UAV Azimuth Correction for 3D Signal Source Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with linear array antennas face challenges in accurately measuring three-dimensional location information of signal sources due to increased weight, size, and computational complexity, especially when there are altitude differences between the UAV and the signal source, making it impossible for small-size UAVs to measure three-dimensional location information effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that corrects the measured azimuth by considering elevation changes, using multiple position and posture information from the UAV equipped with a linear array antenna to estimate the three-dimensional location of the signal source, allowing for accurate identification of the signal source's location using a small-size UAV.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a two-dimensional array antenna or circular array antenna is equipped in the unmanned aerial vehicle to measure three-dimensional location information, then the measurement capability of three-dimensional location information is improved, but the weight, size, and power consumption of the unmanned aerial vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the elevation measurement function from the azimuth measurement function. By using a linear array antenna configured to measure only azimuth and combining it with altitude information from a separate altitude measurement device, the system achieves three-dimensional location measurement without requiring a complex two-dimensional array antenna, thus reducing weight while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from measuring three-dimensional location directly with a two-dimensional array antenna to a hybrid approach: using a linear array antenna for azimuth measurement in the horizontal dimension, and combining this with altitude data from another dimension (vertical measurement via altitude measurement device) to reconstruct three-dimensional location information
2Measurement precision
If a two-dimensional array antenna or circular array antenna is equipped in the unmanned aerial vehicle to measure three-dimensional location information, then the measurement capability of three-dimensional location information is improved, but the computational complexity in signal processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the complex three-dimensional DoA estimation problem into simpler components: azimuth estimation using the linear array antenna and elevation derivation from altitude measurement device data, significantly reducing signal processing complexity compared to direct three-dimensional estimation with two-dimensional arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces altitude information from an altitude measurement device as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between simple azimuth measurement and three-dimensional location determination, avoiding the need for complex three-dimensional signal processing
3Weight of moving object
If a linear array antenna is used in the unmanned aerial vehicle, then the weight and size of the unmanned aerial vehicle are reduced, but the measurement accuracy of three-dimensional location information deteriorates due to inability to account for elevation differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces altitude information from an altitude measurement device as a compensating intermediary that corrects azimuth measurement errors caused by elevation differences between the UAV and the signal source, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while using a lightweight linear array antenna
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by incorporating altitude data into the azimuth correction process, transforming the raw azimuth measurement into a corrected azimuth value that accounts for elevation differences, thereby improving accuracy without increasing antenna complexity
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
Enables the accurate identification of three-dimensional location information of signal sources using a small-size UAV, reducing the weight, size, and computational complexity of the UAV system while accounting for elevation differences.
Implementation Method 1
a device capable of measuring the Direction of Arrival (DoA) of the signal source
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of identifying location information of a signal source, the method including: identifying, at a first position, first position information and first posture information of an UAV equipped with a linear array antenna; identifying, after identifying a first measured azimuth between the signal source and the antenna at the first position, a first corrected azimuth; identifying, at at least one second position, at least one piece of second position information and at least one of second posture information of the UAV; identifying, after identifying at least one second measured azimuth between the signal source and the antenna at the at least one second position, at least one second corrected azimuth; and estimating the location information of the signal source by using the first position information, the first posture information, the first corrected azimuth, the second position information, the second posture information, and the second corrected azimuth.