C-UTM Function for UAS Association and Identification in 3GPP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP systems face challenges in supporting Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) operations, including architectural aspects, UAS association and identification, connectivity for UAV and UAV controller communication, differentiated Quality of Service (QoS) for various traffic types, and collision avoidance mechanisms, particularly in decentralized traffic management scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The implementation enhances 5GS/EPS system architecture with new procedures for UAS association, identification, and operation, introducing a Cellular-based UAS Traffic Management (C-UTM) function, which facilitates UAS operation service authorization, QoS management, and collision avoidance through broadcast of UAV identity and location information in short-range areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 3GPP system architecture is enhanced with new procedures for UAS association and identification, then UAS operation capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UAS support functionality into distinct network functions: C-UTM function for traffic management, NEF for network exposure, and UM AF for application layer registration. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects of UAS operation independently, managing overall system complexity while enhancing UAS capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal registration mechanism where both UAV and UAV controller register through the same UM AF interface, and the C-UTM function serves multiple purposes including association, identification, authorization, and collision avoidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems while improving UAS operation capability.
2Reliability
If C-UTM function is introduced for UAS traffic management, then UAS association and identification is improved, but network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The C-UTM function acts as an intermediary between the UAV/UAV controller and the rest of the 3GPP network. It mediates the association and identification processes by receiving registration requests from UM AF, validating UAS composition, and coordinating between UAV and UAV controller, thereby improving reliability without requiring direct complex interactions between all network components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple UAS support functions into the C-UTM function: association verification, identification validation, authorization checking, and collision avoidance coordination. This consolidation reduces the number of separate network elements needed while maintaining high reliability through integrated processing.
3Reliability
If application layer registration through UM AF is implemented, then UAS operation service authorization is improved, but registration process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the UAV and UAV controller perform application layer registration through UM AF before actual UAS operation begins. The C-UTM function validates the registration and authorization in advance, ensuring that all necessary permissions and associations are established prior to service initiation, thereby improving reliability without complicating the actual operation phase.
4Reliability
If UAS operation status update procedure is transmitted to UAV and UAV controller, then operational status management is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the C-UTM function transmits UAS operation status update procedures to both UAV and UAV controller, providing essential information about association status, authorization results, and operational state. This feedback ensures reliable status management while the structured nature of the updates minimizes unnecessary signaling overhead by transmitting only essential status information.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of this disclosure include systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable media for use in a wireless network for facilitating Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) services over evolved packet systems. Some embodiments are directed to a method, the method including receiving a registration request from each of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a UAV controller to establish an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). Additionally, the method includes initiating a UAS Operation Service Request Procedure via a network exposure function (NEF) and associating the UAV and the UAV controller to operate as the UAS in response to obtaining the results of the UAS operation service authorization from each of the UAV and the UAV controller. Moreover, the method also includes transmitting a UAS operation status update procedure to the UAV and the UAV controller, the update procedure including UAS association information, a UAS policy update, and initiation of a UAS operation.