UAS Position Regulation via Event-Triggered ADS-B Broadcasting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into shared airspace poses challenges due to the limitations of traditional air traffic control systems, as UAS performance metrics are impacted by communication systems, and there is a need to optimize spectral capacity and reduce interference in communications networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for regulating UAS location using processors to determine position and detect problem states, activating an alert mode to broadcast position signals only when necessary, and directing the UAS to auto-land or maneuver to avoid obstacles, while minimizing spectral load by segregating airspaces and adjusting transmission power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous bi-directional communication is maintained for all aircraft in shared airspace, then traffic management and collision avoidance are improved, but spectral capacity is overloaded and interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic position broadcasting by UAS only when specific conditions are met (entering shared airspace, detecting obstacles, or being detected by other aircraft), rather than continuous communication. This reduces spectral load while maintaining effective traffic management through event-triggered updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automatic position broadcasting and obstacle detection without requiring continuous human monitoring or centralized control. UAS autonomously determine when to broadcast positions based on predefined conditions, reducing communication overhead while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If ADS-B communication systems are equipped on UAS for traffic management, then position broadcasting and collision avoidance are improved, but UAS performance metrics (SWaP) deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic position broadcasting triggered by specific events (entering shared airspace, obstacle detection) rather than continuous transmission. This reduces power consumption of the ADS-B system while maintaining collision avoidance capability through selective updates when relevant.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters based on operational context, broadcasting positions only when necessary rather than continuously. This parameter optimization reduces power requirements while maintaining the reliability needed for collision avoidance in shared airspace.
3Ease of operation
If traditional air traffic control systems are used for UAS, then airspace management is simplified, but the systems are inappropriate for small UAS size and altitude
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through autonomous UAS that automatically broadcast positions and detect obstacles without requiring traditional centralized air traffic control. This maintains ease of operation through automated processes while adapting to small UAS capabilities and operational characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses event-triggered position broadcasting and obstacle detection rather than continuous traditional ATC monitoring. This adapts to small UAS operational patterns while maintaining effective airspace management through selective, relevant updates.
4Quantity of substance
If segregation of airspaces is implemented to reduce spectral load, then spectral capacity is optimized and interference is reduced, but traffic management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic airspace classification and position broadcasting based on UAS characteristics and location, without requiring complex manual segregation management. This optimizes spectral capacity through automated, context-aware communication while reducing the operational complexity of airspace segregation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and related method for regulating the location of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) determines the current position of the UAS via onboard sensors or via decoding and derivation of ADS-B signals received from other vehicles. The system may operate in inert mode, where the position of the UAS is not broadcast, or alert mode, where the position of the UAS is continually broadcast via ADS-B Out signal. Based on the position of the UAS, the system detects proximate vehicles, restricted airspaces, or other problem statuses of the UAS. If a problem status is detected, the UAS may activate the alert mode. If a problem status is critical, the UAS may execute an auto-landing or correct course to exit a restricted airspace or avoid a detected vehicle.