SMS-Based UAV Surveillance Requests for Rural Farmers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV surveillance services are inaccessible to farmers in developing countries or rural communities due to the lack of high-speed communication networks and smartphones, excluding them from on-demand UAV-based agricultural services.
Innovation Solution
A SMS-based UAV service request system integrated with a flight control and unmanned traffic management system, allowing users to request UAV services using non-smartphone devices, and enabling operators to manage flights and monitor progress through a centralized platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If smartphone-based UAV service request systems are used, then service functionality and automation are improved, but accessibility to farmers in developing countries is reduced due to lack of smartphones and high-speed network connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an SMS message as an intermediary communication medium between farmers and the UAV service platform. Instead of requiring farmers to directly use smartphones or web browsers, the system uses SMS messages (which can be sent from basic feature phones) as the interface for service requests. The server receives SMS requests, processes them, and communicates back through SMS or automated voice calls, bridging the gap between limited user devices and the automated platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to accept service requests from multiple types of devices through a universal interface. The server can process requests from SMS messages, automated voice calls, smartphone apps, and web portals, all through the same backend processing system. This multi-functional approach allows the same UAV service platform to serve both farmers with basic phones and those with smartphones, eliminating device-specific barriers.
2Reliability
If high-speed data network connectivity is required for UAV service requests, then service reliability and data transmission speed are improved, but accessibility to rural and developing areas is reduced due to limited network infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
SMS messages serve as an intermediary that works over basic cellular networks rather than requiring high-speed data connections. The system processes service requests through SMS protocols that function reliably on standard cellular infrastructure, which is more widely available in rural and developing areas. This intermediary approach allows the system to operate in regions where only basic cellular service is available, not requiring Wi-Fi or 4G/5G connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the requirement for mechanical/data network infrastructure (high-speed internet connections, web browsers, app interfaces) with a simpler communication mechanism based on SMS text messaging. This substitution allows the service to function over basic cellular text messaging protocols rather than requiring sophisticated data transmission infrastructure, thereby expanding geographic accessibility while maintaining core service functionality.
3Productivity
If automated voice call systems are used for operator notification, then response time and service speed are improved, but system complexity and communication costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated voice call system is self-service in that it automatically notifies operators of new service requests without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously initiates voice calls to operators, provides them with request details, and can even facilitate acceptance or rejection of requests. This automation eliminates the need for manual operator notification while maintaining system simplicity through standardized communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated voice call system incorporates feedback mechanisms where operators can respond to service requests directly through the voice call interface. The system provides real-time feedback to operators about new requests, and operators can provide feedback about their availability and acceptance status. This bidirectional feedback loop enables rapid response times while keeping the system manageable through structured communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving from a user an SMS message request for a UAV-based agricultural service; in response to receiving the SMS message request, transmitting to the user one or more prompts with predefined response options; generating a UAV-based agricultural service work request based on responses from the user to the prompts that comprise selections of predefined responses; transmitting automated voice calls to a plurality of UAV operators requesting acceptance of the UAV-based agricultural service work request; in response to receiving an acceptance from an accepting UAV operator during a voice call, transmitting a one-time password to the accepting UAV operator; receiving an access request from the accepting UAV operator comprising the one-time password; and in accordance with a successful authentication based on the one-time password, associating the UAV-based agricultural service work request with the pre-establish account associated with the accepting UAV operator.