Communication Protocols for Long-Range Drone Networks
48 patents in this list
Updated:
In the expanding world of drone networks, seamless communication over long distances is crucial. Drones must reliably transmit data and receive commands while navigating complex environments. This challenge becomes even more pronounced as drones operate beyond the line of sight, where maintaining a stable connection is essential for safety and efficiency.
Professionals face the task of ensuring robust communication protocols that adapt to varying flight dynamics and environmental conditions. The challenge lies in managing interference, optimizing signal strength, and ensuring continuous connectivity across diverse terrains and altitudes.
This page delves into a range of communication strategies, including hybrid networks, multi-band RF systems, and adaptive protocols. These solutions enhance drone network performance by improving signal routing, reducing interference, and ensuring reliable data exchange between drones and ground control stations, even over extended ranges.
1. Hybrid Network Communication System for Drone-Ground Control Integration
AUTOFLIGHT CO LTD, AUTOFLIGHT KUNSHAN CO LTD, 2024
A communication system for drones that enables longer range and wider coverage compared to existing drone communication methods. The system allows the drone to communicate with a ground control module using a combination of local area network (LAN) and public network links. The ground control module sends instructions to the drone over LAN. The drone executes the instructions, generates data, and sends it back over LAN or public network depending on reliability. This allows longer range using the public network while still maintaining local LAN control.
2. Wireless Network-Based Control System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Route Management and Flight Mode Transition
LIU KANGQI, QUALCOMM INC, WEI CHAO, 2024
Enabling controlled and regulated flight operations for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using wireless networks. The network can plan and manage UAV routes, transition between manual and network-controlled flight modes, and override manual control in emergencies. The network can send route instructions to UAVs and take over control if needed. This allows coordinated and safe UAV operations in congested airspace.
3. Ground-Based Line-of-Sight Communication and Internetworking System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Control
HYUNDAI MOTOR CO, KIA CORP, 2023
Controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in areas without satellite coverage by using ground-based internetworking devices and LOS communication. The system detects the UAV's flight area and routes commands through nearby ground devices instead of satellites. This allows continuous control even in areas with poor satellite reception. The ground control station communicates with the UAV via line-of-sight links and ground internetworking devices, converts satellite commands to local links, and relays them to the UAV. This enables seamless UAV operation without relying solely on satellite links.
4. Multi-Band RF Communication System with Polarization and Antenna Steering for UAV/RPV Command and Control Signal Isolation
Rhombus Systems Group Incorporated, RHOMBUS SYSTEMS GROUP INC, Rhombus Systems Group, Incorporated, 2023
Reliable cellular communication system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs) that provides high-bandwidth support for remote sensing applications while also ensuring critical command and control reliability. The system uses separate RF frequency bands, with one dedicated to command/control and navigation and another optional for payload datagrams. The command/control band has elevated coverage areas for UAVs and RPVs to communicate with ground bases via skyward-pointing antennas. This allows reliable sky-to-sky connections for UAVs/RPVs out of ground coverage. The system uses polarization, frequency separation, and antenna steering to isolate signals between layers.
5. Method for Exchanging UAV Flight Path and Altitude Data Between Wireless Communication Nodes
ZTE CORP, 2022
Wireless communication method for exchanging unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) related information between wireless communication nodes like base stations. The method involves nodes transmitting UAV flight path and height info to each other, allowing coordinated UAV management. It enables nodes to share UAV details for optimizing UAV operation, like avoiding collisions or coordinating handovers.
6. Relay Network System with Multi-Hop Signal Routing for Drone Communication
LIUZHOU BUREAU OF EHV POWER TRANS CO CHINA SOUTHERN POWER GRID, LIUZHOU BUREAU OF EHV POWER TRANSMISSION CO CHINA SOUTHERN POWER GRID, 2022
Signal transmission system for drones to extend the range of drone communications. The system uses a relay drone network to forward signals between a source drone and a ground control station. The system involves equipping drones with network chips that allow them to route signals through other drones and a base station. When a drone's signal can't reach the ground directly, it forwards the signal to a relay drone that can. The relay drone then forwards the signal to the ground. This multi-hop relaying allows signals to be transmitted over longer distances.
7. Dedicated Wireless Transceiver Pairing Method for Non-Interfering Control of Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
BEIJING TIANYU HANGTONG TECH CO LTD, BEIJING TIANYU HANGTONG TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022
Method for controlling multiple large unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in flight without interference between them. The method involves pairing each UAV with a dedicated wireless transceiver, allowing the UAV to receive commands directly from the base station through the transceiver. This avoids the issue of UAVs interfering with each other's signals in mid-air when using a shared communication channel. The base station transmits instructions to the transceivers, which relay them to the corresponding UAVs. This establishes exclusive control paths for each UAV.
8. Dynamic Link Selection Protocol for Multi-Channel Communication Between Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Ground Stations
JIAXING ZHONGCHUANG AVIATION TECH CO LTD, JIAXING ZHONGCHUANG AVIATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022
Method for improving stability of communication links between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ground stations by dynamically selecting the best link from multiple options. The UAV's flight control has a data forwarding protocol that sends data over multiple links like radio, cellular, and satellite. The ground station returns data with link selection commands based on analysis. The UAV's flight control selects the optimal link based on the command to ensure reliable and stable communication.
9. Adaptive Communication Parameter Adjustment System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Based on Flight Dynamics
QUALCOMM INC, 2022
Optimizing network communications of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like drones to reduce interference with cellular networks, improve performance and reliability by adjusting communication parameters based on UAV flight parameters like altitude, speed and direction. The UAV's processor adjusts communication link parameters like frequency, power, modulation based on flight parameters to avoid interference with ground networks. This allows UAVs to safely fly at different altitudes and speeds while maintaining reliable network connections.
10. Drone Communication System Utilizing Dynamic Controller Handover for Extended Range
SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022
Enabling long-range drone communication without increasing transmit power. The method involves a drone initially connecting to a primary controller. It then acquires request signals from secondary controllers and determines signal quality. Based on quality, it selects a secondary controller to connect with. This allows multiple controllers to relay the drone during flight without needing higher transmit power. The drone can interact in real-time during long-range flights without increasing transmit power.
11. Cellular Network-Based Communication System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
GUANGZHOU XAIRCRAFT TECH CO LTD, GUANGZHOU XAIRCRAFT TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022
A communication system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that improves reliability and range compared to direct controller-UAV links. It uses cellular networks to relay UAV-controller communications. This reduces UAV controller transmission power needs, simplifies antenna alignment, and enables fallback links if obstructions block direct links. Multiple UAVs can connect via a single controller through the cellular network.
12. Sectorized Antenna Array Communication System with Time Slot Coordination and Error Correction for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Safran Electronics & Defense Company, SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE, 2022
Communication system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that enables reliable control and data transfer over long distances with low latency and bursty data transmission. The system uses a sectorized antenna array at the control station, organized frame groups, and time slot characteristics sharing to coordinate communication between UAVs and the base. UAVs transmit bursts on assigned time slots, with channel coding and error correction for reliability. The system allows efficient use of resources in UAV systems with constraints like long range, conversational audio, bursty data, and low latency.
13. Multi-Layer Cellular Communication System with Skyward-Radiating Antennas and Distinct Frequency and Polarization Patterns for Ground and Aerial Vehicles
Rhombus Systems Group Incorporated, RHOMBUS SYSTEMS GROUP INC, Rhombus Systems Group, Incorporated, 2022
A cellular communication system that enables reliable communication with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remote-controlled vehicles (RCVs) in airspace by leveraging existing ground cellular networks. The system has multiple layers of coverage, with a near-ground layer for ground devices and an elevated layer for aerial vehicles. Separate frequencies and polarization patterns are used to distinguish ground vs air communications. Skyward-radiating antennas on cell towers extend coverage for aerial vehicles. This allows cellular networks to handle both ground and aerial devices without satellite dependence.
14. Millimeter Wave Antenna System with Upward Tilting for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Connectivity
BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE LLC, NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, UNIV NORTH CAROLINA STATE, 2021
Millimeter wave communication networks for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that use mmWave frequency bands for secure and reliable UAV connectivity. The networks involve tilting mmWave antennas upward to provide RF coverage for UAVs in the sky. This reduces interference between UAV and ground communications since mmWave beams can be spatially separated. The base stations have separate mmWave and RF networks to serve UAVs and ground devices.
15. Protocol Conversion-Based Universal Ground Control Station for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
FONAIR AVIATION TECH CO LTD, FONAIR AVIATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021
A universal ground control station for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can communicate with UAVs of different models using protocol conversion. The ground control station converts the communication protocols between the UAVs and itself to enable interoperability between UAVs from different manufacturers. This eliminates the need for separate ground control stations for each UAV model and reduces cost. The ground control station converts protocols like MavLink used by UAVs into a common protocol understood by the ground control station.
16. Protocol Conversion Device for Interfacing Ground Station and UAV Control Systems with Data Caching and Periodic Transmission
FONAIR AVIATION TECH CO LTD, FONAIR AVIATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021
Enabling reliable communication between a ground station and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using a protocol conversion device when the UAV simulation software (MATLAB) has poor network performance. The conversion device receives UAV control data from the ground station over a protocol it supports. It caches the data and periodically sends it to the UAV over a protocol it supports. This allows the UAV to receive control data at regular intervals even when MATLAB has poor network performance.
17. Cellular Network-Integrated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System with Embedded SIM for Real-Time Data Transfer and Remote Control
ACTIVA INNOVATIONS SOFTWARE PRIVATE LTD, 2021
Controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using cellular networks, allowing remote operation from long distances. The UAVs have cellular connectivity using embedded SIM cards. This enables real-time data transfer, remote control, and cloud-based processing of UAV-captured images. The cellular link also provides higher bandwidth compared to short-range radio links. The UAVs can generate 3D models, maps, and surveys using sensors like Lidar, hyperspectral, and cameras. The data is rendered in 3D/4D format and streamed to devices like XR headsets, VR headsets, AR headsets, etc.
18. Multi-Channel Sequential Transmission and Reception System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with Ground Station Handover
AERONIX INC, 2021
Scalable and reliable command and control system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating beyond visual line of sight. The system allows multiple UAVs to connect with multiple ground stations simultaneously on a single frequency. Each UAV's radio transmits on sequential channels, which are received and processed by ground radios. Routing algorithms optimize link performance between UAVs and ground stations. GMSK modulation with equalization restores waveforms over the channel impairments. This scalable multi-ground-station system improves reliability by seamlessly transitioning between stations based on performance.
19. Sky-Directed Antenna System with Polarized Signal Isolation for High Altitude UAV Communication
RKHOMBUS SYSTEMS GROUP INTS, 2020
A cellular communication system for reliable high altitude communication with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft (RPVs) by deploying sky-directed antennas on existing cell towers. The system has additional coverage layers above ground level that are separated and elevated. It uses polarized signals to isolate skyward cones from ground cones. UAV/RPV transceivers are configured to communicate with the sky-directed signals. This allows reliable high altitude links for critical functions like command/control, while also providing high bandwidth support for payload operations.
20. Drone Communication System with Interruptible Downlink Video Transmission for Prioritized Uplink Control Signals
AMIMON LTD, 2020
Allowing faster and more reliable control of drones by interrupting the downlink video transmission to prioritize uplink control signals. The drone has a controller that detects when the remote control unit hasn't sent a command for a certain time. When this happens, the drone interrupts the video downlink for a specific interval to clear the channel for the remote control uplink. This prevents long backoff delays in the distributed CSMA/CA protocol when the drone is constantly transmitting video.
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