Differential And Non-Differential Frameworks For Submeter-Accurate UAV Navigation With Cellular Signals
Brief Description
A novel framework enabling submeter-level accurate unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) navigation using cellular carrier phase measurements with and without a base station.
Full Description
This technology introduces two innovative frameworks—differential and non-differential—for achieving submeter horizontal navigation accuracy of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using cellular signal carrier phase measurements. The differential framework leverages a base station sharing carrier phase data with the UAV, employing advanced filtering and estimation techniques to guarantee position errors remain below a set threshold with high probability. The non-differential framework exploits the exceptional clock stability of cellular base transceiver stations (BTS) to enable precise navigation without the need for a base station. Both frameworks address challenges inherent in signals of opportunity navigation, delivering unprecedented accuracy.
Suggested uses
- UAV navigation and control for package delivery, search and rescue, and inspection tasks.
- Mobile device location services enhancing positioning accuracy indoors and in urban areas.
- Automotive navigation systems requiring robust positioning in urban canyons and tunnels.
- Aerospace and defense applications needing secure, accurate navigation independent of GNSS.
- GNSS augmentation providers seeking alternative or complementary navigation sources.
- Cellular network operators aiming to expand value-added services with precise location capabilities.
Advantages
- Achieves submeter-level horizontal navigation accuracy for UAVs.
- Guarantees position error remains below a predefined threshold with a desired probability in the differential framework.
- Enables navigation without a base station using the non-differential framework, reducing dependency on communication links.
- Utilizes widely available cellular signals (3G, 4G, 5G) as signals of opportunity, which are abundant and free to use.
- Robust performance in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-denied or challenged environments such as urban canyons and indoor settings.
- Extensive experimental validation demonstrating consistent submeter accuracy over multi-kilometer UAV trajectories.
Patent Status
Patent Pending
Contact
- Ben Chu
- ben.chu@uci.edu
- tel: View Phone Number.
Other Information
Keywords
Autonomous Systems, Signals of Opportunity, Navigation
