Cell Broadcast Flight Path Control for GPS-Independent UAV Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a reliable method to enforce specific flight paths for UAVs and other aerial vehicles, especially in emergency situations or when GPS positioning is unavailable, requiring complex flight path computers and precise navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing existing wireless communications networks, such as GSM, UMTS, LTE, and WiFi, to transmit cell broadcast messages that adjust the flight path of aerial vehicles upon entering predefined geographical regions, leveraging existing Mobile Positioning Systems and Location Based Services to trigger these messages and associate regions with specific flight path instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex flight path computers and GPS positioning are used to control UAV flight paths, then navigation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cell broadcast messages from wireless communication networks as an intermediary to convey flight path control instructions to UAVs. Instead of relying solely on complex onboard flight path computers and GPS, the system uses the wireless network infrastructure to transmit navigation commands, thereby reducing the complexity of onboard systems while maintaining navigation precision through external guidance.
2Reliability
If GPS positioning and complex flight path computers are required for flight path control, then navigation reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables UAVs to autonomously receive and execute flight path control instructions through cell broadcast messages from wireless networks. The system automatically triggers message transmission when UAVs enter predefined geographical regions, eliminating the need for manual reprogramming or complex operator intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains navigation reliability while significantly improving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If existing wireless communication infrastructure is used to transmit flight control messages, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures geographical regions with specific flight path control instructions and stores them in the wireless communication network before UAV operations. When UAVs enter these predefined regions, they automatically receive the appropriate control messages without requiring real-time calculation or complex onboard decision-making. This preliminary preparation ensures precise flight path control while keeping onboard systems simple.
Data Source
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.