Drone Flight Position Estimation Using Terrestrial Broadcast Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the flight position of drones using global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are inadequate in situations where GNSS is unavailable, such as during solar flares or adverse weather conditions, leading to inaccuracies in position estimation.
Innovation Solution
A flying mobile body equipped with a receiver to receive terrestrial broadcast signals, which are processed by a control device to estimate flight position, utilizing signal strength and phase differences to enhance accuracy, and optionally combined with surrounding environment information for precise navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GNSS is used for flight position estimation, then position estimation can be performed under normal conditions, but position estimation fails or becomes inaccurate during solar flares or adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the signal source parameter from satellite-based GNSS to terrestrial broadcast signals when GNSS availability deteriorates. The control device monitors GNSS signal quality and switches to terrestrial broadcast signals (TV white spaces) when GNSS becomes unavailable due to solar flares or adverse weather, maintaining position estimation reliability across different environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces terrestrial broadcast signals as an intermediary alternative when direct GNSS positioning fails. By utilizing TV white space signals that penetrate adverse weather conditions better than GNSS signals, the system maintains position estimation capability through a mediator signal source that operates reliably when primary GNSS signals are disrupted
2Adaptability or versatility
If only GNSS is used for position estimation, then the system remains simple, but the system cannot operate in challenging environments like mountains or disaster-stricken areas
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both GNSS-based position estimation and terrestrial broadcast signal-based position estimation. This universal capability allows the single device to operate across diverse environments including mountains and disaster-stricken areas where GNSS may be blocked, achieving environmental adaptability without requiring separate specialized systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its position estimation method based on environmental conditions and signal availability. The control device monitors signal quality and automatically switches between GNSS and terrestrial broadcast signals, providing adaptive operation in varying environments from open skies to mountainous regions and disaster zones without manual intervention
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a fling mobile body, a flight position estimation method, a computer program, and a flight position estimation system that make it possible to estimate a flight position of the flying mobile body with high accuracy. The flying mobile body comprising: a receiver; and a control device. The receiver receives a terrestrial broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcasting station. The control device executes a step of estimating a flight position of the flying mobile body based on the received terrestrial broadcast signal.