UAV Mapping via GEO Relay Satellites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial and space monitoring systems relying on manned aircraft and ground stations face limitations in cost, availability of human pilots, and restricted operational flight paths due to the need for continuous communication with ground stations, leading to delays in data transmission and processing.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites communicating through Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO) data relay satellites for autonomous mapping and tracking, enabling continuous feedback and control, independent of ground station locations, with on-board sensors and dynamic flight path reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manned aircraft are used for ground target mapping and tracking, then high-quality imagery data can be obtained, but operational costs increase and availability is restricted due to limited human pilot resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs autonomous UAVs equipped with onboard sensors and navigation systems that perform mapping and tracking operations independently without requiring human pilots. The UAVs autonomously navigate to target locations, capture imagery data, and transmit it back to ground stations, eliminating the need for human intervention while maintaining operational capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human-piloted aircraft with an automated control system consisting of ground-based controllers that send commands to UAVs. This substitution allows multiple UAVs to be operated simultaneously by a single ground station, dramatically increasing operational availability while maintaining imagery quality through automated sensor systems
2Reliability
If ground stations are used for continuous communication with aerial assets, then real-time control is achieved, but operational flight paths are restricted by ground station locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the communication architecture into multiple distributed ground stations rather than relying on a single centralized station. Each ground station can independently control UAVs within its communication range, allowing the system to maintain real-time control while adapting to different operational locations by utilizing the nearest available ground station
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical communication structure where UAVs can communicate with multiple ground stations depending on their location and mission requirements. This multi-dimensional communication approach allows UAVs to switch between ground stations dynamically, maintaining real-time control connectivity while expanding operational flexibility to remote locations
3Reliability
If data is stored on-board satellites until connection with ground station is available, then data transmission is ensured, but delays occur in receiving and processing imagery data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing multiple pre-configured communication channels between UAVs and ground stations before missions begin. UAVs are equipped with onboard storage and can pre-establish connections with multiple ground stations, allowing them to immediately transmit data when in range rather than storing and delaying transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where UAVs continuously monitor their communication status with ground stations and automatically adjust their data transmission strategy. When a ground station comes into range, the UAV immediately transmits accumulated data and receives updated mission parameters, creating a continuous feedback loop that minimizes delays while ensuring reliable data transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A system for autonomously mapping and tracking of ground targets at a location of interest has been disclosed. The system comprises at least one user control center in operative communication with one or more data relay satellites in Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO), the data relay satellites in operative communication with one or more UAVs and/or SAR satellites with on-board different imaging sensors to obtain various types of imagery data from the ground targets. The data relay satellites target specific constant communication with the user control center and the UAVs and SAR satellites for continuous feedback and control. Moreover, the system process all raw data obtained from the UAVs and SAR satellites to produce 2D and 3D Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and high resolution images, which are displayed on the user control center and/or selected mobile handheld devices.