Drone Location Verification Using Radio Condition Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drones in communications networks can intentionally or unintentionally report inaccurate locations, leading to interference, unauthorized flight paths, and violations of no-fly zones, which existing technologies struggle to detect and correct.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize radio condition measurements and predictions to determine the actual location of a drone by comparing measured and predicted radio conditions, employing machine learning models to identify deviations from reported paths and provide corrective actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If drones report false locations to disrupt ground communication network, then interference in uplink increases, but network reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors downlink reference signal received power (RSRP) values from multiple base stations and compares them against predicted values based on reported location. When discrepancies exceed thresholds, the system generates feedback to detect and respond to location falsification attempts, thereby maintaining network reliability while managing harmful interference from unauthorized drones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism using downlink RSRP measurements as a mediator between the drone's reported location and actual position. This intermediary measurement allows the network to indirectly detect location falsification without directly confronting the drone, enabling reliable network operation despite potential harmful interference.
2Measurement precision
If drones fly in no-fly zones to capture sensitive videos, then location accuracy is compromised, but security and privacy are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to drones about their actual location based on radio condition measurements, enabling location verification. When drones attempt to operate in no-fly zones, the feedback mechanism detects the discrepancy between reported and actual locations, allowing network operators to prevent security and privacy violations while maintaining location accuracy for legitimate operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/GPS-based location verification with a radio-condition-based detection mechanism. By substituting traditional location verification methods with downlink RSRP measurements and prediction algorithms, the system achieves location accuracy while enabling security monitoring without relying on external positioning systems that could be spoofed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If drones fly at altitudes below or above regulatory limits, then received signal quality improves, but compliance with flight regulations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors drone locations through downlink RSRP measurements and provides feedback to verify compliance with regulatory altitude limits. When drones fly at altitudes that improve signal quality but violate regulations, the feedback mechanism detects the discrepancy and enables enforcement actions, balancing signal quality optimization with regulatory compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for location verification from traditional GPS coordinates to radio condition parameters (downlink RSRP). This parameter change enables the system to detect altitude violations more effectively by analyzing signal strength patterns that vary with altitude, thereby improving both signal quality and regulatory compliance monitoring.
4Area of stationary object
If BS antennas are tilted downward to serve ground UEs, then ground coverage is improved, but service to drones above boresight deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts antenna beam directions based on real-time location verification through downlink RSRP measurements. When drones are detected at positions requiring upward coverage, the system dynamically reconfigures antenna beams to serve them, enabling the same antenna system to adaptively serve both ground UEs and aerial vehicles without fixed tilt configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality in the antenna system by enabling it to serve both ground-based UEs and aerial drones through dynamic beam adjustment. The same antenna infrastructure performs multiple functions - ground coverage when needed and drone service when detected - thereby improving adaptability while maintaining ground coverage through coordinated beam management.
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
Accurately determines the actual location of drones, preventing interference and unauthorized flights, and ensuring compliance with flight regulations without additional signaling overhead.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a measurement of radio conditions between the drone and a node in the telecommunications network
Implementation Method 2
predicting radio conditions at one or more locations related to the reported location of the drone
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method in a communications network for determining location information about an actual location of a drone comprises obtaining (302) a reported location of the drone at a first time point and obtaining (304) a measurement of radio conditions between the drone and a node in the telecommunications network, at the first time point. The method then comprises predicting (306) radio conditions at one or more locations related to the reported location of the drone, and determining 308 the location information about the actual location of the drone based on the measured radio conditions and the predicted radio conditions.