Millimeter-Wave UAV Positioning Using Synchronized Base Station Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in urban environments face challenges such as limited satellite coverage, vulnerability to jamming and spoofing, high costs due to complex sensors, and inability to maintain precise flight paths without relying on GNSS, especially in indoor settings.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system using two time-synchronized periodic wideband signals transmitted from spaced apart base stations with overlapping beams to determine UAV position and guide flight paths, independent of GNSS, incorporating millimeter-wave technology for precise positioning and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GNSS satellite positioning is used for UAV navigation, then positioning coverage is provided, but the system becomes vulnerable to jamming and spoofing attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces millimeter-wave base stations as intermediary infrastructure between UAVs and the positioning system. These base stations transmit periodic wideband signals that enable positioning without direct reliance on satellite signals, thereby mediating the positioning function and eliminating vulnerability to GNSS jamming and spoofing attacks
2Reliability
If optical flow navigation is used for UAV positioning without GPS, then GNSS independence is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to camera sensors and data processing algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical flow navigation system (which requires complex camera sensors and processing algorithms) with a radio-based positioning system using millimeter-wave signals. This substitution eliminates the need for complex onboard optical sensors while maintaining GNSS independence, thereby reducing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The millimeter-wave base stations serve multiple functions: they provide positioning signals for UAV navigation, enable communication links, and create defined flight paths through beam overlap. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning and communication systems, reducing overall device complexity
3Measurement precision
If microwave landing system with scanning beams is used for precise landing, then precise elevation and directional data are provided, but the system is not suitable for UAV airway navigation in three-dimensional space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the positioning system from two-dimensional landing guidance to three-dimensional airway navigation by using multiple base stations transmitting periodic wideband signals. The system determines UAV position in 3D space by measuring time differences and signal intensities from multiple spatially distributed base stations, enabling versatile navigation throughout the airway volume
4Measurement precision
If millimeter-wave beam infrastructure is deployed for UAV navigation, then positioning precision and resistance to GNSS interference are improved, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines positioning, navigation, and communication functions into a single millimeter-wave base station infrastructure. The same periodic wideband signals used for positioning also establish communication links and define flight paths through beam overlap, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall infrastructure complexity
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 reliable, cost-effective, and secure navigation of UAVs in urban and indoor environments with precise flight paths, reducing the need for costly sensors and processing, and providing resistance to GNSS interference.
Implementation Method 1
A receiver of an unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to receive two periodic wideband signals transmitted from two spaced apart base stations of a navigation system for unmanned aerial vehicles
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments provide an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising a receiver and a position determiner. The receiver is configured to receive two periodic wideband signals transmitted from two spaced apart base stations of a navigation system for unmanned aerial vehicles, wherein the two periodic wideband signals are time-synchronized. The position determiner is configured to determine a position of the unmanned aerial vehicle relative to the two base stations based on a difference between reception times of the two periodic wideband signals and based on reception intensities of the two periodic wideband signals.