UAV Carrier Signal Mapping for 3D Cellular Coverage at Altitude

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cellular networks face performance issues at altitudes due to interference from ground objects and geographic conditions, which affect signal transmission and connectivity for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), leading to suboptimal network coverage and navigation challenges.

Innovation Solution

UAVs equipped with specialized antennas and sensors travel predefined flight paths to collect cellular network information, including signal diagnostics and interference data, which is transmitted to processing entities to create three-dimensional maps of network performance, enabling optimization of base station configurations and signal propagation planning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If UAVs operate at higher altitudes, then accessibility to dangerous areas and operational flexibility is improved, but signal interference from multiple base stations and ground objects increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibility for UAVsVSAvoidsignal interference at altitude

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously collecting signal quality data from UAVs at various altitudes and using this information to identify interference patterns. The system processes aerial-collected data to determine optimal base station configurations that minimize interference for high-altitude operations, creating a closed-loop optimization system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mapping signal interference patterns at different altitudes before UAV operations. The system collects and analyzes signal data across the operational airspace in advance, creating 3D interference maps that enable proactive interference management and route planning for UAV missions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If traditional two-dimensional network mapping is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but accuracy of network performance assessment for aerial devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork mapping complexityVSAvoidnetwork performance measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing three-dimensional network mapping that incorporates altitude as the third dimension. The system collects signal data at multiple elevation levels and processes it into 3D performance maps, achieving accurate aerial device assessment while managing complexity through systematic data collection and processing methodologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12172535B2Unmanned aerial vehicle drive testing and mapping of carrier signals

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Unmanned aerial vehicle drive testing and mapping of carrier signals is disclosed. An example method may include determining that an unmanned aerial vehicle is travelling on a flight route at an altitude for determination of network performance of a cellular network. The method may further include determining, using an antenna, signal diagnostics of the cellular network during travel of the unmanned aerial vehicle on the flight route. The method may conclude with transmitting the signal diagnostics of the cellular network to a service provider.