Drone Li-Fi Antenna Pre-Orientation for Obstructed Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Li-Fi communication systems face challenges in maintaining continuous data transmission due to topographical constraints and physical obstructions, necessitating a reliable backup communication method, especially for remotely located devices without internet connectivity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a drone system equipped with a dynamic mechanical rotary-based Li-Fi antenna that pre-orientates itself using pre-mapping information to establish a stable Li-Fi connection before reaching the device, switching to Wi-Fi if necessary, and uploading data to a cloud platform via network infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a Li-Fi communication system uses a fixed antenna orientation, then the device structure is simple, but the communication reliability deteriorates due to topographical constraints and physical obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a movable antenna orientation mechanism that can dynamically adjust the antenna direction based on detected obstructions or signal quality metrics. This transforms the static antenna system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing environmental conditions, thereby maintaining communication reliability without requiring complex redundant systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service through automatic antenna orientation adjustment based on feedback from signal quality detection or obstruction detection sensors. The system autonomously reorients the antenna without external intervention, using its own sensing capabilities to identify and respond to communication threats, thus maintaining reliability while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple.
2Device complexity
If the drone waits to establish communication link before data transmission, then the system complexity is low, but the time required for data backup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the drone establish communication links with multiple devices in advance during its navigation path, before actual data transmission is needed. The drone proactively sets up Li-Fi or Wi-Fi connections with anticipated target devices, stores preliminary data or buffering capacity, and prepares communication channels ahead of time, thereby reducing the effective data backup time without requiring complex parallel transmission systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by keeping communication channels open and active during the drone's flight path, rather than establishing connections only when needed. The drone maintains persistent Li-Fi or Wi-Fi links with devices along its route, allowing data transmission to occur continuously or near-continuously as the drone passes by, eliminating connection establishment delays while maintaining a relatively simple sequential system architecture.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the drone uses Li-Fi communication only, then the energy consumption is low, but the adaptability deteriorates when physical obstructions block the light path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by equipping the drone with dual communication capabilities - both Li-Fi for normal operation and Wi-Fi as a backup mode. The system can function in multiple communication modes depending on environmental conditions, making it universally adaptable to different scenarios. The drone switches between Li-Fi and Wi-Fi based on obstruction detection or signal quality, maintaining low energy consumption through preferential use of Li-Fi while gaining adaptability through Wi-Fi fallback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements parameter changes by dynamically switching the communication mode parameter between Li-Fi and Wi-Fi based on environmental conditions. When obstructions are detected or light path quality deteriorates, the system changes the communication parameter from Li-Fi to Wi-Fi, thereby adapting to varying conditions while maintaining relatively low energy consumption through intelligent parameter selection rather than continuously operating both systems at full capacity.
4Reliability
If the antenna orientation is adjusted continuously during navigation, then the communication reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing discrete, periodic antenna orientation adjustments based on detected signal quality thresholds or obstruction events, rather than continuous adjustment. The system monitors communication conditions and reorients the antenna at specific intervals or trigger points, maintaining reliable communication through periodic correction without requiring complex continuous control mechanisms. This approach balances reliability improvement with manageable system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system can maintain mapping information applicable to a physical area that corresponds to a device. The system can physically navigate the system toward the device, wherein the device is configured to emit light-based communications substantially vertically, and wherein the device does not comprise any internet connectivity capability. The system can, while physically navigating the system toward the device and based on the mapping information, adjust a position of the light-based communications antenna relative to another part of the system other than the light-based communications antenna. The system can, after physically navigating the system toward the device, attempt to establish a light-based communications channel with the device. The system can, based on a result of the attempt indicating success in establishing the light-based communications channel with the device, receive data from the device via the light-based communications channel.