Small Cell Site Modeling for Remote Survey and Installation Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for telecommunications site planning and maintenance, particularly for small cells, are hazardous and costly due to the need for frequent tower climbs, leading to service disruptions and inefficiencies in design and installation processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and satellite data capture for 3D modeling and augmented reality systems to coordinate, prepare, and implement small cell installations without physical testing, reducing the need for tower climbs and enhancing data accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tower climb methods are used for small cell installation and maintenance, then workers can directly access and perform tasks on cell towers, but this leads to safety hazards, increased costs, and service disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 3D digital models as virtual copies of physical cell towers and small cells. These digital replicas allow workers to perform inspections, plan installations, and conduct maintenance virtually, eliminating the need for dangerous tower climbs while maintaining full operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical mechanical access (tower climbing) with optical and digital systems. UAVs equipped with cameras and sensors capture data, which is then processed into 3D models, substituting the mechanical act of climbing with remote digital visualization and analysis.
2Manufacturing precision
If physical testing and on-site verification are performed for small cell implementations, then installation accuracy can be confirmed, but this increases time consumption and requires additional tower climbs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs virtual testing and verification using 3D digital models before physical installation. The system allows stakeholders to review, approve, and validate small cell placements in the virtual environment, ensuring installation accuracy is confirmed beforehand without requiring repeated on-site adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates accurate 3D digital copies of the physical environment and uses these models for virtual verification. This digital replication allows for precise measurement and validation of installation parameters without physical testing, maintaining accuracy while reducing time consumption.
3Reliability
If multiple stakeholders are involved in small cell implementation review, then comprehensive vetting can be performed, but this increases coordination complexity and time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal 3D digital model that serves as a common platform for all stakeholders. This single digital representation can be accessed, analyzed, and approved by multiple parties simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate review processes and reducing coordination complexity while maintaining comprehensive vetting quality.
4Measurement precision
If traditional site survey and planning methods are used, then physical measurements can be taken, but this requires tower climbs and reduces data accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual physical measurement with automated UAV-based data capture and photogrammetry processing. Drones equipped with cameras and sensors fly around the site to capture images and measurements, which are then automatically processed into accurate 3D models, eliminating the need for workers to physically climb towers while improving measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for constructing and implementing a small cell is disclosed herein. The method includes capturing data and developing a model of the small cell; obtaining and validating a bill of materials for the small cell; identifying type, quantity, and location of materials for acquisition; coordinating utilities for the small cell with utility providers; and developing a project plan for the small cell and including with the model.