Mediation Entity for Uninterrupted Drone Connectivity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for connecting moving devices, such as drones, to communication networks are inadequate, as they often rely on generic roaming offerings that do not guarantee continuous connectivity, especially in areas with limited coverage or specific flight paths.

Innovation Solution

A method for managing an uninterrupted connection of a moving device to a communication network, implemented by a mediation entity that communicates with multiple operators, determines specific connection offerings based on device movement and communication features, and transmits propositions to attachment entities such as cellular network access points or Wi-Fi access points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If generic roaming offerings are used to connect moving devices to communication networks, then device connectivity is provided, but continuous connectivity cannot be guaranteed and coverage limitations occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous connectivityVSAvoidcoverage adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by determining the movement trajectory of the device and pre-selecting appropriate attachment entities (network nodes) along the path before the device actually moves. This allows the system to establish connectivity in advance for specific locations and time periods, ensuring continuous coverage without relying on generic roaming agreements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by tailoring the connection offering to specific local conditions along the movement path. Instead of using uniform roaming packages, the system selects attachment entities based on local coverage characteristics, signal quality, and geographical constraints, creating customized connectivity solutions for each segment of the trajectory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If a single network operator provides coverage over a wide territory, then connectivity is simplified, but adequate coverage cannot be ensured across the entire area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connection managementVSAvoidcoverage reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the wide territory into multiple smaller coverage zones, each served by different attachment entities. The movement trajectory is divided into segments, and each segment is assigned to an appropriate attachment entity based on local coverage capabilities. This segmentation allows multiple operators to contribute to overall coverage while maintaining simple device-side management through the mediation entity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If roaming solutions are used to ensure connectivity throughout the flight, then coverage is extended, but connection continuity cannot be guaranteed at all locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeographical coverage areaVSAvoidconnection continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the actual position and signal quality of the moving device and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the connection offering. If the device deviates from the expected trajectory or encounters signal degradation, the system can re-select attachment entities to maintain continuous connectivity, ensuring reliability throughout the extended geographical area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing roaming bundles are adapted for drone flights, then connectivity options increase, but the bundles become overloaded and cannot manage specific location and duration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity optionsVSAvoidbundle management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential functionality needed for drone connectivity from overloaded generic roaming bundles. Instead of trying to adapt comprehensive business subscriptions, the system extracts only the necessary connection parameters (location, duration, signal quality requirements) and creates minimal, targeted connection offerings tailored specifically to each flight mission, significantly reducing management complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12284692B2Method for managing an uninterrupted connection of a moving device

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 ORANGE SA

AI summary

A method for managing an uninterrupted connection of a moving device to at least one attachment entity of at least one operator of a communication network. The method is implemented by a mediation entity capable of communicating with the at least one attachment entity. The method includes receiving a connection request comprising an identifier of the device and information relating to the movement of the device; determining at least one offer of connection to the at least one attachment entity on the basis of a communication feature, with the transmission of a proposal including the at least one determined connection offer. Determining, by the mediation entity, the connection of the device before its movement enables the movement of the device to be correlated with its connection and enables information relating to the operator or else to the mediation entity not to be disclosed.