UWB Communication Manager for UAV Distance Measurement and Data Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) collaboration systems fail to simultaneously measure distances between UAVs and facilitate smooth communication, leading to potential mission failures and crashes when distance measurements are inaccurate or communication is disrupted.
Innovation Solution
A communication device and method for UAVs that utilize ultra-wideband (UWB) communication circuits and managers to enable both data communication and distance measurement between UAVs, incorporating a UWB communication manager with serial communication units, data processors, and session managers to maintain communication lists and manage sessions, ensuring accurate and efficient data sharing and distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional UAV collaboration systems focus only on distance measurement or only on communication, then one function is achieved, but the other function is neglected leading to potential mission failures
Solution Approach 1:
The UWB communication manager is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages both distance measurement operations and data communication between UAVs. The same communication circuit and protocol stack are utilized for both ranging and data transmission, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems and ensuring both functions operate reliably together
2Measurement precision
If separate systems are used for distance measurement and communication, then each function can be optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UWB communication manager serves as a universal control unit that handles both distance measurement and data communication functions. The underlying UWB communication circuit performs both ranging measurements and data transmission using the same hardware resources, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through dedicated protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines distance measurement and data communication into a single integrated UWB communication framework. The communication manager merges the control of both functions, and the UWB circuit is configured to handle both types of operations, reducing the number of separate components needed
3Device complexity
If data communication and distance measurement share the same UWB circuit, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The UWB communication manager segments communication operations into distinct protocols and procedures: one set for distance measurement (ranging) and another for data transmission. This segmentation allows the same physical circuit to perform both functions reliably by switching between well-defined operational modes with appropriate protocol handlers
Solution Approach 2:
The communication manager dynamically switches between distance measurement mode and data communication mode based on operational requirements. The system can flexibly allocate the UWB circuit resources between the two functions as needed, maintaining reliability by ensuring proper protocol execution in each mode
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
The solution allows for accurate and quick distance measurement and efficient data sharing among UAVs, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of UAV collaboration systems by supporting both data communication and distance measurement, even in dynamic network environments.
Implementation Method 1
an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication circuit configured to perform a UWB communication with other unmanned aerial vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a communication device which is suitable for use in an unmanned aerial vehicle operating in an unmanned aerial vehicle collaboration system including multiple unmanned aerial vehicles and enables both a data communication with another unmanned aerial vehicle and a measurement of a distance to another unmanned aerial vehicle. According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a communication device of an unmanned aerial vehicle includes: an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication circuit configured to perform a UWB communication with other unmanned aerial vehicle; and a UWB communication manager configured to send transmit data to the other unmanned aerial vehicle and receive data sent by the other unmanned aerial vehicle through the UWB communication circuit, and transmit or receive shared data to be shared by unmanned aerial vehicles in a form of being appended to a distance measurement frame.