SATCOM Antenna Positioning for GPS-Denied UAV Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the position of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) without GPS signals rely on image processing, landmark identification, or complex computations, which are not always feasible or efficient.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using the known spatial position of a communications satellite (SATCOM) and the UAV's current altitude and antenna angle to calculate the UAV's position, eliminating the need for GPS signals, image processing, or landmark identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image processing or landmark identification is used to determine UAV position without GPS, then positioning capability is maintained, but device complexity and computational requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from complex image processing systems and landmark identification databases, isolating only the essential satellite signal reception and geometric calculation components. This reduces system complexity while maintaining positioning capability by removing unnecessary computational layers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using ground-based landmarks to determine position (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using the known position of satellites and the measured antenna angles to calculate UAV position. This geometric inversion simplifies the system by eliminating the need for ground landmark databases and image processing.
2Measurement precision
If GPS signals are used for positioning, then positioning accuracy is high, but the system becomes vulnerable to signal loss, spoofing, or jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces satellite signals as an intermediary positioning mechanism that operates independently of GPS infrastructure. By using satellite-based geometric calculations with known satellite positions and measured antenna angles, the system creates an alternative positioning pathway that is not susceptible to GPS spoofing or jamming, thereby improving reliability while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If SATCOM antenna tracking is implemented for communication, then communication reliability is improved, but additional computational overhead is required for angle calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the SATCOM antenna tracking system multi-functional by using it for both communication and positioning purposes. The same antenna angle measurements required for maintaining reliable satellite communication are simultaneously utilized for geometric position calculation, eliminating the need for separate positioning sensors or computational systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the communication function and positioning function into a single integrated system. The SATCOM antenna's tracking movements, originally solely for communication reliability, are combined with position determination by using the antenna angle data for both communication alignment and geometric position calculation, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one aspect of the presently disclosed subject there is provided a system implemented in a mobile carrier for determining a position of the mobile carrier by using a processing and memory circuitry (PMC) and a satellite communications on the move (SOTM) antenna system, being configured to maintain a communications link from a satellite communications (SATCOM) having a spatial position. The system is configured to obtain data indicative of the spatial position of the SATCOM, the estimated altitude of the mobile carrier and the direction of the antenna towards the SATCOM spatial position and to determine the position of the mobile carrier.