Drone Swarm Optical Data Exchange Using Pixel Matrix Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data exchange methods between drones in a swarm are not robust enough, as they rely on radio frequency communication which can be scrambled and GPS tracking which can be jammed, necessitating a more reliable method for identification and tracking without additional tracking devices.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a pixel matrix receiver in each drone to determine the direction and relative position of signals from other drones, using laser transmitters and receivers capable of covering a wide solid angle, allowing for data exchange without radio frequency or GPS, with optional event detection sensors and absolute position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio frequency communication devices are used for data exchange between drones, then communication capability is improved, but robustness against scrambling and interference deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio frequency electromagnetic communication with optical communication using laser transmitters and pixel matrix receivers. This substitution of the communication medium from RF waves to light waves fundamentally changes the physical layer of communication, making it resistant to RF-based scrambling and interference while enabling directional beam transmission through the pixel matrix system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary encoding system where data is transmitted through modulated light signals detected by the pixel matrix. The optical signal acts as an intermediary carrier that converts information into a format resistant to traditional RF interference, with the pixel matrix serving as the mediating detection mechanism that translates optical patterns into actionable data.
2Measurement precision
If GPS tracking devices are added to each drone for position tracking, then tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service tracking system where drones passively emit optical signals containing their identifier and position information. Other drones in the swarm automatically detect these signals using their pixel matrix receivers and compute relative positions through triangulation algorithms, eliminating the need for active GPS receivers on each drone and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optical communication system multi-functional by using the same laser transmitter and pixel matrix hardware for both data exchange and position tracking. The optical signals serve dual purposes: transmitting operational data and enabling spatial localization through direction-of-arrival measurement, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated tracking devices.
3Reliability
If laser transmitters and pixel matrix receivers are used for data exchange, then robustness against jamming is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical communication system into discrete functional components: laser transmitters on each drone, pixel matrix receivers on each drone, and computational processing units. This segmentation allows for modular implementation and simplifies the overall system architecture by breaking down the complex optical communication task into manageable, independent subsystems that can be optimized separately.
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
Enables robust data exchange and tracking within a drone swarm, resistant to jamming and without the need for GPS, ensuring reliable communication and identification of drones in the swarm.
Implementation Method 1
each receiver comprising a pixel matrix configured so that each signal is received on a number of pixels of the pixel matrix that is strictly less than the total number of pixels of the pixel matrix
Implementation Method 2
each transmitter is a wide field transmitter... each transmitter is configured to transmit signals over a solid angle of at least 2π steradians
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for exchanging data between drones of a drone swarm comprising at least four drones, the method comprising:emitting, by each drone, a signal comprising data to be emitted comprising the identifier of the drone, the direction and the identifier of each signal received at the preceding moment by the drone,receiving, by a drone, called receiver drone, the signal emitted by another drone of the swarm,determining, by the receiver drone, the direction of each received signal, anddetermining, by the receiver drone, for each received signal, the relative position of the drone corresponding to the identifier of the received signal.