UAV Beam Pointing and Data Rate Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadband access systems, particularly satellite-based systems, are costly and inefficient for providing internet services to remote and lightly populated areas due to high satellite hardware and launch costs, making it unfeasible to justify deployment in poorer regions.
Innovation Solution
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with antenna subsystems and radio systems that form multiple beams and dynamically adjust transmit power and scheduling to optimize data rates and interference management, allowing for efficient broadband access by forming beams that cover large areas while focusing on specific terminals for higher data rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite systems are deployed to provide broadband access in remote areas, then service coverage is improved, but deployment cost and operational cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, long-lived satellite infrastructure with cheaper, shorter-lived UAV platforms. The UAVs can be deployed at a fraction of satellite cost and can be replaced or repositioned more easily, making broadband access economically viable for remote and lightly populated areas where satellite deployment is not justifiable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UAVs as an intermediary platform between ground-based infrastructure and remote terminals. Instead of directly connecting remote areas to satellites or terrestrial networks, UAVs act as mobile relay nodes that can dynamically position themselves to provide coverage, reducing the need for expensive fixed infrastructure
2Area of stationary object
If multiple beams are formed to cover large areas, then service coverage is improved, but interference between beams increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic beam management where the UAV adjusts beam formation, direction, and activation based on real-time channel conditions and terminal locations. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain large coverage areas while minimizing interference by selectively activating only the necessary beams at any given moment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic beam sweeping and channel estimation procedures where the UAV systematically scans different beam directions and updates channel state information. This periodic action enables the system to identify and avoid interfering beam configurations while maintaining comprehensive coverage over time
3Productivity
If transmit power is increased to improve data rate, then throughput is improved, but interference to other terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by forming focused directional beams that concentrate transmit power precisely at the intended terminal's location. This spatial targeting allows high data rates to be achieved for specific terminals without proportionally increasing interference to other terminals, as the beam energy is localized rather than broadcast omnidirectionally
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback-based power control where the UAV receives channel quality indicators from terminals and adjusts transmit power levels dynamically. This feedback mechanism enables the system to increase power only when and where needed to maintain target data rates, while automatically reducing power when channel conditions are good or when interference to other terminals becomes problematic
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 enables cost-effective broadband access by reducing the need for expensive satellite infrastructure and dynamically managing resources to maximize data throughput and minimize interference, making it viable for underserved regions.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna sub-system including at least one antenna aperture configured to form at least a plurality of beams toward a ground coverage area
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods configured to form and manage different types of beams toward target ground terminals to “optimally” communicate with the terminals. In one set of embodiments, the UAV generates a set of beams to cover cells on the ground, the beams are divided into groups, and the UAV communications system deterministically and sequentially turns a subset of the beams on/off to reduce cross-beam interference and increase system throughput. In another embodiment, in order to increase throughput, the UAV communications system determines the highest data rate on the downlink and uplink that are decodable at the receiver given the received signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) while maintaining a low packet error rate. Systems and methods are described to determine the UAV antenna pattern toward different terminals needed for SINR calculation and data rate determination.