Autonomous Drone Data Retrieval for Remote Sensor Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote sensing systems face high costs and inefficiencies due to the need for robust and weatherized transmitters, frequent battery replacements, and labor-intensive data collection methods, particularly in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous drone aircraft system that retrieves sensing data from remote sensors by establishing a communication link using local wireless network radio transceivers, with features like digital authentication, visual recognition, and optional battery replacement, reducing the need for robust transmitters and manual data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio transmitters with robust batteries and weatherized components are used to transmit data from remote sensors, then data transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data transmission function from the remote sensor itself and relocates it to a separate mobile drone platform. The sensor only needs to store data locally with minimal components, while the drone carries the communication transceiver, battery, and weatherized equipment needed for reliable data transmission to the base station.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile drone acts as an intermediary between the remote sensor and the base station. It periodically visits the sensor location to collect stored data and transmit it to the base station, eliminating the need for the sensor to have its own robust transmission infrastructure.
2Duration of action of moving object
If robust rechargeable batteries are used in remote transmitters to avoid frequent service visits, then operational duration is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is extracted from the remote sensor and relocated to the mobile drone. The sensor can use minimal or no battery, while the drone carries the robust rechargeable battery needed for extended operational duration and multiple sensor visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the mobile drone autonomously navigates to sensor locations, collects data, and returns to base without human intervention, maintaining continuous operation through automated periodic visits.
3Ease of operation
If personnel travel to remote sensing units using vehicles for data collection, then ease of operation is improved, but labor costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human-operated vehicles with an autonomous mobile drone system. The drone autonomously navigates to sensor locations using GPS and onboard navigation, eliminating the need for personnel to travel physically to remote sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile drone performs self-service data collection by autonomously navigating to sensor locations, establishing communication links, retrieving stored data, and returning to base without requiring human operators to travel to remote sites.
4Reliability
If weatherized and temperature tolerant transmitter circuitry is used in remote sensors, then reliability in harsh environments is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weatherized transmitter circuitry is extracted from the remote sensor and relocated to the mobile drone platform. The sensor only requires simple data storage components with minimal environmental protection requirements, while the drone carries the robust weatherized equipment needed for reliable operation in harsh conditions.
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 lowers operational costs and enhances efficiency by enabling autonomous data collection and transmission, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements and manual intervention, while maintaining reliable data acquisition in remote areas.
Implementation Method 1
establishing a communication link between the autonomous drone aircraft and the at least one remote sensor using the local wireless network radio transceiver
Implementation Method 2
the at least one remote sensor wakes up a local wireless network radio transceiver in response to sensing the presence of the autonomous drone aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous drone is programed with the geo-location of one or more remote sensors, and the autonomous drone then flies to each of the remote sensors to acquire a most recent sensing data record, and then return to a base where the most recent data record for each remote sensor can be transferred to a computing system. Upon arriving at the location of each remote sensor, the drone causes the remote sensor to activate a local area radio transceiver so that a communication link can be established between the drone and the remote sensor.