UAV-Based 3D Modeling for Passive Intermodulation Mitigation Audits

Solution Overview

Problem

Passive Intermodulation (PIM) issues in cellular networks cause interference, reducing receive sensitivity and blocking calls, and existing on-site testing methods for cell towers are costly, time-consuming, and dangerous due to the need for physical climbs, which is impractical for the large number of cell towers in the United States.

Innovation Solution

A PIM mitigation audit is performed using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and satellite data capture to create a 3D model of cell sites, allowing for remote, automated, and safe assessment of PIM risks without the need for physical tower climbs, utilizing a telescoping apparatus and augmented reality systems for data capture and site modeling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If physical on-site testing is performed for PIM issues, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and loss of energy increase due to the need for tower climbs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePIM measurement accuracyVSAvoidTime required for testing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the cell site environment using 3D modeling and simulation. Instead of physically climbing towers to measure PIM, the system generates a digital replica of the cell site geometry, antenna configurations, and surrounding environment. This virtual model can be repeatedly tested and measured without the time and safety costs of physical access, while maintaining measurement precision through accurate geometric and electromagnetic modeling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical tower climbs and on-site instrumentation with an electromagnetic simulation system. The PIM measurement process is substituted from manual physical testing to automated electromagnetic field simulation using software tools, eliminating the need for human workers to access hazardous heights while maintaining measurement capability through computational methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If physical tower climbs are conducted for PIM testing, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to safety risks and service disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePIM measurement accuracyVSAvoidSafety risks and service disruptions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the cell site environment using 3D modeling and simulation. Instead of physically climbing towers to measure PIM, the system generates a digital replica of the cell site geometry, antenna configurations, and surrounding environment. This virtual model can be repeatedly tested and measured without the time and safety costs of physical access, while maintaining measurement precision through accurate geometric and electromagnetic modeling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary virtual simulation environment between the PIM measurement goal and the physical cell site. This intermediary layer allows measurements to be performed on a digital copy rather than directly at the hazardous physical location, eliminating the need for workers to expose themselves to safety risks while still obtaining accurate PIM data through the simulated electromagnetic field interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If automated remote auditing is implemented, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate without physical on-site testing

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTime required for auditingVSAvoidPIM measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical tower climbs and on-site instrumentation with an electromagnetic simulation system. The PIM measurement process is substituted from manual physical testing to automated electromagnetic field simulation using software tools, eliminating the need for human workers to access hazardous heights while maintaining measurement capability through computational methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the measurement system from physical dimensions (worker height, tower access points, on-site instrument placement) to electromagnetic parameters (frequency, power levels, antenna radiation patterns). This parameter transformation enables automated remote auditing while maintaining precision, as the simulation can accurately model electromagnetic field interactions and PIM effects without requiring physical presence at the site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10827363B2Systems and methods for performing a passive intermodulation mitigation audit at a wireless site

Publication Date: 2020.11.03 ETAK SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods include obtaining data capture at a cell site utilizing any of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), a satellite, a multiple camera apparatus, a telescoping apparatus, and a camera; creating a model of the cell site based on the data capture; processing the model to perform a plurality of measurements; utilizing the plurality of measurements to identify potential Passive Intermodulation (PIM) issues at the cell site; and displaying the identified PIM issues for mitigation thereof.