Cell Site Alarm Verification Using 3D Virtual Surveys

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional site surveys for cell sites are expensive, time-consuming, and complex due to the need for physical access to cell towers and buildings, making it difficult to efficiently install and verify alarming systems.

Innovation Solution

A method involving virtual site surveys using 3D modeling and remote data capture with UAVs and camera systems to install and test alarming systems, allowing for remote verification of alarms and reducing the need for physical site visits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical site access is used for installing and verifying alarming systems, then installation verification can be performed directly, but the process becomes expensive, time-consuming, and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation verification accuracyVSAvoidsite survey time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the cell site environment using 360-degree imaging and 3D modeling. This virtual model allows remote verification of alarm controller installations without physical site access. The virtual tour replicates the physical space, enabling technicians to inspect installations, verify cable connections, and confirm proper mounting of alarm controllers remotely, thus eliminating the need for time-consuming travel while maintaining verification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical site access with a digital/remote system. Instead of technicians physically traveling to cell sites to install and verify alarm systems, the process uses remote communication technologies, virtual reality tools, and automated testing systems. The mechanical act of visiting sites is substituted with electronic data transmission, virtual navigation, and remote control capabilities, significantly reducing time and cost while maintaining installation verification quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If physical site access is used for installing and verifying alarming systems, then direct installation can be performed, but costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealarm system installation qualityVSAvoidsite survey complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the cell site environment using 360-degree imaging and 3D modeling. This virtual model allows remote verification of alarm controller installations without physical site access. The virtual tour replicates the physical space, enabling technicians to inspect installations, verify cable connections, and confirm proper mounting of alarm controllers remotely, thus eliminating the need for time-consuming travel while maintaining verification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a multi-functional remote verification system that can perform multiple tasks through a single platform. The system combines 360-degree imaging, 3D modeling, virtual navigation, alarm controller testing, and data transmission capabilities into one integrated solution. This universal system can handle installation verification, training, documentation, and troubleshooting functions remotely, reducing the need for multiple separate processes and specialized equipment while maintaining installation quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If virtual site surveys are used for verifying alarming system installations, then time and costs are reduced, but remote verification capability is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation verification efficiencyVSAvoidremote verification system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the cell site environment using 360-degree imaging and 3D modeling. This virtual model allows remote verification of alarm controller installations without physical site access. The virtual tour replicates the physical space, enabling technicians to inspect installations, verify cable connections, and confirm proper mounting of alarm controllers remotely, thus eliminating the need for time-consuming travel while maintaining verification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a virtual reality environment as an intermediary between the physical installation site and the remote technician. This intermediary layer captures the physical space through 360-degree cameras, processes it into a navigable 3D model, and presents it to technicians for verification. The intermediary handles the complexity of remote communication, navigation, and interaction, allowing technicians to work remotely as if physically present, thereby improving productivity while managing system complexity through automated mediation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12573287B2Systems and methods for installing and testing alarming systems at cell sites

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 ETAK SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

Systems and method for installing and testing an alarming system at a cell site includes installing an alarm controller at a cell site; coupling a first end of a cable to an input of the alarm controller and a second end of the cable to a component of the cell site, wherein the alarm controller is adapted to provide alarming associated with the component; placing the component in a failure mode; and verifying that the alarm controller receives the alarm.