Laser UAV Guidance for RF-Denied Swarm Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV control systems rely on radio frequency (RF) communications, which are vulnerable in RF contested environments, lacking an effective method to command a swarm of drones in such scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing visible light, specifically laser light, for controlling UAVs, enabling communication and command through a hand control unit or rifle grip, with modulated laser beams to transmit commands to drones without RF, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, leveraging photodetectors and optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RF communications are used for UAV control, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates in RF contested environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the RF electromagnetic communication system with an optical communication system using laser beams. The control unit transmits commands to UAVs through modulated laser light instead of radio waves, substituting one physical domain (electromagnetic RF) with another (optical laser) to achieve immunity to RF interference while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of communication wavelength from RF frequencies (kHz-GHz range) to optical laser frequencies (hundreds of THz range). This parameter change allows the system to operate in environments where RF is contested or denied, as the optical signals are not susceptible to RF interference, jamming, or electronic warfare measures.
2Reliability
If optical control signals are used, then reliability in RF contested environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the control unit: laser generation, signal modulation, beam steering/control, and communication encoding are combined in a single device. The laser unit serves both as an aiming device and a communication transmitter, while the control unit handles both optical signal generation and UAV command functions, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces photodetectors as intermediary components that receive optical signals and convert them back to electrical signals for processing. This intermediary conversion layer enables reliable signal reception and decoding while isolating the optical communication subsystem from the electronic control systems, managing complexity through functional separation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If laser light is used for communication, then covert operation capability is improved, but loss of information increases due to signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses modulated laser beams with periodic on-off keying or frequency modulation to encode control commands. By varying the laser intensity or frequency in periodic patterns corresponding to binary data, the system transmits information reliably through the optical channel while maintaining covert operation, as the modulated signal can be detected by synchronized photodetectors even at low intensities.
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 covert operation of drones or swarms in RF contested environments, allowing warfighters to control UAVs effectively by sending optical command signals, ensuring functionality even in RF-denied situations, and facilitating various drone actions like navigation and attacks.
Implementation Method 1
a laser unit configured to generate at least one beam of laser light
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector configured to receive the at least one beam of laser light and detect light signals modulated on the at least one beam of laser light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system for control and guidance of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using modulated laser light in radio frequency (RF) contested environments. The system enables the user to send light signal communications to the UAV from a handheld device. In one embodiment, where the handheld device is capable of being incorporated into a firearm fore-grip with built-in controls that allow for control of the UAV by a user in a shooting/aiming position. The UAV includes an optical array for detecting and receiving the light signal communications, as well as filtering systems for filtering out unnecessary image data for better control in different weather and time conditions, as well as an avoidance system to avoid objects and other UAVs when used in a swarm of UAVs.