Drone Cellular Link Management for Long-Range Video Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transmitting piloting instructions and video streams between drones and operators are limited by range, quality, and cost, with existing radiofrequency, satellite, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth techniques failing to provide effective and economically advantageous solutions for piloting drones over significant distances.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a bidirectional cellular communication network with a cellular modem for drones, implementing video encoding and link management to adapt bit rates and ensure reliable transmission over varying network conditions, including NAT traversal and quality scoring for real-time control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If radiofrequency links are used for drone communication, then transmission range is extended beyond very short distances, but the range is still limited to approximately 60 km due to natural attenuation and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay station as an intermediary element between the drone and the ground station. This relay station receives signals from the drone and forwards them to the ground station, effectively extending the communication range beyond the direct line-of-sight limitations of traditional radiofrequency links while maintaining signal quality through intermediate regeneration of the signal.
2Length of stationary object
If satellite-type radio links are used, then transmission range is greatly extended, but the transmission and reception systems become bulky, costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs conventional, commercially available radiofrequency equipment and standard communication protocols rather than specialized satellite communication hardware. This approach achieves extended range through relay stations using off-the-shelf components, avoiding the bulky, expensive, and complex satellite-based systems while maintaining practical deployment feasibility.
3Ease of operation
If Wi-Fi or Bluetooth techniques are used, then system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the transmission range is limited to approximately 100 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication system into segmented components: drone units with embedded cameras and radiofrequency transmitters, intermediate relay stations, and ground stations. This segmentation allows each component to use simple, easy-to-operate equipment while the networked architecture collectively achieves extended transmission range through multiple hops.
4Adaptability or versatility
If video stream transmission is implemented over long distances, then immersive piloting capability is achieved, but transmission quality degrades due to range limitations and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The relay station acts as an intermediary that receives video streams from drones, regenerates the signal, and forwards it to ground stations. This intermediate regeneration process maintains video transmission quality over extended distances by compensating for signal attenuation and obstacles that would otherwise degrade the immersive piloting experience.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transmitting commands and a video stream between a remote controlled machine such as a drone and a ground station comprises a two-way link between the machine and ground station, at least partially implementing a cellular communication network, said two-way link being provided by means of a cellular modem on the machine side and conveying a compressed video stream produced by a camera and a video encoding module, and information belonging to a group comprising movement control commands and flight data or operating characteristics of the remote controlled machine, the system further comprising means for managing the two-way link capable of ensuring said link is maintained, taking into account the variability in topology and performances of the link resulting from the implementation of the cellular communication network. Application to long-range drones.