5G UAS Tracking via UCF and Location Server Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) rely on direct point-to-point communication via unlicensed ISM radio bands, limiting their range, reliability, and data rates, which restricts their operational capabilities and introduces security concerns, necessitating the use of advanced cellular technologies like LTE and 5G for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a UAS Control Function (UCF) and method that leverages 5G network-provided tracking assistance and communication protocols to enhance positioning accuracy and security, utilizing network entities like the UAS Traffic Management (UTM) system, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and Location Server to provide precise tracking and communication support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct point-to-point communication via ISM radio bands is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but communication range, reliability, and data rates are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cellular network as an intermediary between the UAV and ground control, replacing direct peer-to-peer ISM band communication. The cellular infrastructure (base stations, core network) acts as a mediator that relays commands and telemetry, enabling Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations with improved reliability and security while offloading communication complexity to the network infrastructure.
2Length of moving object
If cellular technologies like LTE and 5G are implemented, then communication range and reliability are improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal cellular network infrastructure already deployed for consumer mobile services. The UAV system can utilize existing LTE/5G networks for command and control communications, eliminating the need for dedicated specialized communication infrastructure. This multi-functional use of commercial cellular networks extends operational range globally while avoiding the complexity of building proprietary communication systems.
3Reliability
If conventional ISM band communication is used, then security concerns are introduced, but advanced cellular technologies provide better security mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The cellular network serves as a secure intermediary that provides built-in authentication, encryption, and authorization mechanisms. The network's core security functions (identity management, encrypted air interface, network slicing) protect UAV communications without requiring complex end-to-end security implementations in the UAV itself, leveraging the operator's security infrastructure instead.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle control function, UCF, and a method for the UCF that receives from a traffic management function, USS/UTM, a first positioning request message comprising a vehicle system, UAV, identity and coordinates of interest, determines with the USS/UTM a positioning configuration for the coordinates of interest, sends to a Location Server a second positioning request message comprising the UAV identity, UAV positioning configuration, receives positioning information for the UAV from the Location Server, and sends to the USS/UTM a positioning report message comprising the UAV identity and the positioning information.