UAV Mobility Management in 5G IoT Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in mobile communication networks face challenges due to unnecessary control signals and communication quality degradation, leading to potential loss of control or service failures, especially when UAVs operate in areas with varying communication quality or near populated regions.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus are developed to optimize control signals and communication in UAVs by using a mobile communication system that includes a network configuration to minimize control signals, provide real-time network configuration updates, and ensure continuous communication, while avoiding areas that may affect other network users or cause interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If UAVs operate in mobile communication networks using conventional control methods, then basic communication is established, but control signals become unnecessary and communication quality degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes unnecessary control signals from the communication system. By identifying and eliminating redundant signaling between the UAV and network infrastructure, the system reduces communication overhead and improves quality while maintaining essential control functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of communication parameters based on UAV flight conditions, location, and network status. This allows the system to optimize control signal transmission in real-time, maintaining reliability while reducing unnecessary communications that degrade overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If UAVs operate near populated regions or in areas with varying communication quality, then service coverage is expanded, but control loss and service failures increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice coverageVSAvoidcontrol stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary registration and authentication procedures where UAVs register with the network before operation and receive pre-configured communication parameters. This preliminary setup ensures reliable control connections are established before the UAV enters areas with varying communication quality, preventing control loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms where the network monitors UAV location, communication quality, and operational status. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts control parameters, redirects communications through optimal paths, or alerts operators of potential control issues before they result in service failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If network configuration is optimized for UAV operations, then communication quality improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidnetwork configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal registration and configuration framework that handles multiple UAV types, flight scenarios, and network conditions through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional approach improves communication quality across diverse operations without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same core mechanisms serve multiple purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4014525B1Mobility management of unmanned aerial vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4014525B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4014525B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4014525B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication method and system for converging a 5th generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. In consideration of the communication characteristics of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a technology that considers UE mobility restrictions and registration areas in a mobile communication network in consideration of the flight mission and route of the UE in order to efficiently support communication services with the UAV is provided.