Direct-broadcast remote identification (RID) device for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)
A direct-broadcast remote identification (RID) device attachable to an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) encodes identifier signals based on a unique identifier of the UAS and position data, e.g., the current and originating (launch) positions of the UAS, and transmits encoded data signals receivable and decodable by specially configured receiver devices in range. The encoded identifier signals may be transmitted at low power via radio-control frequencies, whitespace frequencies, ISM frequencies, DME frequencies, or ADS-B frequencies as needed. The receiver devices may decode identifier signals to display the relative positions of, and information about, nearby UAS even in internet-denied areas (standalone mode). The receiver devices may retrieve additional data, such as operator information and flight plans, from remote databases by establishing wireless connections when said connections are available (connected mode).
1. A direct-broadcast remote-identification (RID) apparatus attachable to an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), comprising:
a position receiver configured to:
1) receive one or more satellite-based position signals via at least one antenna element;
and
2) determine, based on the received position signals and an altitude of the UAS, one or more of a) a launch position corresponding to a launch point of a UAS and b) a current position of the UAS;
a barometer configured to determine the altitude of the UAS;
a memory coupled to the position receiver and capable of storing configuration data, the configuration data including a unique identifier corresponding to the UAS;
and
a transceiver coupled to the position receiver and the memory, the transceiver including one or more processors and a radio frequency (RF) transmitter configured to:
1) encode at least one identifier signal based on one or more of the launch position, the current position, and the configuration data; and
2) transmit the at least one encoded identifier signal at one or more operating frequencies.
2. The direct-broadcast RID apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
the RF transmitter has a transmission power output of not more than 1 watt;
and
the RF transmitter is configured to transmit the at least one encoded identifier signal at one or more operating frequencies including at least one of:
1) a radio control (RC) frequency including a frequency of at least 26.5 MHz and not more than 30 MHz, 72 MHz, and 75 MHz;
2) an Automated Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) frequency including at least one of 978 MHz, 1090 MHz, and 1104 MHz;
3) a Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) frequency including at least one frequency of at least 960 MHz and not more than 1215 MHz, excluding the at least one ADS-B frequency;
and
4) a television whitespace (TVWS) frequency including at least one of:
a) a VHF low band frequency of at least 54 MHz and not more than 88 MHz;
b) a VHF high band frequency of at least 174 MHz and not more than 216 MHz;
and
c) a UHF band frequency of at least 470 MHz and not more than 890 MHz.
3. The direct-broadcast RID apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
the RF transmitter has a transmission a power output of not more than 4 watts;
and
the RF transmitter is configured to transmit the at least one encoded identifier signal at one or more legacy industrial/scientific/medical (ISM) frequencies including at least one of 315 MHz, 433 MHz, and 915 MHz.
4. The direct-broadcast RID apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the direct-broadcast RID apparatus is removably attachable to the UAS, further comprising:
at least one battery configured to supply power to one or more of the position receiver and the transceiver.
5. The direct-broadcast RID apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the direct-broadcast RID apparatus is connectible to the UAS via one or more of:
a power connection coupling the apparatus to a power source of the UAS and configured to draw operating power therefrom;
and
a command connection coupling the transceiver to a control system of the UAS.
6. The direct-broadcast RID apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the transceiver is configured to:
receive at least one remote command transmitted by an authority located remotely from the UAS;
and
forward the at least one received remote command to the control system via the command connection.
7. The direct-broadcast RID apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the remote command includes at least one of:
a land-now order;
a return-to-base order associated with the launch position;
a hover order;
a kill switch order configured to deactivate the UAS;
and
a proceed-to order including a destination location.
8. The direct-broadcast RID apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the transceiver is configured to encode the identifier signal based on an operating status of the UAS, the operating status including one or more of a power level and a component status.
9. The direct-broadcast RID apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the configuration data includes one or more of a digital signature and a security certificate, the digital signature and the security certificate corresponding to at least one of the UAS and an operator of the UAS.
10. The direct-broadcast RID apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one identifier signal is a first identifier signal and the transceiver is configured to:
receive at least one second identifier signal corresponding to a proximate aircraft;
and
transmit the at least one received second identifier signal at the one or more operating frequencies.
11. The direct-broadcast RID apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the transceiver is configured to:
determine a distance between the current position and the proximate aircraft by decoding the received second identifier signal;
and
while the determined distance is within a predetermined radius, transmit the at least one first identifier signal at a predetermined interval.