Mesh Time Synchronization for GPS-Denied Drone Swarms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drones in a swarm often lack precise synchronization and location coordination, especially in GPS-limited environments, which hinders coordinated movement and formation changes.
Innovation Solution
A self-organizing mesh network system with a grandmaster node and wireless synchronization protocol using precision time stamping and location propagation, enabling drones to synchronize and maintain location awareness through a scoring metric based on wireless signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drones use GPS for location coordination, then location accuracy is improved, but the system fails in GPS-limited or GPS-interdicted environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless mesh network system that mediates between drones and the grandmaster clock. This intermediary system enables location coordination through wireless time synchronization and trilateration algorithms, allowing drones to determine their positions without GPS by measuring signal travel times from multiple synchronized nodes in the mesh network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system with a ground-based wireless time synchronization system. By substituting the external GPS infrastructure with an internal mesh network timing system, drones can achieve location coordination through time-stamped wireless communications and trilateration rather than relying on satellite signals.
2Measurement precision
If drones synchronize through a centralized system, then synchronization precision is improved, but the system lacks resilience to node failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized synchronization system into a distributed mesh network architecture. Instead of a single centralized authority, multiple nodes in the mesh network participate in time synchronization, with each node maintaining synchronization independently through wireless time stamping protocols. This segmentation provides both precision through distributed timing and resilience through redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by creating a resilient mesh network architecture where multiple redundant paths and nodes are established in advance. If any node or communication path fails, the synchronized timing and location coordination continue through alternative routes, cushioning against single-point failures and enhancing overall system reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If drones maintain tight formation through continuous communication, then formation accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having drones exchange time synchronization and location information at regular intervals rather than continuously. The mesh network nodes periodically broadcast their time stamps and location data, allowing drones to update their positions and maintain formation accuracy while consuming energy only during these periodic communication events rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing on-demand synchronization and location updates within the mesh network. Instead of continuous full-state communication, drones exchange only the necessary timing and position data at appropriate intervals, maintaining formation accuracy with minimal energy expenditure by transmitting only the partial information needed for coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-organizing mesh network system is disclosed, comprising: at least one master node generating a timing reference signal; a plurality of regular nodes deriving time synchronization from the timing reference signal; and a wireless medium for communicating location and timestamp information among the plurality of regular nodes, The plurality of regular nodes may be configured to each use communicated location and timestamp information of nearby nodes to independently generate a location map of the nearby nodes. The plurality of regular nodes may be configured to accept an additional regular node. The plurality of regular nodes may be configured to allow a node of the plurality of regular nodes to exit the plurality of regular nodes. The plurality of regular nodes may each use communicated location and timestamp information of the plurality of regular nodes to independently generate a location map of each of the plurality of regular nodes.