Drone-Based Wireless Signal Relay for Moving Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network solutions fail to adaptively extend signal coverage as wireless devices move or change locations, leading to persistent weak or lost signal issues due to factors like interference and network congestion.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of drones equipped with signal extenders that can navigate and adjust their position to maintain wireless communication links, using a drone controller to determine target locations and activate/deactivate signal extenders based on signal strength and user authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed signal extenders are deployed, then signal coverage is improved at specific locations, but the system cannot adapt to moving devices or changing environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static signal extender into a dynamic system by mounting it on a drone that can autonomously navigate to different locations. The drone receives real-time location data from wireless devices and adjusts its position accordingly, allowing the signal extension capability to move with the user rather than remaining fixed at one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated drone deployment and navigation. The controller automatically determines when signal assistance is needed based on device location and signal strength metrics, then autonomously deploys the drone to the appropriate location without requiring manual user intervention for each deployment decision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If drones are deployed to extend signal coverage, then adaptability to moving devices is improved, but device complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drone is designed as a multi-functional platform that combines signal extension capabilities with autonomous navigation and positioning systems. Rather than creating separate systems for signal extension and drone control, the invention integrates these functions into a single unified platform, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of drone operations. It receives simple input parameters (device location, signal strength thresholds) and translates them into complex drone navigation and deployment commands, shielding the user from the operational complexity while enabling adaptive signal extension.
3Reliability
If real-time drone deployment is implemented, then continuous connectivity is maintained, but response time and operational delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning or pre-charging drones at strategic locations before they are needed. The controller can maintain a fleet of drones in standby mode or pre-deploy them to anticipated high-demand areas based on historical usage patterns or predicted user movement, reducing the actual deployment time when signal assistance is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of wireless device locations and signal strength conditions. This real-time feedback enables the controller to detect when signal degradation occurs and immediately trigger drone deployment, minimizing the time gap between signal loss detection and restoration of connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Based on electronic communication received from a wireless device or from an access point, it is determined that a wireless signal relay is needed between the wireless device and the access point. In response to the determination, a drone is deployed between the wireless device and the access point to relay wireless signals between the wireless device and the access point. The deployed drone measures a first strength of a first wireless signal received from the wireless device or measures a second strength of a second wireless signal received from the access point. Based on the measurements, it is determined that the wireless device has moved relative to the access point after the drone has been deployed. In response to the determining that the wireless device has moved, the location of the drone is adjusted to maintain the first strength or the second strength above a predetermined level.