GNSS Availability Monitoring for UAV Route Rerouting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft rely on complex and heavy backup systems for navigation when GNSS is unavailable, which is impractical for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) vehicles, necessitating a more efficient method to monitor and manage GNSS availability.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system that analyzes GNSS coverage by receiving data from interference detectors and almanac, predicting GNSS availability, and providing notifications or rerouting information to ensure safe operation, even in areas with GNSS loss, using a network of interference detectors and databases to support real-time monitoring and route planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex backup navigation systems are equipped in aircraft for GNSS failure, then navigation reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of GNSS availability along the entire route before flight, identifying areas with potential signal loss. This advance preparation allows the aircraft to plan alternative routes or procedures in advance, eliminating the need for complex backup navigation systems while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary GNSS availability analysis system that acts as a mediator between the primary GNSS system and backup systems. This intermediary provides real-time information about GNSS signal quality and availability, allowing the primary system to operate effectively without requiring heavy backup systems.
2Reliability
If complex backup navigation systems are equipped in aircraft for GNSS failure, then navigation reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of GNSS availability along the entire route before flight, identifying areas with potential signal loss. This advance preparation allows the aircraft to plan alternative routes or procedures in advance, eliminating the need for heavy backup navigation systems while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If real-time GNSS monitoring is implemented, then loss of availability is detected timely, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The GNSS receiver performs multiple functions: it serves as both the primary navigation system and the monitoring system. By analyzing signal quality metrics (C/N0, number of visible satellites, geometric dilution of precision) using existing receiver components, the system achieves timely detection of GNSS availability loss without requiring separate dedicated monitoring hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The GNSS receiver monitors its own signal quality and availability conditions using its inherent capabilities. The system evaluates parameters such as carrier-to-noise ratio, satellite visibility, and geometric dilution of precision using data already collected during normal operation, eliminating the need for external monitoring equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for analyzing GNSS coverage may comprise: receiving data from at least one of a GNSS interference detector or a GNSS almanac; correlating the data received from the at least one of the GNSS interference detector or the GNSS almanac using data regarding a structure of a GNSS interference detector network; using the correlated data, determining whether a loss of availability of a relevant GNSS exists; and upon determining that the relevant GNSS loss of availability exists, performing at least one of (a) providing a notification regarding the loss of availability and a geographic region impacted, (b) providing rerouting information, (c) automatically rerouting a vehicle, (d) permitting operation in regions of GNSS loss of availability under VFR rules, or (e) providing information regarding a geographic region impacted.