UAS Service Control via 5G Network Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a method to effectively control and manage unmanned aerial systems (UAS) services using a wireless communication system, particularly to prevent UAS terminals from deviating into no-flight zones and to manage their service areas efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The method involves performing authorization procedures with UAS terminals, receiving serviceable area information from Unified Data Management (UDM) or Policy Control Function (PCF), and using this information to control UAS terminals through a wireless communication system, including delivering control messages via data or control planes and emergency sessions, to ensure they operate within designated service areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UAS terminals are allowed to operate freely in wireless communication systems, then service coverage and accessibility are improved, but safety risks increase due to potential entry into no-flight zones
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs authorization procedures before allowing UAS terminals to operate, obtaining serviceable area information from UDM or PCF in advance. This preliminary action establishes authorized flight zones before the terminal begins operation, preventing entry into no-flight zones while maintaining service coverage in authorized areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components (AMF, SMF, UDM, PCF) that mediate between the UAS terminal and the flight restriction zones. These network functions process authorization requests, manage serviceable area information, and enforce geographic constraints, thereby enabling safe operation without directly restricting terminal freedom.
2Reliability
If authorization procedures and service area control are implemented for UAS terminals, then safety and operational control are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional network elements in the 5G system (AMF for access and mobility management, SMF for session management, UDM for unified data management, PCF for policy control) to handle UAS authorization. These existing components perform multiple functions including authentication, location management, and now UAS service area control, avoiding the need for dedicated new infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables UAS terminals to self-authenticate and self-regulate by providing them with serviceable area information and control messages. The terminal autonomously checks its location against authorized zones and adjusts its operation accordingly, reducing the need for continuous external monitoring and control infrastructure.
3Reliability
If serviceable area information is continuously monitored and control messages are delivered to UAS terminals, then prevention of no-flight zone entry is improved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system implements periodic authorization procedures and control message delivery. The AMF periodically checks terminal location against serviceable areas, and the PCF periodically updates serviceable area information based on terminal movement and flight restriction zone changes, reducing communication overhead while maintaining compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes feedback loops where terminal location information is fed back to the network, which then provides appropriate control messages or updates serviceable area information. This feedback mechanism enables responsive control without continuous communication, as messages are delivered only when necessary based on terminal status and location changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of providing an unmanned aerial system (UAS), the method including: performing an authorization procedure with respect to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a UAV controller (UAC); after the authorization procedure is completed, receiving UAS serviceable area information from an unified data management (UDM) or a policy control function (PCF); and providing the received UAS serviceable area information to the UAV and the UAC via a base station.