Drone-Assisted Communications Network for Event Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communications networks often become overwhelmed or lack coverage during large events, preventing mobile device usage and impacting event enjoyment.
Innovation Solution
A drone-assisted communications network is implemented, using sensing drones to collect signal strength data and create a signal strength map, with networking drones deployed to supplement coverage, acting as mobile cellular towers to provide access to the communications network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing network elements (cellular towers) are used to provide connectivity, then infrastructure coverage is established, but the network becomes overwhelmed during large events or in areas with little to no existing coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic deployment of drones that can be rapidly positioned and repositioned in response to event locations and network conditions. The drones dynamically adjust their positions to optimize signal distribution, transforming the static tower-based network into a flexible, adaptive system that can respond to changing geographic and load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network infrastructure by replacing monolithic cellular towers with distributed drone units. Each drone functions as an independent network node that can be deployed separately in different geographic locations, allowing the network to be modularly expanded and configured based on specific event requirements rather than relying on fixed infrastructure.
2Area of stationary object
If network elements are deployed to service a specific area, then coverage is provided, but regulatory approval and substantial infrastructure are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes drones as temporary, easily deployable network nodes that can be rapidly positioned and removed without requiring permanent infrastructure installation or complex regulatory approvals for each deployment location. These drone-based nodes serve as transient network elements that can be quickly deployed for specific events and then relocated or removed, eliminating the need for substantial permanent infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If sensing drones collect signal strength information to create maps, then optimal drone locations are determined, but additional equipment and coordination are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs drones that can perform multiple functions: some drones serve as sensing units to collect signal strength data and create coverage maps, while others function as networking units to provide actual connectivity. The same drone platform and basic infrastructure support both sensing and networking operations, reducing overall system complexity by using a universal platform rather than requiring separate specialized systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-implemented methods for drone-assisted communications networks are provided. Aspects include collecting, from one or more sensing drones, signal strength information for a communications network in a geographic area and creating, based at least in part on the signal strength information, a signal strength map for the geographic area. Aspects also include deploying one or more networking drones into the geographic area, wherein a location of the one or more drones in the geographic area is determined based at least in part on the signal strength map. The one or more networking drones are configured to provide access to the communications network.