Directional Antenna Sensor for UAV Position Spoof Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current air traffic control systems, particularly for micro aerial vehicles, face challenges in accurately determining the position of vehicles in congested airspace and built-up environments, and are vulnerable to spoofing attacks where erroneous information is intentionally provided.
Innovation Solution
A directional sensor system that utilizes a plurality of aerials to receive and process location signals from aerial vehicles, determining differential signal parameters such as signal strength and time of arrival to accurately determine the position of vehicles and detect spoofing attempts by comparing reported positions with determined positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based ADS-B systems are used for position determination, then real-time position information can be obtained, but the system becomes vulnerable to spoofing attacks where erroneous information is intentionally provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification system that acts as a mediator between the GPS/ADS-B position reports and the air traffic control system. This intermediary cross-checks reported positions against independently determined positions from radar and other sensors, preventing spoofed information from being accepted without validation. The intermediary layer filters out malicious or erroneous data before it reaches the decision-making system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where position information is continuously verified against multiple independent sources. When discrepancies are detected between reported GPS positions and independently measured positions, the system generates alerts and can override the spoofed information. This closed-loop feedback ensures that erroneous position data is detected and corrected in real-time.
2Measurement precision
If radar systems are used for position determination, then direct measurement capability is provided, but the systems become ineffective in built-up environments and with high concentrations of micro aerial vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal position determination system that can operate effectively in multiple environments and scenarios. By integrating GPS/ADS-B, radar, and other sensor modalities, the system adapts its primary measurement method based on environmental conditions. In built-up environments where radar is ineffective, the system relies more heavily on GPS and collaborative sensing from multiple aerial vehicles, ensuring continuous operational capability across diverse scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple position determination methods (GPS/ADS-B, radar, inertial navigation, and collaborative sensing from multiple vehicles) into a unified system. This combination allows the system to leverage the strengths of each method while compensating for their individual weaknesses, particularly in built-up environments where no single method is sufficient alone.
3Reliability
If multiple aerials are used to detect signal direction, then spoofing detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing function across multiple aerials, with each aerial processing signals independently before combining results. This segmentation allows the system to compare signal characteristics from different directions and identify inconsistencies that indicate spoofing. The modular architecture of segmented processing makes the complexity manageable through standardized processing units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension to spoofing detection by using multiple aerials arranged in specific geometric configurations. This spatial arrangement creates additional measurement dimensions (signal arrival time differences, signal strength differences, phase differences) that can be used to detect and locate spoofing sources, transforming a one-dimensional signal reception problem into a multi-dimensional detection system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a directional sensor for receiving and evaluating location signals from aerial vehicles relative to the sensor. The sensor may include aerials, means for receiving signals from the aerials, and a process for processing the signals. The processor may be configured to: (a) determine for a given input signal a differential of a signal parameter between two or more of the aerials; (b) operate on the differential signal parameter to a determined position relative to the aerials by means of a correlation or covariance; (c) compare the determined position relative to the aerials with a reported position; (d) determine a difference between the reported and determined positions and compare this to an equivalence criteria; and (e) upon carrying out the determination where the difference does not match the equivalence criteria to report a spoofing attempt.