Swarm Drone SAR Control With Synchronized Multi-Static Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drone systems for bistatic or multi-static synthetic aperture radar (SAR) operations face challenges in ease of implementation, user convenience, and stability, particularly due to complex formation flight techniques and data synchronization requirements.
Innovation Solution
A drone system utilizing open-source hardware, comprising a flight control module, a high-level control module for swarm control, a link module, and a data acquisition board, which enables easy operation and effective performance of bistatic or multi-static SAR scenarios by attaching transceiving modules to multiple aerial vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional radar systems use larger antenna diameter to improve resolution, then azimuth resolution and antenna gain are improved, but device complexity, weight, and difficulty of rotation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radar system into multiple distributed transceiving modules (transmitters and receivers) positioned at different locations on the aerial vehicle, replacing the conventional single large antenna. Each module operates independently, and their signals are synthesized to achieve high resolution without requiring a large physical antenna diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines signals from multiple distributed transceiving modules through coherent integration and signal processing to synthesize the effect of a large aperture antenna. By merging the radar signals received at different positions and applying phase correction based on geometric relationships, the system achieves high azimuth resolution equivalent to a much larger antenna.
2Measurement precision
If SAR systems perform complicated signal processing to achieve high resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but computing resources and processing time are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary phase correction and signal alignment during the data acquisition phase, using pre-calculated geometric relationships between transceiving modules and target points. By preparing and applying phase correction factors in advance based on known positions, the system reduces the computational burden during real-time signal processing while maintaining high resolution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple aerial vehicles are used for bistatic or multi-static SAR operation, then versatility and coverage are improved, but formation flight control and data synchronization complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control architecture where each aerial vehicle is equipped with identical transceiving modules and control software that can function as transmitter, receiver, or coordinator. This multi-functional design allows any vehicle to take on different roles dynamically, simplifying the overall swarm control system while maintaining operational flexibility for various SAR modes.
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
The proposed drone system simplifies the operation of bistatic or multi-static SAR systems, enhancing user convenience and stability, while allowing for efficient search, exploration, and reconnaissance functions, suitable for military and civilian applications.
Implementation Method 1
there is a significant difference between the position of the antenna where the radio beam is radiated and the position of the antenna where the reflected wave is received, and the difference in position appears as a Doppler shift of the received radio wave
Implementation Method 2
a satellite antenna connected to the flight control module and configured to receive a satellite signal from a satellite, and the flight control module may receive global positioning information calculated based on the satellite signal
Data Source
AI summary
A drone system for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) operation to control and operate an aerial vehicle mounted with an SAR may comprise: a flight control module configured to control a low level of the aerial vehicle; a high-level control module configured to perform communication for swarm control of the aerial vehicles, receive flight information from the flight control module, and transmit a command to the flight control module; a link module configured to link the flight control module and the high-level control module; and a data acquisition board connected to the high-level control module and configured to store a flight log from the high-level control module and radar data from a radar module provided with the SAR.