Drone Antenna Beam Steering for Low-Latency Broadband Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadband access systems, particularly satellite-based systems, are costly and inefficient for remote and underserved regions due to high hardware and launch costs, as well as limited scalability, leading to inadequate internet service in areas like Africa.
Innovation Solution
A broadband wireless access system utilizing drones (UAVs) as communication platforms, which reduces hardware and deployment costs by eliminating the need for expensive satellite-grade equipment and launch systems, and allows for scalable, low-latency internet service by forming and steering beams dynamically between ground terminals and drones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite systems are used to provide broadband access in remote areas, then service coverage is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, long-lived satellite systems with cheaper, shorter-lived drone platforms. Drones can be deployed and relocated more economically than satellites, providing cost-effective broadband access to remote areas without requiring expensive space-qualified hardware and launch vehicles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces drones as intermediary platforms between ground terminals and the internet backbone. These drones act as mobile base stations, relaying internet traffic between ground terminals and other drones or ground gateways, eliminating the need for direct satellite-to-ground communication infrastructure
2Ease of operation
If terrestrial wired networks are deployed in lightly populated regions, then broadband service is provided, but deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mobile drone platforms instead of fixed terrestrial wired networks. Drones can dynamically relocate to serve different communities, providing broadband access to lightly populated regions without requiring permanent infrastructure installation. This mobility allows the system to adapt to changing service demands and population distributions
Solution Approach 2:
The drone platforms serve multiple functions: they act as mobile base stations, provide internet relay services, and can be deployed in various geographic conditions without requiring ground infrastructure. This multi-functionality allows a single deployment to serve multiple communities or relocate to serve different areas as needed
3Area of stationary object
If satellite systems are used for broadband access, then remote area coverage is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based or space-based fixed infrastructure to aerial mobile platforms. By operating drones at altitudes of 100-1000 meters, the system achieves lower signal transmission distances compared to geostationary satellites at 35,786 km, thereby reducing latency while maintaining remote area coverage capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The drone-based system provides cost-effective, high-capacity broadband internet access with lower latency compared to satellite systems, enabling efficient service deployment in remote areas with reduced infrastructure costs and improved scalability.
Implementation Method 1
capable of generating at least one beam toward the ground, forming beams toward terminals located in a wide area on the ground and toward other drones in the network
Implementation Method 2
at least one radio sub-system on each drone with a transmitter for modulating data and transmitting the modulated signals to ground terminals through at least one drone antenna
Implementation Method 3
a receiver for demodulating and decoding signals received from the ground terminals
Implementation Method 4
an antenna sub-system at the ground terminal capable of pointing beams toward specific drones
Implementation Method 5
the antenna aperture has elements with electronic beam forming capability in azimuth and elevation to finely point the beam toward the drone
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes the system and methods for providing broadband internet access to homes and enterprises using a network of aerial platforms such as drones/UAVs/balloons. The drone communication system is composed of an antenna sub-system, a radio sub-system and a data switching sub-system. Drones form and point beams toward ground terminals in different areas in a space division multiple access scheme. Ground terminals are composed of an antenna sub-system and a radio sub-system. Ground terminals search for the drone from which they receive the strongest signals. Drone and ground terminals comprise of methods and systems to calibrate receive and transmit antenna elements. Drone radio sub-system keeps track of the drone's position and orientation changes and adjust drone's antenna beam accordingly to point to the same location on the ground as the drone moves. Depending on the changes in drone's position and orientation, the drone radio sub-system may switch the antenna aperture and/or the antenna fixture that is used to form a beam toward a specific ground terminal. Drones communicate with the terminals using a space and time division multiple access scheme.