Cell Broadcast Flight Path Control for UAV Rerouting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a reliable method to enforce UAVs to follow specific flight paths, especially in emergency situations or restricted regions, without relying on GPS positioning or complex flight path computers, and there is no known solution to reroute UAVs effectively within a specific region.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing existing wireless communications networks like GSM, UMTS, LTE, or WiFi to transmit cell broadcast messages that instruct, restrict, or alter the flight paths of UAVs by defining geographical regions and associating actions with spatial triggers, allowing for real-time adjustments to their flight paths based on type and identity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS positioning and complex flight path computers are used to control UAV flight paths, then navigation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cell broadcast messages from wireless communication networks as an intermediary to convey flight path control information. Instead of relying solely on complex onboard computers and GPS, the UAV receives navigation instructions, geographical region definitions, and flight restrictions through cellular network broadcasts, simplifying the onboard navigation system while maintaining control accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the existing wireless communication network infrastructure for multiple purposes: positioning, flight path instruction delivery, and geographical region definition. The cellular network serves not only as a communication channel but also as a source of navigation data and flight restriction information, reducing the need for dedicated complex navigation equipment
2Reliability
If GPS positioning systems are deployed to enforce flight paths, then flight path control reliability is improved, but system cost and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repurposes existing wireless communication network infrastructure (cell towers and broadcast systems) to serve dual functions: traditional communication and flight path control. By using cell broadcast messages that are already part of the network's operational capacity, the system achieves reliable flight path enforcement without adding dedicated GPS or communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication network serves itself by utilizing its existing broadcast capability to deliver flight control information. The network infrastructure already has the capacity to send broadcast messages to multiple devices simultaneously, and this patent leverages that inherent capability for aviation control purposes without requiring additional specialized systems
3Reliability
If complex navigation systems are used to manage UAVs in emergency situations, then response effectiveness is improved, but system complexity and reaction time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines geographical regions and associates them with specific actions or flight restrictions before emergencies occur. When an emergency situation arises, the pre-configured cell broadcast messages can be immediately transmitted to UAVs in the affected region, enabling rapid response without requiring complex real-time calculation or decision-making processes
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular network acts as a rapid communication intermediary that can instantly deliver emergency flight path correction instructions to multiple UAVs simultaneously. This broadcast mechanism provides faster response times compared to individual communication channels or complex centralized control systems that require sequential processing
Data Source
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AI summary
A node (121–123) of a wireless communications network (120) and an aerial vehicle (110), such as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), a drone, an aircraft, or a helicopter, comprising a communications module (111) are provided. The node is operative, in response to detecting that the aerial vehicle enters a pre-defined geographical region (221–227) within a coverage area of the wireless communications network, to transmit a cell broadcast message (126；201–204) to the aerial vehicle. The aerial vehicle is operative to receive the cell broadcast message from an access node (121) of the wireless communications network, and, in response thereto, correct its flight path (211–214) based on the received cell broadcast message. Preferably, the cell broadcast message comprises at least one, or a combination, of an instruction, a limitation, a restriction, a direction or a change thereof, a bearing or a change thereof, an altitude or a change thereof, an aerial vehicle type, and an aerial vehicle identity.