KR102598880B1 - Inspection apparatus and method for uas(unmanned aircraft systems) ground antenna - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is an aircraft capable of flying in the air and having a signal transmission unit for transmitting a check signal for checking the performance of the ground antenna to the ground antenna; And a control terminal unit capable of wirelessly communicating with the aircraft on the ground and controlling the flight of the aircraft and the operation of the signal transmitter; and a ground antenna disposed on the ground to transmit and receive signals with the unmanned aerial vehicle. You can check it clearly.

Description

Unmanned aircraft system ground antenna inspection device and inspection method {INSPECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR UAS(UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS) GROUND ANTENNA}

The present invention relates to an unmanned aerial vehicle system ground antenna inspection device and inspection method. More specifically, an unmanned aerial vehicle system ground antenna inspection device and an unmanned aerial vehicle system ground antenna inspection device that can easily inspect a ground antenna placed on the ground to exchange signals with an unmanned aerial vehicle. It is about inspection method.

In general, an unmanned aerial vehicle is an aircraft that is controlled from a ground control center without a pilot directly riding it. Therefore, unmanned aerial vehicles have a higher possibility of loss of life than manned aerial vehicles and can reliably perform dangerous missions such as combat or reconnaissance.

At this time, the antenna mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle is designed to be smaller or lighter in order to minimize deterioration in the flight performance of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The ground antenna provided in the ground control center is designed to enable long-distance and high-capacity communication.

However, periodic inspection is necessary to maintain the performance of ground antennas. Conventionally, ground antennas were inspected using beacons installed on the ground, but there is a problem in installing beacons in high altitude areas such as mountainous terrain. Therefore, the inspection environment of the ground antenna is very different from the actual environment in which the unmanned aerial vehicle is operated, so the inspection of the ground antenna may not be performed properly.

KR 10-1553710 B

The present invention provides a ground antenna inspection device and inspection method for an unmanned aerial vehicle system that can easily simulate a situation in which a ground antenna exchanges signals with an unmanned aerial vehicle.

The present invention provides a ground antenna inspection device and inspection method for an unmanned aerial vehicle system that can easily inspect a ground antenna.

The present invention is an aircraft capable of flying in the air and having a signal transmission unit for transmitting a check signal for checking the performance of the ground antenna to the ground antenna; and a control terminal unit capable of wirelessly communicating with the aircraft on the ground and controlling the flight of the aircraft and the operation of the signal transmission unit.

The control terminal unit, a flight control unit for transmitting a command signal for controlling the flight of the aircraft to the aircraft in order to move the signal transmission unit to a position where the inspection signal can be transmitted to the ground antenna; And a signal control unit for transmitting a setting signal for controlling the operation of the signal transmission unit to the aircraft in order to adjust the conditions for generating the inspection signal.

The aircraft includes a flight drive unit that generates driving force for flight; A position detection unit for detecting the flight position; And a flight control communication unit for transmitting the command signal transmitted by the flight control unit to the flight drive unit or transmitting the position information of the aircraft detected by the position detection unit to the flight control unit.

The flight control unit includes: a first flight control unit for adjusting the distance at which the aircraft is spaced apart based on the position of the ground antenna; And a second flight control unit for adjusting the altitude of the aircraft based on the position of the ground antenna.

The first flight control unit includes a far field calculation unit for calculating a starting distance at which a far field in which the radiation pattern of the inspection signal appears in the form of a plane wave propagation from the aircraft begins; a distance calculation unit for calculating a separation distance between the aircraft and the ground antenna using the flight position information and the position information of the ground antenna; And a first control unit for generating a command signal to control the operation of the flight drive unit so that the separation distance is greater than the starting distance.

The second flight control unit includes an altitude comparison unit for comparing the altitude of the aircraft and the ground antenna using the flight position information and the position information of the ground antenna; And when the aircraft is located below the altitude of the ground antenna, a second control unit for generating a command signal to control the operation of the flight drive unit so that the aircraft is located at a higher altitude than the ground antenna.

The signal transmission unit includes a transmission antenna unit for transmitting the inspection signal to the outside; A signal generator for generating the inspection signal; and a signal setting communication unit for transmitting the setting signal transmitted by the signal control unit to the signal generating unit.

The aircraft further includes a photographing unit that captures an image at the same angle as the angle at which the transmission antenna transmits the beam.

The flight control unit further includes a third flight control unit for aligning the aircraft based on the position of the ground antenna, and the third flight control unit has a beam width boundary line of the transmission antenna at the center of the image captured by the photographing unit. a video display unit for displaying; And a third control unit for generating a command signal to control the operation of the flight drive unit so that the reflector of the ground antenna is located within the beam width boundary in the image captured by the photographing unit. It further includes a.

The signal control unit includes a signal setting unit for generating a setting signal for setting the transmission intensity and frequency of the inspection signal; and a signal information display unit for displaying the transmission intensity and frequency information of the inspection signal set by the signal setting unit.

The present invention includes the process of flying an aircraft equipped with a signal transmission unit into the air; A process of moving the aircraft to a location where the signal transmitter can transmit an inspection signal to check the performance of the ground antenna; A process of operating the signal transmission unit to transmit an inspection signal to the ground antenna; and a process of inspecting the state of the ground antenna using an inspection signal received through the ground antenna.

The process of moving the aircraft includes: acquiring location information of the aircraft and the ground antenna; A process of adjusting the distance at which the aircraft is separated from the ground antenna; and a process of adjusting the altitude of the aircraft.

The process of adjusting the distance at which the aircraft is separated from the ground antenna includes calculating a starting distance at which a far field in which the radiation pattern of the inspection signal appears in the form of a plane wave propagation from the aircraft begins; A process of calculating the separation distance between the aircraft and the ground antenna using the position information of the aircraft and the position information of the ground antenna; and a process of moving the aircraft so that the separation distance is greater than the starting distance.

The process of adjusting the altitude of the aircraft includes comparing the altitudes of the aircraft and the ground antenna using the position information of the aircraft and the position information of the ground antenna; and, when the aircraft is located below the altitude of the ground antenna, moving the aircraft to a higher altitude than the ground antenna.

The process of moving the aircraft further includes adjusting the position of the aircraft so that the position of the signal transmitter is aligned based on the position of the ground antenna.

The process of adjusting the position of the aircraft so that the position of the signal transmitter is aligned includes taking an image at the same angle as the angle at which the transmission antenna transmits the beam, and marking the beam width boundary of the signal transmitter at the center of the image. procedure; and a process of moving the aircraft so that the reflector of the ground antenna is located within the beam width boundary line in the image.

The process of checking the condition of the ground antenna includes: checking the reception performance of the ground antenna by comparing the reception strength of a signal measured by the ground antenna before and after the inspection signal is received by the ground antenna; and a process of inspecting the tracking function of the ground antenna by operating the ground antenna to track the aircraft according to the inspection signal.

According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to easily simulate a situation where a ground antenna exchanges signals with an unmanned aerial vehicle. Accordingly, it is possible to easily inspect the ground antenna and improve the accuracy of the inspection results. Therefore, the performance of the ground antenna can be maintained stably.

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a ground antenna inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an aircraft and a signal transmission unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a flow chart showing a ground antenna inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a diagram showing a method of adjusting the separation distance of an aircraft from a ground antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a diagram showing a method of adjusting the altitude of an aircraft according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a diagram showing a method of aligning the position of an aircraft based on the position of a ground antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and will be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments only serve to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. This is provided to inform you. The drawings may be exaggerated to explain the invention in detail, and like symbols refer to like elements in the drawings.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a ground antenna inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a flying vehicle and a signal transmission unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is an embodiment of the present invention This is a diagram showing the configuration of the control terminal according to . In the following, a ground antenna inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The ground antenna inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is an inspection device for inspecting a ground antenna provided in a ground control center to control an unmanned aerial vehicle. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 , the ground antenna inspection device 1000 includes an aircraft 1100 and a control terminal unit 1300.

The aircraft 1100 may be an aircraft capable of flying in the air. For example, the aircraft 1100 may be a drone. The aircraft 1100 includes a signal transmission unit 1110, a flight drive unit 1120, a position detection unit 1130, and a flight control communication unit 1140, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The flight drive unit 1120 may generate a driving force to fly the aircraft 1100. For example, the flight drive unit 1120 may be a plurality of motors that rotate propellers provided in the aircraft 1100. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the flight drive unit 1120, the aircraft 1100 can be flown to move or hovered to stop at a desired location.

The position detection unit 1130 may be a sensor that detects the flight position of the main body of the aircraft 1100. For example, the position detection unit 1130 may generate location information of the aircraft 1100 by measuring location information such as latitude, longitude, and altitude of the main body of the aircraft 1100.

The flight control communication unit 1140 may be connected to exchange signals with the flight drive unit 1120 and the position detection unit 1130. The flight control communication unit 1140 can communicate wirelessly with the control terminal unit 1300. In detail, the flight control communication unit 1140 can wirelessly exchange signals with the flight control unit 1310 of the control terminal unit 1300, which will be described later. Accordingly, the flight control communication unit 1140 may receive the command signal transmitted by the flight control unit 1310 to control the flight drive unit 1120 and transmit it to the flight drive unit 1120. Alternatively, the flight control communication unit 1140 may receive the location information of the aircraft 1100 detected by the position detection unit and transmit it to the flight control unit 1310. Therefore, even if the aircraft 1100 moves in the air and the flight drive unit 1120 is separated from the flight control unit 1310, the flight drive unit 1120 can operate according to the command signal from the flight control unit 1310.

Meanwhile, the aircraft 1100 may further include a photographing unit 1150. For example, the photographing unit 1150 may be a camera that captures images. The image captured by the photographing unit 1150 may be transmitted to the control terminal unit 1300 through the flight control communication unit 1140. The photographing unit 1150 may be arranged to face the direction in which the signal transmitting unit 1110 is oriented. In detail, the photographing unit 1150 may be installed to capture images at the same angle as the angle at which the transmission antenna unit 1112 of the signal transmission unit 1110, which will be described later, transmits a beam. Accordingly, since the area photographed by the photographing unit 1150 is the direction in which the transmission antenna unit 1112 is oriented, the direction in which the transmission antenna unit 1112 is oriented can be confirmed through the image generated by the photographing unit 1150. .

The signal transmission unit 1110 is mounted on the main body of the aircraft 1100. Accordingly, the signal transmitting unit 1110 can move together with the main body of the aircraft 1100, and the flight position of the main body of the aircraft 1100 can be regarded as the position of the signal transmitting unit 1110. The signal transmitting unit 1110 may transmit an inspection signal to the ground antenna 50 to check the performance of the ground antenna. For example, the signal transmitting unit 1110 may be a beacon. The signal transmission unit 1110 includes a transmission antenna unit 1112, a signal generation unit 1111, and a signal setting communication unit 1113.

The signal generator 1111 may generate an inspection signal to inspect the ground antenna 50. Accordingly, by controlling the operation of the signal generator 1111, the operating frequency and transmission strength of the inspection signal can be adjusted.

The transmission antenna unit 1112 may be connected to the signal generator 1111 to transmit and receive signals. Accordingly, the inspection signal generated by the signal generation unit 1111 can be transmitted to the transmission antenna unit 1112. The transmission antenna unit 1112 can transmit the transmitted inspection signal in a direction. Therefore, the inspection signal can be transmitted to the outside by the transmission antenna unit 1112 and transmitted to the ground antenna 50.

The signal setting communication unit 1113 may be connected to the signal generation unit 1111 to exchange signals. The signal setting communication unit 1113 can communicate wirelessly with the control terminal unit 1300. In detail, the signal setting communication unit 1113 can wirelessly exchange signals with the signal control unit 1320 of the control terminal unit 1300, which will be described later. Accordingly, the signal setting communication unit 1113 may receive the setting signal transmitted by the signal control unit 1320 to set the conditions for generating the inspection signal and transmit it to the signal generating unit 1111. Therefore, even if the aircraft 1100 moves in the air and the signal transmission unit 1110 is separated from the signal control unit 1320, the signal generator 1111 can generate an inspection signal according to the set signal of the signal control unit 1320. .

The control terminal unit 1300 can control the flight of the aircraft 1100 and the operation of the signal transmission unit 1110 on the ground. For this purpose, the control terminal 1300 can communicate wirelessly with the aircraft 1100. Accordingly, even if the control terminal 1300 is located on the ground and the aircraft 1100 moves in the air, the control terminal 1300 can control the operation of the aircraft 1100 and the signal transmission unit 1110. The control terminal unit 1300 includes a flight control unit 1310 and a signal control unit 1320, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

The flight control unit 1310 can communicate with the aircraft 1100. Accordingly, the flight control unit 1310 can control the operation of the flying vehicle 1100 to move the signal transmitting unit 1110 to a position where it can transmit an inspection signal to the ground antenna 50. The flight control unit 1310 includes a first flight control unit 1311 and a second flight control unit 1312.

The first flight control unit 1311 can adjust the separation distance between the aircraft 1100 based on the position of the ground antenna 50. The first flight control unit 1311 includes a far field calculation unit 1311a, a separation distance calculation unit 1311b, and a first adjustment unit 1311c.

The far field calculation unit 1311a can calculate the starting distance where the far field begins from the aircraft 1100. At this time, the near field is an area where the radiation pattern of the inspection signal appears in the form of an electromagnetic field or electromagnetic wave that varies depending on the distance, and the far field can be an area where the radiation pattern of the inspection signal appears in the form of a plane wave propagation regardless of distance. there is. The far field calculation unit 1311a can calculate the starting distance at which the far field starts from the aircraft 1100 using the calculation equation (1) below.

Calculation formula (1):

Here, F is the starting distance where the far field begins from the aircraft location, D is the maximum antenna size, and λ means the wavelength in meters. At this time, maximum antenna size information can be obtained by checking the specifications of the antenna, and the wavelength in meters can be calculated using equation (2) below.

Calculation formula (2):

Here, λ is the wavelength in meters, C is the speed coefficient (299,792,458 m/s), and F is the frequency in cycles per second. At this time, the frequency of cycles per second (Hz) may be the operating frequency of the inspection signal. Therefore, after calculating the wavelength in meters using equation (2), the starting distance of the far field can be calculated using equation (1).

The separation distance calculation unit 1311b can receive the flight position information of the aircraft 1100 detected by the position detection unit 1130 and the position information of the ground antenna 50. For example, the flight position information of the aircraft 1100 is transmitted wirelessly to the control terminal 1300, and the operator operating the control terminal 1300 transmits the location information of the ground antenna 50. It can be entered into the separation distance calculation unit 1311b. Accordingly, the separation distance calculation unit 1311b uses the flight position information of the aircraft 1100 and the position information of the ground antenna 50 to calculate the separation distance between the aircraft 1100 and the ground antenna 50. .

The first adjustment unit 1311c may be connected to exchange information with the far field calculation unit 1311a and the second separation distance calculation unit 1311b. Accordingly, the first adjuster 1311c can receive and compare the far field start distance information and the separation distance information between the flying vehicle 1100 and the ground antenna 50. If the separation distance is greater than the starting distance, it is determined that the ground antenna 50 is located in the far field of the signal transmission unit 1110 and can receive a stable inspection signal, and the aircraft 1100 is separated from the ground antenna 50. The distance may not be adjusted. If the separation distance is less than the starting distance, it is determined that the ground antenna 50 is located in the near field of the signal transmission unit 1110 and is receiving an unstable inspection signal, and the aircraft 1100 is connected to the ground antenna 50. You can adjust the distance away from you. That is, the first adjustment unit 1311c may generate a command signal to control the operation of the flight drive unit 1120 so that the separation distance is greater than the start distance. Accordingly, the aircraft 1100 moves away from the ground antenna 50 so that the separation distance may become larger than the starting distance.

The second flight control unit 1312 can adjust the altitude of the aircraft 1100 based on the position of the ground antenna 50. The second flight control unit 1312 includes an altitude comparison unit 1312a and a second adjustment unit 1312b.

The altitude comparison unit 1312a can receive the flight position information of the aircraft 1100 detected by the position detection unit 1130 and the position information of the ground antenna 50. For example, the aircraft 1100 wirelessly transmits the location information of the aircraft 1100 to the control terminal 1300, and the operator operating the control terminal 1300 transmits the location information of the ground antenna 50 to the altitude. It can be input into the comparison unit 1312a. Accordingly, the altitude comparison unit 1312a can compare the altitudes of the aircraft 1100 and the ground antenna 50 using the location information of the aircraft 1100 and the position information of the ground antenna 50. That is, the altitude comparison unit 1312a can use the altitude value included in the location information to check whether the aircraft 1100 is located at a higher altitude than the ground antenna 50.

The second adjustment unit 1312b may be connected to exchange information with the altitude comparison unit 1312a. Accordingly, the determination result of the altitude comparison unit 1312a may be transmitted to the second adjustment unit 1312b. As a result of the determination of the altitude comparison unit 1312a, if the aircraft 1100 is located at a higher altitude than the ground antenna 50, the second adjuster 1312b secures a line of sight between the signal transmission unit 1110 and the ground antenna 50. If it is determined that the state is in an advanced state, the altitude of the aircraft 1100 may not be adjusted. As a result of the determination of the altitude comparison unit 1312a, if the aircraft 1100 is located below the altitude of the ground antenna 50, the second adjuster 1312b secures a line of sight between the signal transmission unit 1110 and the ground antenna 50. By determining that it is not in a state, the altitude of the aircraft 1100 can be controlled to increase. That is, the second control unit 1312b may generate a command signal to control the operation of the flight drive unit 1120 so that the aircraft 1100 is located at a higher altitude than the ground antenna 50. Accordingly, the command signal generated by the second control unit 1312b is transmitted to the flight drive unit 1120 of the aircraft 1100, so that the altitude at which the aircraft 1100 is located can increase.

Meanwhile, the flight control unit 1310 may further include a third flight control unit 1313. The third flight control unit 1313 may align the aircraft 1100 based on the position of the ground antenna 50. The third flight control unit 1313 includes an image display unit 1313a and a third adjustment unit 1313b.

The image display unit 1313a can receive the image captured by the photographing unit 1150. The image display unit 1313a can display the beam width boundary of the transmission antenna unit 1112 at the center of the image captured by the photographing unit 1150. For example, the beam width boundary line is spaced from the center of the image to the left and right at half angles of the horizontal beam width of the transmission antenna unit 1112, and may be displayed at half angles of the vertical beam width of the transmission antenna unit 1112 up and down. . At this time, the beam width of the transmission antenna unit 1112 may mean the angular width at a position that is -3 dB lower than the highest gain value at the exact center of the beam pattern.

The third control unit 1313b may be connected to exchange information with the image display unit 1313a. The third adjuster 1313b can recognize the ground antenna 50 in the image displayed on the image display unit 1313a. Accordingly, in the image captured by the photographing unit 1150, if the reflector of the ground antenna 50 is located within the beam width boundary, it is determined that the ground antenna 50 can stably receive the inspection signal from the signal transmitting unit 1110. , the third control unit 1313b may not adjust the rotation of the aircraft 1100. In the image captured by the photographing unit 1150, if the reflector of the ground antenna 50 is not located within the beam width boundary or overlaps the beam width boundary, the ground antenna 50 cannot stably receive the inspection signal from the signal transmitting unit 1110. Determining that, the third adjustment unit 1313b rotates the aircraft 1100 and adjusts the rotation of the aircraft 1100 so that the reflector of the ground antenna 50 is located within the beam width boundary line in the image captured by the photographing unit 1150. there is. That is, the third adjustment unit 1313b adjusts the direction in which the imaging unit 1150 faces and operates the flight drive unit 1120 so that the direction in which the signal transmission unit 1110 transmits the signal is aligned with the position of the ground antenna 50. Control command signals can be generated. Accordingly, the direction in which the signal transmission unit 1110 transmits the signal can be aligned with the position of the ground antenna 50.

The signal control unit 1320 can communicate with the signal transmission unit 1110. Accordingly, the signal control unit 1320 can control the operation of the signal transmission unit 1110 so that the signal transmission unit 1110 transmits an inspection signal to the ground antenna 50. Therefore, the signal control unit 1320 can control the conditions under which the signal transmission unit 1110 generates the inspection signal. The signal control unit 1320 includes a signal setting unit 1321 and a signal information display unit 1322.

The signal setting unit 1321 can obtain information for setting the transmission strength and frequency of the inspection signal. For example, an operator operating the control terminal unit 1300 may input information for setting the transmission intensity and frequency of the inspection signal into the signal setting unit 1321. Therefore, the signal setting unit 1321 can generate a setting signal for setting the transmission intensity and frequency of the inspection signal according to the input information. At this time, the operating frequency of the inspection signal may be selected from the frequency band of the Ku band (12 GHz or more to 18 GHz or less). The signal setting unit 1321 transmits a setting signal to the signal transmitting unit 1110, and the signal transmitting unit 1110 generates an inspection signal according to the setting signal and transmits the inspection signal to the ground antenna 50. However, the frequency band from which the operating frequency of the inspection frequency is selected is not limited to this and may vary.

The signal information display unit 1322 may be connected to the signal setting unit 1321 to exchange signals. Accordingly, the signal information display unit 1322 can receive the setting signal and visually display the transmission intensity and frequency information of the inspection signal set by the signal setting unit 1321. Therefore, the operator operating the control terminal unit 1300 can check whether the signal setting unit 1321 has set the conditions for generating the inspection signal according to the information received.

Afterwards, the condition of the ground antenna 50 can be inspected. For example, the reception performance of the ground antenna 50 can be tested by comparing the reception strength of the signal measured at the ground antenna 50 before and after the inspection signal is received by the ground antenna 50. Additionally, the tracking function of the ground antenna 50 can be tested by operating the ground antenna 50 to track the aircraft 1100 according to the inspection signal. If, as a result of the inspection, it is determined that a problem has occurred in the reception performance or tracking function of the ground antenna 50, the operation of calibrating the ground antenna 50 will be performed to stably maintain the reception performance or tracking function of the ground antenna 50. You can.

In this way, by mounting the signal transmission unit 1110 on the aircraft 1100, it is possible to easily simulate a situation where the ground antenna 50 exchanges signals with the unmanned aerial vehicle. Therefore, the ground antenna 50 can be easily inspected and the accuracy of the inspection results can be improved. Accordingly, the performance of the ground antenna 50 can be maintained stably.

Figure 4 is a flow chart showing a ground antenna inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 is a diagram showing a method of adjusting the separation distance of an aircraft from a ground antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a diagram showing a method of adjusting the altitude of an aircraft according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a diagram showing a method of aligning the position of an aircraft based on the position of a ground antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following, a ground antenna inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The ground antenna inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention is an inspection method for inspecting a ground antenna provided in a ground control center to control an unmanned aerial vehicle. Referring to FIG. 4, the ground antenna inspection method includes a process of flying an aircraft equipped with a signal transmission unit into the air (S110), and a process of moving the aircraft to a position where the signal transmission unit can transmit an inspection signal to the ground antenna (S120). ), a process of operating the signal transmission unit to transmit an inspection signal to the ground antenna (S130), and a process of inspecting the status of the ground antenna using the inspection signal received by the ground antenna (S140).

At this time, the ground antenna inspection method can be performed by the ground antenna inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the following will describe the process of performing the ground antenna inspection method with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. However, it is not limited to this and can be performed by the ground antenna inspection method according to the embodiment of the present invention using various configurations of ground antenna inspection devices.

First, the aircraft equipped with the signal transmission unit is flown into the air (S110). In detail, the aircraft 1100 can be flown in the air at a location spaced apart from the ground antenna 50. Accordingly, the signal transmitting unit 1110 can move in the air by the flying vehicle 1100.

Next, the signal transmitter moves the aircraft to a location where the inspection signal can be transmitted to the ground antenna (S120). That is, the control terminal unit 1300 can control the flying vehicle 1100 to move the signal transmitting unit 1110 to a position where an inspection signal can be transmitted to the ground antenna 50. For this purpose, after obtaining the location information of the aircraft 1100 and the ground antenna 50, the process of adjusting the distance that the aircraft 1100 is separated from the ground antenna 50, and adjusting the altitude of the aircraft 1100 The process can be performed. However, it is not limited to this, and the process of adjusting the distance at which the aircraft 1100 is separated from the ground antenna 50 and the process of adjusting the altitude of the aircraft 1100 may be performed sequentially or together, It can be performed in reverse order.

At this time, in order to adjust the distance at which the aircraft 1100 is separated from the ground antenna 50, the starting distance of the far field of the signal transmission unit 1110 can be calculated as shown in FIG. 5. In other words, the distance between the aircraft 1100 and the start of the far field can be calculated. Accordingly, the starting distance D1 between the aircraft 1100 and the far field can be calculated using the calculated starting distance information. And the separation distance (D2) between the aircraft 1100 and the ground antenna 50 can be calculated using the flight position information of the aircraft 1100 and the position information of the ground antenna 50. Since the signal transmitting unit 1110 is mounted on the flying vehicle 1100, the flight position information of the flying vehicle 1100 may be the same as the positioning information of the signal transmitting unit 1110. Once the starting distance (D1) and separation distance (D2) are calculated, the two values can be compared. If the separation distance (D2) is greater than the starting distance (D1), the position of the aircraft 1100 is not adjusted, and if the starting distance (D1) is greater than the separation distance (D2), the separation distance (D2) is not greater than the starting distance (D1). The aircraft 1100 can be moved. Therefore, based on the position of the signal transmitter 1110, the ground antenna 50 can be located in the far field, where a stable signal is received, beyond the near field, where unstable signals are received.

Additionally, in order to adjust the altitude of the aircraft 1100, the position information of the aircraft 1100 and the position information of the ground antenna 50 can be obtained as shown in FIG. 6. Using the location information of the aircraft 1100 and the position information of the ground antenna 50, the altitude (H2) of the aircraft 1100 and the altitude (H1) of the ground antenna 50 can be compared. When the aircraft 1100 is located at a higher altitude than the ground antenna 50, it is determined that the line of sight is secured between the signal transmitter 1110 and the ground antenna 50, and the altitude of the aircraft 1100 will not be adjusted. You can. When the aircraft 1100 is located below the altitude of the ground antenna 50, it is determined that the line of sight is not secured between the signal transmission unit 1110 and the ground antenna 50, and the aircraft 1100 is connected to the ground antenna 50. ) can be flown at a higher altitude. That is, the signal transmission unit 1110 mounted on the aircraft 1100 may be located at a higher altitude than the ground antenna 50.

Meanwhile, the process of moving the aircraft 1100 may further include a process of adjusting the position of the aircraft 1100 so that the position of the signal transmitting unit 1110 is aligned based on the position of the ground antenna 50. In order to align the position of the signal transmission unit 1110, an image is captured at the same angle as the angle at which the transmission antenna unit 1112 transmits the beam, as shown in FIG. 7, and the beam width boundary of the signal transmission unit 1110 is drawn at the center of the image. It can be displayed. For example, the beamwidth boundary line is a portion separated by half the horizontal beamwidth of the transmission antenna unit 1112 provided in the signal transmission unit 1110 from the center of the image to the left and right, and the vertical beamwidth of the transmission antenna unit 1112 up and down. It can be displayed at half-angle intervals. And in the image, the aircraft 1100 can be rotated and moved so that the reflector of the ground antenna 50 is located within the beam width boundary. Accordingly, the position of the signal transmitting unit 1110 can be aligned based on the position of the ground antenna 50.

When the distance at which the aircraft 1100 is separated from the ground antenna 50 and the altitude of the aircraft 1100 are adjusted, and the position of the signal transmitting unit 1110 is aligned based on the position of the ground antenna 50, the aircraft ( 1100) can be made to hover and stop in place. Accordingly, the signal transmitting unit 1110 can complete preparations to transmit an inspection signal to the ground antenna 50 while the aircraft 1100 remains stopped at the adjusted position.

Next, the signal transmission unit is activated to transmit an inspection signal to the ground antenna (S130). For example, the operator may input information for setting the transmission intensity and frequency of the inspection signal to the control terminal unit 1300 in the signal setting unit 1321. Therefore, the control terminal unit 1300 can generate a setting signal for setting the transmission intensity and frequency of the inspection signal according to the input information. At this time, the operating frequency of the inspection signal may be selected from the frequency band of the Ku band (12 GHz or more to 18 GHz or less). Accordingly, the setting signal is transmitted to the signal transmitting unit 1110, and the signal transmitting unit 1110 can generate an inspection signal according to the setting signal and transmit the inspection signal to the ground antenna 50. However, the frequency band from which the operating frequency of the inspection frequency is selected is not limited to this and may vary.

Next, the status of the ground antenna is inspected using the inspection signal received through the ground antenna (S140). For example, the reception performance and tracking function of the ground antenna 50 can be inspected.

In order to test the reception performance of the ground antenna 50, the reception strength of the signal measured at the ground antenna 50 can be compared before and after the inspection signal is received by the ground antenna 50. In other words, the reception strength of the signal measured at the ground antenna 50 before receiving the inspection signal can be compared with the reception strength of the signal measured at the ground antenna 50 after receiving the inspection signal. Accordingly, if the difference between the measured reception strengths between the two points of time is less than a preset value, it is determined that there is a problem with the reception performance of the ground antenna 50, and if the difference between the measured reception strengths between the two points of time exceeds the set value, the ground antenna 50 is determined to have a problem. It can be determined that there is no problem with the reception performance of (50). If it is determined that there is a problem with the reception performance of the ground antenna 50, the reception equipment of the ground antenna 50 can be repaired or calibrated.

In order to test the tracking function of the ground antenna 50, the ground antenna 50 can be operated to track the aircraft 1100 according to the inspection signal. In other words, the flying vehicle 1100 can be tracked using the ground antenna 50 while the flying vehicle 1100 is moving. Accordingly, the status of the tracking function of the ground antenna 50 can be confirmed by comparing the position of the aircraft 1100 tracked by the ground antenna 50 with the actual position of the aircraft 1100. If there is a difference between the position of the aircraft 1100 tracked by the ground antenna 50 and the actual position of the aircraft 1100, the tracking equipment of the ground antenna 50 may be repaired or calibrated.

In this way, by mounting the signal transmission unit 1110 on the aircraft 1100, it is possible to easily simulate a situation where the ground antenna 50 exchanges signals with the unmanned aerial vehicle. Therefore, the ground antenna 50 can be easily inspected and the accuracy of the inspection results can be improved. Accordingly, the performance of the ground antenna 50 can be maintained stably.

As such, in the detailed description of the present invention, specific embodiments have been described, but various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention, and various combinations between the embodiments are also possible. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be determined by the claims described below as well as equivalents to these claims.

50: Ground antenna 1000: Ground antenna inspection device
1100: Aircraft 1110: Signal transmission unit
1111: signal generation unit 1112: transmission antenna unit
1113: Signal setting communication unit 1120: Flight drive unit
1130: Position detection unit 1140: Flight control communication unit
1150: Photographing unit 1300: Control terminal unit
1310: Flight control unit 1320: Signal control unit

Claims (17)

An aircraft capable of flying in the air and equipped with a signal transmission unit for transmitting a check signal for checking the performance of the ground antenna to the ground antenna; and
It includes a control terminal capable of wirelessly communicating with the aircraft on the ground and controlling the flight of the aircraft and the operation of the signal transmitter,
The control terminal,
In order to move the signal transmission unit to a position where it can transmit an inspection signal to the ground antenna, it includes a flight control unit for transmitting a command signal for controlling the flight of the aircraft to the aircraft,
The flight control unit,
A device that adjusts the separation distance at which the aircraft is separated based on the position of the ground antenna so that the ground antenna is located in the far field, an area where the radiation pattern of the inspection signal transmitted by the signal transmitter appears as a plane wave. 1 includes a flight control unit,
A ground antenna inspection device that determines whether there is a problem with the reception performance of the ground antenna by comparing the difference in reception strength of the signal measured from the ground antenna before and after the inspection signal is received by the ground antenna with a preset setting value. . In claim 1,
The control terminal,
A ground antenna inspection device further comprising a signal control unit for transmitting a setting signal for controlling the operation of the signal transmission unit to the aircraft in order to adjust the conditions for generating the inspection signal. In claim 2,
The aircraft,
A flight drive unit that generates driving force for flight;
A position detection unit for detecting the flight position; and
A flight control communication unit for transmitting the command signal transmitted by the flight control unit to the flight drive unit or transmitting the position information of the aircraft detected by the position detection unit to the flight control unit. Ground antenna inspection device comprising a. In claim 3,
The flight control unit,
Ground antenna inspection device further comprising a second flight control unit for adjusting the altitude of the aircraft based on the position of the ground antenna. In claim 4,
The first flight control unit,
a far field calculation unit for calculating a starting distance at which the far field starts from the aircraft;
A distance calculation unit for calculating a separation distance between the aircraft and the ground antenna using the position information of the aircraft and the position information of the ground antenna; and
Ground antenna inspection device including; a first control unit for generating a command signal to control the operation of the flight drive unit so that the separation distance is greater than the starting distance. In claim 4,
The second flight control unit,
An altitude comparison unit for comparing the altitudes of the aircraft and the ground antenna using the position information of the aircraft and the ground antenna; and
When the aircraft is located below the altitude of the ground antenna, a second control unit for generating a command signal to control the operation of the flight drive unit so that the aircraft is located at a higher altitude than the ground antenna; a ground antenna including a Inspection device. In claim 3,
The signal transmitting unit,
A transmission antenna unit for transmitting the inspection signal to the outside;
A signal generator for generating the inspection signal; and
A ground antenna inspection device comprising a signal setting communication unit for transmitting the setting signal transmitted by the signal control unit to the signal generating unit. In claim 7,
The aircraft,
A ground antenna inspection device further comprising a photographing unit that captures an image at the same angle as the angle at which the transmission antenna transmits the beam. In claim 8,
The flight control unit,
Further comprising a third flight control unit for aligning the aircraft based on the position of the ground antenna,
The third flight control unit,
an image display unit for displaying a beam width boundary line of the transmission antenna at the center of the image captured by the imaging unit; and
A third control unit for generating a command signal to control the operation of the flight drive unit so that the reflector of the ground antenna is located within the beam width boundary line in the image captured by the photographing unit. Ground antenna inspection device further comprising a. In claim 7,
The signal control unit,
A signal setting unit for generating a setting signal for setting the transmission intensity and frequency of the inspection signal; and
A ground antenna inspection device comprising a signal information display unit for displaying the transmission strength and frequency information of the inspection signal set by the signal setting unit. As a ground antenna inspection method performed by a ground antenna inspection device,
The process of flying an aircraft equipped with a signal transmission unit into the air;
A process of moving the aircraft to a location where the signal transmitter can transmit an inspection signal to check the performance of the ground antenna;
A process of operating the signal transmission unit to transmit an inspection signal to the ground antenna; and
A process of inspecting the status of the ground antenna using an inspection signal received through the ground antenna,
The process of moving the aircraft is,
A process of acquiring location information of the aircraft and the ground antenna, and
It includes the process of adjusting the separation distance of the aircraft from the ground antenna so that the ground antenna is located in the far field, which is an area where the radiation pattern of the inspection signal transmitted by the signal transmitter appears as a plane wave,
The process of checking the condition of the ground antenna is,
A ground antenna comprising a process of determining whether there is a problem with the reception performance of the ground antenna by comparing the difference in reception strength of the signal measured from the ground antenna before and after the inspection signal is received by the ground antenna with a preset setting value. How to check antenna. In claim 11,
The process of moving the aircraft is,
A ground antenna inspection method further comprising the process of adjusting the altitude of the aircraft. In claim 12,
The process of adjusting the distance that the aircraft is separated from the ground antenna is,
A process of calculating a starting distance at which the far field starts from the aircraft;
A process of calculating the separation distance between the aircraft and the ground antenna using the position information of the aircraft and the position information of the ground antenna; and
A ground antenna inspection method comprising: moving the aircraft so that the separation distance is greater than the starting distance. In claim 13,
The process of adjusting the altitude of the aircraft is,
A process of comparing altitudes of the aircraft and the ground antenna using the position information of the aircraft and the position information of the ground antenna; and
When the aircraft is located below the altitude of the ground antenna, the process of moving the aircraft to a higher altitude than the ground antenna. In claim 11,
The process of moving the aircraft is,
A ground antenna inspection method further comprising: adjusting the position of the aircraft so that the position of the signal transmitter is aligned based on the position of the ground antenna. In claim 15,
The process of adjusting the position of the aircraft so that the position of the signal transmitter is aligned,
A process of capturing an image at the same angle as the angle at which the transmission antenna of the signal transmission unit transmits a beam, and marking a beam width boundary of the signal transmission unit at the center of the image; and
A ground antenna inspection method comprising: moving the aircraft so that the reflector of the ground antenna is located within the beam width boundary in the image. In claim 11,
The process of checking the condition of the ground antenna is,
A ground antenna inspection method further comprising operating the ground antenna to track the aircraft according to the inspection signal and inspecting the tracking function of the ground antenna.

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