Drone-Coupled UE Flying State Protocol Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in managing drone-coupled user equipment (UE) communications with terrestrial wireless communication subscriber networks, particularly due to interference caused by in-flight drones and the need to differentiate between flying and non-flying states.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for operating drone-coupled UEs that determine their flying state and transmit this information to network components of terrestrial wireless communication subscriber networks, allowing the networks to implement appropriate protocols and services based on the UE's state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If drone-coupled UEs are allowed to connect to terrestrial wireless communication subscriber networks during flight, then service coverage and adaptability are improved, but interference to terrestrial base stations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice coverageVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts network access permissions and protocols based on the real-time flying state of the UE. When the UE is detected to be in flight, the network component switches to a flying state protocol that modifies communication parameters to reduce interference while maintaining service coverage. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing service access during flight while actively managing interference through state-dependent protocol adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes communication parameters based on the UE's flying state. The network component receives indication information about the flying state and adjusts transmission power, frequency selection, or other communication parameters accordingly. When in-flight mode is detected, parameters are modified to reduce uplink interference to terrestrial base stations while maintaining adequate service coverage for the drone-coupled UE.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the network implements state-based protocols for drone-coupled UEs, then service quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidprotocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary determination of the flying state before establishing full communication protocols. The network component first receives indication information about the flying state, and based on this preliminary information, selects the appropriate protocol mode. This preliminary action simplifies the overall system complexity by avoiding the need to implement all possible protocol variations simultaneously, while still enabling state-based service quality optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a simplified version of state-based protocol handling where the network component focuses on receiving flying state indication information and making basic protocol selections. Rather than implementing complex real-time adjustments of all communication parameters, the system applies partial protocol adaptation that provides sufficient service quality improvement for drone-coupled UEs while limiting the increase in device complexity to manageable levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3619967B1Exchanging a message including an in-flight status indicator between a drone-coupled user equipment and a component of a terrestrial wireless communication subscriber network
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3619967B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3619967B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3619967B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

In an embodiment, a drone-coupled UE determines whether the drone-coupled UE is engaged in a flying state, and transmits a message to a network component of a terrestrial wireless communication subscriber network that indicates a result of the determining. The network component receives the message from the drone-coupled UE. In an embodiment, a network component of a terrestrial wireless communication subscriber network determines whether the drone-coupled UE is engaged in a flying state based on the message from the drone-coupled UE. The network component then applies protocols based on the determining.