Ultra-compact satellite antenna system for unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

An ultra-compact satellite antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle is disclosed. The ultra-compact satellite antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle, according to one aspect of the present invention, comprises: an antenna provided at the top of a body of a drone to transmit / receive signals to / from satellites; a plurality of reflective plates provided spaced apart from each other to collect signals by the antenna; and an antenna body provided at the body of the drone such that a signal processing device for processing signals transmitted / received through the antenna is integrated therewith.

Description

Ultra-small satellite antenna system for unmanned aerial vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a satellite antenna system, and more particularly, to an ultra-small satellite antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0002] Satellite communications are commonly used for communications on maritime vessels and in the military. In contrast, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as drones and VTOLs (Vertical Takeoff and Landing), typically utilize RF communications, which have a relatively short effective range. While RF communication devices can be manufactured in an ultra-compact form, making them easy to install on UAVs, their operating range is limited to a maximum of 20 km, limiting their practical use in marine fisheries management units.

[0003] Since RF communication may be cut off in the event of an actual war, it is necessary to secure satellite communication capabilities for use in special situations such as war. However, conventional satellite antennas are difficult to mount on unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) due to their size and weight.

[0004] Accordingly, the present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problems, and provides an ultra-small satellite antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle for long-distance operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle using satellite communication.

[0005] Other objects of the present invention will become more apparent through the preferred embodiments described below.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an ultra-small satellite antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided, including an antenna mounted on the upper part of a drone body for transmitting and receiving signals with a satellite; a plurality of reflectors spaced apart from each other for collecting signals from the antenna; and an antenna body mounted on the drone body and having a built-in signal processing device for processing signals transmitted and received through the antenna.

[0007] Here, the reflectors are formed in a shape of a plate divided in half and can be installed toward the antenna.

[0008] Additionally, the reflectors can be fixed at positions corresponding to each wing of the drone.

[0009] Additionally, the antenna body may further include a control device that controls the flight of the drone so that the antenna is directed toward the target satellite.

[0010] Additionally, the control device can control the flight of the drone so that it moves only within an available range determined according to the target flight.

[0011] Additionally, the control device can control the flight of the drone only when the reception strength or signal-to-noise ratio of the satellite signal received from the target satellite is below a threshold value.

[0012] In addition, the control device can control the flight of the drone by adjusting the pitch, roll, and azimuth of the drone when the reception strength or signal-to-noise ratio of the satellite signal received from the target satellite is below a threshold value and continues for a threshold time or longer.

[0013]

[0014] Other aspects, features and advantages other than those described above will become apparent from the following drawings, claims and detailed description of the invention.

[0015] According to the present invention, by providing an ultra-small satellite antenna system, it can be mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle, thereby enabling long-distance operation using satellite communications.

[0016] FIGS. 1 and 2 are exemplary diagrams illustrating an ultra-small artificial satellite antenna system mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultra-small artificial satellite antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a satellite communication process of a satellite antenna for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0020] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0021] Terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, terms such as "first threshold" and "second threshold" described below may be predefined as thresholds that are substantially different or partially identical in value. However, since there is room for confusion when expressed using the same word "threshold," terms such as "first" and "second" will be used together for convenience of distinction.

[0022] The terminology used herein is merely used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, it should be understood that the terms "comprises" or "has" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0023] In addition, it is to be understood that the components of the embodiments described with reference to each drawing are not limited to the specific embodiments, but may be implemented to be included in other embodiments within the scope in which the technical idea of ​​the present invention is maintained, and that multiple embodiments may be re-implemented as a single integrated embodiment even if a separate description is omitted.

[0024] In addition, when describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical components will be assigned identical or related reference numerals regardless of the drawing reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. When describing the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0025]

[0026] FIGS. 1 and 2 are exemplary diagrams illustrating an ultra-small satellite antenna system mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultra-small satellite antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 together, FIG. 1 shows a form in which an ultra-small satellite antenna according to the present embodiment is mounted on a general drone, and FIG. 2 shows a form in which an ultra-small satellite antenna according to the present embodiment is mounted on a VTOL. The satellite antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present embodiment includes an antenna (10), a plurality of reflectors (20), and an antenna body (30), wherein the antenna body (30) is equipped with a control device (210) and a signal processing device (220).

[0028] First, let's briefly explain the satellite antenna system. The satellite antenna system tracks satellites through signal confirmation and stabilization functions, and the antenna control unit transmits navigation and satellite inertial information installed onboard the ship to the satellite antenna. Users can use the modem to receive emergency and rescue requests and broadcasts, as well as for communication such as phone calls and the Internet.

[0029] A satellite antenna system includes an upper radome, a lower radome, an antenna, a pedestal control unit (PCU), an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a multi-RF unit (MRU), and a pedestal. The upper radome protects the equipment from the elements of the marine environment, and the lower radome protects the equipment from the elements of the marine environment and is fixed to the pedestal and the ship. The antenna, which is usually a parabolic dish, is a structure that collects or transmits satellite signals. The PCU (Pedestal Control Unit) is a device that searches and tracks the antenna, the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) determines inertial information, and the MRU (Multi-RF Unit) processes analog and digital satellite reception signals. The pedestal is a mechanical structure that supports the antenna and can move in any direction along its axis.

[0030] According to the satellite antenna system of the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of reflectors (20) are installed spaced apart from each other, and each reflector faces the antenna so that a reception signal from a satellite can be directed toward the antenna (10) or a transmission signal from the antenna (10) can be reflected toward the satellite. According to the present embodiment, in order to manufacture an ultra-small antenna system while being able to receive satellite signals over a wider range, a plurality of reflectors (20) are installed spaced apart from each other. Although there is empty space due to the spacing, by reflecting signals over a wider range overall, an effect similar to that of installing a slightly larger reflector can be obtained while reducing weight.

[0031] In addition, the antenna (10) and reflector (20) can be manufactured using ultra-light materials and in an ultra-small size to reduce the overall weight and increase the flight efficiency of the unmanned aerial vehicle (hereinafter referred to as drone). In other words, it can be manufactured as an ultra-light and ultra-small satellite antenna, which can extend the drone's operating range to over 100 km and support the maintenance of satellite communication even in special situations such as war.

[0032] For example, as shown in the drawing, the reflector (20) may be fixed at a position corresponding to each wing of the drone. For example, since a drone generally has four wings, four reflectors (20) may be provided accordingly.

[0033] Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the back surface of the reflector (20) may be manufactured to be curved in the opposite direction to the front surface of the reflector (20) in order to facilitate the flow of air flowing into the drone wings along the back surface of the reflector (20). At this time, a diffuser in the form of a partition wall protruding in the normal direction of the back surface of the reflector (20) may be installed on the back surface of the reflector (20).

[0034] The antenna body (30) is equipped with devices (e.g., a signal processing device, etc.) necessary to function as a satellite antenna. The signal processing device (220) is a device that processes signals transmitted and received through the antenna (10) and may be configured to include the above-described MRU (Multi-RF Unit), etc. As this will be apparent to those skilled in the art, a further detailed description will be omitted.

[0035] Furthermore, according to one example, the overall weight can be further reduced by eliminating heavy devices such as pedestals used in antenna systems. That is, in order to maintain the antenna's (10) orientation toward the satellite, the direction of the antenna (10) must be controlled, and a drone flight control method is used without a pedestal device for this purpose.

[0036] The main body of the drone is equipped with a control means for controlling each flight wing, for example, controlling the rotation direction and rotation speed of each flight wing. Since this will be obvious to those skilled in the art, a detailed description is omitted. The antenna main body (30) is equipped with a control device (210) that communicates with the flight control device of the drone by wire or wirelessly, and the control device (210) transmits a control command for flight control of the drone to the drone. For example, the flight is controlled so that the antenna (10) faces the target satellite. According to the present embodiment, in order to reduce the overall weight, a device (pedestal, etc.) for rotating the antenna (10) in various directions (e.g., azimuth and elevation, etc.) can be removed, and the flight is controlled accordingly to direct the antenna (10) in the direction of the satellite.

[0037] The control device (210) controls the flight so that it moves only within the available range determined according to the target flight. For example, during straight flight, if the antenna (10) is pointed in a direction different from the satellite direction, the flight is controlled from time to time so that the antenna (10) points in the direction of the satellite, but is controlled so that it can fly in a straight direction as much as possible.

[0038]

[0039] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a satellite communication process of a satellite antenna for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 4, the reception strength of a satellite communication signal is measured (S310), and it is determined whether the reception strength is below a threshold value (S320). This is to confirm whether the antenna is stably receiving the satellite signal. Here, according to another example, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the satellite signal may be used instead of or in addition to the reception strength. The SNR is defined as in the following <Mathematical Formula 1>.

[0041] <Mathematical Formula 1>

[0042] SNR = Ps / Pn

[0043] Here, Ps and Pn represent the signal power (signal strength) and noise power, respectively. This is to indicate the relative signal power by looking at the signal power compared to the noise power. This is because the performance of a communication system is determined by the signal power compared to the noise power, not the absolute signal power. The performance of a communication system includes factors such as channel capacity, which represents the maximum achievable capacity; error rate, which represents reliability; and delay rate, which represents how smoothly the transmission occurs.

[0044] If the judgment result in S320 is above the threshold value, the flight is maintained (S330).

[0045] In contrast, if it is below the threshold value, the flight is controlled within the available range so that the antenna is directed toward the target satellite (S340).

[0046] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the control device can search for a satellite signal by adjusting the pitch, roll, and azimuth of the drone when the reception strength or signal-to-noise ratio of a satellite signal received from the target satellite is below a threshold value and continues for a threshold time or longer.

[0047] Here, pitch is perpendicular to the drone's direction of travel, and refers to the tilt angle in the up and down directions, toward or away from the ground surface. Roll is perpendicular to the drone's direction of travel, and refers to the tilt angle in the left and right directions, toward or away from the ground surface. Finally, azimuth refers to the azimuth, which represents the angle in the direction of travel. For example, azimuth when facing north could be 0 degrees, and azimuth when facing northeast could be 45 degrees.

[0048] According to another embodiment of the present invention, if the reception strength or signal-to-noise ratio of a satellite signal received from the target satellite is below a threshold value for a second threshold time or longer, the control device can cause the drone to make an emergency landing by directing it to a preset emergency landing point.

[0049] If the drone cannot continuously communicate with the target satellite, it is advisable to return the drone, as remote flight control of the drone is impossible.

[0050] Here, since the locations of the people who launched the drone and the pilots may be exposed if the drone returns to the place where it first took off, it is advisable to set the drone to land at a pre-set emergency landing point in advance.

[0051] Additionally, it is preferable for the drone to further include an INS (Inertial Navigation System). If the drone uses satellite-based navigation systems such as GPS or GLONASS to return to a preset emergency landing point, the drone may not receive accurate location guidance from the satellite or may receive false satellite signals in situations where satellite communications are inadequate due to satellite signal interference or deteriorating weather conditions, leading to an emergency landing in the wrong location. Therefore, it is preferable for the drone to further include an INS and rely on the INS to return to the preset emergency landing point.

[0052]

[0053] According to this embodiment, by performing satellite tracking through flight control, components required for antenna direction control in a conventional satellite antenna system can be eliminated, thereby reducing the overall weight and providing a satellite antenna for an unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0054]

[0055] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

[0056] 10: Antenna 20: Reflector 30: Antenna body

Claims

1. Antenna installed on the top of the drone body for transmitting and receiving signals with satellites; A plurality of reflectors installed spaced apart for signal collection to the above antenna; and An ultra-small artificial satellite antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising an antenna body equipped on the main body of the drone and having a built-in signal processing device that processes signals transmitted and received through the antenna.

2. In claim 1, The above reflectors are formed in a shape of a plate divided in half and are installed toward the antenna, and are an ultra-small artificial satellite antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle.

3. In claim 2, An ultra-small artificial satellite antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the above reflectors are fixed at positions corresponding to each wing of the drone.

4. In claim 3, An ultra-small artificial satellite antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the antenna body further includes a control device that controls the flight of the drone so that the antenna is directed toward a target satellite.

5. In claim 4, The above control device is an ultra-small artificial satellite antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle that controls the flight of the drone so that it moves only within an available range determined according to the target flight.

6. In claim 5, The above control device is an ultra-small artificial satellite antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle that controls the flight of the drone only when the reception strength or signal-to-noise ratio of the satellite signal received from the target satellite is below a threshold value.

7. In claim 6, The above control device is an ultra-small artificial satellite antenna system for an unmanned aerial vehicle that controls the flight of the drone by adjusting the pitch, roll, and azimuth of the drone when the reception strength or signal-to-noise ratio of the satellite signal received from the target satellite is below a threshold value for a period of time or longer.

Images