Drone Control and Video Links Against Jamming and Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately controlling and communicating with radio-controlled unmanned aircraft (drones) is complex due to interference from Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), which can jam or intercept signals between the pilot and the drone, necessitating secure communication methods to prevent detection and interference.
Innovation Solution
A system with a combination of video and control channels using analog NTSC formatted camera signals with FM modulation, incorporating video scrambling, frequency hopping, and encryption to secure communication between the drone and the pilot, including dynamic bandwidth and low latency links to counteract C-UAS interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If video scrambling and frequency hopping are implemented to secure communication, then security against C-UAS interference is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is divided into separate video and control channels, each implementing security measures independently. The video signal is scrambled using a pseudo-random sequence while the control channel uses frequency hopping, segmenting the security approach to manage complexity while maintaining overall system security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes communication parameters including frequency hopping patterns and scrambling sequences to evade detection and interference from C-UAS systems. These parameter changes occur in response to detected interference conditions, allowing the system to adapt security measures without permanently increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If encryption and frequency hopping are used to prevent interference, then communication reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages frequency hopping and scrambling operations without requiring manual intervention. The microcontroller automatically selects and switches between different frequency bands and scrambling sequences based on detected interference conditions, making the complex security features transparent to the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the communication channel for interference and automatically adjusts its operation in response. When interference is detected, the system activates frequency hopping and scrambling; when the channel is clear, these measures can be reduced or suspended, allowing the system to self-regulate based on real-time conditions.
3Reliability
If multiple security measures are implemented to counteract C-UAS, then security is improved, but loss of time increases due to processing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements security measures periodically rather than continuously. Frequency hopping and scrambling are activated in response to detected interference conditions rather than being constantly applied, reducing processing overhead during normal operation while maintaining security when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Scrambling sequences and frequency hopping patterns are pre-generated and stored in memory, allowing the system to quickly switch to secure mode without extensive real-time computation. This preliminary preparation reduces the processing time penalty when security measures need to be activated.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are described for the exchange of control signals between a controlled unmanned aircraft (i.e. drone) and a ground control station and for the transmission of communication signals, such as video, from the drone to the ground control station so that the signals are more difficult to intercept or jam. The video signal transmitted from the drone can be an analog RF signal employing one or more of video "scrambling", RF signal inversion, hopping, usage of a wide frequency range and other techniques. To secure the control signals between the drone and the ground control station, techniques can include hopping, encryption and use of a wide frequency range.