Method, device and system for determining a position associated with a route of a remotely controlled vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining a position (P2) associated with a route of a remotely controlled vehicle (DR1) via a first communication network (Res 1), the remotely controlled vehicle (DR1) being suitable for transmitting a datum of a connectivity service to a remote entity via a second communication network (Res 2), the method being implemented in a management device (100) capable of correlating the position (P2) with a connectivity service of the second communication network (Res 2), the method comprising obtaining location information (P1) of the remotely controlled vehicle on the route and a characteristic relative to the connectivity service of the second communication network, and determining the position (P2) of the remotely controlled vehicle (DR1) according to the location information (P1) obtained, the position (P2) being further suitable for establishing the connectivity service between the remotely controlled vehicle (DR1) and the second communication network (Res 2) in accordance with the characteristic obtained.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title of the invention: Method, device and system for determining a position associated with a route of a remote-controlled vehicle

[0003] 1. Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to the general field of telecommunications, and more particularly to the field of moving vehicles attaching to a communications network. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for determining a position both close to a location of a vehicle and also allowing the vehicle to attach to an entity of a communications network to ensure the availability of a connectivity service adapted to its needs to this communications network. The present invention finds a particularly advantageous, although in no way limiting, application so that dynamically, the adapted transfer of data between a drone, or an entity within the drone, and a communications network when the drone moves on a route can take place.

[0005] 2. State of the art

[0006] Based on known techniques, remote-controlled vehicles, such as robots, autonomous cars or drones, constitute an undeniable asset for many services or applications also identified as verticals when deployment is planned in a 5G (Fifth Generation) network. Support for firefighters and emergency services, inspection of high-voltage lines, medical delivery service, surveillance of industrial sites, securing public events represent some of the services that can benefit from the deployment of such remote-controlled vehicles. However, particularly when drones are considered, only visual line of sight (VLoS) flights are currently permitted, i.e. with a human pilot in direct proximity to the drone, which severely limits the development of the market.Being able to fly a drone remotely, that is, in a flight that is not in visual view, while maintaining real-time tracking of the drone from a control center, is essential for many scenarios.

[0007] There are exemptions for Beyond VLoS (BVLoS) flights, but these remain subject to long and complex authorization / certification procedures and the availability of a reliable connectivity service for the drone is currently not part of the criteria taken into account for these flights. Estimating / predicting connectivity along a trajectory for drone tracking and control is under study in several consortia, such as ACJA (Aerial Connectivity Joint Activity). However, the notion of drone connectivity remains incomplete because this connectivity, as considered by these consortia, does not meet all needs. Indeed, in general, a drone has two data streams to transmit or receive: a “command and control” stream, for tracking and piloting the drone remotely, and a “useful” data stream, i.e. data from entities (cameras, sensors, etc.).. ) embarked on the drone to carry out a mission.

[0008] However, connectivity, as envisaged in the ongoing studies, is a minimal radio connectivity to meet civil aviation requirements regarding “command & control”. Typically, this command and control flow corresponds to a 10kbps flow, with high network availability and a high level of resilience / redundancy. It should also be noted that these requirements are “standard”, in that they do not really depend on the mission: a fully automated delivery drone must benefit from the same tracking as an inspection drone filming a building in 360 degrees. However, the requirements for the “useful” data flow for such an inspection service are different, particularly in terms of throughput, compared to the requirements of the command and control flow, knowing also that the communication networks used for the two flows, control and useful data, can be distinct.New generation networks, particularly 5G, even if it is considered as an adequate solution for the transfer of "useful" data flows, are not necessarily available across the entire territory or do not necessarily allow data transmission to be ensured everywhere for any mission or application of the drone, i.e. guaranteeing availability and / or quality of service expected for the flow of useful data, the characteristics of which may differ significantly from the control flow.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide improvements over the state of the art.

[0010] 3. Statement of the invention

[0011] The invention improves the situation using a method for determining a position associated with a route of a remote-controlled vehicle via a first communication network, the remote-controlled vehicle being adapted to transmit data from a connectivity service to a remote entity via a second communication network, said method being implemented in a management device capable of correlating the position with a connectivity service of the second communication network, the method comprising:

[0012] Obtaining location information for the remote-controlled vehicle on the route,

[0013] Obtaining a characteristic relating to the connectivity service of the second communication network,

[0014] Determining the position of the remote-controlled vehicle based on the location information obtained, said position being further adapted to establish the connectivity service between the remote-controlled vehicle and the second communication network in accordance with the characteristic obtained.

[0015] The determination method is novel and inventive since it makes it possible to adapt a movement of a remote-controlled vehicle, such as for example a drone, according to a connectivity service of the remote-controlled vehicle to a communication network. The movement of the vehicle can be controlled via a first communication network, for example of the satellite or cellular type, and the connectivity service can be established via a cellular network, possibly distinct from the first network, or Wi-Fi for example. More specifically, such a vehicle must be able to transmit or receive data from a second communications network, for example operated by a telecommunications service provider, during its movement.Knowing that during this movement, the vehicle is not necessarily permanently able to connect to the second communication network or to benefit from connectivity that can allow the transmission of data relating to any service, the method makes it possible to dynamically predict points of passage of the vehicle allowing it to actually transmit and / or receive data from the second communication network in accordance with a required level of quality.

[0016] Knowing that the communication network allowing the routing of data of a communication service or connectivity service is not necessarily the network used for controlling the movement of the vehicle, or that the data channel used for controlling the vehicle is a channel not allowing the transmission of data with a remote entity via a communication network, the sole fact of being able to maintain control over the vehicle does not guarantee that a data transmission conforming to a characteristic of the connectivity service, whether it is a quality of service, throughput, security or other type characteristic, can be established at any time and in any place. The location information obtained may correspond to a position of a trajectory or travel route planned for the vehicle, and thus the method makes it possible to adapt the movement of the vehicle according to the determination of the position.The location information can also be obtained during the actual movement of the vehicle, the determination of the position then making it possible to divert the trajectory of the vehicle so that it approaches the determined position and benefits from a connectivity service adapted to the characteristic obtained. The method thus makes it possible to adapt the movement of a telecontrolled vehicle dynamically prior to its movement and / or during its movement and thus take into account the possible needs of the vehicle and / or of an application for which data must be transmitted between the vehicle and the communication network. The method is also valid both for the vehicle transmitting data to the second communication network and for the second network transmitting data to the telecontrolled vehicle.

[0017] The method thus makes it possible to adapt the movement of a remote-controlled vehicle according to an architecture of a second communication network with which the vehicle communicates data and according to a planned position of the vehicle or an actual positioning of a vehicle during its movement. The connectivity service may correspond to an application or a set of applications having common characteristics. The same second network may offer different connectivity services, depending on the access network considered or the access point to which a vehicle can connect, and the method makes it possible to ensure that the vehicle will be positioned within range, i.e. allowing it to attach, to an access entity of the second communication network making it possible to respect the characteristic of the connectivity service.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, in the determination method, said determination of the position is carried out prior to movement of the vehicle on the route.

[0019] Advantageously, the method is implemented prior to the movement of the vehicle, thus making it possible to predict connection positions to the second communication network and thus to determine a route of the vehicle as a function of one or more determined positions. The vehicle can thus transmit and receive data predictively and thus save or collect data relating to the connectivity service in positions where the second communication network is capable of guaranteeing the characteristic of the data to be transmitted. According to another aspect of the invention, in the determination method, said determination of the position is carried out during movement of the vehicle on the route.

[0020] When the vehicle is moving, the planned trajectory of the vehicle can be advantageously modified so that it can, for example, empty the data from a stored memory to the communication network, the determined position in this case having to correspond, for example, to a high-speed characteristic to transmit all of the data in the shortest possible time, to reduce the transmission time and therefore the unavailability time of the service for which the vehicle is moving. Thus, a vehicle can be advantageously diverted from its trajectory to be able to attach itself to equipment in the second communication network capable of satisfying the characteristic of the data to be transmitted.According to another example, the trajectory update is performed so that the vehicle updates its configuration and securely obtains, and in accordance with the obtained characteristic, configuration data from the second communication network.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, in the determination method, said characteristic relating to the connectivity service is at least one characteristic chosen from the following group:

[0022] An antenna type of an access network of the second communication network, A technology implemented in the second communication network, A radio configuration of an access network of the second communication network,

[0023] A type of vehicle communication interface with the second communication network,

[0024] A communication protocol of the vehicle with the second communication network,

[0025] A specific architecture of the second communication network.

[0026] The characteristic relating to the data to be transmitted may advantageously comprise one or more distinct characteristics among a type of antenna or a technology of the second communication network, for example to indicate that it is a 3G, 4G, 5G or Wi-Fi type network, or to signal millimeter wave type access, allowing very high-speed data transfer over a restricted area, the type of interface allowing the vehicle to communicate with access equipment of the second communication network or even to benefit from a specific architecture of the network, for example “local breakout” type roaming, according to English terminology, allowing the data to be routed to a particular server.This feature thus makes it possible to select an access network of the second communication network taking into account the position of the vehicle but also the characteristics, in particular technological, of the second communication network and the vehicle to enable the transfer of data.

[0027] The characteristic relating to the connectivity service comprises, according to one example, configuration parameters of the second communication network or of an access device of the second communication network such as the parameters (use, availability, allocation) relating to RB resources (Resource Block), load of an interface (for example of the SI type) of a 4G or 5G or xG access device, available capacities, load of the hardware equipment, parameters for the SONs ​​(Self-Organized Networks). The characteristic of the connectivity service may also correspond to a load balancing parameter making it possible, for example, to route vehicle data via two communication networks or two access devices of a communication network, within radio range of the determined position.According to another example, the parameter of the connectivity service relates to a load of the communication network, for example in terms of the number of terminals or vehicles connected to this communication network at a given time. Indeed, a network or access equipment of a communication network a priori suitable for establishing the connectivity service may not be selected due to the number of vehicles already connected to this network, which could make it inoperable or not allow compliance with a quality of service required for the transport of vehicle data. For example, in a 4G network, respectively 5G, a vehicle will not access the network via the nearest eNB, respectively NR (in English New radio), but via an eNB, respectively NR, further away because more suitable in terms of load or availability.

[0028] These connectivity service characteristics, like the other attributes or parameters used to determine the position, may be dynamically obtained and used depending on the position of the vehicle during its movement. This dynamic position of the vehicle may be used to determine the successive positions of the vehicle during its movement, thus enabling it to benefit from a connectivity service adapted to its data transmission needs during its movement, including when changing its route, and taking into account the management of the resources available on the network at that time in accordance with the movement of the vehicle.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, the determination method further comprises obtaining at least one attribute relating to the data to be transmitted, the position of the remote-controlled vehicle being further determined as a function of the at least one attribute obtained.

[0030] Advantageously, the management device implementing the determination method obtains one or more attributes relating to the data relating to the connectivity service to be transmitted between the vehicle and the second communication network. This attribute may correspond indifferently and non-exhaustively to a volume of data to be transmitted, to a delay for transmitting data, to a minimum rate required for the transmission of data, to a maximum latency required for the transmission of data, to a data processing capacity by the second communication network or even to a characteristic relating to the uplink or downlink for the data to be transmitted on the second network.

[0031] This various information can thus be advantageously used to determine a position or the vehicle can actually transmit data to the second communication network in accordance with these requirements. These attributes can also be used to select a position from several positions determined from the characteristic of the second communication network and the location of the vehicle. The attribute relating to the data to be transmitted can also be a travel schedule of the vehicle possibly supplemented by a travel speed of the vehicle.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, the determination method further comprises obtaining at least one characteristic associated with the vehicle, the position of the remote-controlled vehicle being further determined as a function of the at least one characteristic associated with the vehicle obtained.

[0033] Advantageously, the management device obtains one or more characteristics of the vehicle to then determine the position most suited to these characteristics. Among the characteristics obtained, the management device receives technical information from the vehicle (interface, technology, protocol, radio configuration, etc.), this dynamic obtaining making it possible to choose a position based on recent and up-to-date information, for example on the active connectivity interfaces of the vehicle. Among the other characteristics, the management device can obtain a characteristic on the battery and optionally the battery charge rate and / or on the vehicle's capabilities in terms of travel speed in particular.The characteristic obtained may also relate to a vehicle memory space, in particular to qualify the need to transmit data when the available memory space is low and this state may impact the collection of new data in particular.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention, the determination method further comprises obtaining an attribute relating to the route, the position of the remote-controlled vehicle being further determined as a function of the at least one attribute obtained.

[0035] Advantageously, the management device also obtains an attribute relating to the route, such as an altitude of the vehicle, a speed of movement, a heading to be followed by the vehicle as well as, for example, a date and time of movement, this latter information being particularly useful when the position is determined prior to movement of the vehicle on the route. The attribute may relate to the object or mission for which the vehicle is moving, this attribute being able in particular to be used by the device to take into account a confidentiality or security criterion.

[0036] According to another aspect of the invention, the determination method further comprises obtaining a characteristic relating to the environment in which the vehicle is moving, the position of the remote-controlled vehicle being further determined as a function of the at least one characteristic obtained.

[0037] Certain geographical areas of an environment may be prohibited for the vehicle or these areas may be subject to authorizations or even certain frequencies may be prohibited in certain areas. These areas may also change over time and it is advantageous for the management device to obtain these characteristics dynamically to take them into account in determining the position. A position that is a priori interesting in relation to the location of the vehicle, to the capacities of the communication network for rapid data transfer at this position, may be discarded because the frequency used by the vehicle is prohibited at this position, and it will be necessary to seek a better position.

[0038] According to another aspect of the invention, in the determination method, the determination of the position of the remote-controlled vehicle further comprises information relating to a duration during which the device is present at this position. Advantageously, the management device can enrich the method of determining the position with an indication of the duration, whether it is a period of time, a time required for the transmission of the data or a time or a date programmed for the presence of the vehicle at the determined position, so as, for example, to avoid congestion in the communication network at the access point close to the position if too many vehicles come to position themselves at the same time at the determined location and consequently overload the second communication network.

[0039] According to another aspect of the invention, the determination method further comprises a configuration of an entity of the second communication network and / or the vehicle, associated with the determined position, prior to a transmission of the data between the vehicle and the second communication network.

[0040] Advantageously, the determination method further comprises a step of configuring an entity of the second communication network and / or the vehicle. For example, it may be necessary to configure a SIM or e-SIM card of the vehicle in connection with the second communication network associated with the position or a slice of the second communication network, the characteristics of which are adapted to the data to be transferred or even a MEC (Mobile Edge Computing) service to allow more efficient transmission of data from or to the vehicle. The configuration may consist of adding useful data or modifying the configuration of equipment of the second communication network or starting a charge relating to the data to be transmitted.

[0041] The various aspects of the determination method just described can be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other.

[0042] The invention also relates to a device for determining a position associated with a route of a remote-controlled vehicle via a first communication network, the remote-controlled vehicle being adapted to transmit data from a connectivity service to a remote entity via a second communication network, said determination device being able to correlate the position with a connectivity service of the second communication network and comprising:

[0043] - An obtaining module, configured to obtain location information of the remote-controlled vehicle on the route and a characteristic relating to the connectivity service of the second communication network, - A determining module, configured to determine a position of the remote-controlled vehicle as a function of the location information obtained, said position being further adapted to establish the connectivity service between the remote-controlled vehicle and the second communication network in accordance with the characteristic obtained.

[0044] This device is capable of implementing in all its embodiments the determination method which has just been described.

[0045] The invention also relates to a remote-controlled vehicle comprising a determination device, according to any one of the embodiments described above.

[0046] The invention also relates to a system for determining a position associated with a route of a remote-controlled vehicle via a first communication network, comprising

[0047] - A determination device according to any one of the embodiments described above,

[0048] - A remote-controlled vehicle adapted to transmit data from a connectivity service to a remote entity via a second communications network.

[0049] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the steps of the determination method which has just been described, when this program is executed by a processor and a recording medium readable by a determination device on which the computer program is recorded.

[0050] The above-mentioned program may use any programming language, and may be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0051] The above-mentioned information carrier may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, a carrier may include a storage medium, such as a ROM, for example a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording medium.

[0052] Such a storage medium may, for example, be a hard disk, a flash memory, etc. On the other hand, an information carrier may be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. A program according to the invention may in particular be downloaded from a network such as the Internet. Alternatively, an information carrier may be an integrated circuit in which a program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the method in question.

[0053] 4. Brief description of the drawings

[0054] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of particular embodiments, given as simple illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings, among which:

[0055] [Fig 1] depicts an environment in which the determination method is implemented according to one aspect of the invention.

[0056] [Fig 2] depicts an environment in which the determining method is implemented according to another aspect of the invention.

[0057] [Fig 3] describes a communication infrastructure in which the determination method is implemented according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0058] [Fig 4] describes a communication infrastructure in which the determination method is implemented according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0059] [Fig 5] describes a communication infrastructure in which the determination method is implemented according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0060] [Fig 6] describes the steps of a determination method according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0061] [Fig 7] describes the steps of a determination method according to another embodiment of the invention

[0062] [Fig 8] describes a determination device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0063] 5. Description of embodiments

[0064] In the remainder of the description, embodiments of the invention are presented in a communication infrastructure comprising one or more communication networks. These networks can be implemented to route communication data to fixed or mobile terminals and the networks can be implemented from physical equipment and / or virtualized functions. These networks can be used for routing and / or processing residential or business customer data.

[0065] We first refer to [Fig 1] which presents an environment in which the determination method is implemented according to one aspect of the invention. A remote-controlled vehicle DR1 which may be a drone or any vehicle moving under the control of a remote entity is able or authorized to move in a movement zone ZS, which is an overflight zone if it is a drone. The vehicle DR1 is authorized to move at any point in the zone delimited by the curve ZS. This curve ZS may be a set of points determined by geographic or topological coordinates. According to one aspect of the invention, the remote-controlled vehicle DR1 has a set of functionalities for the preparation phase of its movement, and potentially of its mission.Typically, this is the phase during which a controller, also called remote control in the embodiments described below, plans the trajectory or movement area, the date and time of the movement and validates the authorizations with the aviation authorities if it is a flying equipment. The controller is either the remote pilot (usually human), the drone operator (usually a company) or, in the case of automatic piloting, the vehicle tracking and control platform, or the natural person legally responsible for the vehicle's mission or any other accredited entity.

[0066] At this stage of mission development, the vehicle is in principle not yet attached to a communication network used in particular for remote control of the vehicle or for transferring data related to its mission. Before its actual movement, the vehicle obtains HS1, HS2, HS3 connectivity zones, also called hotspots, in accordance with the planning carried out by the controller, allowing it to be able to attach itself to a communication network, identical to or distinct from the communication network used for controlling the movement of the vehicle, in accordance with a characteristic of a connectivity service. These connectivity zones or hotspots may offer different types of connectivity (Wi-Fi, cellular type 2G, 3G, ..., 5G, xG).In the case where, for example, the communication network used for controlling the vehicle during its movement is the same as the communication network comprising one or more of the zones HS1, HS2, HS3, then these zones HS1, HS2, HS3 may correspond to zones where the vehicle can benefit from a flow rate higher than a certain threshold (for example, higher than the average flow rate) and / or may benefit from connectivity guaranteeing low latency, for example, or even a specific quality of service for a connectivity service. According to another example, the communication network used for controlling the vehicle is distinct from the communication network comprising the zones HS1, HS2 and HS3. According to this embodiment, the remote-controlled vehicle is informed of the connectivity zones and the associated positions before its actual movement and its movement may be adapted to the knowledge of these zones.These HS1, HS2, HS3 zones are further determined based on the locations of the vehicle during its movement, for example so that the vehicle can reach the nearest HS1, HS2 or HS3 zone provided that it verifies the connectivity service characteristic. The vehicle can thus be informed of several connectivity zones, these zones having specific vehicle connectivity characteristics. In the case where the communication network (or first network) used for controlling the movement of the vehicle is distinct from the communication network (or second network) used for transmitting useful data, relating to the service or mission of the vehicle, these communication networks can be distinct in accordance with the following architectures:

[0067] - The first communication network and the second communication network use separate transmission technologies (satellite, Wi-Fi, cellular, etc.)

[0068] - The first network and the second communication network may use distinct frequency bands (for example, frequencies below 6GHz or above 6GHz, including millimeter waves) or distinct cells of the same technology, for example cellular type.

[0069] - The first network and the second communication network are implemented via separate network slices, possibly on the same physical communication network.

[0070] - The first network and the second communication network are implemented by different network operators.

[0071] We then refer to [Fig 2] which presents an environment in which the determination method is implemented according to another aspect of the invention. In this [Fig 2], we find the same entities as in [Fig 1], namely the telecontrolled vehicle DR1, the connectivity zones HS1, HS2 and HS3. In this embodiment, the vehicle DR1 is already moving and attached to a communication network so that the vehicle can be telecontrolled during its movement. This embodiment requires that the vehicle be permanently attached to this communication network used for control so that the vehicle can be permanently under control during its movement. The communication network is, according to one example, a cellular type network, typically a fifth generation (5G) network.The vehicle is thus programmed to move on a trajectory T then TL Thus, according to an example, the vehicle obtains before its movement a trajectory T, Tl that it must follow during its movement. The vehicle also dynamically obtains information relating to HS1, HS2 and HS3 connectivity zones corresponding for example to zones where it will be able to benefit from a higher flow rate. These zones will have been determined beforehand according to a location of the vehicle and a characteristic relating to the connectivity service. Thus, a vehicle whose movement is planned on a trajectory T, Tl may be diverted to a trajectory T, T2 so that the vehicle can benefit from connectivity or even a higher flow rate in the HS2 zone, which would not have been possible if it had followed its planned trajectory, namely T, Tl.The characteristic relating to the connectivity service can be sent by the DR1 vehicle to a device responsible for determining a position, corresponding to the HS2 zone, or by an entity responsible, for example, for managing the mission for which the vehicle is moving.

[0072] It should be noted that the two embodiments of [Fig 1] and [Fig 2] are not mutually exclusive and can be implemented in a complementary manner in another embodiment. Thus, the functionalities upstream of the movement of [Fig 1] can be applied before the start of the mission or the movement of the vehicle, then the functionalities during movement, as presented in [Fig 2] can be applied, in particular to refine or correct what was planned before the movement, or to compensate for an unforeseen event, in particular when the trajectory of the vehicle is modified following a hazard or when the vehicle has a specific unforeseen need, typically if it must update software or must quickly transmit data to a remote entity. In the embodiment of [Fig 2], a single communication network or two communication networks can be used as in [Fig 1],

[0073] We then refer to [Fig 3] which describes a communication infrastructure in which the determination method is implemented according to a first embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a single communication network Res 2 is operated.

[0074] In [Fig 3], without limitation, the remote-controlled vehicle DR1 is a drone.

[0075] A UTM / USS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Traffic Management) / UAS Service Provider) entity provides services such as air traffic management, drone identification, drone flight planning and drone mission authorization to aviation authorities. In order to carry out these missions, it interacts with a PF1 mediation platform. The PF1 mediation platform allows drone customers and managers to interface with operators in charge of communication networks, such as the operator in charge of the Res 2 communication network. This platform makes it possible to match the needs in terms of value-added services, relating to the drone mission, and the drone's connectivity services to the Res 2 communication network.This mediation platform PF1, corresponding to a management entity, comprises a determination device 100 adapted to correlate the position of a drone with a connectivity service of the Res 2 communication network. The mediation platform PF1 and the determination device 100 also interact with the Res 2 communication network to be able to ensure this correlation. The Res 2 communication network notably comprises the three connectivity zones HS1, HS2, HS3 corresponding to a high-speed characteristic, for example greater than 100 Mbits / s. According to one example, the zones HS1, HS2, HS3 are Wi-Fi access zones. The drone DR1 moves on a trajectory T, T1 determined by the UTM / USS entity prior to the flight of the drone DR1 depending notably on the mission for which the drone DR1 must move.The mission may be a remote surveillance mission, an inspection mission of an industrial campus or any other mission requiring an exchange of "useful" data with a SERV data server via F2 data streams. The DR1 drone is remotely controlled by a TEL remote control allowing the movement of the DR1 drone to be remotely controlled via FL data streams.

[0076] According to this example, the communication network used to control the movement of the drone DR1 and the network to allow the exchange of application data relating to the mission of the drone DR1 with the server SERV are the same, namely the communication network Res 2. The determination device is informed at regular intervals of the position of the drone DR1 during its movement, in particular to verify that the drone DR1 is moving in accordance with the trajectory T, Tl initially decided. The determination device 100 thus obtains the position PL This position can be obtained from the drone DR1 or by the UTM / USS entity or by the remote control TEL or by the Res 2 network (for example, through the use of a geolocation function).

[0077] In addition, the determination device regularly or non-regularly obtains one or more characteristics relating to the connectivity service of the drone DR1. This characteristic can be obtained from a management entity of the connectivity zones HS1, HS2, HS3 or from a management entity of the communication network Res 2.The characteristic may comprise one or more of the following characteristics: An antenna type of an access network of the HS2 zone of the Res 2 communication network, a technology implemented in the Res 2 communication network, a radio configuration of an access network or a specific network architecture (for example Local Breakout roaming) of the HS2 zone of the Res 2 communication network, a type of communication interface of the DR1 drone with the Res 2 communication network and more precisely of the HS2 zone, a communication protocol of the DR1 drone with the Res 2 communication network and specifically with an entity of the HS2 zone.

[0078] According to one example, the determination device 100 also obtains one or more characteristics corresponding to the zones HS1 and HS3. From the location data and the characteristic of the connectivity service obtained, the determination device 100 decides for example to divert the drone from the location P1 obtained to the position P2 defined as a function of the position PI, for example located at a distance less than a maximum value relative to PI and included in the connectivity zone HS2. This position P2 allowing the drone DR1 to be able to connect to the communication network Res2 via the connectivity zone HS2, closer than the zones HS1 and HS3 and implementing a connectivity characteristic as obtained by the determination device 100. This new position P2, not present on the trajectory T, T1 initially determined, requires modifying the trajectory which is now T, T2.This new trajectory includes the determined P2 position of the FRI drone.

[0079] According to an alternative, the determination device 100 further obtains an attribute relating to the data to be transmitted using the connectivity service. According to one example, this attribute corresponds to a rate required for routing the data, to a maximum latency for transmitting the data, to a security level associated with the data, to a volume of data to be transmitted. This attribute can be transmitted by the drone DR1 or by the UTM / USS entity or by the remote control TEL or by the data server SERV. The determination device 100 uses this attribute or these attributes if there are several to determine a position of the drone DR1 to be proposed for a trajectory update.Thus, according to this alternative, the determination device 100 determines the position P3, defined both as a function of the position PI, corresponding for example to a distance less than a maximum distance from the position PI, and further proposing the connectivity zone HS1 supporting the characteristic of the required connectivity service and making it possible to satisfy the attribute relating to the data to be transmitted between the drone DR1 and the data server SERV.

[0080] We then refer to [Fig 4] which describes a communication infrastructure in which the determination method is implemented according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0081] In this [Fig 4], the titles of the different entities of [Fig 3] are repeated and have the same meanings. The embodiment of [Fig 4] is distinguished in particular from the embodiment of [Fig 3] by the presence of two communication networks Res 2 and Res 1. The remote control TEL pilots the drone DR1 using the flow Fl of data carried by the communication network Res 1. This communication network Res 1 uses any radio, network and application communication technology allowing the movement of the drone DR1 to be remotely controlled. The determination device 100 is, in this embodiment, included in the communication network Res 2 carrying the application data of the drone DR1, i.e. the data relating to the mission for which the drone DR1 is moving.This may be data relating to a surveillance service, delivery, information dissemination or any communication service from or to the DR1 drone respectively or to the SERV data server.

[0082] In this embodiment, the determination device 100 receives from the drone DR1 or from the remote control TEL or from the communication network Res 1, or from the UTM / USS entity, therefore possibly via the communication network Res 1, location information for the drone DR1, corresponding to the position PI which may be geographic data, such as GPS data, or topographical location information relative to the communication network Res 2 or to the communication network Res 1.The determination device further obtains from a management entity of the Res 2 communication network, a characteristic relating to the connectivity service of the drone DR1 with the data server SERV, this characteristic being able to correspond for example to one or more geographical zones allowing a drone to be able to attach itself to the hotspot HS1 and / or to the hotspot HS2 and / or to the hotspot HS3, these zones being able to be able to offer connectivity to the Res 2 communication network, the movement of the drone DR1 being controlled via the Res 1 communication network used for the movement and control of the drone DR1.Once the determining device has determined a position P2 from the location information PI and the characteristic HS2 relating to the connectivity service, if this position is distinct from the location information, the determining device 100 can transmit this position P2 to the remote control and possibly to the UTM / USS entity so that the drone DR1 is moved to this position P2. The remote control TEL then pilots the drone DR1 to the position P2 via the communication network Res 1 so that the drone DR1 can attach to the hotspot of the network Res 2 and benefits from a connectivity service corresponding to the characteristic of the required connectivity service.

[0083] We then refer to [Fig 5] which describes a communication infrastructure in which the determination method is implemented according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0084] This third embodiment is distinguished from the second embodiment presented in [Fig 4] by the implementation of the determination device 100 in the drone DR1. This embodiment allows the location information to be obtained directly by the drone DR1, for example using a map or GPS interface. This embodiment also allows the drone to correlate the characteristic relating to the connectivity service with its own characteristics to determine a position. In particular, if the characteristic relates to a protocol and / or a communication interface, the determination device 100 of the drone DR1 can determine a position based on its location, the characteristic obtained, and its own characteristics.

[0085] This example is also possible in both embodiments of [Fig 3] and [Fig 4] provided that the determination device obtains from the drone DR1 or from the UTM / USS entity the characteristics of the drone DR1. This embodiment presented in [Fig 5] can also be implemented in the first embodiment where the first communication network Res 2 used for routing the useful data of the drone DR1 to and from the data server SERV and the second communication network Res 1 used for controlling the movement of the drone DR1 are identical and constitute only one communication network. According to an alternative, the two communication networks Res 2 and Res 1 are virtualized instances placed in a single physical network.

[0086] We then refer to [Fig 6] which describes the steps of a determination method according to an embodiment of the invention. In this [Fig 6], the different entities and devices presented in the previous figures are repeated with the same titles. This [Fig 6] describes the steps implemented prior to the movement of the DR1 drone.

[0087] During an optional step E0, the TEL entity controlling the drone DR1 (or remote control) transmits to a determination device 100 a request for activation of the determination method. The purpose of sending this request is to request that the method for determining a position associated with a route of a remote-controlled vehicle DR1, which is considered to be a drone in this example without limiting effect, be activated. This request is optional because the method can be activated by default and, in addition, a request can be valid for a set of drones. This step E0 can be carried out prior to the movement of the drone DR1 or when the drone DR1 is already moving. Optionally, upon receipt of the activation request, a verification of subscription to the determination method can be carried out, in particular in the case of a service relating to the paid method.If such a subscription is not present by default, a subscription request may be submitted for validation, for example to the TEL control entity.

[0088] During a step E1, the determination device 100 responds to the control entity TEL that the determination method is effectively activated, possibly after having verified the effective subscription of the control entity TEL and the drone DR1 to the determination method.

[0089] During a step E2, the device 100 obtains location information for the drone DR1 or a set of location information, such as a trajectory or a planned route for the drone DR1. This information can be transmitted by the drone DR1 or by the UTM / USS entity or, according to an alternative not shown in [Fig 6], by the control entity TEL. This location information can correspond to GPS data or cartographic data making it possible to locate the drone DR1 in a spatial environment.

[0090] According to one example, the device 100 further obtains during this step E2 or during a step separate from step E2, from the drone DR1 or from the control entity TEL or from the UTM / USS entity an attribute relating to the route followed by the drone DR1 during its mission. This attribute is particularly interesting when the method is implemented prior to the movement of the drone DR1. These attributes may in particular correspond, in a non-exhaustive manner, to an altitude of the drone DR1 during its movement, to a speed of movement of the drone DR1, to a heading followed by the drone DR1, to a date and time of movement of the drone DR1.This attribute can be used by the determination device 100 to determine a position adapted to the altitude and movement of the drone DR1, for example by correlating this information with information on the availability of equipment in the Res 2 communication network near the estimated location of the drone DR1 during its programmed movement on a route.

[0091] According to another example, the determination device further obtains, during step E2 or during a step separate from step E2, a characteristic associated with the drone DR1. This characteristic, transmitted by the drone DR1 or by the control entity TEL or by the UTM / USS entity, corresponds for example to a type of interface (4G / 5G, radio configuration, antenna type) and / or to a communication protocol supported and activated by the drone DR1 during its movement.

[0092] In the embodiment of [Fig 6], it is considered that the Res 1 network is used for managing the movement of the DR1 drone and the transmission of the DR1 drone control data by the TEL control entity. This Res 1 network must be available to ensure a permanent connection of the DR1 drone with its pilot, whether this pilot is human or automatic, remotely via the TEL control entity. The Res 2 network is used to route the useful data of the DR1 drone, i.e. the data relating to the DR1 drone mission, this data being able to be audio, video or any other type of data of a service satisfied or fulfilled by the DR1 drone.There is therefore no regulatory and / or security obligation for the drone to have permanent connectivity with the Res 2 communication network, hence the interest in informing the DR1 drone about the positions in space where it can actually benefit from such connectivity so that it can, if necessary, transmit data relating to the value-added service. The determination method is also relevant when the Res 2 and Res 1 networks are the same, in particular to inform the DR1 drone about the positions where it can benefit from connectivity with a particular characteristic (high speed, low latency, improved security, etc.).

[0093] During a step E3, the device 100 obtains from the Res 2 communication network, for example from a resource management device of the Res 2 network, a characteristic relating to a connectivity service. According to one example, this step may follow a sending by the determination device 100 of information on the movement of the drone DR1 or it may be a sending of characteristics for a given geographical area, associated with the movement of the drone DR1, this area being known a priori by the Res 2 network.The characteristic comprises for example: An antenna type of an access network of a geographical area of ​​the Res 2 communication network, a technology implemented in the Res 2 communication network, a radio configuration of an access network of a geographical area of ​​the Res 2 communication network, a type of communication interface of the drone DR1 with the Res 2 communication network and more precisely of a geographical area, a communication protocol of the drone DR1 with the Res 2 communication network and specifically with an entity of the Res 2 network in a geographical area. This characteristic can for example be transmitted to the device 100 in the form of a table indicating geographical areas associated with technologies and / or characteristics (throughput, latency, QoS . . . ) of the Res 2 network for these areas.

[0094] During an optional step E4, which may be combined with step E2 and precede step E3, the drone DR1 transmits to the determination device 100 an attribute relating to the data to be transmitted. This attribute is for example relating to the value-added service provided by the drone DR1 and for which connectivity to the Res 2 network is required.This attribute may concern one or more attributes from among: an average or maximum throughput required for the data to be transmitted or received, a latency to be guaranteed for sending the data or more generally a quality of service associated with the data, a level of security and confidentiality for the data, a volume of data to be transmitted, information relating to a flight schedule or a period of high load of the Res 1 network or any other attribute making it possible to determine a position allowing the drone DR1 to be able to transmit and / or receive the data via the Res 2 network in accordance with the attribute obtained. The device uses these attributes to determine the most suitable position in particular with respect to the characteristics transmitted by the Res 2 network during step E3. If several value-added services are implemented by the drone DR1 during its movement, attributes associated with each service may be transmitted.

[0095] During an optional step E5, the device 100 obtains a characteristic relating to the environment in which the drone DR1 is moving. This characteristic transmitted for example by a regulatory entity, responsible for example for controlling the airspace and / or controlling the movements of drones in the airspace, and / or a UTM / USS entity, may include information on areas prohibited to the drone DR1 or on geographical areas within which it is prohibited to transmit data, on areas within which certain radio transmission frequencies are prohibited. This characteristic is taken into account by the determination device 100 to determine a position adapted to this environmental characteristic.

[0096] From the information received, optional for some of it, in steps E2 to E5, the determination device 100 determines a suitable position of the drone DR1 effectively allowing it, from a location, to be able to attach itself to access equipment of the communication network Res 2 and to be able to transmit and / or receive data associated with a value-added service, relating to the mission and the movement of the drone DR1.

[0097] The method being implemented prior to the actual movement of the drone DR1, the latter can thus obtain a set of positions constituting a path ensuring connectivity to a communication network Res 2, possibly distinct from the network Res 1 used for the guidance of the drone DR1 by the control entity TEL, and in accordance with the characteristics and attributes received from the different entities during steps E2 to E5. According to an alternative, the device 100 determines more than one position for the drone DR1. For example, from a given location, the device 100 can determine several positions from which the drone DR1 or an entity in charge of the movement of the drone DR1 must select one.

[0098] In addition to the determined position, the device 100 can determine a duration during which the drone DR1 is present at this position. In particular in the case where the position corresponds to an area, the device can determine the duration during which the drone DR1 can attach itself to an access device of the network Res 2, for example by taking into account the speed of movement of the drone and / or the energy resources of the drone DR1.

[0099] During an optional step E7, the device 100 transmits to the control entity 100 a position or a set of determined positions in the case where several positions have been determined from a location. During an also optional step E8, the control entity TEL transmits to the determination device 100 the selected position, these steps E7 and E8 being able to be repeated for a set of successive positions, allowing the control entity 100 to be able to define the path followed by the drone DR1 while having the guarantee that the drone DR1 will have connectivity to the communication network Res 2.The determination device can furthermore, during a step E9, transmit configuration information of an entity of the Res 2 network thus allowing the drone DR1 to be able to effectively attach itself to the Res 2 network when it is present at the determined position or before this moment so that the drone is authorized to attach itself to the Res 2 network. If the determination device 100 is part of the Res 2 network, this information can be transmitted directly to the Res 2 network, possibly via a configuration entity of the equipment of the Res 2 network. In the case where the device 100 is external to the Res 2 network, this configuration information will possibly be transmitted via a proxy equipment in charge of controlling and verifying the configuration information.This configuration information may include an update of the QoS parameters associated with the data to be transmitted by the DR1 drone or to the DR1 drone as well as configurations of the equipment that will be involved in the transmission of the data. This configuration is particularly relevant in the case where the data to be transmitted concerns a specific service requiring appropriate functions and / or configurations. It may include the pre-configuration of the DR1 drone's subscription contract, such as for example the configuration of a SIM / eSIM, functions relating to the instantiation of a network slice and / or a MEC (Mobile Edge Computing) service on an access equipment of the Res 2 network to which the DR1 drone will attach itself when it is present at the determined position.For a 5G network slice, this involves, among other things, configuring the AMF entity (Access and Mobility Management Function) which acts as an intermediary for QoS management, the NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function) whose role is to select the network slice that will be used for data transmission by the DR1 drone, when it registers on the network, the NRF (Network Repository Function), i.e. the catalog for controlling the virtual functions of the Res 2 network and their instantiation in accordance with 3GPP procedures.

[0100] In the case of roaming, the determination device 100 can also communicate with network equipment of a visited network (not shown), which will interrogate those of the Res 2 network, which is the “home” network, via procedures defined among others in 3GPP.

[0101] During a step E10, the determination device transmits to the control entity TEL, possibly via the UTM / USS entity, the determined position(s) so that it can adapt the movement of the drone DR1 according to this or these positions.

[0102] During steps E11 and E12, the control entity TEL initiates the movement of the drone DR1 via the network Res 1, the movement being carried out in accordance with one or more positions determined by the determination device 100. According to an alternative, the control entity TEL transmits to the determination device 100 information relating to the passage of the drone DR1 to the determined position during the actual passage of the drone DR1 to this position.

[0103] We then refer to [Fig 7] which describes the steps of a determination method according to another embodiment of the invention. In this [Fig 7], the different entities and devices presented in the previous figures are repeated with the same headings. This [Fig 7] describes the steps implemented during the movement of the drone DR1. These steps can be implemented consecutively or alternatively to the steps of [Fig 6]. The determination method can in fact comprise a determination sub-method before the movement of the drone DR1 and a determination sub-method during the movement of the drone DR1 or even a single determination method before the movement or during the movement of the drone DR1.

[0104] In this [Fig 7], it is considered that a determination method has not been implemented before the movement of the drone DR1 and that the determination method is implemented during the movement. The optional steps E0 and El are therefore present in [Fig 7], which would not necessarily be the case if the method was already activated before the movement of the drone DR1. In accordance with the steps El i and El 2 described in [Fig

[0105] 6], the DR1 drone is moving in an environment under the control of the TEL control entity via equipment in the Res 1 communication network.

[0106] During a step E2, the control entity TEL transmits location information for the drone DR1 to the determination device 100. This information indicates the current location of the drone DR1. This step E2 can be repeated at regular intervals or the control entity TEL transmits a path of the drone DR1 possibly accompanied by information on the travel schedule, thus providing in a preventive manner the successive locations of the drone DR1 during its travel. In the different cases, this involves a transmission of location information and this information can be transmitted by the control entity TEL, as indicated in [Fig

[0107] 7] or alternatively by the DR1 drone or the UTM / USS entity.

[0108] During a step E21, the drone DR1 transmits to the determination device 100 a message indicating a need to transmit data with a high throughput, for example greater than 100 Mbits / s. This need may for example relate to a need to empty a memory card. According to an alternative, the message of step E21 is transmitted by the UTM / USS entity or the control entity TEL and corresponds for example to the need to change a data processing algorithm embedded on the drone DR1, to adapt it to the progress of the mission. This need requires that the drone connects to the Res 2 network with a sufficient throughput guarantee. According to another example, it is for the drone DR1 to be able to attach itself to the Res 2 network while respecting a quality of service and / or security constraint requiring a specific connection to the Res 2 network or any other attribute relating to the data to be transmitted.

[0109] During a step E22, the determination device obtains from the Res 2 communication network, and more precisely for example from an administration entity of the Res 2 network, a characteristic relating to the connectivity service, comprising for example the following information: zones around a gNB type access entity connected to an AMF supporting a particular network slice, in this case of the high-speed type, an area with access processing capacity (in English Edge Computing) or an area comprising lightly loaded access equipment.The characteristic of the connectivity service may further comprise a type of antenna of an access network of a geographical area of ​​the Res 2 communication network, a technology implemented in the Res 2 communication network, a radio configuration of an access network of a geographical area of ​​the Res 2 communication network, a type of communication interface of the DR1 drone with the Res 2 communication network and more precisely of a geographical area, a communication protocol of the DR1 drone with the Res 2 communication network and specifically with an entity of a geographical area, a specific architecture of the Res 2 network (for example, of the “local breakout” type to a local server).

[0110] The connectivity characteristic, according to another example, corresponds to the load of an access entity (radio cell, gNB equipment) or to an average throughput value, calculated for example at an average throughput value obtained for a set of client entities connected to the access entity for a given duration. This load and / or average throughput information can provide information on the average throughput and therefore the quality of service that the drone DR1 can obtain by connecting to the access entity.

[0111] This characteristic relating to the connectivity service can be transmitted to the determination device 100 prior to step E22 or independently of the reception by the determination device 100 of the message transmitted during step E22. The determination device can advantageously also receive during a step E23, which can be joint with step E22, a characteristic associated with the drone DR1 such as a maximum movement distance, a state of the battery of the drone DR1, for example so as not to move the drone too far from the location taken into consideration received during step E2, on the quantity of data to be transmitted or received, for example the number and size of files, the speed of production of the data, a minimum required flow rate, a maximum required latency, a specific computing capacity.This optional information, some of which may possibly be transmitted by the UTM / USS entity and / or the TEL control entity, can be taken into account by the determination device 100 to determine a most suitable position, in particular so that this position allows the drone DR1 to be able to attach itself to the communication network Res 2 while guaranteeing that the constraints emitted in the message E22 and the message E23 are respected.

[0112] The determination device 100 can further receive messages during steps E5 from the UTM / USS and Régul entities, in accordance with the same steps of [Fig 6], and take into account the information transmitted in these messages to determine one or more positions of the drone DR1.

[0113] During step E6, the determination device 100 determines one or more positions of the drone DR1 taking into account the position or geographical location during movement of the drone DR1, the data transmission requirements of the drone DR1 and the characteristics of the Res 2 network within a spatial radius compatible with the characteristics of the drone DR1 or failing that within a radius predefined by the determination device 100, for example in consultation with the UTM / USS entity.

[0114] This determination may further include additional information on the position(s) determined such as:

[0115] - data relating to the geolocation of at least one access entity or a geographical area surrounding one or more access entities of the Res 2 network. This may be a three-dimensional geolocation, i.e. with additional information relating to a flight height / altitude to be respected, in particular in the event of a restriction on the use of a frequency spectrum, possibly taking into account the information from the messages of step E5.

[0116] - And / or a mapping of geographical areas in the overflight area and its surroundings, or along the trajectory, or around the geographical location of the DR1 drone.

[0117] In addition, other information may be determined by the determination device 100, namely:

[0118] - information on the minimum time spent in the position or geographical area to transmit a quantity of data. For example, if 100 MB of data must be transmitted and the available flow rate at the determined position is 100 MB / sec, then the device can indicate that the DR1 drone must remain for a minimum of 10 seconds at the determined position or in the area corresponding to the determined position, which can have an impact on the speed of movement to be expected for the DR1 drone in this determined position.

[0119] The device can further add information on the cost associated with transmitting data to the determined position.

[0120] This information may further enable the control entity TEL to select a position from among several positions determined by the determination entity 100.

[0121] During a step E7, the determination device 100 transmits to the control entity TEL, and / or possibly to the drone DR1 and / or to the UTM / USS entity, the different positions determined relative to the location of the drone DR1 at a time t. The entity receiving these proposals, for example the control entity TEL, selects the position where the data can actually be transmitted in accordance with the constraints and characteristics obtained during steps E21 to E5, from among the different positions determined.

[0122] The determination device 100 can supplement the information transmitted to the control entity TEL with the determined information indicated above (geolocation, mapping, presence time). It can also transmit other characteristics, such as an optimized trajectory towards each position, this trajectory being able to correspond for example to a heading, a speed, a distance to be covered, a set of waypoints to be respected, for example to avoid no-fly zones or zones prohibited for data transmission, located between the drone and the determined position or zone. The determination device can also indicate to implement a progressive transmission, optimized with the movement of the drone DR1, in particular when the latter cannot hover and park at the determined position.

[0123] According to an alternative, during step E6, the determination device 100 itself determines and selects the best position or zone, for example, the closest to the location obtained or the one allowing optimal or fastest transmission, and communicates it to the drone DR1 for an immediate change of trajectory and a movement towards the selected position. The control entity TEL and / or the UTM / USS entity are then simply notified of this change of trajectory during step E7 and the optional step E8 corresponds to an acknowledgment of the reception of the message transmitted during step E7. The determination device 100 therefore momentarily takes on the role of control entity by moving the drone DR1 towards the selected position via the Res 1 network.

[0124] During a step E9, which can be implemented before step E6 if the drone DR1 is urgently reoriented, the determination device 100 transmits configuration information of an entity of the Res 2 network thus allowing the drone DR1 to be able to attach itself to the Res 2 network when it is present at the determined position. This information is comparable to step E9 of [Fig 6], However, since it is a configuration of one or more devices of the Res 2 network so that the drone DR1 can obtain connectivity and transmit or receive data relating to a value-added service, when the drone DR1 is moving, the configuration time may be lacking and this configuration step may be based on a minimal configuration, for example a default configuration allowing the drone DR1 to attach itself when it is present at the determined position.

[0125] During a step E10, the determination device transmits to the control entity TEL, possibly via the UTM / USS entity, the determined position(s) so that it can adapt the movement of the drone DR1 according to this or these positions.

[0126] During steps E11 and E12, the control entity TEL adapts the movement of the drone DR1 via the Res1 network, the movement being adapted in accordance with one or more successive positions determined by the determination device 100. Following the determination of the position or successive positions, the drone DR1 is possibly diverted from its initially planned path in order to be able to transmit data from an application service or a configuration of the drone or any application whose data is routed by the Res2 network. According to an alternative, the control entity TEL transmits to the determination device 100 information relating to the passage of the drone DR1 to the determined position during the actual passage of the drone DR1 to this position.

[0127] Once the drone DR1 has left the determined position, the Res 1 network or the drone DR1 or the TEL control entity or the UTM / USS entity informs, according to an alternative, the determination device 100 of this departure in a step not shown in [Fig 7]. The device 100 can use this information to indicate to the drone DR1 or to the TEL control entity and possibly to the Res 2 network that the specific configuration required for the transmission of data between the Res 2 network and the drone DR1 can be removed and that the configuration which prevailed before the arrival of the drone DR1 at the determined position can be reinstalled.

[0128] According to other embodiments, the two communication networks, Res 2 and Res 1 are the same communication network Res and the steps of [Fig 6] and [Fig 7] are also valid for this embodiment.

[0129] In all the embodiments described above, the connectivity service for which a position is determined may be a service of a terminal included in the drone DR1. According to this example, the message exchanges of the drone DR1 may be implemented by the terminal in the drone DR1. This terminal may further be a data server communicating with a remote entity (terminal, server, equipment) via the communication network Res 2.

[0130] The DR1 drone can be replaced by any type of remote-controlled vehicle in the various embodiments and examples described above.

[0131] We then refer to [Fig 8] which presents a determination device 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0132] Such a determination device can be implemented in a mediation platform, this platform allowing customers and managers of drones to interface with the operators in charge of the communication networks. This determination device can be implemented in a management entity of a communication network, such as the second network, or even in the remote-controlled vehicle.

[0133] For example, the determination device 100 comprises a processing unit 130, equipped for example with a microprocessor pP, and controlled by a computer program 110, stored in a memory 120 and implementing the determination method according to the different embodiments of the invention. At initialization, the code instructions of the computer program 110 are for example loaded into a RAM memory, before being executed by the processor of the processing unit 130. Such a determination device 100 comprises:

[0134] - A obtaining module 101, configured to obtain information Info on the location of the remote-controlled vehicle on the route and a Car characteristic relating to the connectivity service of the second communication network,

[0135] - A determination module 102, configured to determine a position of the remote-controlled vehicle based on the location information obtained, said position being further adapted to establish the connectivity service between the remote-controlled vehicle and the second communication network in accordance with the characteristic obtained.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Method for determining a position (P2) associated with a route of a remote-controlled vehicle (DR1) via a first communication network (Res 1), the remote-controlled vehicle being adapted to transmit data from a connectivity service to a remote entity via a second communication network (Res 2), said method being implemented in a management device (100) capable of correlating the position with a connectivity service of the second communication network (Res 2), the method comprising: - Obtaining (E2) location information (PI) of the remote-controlled vehicle (DR1) on the route - Obtaining (E3) a characteristic relating to the connectivity service to the second communication network (Res 2), - Determining (E6) the position (P2) of the remote-controlled vehicle (DR1) as a function of the location information (PI) obtained, said position being further adapted to establish the connectivity service between the remote-controlled vehicle (DR1) and the second communication network (Res 2) in accordance with the characteristic obtained.

2. Method of determination, according to claim 1, in which the determination of the position is carried out prior to movement of the vehicle on the route.

3. A determination method according to claim 1, wherein the determination of the position is carried out while the vehicle is moving along the route.

4. Determination method, according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the characteristic relating to the connectivity service is at least one characteristic chosen from the following group: - A type of antenna of an access network of the second communication network, - A technology implemented in the second communication network, - A radio configuration of an access network of the second communication network, - A type of vehicle communication interface with the second communication network, - A communication protocol between the vehicle and the second communication network, - A specific architecture of the second communication network.

5. Determination method, according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising obtaining (E4) at least one attribute relating to the data to be transmitted, the position of the remote-controlled vehicle being further determined as a function of the at least one attribute obtained.

6. Determination method, according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising obtaining (E2) at least one characteristic associated with the vehicle, the position of the remote-controlled vehicle being further determined as a function of the at least one characteristic associated with the vehicle obtained.

7. Determination method, according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising obtaining (E2) an attribute relating to the route, the position of the remote-controlled vehicle being further determined as a function of the at least one attribute obtained.

8. Determination method, according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising obtaining (E5) a characteristic relating to the environment in which the vehicle is moving, the position of the remote-controlled vehicle being further determined as a function of the at least one characteristic obtained.

9. Determination method, according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the determination of the position of the remote-controlled vehicle further comprises information relating to a duration during which the device is present at this position.

10. Determination method, according to one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a configuration of an entity of the second communication network and / or of the vehicle, associated with the determined position, prior to a transmission of data between the vehicle and the second communication network.

11. Device (100) for determining a position (P2) associated with a route of a remote-controlled vehicle (DR1) via a first communication network (Res 1), the remote-controlled vehicle being adapted to transmit data from a connectivity service to a remote entity via a second communication network (Res 2), said determination device (100) being able to correlate the position (P2) with a connectivity service of the second communication network (Res 2) and comprising: - An obtaining module (101), configured to obtain information (Info) on the location of the remote-controlled vehicle on the route and a characteristic (Car) relating to the connectivity service of the second communication network, - A determination module (102), configured to determine a position of the remote-controlled vehicle (DR1) based on the location information obtained, said position being further adapted to establish the connectivity service between the remote-controlled vehicle (DR1) and the second communication network (Res 2) in accordance with the characteristic obtained.

12. Remotely controlled vehicle (DR1) comprising a determination device (100) according to claim 11.

13. System for determining a position associated with a route of a remote-controlled vehicle via a first communication network, comprising - A determination device (100) according to claim 12, - A remote-controlled vehicle (DR1) adapted to transmit data from a connectivity service to a remote entity via a second communication network.

14. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing the determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, when the program is executed by a processor.

15. Non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer on which is recorded a program comprising instructions for implementing a determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images