Air Mobility Landing Control Using TDOA Pad Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling air mobility vehicle landings face challenges with low positioning accuracy due to GNSS limitations, vulnerability to signal jamming, and the need for precise time synchronization, which complicates the landing process and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using TDOA (Time Difference Of Arrival) radio positioning around a landing pad without requiring time synchronization between the air mobility vehicle and the landing pad, utilizing existing radio signals and inexpensive equipment, allowing for simultaneous positioning of multiple vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS is used for positioning, then the system is simple and widely available, but positioning accuracy is low (several meters)
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the positioning function into two stages: coarse positioning using GNSS and fine positioning using TDOA radio positioning. This segmentation allows the system to use simple GNSS for initial location estimation while switching to more accurate TDOA methods only when needed for landing operations, thereby improving overall positioning accuracy without requiring complex TDOA infrastructure everywhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of radio receivers at the landing site that work with the vehicle's radio transmitter to enable TDOA positioning. This intermediary approach provides accurate positioning without requiring complex equipment on the vehicle itself, as the computational complexity is shifted to the ground-based receivers and server.
2Measurement precision
If TOA method is used for radio positioning, then distance measurement is possible, but precise time synchronization is required and separate communication devices must be added
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing communication radio already present on the air mobility vehicle for positioning purposes, rather than adding separate dedicated positioning transmitters. The existing radio signals are copied and utilized for TDOA calculations, eliminating the need for additional communication equipment while maintaining positioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the time synchronization requirement from the positioning system by using TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival) instead of TOA (Time of Arrival). TDOA only requires synchronization between the multiple ground-based receivers, not between the vehicle and landing site, thereby removing the need for complex onboard time synchronization equipment.
3Productivity
If multiple vehicles land simultaneously near a landing pad, then service capacity increases, but positioning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radio positioning system is designed to handle multiple vehicles simultaneously by using a universal approach where each vehicle uses its existing communication radio for positioning. The ground-based receivers and server process signals from multiple vehicles concurrently, enabling simultaneous positioning of multiple vehicles without requiring vehicle-specific positioning equipment or complex coordination protocols.
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
This approach provides accurate and cost-effective radio positioning for air mobility vehicle landings, enhancing safety and reducing costs by eliminating the need for additional equipment and precise synchronization, enabling efficient simultaneous landing operations.
Implementation Method 1
Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system and method for controlling landing of an air mobility vehicle which provide position information for landing of an air mobility vehicle by using the TDOA (Time Difference Of Arrival) method in radio positioning around a landing pad
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment system includes an air mobility vehicle configured to transmit a radio signal required to determine a relative position of the air mobility vehicle in response to receiving a signal indicating that landing on a landing pad is permitted, an airport device configured to receive the radio signal, determine the relative position of the air mobility vehicle, and transmit the relative position, and a service provider configured to transmit a command for allowing the air mobility vehicle to land vertically to the air mobility vehicle when it is determined that the air mobility vehicle is located within a predetermined range from the landing pad based on the relative position.