UAV Linear Arrays for Secure Data Transport via Wavefront Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communications systems via UAVs lack effective methods for ensuring privacy and survivability of data transport, particularly in scenarios where multiple destinations require secure and reliable data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The use of wavefront multiplexing and demultiplexing techniques by clusters of UAVs forming linear arrays in the sky, allowing for the creation of multiple concurrent beams that provide spatial discrimination and redundancy, enabling secure data transmission and reception only to intended users within overlapping coverage areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is transmitted through multiple UAV clusters forming linear arrays, then privacy and survivability are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data stream is segmented into multiple substreams that are independently transmitted through different UAV clusters. Each cluster processes and transmits a portion of the segmented data, which enhances privacy and survivability while distributing the computational complexity across multiple independent units rather than concentrating it in a single system
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional ground-based or single-point transmission to a three-dimensional spatial distribution of UAV clusters forming linear arrays. This dimensional expansion allows data to be transmitted through multiple spatial paths simultaneously, enhancing reliability while the modular cluster architecture manages the resulting complexity
2Reliability
If multiple concurrent beams are created with spatial discrimination, then data security is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beam formation process is segmented across multiple UAV clusters, where each cluster contributes to forming a portion of the overall beam pattern. This distributes the precision requirements across multiple independent units rather than demanding extreme precision from a single complex beam former
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavefront multiplexing and demultiplexing as intermediary processes that facilitate precise beam formation through coordinated signal processing across clusters. These intermediary signal processing functions enable accurate spatial discrimination without requiring mechanical precision beyond typical UAV positioning capabilities
3Reliability
If redundancy is provided through multiple UAV clusters, then data transport survivability is enhanced, but loss of information increases due to potential transmission failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements prior cushioning through redundant transmission paths and error correction mechanisms built into the wavefront multiplexing framework. Multiple UAV clusters transmit identical or complementary data substreams, and the receiving system is pre-configured to reconstruct the original data even if some transmissions fail, thus cushioning against information loss before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the transmission system employ different quality measures - some UAV clusters transmit with higher redundancy while others use more efficient coding schemes. The receiving system adaptsively combines these differently-encoded substreams, optimizing the balance between survivability and information integrity based on local transmission conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes (1) a first airborne linear array configured to project a first fan beam over a first ground coverage elongated in a first direction, the first fan beam delivering a first information data associated with a first data stream; and (2) a second airborne linear array configured to project a second fan beam over a second ground coverage elongated in a second direction, the second fan beam delivering a second information data associated with a second data stream. The first and second ground coverages are overlapped to form a common coverage area. The first and second data streams are complementary to each other and are linear combinations of a plurality of segmented substreams. The plurality of segmented substreams is formed from an information data stream. The first and second data streams are generated from a ground control facility.