Urban emergency communication guarantee system and method
By carrying communication payloads on an aerial platform and combining them with various backhaul network devices, a heterogeneous communication network is dynamically constructed, solving the problems of rapid response and wide-area coverage in emergency communication in existing technologies, and achieving stable and continuous emergency communication support.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing emergency communication methods are insufficient to achieve rapid response, wide coverage, and stable and continuous communication support in urban disasters. Communication support vehicles rely on ground roads and cannot reach these areas. Fixed-wing UAVs provide unstable coverage, while tethered multi-rotor UAVs are energy-intensive and easily blocked.
By using an aerial platform to carry communication payloads and combining them with various backhaul network devices, a heterogeneous communication network can be dynamically constructed. By leveraging the high-altitude advantages of the aerial platform and multiple backhaul methods, rapid deployment and stable coverage can be achieved.
It enables rapid response, wide-area coverage, and stable and continuous emergency communication support in emergency events, solving the problems of communication support vehicles being difficult to reach and the unstable coverage of fixed-wing UAVs in existing technologies.
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Figure CN121751218A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of emergency communication technology, and in particular to an urban emergency communication support system and method. Background Technology
[0002] In situations involving network outages, power outages, or transportation disruptions, emergency communication support is crucial for rescue command, personnel liaison, and information transmission. Existing emergency communication support methods primarily include fixed-wing UAVs, tethered multi-rotor UAVs carrying communication base stations, and communication support vehicles. While these technologies provide support for emergency communications to some extent, they still have many limitations in practical applications.
[0003] In existing technologies, communication support vehicles rely on ground roads, which cannot reach designated locations when roads are damaged or congested. Furthermore, their communication antennas have limited height and coverage radius, making them easily obstructed by tall buildings in cities, creating communication blind spots. In addition, fixed-wing drones cannot hover over specific disaster sites for extended periods to provide continuous coverage, requiring periodic patrols, resulting in unstable communication services to fixed areas. Tethered multi-rotor drones suffer from high energy consumption, small payload, high noise levels, and the risk of mechanical failure. These shortcomings of existing technologies make it difficult to effectively achieve rapid restoration, continuous support, and wide-area coverage of emergency communications in complex disaster scenarios. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an urban emergency communication support system. By using an aerial platform carrying communication payloads and combining them with various backhaul network devices, it can rapidly deploy and construct a heterogeneous communication network during emergency events. This effectively solves the problems of communication support vehicles being difficult to reach and the unstable coverage of fixed-wing UAVs in existing technologies, thereby achieving rapid response, wide-area coverage, and stable and continuous emergency communication support. Another purpose of this application is to provide an urban emergency communication support method.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides an urban emergency communication support system, comprising:
[0006] The communication unit includes an airborne platform, a communication payload mounted on the airborne platform, and a support platform for supporting the airborne platform and the communication payload.
[0007] The network control center is communicatively connected to the communication unit;
[0008] The communication payload includes at least access network equipment and various types of backhaul network equipment;
[0009] The urban emergency communication support system is configured to: respond to emergency events, control the deployment of the communication unit, enable the aerial platform to arrive at and remain at a preset aerial working position, and dynamically construct a heterogeneous communication network that integrates at least two different backhaul methods through the various types of backhaul network equipment, so as to provide communication services within the target area.
[0010] In some embodiments, the support platform is an anchoring platform integrating an automatic deployment and recovery device, a helium replenishment system, a backup power supply, and a controller;
[0011] The communication unit includes a fixed communication unit pre-deployed on the rooftop of a selected building in the city, and the support platform is fixed on the rooftop; and / or, the communication unit includes a vehicle-mounted mobile communication unit for mounting on a vehicle, and the support platform is integrated into the vehicle.
[0012] In some embodiments, the aerial platform includes a tethered aerostat connected to the support platform via a tethered composite cable, the tethered composite cable integrating power transmission and fiber optic communication functions; and / or, the aerial platform includes a powered aerostat with stationary hovering capability.
[0013] In some embodiments, the support platform further includes a renewable energy supply device comprising solar thin-film batteries integrated on the surface of the aerial platform and / or the support platform.
[0014] In some embodiments, the various types of backhaul network devices include:
[0015] Ground-based backhaul equipment is used for backhauling data via a terrestrial wired network.
[0016] Satellite communication terminal, used for backhauling via satellite link;
[0017] A wireless ad hoc network device for establishing wireless relay links among multiple communication units.
[0018] In some embodiments, the network control center is configured to perform the following operations:
[0019] Monitor the link status of each communication unit through the ground backhaul equipment;
[0020] When the ground backhaul link of at least one first communication unit is detected to be interrupted, the first communication unit is controlled to start its wireless self-organizing network device and establish a connection with one or more second communication units to form a local communication network within the target area.
[0021] The service data of the first communication unit is relayed through the backhaul path formed by the second communication unit.
[0022] In some embodiments, the network control center is further configured to: control the wireless ad hoc networking device of the communication unit to discover and authenticate external communication nodes within the target area, the external communication nodes including UAV base stations or ground base stations; and connect the external communication nodes to the heterogeneous communication network through the wireless ad hoc networking device to extend network coverage; and / or,
[0023] The network control center integrates an AI dynamic routing module, which is configured as follows:
[0024] Real-time evaluation of quality parameters for each available backhaul path;
[0025] Based on the quality parameters and the preset service priority strategy, the optimal backhaul path is dynamically selected, and the data transmission of critical services is given priority.
[0026] In some embodiments, the access network equipment includes base station equipment that is compatible with terrestrial mobile communication protocols and non-terrestrial network communication protocols.
[0027] This application also provides a method for ensuring urban emergency communication, applied to the aforementioned urban emergency communication support system, the method comprising:
[0028] S1. Response steps: In response to the emergency trigger signal, issue a deployment instruction to at least one communication unit;
[0029] S2. Deployment and networking steps: According to the deployment instructions, control the operation of the communication unit to make the air platform arrive at and stay at the preset air working position, and activate the communication payload. By coordinating the control of multiple types of backhaul network devices, dynamically construct a heterogeneous communication network that integrates at least two different backhaul methods.
[0030] S3. Communication service steps: Provide communication services to user terminals within the target area through the constructed heterogeneous communication network.
[0031] In some embodiments, step S2, deployment and networking, further includes:
[0032] S21, Backhaul Link Establishment Sub-step: Prioritize attempting to establish the first backhaul link connecting to the ground wired network via the ground backhaul equipment;
[0033] S22, Ad hoc network relay sub-step: If the first backhaul link fails to be established or is interrupted, the wireless ad hoc network device is started to establish a wireless relay link between multiple communication units and form a local communication network within the target area.
[0034] S23. Satellite backhaul backup sub-step: If backhaul to the ground wired network is blocked, start the satellite communication terminal to establish a satellite backhaul link;
[0035] S24, Intelligent Routing Selection Sub-step: Real-time evaluation of the quality parameters of each available backhaul path, and dynamic selection of the optimal backhaul path based on the evaluation results and preset service priority policies, prioritizing the data transmission of critical services.
[0036] S25, Network Extension Sub-step: Discover and authenticate external communication nodes within the target area, and connect the external communication nodes to the heterogeneous communication network;
[0037] In the S22 self-organizing network relay sub-step, S221 is further included: when the ground backhaul link of at least one first communication unit is detected to be interrupted, the service data of the first communication unit is relayed through the wireless relay link via the backhaul path of the second communication unit.
[0038] Compared to the aforementioned background technology, the urban emergency communication support system provided in this application mainly includes a communication unit and a network control center. The communication unit includes an airborne platform, a communication payload mounted on the airborne platform, and a support platform for supporting the airborne platform and the communication payload. The network control center is communicatively connected to the communication unit. The communication payload includes at least access network equipment and various types of backhaul network equipment. The urban emergency communication support system is configured to: respond to emergency events, control the deployment of the communication unit, enable the airborne platform to arrive at and remain at a preset airborne working position, and dynamically construct a heterogeneous communication network integrating at least two different backhaul methods through various types of backhaul network equipment to provide communication services within the target area.
[0039] In existing technologies, emergency communication methods have many shortcomings when cities suffer major disasters. Communication support vehicles rely on ground roads, which become inaccessible after a disaster if roads are damaged or congested. Furthermore, their communication antennas have limited height and coverage radius, making them easily blocked by tall buildings in cities, creating communication blind spots. Fixed-wing drones cannot hover over specific disaster areas for extended periods to provide continuous coverage, requiring periodic patrols, resulting in unstable communication services in fixed areas. These shortcomings make it difficult for existing technologies to achieve rapid recovery, continuous support, and wide-area coverage of emergency communications in complex disaster scenarios.
[0040] In this application, the communication payload includes at least access network equipment and various types of backhaul network equipment. The access network equipment is used to directly establish connections with user terminals, providing basic communication access services; the various types of backhaul network equipment provide the system with diverse data transmission path options. In the event of an emergency, the system can respond quickly and control the deployment of communication units. The aerial platform arrives at and remains at its pre-set aerial working position, a process unaffected by ground traffic conditions, thus solving the problem of communication support vehicles being unable to reach their designated locations due to road damage or congestion.
[0041] Simultaneously, by dynamically constructing a heterogeneous communication network integrating at least two different backhaul methods using various types of backhaul network equipment, the system can flexibly select the optimal communication path under different conditions. This heterogeneous communication network design not only improves the stability and reliability of communication but also expands the communication coverage area, solving the problems of unstable coverage by fixed-wing UAVs and the small coverage radius of communication support vehicles. The relatively high deployment position of the aerial platform effectively avoids obstruction by tall buildings in the city, achieving wide-area coverage.
[0042] Based on the above structural and process descriptions, it can be seen that the city's emergency communication support system has at least the following beneficial effects: by carrying communication payloads on an airborne platform and combining them with various backhaul network devices, it can quickly deploy and build a heterogeneous communication network when an emergency occurs, effectively solving the problems of communication support vehicles being difficult to reach and the unstable coverage of fixed-wing UAVs in existing technologies, thereby achieving rapid response, wide-area coverage, and stable and continuous emergency communication support. Attached Figure Description
[0043] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.
[0044] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an urban emergency communication support system provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0045] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of emergency communication provided for an embodiment of this application;
[0046] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the urban emergency communication support method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;
[0047] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the urban emergency communication support method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;
[0048] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the urban emergency communication support method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 .
[0049] in:
[0050] Urban emergency communication support system 100
[0051] Communication Unit 1, Air Platform 11, Communication Payload 12, Access Network Equipment 121, Backhaul Network Equipment 122, Support Platform 13
[0052] Network Control Center 2
[0053] Target area 3. Detailed Implementation
[0054] This application aims to address the core issues of rapid restoration of emergency communications in local or large urban areas, weak continuous support, and limited coverage in scenarios of "three disruptions" (internet outages, power outages, and transportation disruptions) caused by disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and extreme weather.
[0055] Traditional countermeasures include: using fixed-wing drones to carry communication base stations for communication support; using tethered multi-rotor drones to carry communication base stations for communication support; and using communication support vehicles for communication support.
[0056] Fixed-wing drones typically cannot hover over specific disaster sites for extended periods to provide continuous coverage. They require periodic patrols, which leads to unstable communication services in fixed areas, high costs, and maintenance difficulties. Furthermore, they are greatly affected by airspace control and airport locations, making it difficult to respond promptly to local urban disasters.
[0057] Tethered multi-rotor drones rely on continuous ground power supply, resulting in extremely high energy consumption. Long-term aerial operations place high demands on power generation equipment. They have small payloads, making it difficult to carry high-power, multi-standard base station equipment. The rotors generate tremendous noise, which may interfere with command and search and rescue operations in urban rescue environments. There is a risk of mechanical failure and crashes, which may cause secondary injuries in densely populated urban areas.
[0058] Communication support vehicles rely heavily on ground roads and cannot reach their designated locations when roads are damaged or congested after a disaster; communication antennas have limited height and a small coverage radius (usually only a few hundred meters), making them easily blocked by tall buildings in the city, creating communication blind spots; their own mobility is basically ineffective in "traffic disruption" scenarios.
[0059] To address at least one of the aforementioned problems, this application provides an urban emergency communication support system 100 and method to overcome the shortcomings of existing emergency communication methods (such as drones and communication vehicles), such as short battery life, slow deployment, significant influence from terrain, and difficulty in effective operation in core disaster areas. This system provides a comprehensive emergency communication support function that features rapid response, long-term aerial presence, wide-area coverage, intelligent networking, and multiple communication backhaul backups.
[0060] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0061] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0062] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an urban emergency communication support system provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0063] In a first specific embodiment, the urban emergency communication support system 100 provided by this application mainly includes a communication unit 1 and a network control center 2. The communication unit 1 includes an airborne platform 11, a communication payload 12 mounted on the airborne platform 11, and a support platform 13 for supporting the airborne platform 11 and the communication payload 12. The network control center 2 is communicatively connected to the communication unit 1. The communication payload 12 includes at least an access network device 121 and multiple types of backhaul network devices 122. The urban emergency communication support system 100 is configured to: in response to an emergency event, control the deployment of the communication unit 1, so that the airborne platform 11 arrives at and stays at a preset airborne working position, and dynamically construct a heterogeneous communication network integrating at least two different backhaul methods through multiple types of backhaul network devices 122 to provide communication services within the target area 3.
[0064] In existing technologies, emergency communication methods have many shortcomings when cities suffer major disasters. Communication support vehicles rely on ground roads, which become inaccessible after a disaster if roads are damaged or congested. Furthermore, their communication antennas have limited height and coverage radius, making them easily blocked by tall buildings in cities, creating communication blind spots. Fixed-wing drones cannot hover over specific disaster areas for extended periods to provide continuous coverage, requiring periodic patrols, resulting in unstable communication services in fixed areas. These shortcomings make it difficult for existing technologies to achieve rapid recovery, continuous support, and wide-area coverage of emergency communications in complex disaster scenarios.
[0065] In this application, the communication payload 12 includes at least an access network device 121 and various types of backhaul network devices 122. The access network device 121 is used to directly establish a connection with the user terminal and provide basic communication access services; the various types of backhaul network devices 122 provide the system with diversified data transmission path options. In the event of an emergency, the system can respond quickly and control the deployment of the communication unit 1. The air platform 11 arrives at and remains at a preset air working position, a process unaffected by ground traffic conditions, thus solving the problem that communication support vehicles cannot reach the predetermined location due to road damage or congestion.
[0066] Meanwhile, by dynamically constructing a heterogeneous communication network integrating at least two different backhaul methods through various types of backhaul network devices 122, the system can flexibly select the optimal communication path under different conditions. This heterogeneous communication network design not only improves the stability and reliability of communication but also expands the communication coverage area, solving the problems of unstable coverage by fixed-wing UAVs and the small coverage radius of communication support vehicles. The deployment position of the aerial platform 11 is relatively high, which can effectively avoid the obstruction of urban high-rise buildings and achieve wide-area coverage.
[0067] Based on the above structural and process descriptions, it can be seen that the urban emergency communication support system 100 has at least the following beneficial effects: by carrying a communication payload 12 on an airborne platform 11 and combining it with various backhaul network devices 122, it can quickly deploy and build a heterogeneous communication network when an emergency occurs, effectively solving the problems of communication support vehicles being difficult to reach and the unstable coverage of fixed-wing UAVs in the existing technology, thereby achieving rapid response, wide-area coverage and stable and continuous emergency communication support.
[0068] In some embodiments, the support platform 13 is an anchoring platform integrating an automatic deployment and recovery device, a helium replenishment system, a backup power supply, and a controller.
[0069] In this embodiment, the support platform 13 is designed as a highly integrated mooring platform, possessing several key functions to support the stable operation of the aerial platform 11 and the communication payload 12. Firstly, the support platform 13 integrates an automatic deployment and retrieval device. This device enables the rapid deployment and recovery of the aerial platform 11, ensuring that in the event of an emergency, the aerial platform 11 can quickly reach its preset aerial working position. Simultaneously, after the mission is completed, it can land smoothly and be efficiently recovered, reducing manual intervention and improving the overall system response speed and operational efficiency.
[0070] Secondly, the support platform 13 is also equipped with a helium replenishment system. Helium, a commonly used filling gas for airships, has advantages such as low density and non-flammability, providing stable buoyancy support for the tethered airship and other aerial platforms 11. The helium replenishment system can monitor the helium pressure in real time during the operation of the aerial platform 11 and automatically replenish helium when necessary, ensuring that the aerial platform 11 always maintains optimal operating conditions and avoiding buoyancy reduction problems caused by helium leakage or insufficient pressure, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the communication payload 12 and the continuity of communication services.
[0071] In addition, the support platform 13 integrates a backup power supply. In emergency scenarios, the stability of the power supply is crucial. The backup power supply can immediately switch over and provide continuous and stable power support to the support platform 13, the airborne platform 11, and the communication payload 12 when the main power supply fails or is interrupted, ensuring the system can still operate normally under extreme conditions and maintain uninterrupted communication services. Meanwhile, the controller, as the core control unit of the support platform 13, is responsible for coordinating the operation of various functional modules such as the automatic deployment and recovery device, the helium replenishment system, and the backup power supply, achieving intelligent management and control of the entire system and improving its reliability and automation.
[0072] In some embodiments, the communication unit 1 includes a fixed communication unit 1 pre-deployed on the roof of a selected building in the city, ensuring that the platform 13 is fixed on the roof.
[0073] In this embodiment, the communication unit 1 adopts a fixed deployment scheme, specifically, the communication unit 1 is pre-deployed at a selected rooftop location in the city. This deployment method makes full use of the height advantage of existing buildings in the city, enabling the aerial platform 11 to quickly ascend to the preset aerial working position, thereby achieving rapid communication coverage of the target area 3. The platform 13 is fixed on the rooftop, providing stable physical support and operating environment for the communication unit 1.
[0074] By pre-deploying fixed communication units 1 on rooftops in key urban locations, the system can respond rapidly to emergencies without requiring additional transportation and deployment time. This fixed deployment method is particularly suitable for urban centers or densely populated areas, effectively avoiding the impact of ground traffic congestion on emergency communication support and ensuring the restoration of communication services in the shortest possible time. Simultaneously, the design of the support platform 13 being fixed to the rooftop makes the system more stable during operation, reducing the impact of external environmental factors (such as wind and terrain) on communication units 1, and improving the system's reliability and stability.
[0075] In some embodiments, the communication unit 1 includes a vehicle-mounted mobile communication unit 1 for mounting on a vehicle, ensuring that the platform 13 is integrated into the vehicle.
[0076] In this embodiment, the communication unit 1 adopts a vehicle-mounted mobile design. By mounting the communication unit 1 on a vehicle, the mobile deployment capability of the communication system is achieved. This design allows the communication unit 1 to quickly move to a designated location when needed, enhancing the system's adaptability and flexibility in different scenarios. The support platform 13 is integrated into the vehicle, providing necessary support and protection functions for the communication unit 1, ensuring the stability and reliability of the communication unit 1 during movement and operation.
[0077] By designing the communication unit 1 as a vehicle-mounted mobile unit, the system can respond quickly to emergencies, especially when the fixed communication unit 1 is unavailable or damaged. The vehicle-mounted mobile communication unit 1 can quickly reach the target area 3, providing timely communication support. This mobility enables the system to provide communication services over a wider area, particularly in areas with convenient transportation or minimal disruption to traffic caused by disasters, where the vehicle-mounted mobile communication unit 1 plays a crucial role. Simultaneously, the integration of the support platform 13 into the vehicle design ensures the system maintains stable operation during movement, guaranteeing the normal operation of the communication payload 12 and ensuring the continuity and stability of communication services.
[0078] In some embodiments, the air platform 11 includes a tethered aerostat, which is connected to the support platform 13 via a tethered composite cable that integrates power transmission and fiber optic communication functions.
[0079] In this embodiment, the aerial platform 11 uses a tethered aerostat as the main aerial carrier. The tethered aerostat is connected to the support platform 13 via a tethered composite cable. This connection method not only provides stable physical support for the tethered aerostat, ensuring that it can maintain a fixed position in the air, but also provides a continuous energy supply and a high-speed, stable communication link for the aerostat and its onboard communication payload 12 through the power transmission and fiber optic communication functions integrated in the tethered composite cable.
[0080] Tethered aerostats, as lighter-than-air aircraft, possess unique advantages. They can remain airborne for extended periods, providing a stable communication platform, making them particularly suitable for scenarios requiring long-term, continuous communication support. Their buoyancy comes from the filling gas (such as helium), allowing them to remain stationary or drift slowly in the air, reducing the need for complex propulsion systems and thus lowering energy consumption and operating costs.
[0081] The integrated design of the tethered composite cable is one of the key technologies in this embodiment. The power delivery function ensures a stable power supply for both the aerial platform 11 and the communication payload 12 during operation, avoiding communication interruptions due to insufficient power. The fiber optic communication function provides a high-speed, low-latency channel for data transmission between the communication payload 12 and the ground support platform 13, supporting high-bandwidth communication services such as video transmission and large-volume emergency command information.
[0082] Through this design, the aerial platform 11 can quickly take off and remain stably stationary during emergencies, providing wide-area communication services to disaster-stricken areas. Meanwhile, the integrated functionality of the tethered composite cable simplifies the system architecture, improves system reliability and operational efficiency, making it an efficient and reliable emergency communication support solution.
[0083] In some embodiments, the air platform 11 includes a powered airship with stationary hovering capability.
[0084] In this embodiment, the aerial platform 11 employs a powered aerostat with stationary hovering capability. This powered aerostat combines the advantages of buoyancy and propulsion systems, enabling it to achieve stable long-term hovering at specific locations in the air, while also possessing a certain degree of maneuverability to meet the needs of complex emergency scenarios.
[0085] Powered aerostats maintain their position in the air through buoyancy, reducing energy consumption and enabling them to operate continuously for extended periods, meeting the requirements of emergency communication support for long-term communication coverage. Compared to traditional tethered aerostats, powered aerostats incorporate a propulsion system, allowing for limited movement and adjustments in the air. This optimizes communication coverage areas, especially when precise communication support is needed for specific disaster-stricken areas, enabling rapid repositioning to provide better service.
[0086] Furthermore, the stationary capability of powered aerostats allows them to maintain stable communication services even in complex urban environments and variable weather conditions. This capability is particularly important for urban emergency communication support, especially in situations requiring rapid response and flexible adjustment of communication coverage. The flexibility and stability of powered aerostats make them an ideal aerial platform, capable of rapid deployment during emergencies to provide reliable communication support to disaster-stricken areas.
[0087] In some embodiments, the protection platform 13 further includes a renewable energy supply device, which includes solar thin-film batteries integrated on the surface of the aerial platform 11 and / or the protection platform 13.
[0088] In this embodiment, the support platform 13 further integrates renewable energy supply devices to enhance the system's energy self-sufficiency and operational sustainability. Specifically, the renewable energy supply devices include thin-film solar cells, which are integrated onto the surface of the aerial platform 11 and / or the support platform 13.
[0089] Solar thin-film batteries, as a highly efficient renewable energy solution, can convert solar energy into electricity under sunlight conditions, providing additional power support for the system. This design not only reduces reliance on traditional energy sources (such as diesel generators) and lowers operating costs, but also improves the system's environmental adaptability, making it more suitable for use in long-term emergency communication support missions.
[0090] Integrating solar thin-film batteries onto the surface of the aerial platform 11 allows for direct utilization of high-altitude sunlight to provide a stable power supply for the communication payload 12. Simultaneously, integrating solar thin-film batteries onto the surface of the support platform 13 further enhances the system's energy storage capacity, ensuring that the system can continue operating on pre-stored electrical energy even at night or on cloudy days when sunlight is insufficient.
[0091] By introducing a renewable energy supply device, the support platform 13 in this embodiment not only improves the system's energy efficiency but also enhances its self-sufficiency in emergency scenarios. This design enables the urban emergency communication support system to operate more stably when facing long-term emergency tasks, reducing the risk of communication interruptions due to insufficient energy, thereby further improving the system's reliability and practicality.
[0092] In some embodiments, the various types of backhaul network devices 122 include:
[0093] Ground-based backhaul equipment is used for backhauling data via a terrestrial wired network.
[0094] Satellite communication terminal, used for backhauling via satellite link;
[0095] A wireless ad hoc network device used to establish wireless relay links between multiple communication units 1.
[0096] In this embodiment, various types of backhaul network devices 122 are designed to include three main backhaul methods to enhance the flexibility and reliability of the communication system. First, the terrestrial backhaul equipment (optical fiber in the tethered composite cable), as part of the system, primarily functions to transmit data backhaul via a terrestrial wired network. This backhaul method utilizes existing terrestrial communication infrastructure, enabling stable, high-speed data transmission where wired networks are available, ensuring the quality and efficiency of communication services.
[0097] Secondly, the system is also equipped with a satellite communication terminal for backhauling via satellite links. The introduction of satellite communication terminals provides the system with global coverage capabilities, especially in situations where terrestrial wired networks are damaged or unavailable. The satellite link serves as a crucial backup, ensuring communication continuity. This design allows the system to maintain communication connections with the outside world even during large-scale disasters or remote communication support missions.
[0098] Finally, the wireless ad hoc network device is integrated into the backhaul network device 122 to establish wireless relay links between multiple communication units 1. This device can autonomously establish and maintain communication links between communication units, forming a flexible self-organizing network. When the ground backhaul link of a communication unit is interrupted, the wireless ad hoc network device can quickly switch to other available links to achieve data relay transmission. This self-healing capability significantly enhances the system's resilience and adaptability, especially in complex urban environments, effectively preventing communication interruptions caused by local network failures.
[0099] By integrating three types of backhaul network equipment 122—ground backhaul equipment, satellite communication terminals, and wireless ad hoc network equipment—into the communication payload 12, the urban emergency communication support system in this embodiment can flexibly select the optimal backhaul path in different scenarios, ensuring that the system can respond quickly and provide stable and reliable communication services when an emergency occurs. This diversified backhaul scheme design not only improves the overall performance of the system but also enhances its survivability and adaptability in complex environments.
[0100] In some embodiments, network control center 2 is configured to perform the following operations:
[0101] Monitor the link status of each communication unit 1 through the ground backhaul equipment;
[0102] When at least one ground backhaul link of the first communication unit 1 is detected to be interrupted, the first communication unit 1 is controlled to start its wireless self-organizing network device and establish a connection with one or more second communication units 1 to form a local communication network within the target area 3.
[0103] The service data of the first communication unit 1 is relayed through the backhaul path formed by the second communication unit 1.
[0104] In this embodiment, the network control center 2 possesses intelligent network management and control capabilities, effectively ensuring the stable operation of the communication system and efficient communication services. The network control center 2 is initially configured to monitor the link status of each communication unit 1 through the ground backhaul equipment. This function enables the network control center 2 to monitor the connection status between the communication unit 1 and the ground wired network in real time, and promptly detect potential link failures or interruptions.
[0105] When at least one ground backhaul link interruption is detected in the first communication unit 1, the network control center 2 can react quickly and control the first communication unit 1 to activate its wireless ad hoc networking equipment. Through this operation, the first communication unit 1 can establish a wireless connection with one or more second communication units 1, thereby quickly forming a local communication network within the target area 3. This ad hoc networking capability enables the system to maintain the continuity of communication services even when the ground backhaul link is damaged, ensuring that communication within the disaster area is not affected.
[0106] Furthermore, the network control center 2 is also responsible for relaying the service data of the first communication unit 1 through the backhaul path formed by the second communication unit 1. This process not only ensures the flexibility and redundancy of the data transmission path, but also optimizes the efficiency and stability of data transmission through intelligent path selection and relay mechanisms. In this way, even if the terrestrial communication infrastructure is severely damaged, the system can still transmit data to other communication units wirelessly, ultimately achieving connection with the external network and ensuring the transmission of critical information.
[0107] This configuration enables Network Control Center 2 to dynamically adjust communication links and optimize network topology in complex and ever-changing emergency scenarios, thereby improving the system's resilience and communication support capabilities. Through intelligent link monitoring and self-organizing network control, Network Control Center 2 ensures that the urban emergency communication support system can respond quickly and maintain efficient and stable communication services in the face of various emergencies.
[0108] In some embodiments, the network control center 2 is further configured to: control the wireless ad hoc networking device of the communication unit 1 to discover and authenticate external communication nodes within the target area 3, the external communication nodes including drone base stations or ground base stations; and connect the external communication nodes to the heterogeneous communication network through the wireless ad hoc networking device to extend network coverage.
[0109] In this embodiment, the network control center 2 further expands its functionality, not only managing internal communication between communication units 1, but also possessing the ability to interact and integrate with external communication nodes. The network control center 2 is configured to control the wireless ad hoc network devices of the communication units 1, enabling them to actively discover and authenticate external communication nodes within the target area 3. These external communication nodes include other communication facilities such as UAV base stations or ground base stations.
[0110] Through wireless ad hoc networking devices, network control center 2 can connect these external communication nodes to the existing heterogeneous communication network. This design enables the system to integrate various communication resources, further expanding network coverage and enhancing communication capabilities. For example, there may be other temporarily deployed communication facilities (such as drone base stations) within target area 3, or available ground base stations in the surrounding area. By connecting these external communication nodes to the system, network control center 2 can achieve wider communication coverage and improve the system's adaptability and flexibility in complex environments.
[0111] This functionality not only enhances the overall communication capabilities of the system but also provides more redundancy and backup options for emergency communication support. In emergency scenarios, the breadth and stability of network coverage are crucial. By connecting to external communication nodes, the system can quickly adjust and optimize the network topology when the main communication link is damaged or has insufficient coverage, ensuring the continuity and reliability of communication services. Furthermore, this design supports seamless integration between different communication protocols and devices, enhancing the system's compatibility and scalability.
[0112] In some embodiments, the network control center 2 integrates an AI dynamic routing module, which is configured as follows:
[0113] Real-time evaluation of quality parameters for each available backhaul path;
[0114] Based on quality parameters and preset business priority strategies, the optimal backhaul path is dynamically selected, and the data transmission of critical business operations is given priority.
[0115] In this embodiment, the network control center 2 further enhances its intelligent management capabilities by integrating an AI dynamic routing module, enabling efficient management and optimization of communication links. The core function of the AI dynamic routing module is to evaluate the quality parameters of each available backhaul path in real time. These parameters include, but are not limited to, key indicators such as latency, bandwidth, packet loss rate, and stability. By continuously monitoring these parameters, the module can accurately grasp the real-time performance status of each backhaul path.
[0116] Based on these quality parameters and preset business priority strategies, the AI dynamic routing module can dynamically select the optimal backhaul path. This process considers not only the current performance of the path but also the importance and urgency of different services. For example, in emergency communication scenarios, critical services such as emergency command and medical rescue information transmission are given higher priority. The module prioritizes the data transmission of these critical services, ensuring they are carried out on the optimal path, thereby improving the reliability and timeliness of critical information transmission.
[0117] This intelligent routing mechanism enables Network Control Center 2 to flexibly adjust data transmission paths and optimize network resource allocation in complex and ever-changing communication environments. Especially in the face of emergencies or network failures, the AI dynamic routing module can quickly make decisions and switch to backup paths, ensuring the continuity and stability of communication services. In this way, the system not only improves overall communication efficiency but also enhances its support for critical services, further improving the reliability and practicality of the urban emergency communication support system.
[0118] In some embodiments, the access network device 121 includes a base station device that is compatible with terrestrial mobile communication protocols and non-terrestrial network communication protocols.
[0119] In this embodiment, the access network device 121 is designed with compatibility with multiple communication protocols to adapt to communication needs in different scenarios. Specifically, the access network device 121 includes base station equipment compatible with terrestrial mobile communication protocols and non-terrestrial network communication protocols. This design enables the communication unit 1 to simultaneously support the access needs of terrestrial mobile communication networks (such as 4G, 5G) and non-terrestrial networks (such as satellite communication, high-altitude platform communication, etc.).
[0120] Base station equipment compatible with terrestrial mobile communication protocols can provide users with familiar mobile communication services, ensuring seamless integration with existing mobile communication infrastructure in urban environments and meeting users' regular communication needs in emergency scenarios. Meanwhile, base station equipment compatible with non-terrestrial network communication protocols provides the system with wider coverage and greater resilience. For example, in the event of damage or unavailability of terrestrial communication networks, non-terrestrial network communication protocols can continue to provide communication services to users through satellite links or other non-terrestrial communication methods.
[0121] This dual-protocol compatible design not only enhances the system's flexibility and adaptability but also improves the reliability and continuity of communication services. In emergency communication scenarios, this design ensures that user terminals can access available communication networks under any circumstances, thereby achieving wider communication coverage and more stable communication services.
[0122] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of emergency communication provided for an embodiment of this application.
[0123] In one specific implementation, the urban emergency communication support system 100 is described as follows.
[0124] The first part is preventative deployment, which involves pre-deploying multiple airship emergency communication support system units (communication unit 1 of the city emergency communication support system 100) at key nodes in the city (such as specific rooftops in densely populated areas). These units have remote status monitoring and self-testing functions, and regularly report equipment status to ensure they are "always available".
[0125] Each communication unit 1 is an integrated system. The airship body (aerial platform 11) is a helium-filled soft airship, featuring high lift, low energy consumption, and quiet operation. The intelligent composite mooring platform (support platform 13) integrates an automatic deployment and retrieval device, an automatic helium replenishment system, a backup power supply (lithium battery pack + diesel / gas generator), environmental sensing sensors (wind speed, temperature and humidity), and a system controller. The communication payload 12 includes a multi-standard (4G / 5G) lightweight communication base station (access network equipment 121), a Mesh self-organizing network device (the wireless self-organizing network device of backhaul network equipment 122), and a satellite communication terminal (the satellite communication terminal of backhaul network equipment 122). The tethered composite cable integrates power transmission, fiber optic communication, and signal control.
[0126] The second part is disaster triggering and automatic activation. The system is connected to the city's emergency command center (network control center 2) via a dedicated line. After a disaster occurs, the command center can remotely send an air launch command with one click, or the system can automatically trigger emergency procedures based on preset earthquake intensity monitoring signals, power outage signals, etc.
[0127] The third part is rapid takeoff and network establishment, as illustrated below.
[0128] The mooring platform controller is activated, and the airship automatically inflates and ascends to a preset altitude (e.g., 300-500 meters).
[0129] After takeoff, the communication base station (access network equipment 121) automatically powers on and completes initialization, and begins broadcasting emergency communication signals. Mobile terminals in the disaster area automatically search for and access this signal.
[0130] Intelligent three-dimensional networking is divided into vertical backhaul, horizontal self-healing and multi-hop relay.
[0131] Regarding vertical backhaul, each airborne base station (backhaul network device 122) attempts to connect to the undamaged public core network on the ground where the anchoring platform is located via optical fiber in the tethered composite cable, forming an "air-to-ground" backbone link.
[0132] Regarding lateral self-healing, if the ground public network (ground backhaul equipment) of a certain node is interrupted (point A), the Mesh self-organizing network equipment on it will actively establish a high-speed wireless link with the adjacent launched nodes (points B and C).
[0133] Regarding multi-hop relay, user data at point A can be hopped to point B via a wireless link, and then relayed through the tethered fiber optic cable of point B (if the ground network of B is intact) or through another relay, and finally transmitted to a node connected to the public network, thus realizing the connection between the "disaster area island" (target area 3) and the "outside world".
[0134] The fourth part is the multi-backup communication mode, which is divided into mode one (optimal), mode two (backup), mode three (extreme survival) and AI intelligent dynamic routing selection algorithm.
[0135] Regarding Mode 1 (optimal), access to the ground public network is achieved via tethered fiber optic cable.
[0136] Regarding Mode 2 (Backup), if the terrestrial network is completely blocked, satellite communication backup will be activated. Each or several nodes share a satellite terminal (satellite communication terminal) and connect to the remote emergency command center via a satellite link. In this mode, the system can automatically implement quality of service policies, prioritizing critical services such as emergency command, SOS SMS, and voice calls, while restricting high-bandwidth applications.
[0137] Regarding Mode 3 (Extreme Survival), even if the satellite terminal fails, the self-organizing network between nodes remains effective, forming a local communication network within the disaster area to support command and dispatch and personnel communication within the area.
[0138] The AI-powered intelligent dynamic routing algorithm evaluates the quality (latency, bandwidth, stability) of each backhaul path in real time, automatically switches to the optimal path, and prioritizes critical operations such as emergency command, life detection, and medical rescue.
[0139] The fifth part is mission completion and recovery. After the disaster situation stabilizes, the recovery command will be received. After the airship lands smoothly, a small number of technicians can recover, test, replenish helium, and perform maintenance on-site for future use.
[0140] Therefore, the city's emergency communication support system 100 has the following advantages.
[0141] 1. "Combined peacetime and disaster prevention" preventive fixed deployment model: The system is pre-deployed as part of the city's critical infrastructure, transforming from "mobile emergency response" to "fixed disaster preparedness", realizing a fundamental shift from post-disaster dispatch to pre-disaster readiness, with a response time in the minute range.
[0142] 2. "Tethered airship" as an ideal aerial platform: It makes full use of the physical characteristics of airship, such as quiet operation, ultra-long flight time (up to 7-30 days), large payload, good wind resistance and stability, and high safety, thus solving the core shortcomings of UAV platforms.
[0143] 3. "Air-Ground-Satellite" three-layer heterogeneous integrated networking architecture: It creatively integrates three backhaul methods: tethered cable wired transmission, wireless mesh self-organizing network, and satellite communication, forming a three-dimensional, highly redundant, and self-healing emergency communication network, which greatly improves the network's survivability under extreme damage.
[0144] 4. Intelligent relay strategy with multi-node collaboration: The system has the ability to autonomously perceive the network status and can dynamically select the optimal backhaul path to realize the intelligent extension and relay of communication capabilities in the disaster area.
[0145] It should be noted that, in addition to this embodiment, this application also provides different supplementary solutions, which are described again below.
[0146] Regarding alternatives to aerostat platforms, one option is to use multiple powered aerostats to replace tethered aerostats or drones as aerial platforms, stationing them in the airspace of disaster areas with limited fixed-point mobility to cope with situations where takeoff points are damaged or coverage areas need to be fine-tuned, while maintaining much lower energy consumption than drones.
[0147] Regarding alternative energy supply solutions, flexible solar thin-film batteries can be integrated into the surface of anchoring platforms or airships. In conjunction with energy storage batteries, these batteries can supplement the system's power supply under sunlight conditions, further extending the continuous operating time and reducing reliance on fuel generators.
[0148] Alternative / enhanced solutions for communication networking technologies.
[0149] Integrating the High Altitude Base Station (HAPS) feeder link allows, in addition to satellites, the airship base station to serve as a ground user access point for High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS). Wide-area backhaul is provided by the higher-altitude HAPS platform, forming a more three-dimensional architecture of "terminal-airship base station-HAPS-ground core network," which is particularly suitable for ultra-large-area disasters.
[0150] By integrating non-terrestrial network (NTN) standards, base station equipment is designed to simultaneously support terrestrial mobile communication (4G / 5G) and 3GPP NTN standards (such as satellite direct connection). In extreme cases, it can not only provide satellite backhaul but also allow some new mobile phones with satellite direct connection capabilities to communicate directly with satellites through the airship base station, providing a more flexible access method.
[0151] Alternatives to deployment and startup methods.
[0152] As a supplement to fixed deployment, a vehicle-mounted mobile deployment mode is being developed, employing a vehicle-mounted tethered aerostat system. When pre-positioned points fail or specific areas require reinforcement, the system can be rapidly deployed to suitable locations on the edge of disaster areas, quickly take off, and network with already deployed fixed nodes to form a flexible deployment network combining fixed and mobile capabilities.
[0153] Regarding enhancing network topology flexibility, it can support access to fixed-wing UAV base stations, multi-rotor UAV base stations, or other ground base stations that can be used normally (but cannot access the public network), thereby increasing the number of sites and expanding the coverage.
[0154] The above supplementary or alternative solutions are extensions and enrichments of the core ideas of this application. They can provide diverse technical implementation paths for achieving the fundamental goal of "fast, durable, and reliable urban emergency communication support" under different application scenarios, technical conditions, or cost constraints.
[0155] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the urban emergency communication support method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 .
[0156] This application also provides a method for ensuring urban emergency communication, applied to the aforementioned urban emergency communication support system 100. The method for ensuring urban emergency communication includes:
[0157] S1. Response steps: In response to the emergency trigger signal, issue a deployment command to at least one communication unit 1;
[0158] S2. Deployment and networking steps: According to the deployment instructions, control the operation of the communication unit 1 to make the air platform 11 arrive at and stay at the preset air working position, and activate the communication payload 12. Through the coordinated control of various types of backhaul network devices 122, dynamically construct a heterogeneous communication network that integrates at least two different backhaul methods.
[0159] S3. Communication service steps: Provide communication services to user terminals within target area 3 through the constructed heterogeneous communication network.
[0160] In this embodiment, this application further provides a method for ensuring urban emergency communication, specifically applied to the aforementioned urban emergency communication support system 100, aiming to achieve efficient and reliable emergency communication support through a series of orderly steps. The method mainly includes the following three key steps.
[0161] First, there is the response step (S1). In this stage, upon receiving an emergency trigger signal, the system quickly activates the emergency response mechanism. Emergency trigger signals can come from various channels, such as instructions from the city's emergency command center or automatic alarms from disaster monitoring systems. Upon receiving the signal, the system immediately issues a deployment instruction to at least one communication unit 1. This instruction marks the formal start of the emergency communication support process, ensuring that communication unit 1 can enter operational status in the shortest possible time.
[0162] The next step is deployment and networking (S2). Upon receiving the deployment command, communication unit 1 begins operation. Under the control of the command, the airborne platform 11 quickly arrives at and hovers at the preset airborne working position. This process fully utilizes the rapid response capability and stationary hovering characteristics of the airborne platform 11, ensuring its stable hovering above the target area 3 and providing reliable airborne support for subsequent communication services. Simultaneously, the communication payload 12 is activated and begins performing its communication functions. The system dynamically constructs a heterogeneous communication network integrating at least two different backhaul methods by coordinating the control of various types of backhaul network devices 122. This heterogeneous communication network design allows the system to flexibly select the optimal communication path under different environments and conditions, thereby improving the stability and reliability of communication.
[0163] Finally, there is the communication service step (S3). After completing the above deployment and networking operations, the system provides communication services to user terminals within target area 3 through the constructed heterogeneous communication network. This stage is the core of the entire emergency communication support method, aiming to provide users within the disaster area with stable and reliable communication connections. By integrating a heterogeneous communication network with multiple backhaul methods, the system can effectively overcome the limitations of a single communication method, ensuring the continuity and availability of communication services in complex and ever-changing disaster scenarios.
[0164] By executing the above three steps in an orderly manner, the urban emergency communication support method provided in this application can achieve the goals of rapid response, efficient deployment, and stable service, providing an efficient and reliable solution for urban emergency communication support.
[0165] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the urban emergency communication support method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 .
[0166] In some embodiments, S2, the deployment and networking steps, further include:
[0167] S21, Backhaul Link Establishment Sub-step: Prioritize attempting to establish the first backhaul link connecting to the ground wired network via the ground backhaul equipment;
[0168] S22, Self-organizing network relay sub-step: If the first backhaul link fails to be established or is interrupted, the wireless self-organizing network device is started to establish a wireless relay link between multiple communication units 1, forming a local communication network within the target area 3.
[0169] S23. Satellite backhaul backup sub-step: If backhaul to the ground wired network is blocked, start the satellite communication terminal to establish a satellite backhaul link;
[0170] S24, Intelligent Routing Selection Sub-step: Real-time evaluation of the quality parameters of each available backhaul path, and dynamic selection of the optimal backhaul path based on the evaluation results and preset service priority policies, prioritizing the data transmission of critical services.
[0171] S25, Network Extension Sub-step: Discover and authenticate external communication nodes within target area 3, and connect the external communication nodes to the heterogeneous communication network.
[0172] In this embodiment, the deployment and networking step (S2) is further refined into multiple sub-steps to enhance the flexibility and reliability of the system and ensure that the communication network can be efficiently built and optimized in different scenarios.
[0173] First, in the backhaul link establishment sub-step (S21), the system prioritizes attempting to establish a first backhaul link with the terrestrial wired network via the terrestrial backhaul equipment. This priority setting is based on the fact that terrestrial wired networks typically have high bandwidth and stability, enabling them to provide high-quality data transmission services for the communication system. By prioritizing the establishment of terrestrial backhaul links, the system can utilize existing infrastructure under normal circumstances to ensure the efficient operation of communication services.
[0174] If the first backhaul link fails to establish or is interrupted, the system will enter the ad hoc network relay sub-step (S22). In this step, communication unit 1 activates its wireless ad hoc network device to establish wireless relay links between multiple communication units. This wireless relay mechanism can quickly form a local communication network within the target area 3, ensuring that communication services can continue even when the terrestrial wired network is unavailable. The flexibility and self-healing capability of the wireless ad hoc network device enable the system to maintain communication continuity in complex urban environments.
[0175] When backhaul to the terrestrial wired network is blocked and the wireless relay link cannot meet the demand, the system will execute the satellite backhaul backup sub-step (S23). In this step, communication unit 1 activates the satellite communication terminal and establishes a satellite backhaul link. As a globally covered communication method, satellite communication can provide reliable backup support in extreme situations, ensuring that the system can maintain basic communication capabilities even under the most unfavorable conditions.
[0176] To further optimize communication link performance, the system evaluates the quality parameters of each available backhaul path in real time, such as latency, bandwidth, and stability, during the intelligent routing selection sub-step (S24). Based on these evaluation results and preset service priority strategies, the system dynamically selects the optimal backhaul path and prioritizes the data transmission of critical services. This process is implemented through the AI dynamic routing module, ensuring that critical information can be transmitted efficiently and stably in a changing communication environment.
[0177] Finally, in the network extension sub-step (S25), the system discovers and authenticates external communication nodes within the target area 3, such as UAV base stations or ground base stations, through the wireless ad hoc networking device of communication unit 1. These external communication nodes are connected to the heterogeneous communication network, thereby extending the network coverage and enhancing the system's communication capabilities. This extension mechanism not only improves the system's flexibility but also provides more redundancy and backup options for emergency communication support.
[0178] Through the orderly combination of the above sub-steps, the deployment and networking step (S2) can ensure the efficient and flexible construction and optimization of communication networks in various complex scenarios, thereby providing stable and reliable communication services for urban emergency communication support.
[0179] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the urban emergency communication support method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 .
[0180] In some embodiments, the S22 self-organizing network relay sub-step further includes S221, when at least one ground backhaul link of the first communication unit 1 is detected to be interrupted, the service data of the first communication unit 1 is relayed via the backhaul path of the second communication unit 1 through the wireless relay link.
[0181] In this embodiment, the ad hoc network relay sub-step (S22) further refines the emergency communication guarantee mechanism in the event of a ground backhaul link interruption. Specifically, when at least one ground backhaul link interruption of the first communication unit 1 is detected, the system automatically triggers step S221. In this step, the service data of the first communication unit 1 will be relayed via the wireless relay link through the backhaul path of the second communication unit 1.
[0182] The core of this mechanism lies in utilizing established wireless ad hoc network links to achieve relay data transmission between communication units. When the ground backhaul link of a communication unit fails, that unit can forward service data to adjacent communication units, and continue transmitting data to network control center 2 or other target nodes using the available links of other communication units. This relay transmission method not only enhances the system's resilience but also ensures the continuity and stability of communication services in the event of local link failures.
[0183] In this way, the system can flexibly adjust data transmission paths and optimize network topology in complex emergency scenarios. Even when the connection between some communication units and the ground network is interrupted, communication services can still be maintained through wireless relay links, avoiding communication paralysis caused by local failures. This design significantly improves the system's reliability and adaptability, providing a more flexible and efficient solution for urban emergency communication support.
[0184] Therefore, the city's emergency communication support has the following advantages.
[0185] 1. Extremely fast response speed: From passive dispatch to active triggering, aerial communication coverage can be established within minutes after a disaster, seizing the "golden 72-hour" rescue window.
[0186] 2. Ensure long-term stability: The airship platform can operate continuously for several days to several weeks, providing uninterrupted communication support, far exceeding any drone solution.
[0187] 3. Excellent coverage: High-altitude base stations effectively overcome terrain and building obstructions, with a single-point coverage radius of several kilometers to tens of kilometers, which is significantly better than ground communication vehicles.
[0188] 4. The system is extremely resilient: Multiple backup communication paths and self-organizing network capabilities ensure that even in extreme situations such as damage to some nodes or complete blockage of the ground network, the system can still maintain a minimum level of communication function and avoid creating a "single point of failure".
[0189] 5. Deployment and Use Safety: Deployed on rooftops, it does not obstruct ground rescue access; the airship has no powered components, eliminating the risk of crashing, and produces minimal noise pollution, making it suitable for use in complex disaster areas and densely populated areas.
[0190] 6. High overall cost-effectiveness: Although there are initial deployment costs, it can be reused for a long time, and its energy consumption during operation is much lower than that of drones, resulting in lower total life cycle costs.
[0191] It should be noted that many of the components mentioned in this application are general standard parts or components known to those skilled in the art, and their structure and principle can be learned by those skilled in the art through technical manuals or through conventional experimental methods.
[0192] It should be noted that in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity from several other entities, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities.
[0193] The urban emergency communication support system and method provided in this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and its core ideas. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this application without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.
Claims
1. An urban emergency communication support system, characterized in that, include: The communication unit includes an airborne platform, a communication payload mounted on the airborne platform, and a support platform for supporting the airborne platform and the communication payload. The network control center is communicatively connected to the communication unit; The communication payload includes at least access network equipment and various types of backhaul network equipment; The urban emergency communication support system is configured to: respond to emergency events, control the deployment of the communication unit, enable the aerial platform to arrive at and remain at a preset aerial working position, and dynamically construct a heterogeneous communication network that integrates at least two different backhaul methods through the various types of backhaul network equipment, so as to provide communication services within the target area.
2. The urban emergency communication support system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support platform is an anchoring platform that integrates an automatic deployment and take-up device, a helium replenishment system, a backup power supply, and a controller. The communication unit includes a fixed communication unit pre-deployed on the rooftop of a selected building in the city, and the support platform is fixed on the rooftop; and / or, the communication unit includes a vehicle-mounted mobile communication unit for mounting on a vehicle, and the support platform is integrated into the vehicle.
3. The urban emergency communication support system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerial platform includes a tethered aerostat, which is connected to the support platform via a tethered composite cable, which integrates power transmission and fiber optic communication functions; and / or, the aerial platform includes a powered aerostat with stationary hovering capability.
4. The urban emergency communication support system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support platform also includes a renewable energy supply device, which includes solar thin-film batteries integrated on the surface of the aerial platform and / or the support platform.
5. The urban emergency communication support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The various types of backhaul network equipment include: Ground-based backhaul equipment is used for backhauling data via a terrestrial wired network. Satellite communication terminal, used for backhauling via satellite link; A wireless ad hoc network device for establishing wireless relay links among multiple communication units.
6. The urban emergency communication support system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The network control center is configured to perform the following operations: Monitor the link status of each communication unit through the ground backhaul equipment; When the ground backhaul link of at least one first communication unit is detected to be interrupted, the first communication unit is controlled to start its wireless self-organizing network device and establish a connection with one or more second communication units to form a local communication network within the target area. The service data of the first communication unit is relayed through the backhaul path formed by the second communication unit.
7. The urban emergency communication support system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The network control center is also configured to: control the wireless ad hoc networking device of the communication unit to discover and authenticate external communication nodes within the target area, the external communication nodes including UAV base stations or ground base stations; and connect the external communication nodes to the heterogeneous communication network through the wireless ad hoc networking device to extend network coverage; and / or, The network control center integrates an AI dynamic routing module, which is configured as follows: Real-time evaluation of quality parameters for each available backhaul path; Based on the quality parameters and the preset service priority strategy, the optimal backhaul path is dynamically selected, and the data transmission of critical services is given priority.
8. The urban emergency communication support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The access network equipment includes base station equipment that is compatible with terrestrial mobile communication protocols and non-terrestrial network communication protocols.
9. A method for ensuring emergency communication in urban areas, characterized in that, Applied to the urban emergency communication support system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, the urban emergency communication support method includes: S1. Response steps: In response to the emergency trigger signal, issue a deployment instruction to at least one communication unit; S2. Deployment and networking steps: According to the deployment instructions, control the operation of the communication unit to make the air platform arrive at and stay at the preset air working position, and activate the communication payload. By coordinating the control of multiple types of backhaul network devices, dynamically construct a heterogeneous communication network that integrates at least two different backhaul methods. S3. Communication service steps: Provide communication services to user terminals within the target area through the constructed heterogeneous communication network.
10. The urban emergency communication support method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The S2 deployment and networking steps also include: S21, Backhaul Link Establishment Sub-step: Prioritize attempting to establish the first backhaul link connecting to the ground wired network via the ground backhaul equipment; S22, Ad hoc network relay sub-step: If the first backhaul link fails to be established or is interrupted, the wireless ad hoc network device is started to establish a wireless relay link between multiple communication units and form a local communication network within the target area. S23. Satellite backhaul backup sub-step: If backhaul to the ground wired network is blocked, start the satellite communication terminal to establish a satellite backhaul link; S24, Intelligent Routing Selection Sub-step: Real-time evaluation of the quality parameters of each available backhaul path, and dynamic selection of the optimal backhaul path based on the evaluation results and preset service priority policies, prioritizing the data transmission of critical services. S25, Network Extension Sub-step: Discover and authenticate external communication nodes within the target area, and connect the external communication nodes to the heterogeneous communication network; In the S22 self-organizing network relay sub-step, S221 is further included: when the ground backhaul link of at least one first communication unit is detected to be interrupted, the service data of the first communication unit is relayed through the wireless relay link via the backhaul path of the second communication unit.