Optimizing Wireless Data Transmission for Long-Range Drones
48 patents in this list
Updated:
Long-range drones are transforming industries, from surveillance to delivery, but they face a critical bottleneck: reliable data transmission over vast distances. As drones venture farther, maintaining a steady and secure communication link becomes challenging. Terrain, weather, and interference can all disrupt signals, making it vital to optimize wireless data transmission for these airborne systems.
Professionals in this field grapple with ensuring consistent connectivity, especially when drones operate beyond the line of sight. The challenge lies in balancing signal strength, bandwidth, and energy consumption while navigating complex environments. Fluctuating signal quality and the need for real-time data exchange add layers of complexity to drone operations.
This page explores various strategies and systems, such as utilizing relay UAVs, dynamic transmission adjustments, and spectrum management. These solutions enhance connectivity, allowing drones to communicate effectively with ground stations and each other, thereby improving operational range and reliability. By addressing these transmission hurdles, we can unlock the full potential of long-range drone applications.
1. UAV Cluster Data Transmission System Utilizing LoRa Protocol for Inter-UAV and Ground Station Communication
TAIYUAN LONGXIANG TECH CO LTD, TAIYUAN LONGXIANG TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) cluster data transmission system using the LoRa protocol for long range, low power wireless communication between UAVs and ground stations. The system allows multiple UAVs to transmit and relay data over long distances using LoRa modulation. It enables UAV swarms to have extended range and reliability for applications like agriculture, surveillance, and logistics.
2. Dynamic Transmission Node Adjustment Method for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Networking Based on Real-Time Location and Signal Strength
CHENGDU ZONGHENG DAPENG UNMANNED PLANE TECH CO LTD, CHENGDU ZONGHENG DAPENG UNMANNED PLANE TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024
Collaborative networking method for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to improve reliability and accuracy of UAV signal transmission and safety in the field. The method involves dynamically adjusting the transmission nodes for UAV data based on real-time UAV location and signal strength. It determines transmission parameters between UAVs and targets during flight, selects transmission nodes, transmits data through those nodes, monitors real-time UAV info, checks if nodes meet conditions, and if not, updates nodes. This allows dynamic node selection, prevents UAV issues due to node selection, improves data transmission efficiency, and ensures node selection adapts to UAV flight conditions.
3. Point-to-Point Microwave and Network Transmission System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Communication
HONEYCOMB AEROSPACE TECH BEIJING CO LTD, HONEYCOMB AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES CO LTD, 2024
A method and system for enabling long range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication beyond line-of-sight by combining point-to-point microwave links with network transmission. The UAV communicates directly with a ground microwave station using a microwave link. The ground station connects to networking equipment and a server via a local network or the internet. This allows the UAV to be remotely controlled and monitored over long distances by accessing it through the server over the network. It mitigates the issue of signal interruption due to obstructions by leveraging the network to extend the UAV's range.
4. Method for Secure Data Transmission Between User and Power Inspection UAV Using Relay UAVs with Adaptive Multi-Channel Communication
INFORMATION COMMUNICATION BRANCH STATE GRID JIBEI ELECTRIC POWER CO, STATE GRID CORP CHINA, STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA, 2024
Safe communication method between a user and a power inspection unmanned aerial vehicle that enables secure data transmission between moving nodes using relay UAVs. The method involves establishing an air link between the inspection UAV and a relay UAV, then using the relay to restore communication between moving source and destination nodes when direct links are obstructed. It also involves adapting data distribution and retransmission to ensure reliable transmission over multiple channels.
5. Cluster-Based UAV Communication Management with Spectrum Sensing and Adaptive Slot Allocation
SOUTHERN POWER GRID DIGITAL GRID TECH GUANGDONG CO LTD, SOUTHERN POWER GRID DIGITAL GRID TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023
Automatic return of inspection data from a cluster of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to minimize interference between UAV communications and data receiving stations. The method involves intelligent recognition to optimize spectrum usage, adaptive modulation, interference analysis, and data compression. It uses energy detection for spectrum sensing, estimates data size, dynamically adjusts slot allocation, temporarily interrupts affected communications, waits for interference to disappear, and implements error detection and retransmission. The goal is to ensure reliable data return without conflicts by intelligently managing UAV communications during return.
6. Intelligent Super-Surface and Relay-Based Communication System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with Joint Optimization of Relay Timing, RIS Phase Shifts, and UAV Position
Guangzhou University, GUANGZHOU UNIVERSITY, 2023
Communication method for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using intelligent super-surfaces and relays to improve performance when UAVs are deployed in locations where direct line-of-sight (LOS) is blocked. The method involves optimizing the cooperative system's parameters to maximize the UAV's data acquisition rate. It does this by jointly optimizing the time distribution of relay stages, RIS phase shifts, and UAV position. The optimization improves performance compared to using just RIS or relays alone.
7. Regenerative Relay-Based Ad Hoc Network Communication System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
BEIJING YUPONT ELECTRIC POWER TECH CO LTD, BEIJING YUPONT ELECTRIC POWER TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023
Ad hoc network communication method for unmanned aerial vehicles in long range scenarios where traditional wireless systems have poor performance. The method uses regenerative relay stations to extend communication range. Data is modulated and transmitted by one UAV, relayed through regenerative stations, and demodulated at the receiving UAV. This involves modulation, microwave transmission, and demodulation at each terminal and relay station.
8. Sidelink-Enabled Backup Communication System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Chengdu TD Tech Ltd., CHENGDU TD TECH CO LTD, 2023
A method and device for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that allows reliable communication between the UAV and ground controller when they use a private network link for data exchange. The method involves using the Sidelink feature of the UAV's cellular module as a backup transmission link if the private network coverage is lost. This ensures communication even if the ground controller is out of range of the private network. The UAV checks for private network availability and falls back to Sidelink if needed.
9. Dual-Network Data Transmission Method for UAV Controller Utilizing Link Quality Assessment
BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD, 2023
Data transmission method that improves data transmission efficiency between a UAV controller and a UAV through two networks, i.e., a WIFI network and a cellular network. The method includes determining link quality of a first link, the link quality of the second link, and the link quality of the third link, when the link quality of the first link is less than the second threshold, the link quality of the second link is greater than the fourth threshold and the link quality of the third link is greater than the sixth threshold, and determining a mobile network communication link as the data transmission link.
10. Relay Drone Network System with Multi-Hop Signal Routing for Extended Communication Range
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.
11. 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.
12. Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation for Drone-to-Unmanned Vehicle Communication Using Licensed and Unlicensed Frequency Bands
Zhejiang University City College, ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY CITY COLLEGE, 2022
Method for efficient communication between a drone and an unmanned vehicle using both licensed and unlicensed bands. The method involves dynamically adjusting the proportion of data transmitted over each band based on signal strength. If the licensed band has higher signal strength, more data is sent over licensed. If unlicensed has higher signal, more data is sent over unlicensed. This balances reliability and rate using the best available network.
13. Multi-Controller Signal Relay System for Long-Range Drone Communication
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.
14. UAV Positioning and Resource Allocation Method for Wireless Communication in IoT Networks
Guangdong University of Technology, GUANGDONG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, 2022
Optimizing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) deployment and resource allocation for reliable and low-latency wireless communication in UAV-assisted IoT networks. The method involves finding the UAV position, power levels, and delay allocation for each link that maximizes system performance under constraints like code length limits and overall resource capacity. This leverages the UAV's mobility to improve channel gain and reduce delay compared to fixed base stations, enabling reliable URLLC communication in IoT applications with limited code lengths.
15. Cellular Network-Based Communication System for Drones Incorporating Compressed Video and Flight Control Command Transmission
UAVIA, 2021
Using cellular networks to provide a more reliable and longer range communication link between drones and ground stations compared to traditional methods like radio. The system uses cellular modems in the drone and ground station to send compressed video and flight control commands over the cellular network. The link is managed to adapt to variable network conditions and maintain a connection.
16. Dynamic Signal Transmission Power Adjustment System for Energy Management in Drone Networks
BOEING CO, THE BOEING CO, 2021
Efficiently managing energy use in a drone network to extend flight time and enable longer range communication. The drones dynamically adjust signal transmission power based on propagation conditions and distance to conserve energy. Drones near the center of the network have signals modulated to the minimum level needed, while drones farther out collect excess power. This balances power consumption and storage across the swarm.
17. Dual-Band Antenna System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Communication with Frequency Band Switching Mechanism
BEIHANG UAS TECH CO LTD, BEIHANG UAS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication system that improves reliability, link establishment speed, and data transmission rate by using redundant frequency bands. The UAV has both U-band and C-band antennas and modules. Initially, U-band is used for quick link setup. Then, if needed for higher data rates, C-band is switched to complete the link. This allows using the best frequency band for each stage. It also allows working around interference and jamming by switching bands.
18. Dual-Mode Remote Communication System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with Integrated 5G and 900MHz Radios and Link Quality Assessment Module
GUANGZHOU CHUANYUEQIANJI INNOVATION TECH CO LTD, GUANGZHOU CHUANYUEQIANJI INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021
Formation unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote communication system using dual communication modes to ensure reliable and stable communication between UAVs and ground control. The UAVs have 5G and 900MHz radios. The UAVs receive commands from ground via both radios simultaneously. A health judge module checks quality, stability, and time-ductility of each link. It selects the best mode to transmit data to the UAV. This provides redundancy, reliability, and fallback if 5G fails. The 5G provides high speed, capacity, and low latency. The 900MHz backup prevents interference and ensures safety when 5G base stations fail.
19. Dynamic Communication Resource Management System for Long-Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations
NINGXIA ULTRA HIGH VOLTAGE POWER ENG CO LTD, NINGXIA ULTRA HIGH VOLTAGE POWER ENGINEERING CO LTD, STATE GRID NINGXIA ELECTRIC POWER CO LTD MAINTENANCE CO, 2021
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication method and system that enables long-range UAV flights by intelligently managing communication resources. The method involves predicting UAV flight distance, and dynamically adjusting communication parameters like frequency and power based on that prediction. This optimizes communication efficiency for the specific flight distance. The system also includes heartbeat packets sent periodically to detect if the primary communication path is working, allowing backup paths to be used if necessary.
20. Automatic Transmitter Switching Mechanism in UAV-Ground Station Control Data Link Based on Proximity and Signal Strength
HANWHA SYSTEMS CO LTD, 2021
A transmission/reception device for a control data link between a ground station and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that improves receiver quality and safety by automatically switching the UAV's transmitter during reception. The device uses the UAV and ground station locations and received signal strength to determine if the UAV is close enough for direct link risk. If so, it switches the UAV receiver to the transmitter during reception to prevent overload. This prevents strong ground signals from saturating the receiver and degrading performance.
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