Beamformed Antenna Array for Omnidirectional Drone Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drone identification technologies lack the ability to effectively identify drones appearing from arbitrary directions, limiting their detection range and accuracy, especially in scenarios where drones can take off and land at any point, making it difficult to predict their appearance and necessitating an omnidirectional antenna structure.
Innovation Solution
An antenna apparatus comprising multiple horizontal directional antennas arranged in a circular pattern with a central vertical directional antenna, a beamforming unit for signal control, and a power supply unit, allowing for signal transmission and reception in all directions by controlling azimuth and elevation angles based on observation ratios and antenna operation methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a phased array antenna is used to form beam patterns in specific directions, then detection accuracy in those directions is improved, but the ability to detect drones from arbitrary directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independent antenna elements arranged in specific geometric patterns (e.g., circular array, planar array). Each element can be independently controlled to form beam patterns in different directions, allowing the system to segment the detection space and cover arbitrary directions by coordinating multiple segmented elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-dimension or two-dimension antenna arrangements to three-dimensional spatial configurations. By adding vertical elements or creating multi-layer horizontal arrays, the system expands detection coverage from limited azimuth-elevation planes to full spherical coverage, enabling detection of drones from any direction in three-dimensional space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an omni antenna is used to transmit or receive signals in all directions, then detection coverage is improved, but radio wave reach distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system dynamically adjusts its beam direction and focus based on detected drone positions. Instead of static omnidirectional radiation, the system continuously steers beams toward active targets, maintaining long reach distance while achieving effective omnidirectional coverage through time-varying beam patterns that track moving drones from any approach direction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple horizontal directional antennas are arranged in a circular pattern with a central vertical antenna, then the ability to identify drones in all directions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple horizontal directional antennas are merged into a circular array configuration with a central vertical antenna, creating an integrated omnidirectional detection system. The horizontal elements provide azimuth coverage while the vertical element provides elevation coverage, and their combined signals are processed together to achieve full three-dimensional drone identification capability.
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
Enables effective identification of drones in all directions, enhancing the ability to track and respond to illegal or threatening drones by expanding the detection range and accuracy of drone identification systems.
Implementation Method 1
a beamforming unit controlling beamforming of the vertical directional antenna and the plurality of horizontal antennas to transmit and receive signals in all directions
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna apparatus for drone identification and an operating method thereof are provided. The antenna apparatus includes: a plurality of horizontal directional antennas; a vertical directional antenna positioned at a center of an area surrounded by the plurality of horizontal directional antennas; a beamforming unit controlling beamforming of the vertical directional antenna and the plurality of horizontal antennas to transmit and receive signals in all directions; and a power supply unit for suppling power.