UAS Beacon Transmitter for Proximity Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack the ability to effectively identify unmanned aerial systems (UAS) while they are in the air and associate them with their owner/operators, which is crucial for tracking and regulation, especially in prohibited areas.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for short-range transmission of identification codes and sensor data from UAS to mobile or ground-based devices, allowing authorized users to receive and process this information, including global positioning system data, and retrieve owner/operator details through a credentialing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If unmanned aerial systems are made small for portability and ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but identification capability deteriorates because airframes are too small for identification numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions identification from the physical dimension (airframe surface) to the electromagnetic dimension (radio frequency signals). Instead of placing identification numbers on the small airframe, the system uses transmitters broadcasting unique identification codes that can be detected by ground-based receivers, effectively moving the identification capability to a different dimensional space where size constraints no longer apply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification system consisting of transmitters mounted on the UAS and ground-based receivers. This intermediary layer mediates between the small UAS airframe and the need for identification, allowing identification data to be transmitted wirelessly without requiring physical space on the airframe for traditional identification markings.
2Reliability
If registration systems are implemented to track UAS owners, then regulatory compliance is improved, but effectiveness deteriorates because law enforcement cannot identify owners when UAS are flown away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring UAS to be registered beforehand in a database and equipping them with transmitters that continuously broadcast their identification codes. This preliminary setup ensures that when a UAS is detected by ground-based receivers, the identification data is already available and can be immediately cross-referenced with the registration database, eliminating the loss of information that occurs when UAS are flown away without prior identification capability.
3Measurement precision
If transmitters are added to UAS for identification purposes, then identification capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing transmitters that serve multiple functions: they broadcast identification codes for recognition, transmit telemetry data for monitoring, and enable two-way communication for command and control. By making the transmitter a multi-functional component rather than a dedicated identification device, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced identification capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein include an electronic beacon system mounted to an unmanned aerial system (UAS) broadcasting identification and sensor data including a UAS identification code, global positioning system data and other telemetry information. In certain embodiments, identification and global positioning system data of the unmanned aerial system is transmitted to and displayed upon a mobile handheld device. Other embodiments include using the identification data to ascertain the identity of the owner/operator of an unmanned aerial system. Related systems, hardware, firmware, and software are disclosed.