UAV Antenna Array for Transmitter Location Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the geospatial location of a transmitter using phase measurements of signals received by fixed antennas lack accuracy and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with multiple antennas follows a flight path involving concurrent translation and rotation, allowing for multiple phase measurements to be taken at various spatial points, enabling more precise and efficient estimation of the transmitter's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phase measurements are taken using fixed antennas at spatial points, then the system structure is simple, but the location estimation accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from fixed antennas to a moving measurement platform (UAV) that dynamically changes its position and orientation in space. The UAV flies along a predetermined path while rotating, enabling phase measurements to be collected from multiple spatial locations and angles, thereby improving location estimation accuracy through dynamic data acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dimensionality change by adding temporal and rotational dimensions to the measurement process. Instead of static spatial measurements, the system collects phase data over time as the UAV moves along a flight path and rotates, effectively transforming a 2D fixed-array problem into a 4D (x, y, z, t) dynamic measurement problem, which provides richer geometric constraints for accurate location estimation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple phase measurements are taken at different spatial points, then the location estimation accuracy improves, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the UAV's rotational motion during the measurement process. The UAV rotates periodically along its flight path, allowing it to efficiently sweep through multiple angular positions and collect phase measurements from diverse directions in a systematic and time-efficient manner, thereby improving accuracy without excessive time penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous useful action by having the UAV fly along a predetermined continuous path while continuously collecting phase measurements. The measurement process occurs without interruption as the UAV moves and rotates, ensuring that data collection is ongoing throughout the flight, which maximizes the efficiency of the measurement process.
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 allows for more accurate and rapid determination of the transmitter's location compared to fixed antenna systems, facilitating improved precision and efficiency in location detection.
Implementation Method 1
Phase measurements of signals emitted by the transmitter and received by two or more antennas may be used to determine estimated locations of the transmitter
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes controlling a plurality of rotors to cause a plurality of antennas to traverse a flight path. Traversing the flight path includes concurrent translation of a body in a horizontal plane and rotation of the body about an axis. The plurality of rotors is coupled to the body. The method also includes, while traversing the flight path, receiving a first phase measurement of a first signal via a first antenna of a plurality of antennas and receiving a second phase measurement of the first signal via a second antenna of the plurality of antennas. The method further includes determining position information related to a location of the transmitter based at least in part on the first phase measurement and the second phase measurement.