RF Obstacle Avoidance Using Cellular Access Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for determining the location of aerial vehicles, such as drones, indoors or in areas with reflective surfaces, are unreliable due to signal distortion and require additional equipment and processing systems, increasing cost and weight.
Innovation Solution
The method uses radio-frequency signals from cellular network access points to determine the geographical location of aerial vehicles and navigate them to avoid obstacles or restricted zones, eliminating the need for on-board measurement devices and backend systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional location determination methods (lasers, satellite signals) are used, then location information can be obtained, but the aerial vehicle requires additional on-board measurement devices and processing systems, increasing cost and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cellular network access points as intermediary elements to determine the aerial vehicle's location. Instead of relying on dedicated on-board measurement devices, the system leverages existing cellular infrastructure (access points with known locations) to provide location information through signal detection and triangulation algorithms executed by the network side.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the cellular network's existing infrastructure and resources to provide location determination services. The network operators' equipment (access points, backend systems) performs the measurement and calculation functions that would otherwise require dedicated on-board devices, allowing the aerial vehicle to leverage the network's self-existing capabilities.
2Reliability
If traditional location determination methods are used, then location information can be obtained, but reliability decreases in indoor or reflective terrain environments due to signal distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional optical/mechanical location determination methods (lasers, satellite signals) with radio-frequency based cellular network signaling. RF signals from cellular access points are less susceptible to distortion from reflective surfaces and can penetrate indoor environments, providing more reliable location determination in challenging conditions.
3Measurement precision
If traditional location determination methods are used, then location information can be obtained, but cost and weight of aerial vehicles increase due to additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location determination functionality from the aerial vehicle itself and relocates it to the cellular network infrastructure. The measurement and calculation functions are performed by the network operators' equipment rather than on-board devices, eliminating the need for additional weight-carrying equipment on the aerial vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular network access points serve multiple functions: providing communication services and simultaneously enabling location determination. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated location determination equipment, reducing the aerial vehicle's weight and cost requirements.
4Measurement precision
If traditional location determination methods are used, then location information can be obtained, but backend systems are required which increase cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the cellular network operators' existing backend infrastructure to perform location calculations. Instead of requiring separate dedicated backend systems for location determination, the patent utilizes the network's existing computational resources and databases (access point location information, signal processing capabilities) to provide location services.
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 provides accurate and cost-effective location determination and obstacle avoidance for aerial vehicles, improving navigation reliability in challenging environments without the need for additional equipment or complex processing systems.
Implementation Method 1
detecting radio-frequency signals received by the antenna. Each radio-frequency signal may be emitted by an access point of a cellular network
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving, from an aerial vehicle, information related to a plurality of radio-frequency signals detected by the aerial vehicle, and identifying access points that transmitted at least one of the plurality of radio-frequency signals based on at least the information. The method also includes determining a first geographical location of the aerial vehicle based on at least the information and locations associated with the access points and identifying a second geographical location, the second geographical location associated with at least one of an obstacle or a restricted zone. The method also includes controlling a navigation of the aerial vehicle based on at least the first geographical location and the second geographical location.