Phase Array Antenna Platform Community Optical Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for airborne robotic autonomous systems lack integrated real-time expert system convergence for combined optical/RF communication, limiting their potential for self-organization and situation awareness.
Innovation Solution
An airborne mesh network forming phase array antenna system that uses a Through-the-Air Link Optical Component (TALOC) for bi-directional optical communication between platforms, enabling multi-GHz data exchange, accurate distance and angle measurement, and self-organization of platforms into a mobile phase array antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If free space optical communication is implemented between airborne platforms, then data exchange rate is improved (multi-GHz), but system complexity increases due to need for precise tracking and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical beacons as intermediary elements to facilitate communication between platforms. The beacons provide reference signals that enable precise tracking and positioning without requiring complex active sensing systems on each platform, thus achieving high data exchange rates while managing system complexity through the use of passive intermediary elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical tracking systems with optical-based tracking using phase array antennas and optical beacons. This substitution enables non-contact, high-precision tracking and positioning through optical field interactions, thereby achieving multi-GHz data exchange rates without the mechanical complexity of traditional tracking mechanisms
2Loss of information
If real-time 3D mapping of platform positions is achieved, then situation awareness is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing optical beacons and phase array antenna configurations before communication tasks. The beacons continuously provide reference signals for position estimation, enabling real-time 3D mapping without requiring intensive post-capture processing, thus reducing computational time and resource requirements while maintaining high situation awareness
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves self-service through autonomous position estimation using optical time of flight measurements and phase array processing. Each platform independently calculates its position and orientation relative to others using the optical beacons and received signals, eliminating the need for centralized processing and reducing overall computational burden while maintaining real-time situation awareness
3Adaptability or versatility
If platforms self-organize into mobile phase array antenna, then communication versatility is improved, but coordination and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic self-organization where platforms autonomously adjust their positions and orientations to form mobile phase array antenna configurations. The system continuously adapts to changing environmental conditions and communication requirements by dynamically reconfiguring the array geometry, achieving high communication versatility while managing coordination complexity through distributed autonomous control algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from optical beacons and phase array signal measurements to continuously monitor and adjust platform positions and orientations. This feedback mechanism enables automatic coordination and control, allowing platforms to self-organize into optimal configurations for various communication tasks without requiring complex external coordination, thus achieving versatility while managing control complexity through closed-loop autonomous operation
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 high-accuracy 3D mapping of platform positions, facilitating actionable information and guidance, and providing full-range RF interconnection within the communication space, enhancing the capabilities of airborne robotic autonomous systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first airborne platform and a second airborne platform in a platform community optically track a movement of one another and optically communicate bi-directionally between one another
Implementation Method 2
An airborne mesh network forming phase array antenna system that uses a Through-the-Air Link Optical Component (TALOC) for bi-directional optical communication between platforms
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method for communicating between platforms, comprising the steps of initializing a first platform and a second platform; optically tracking a movement of the second platform by the first platform; and optically communicating bi-directionally between the first platform and the second platform. Disclosed herein is an optical communication device comprising various elements including but not limited to: a processor configured to provide at least a tracking mode and a communications mode; an input-output interface coupled to the processor; an electro-optic controller coupled to the input-output interface; an acquisition-tracking portion coupled to the electro-optic controller; and a communication portion coupled to the electro-optic controller. Disclosed herein is a method for communicating between platforms, comprising forming a phase array antenna, wherein the phase array antenna comprises a plurality of platforms arranged in a platform community; and synchronizing a time measurement at each of the platforms, wherein each platform comprises an optical communication device.