation is not guaranteed with many existing solutions. 3. Object of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a passive, cost-effective and legally compliant system with which drones and their control sources can be detected, located, authenticated and documented in real time.

[0005] At the same time, it should enable clear forensic evidence without violating radio law or air traffic law. 4. Solution to the problem (invention)

[0006] This task is solved by a modular multi-sensor system that combines several independent sensor types, fuses their signals, and generates reliable drone detection with legally compliant documentation in real time.

[0007] The system includes in particular: 1. Remote ID receiver, designed for passive reception of EU remote ID signals (BLE / Wi-Fi), for capturing position and identification data of UAS. 2. RF spectrum analysis module, designed for passive detection of control connections in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz range using SDR or comparable technology, for rough direction finding of active control sources. 3. Acoustic module, consisting of a microphone array, for detecting characteristic propeller noises and acoustic localization. 4. Optical module, for example a camera unit, for visual confirmation and classification. 5. Triangulation and sensor fusion module that evaluates and combines the signals from all the aforementioned sensors and calculates position and authenticity information for both the drone and a possible ground station. 6. Authentication module that checks received remote ID signals for plausibility by comparing sent position data with actual motion dynamics, RF bearing and sensor fusion to detect spoofing or forgeries. 7. Documentation and alarm module that records all sensor data in a legally compliant manner (e.g. with timestamp, GPS coordinates and digital signature) and automatically generates official notifications in a standardized format when a threat is detected.

[0008] The system operates completely passively, requires no transmission authorizations and does not violate Section 149 of the German Telecommunications Act (TKG) or other regulations on the prohibition of radio interference. 5. Example of implementation

[0009] In the simplest case, several compact sensor boxes are distributed around an area to be protected (e.g., an airport). Each box contains a remote ID receiver, an RF module, and a microphone array. The data is transmitted via a local network to a central server, which performs triangulation, fusion, and authentication.

[0010] The system detects a drone, verifies the authenticity of the remote ID, triangulates its position, and automatically documents the incident. A police station can then be notified in real time. 6. Advantages of the invention • Can be used passively and in compliance with the law. • Reduced false alarm rate through sensor fusion. • Authentication prevents deception through fake remote IDs. Page 1: Supplement to the description

[0011] Legally valid documentation of the recorded events through the use of digital signatures and tamper-proof timestamps.

[0012] Modular design of the system, which allows for cost-effective scaling depending on the size of the area to be monitored.

[0013] The system can be used for airports, industrial plants, security services and police authorities.

Claims

[1] Multi-sensor system for legally compliant detection, localization and authentication of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), comprising: a) at least one remote ID receiver, b) an RF spectrum analysis module, c) an acoustic and / or optical detection module, d) a central evaluation unit for triangulation, sensor fusion and plausibility checks, e) an authentication module for verifying the remote ID, f) a documentation and alerting module. [2] 2. System according to claim 1, characterized by , that several sensor boxes are used in different positions, whose sensor data are synchronized and fused in the evaluation unit. [3] 3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the evaluation unit evaluates the arrival time differences, frequency shifts and level ratios to determine the position of the UAS. [4] 4. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the evaluation unit detects and documents evidence of manipulation attempts (e.g., falsified telemetry). [5] 5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the documentation includes legally admissible timestamps.

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