UAV Relay Communication for Agricultural Machine Signal Obstacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems for agricultural machines face challenges in ensuring reliable communication between the machine and an information terminal, particularly due to signal strength issues and obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that utilizes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a communicator to relay information between an information terminal and an agricultural machine, allowing the UAV to move to optimal positions based on signal strength to enhance communication reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct communication is used between the information terminal and the agricultural machine, then the communication system is simple, but the communication reliability deteriorates due to signal strength issues and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay device (unmanned aerial vehicle or base relay device) as an intermediary to forward communication signals between the information terminal and the agricultural machine. This mediator extends the communication range and improves reliability by establishing alternative signal paths that bypass physical obstacles and terrain limitations, directly resolving the contradiction between simple direct communication and reliable communication.
2Reliability
If the unmanned aerial vehicle moves to optimal positions based on signal strength, then the communication reliability improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic positioning of the unmanned aerial vehicle relay device based on real-time signal strength measurements. The system continuously monitors communication quality and adjusts the UAV's position to optimize signal transmission, transforming a static communication system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing environmental conditions, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the agricultural machine and information terminal measure signal strength and communicate this information to the relay device controller. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the UAV's position or selects optimal relay paths, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains communication reliability without requiring complex manual intervention.
3Area of stationary object
If relay communication through UAV is used, then the communication range is extended, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements relay communication only when and where needed, rather than continuously deploying the UAV. The system activates the relay function based on detected communication requirements, such as when direct signal strength falls below a threshold or when specific areas require extended coverage. This partial action approach extends communication range effectively while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from continuous UAV operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system for an agricultural machine includes an information terminal to transmit first information to an agricultural machine, a first communicator provided in or on an unmanned aerial vehicle to receive the first information transmitted from the information terminal, and a second communicator provided in or on the agricultural machine to receive the first information transmitted to the first communicator. The second communicator is operable to transmit second information about the agricultural machine to the first communicator, and the first communicator is operable to transmit the second information to the information terminal.