Aerial Mobile Base Station for Disaster Cellular Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Natural disasters often damage cellular network infrastructure, disrupting communication services and hindering emergency response efforts, especially in areas with inadequate or congested communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A transportable cellular communication network system utilizing aerial, vehicular base stations equipped with cognitive radio hardware and sensors, controlled by a sophisticated control system that identifies available spectrum and determines safe flight paths to rapidly establish cellular connectivity in affected areas, leveraging AI and machine learning for efficient deployment and network optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed base stations are used to provide cellular coverage, then network stability and coverage reliability are improved, but the system cannot rapidly respond to disaster areas with damaged infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed base stations into mobile base stations that can dynamically relocate to provide coverage. The mobile base station includes a mobile platform (aerial or vehicular) that enables the base station to move between locations, combining the reliability of base station functionality with the adaptability of mobile deployment in disaster response scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the cellular network into modular base station units that can operate independently. Each mobile base station is a self-contained unit with transceivers, processors, and power systems that can be deployed individually or in coordination with other units, allowing flexible scaling and deployment in disaster-affected areas
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile base stations are deployed to rapidly establish connectivity, then response speed and adaptability are improved, but system complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile base station incorporates autonomous capabilities including self-diagnosis, self-configuration, and automatic spectrum identification through cognitive radio. The system can independently assess its operational status, configure network parameters, and adapt to available spectrum resources without requiring complex manual setup, thereby reducing deployment difficulty despite the mobile architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile base station is designed as a multi-functional integrated platform that combines base station functionality, mobile platform control, cognitive radio for spectrum management, and environmental sensing. This universal design consolidates multiple subsystems into a single unit, reducing the overall system complexity compared to coordinating separate systems
3Productivity
If cognitive radio hardware is used to identify available spectrum, then network optimization and resource utilization are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual spectrum allocation and fixed-frequency base stations with cognitive radio systems that automatically sense, identify, and adapt to available spectrum resources. This substitution of intelligent software-based spectrum management for manual or fixed mechanical configurations improves resource utilization efficiency while the integrated design manages the associated complexity
4Area of stationary object
If aerial base stations are deployed to reach inaccessible areas, then coverage area and accessibility are improved, but safety risks and operational constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the aerial mobile base station and the disaster zone environment. The control system receives real-time data from sensors on the aerial platform, processes safety information, and makes informed decisions about deployment and operation, thereby mediating the safety risks while enabling extended coverage in previously inaccessible areas
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing temporary, transportable cellular communications networks is disclosed. The system includes at least one mobile base station and a control system. The mobile base station can include an aerial vehicular base station with a frame and propellers mounted on the frame that enable flight of the aerial vehicular base station while the control system is configured to control the flight path and functioning of the aerial vehicular base station. The aerial vehicular base station includes hardware and software components for providing cellular network coverage for short ranges. The control system determines the safe flight path for the aerial vehicular base station to reach a service location to provide cellular network coverage. The aerial vehicular base station identifies the closest base stations and available spectrum at the service location to provide communication services for the user equipment at the service location.