UAV Linear Array Azimuth Sensing for 3D Signal Source Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining three-dimensional location information of a signal source using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with two-dimensional or circular array antennas are hindered by increased weight, size, and power requirements, as well as complex signal processing computations, making them unsuitable for smaller UAVs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a linear array antenna on a UAV to measure azimuths at multiple locations, combining location and posture information from different positions to calculate three-dimensional location information of a signal source, thereby reducing the need for larger UAVs and complex computations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a two-dimensional array antenna or circular array antenna is mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle to measure three-dimensional location information, then the measurement precision of the signal source location is improved, but the weight, size, and power requirements of the unmanned aerial vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the three-dimensional location measurement into two separate stages: first measuring azimuth at multiple locations using a simple linear array antenna, then calculating three-dimensional location through coordinate transformation and triangulation. This segmentation allows using lightweight one-dimensional measurement equipment instead of heavy two-dimensional array antennas, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct three-dimensional measurement using a two-dimensional array antenna to a hybrid approach combining one-dimensional antenna measurements with spatial dimension information from multiple flight locations. By adding the temporal-spatial dimension of moving the UAV to different positions, the system achieves three-dimensional location capability with a one-dimensional sensor array.
2Measurement precision
If a two-dimensional array antenna or circular array antenna is mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle to measure three-dimensional location information, then the measurement precision of the signal source location is improved, but the size of the unmanned aerial vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function into azimuth measurement (performed by the linear array antenna) and location calculation (performed through coordinate transformation of multiple measurement points). This allows the antenna system to remain compact and one-dimensional, avoiding the large physical footprint required by two-dimensional array antennas while still achieving three-dimensional location precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coordinate transformation and triangulation calculation as intermediary processes between the simple azimuth measurements and the final three-dimensional location result. These computational intermediaries enable the system to derive three-dimensional information from one-dimensional measurements taken at multiple positions, eliminating the need for physically large two-dimensional antenna arrays.
3Measurement precision
If a two-dimensional array antenna or circular array antenna is mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle to measure three-dimensional location information, then the measurement precision of the signal source location is improved, but the power for driving the unmanned aerial vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into a power-efficient linear array antenna for azimuth detection and a computational process for three-dimensional reconstruction. The linear array antenna consumes significantly less power than two-dimensional arrays, and the additional computational burden of triangulation is minimal compared to the power savings from using a simpler antenna configuration.
4Measurement precision
If two-dimensional azimuth and elevation have to be measured to determine three-dimensional location information, then the measurement precision of the signal source location is improved, but the amount of computation for signal processing increases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the elevation measurement function from the antenna system and replaces it with geometric calculation based on the known UAV flight positions and measured azimuths. This extraction simplifies the signal processing by eliminating the need for complex two-dimensional beamforming and direction-of-arrival estimation, reducing computational complexity while maintaining three-dimensional location precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical/mechanical two-dimensional antenna array with a computational geometry approach. Instead of using hardware to directly measure both azimuth and elevation simultaneously, the system uses mathematical triangulation based on azimuth measurements from multiple known positions, substituting computational geometry for physical measurement 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 accurate determination of three-dimensional location information of a signal source using a smaller UAV, reducing weight, size, and power requirements while maintaining computational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a direction of arrival of the signal source may be measured through an array antenna provided in an unmanned aerial vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of determining location information of a signal source. A method of determining location information of a signal source by using an unmanned aerial vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes determining, at a first location, first location information and first posture information of the unmanned aerial vehicle provided with a linear array antenna; determining, at the first location, a first measurement azimuth between the signal source and the linear array antenna; determining, at least one second location, at least one second location information and at least one second posture information of the unmanned aerial vehicle having the linear array antenna; determining, at the at least one second location, at least one second measurement azimuth between the signal source and the linear array antenna; and predicting the location information of the signal source using the information described above.