Mission-Controller UAV Array for Verified Wireless Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless position determination technologies, such as GPS, Bluetooth, and WiFi, face limitations in accuracy and range, especially in complex environments, requiring specialized equipment and training, and are easily obstructed.
Innovation Solution
A self-verifying array of Nodes (SVAN) verifies positions by generating multiple sets of position determination variables from wireless communications, using time of transmission, arrival, phase change, angle, and signal strength, and combines these to enhance location tracking and communication accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS, Bluetooth, or WiFi is used for position determination, then location tracking is enabled, but accuracy and range are limited and easily obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the positioning function into multiple independent Nodes distributed throughout the environment. Each Node performs local position determination using wireless communications, and the results are aggregated to provide comprehensive position tracking. This segmentation allows the system to overcome the limitations of single-point GPS or WiFi positioning by creating a distributed measurement network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple position determination techniques (time of transmission, time of arrival, phase change, angle measurements) and multiple wireless communication protocols into a unified SVAN system. By merging these different measurement approaches and data sources, the system achieves superior accuracy and reliability compared to any single technology alone.
2Measurement precision
If specialized equipment and training are used for wireless position determination, then measurement capability is provided, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The SVAN system performs self-verification of positions automatically without requiring external specialized equipment or trained operators. The Nodes autonomously exchange wireless communication data, calculate their own positions, and verify each other's positions through the self-verifying array. This eliminates the need for specialized radar or lidar equipment and associated training.
3Measurement precision
If multiple wireless communications are used to verify positions, then location tracking accuracy is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each Node in the SVAN system is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions: wireless communication, position determination, position verification, and data aggregation. By making each Node multi-functional, the system achieves high measurement precision through multiple communications without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the same hardware and software framework handles all tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
Unmanned vehicle apparatus including a first unmanned vehicle operative as a mission-controller Node within a self-verifying array of Nodes. The first unmanned vehicle includes one or more wireless transceivers and sensors configured to determine its position and orientation relative to one or more secondary unmanned vehicles. Each secondary unmanned vehicle includes a Node having a transceiver for bidirectional communication with the first unmanned vehicle and with other Nodes in the array. A controller within the first unmanned vehicle aggregates and verifies positional and communication data received from the secondary unmanned vehicles, designates base Nodes for calibration, and transmits mission instructions based upon verified Node positions. The controller executes cascade communications, excludes faulty Nodes, and dynamically updates a virtual representation of the array within an augmented virtual model. The array thereby maintains a real-time, verified topology enabling coordinated autonomous operation across multiple unmanned air, surface, or subsea vehicles.