Drone Laser Link Power Feedback for Swarm Energy Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms face limitations in extended task performance due to finite battery power, necessitating efficient energy management to maintain operations over time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a drone network system where drones use a laser communication system to transmit signals at minimum necessary power, with excess power collected and stored by closer drones, dynamically adjusting positions to balance power consumption and energy collection across the swarm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drones transmit signals at higher power to ensure reliable communication, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where receiving drones measure the power level of incoming signals and communicate this information back to transmitting drones. This allows the transmitting drone to adjust its transmission power dynamically - reducing power when the receiving drone is close and signal strength is sufficient, while maintaining higher power only when necessary for reliable communication. This resolves the contradiction by using feedback to optimize the trade-off between communication reliability and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed-power transmission to dynamic adaptive power transmission. Drones continuously adjust their transmission power based on real-time conditions such as distance to receiving drones, signal quality metrics, and network topology changes. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain communication reliability while minimizing energy consumption by transmitting at the lowest necessary power level at any given moment.
2Illumination intensity
If drones are positioned closer together to improve communication, then signal strength increases, but interference with other communications links increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different drones to operate with different transmission power levels based on their local conditions. Each drone's transmission power is optimized according to its specific position, distance to receiving drones, and local interference environment. This localized optimization allows drones closer together to maintain sufficient signal strength for their specific link while not necessarily maximizing interference for all other links, as each drone adapts to its local context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes transmission power parameters based on real-time network conditions. When drones are positioned closer together, the system adjusts the transmission power parameter downward to prevent excessive interference, while still maintaining adequate signal strength for reliable communication. This parameter adjustment is done continuously based on measured signal quality and interference levels, resolving the contradiction between signal strength and interference.
3Use of energy by moving object
If drones remain stationary to conserve energy, then energy consumption decreases, but operational versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having drones perform movement and position adjustment only when necessary to optimize network performance or respond to task requirements, rather than continuous movement. Drones can remain stationary for extended periods to conserve energy, periodically adjusting their positions when communication optimization or task execution requires it. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by balancing energy conservation with operational versatility through timed, purposeful movement.
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
This approach enhances operational capabilities and improves data transmission security by conserving energy and extending the service life of the swarm while maintaining effective communication within the defined physical space.
Implementation Method 1
a laser communication system to transmit signals
Implementation Method 2
excess power collected and stored by closer drones
Data Source
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AI summary
A drone network including a first drone including a first receiver, a first transmitter, and a first processor, and a second drone positionable at a distance from the first drone. The second drone includes a second receiver, a second transmitter, and a second processor. The first transmitter is configured to emit a signal towards the second drone for reception at the second receiver, and the second processor is configured to determine a minimum signal power for the signal to be processed at the second drone. The second transmitter is configured to emit a return signal towards the first drone for reception at the first receiver. The return signal contains minimum signal power data as determined by the second processor, and the first processor is configured to modulate the power of signals to be emitted towards the second drone from the first transmitter based on the minimum signal power data.