5G Drone Swarm Mapping for Precise Localization in Hazard Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Physical environments with unknown or outdated layouts, or those affected by hazardous elements like gases or fires, pose challenges for precise mapping using existing technologies due to limitations in localization accuracy and data collection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of mobile drones configured with 5G network connectivity to create an ad-hoc 5G network, utilizing master drones for centralized data collection from swarm drones equipped with sensors, enabling real-time precise localization and mapping of environments through advanced 5G techniques such as ToA, DoA, and triangulation, and leveraging millimeter wave technology for low latency and high bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing localization techniques are used in hazardous environments, then deployment is simpler, but localization precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the localization task into multiple components: 5G signal transmission, time of arrival measurement, direction of arrival calculation, and triangulation processing. Each component is handled by specific devices (base stations, drones) with specialized functions, improving overall localization precision while distributing system complexity across multiple manageable elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces 5G network infrastructure as an intermediary between drones and the localization system. The 5G base stations and ad-hoc network act as mediators that enable precise localization through standardized protocols and signal processing, reducing the complexity burden on individual drones while maintaining high measurement precision.
2Reliability
If multiple swarm drones are deployed for redundancy, then data accuracy confidence increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple swarm drones are merged into a coordinated swarm that operates under centralized master drone control. The drones collectively traverse and scan the environment, combining their sensor data and localization information to achieve redundant measurement coverage. This merging approach increases data accuracy confidence through multiple observations of the same environmental features while the centralized coordination manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where master drones receive sensor data from swarm drones, process localization information, and use triangulation and ToA calculations to determine precise positions. This feedback loop allows continuous refinement of localization accuracy and environmental mapping, with the system adapting drone positions and measurement strategies based on accumulated data quality assessments.
3Speed
If 5G millimeter wave technology is used, then localization precision and data transmission speed improve, but infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic 5G network configuration where base stations and ad-hoc network nodes are strategically positioned and activated based on real-time localization and mapping requirements. The 5G infrastructure adapts its capacity and coverage areas dynamically, enabling high-speed millimeter wave communication only where and when needed for precise drone localization and data transmission, thereby optimizing infrastructure utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes 5G millimeter wave parameters (frequency above 30 GHz, short wavelength, high bandwidth) to achieve superior localization precision through ToA and DoA calculations. By changing the operational parameters to millimeter wave frequencies, the system obtains shorter signal wavelengths that enable more precise angle and time measurements, directly improving localization accuracy while the 5G infrastructure manages the complexity of high-frequency signal propagation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the generation of detailed and precise maps of physical environments, even in hazardous or unfamiliar areas, with increased confidence in data accuracy and safety, facilitating effective assessment and navigation by identifying hazards such as carbon monoxide, fire, or smoke.
Implementation Method 1
Exemplary 5G specific technologies for precise localization of the swarm drones include time of arrival (ToA) calculations
Implementation Method 2
Exemplary 5G specific technologies for precise localization of the swarm drones include direction of arrival (DoA) calculations
Implementation Method 3
Exemplary 5G specific technologies for precise localization of the swarm drones include triangulation
Implementation Method 4
The use of radio spectrum above 30 GHz, commonly termed 'millimeter wave' (mmWave) in 5G parlance
Data Source
AI summary
Sets of drones are deployed to create an ad-hoc 5G network in a physical environment to collect sensor data and generate a map of the physical environment in real time. Master drones configured with 5G capabilities are deployed to the physical area to create the 5G ad-hoc network, and swarm drones configured with sensors are deployed to gather environmental data on the physical environment. The gathered data is transmitted to the master drones to generate a map. The deployable 5G network is leveraged to identify precise locations for the swarm drones and each instance of sensor data collected by the swarm drones in order to create an accurate and detailed map of the environment. The map can include information regarding the structural layout of the space and environmental characteristics, such as temperature, the presence of smoke or other gases, etc.