Smart UAV Landing Pad Using Signal Strength and Time-of-Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in navigating to a desired location when their primary navigation systems fail due to factors like weather, equipment malfunctions, or interference from infrastructure, leading to loss of data communication and interference with guidance systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a portable 'smart' landing pad with an omnidirectional antenna and a UAV equipped with a directional antenna, using signal strength and time-of-flight measurements to determine the direction and distance to the landing pad, allowing the UAV to automatically navigate and land without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a UAV uses primary navigation systems (GPS, visual-based), then navigation accuracy is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to weather, equipment malfunctions, and infrastructure interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a backup navigation system using omnidirectional and directional antennas that activates when primary navigation systems fail. This backup system provides a safety cushion against weather, equipment malfunctions, and infrastructure interference by establishing an alternative navigation method before primary systems become completely compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a signal transmission system as an intermediary between the ground and UAV for navigation. The omnidirectional antenna on the ground transmits signals that the directional antenna on the UAV receives, creating a reliable communication channel that serves as a mediator when primary navigation systems are unavailable or compromised.
2Device complexity
If a UAV manually remotely controls navigation, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic navigation capability where the UAV independently determines its position and navigates to the desired location using the backup antenna system. The UAV self-corrects its course based on signal strength measurements from omnidirectional and directional antennas, eliminating the need for continuous manual control while maintaining navigation efficiency.
3Reliability
If a UAV loses data communication with primary navigation systems, then navigation reliability deteriorates, but the backup antenna system requires additional device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the antenna system to serve multiple functions: the omnidirectional antenna provides 360-degree signal coverage for initial acquisition, while the directional antenna provides precise bearing information. This multi-functional antenna system consolidates multiple navigation capabilities into a single integrated backup system, reducing overall system complexity despite the added redundancy.
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 UAVs to self-navigate and land safely even when primary navigation systems are compromised, ensuring reliable operation in challenging conditions by using a backup navigation system that relies on signal strength and time-of-flight calculations.
Implementation Method 1
a directional antenna configured to detect the broadcast signal and determine, based on the relative signal strength at different orientations, a direction of origin of the broadcast signal
Implementation Method 2
a one or more processors configured to determine, based on a time of flight (ToF) of the signal between the omnidirectional antenna and the directional antenna, a distance between the landing pad and the UAV
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) navigation system includes a portable, ground-based landing pad comprising having a first antenna configured to transmit a data packet; a UAV comprising a second antenna configured to receive the data packet; and second processing circuitry configured to determine a signal strength between the first antenna and the second antenna; determine, based on the signal strength, an orientation of the vehicle relative to the landing pad; and determine, based on a time of flight of the data packet, a distance between the vehicle and the landing pad.