UAV Swarm Ranging Using UWB for GPS-Denied Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in determining precise positions within a swarm due to imprecise GPS data and inability to navigate in GPS-denied environments, necessitating real-time range determination for formation maintenance and task execution.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using ultra-wideband transceivers, inertial measurement units, and filtering/trilateration modules to determine the position of UAVs relative to each other through asymmetric double-sided two-way ranging, combining range, acceleration, angular rate, and magnetic field information for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used for positioning and navigation in conventional UAVs, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the location data precision is insufficient for swarm formation maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ultra-wideband transceivers as intermediary devices between UAVs to enable precise relative positioning. These transceivers measure time-of-flight of radio signals to determine distances between UAVs, providing the precision needed for swarm formation without requiring complex individual GPS systems on each vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple positioning approaches (GPS, ultra-wideband ranging, inertial measurement units, and visual odometry) into an integrated positioning system. This fusion of multiple data sources through filtering algorithms achieves high precision location data while managing system complexity through unified processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If GPS information is used for navigation, then the navigation system is simple, but the system cannot determine position in GPS-denied environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter for positioning from GPS-based absolute coordinates to relative distance measurements using ultra-wideband transceivers. This allows the system to operate in GPS-denied environments by measuring time-of-flight of radio signals between UAVs, determining positions relative to each other rather than to a satellite constellation.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV swarm performs self-positioning by having each vehicle measure distances to its neighbors using ultra-wideband transceivers. The system is self-contained and does not require external GPS infrastructure, with each UAV contributing to and benefiting from the collective positioning information of the swarm.
3Stability of the object's composition
If precise range determination is implemented for swarm formation maintenance, then formation stability is improved, but real-time processing requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic exchange of ranging measurements between UAVs in the swarm. Each vehicle periodically measures distances to neighbors and updates its position estimate, maintaining formation stability through continuous but periodic information exchange rather than constant real-time processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback loops where each UAV receives position information from neighbors, compares it with its own position estimate, and adjusts its location accordingly. This distributed feedback mechanism maintains formation stability without requiring a central control system, reducing overall system 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 precise, real-time positioning of UAVs within a swarm, even in GPS-denied conditions, enhancing formation stability and operational accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
each estimated range determination may include a respective range determination between the first ultra-wideband transceiver and a respective second ultra-wideband transceiver associated with one of the second unmanned aerial vehicle, the third unmanned aerial vehicle, and the fourth unmanned aerial vehicle using asymmetric double sided two-way ranging
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for dynamic two-way ranging using unmanned aerial vehicles may use ultrawideband transceivers for dynamic two-way ranging between unmanned aerial vehicles among a first set of unmanned aerial vehicles. Embodiments of the system and method may allow for dynamic two-way ranging where GPS information may be limited or not be available at all.