Spatial Router Dynamic Queue Management for Drone Internet Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for providing internet connectivity to remote areas, such as those proposed by SpaceX, OneWeb, Facebook, and Google, are costly and inefficient, as they rely on high-altitude satellites or drones, which require high-power components and are not suitable for real-time or near-real-time communication needs in diverse fields like smart grids, agriculture, and national security.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing low-flying drones equipped with spatial routers that communicate with a network of satellites, including GEO and LEO satellites, to provide internet connectivity, using a store-and-forward mode and dynamic queue management to optimize data transmission based on satellite availability and priority, thereby reducing costs and enhancing real-time capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If high-altitude satellites or drones are used to provide internet connectivity, then coverage area is increased, but power consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the coverage area into multiple zones served by different low-flying drones, each covering a localized region. This allows each drone to operate at lower altitude with reduced power consumption while collectively providing broad coverage through coordinated operation of multiple units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from high-altitude three-dimensional satellite coverage to low-altitude drone operations that can dynamically adjust their position and altitude. This dimensional flexibility allows drones to optimize their flight path and altitude for minimal power consumption while maintaining coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If high-altitude satellites are used, then infrastructure cost increases, but real-time communication capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure costVSAvoidcommunication delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic queue management that adapts to changing satellite availability and communication conditions in real-time. Queues are dynamically created, modified, and serviced based on current operational status, enabling the system to respond quickly to changing conditions and maintain real-time communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Data is pre-processed and queued at the low-flying drone before satellite transmission is required. This preliminary action at the edge device reduces the need for complex real-time processing during satellite communication windows, thereby reducing overall communication delay and enabling faster data transmission when satellite links are available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If low-flying drones are used, then power consumption is reduced, but coverage area decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcoverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Each low-flying drone is equipped with a spatial router that provides multiple functions: local data processing, queue management, satellite communication interface, and wireless connectivity to ground devices. This multi-functionality allows a single drone to serve multiple purposes, effectively increasing coverage capability without requiring additional high-power components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the spatial router with the drone platform, integrating satellite communication capabilities, local data processing, and wireless networking into a single unified system. This merging allows the drone to provide comprehensive internet connectivity services while operating at low altitude with reduced power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If dynamic queue management is implemented, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The queue management system dynamically changes parameters such as queue priority, transmission timing, and satellite selection based on real-time conditions. By adjusting these parameters adaptively, the system optimizes data transmission efficiency without requiring fundamentally complex architectural changes, maintaining relatively simple system structure while achieving high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10742309B2Spatial router with dynamic queues

Publication Date: 2020.08.11 HIGHER GROUND LLC

AI summary

Fifty seven percent of the world's population, some 4.2 billion people, reside in places without internet access. Consequently, these areas also have no or limited infrastructure to deploy Internet of Things (IoT) devices/sensors. Numerous companies are racing to fill this communication gap and provide internet not only to those without internet but to also improve and provide additional options to those with internet access. One exemplary aspect is capable of providing a technically unique lower-cost solution for internet connectivity, and in particular for applications requiring real-time and/or near-real-time connectivity.