{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853712","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853712","title":"Broadband access system via drone/UAV platforms","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2014-03-24T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04B","H04B","H04W"],"num_claims":21,"abstract":"The present disclosure describes the system and methods for providing broadband internet access to homes and enterprises using a network of drones/UAVs. The drone communication system is composed of an antenna sub-system, a radio sub-system and a data switching sub-system. Drones form and point beams toward ground terminals in different areas in a space division multiple access scheme. Ground terminals are composed of an antenna sub-system and a radio sub-system. Ground terminals search for the drone from which they receive the strongest signals. Drone and ground terminals comprise of methods and systems to calibrate receive and transmit antenna elements. Drone radio sub-system keeps track of the drone's position and orientation changes and adjust drone's antenna beam accordingly to point to the same location on the ground as the drone moves. Depending on the changes in drone's position and orientation, the drone radio sub-system may switch the antenna aperture and/or the antenna fixture that is used to form a beam toward a specific ground terminal. Drones communicate with the terminals using a space and time division multiple access scheme."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Broadband Access System Via Drone/uav Platforms patent describes a system and methods for providing broadband internet access to homes and enterprises using a network of drones. The core innovation lies in utilizing a network of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to establish a flexible and scalable broadband network, particularly in underserved or remote areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking. This system solves the problem of high costs and slow deployment associated with traditional broadband infrastructure by offering a more adaptable and rapidly deployable solution. The key technical approach involves equipping drones with antenna, radio, and data switching subsystems to form and direct beams toward ground terminals, creating a space division multiple access (SDMA) network. This technology dynamically adjusts the drone's antenna beam to maintain connection with ground terminals, even as the drone moves.\n\nThe business value of this patent lies in its potential to bridge the digital divide and provide internet access to previously unconnected populations. This can unlock new economic opportunities, improve access to education and healthcare, and support various IoT applications. The market opportunity is substantial, particularly in rural areas and developing countries where traditional broadband infrastructure is limited. The system's ability to provide connectivity in emergency situations further enhances its value.\n\nThe Broadband Access System Via Drone/uav Platforms represents a significant advancement in wireless communication technology, offering a cost-effective and scalable solution for providing broadband internet access. Its potential to transform rural connectivity and enable new applications makes it a valuable asset for businesses and communities alike.","layman_explanation":"The Broadband Access System Via Drone/uav Platforms addresses the challenge of providing reliable and affordable internet access to areas where traditional infrastructure is too expensive or difficult to deploy. Imagine trying to connect remote villages or rural communities to the internet using fiber optic cables or cell towers. The cost and logistical challenges can be overwhelming. This patent offers a solution by using drones to create a wireless broadband network.\n\nInstead of physical cables, the system uses drones equipped with special antennas and communication equipment. These drones act like flying cell towers, beaming internet signals to homes and businesses below. The key is that these drones can move around, and the system automatically adjusts the direction of the signal to ensure a stable connection. Think of it like a spotlight that follows you as you move – the drone's antenna does the same thing to keep your internet connection strong.\n\nThis matters because it opens up internet access to millions of people who are currently underserved. It can boost economic development, improve access to education and healthcare, and enable new technologies like smart agriculture. The system is also scalable, meaning it can be expanded as demand grows. The potential return on investment is significant, as it offers a cost-effective way to connect remote areas to the global economy.\n\nFuture applications could include using drones to provide emergency communication during natural disasters or to support IoT devices in remote locations. As drone technology continues to advance, the Broadband Access System Via Drone/uav Platforms has the potential to become a key component of the future internet infrastructure.","technical_analysis":"The Broadband Access System Via Drone/uav Platforms patent details a system for providing broadband internet access using a network of drones. The technical architecture consists of drones equipped with antenna, radio, and data switching subsystems, communicating with ground terminals that also have antenna and radio subsystems. The system utilizes space division multiple access (SDMA) and time division multiple access (TDMA) to efficiently allocate bandwidth and manage communication between drones and ground terminals.\n\nImplementation details include methods for calibrating the receive and transmit antenna elements on both the drones and ground terminals. This calibration is crucial for optimizing signal strength and data transmission efficiency. The system also incorporates algorithms for tracking the drone's position and orientation, allowing the antenna beam to be dynamically adjusted to maintain a stable connection with the ground terminal. The drone radio subsystem keeps track of the drone's position and orientation changes and adjusts drone's antenna beam accordingly to point to the same location on the ground as the drone moves. Depending on the changes in drone's position and orientation, the drone radio sub-system may switch the antenna aperture and/or the antenna fixture that is used to form a beam toward a specific ground terminal.\n\nThe performance characteristics of the system depend on factors such as drone altitude, antenna gain, and atmospheric conditions. The system is designed to provide high-speed connectivity to a large number of users, but the actual performance may vary depending on the specific implementation and environmental conditions. Code-level implications involve the development of sophisticated algorithms for antenna calibration, beamforming, and data routing. Integration patterns include the use of standard wireless communication protocols and APIs to ensure interoperability with existing devices and networks. The system's modular design allows for easy integration with other technologies, such as IoT devices and cloud-based services.","business_analysis":"The Broadband Access System Via Drone/uav Platforms patent presents a significant business opportunity in the rapidly growing market for broadband internet access. The market opportunity size is substantial, particularly in rural areas and developing countries where traditional infrastructure is limited. The system offers several competitive advantages over existing solutions, including lower deployment costs, faster deployment times, and greater flexibility. The revenue potential is significant, with opportunities to generate revenue through subscription fees, data services, and value-added applications.\n\nPotential business models include offering broadband internet access directly to consumers, partnering with existing internet service providers, and providing connectivity solutions for businesses and government agencies. The strategic positioning of the system is as a cost-effective and scalable solution for providing broadband access in underserved areas. This allows the company to target a niche market with limited competition.\n\nROI projections are based on factors such as deployment costs, subscription rates, and customer acquisition costs. A detailed financial model is required to accurately assess the ROI potential. The system's scalability allows for gradual expansion as demand increases, reducing the initial investment required. The Broadband Access System Via Drone/uav Platforms has the potential to generate significant returns for investors and create new business opportunities in the broadband internet access market.","faqs":null,"topics":["drone broadband","UAV internet","rural internet access","broadband access","drone technology","broadband","access","system"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Drone Broadband Access - Patent US-9853712","description":"Discover the drone-based Broadband Access System Via Drone/uav Platforms patent. Revolutionizing internet access with UAV technology. Full analysis & claims.","keywords":["drone broadband","UAV internet","rural internet access","broadband access","drone technology","patent","patent US-9853712"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853712","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853712","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Broadband access system via drone/UAV platforms\" (US-9853712). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853712","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853712","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853712","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T16:52:31.906Z"}