UAS Discovery in 3GPP Networks via UAV Controller Relay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 3GPP networks, face challenges in enabling reliable communication and command control for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) over long distances and in scenarios requiring low latency and high throughput, such as remote inspection services, due to issues with UAS discovery, network-assisted operation, and identification of UAS via UAV controllers without 3GPP credentials.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of network-assisted UAS discovery and operation protocols within 3GPP systems, including direct and network-assisted UAS discovery, and UAS identification via UAV controllers as relay UE, to establish low-latency and high-throughput connections for command and control communications, ensuring reliable UAS operation and real-time video transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If UAS operates over long distances in 3GPP networks, then coverage area is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to discovery and identification challenges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a UAV controller as an intermediary device that possesses 3GPP credentials and acts as a relay between the UAS and the cellular network. This mediator enables the UAS to access network services without directly managing credentials, thereby maintaining communication reliability over long distances through proper authentication and identification mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If network-assisted UAS discovery is implemented, then UAS identification accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUAS identification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the UAV controller autonomously performs registration with the network and manages its own credentials. The UAS automatically discovers and associates with the UAV controller through network-assisted discovery procedures, reducing the need for complex manual configuration while maintaining high identification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If low-latency connections are established for command and control, then response time is improved, but network resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments communication traffic into different types (command and control versus data transmission) and applies appropriate QoS parameters to each. Critical command and control signals receive prioritized treatment with lower latency requirements, while less time-sensitive data traffic consumes network resources without impacting real-time control performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11832104B2Systems and methods for using unmanned aerial systems in cellular networks

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 APPLE INC

AI summary

Systems and methods provide for provisioning services for an unmanned aerial system (UAS) in a 3GPP network, enabling communication for command and control in 5G systems, and enabling UAS service for identification and operation in a 3GPP system.