RF Signal Temporal Map for UAV Communication Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) experience unreliable communication links due to weak radio frequency (RF) signal properties, leading to malfunctions or loss of connection when operating away from the ground-based controller.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating a temporal map of RF signals detected by a UAV, which includes detecting RF signals over a predetermined spectrum of frequencies at specific locations and analyzing these signals to determine parameters such as signal-to-noise ratio and strength, allowing for the creation of a map that indicates areas of strong and weak signal interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UAV operates away from ground-based controller, then flight freedom and operational flexibility are improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to weak RF signal properties
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting and mapping RF signal properties in advance before the UAV reaches problematic areas. The ground-based controller receives and stores RF signal strength data at various locations, creating a pre-computed interference map that guides future UAV operations and avoids areas with poor signal properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of RF signal detectors placed at various locations and a mapping system that processes signal strength data. This intermediary layer between the UAV and ground controller provides advance warning about communication quality, allowing the system to anticipate and avoid poor communication zones without direct real-time intervention.
2Measurement precision
If RF signal detection covers predetermined spectrum of frequencies, then measurement precision of signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF spectrum detection is segmented into multiple discrete frequency channels within the predetermined spectrum. Each frequency channel is detected and analyzed separately, allowing the system to manage complexity through structured decomposition. The detection system processes each frequency band independently before integrating the results into the overall RF signal quality assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various frequency ranges and signal types within the predetermined spectrum using a unified approach. The same detection infrastructure analyzes different frequency bands for RF interference patterns, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems for each frequency range and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating a temporal map of radio frequency (RF) signals detected from a vehicle. The method includes: detecting a plurality of RF signals over a predetermined spectrum of frequencies at a first longitude, a first latitude and a first altitude; analyzing the plurality of RF signals to determine at least a first parameter associated with at least a first RF signal of the plurality of RF signals; and adding to the temporal map the first RF signal frequency, the at least a first parameter associated with the first RF signal, the first longitude, the first latitude and the first altitude.