UAV Network Routing With Deep RL Relay and Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The dynamic topology and interference in UAV networks pose challenges for constructing efficient and reliable communication routes, with existing methods struggling to optimize relay selection and power control effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing Deep Q-Learning Network (DQN) and Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) networks to autonomously select next-hop targets and transmission powers based on transmission information, optimizing relay sets and channel capacities within the UAV network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional relay selection methods are used in UAV networks, then the system is easier to implement, but the network capability and transmission quality cannot be optimized effectively due to dynamic topology and interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling UAVs to autonomously select relay nodes and adjust transmission powers through deep reinforcement learning algorithms. Each UAV independently learns optimal routing decisions and power control strategies based on real-time network conditions, eliminating the need for complex centralized control while improving transmission quality and network reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If fixed relay nodes are deployed to ensure stable routing, then the routing stability improves, but the utilization efficiency of UAVs decreases and deployment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting stabilityVSAvoidUAV utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static fixed relay nodes to dynamic relay selection. UAVs continuously adapt relay choices based on real-time network topology and interference conditions through deep reinforcement learning. This dynamic approach maintains routing stability while maximizing UAV utilization efficiency, as any UAV can serve as a relay when needed rather than relying on pre-designated fixed relays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If manual power control is used to manage transmission powers, then the power control precision can be maintained, but the response time to network changes increases and operational complexity rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower control precisionVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UAVs continuously monitor network conditions including channel states, interference levels, and transmission quality metrics. The deep reinforcement learning algorithms process this feedback in real-time and automatically adjust transmission powers to maintain optimal performance. This closed-loop feedback system achieves both precise power control and rapid response to network changes, eliminating the delays associated with manual power control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Speed

If simple routing protocols are used to reduce computational overhead, then the processing speed increases, but the ability to handle dynamic topology and interference deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidadaptability to dynamic conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-training deep reinforcement learning models offline using simulated UAV network environments. The algorithms learn optimal routing and power control strategies in advance through extensive training before deployment. During actual operation, the pre-trained models make rapid decisions by evaluating current conditions against learned patterns, achieving both fast processing speed and high adaptability to dynamic topology and interference without real-time computational overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11129082B2Method of route construction of UAV network, UAV and storage medium thereof
Publication Date: 2021.09.21 BEIJING UNIV OF POSTS & TELECOMM
  • US11129082B2 patent drawing
  • US11129082B2 patent drawing
  • US11129082B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of route construction of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) network includes: obtaining transmission information of the UAV network; determining a relay set from the UAV network based on the transmission information; wherein, the relay set includes at least one UAV; determining environment state parameters according to the transmission information and the information of the relay set; inputting the environment state parameters into a Deep Q-Learning network (DQN) to obtain an accumulated reward corresponding to each UAV; and selecting a UAV with the largest accumulated reward as a target UAV. This disclosure also discloses a UAV and computer readable storage medium that can be used to construct routes for a UAV network.