Drone Energy-Aware Routing for Reliable Li-Fi Data Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies like Li-Fi face challenges in maintaining continuous communication due to topographical constraints and physical obstructions, necessitating a reliable backup communication method for data transmission from remotely located devices without network infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a drone-based data collection system that switches between Li-Fi and Wi-Fi communication protocols, using drones to establish a stable connection with devices and then transmit data to a cloud platform via network infrastructure, while making decisions on whether to proceed to a destination or recharge based on energy and environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If Li-Fi communication is used for data transmission, then data transmission speed is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to topographical constraints and physical obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drone as an intermediary communication node between remotely located devices and the cloud platform. The drone establishes wireless connections with devices in areas without network infrastructure and transmits collected data to the cloud, serving as a mobile relay that overcomes the limitations of both Li-Fi (line-of-sight requirements) and traditional Wi-Fi (infrastructure dependence).
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different communication protocols (Li-Fi and Wi-Fi) based on environmental conditions and availability. The drone adapts its communication method in real-time, using Li-Fi when line-of-sight is available for high-speed transmission and Wi-Fi when infrastructure is accessible, thereby maintaining both speed and reliability.
2Reliability
If drones are deployed for data collection in areas without network infrastructure, then data transmission capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates energy monitoring and decision-making mechanisms that continuously assess the drone's battery status, environmental conditions, and task progress. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether to continue data collection, return to charge, or switch communication methods, optimizing energy usage while maintaining data transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of energy requirements and environmental conditions before initiating drone deployment. By evaluating factors such as distance to destination, battery capacity, and expected data transmission needs in advance, the system can make informed decisions about mission feasibility and charging requirements, preventing energy depletion during critical operations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If environmental factors are considered for energy-efficient routing, then energy consumption is reduced, but decision-making complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decision-making system is segmented into modular components: environmental factor sensors, energy consumption models, route optimization algorithms, and communication protocol selectors. Each module handles specific aspects of the decision process independently, reducing overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive energy-efficient routing based on multiple environmental factors.
Data Source
AI summary
A system can determine a group of samples that identifies respective trips underwent by a group of drones, wherein respective samples of the group of samples identify respective distances traveled for the respective trips, respective amounts of energy consumption applicable to the respective trips, and respective environmental factors present during the respective trips. The system can determine whether there is sufficient electrical energy to undergo a current trip to a destination, based on the group of samples and prevailing environmental conditions, to produce a result, in response to the result being indicative that there is sufficient electrical energy to undergo the current trip, travel to the destination, and in response to the result being indicative that there is insufficient electrical energy to undergo the current trip, travel to a charging station.