Optical Wireless Link Connectivity Management for Aerial Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing and maintaining long-range, high-throughput optical wireless communications is challenging due to the need for line-of-sight connectivity, which is disrupted by external light sources and weather conditions, especially in outdoor environments like the stratosphere where conventional technologies face interference and noise.
Innovation Solution
A connectivity management system that uses aerial vehicles equipped with optical wireless communication nodes to manage and maintain connectivity by obtaining real-time data on the status of optical wireless links, adjusting transmitter and receiver poses, and directing changes in flight paths to ensure reliable data transmission over long distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical wireless communication is used for long-range communication, then communication throughput is improved, but line-of-sight connectivity is disrupted by external light sources and weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pose adjustment of optical transmitters and receivers mounted on aerial vehicles. The system continuously monitors connectivity status and adjusts the orientation and position of communication equipment in real-time to maintain optimal line-of-sight connections despite movement and environmental disruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where connectivity status is continuously obtained and monitored. Based on this feedback, the system automatically performs connectivity management operations including adjusting poses of transmitters and receivers, and modifying flight paths to restore and maintain reliable optical communication links
2Reliability
If connectivity management operations are performed to maintain line-of-sight connectivity, then reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the optical communication system automatically monitors its own connectivity status and performs corrective actions without external intervention. The system autonomously adjusts transmitter and receiver poses and coordinates flight path changes to maintain connectivity, reducing the need for manual management
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions into a unified connectivity management framework that combines connectivity monitoring, pose adjustment control, and flight path coordination. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into an integrated solution
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
Facilitates high-speed, high-throughput data communications by maintaining and improving connectivity over long distances, reducing interference from external sources and weather conditions, and providing a reliable alternative to conventional wireless and wired backhaul technologies.
Implementation Method 1
optical wireless communications, such as visual light communication (VLC), Li-Fi, and other free-space optics, use light to carry optical wireless signals between a source and a receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative system obtains connectivity data for an optical wireless communication link between an optical wireless signal transmitter implemented on a first in-flight aerial vehicle and an optical wireless signal receiver implemented on a second in-flight aerial vehicle, determines, based on the connectivity data, a status of the optical wireless communication link, and performs, based on the status of the optical wireless communication link, a connectivity management operation configured to facilitate connectivity of the optical wireless signal receiver with the optical wireless signal transmitter by way of the optical wireless communication link. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.