UAS Position Reporting via ADS-B Transceiver Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in managing the position reporting of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is that conventional visual and radar techniques for detecting their presence can make it difficult for manned aircraft pilots to avoid collisions, leading to the need for 'sterilized' airspace, which limits operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS) integrated with a ground control station (GCS) that uses automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and traffic information services broadcast (TIS-B) transceivers, along with telecommunication modems, to communicate UAS position data to civilian or military control centers, enabling real-time position reporting and voice communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visual and radar techniques are used to detect UAS presence, then detection capability is improved, but collision avoidance capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (ADS-B transceiver and ATC-RS) that mediates between the UAS and air traffic control. The transceiver converts UAS position data into standardized ADS-B signals that can be seamlessly integrated into existing air traffic control infrastructure, enabling reliable collision avoidance while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously broadcasting UAS position data through ADS-B signals to air traffic control centers and other aircraft. This creates a closed-loop information system where position data is constantly updated and communicated, enabling dynamic collision avoidance decisions
2Reliability
If sterilized airspace is used to reduce collision risk, then safety is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ADS-B transceiver system serves multiple functions: it provides position reporting to air traffic control, enables collision avoidance with other aircraft, and allows operation in both sterilized and shared airspace. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to choose between safety and operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The ATC-RS acts as an intermediary that bridges UAS operations with existing air traffic control systems. By integrating UAS position data into the national air traffic control infrastructure, the system enables safe operation in shared airspace without requiring sterilized zones
3Reliability
If real-time position reporting is implemented, then collision risk is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UAS autonomously generates and broadcasts its own position data through the ADS-B transceiver without requiring external tracking infrastructure. The aircraft's navigation system provides position information that is automatically formatted and transmitted, eliminating the need for complex external surveillance systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing civilian ADS-B technology and signal formats, copying proven air traffic communication protocols for use with unmanned aircraft. This leverages existing infrastructure and standards, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial system (UAS) position reporting system may include an air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS) coupled with a ground control station (GCS) of an unmanned aerial system. The ATC-RS may include an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and traffic information services broadcast (TIS-B) transceiver and one or more telecommunications modems. The ATC-RS may be adapted to receive position data of the UAS in an airspace from the GCS and to selectively communicate the position of the UAS in the airspace to a civilian air traffic control center (ATC), to a military command and control (C2) communication center, or to both the civilian ATC and the military C2 communication center through the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver. The ATC-RS may also be adapted to display the position of the UAS in the airspace on a display screen coupled with the ATC-RS.