Fiber optic control system for unmanned aerial vehicles

Abstract

A fiber optic control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle, operating according to a data transmission protocol and comprising a ground-based transmit module and a fiber optic receiver module attached to the unmanned aerial vehicle, both modules being interconnected via a fiber optic cable, wherein the transmit module comprises a fiber optic transmitter, a remote control connected to the fiber optic transmitter via a first interface converter, and video goggles directly connected to the fiber optic transmitter, wherein the fiber optic receiver module comprises a fiber optic receiver and a coil with a fiber optic cable, wherein the fiber optic transmitter is connected to the fiber optic cable via a first connector, the other end of which is connected to the fiber optic receiver via a second connector, the first output of which is connected to the flight controller of the unmanned aerial vehicle via a second interface converter.while the second output is directly connected to the video transmission point of the unmanned aerial vehicle via the flight controller, characterized in that hardware interface converters RS485↔TTL are used.

Description

[0001] The utility model belongs to the field of fiber optic communication, more precisely to communication equipment, and can be used with various types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ground stations in the military, civil and industrial sectors.

[0002] Most modern UAVs, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), use radio communication. For this purpose, the control panel and the UAV are equipped with radios that transmit commands, video signals, and data. The disadvantage of this type of control is its susceptibility to interference from natural sources and the influence of electronic warfare (EW) systems [https: / / topwar.ru / 253973-otechestvennye-bpla-s-upravleniem-po-optovolokonnomu-kabelju.html].

[0003] An alternative to radio communication is fiber optic communication – a type of telecommunication using light pulses injected into an optical fiber. These pulses create an electromagnetic medium suitable for transmitting information when signal modulation is applied [https: / / de.wikipedia.org / wiki / Glasfaser].

[0004] The advantages of fiber optic connections are their insensitivity to external influences (e.g. temperature) and their resistance to interference, i.e., their insensitivity to electronic warfare methods, as well as their high speed and signal transmission quality.

[0005] A typical fiber optic access system comprises a fiber optic transmitter connected to an optical receiver via a fiber optic cable. The optical transmitter converts the electronic signal containing the information into an optical signal, which is then transmitted via the fiber optic cable to the receiver. The receiver converts the optical signal back into an electronic signal so that the information can be recovered and transmitted to its destination. The system typically also handles control and monitoring [https: / / www.oreilly.com / library / view / broadbandoptical-access / 9780470922675 / OEBPS / c02.htm, https: / / dzen.ru / a / ZfGcFGNd9lHky-9n].

[0006] A known fiber optic communication system for aircraft, comprising a light source capable of generating light, an optical receiver-transmitter connected to the light source to receive light from it, the optical receiver including a control input and a reflector, a light detector, and a fiber optic cable connected to the receiver and the light detector; wherein the receiver-transmitter is designed to generate an amplitude-modulated light signal by selectively reflecting the light received from the light source into the fiber optic cable by means of a reflector; wherein the light detector is designed to receive an amplitude-modulated light signal from the fiber optic cable and determine the amplitude of this signal for information acquisition;wherein the reflector is arranged to selectively reflect the light received from the light source, and with the possibility of movement or blocking to generate an amplitude-modulated light signal [US 10447397 B2, IPC: B64D 47 / 00, G02B 6 / 35, H04B 10 / 25, H04B 10 / 40, H04B 10 / 54, H04B 10 / 80, G02B 6 / 42, H04B 10 / 2587, H04B 10 / 67, B64C 13 / 24, H04B 7 / 185, 15.10.2019].;

[0007] The components of this system are located in different areas within the aircraft; the system has considerable dimensions and requires a light source, making it unsuitable for use with UAVs.

[0008] Known optical-fiber optic remote control system comprising an aircraft, an external power source, a transmission line, a fiber optic cable, and a remote control; the aircraft comprises a fuselage, an electric propeller or rotor, a computerized flight control system, and electrical equipment; the computerized flight control system comprises a satellite tracking terminal, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a pressure sensor, and a gyroscope, as well as a group of more than two transmission lines forming a circuit with the aircraft's external power source and electrical equipment; and includes a fiber optic cable for communication between the aircraft and the outside world [CN 205060035 U, IPC: B64F1 / 00, H02J7 / 00; 02.03.2016].

[0009] The disadvantages of this system lie in its increased technological complexity, resulting from the location of the fiber optic cable drum on the ground and the presence of additional nodes for power supply, which makes its use under combat conditions more difficult.

[0010] Today, the use of unmanned, unidirectional combat aircraft—so-called "kamikaze drones"—is widespread for defeating enemy forces and facilities. Fiber optic connections are also used in this sector.

[0011] The well-known fiber optic control system for multicopters “Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky” includes a receiver module installed under the frame of the UAV and a transmitter module located at the ground station, connected to each other via a fiber optic cable: [https: / / vpk.name / news / 943342_srazheniya_na_provode_pochemu_dron_knyaz_vandal _stal_ otkrytiem_svo.html; https: / / amalantra.ru / fpv-dron-vandal / ; https: / / svpressa.ru / war21 / article / 437955 / ; https: / / www1.ru / news / 2024 / 09 / 11 / 17-tysiac-dollarov-za-stuku-bulgarian-military-zaiavilo - o-zakupkax-rossiei-kitaiskix-fpv-dronov.html].

[0012] The disadvantages of this UAV's communication system are the use of non-standardized, low-quality components and outdated modifications, which affects the quality and speed of signal transmission.

[0013] The well-known series of multicopters with fiber optic control – “Hizhak REB-off” (10 / 5000 REB-off”, “Hizhak 10 / 10000 REB-off”, “Hizhak 13 / 10000 REB-off”). [https: / / www.3dtech.com.ua / catalog].

[0014] The control systems for fiber optic connections in the present and previous models are nearly identical. Such a system operates according to a data transmission protocol and comprises a ground-based transmitter module and a receiver module installed on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Both modules are connected via a fiber optic cable wound on a spool mounted on the UAV. The transmitter module includes a remote control connected to the fiber optic transmitter via a first interface converter, as well as video goggles directly connected to the fiber optic transmitter.The transmitter is connected to the fiber optic cable via the first connector, the other end of which is connected to the fiber optic receiver via the second connector, the first output of which is connected to the UAV's flight controller via the second interface converter, and the second output of which is connected directly to the UAV's video transmission station via the flight controller.

[0015] This system was chosen as the closest analogue.

[0016] The nearest equivalent and the claimed system have the following similarities: - The system operates according to a data transmission protocol. - The system comprises a transmitting module and a fiber optic receiving module, which are installed on an unmanned aerial vehicle and connected to each other via a fiber optic cable. - The transmission module includes a remote control connected to the fiber optic transmitter via a first interface converter, and video goggles connected directly to the fiber optic transmitter. - The fiber optic transmitter is connected to the fiber optic cable via the first connector, the other end of which is connected to the fiber optic receiver via the second connector. - The first output of the fiber optic receiver is connected to the UAV's flight controller via the second interface converter, while the second output is connected directly to the UAV's video transmission unit via the flight controller.

[0017] The disadvantages of the next analogue also include the use of non-standardized, low-quality components and outdated modifications, which affects the quality and speed of signal transmission, as well as high manufacturing costs and difficulties in production and operation.

[0018] Yes, RS232 is currently the most widely used interface converter. Its use ensures a high signal level, but its disadvantages are a low data transmission rate (up to 20 kbit / s), low interference immunity (susceptibility to cophase interference), and short transmission distances (maximum 50 m, in practice up to 15 m).

[0019] The basis of the utility model is the task of creating a fiber optic system for controlling unmanned aircraft, in which the use of standardized series assemblies and modern components simplifies manufacturing and operation, reduces costs, shortens signal delay time, increases data transmission speed and extends data transmission range.

[0020] The task was solved by a fiber optic control system for unmanned aircraft, which operates according to a data transmission protocol and includes a ground-based transmit module and a fiber optic receiver module that is installed on the unmanned aircraft and connected to the transmit module via a fiber optic cable.wherein the transmitting module comprises a fiber optic transmitter, a remote control connected to the fiber optic transmitter via a first interface converter, and video goggles directly connected to the fiber optic transmitter, wherein the fiber optic receiving module comprises a fiber optic receiver and a coil with a fiber optic cable, wherein the fiber optic transmitter is connected to the fiber optic cable via a first connector, the other end of which is connected to the fiber optic receiver via a second connector, the first output of which is connected to the flight controller of the unmanned aircraft via a second interface converter, and the second output of which is connected via the flight controller directly to the video transmission point of the unmanned aircraft, wherein RS485↔TTL interface converters are used.

[0021] The unidirectional communication protocol SBUS is used for data transmission.

[0022] The claimed utility model is explained with reference to the drawing, wherein: Fig. - Block diagram of the claimed control system; Fig. - unmanned aircraft (quadcopter). Labels on the drawing: 1 fiber optic transmitter module; 2 fiber optic receiving modules; 3 remote controls; 4 video glasses; 5 fiber optic transmitters; 6. First hardware converter for RS485↔TTL interfaces; 7 fiber optic cables; 8 fiber optic receivers; 9 Second hardware converter for RS485↔TTL interfaces; 10 Flight control; 11 frames; 12 video camera unit; 13 Electric motor; 14 propellers; 15 fastening system; 16 microcomputers; 17 Accumulator; 18 Positioning module; 19 containers for the warhead; 20 protective housings for the coil with fiber optic cable.

[0023] The fiber optic control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle includes (see Fig. ) a ground transmission module 1 and a receiving module 2, which are connected to each other via a fiber optic cable 7 and are installed on the unmanned aerial vehicle (see Fig. ).

[0024] The transmission module 1 comprises a control panel 3, video goggles 4, and a fiber optic transmitter 5. The control panel 3 is connected to the fiber optic transmitter 5 via the first hardware interface converter 6. The video goggles 4 are connected directly to the fiber optic transmitter 5.

[0025] The fiber optic receiving module 2 comprises a fiber optic receiver 8 and a coil with a fiber optic cable 7 with a winding mechanism, which is housed in a protective casing 20.

[0026] The fiber optic transmitter 5 is connected to the fiber optic cable 7 via the first connector (not shown in the drawing). The opposite end of the cable is connected to the fiber optic receiver 8 via the second connector (not shown in the drawing). The first output of the receiver is connected to the UAV's flight controller 10 via the second hardware interface converter 9, and the second output is connected directly to the UAV's video transmission unit via the flight controller 10 (not specifically labeled in the drawing).

[0027] Interfaces 6 and 9 use RS485↔TTL as a hardware converter.

[0028] The RS-485 interface converter features a multi-drop operating mode and can connect up to 32 devices (up to 256 with repeaters) to a single communication line. This makes it possible to create systems with a large number of devices without the need for additional cables and equipment. Devices connected to the RS-485 interface can be powered by a single power source with a voltage of 5 to 24 V. By using a differential signal, RS-485 enables data transmission over long distances. Data transmission rate: up to 9600 bits / s at a distance of up to 1200 m (maximum distance: up to 3000 m). Another advantage of this interface converter is its high interference immunity.

[0029] A fiber optic cable 7 is used in a sheath with a thickness of 0.25–0.4 mm, wound onto a special disposable reel 20. The reel is located in a special protective housing 20 with a neck at the rear, which ensures even distribution of the cable and prevents it from becoming tangled and entering the UAV's propellers. The reel is designed to unwind the fiber optic cable 7 under its own weight after the UAV takes off. In this case, the reel does not rotate during the UAV's movement; the fiber optic cable 7 slides freely off it. An optical connector (e.g., FC, not shown in the drawing) is installed at each end of the fiber optic cable 7 to connect a transmit module and a receive module, respectively.

[0030] Fig. shows a multicopter controlled by the alleged system.

[0031] The multicopter comprises an aluminum frame 11, at each of the two extended ends of which (at each vertex of the conditional polygon) an electric motor 13 with a propeller 14 is mounted. A flight controller 10 is installed between the frame's fuselage plates 11. This controller is equipped with a speed controller (not shown as a separate element), connectors and outputs for connecting motors, servos, etc., position sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.), a barometer, etc., and a video transmitter, which is a digital video surveillance board (not shown as a separate element in the drawing). A video camera unit 12 and a positioning module 18 are installed on the outer front and connected to the flight controller 10. The video camera unit 12 is connected to the video surveillance board via the flight controller 10.Between the fuselage plates of the frame 11, a fiber optic receiver 8 (on the rear of the multicopter) is installed, which is housed in a protective enclosure (not shown as a separate part) and is equipped with a microcomputer 16 with special software that ensures that the task is carried out even in the event of a fiber optic cable break and that automatic guidance is guaranteed.

[0032] A battery 17 is attached to the frame 11 by means of a mounting system 15, and a spool containing a fiber optic cable (not marked with a separate position) and a winding mechanism is housed in a protective casing 20. A container for the warhead 19 is mounted above the frame 11.

[0033] A detonator (not shown in the drawing) of the warhead is connected to the flight controller 10.

[0034] To increase the flight range and reduce the weight of the coil, the fiber optic cable is used without braiding.

[0035] The alleged system works as follows.

[0036] The signal from the control panel 3 is sent via the first hardware interface converter 6 (RS485↔TTL) to the fiber optic transmitter 5 of the ground station (not shown in the drawing). The fiber optic transmitter 5 (first media converter) converts electrical signals into optical signals. The optical signal is transmitted via the fiber optic cable 7 to the fiber optic receiver 8 (second media converter) of the fiber optic receiving module 2, which converts the received optical signal into an electrical signal that is then forwarded via the second hardware interface converter 9 (RS485↔TTL) to the UAV flight controller 10.

[0037] Data transmission occurs over a single communication line in both directions (WDM technology). For communication lines ≥ 10 km in length, a single-mode fiber optic cable with a small-diameter core is used (the core diameter is 7–10 times larger than the wavelength of the transmitted light), with wavelengths of 1550 nm and 1310 nm. It is recommended to use G657 (A2, B3) grade optical fibers to ensure bending strength without loss of connection (when wound onto a reel).

[0038] For transmitting analog video, video cards with a bidirectional half-duplex data transmission channel using the RS485 serial protocol are employed. The standard data transmission rate is 115 kbit / s and the video signal delay is approximately 3 ms. A return-channel video receiver card is required for ground-based reception.

[0039] The SBUS protocol is used to transmit control signals from the control panel 3 to the UAV's flight controller 10. Telemetry data from the UAV to the ground control station is not transmitted digitally (the SBUS protocol is unidirectional); video data can be transmitted from the output of the flight controller 10 with OSD parameters displayed on the screen. The FastSBUS or PPM protocols can also be used for data transmission.

[0040] The fiber optic control system described was developed and manufactured by Anton Anatoliiowytsch Moholivets.

[0041] The test results confirmed the stated advantages of the system: - Low video signal delay - approx. 3 ms; - Low signal delay from the control point - up to approximately 10 ms; - Use of simple and inexpensive analog cameras is possible; - simple manufacturing and operation; - low costs, increased transmission speed; - greater data transmission range. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 10447397 B2

[0006] CN 205060035 U

[0008] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] https: / / topwar.ru / 253973-otechestvennye-bpla-s-upravleniem-po-optovolokonnomu-kabelju.html

[0002] https: / / de.wikipedia.org / wiki / Glasfaser

[0003] https: / / www.oreilly.com / library / view / broadbandoptical-access / 9780470922675 / OEBPS / c02.htm, https: / / dzen.ru / a / ZfGcFGNd9lHky-9n

[0005] https: / / vpk.name / news / 943342_srazheniya_na_provode_pochemu_dron_knyaz_vandal _stal_ otkrytiem_svo.html

[0011] https: / / amalantra.ru / fpv-dron-vandal / ; https: / / svpressa.ru / war21 / article / 437955 / ; https: / / www1.ru / news / 2024 / 09 / 11 / 17-tysiac-dollarov-za-stuku-bulgarian-military-zaiavilo - o-zakupkax-rossiei-kitaiskix-fpv-dronov.html

[0011] https: / / www. 3dtech.com.ua / catalog

[0013]

Claims

A fiber optic control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle, operating according to a data transmission protocol and comprising a ground-based transmit module and a fiber optic receiver module attached to the unmanned aerial vehicle, both modules being interconnected via a fiber optic cable, wherein the transmit module comprises a fiber optic transmitter, a remote control connected to the fiber optic transmitter via a first interface converter, and video goggles directly connected to the fiber optic transmitter, wherein the fiber optic receiver module comprises a fiber optic receiver and a coil with a fiber optic cable, wherein the fiber optic transmitter is connected to the fiber optic cable via a first connector, the other end of which is connected to the fiber optic receiver via a second connector, the first output of which is connected to the flight controller of the unmanned aerial vehicle via a second interface converter.while the second output is directly connected to the video transmission point of the unmanned aerial vehicle via the flight controller, characterized by the use of RS485↔TTL hardware interface converters. Fiber optic control system according to claim 1, characterized in that a unidirectional SBUS communication protocol is used for data transmission.

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