UAV Transceiver Abnormality Detection via Signal Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aircraft control systems face challenges in detecting abnormalities in transceivers and position measuring units due to environmental influences, such as rain clouds, which can lead to incorrect determination of signal reception levels and position measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates inter-antenna distances and transmission/reception performances to estimate radio wave reception levels, determining abnormality based on differences between estimated and actual levels, and utilizing meteorological information to account for environmental factors, with an abnormality detector incorporating calculators and estimators to assess transceiver and position measuring unit functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If abnormality detection is performed based on actual reception level alone, then detection simplicity is maintained, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to environmental influences like rain clouds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an estimator as an intermediary component that calculates the expected reception level based on transmission output and antenna characteristics. This estimator mediates between the actual reception level measurement and the abnormality determination, providing a reference value that accounts for environmental factors without requiring direct modification of the measurement system itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing the actual reception level with the estimated reception level. The abnormality detector uses this feedback loop to determine whether the deviation between actual and estimated values indicates a transceiver abnormality, enabling continuous monitoring and adaptive detection that distinguishes environmental variations from actual failures.
2Measurement precision
If environmental factors like rain clouds are considered in reception level estimation, then detection accuracy improves, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating transmission output power and antenna characteristics as variable parameters in the estimation calculation. By dynamically adjusting the estimated reception level based on these parameters, the system adapts to changing operational conditions and environmental factors without requiring complex physical models of atmospheric propagation.
3Reliability
If transceiver abnormality is detected frequently, then system reliability is improved through early detection, but mission continuity deteriorates due to unnecessary discontinuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple threshold-based mechanical detection system with an estimation-based intelligent detection system. By substituting the direct comparison method with an estimation model that considers transmission characteristics and environmental factors, the system reduces false detections caused by environmental variations like rain clouds, thereby maintaining reliability while improving mission continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting abnormality in an unmanned aircraft control system that allows an unmanned aircraft including a first transceiver and a first directional antenna, and a ground facility including a second transceiver and a second directional antenna, to transmit and receive a signal to and from each other, the method including: calculating an inter-antenna distance from the first directional antenna to the second directional antenna; calculating respective transmission performances of the first directional antenna and the second directional antenna; calculating respective reception performances of the first directional antenna and the second directional antenna; estimating a reception level of a radio wave at each of the first transceiver and the second transceiver; and determining occurrence of abnormality in each of the first transceiver and the second transceiver when a difference between the estimated reception level and an actual reception level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.