Hybrid RF Laser UAM Traffic Control Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Urban air mobility (UAM) transportation systems face challenges in communication due to the need for continuous, reliable, and resilient communication links that are not adequately addressed by traditional Air Traffic Control systems, especially in densely populated areas with potential interference from various sources.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle traffic control communication system that combines Radio Frequency (RF) and laser communication subsystems, with laser communication nodes installed along flyways, forming a mesh network to provide redundant and interference-resistant communication links between UAM air vehicles and ground control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional RF communication is used for UAM traffic control, then communication coverage is provided, but communication reliability deteriorates due to interference from broadband jammers, arching power lines, welders, and other environmental challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces laser communication as an intermediary communication medium to replace RF communication in scenarios where RF interference is present. The laser communication subsystem establishes a dedicated optical communication path between ground stations and air vehicles, mediated through precisely aligned optical beams that are immune to RF interference from broadband jammers, arching power lines, and welders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electromagnetic RF field-based communication system with an optical laser field-based communication system. This replacement transitions from radio frequency electromagnetic waves to visible or infrared laser beams, fundamentally changing the physical medium and frequency range to eliminate susceptibility to RF interference while maintaining communication functionality.
2Reliability
If laser communication nodes are distributed along vehicle routes, then communication redundancy is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple nodes and mounting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication coverage area into multiple segments, each served by individual laser communication nodes positioned at specific locations along vehicle routes. Each node provides localized communication coverage, and the system as a whole achieves redundancy through the coordinated operation of these segmented nodes. This segmentation allows for modular deployment and maintenance while providing continuous coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point or centralized communication architecture to a distributed spatial network of laser nodes positioned in three-dimensional space along flight paths. By utilizing vertical mounting structures and positioning nodes at different heights and locations, the system creates a multi-dimensional communication network that provides redundancy without requiring excessive horizontal expansion.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If continuous real-time communication is required for UAM safety, then communication duration is improved, but vulnerability to signal jamming increases across all RF frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the operating frequency parameter of the communication system from radio frequencies (typically MHz to GHz range) to optical frequencies (hundreds of THz range). This parameter change moves the communication band to a region of the electromagnetic spectrum that is not susceptible to conventional RF jamming techniques, enabling continuous real-time communication without vulnerability to signal jamming across all RF frequencies.
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
Ensures continuous, real-time, and reliable communication for UAM systems by providing dissimilar redundancy, eliminating single points of failure, and maintaining connectivity despite RF interference, thus enhancing safety and operational efficiency in dynamic and crowded environments.
Implementation Method 1
a laser communication subsystem infrastructure configured to communicate the vehicle traffic control information between the vehicle and the vehicle traffic control system via at least one wireless laser communication link
Implementation Method 2
a Radio Frequency, RF, communication subsystem infrastructure configured to communicate vehicle traffic control information between a vehicle and a vehicle traffic control system via at least one wireless RF communication link
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a vehicle traffic control communications system is provided. The vehicle traffic control communications system comprises: a Radio Frequency, RF, communication subsystem infrastructure configured to communicate vehicle traffic control information between a vehicle and a vehicle traffic control system via at least one wireless RF communication link established between the RF communication subsystem infrastructure and the vehicle; and a laser communication subsystem infrastructure configured to communicate the vehicle traffic control information between the vehicle and the vehicle traffic control system via at least one wireless laser communication link established between the laser communication subsystem infrastructure and the vehicle, wherein laser communication subsystem infrastructure comprise a first plurality of nodes secured onto physical mounting structures distributed along a vehicle route between a departure point and a destination point for the vehicle.