UAV Network Selection Platform for Reliable Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV systems face challenges in safely traversing flight paths due to limitations in network connectivity, security, and cost efficiency, particularly in rural or remote areas where traditional networks may be unavailable or unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A platform that enables UAVs to seamlessly connect with various networks, such as wireless and satellite networks, by determining network requirements and selecting the most suitable network based on scores assigned to different networks, ensuring continuous communication and reducing the need for handoffs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional networks are used for UAV communication, then connectivity is available in urban areas, but reliability deteriorates in rural or remote areas where networks are unavailable or unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables UAVs to communicate across multiple network types (terrestrial cellular networks and satellite networks) through a unified communication interface. The communication module can seamlessly switch between different network infrastructures, making the communication system universal and adaptable to various geographic environments from urban to remote rural areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication module as an intermediary between the UAV and multiple network infrastructures. This mediator manages network selection, handoff, and connectivity, allowing the UAV to access both terrestrial and satellite networks through a single integrated interface, thereby improving reliability across different geographic regions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple networks are available for UAV communication, then connectivity options increase, but device complexity increases due to network selection and handoff management
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module autonomously performs network selection and handoff management based on pre-established criteria such as signal strength, network availability, and mission requirements. The system self-manages the complexity of multiple network connections without requiring external intervention, thereby providing versatile connectivity options while keeping the operational complexity manageable.
3Reliability
If network handoffs are frequent during UAV traversal, then connectivity is maintained across different networks, but loss of time occurs due to handoff transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary network assessment and pre-establishes connectivity options before the UAV enters handoff zones. By anticipating upcoming network transitions and preparing handoff sequences in advance, the system minimizes actual handoff execution time and maintains continuous connectivity with reduced time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication module maintains continuous useful communication action by overlapping network connections during transition zones. The system keeps the UAV connected to at least one network throughout the handoff process, ensuring uninterrupted data transmission and command reception while minimizing the impact of network transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
A device receives a request for a flight path, for a UAV, from a first location to a second location, and calculates the flight path based on the request for the flight path. The device determines network requirements for the flight path based on the request, and determines scores for multiple networks with coverage areas covering a portion of the flight path. The device selects a particular network, from the multiple networks, based on the network requirements for the flight path and based on the scores for the multiple networks. The device causes a connection with the UAV and the particular network to be established, and generates flight path instructions for the flight path. The device provides, via the connection with the particular network, the flight path instructions to the UAV to permit the UAV to travel from the first location to the second location via the flight path.