Array-Antenna Flying Object Positioning With Single-Base-Station Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning systems for flying objects require complex configurations involving multiple base stations and laser light systems, making it difficult to easily determine their position.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system using an array antenna with four antenna elements, a control device, and a flying object equipped with a communication device and an altitude measurement device, which calculates elevation and azimuth angles based on signal phases and propagation times to determine the flying object's position, employing correction values for altitude measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple base stations and laser light systems are used to determine the position of a flying object, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning functions (horizontal positioning and vertical altitude measurement) into a single base station equipped with an array antenna. Instead of requiring three separate base stations for horizontal positioning plus a separate laser base station for altitude, the array antenna performs both functions simultaneously, reducing the total number of base stations from four to one while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The array antenna serves multiple functions: it performs horizontal positioning through phase difference measurement of radio waves and simultaneously measures vertical altitude by calculating elevation angles from the same signal phases. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for specialized laser equipment, simplifying the overall system configuration while preserving measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If three base stations and a laser beam base station are deployed, then the position of the flying object can be obtained, but the configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple base stations into a single array antenna system. The array antenna processes signals to extract both horizontal position information (through phase differences between antenna elements) and vertical altitude information (through elevation angle calculation), replacing the need for four separate base stations with one multi-functional unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal positioning system (requiring three base stations) to a three-dimensional positioning system by incorporating elevation angle measurement capabilities into the same array antenna. This allows the system to determine vertical altitude without adding more base stations, effectively using the same infrastructure for both horizontal and vertical positioning
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies the configuration by reducing the need for multiple base stations and laser systems, enabling accurate and efficient determination of the flying object's position with reduced complexity and weight.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a position of the flying object in a horizontal direction based on phases of signals communicated between the array antenna and the communication device mounted on the flying object
Implementation Method 2
measuring a distance between the array antenna and the flying object based on propagation times or phases of signals communicated between the array antenna and the communication device
Implementation Method 3
an altitude measurement device configured to measure an altitude of the flying object with respect to the array antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning system includes a first calculation unit determining a position of a first communication device, a flying object movable with respect to the first communication device, a second communication device mounted on the flying object and communicable with the first communication device, a distance measurement unit measuring a distance between the first communication device and the flying object based on a propagation time or phase of a signal communicated between the first and second communication devices, an angle calculation unit calculating an elevation angle and an azimuth angle of the flying object with respect to the first communication device, and a second calculation unit calculating a position of the flying object based on the position determined by the first calculation unit, the distance measured by the distance measurement unit, and the elevation angle calculated by the angle calculation unit.