SOTM Antenna Geometry for GPS-Denied UAV Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining the position of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) without GPS signals rely on discrete landmarks, image processing, or complex computations, which are not always feasible or efficient, especially in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a satellite communications on the move (SOTM) antenna system that calculates the UAV's position based on the known spatial position of a SATCOM, the UAV's altitude, and the angle of the antenna towards the SATCOM, allowing for quick and accurate positioning without GPS signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS signals are used for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the system cannot operate when GPS signals are disrupted or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the fundamental parameter used for positioning from GPS satellite signals to SATCOM signal geometry parameters (antenna angle, satellite position, altitude). This allows the system to operate independently of GPS signal availability while maintaining positioning capability through alternative physical measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces SATCOM infrastructure as an intermediary element between the UAV and the positioning system. By using the SATCOM antenna's relationship with known satellite positions as a mediator, the system can determine UAV position without directly relying on GPS signals, thus resolving the contradiction between GPS accuracy and system availability
2Reliability
If landmark-based positioning is used, then positioning can be achieved without GPS, but the system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from complex image processing and landmark recognition systems, isolating only the essential geometric relationship between the SATCOM antenna, satellite position, and UAV altitude. This extraction simplifies the system while maintaining positioning availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/image processing systems with a simpler geometric calculation system based on SATCOM signal parameters. Instead of using cameras and image processing algorithms, the system uses mathematical relationships between antenna angle, satellite position, and altitude to determine position, significantly reducing device complexity
3Reliability
If image processing technology is used for positioning, then positioning can be achieved without GPS, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive, easily measurable parameters (antenna angle, satellite position data, altitude) that can be obtained rapidly and discarded after use in each positioning calculation. These replace expensive, time-consuming image processing operations while maintaining positioning availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-obtains satellite position information and maintains ready-to-use geometric calculation models, allowing rapid positioning determination when needed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming real-time image processing while ensuring positioning availability
Data Source
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.