{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853713","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853713","title":"Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) beam pointing and data rate optimization for high throughput broadband access","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-08-01T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04W","H04B","H04B","H04B","H04B","H04B","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W"],"num_claims":16,"abstract":"Systems and methods configured to form and manage different types of beams toward target ground terminals to “optimally” communicate with the terminals. In one set of embodiments, the UAV generates a set of beams to cover cells on the ground, the beams are divided into groups, and the UAV communications system deterministically and sequentially turns a subset of the beams on/off to reduce cross-beam interference and increase system throughput. In another embodiment, in order to increase throughput, the UAV communications system determines the highest data rate on the downlink and uplink that are decodable at the receiver given the received signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) while maintaining a low packet error rate. Systems and methods are described to determine the UAV antenna pattern toward different terminals needed for SINR calculation and data rate determination."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (uav) Beam Pointing and Data Rate Optimization for High Throughput Broadband Access patent details a system and method for enhancing broadband access using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The core innovation lies in optimizing beam pointing and data rates to maximize throughput and minimize interference. This approach leverages UAVs to form and manage different types of beams toward target ground terminals, enabling efficient communication even in challenging environments.\n\nThe problem being solved is the lack of reliable and high-speed internet access in rural and underserved areas. Traditional infrastructure is often cost-prohibitive, making it difficult to bridge the digital divide. This technology provides a flexible and scalable solution by using UAVs to deliver broadband access where it is needed most.\n\nThe key technical approach involves deterministically and sequentially turning subsets of beams on and off to reduce cross-beam interference. The system also determines the highest data rate on the downlink and uplink that can be decoded at the receiver, given the received signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), while maintaining a low packet error rate. This adaptive approach ensures optimal data transmission under varying conditions.\n\nThe business value and applications of this patent are significant. It can be deployed in rural areas, disaster zones, and temporary events requiring high-bandwidth connectivity. The flexibility and adaptability of this approach make it a compelling solution for a wide range of scenarios. This innovation has the potential to reshape how we approach wireless communication and bridge the digital divide.\n\nThe market opportunity for UAV-based broadband access is substantial, with increasing demand for high-speed internet in underserved areas. This technology offers a cost-effective and scalable solution that can address this demand and create new business opportunities in the wireless communication sector.","layman_explanation":"The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (uav) Beam Pointing and Data Rate Optimization for High Throughput Broadband Access patent addresses the challenge of providing reliable and high-speed internet access to areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking or too expensive to deploy. This technology uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, to deliver broadband access with optimized beam pointing and data rates.\n\n**1. What Problem Does This Solve?**\nThe core problem is the lack of affordable, reliable high-speed internet, particularly in rural areas or during temporary events like concerts or disaster relief. Existing solutions like laying fiber optic cables or building cell towers are often too costly or impractical for these scenarios, leaving many people without access to essential online services.\n\n**2. How Does It Work?**\nImagine a drone acting as a flying cell tower. Instead of broadcasting signals in all directions, this drone uses advanced technology to focus its signal into precise beams, like spotlights, directed at specific users on the ground. The drone intelligently adjusts the direction and strength of these beams to ensure the best possible connection for each user, minimizing interference and maximizing data speeds. Think of it like a smart water hose that knows exactly where to spray to water each plant efficiently.\n\n**3. Why Does This Matter?**\nThis technology opens up new possibilities for providing internet access to underserved communities, enabling remote education, telemedicine, and economic opportunities. It also offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for providing temporary internet access during events or emergencies. The competitive advantage lies in its ability to deliver high-speed internet without the need for expensive infrastructure.\n\n**4. What's Next?**\nFuture applications may include integrating this technology with other wireless communication systems and expanding its use in urban environments. Market adoption is expected to increase as the cost of UAVs decreases and the demand for high-speed internet continues to grow. This technology represents a promising investment opportunity in the rapidly evolving wireless communication landscape. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (uav) Beam Pointing and Data Rate Optimization for High Throughput Broadband Access patent highlights the potential for innovation in delivering essential services to remote and underserved areas.","technical_analysis":"The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (uav) Beam Pointing and Data Rate Optimization for High Throughput Broadband Access patent presents a sophisticated technical architecture for delivering high-throughput broadband access using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system leverages advanced beamforming techniques and adaptive data rate control to optimize performance in dynamic wireless environments. The core of the system is the UAV, which is equipped with an antenna array and a communication system that controls beam pointing and data transmission.\n\nThe implementation details involve a deterministic beam scheduling algorithm that reduces cross-beam interference. The UAV generates a set of beams to cover cells on the ground, and these beams are divided into groups. The communication system then sequentially turns a subset of the beams on and off to minimize interference and maximize throughput. This approach requires precise control of the antenna array and careful coordination of beam scheduling.\n\nThe algorithm for adaptive data rate control is based on the received signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR). The UAV communication system determines the highest data rate on the downlink and uplink that can be decoded at the receiver, given the received SINR while maintaining a low packet error rate. This adaptive approach ensures that the data rate is optimized for the current channel conditions, maximizing throughput and minimizing errors. The patent also describes methods for determining the UAV antenna pattern toward different terminals, which is crucial for SINR calculation and data rate determination.\n\nThe integration patterns for this system involve seamless integration with existing wireless communication protocols and infrastructure. The UAV can act as a mobile base station, providing connectivity to ground terminals via standard wireless interfaces. The system can also be integrated with cloud-based management platforms for remote monitoring and control.\n\nThe performance characteristics of this system are highly dependent on the environment and deployment scenario. However, simulations and field tests have shown that the system can achieve significantly higher throughput and coverage compared to traditional wireless communication systems. The system also exhibits excellent resilience to interference and fading, ensuring a reliable connection even in challenging environments.\n\nThe code-level implications of this patent involve the development of sophisticated beamforming algorithms and adaptive data rate control protocols. These algorithms require careful optimization to minimize computational complexity and power consumption. The code must also be designed to be robust and reliable, ensuring that the system can operate autonomously in the field.","business_analysis":"The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (uav) Beam Pointing and Data Rate Optimization for High Throughput Broadband Access patent holds significant business potential in the rapidly growing market for wireless communication and broadband access. The technology addresses a critical need for reliable and high-speed internet connectivity in rural and underserved areas, where traditional infrastructure is often lacking. The market opportunity for UAV-based broadband access is substantial, with increasing demand for connectivity in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and entertainment.\n\nThe competitive advantages of this technology lie in its flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. UAVs can be deployed quickly and easily to provide broadband access in areas where it is needed most, without the need for extensive infrastructure development. The system's adaptive beam pointing and data rate control capabilities ensure optimal performance in dynamic wireless environments, providing a superior user experience compared to traditional wireless communication systems.\n\nThe revenue potential for this technology is significant. Service providers can offer high-speed internet access to rural communities, generating recurring revenue streams. The technology can also be used for temporary events, such as concerts and sporting events, providing on-demand connectivity for attendees. In addition, the technology can be licensed to other companies, generating royalty income.\n\nThe business model for this technology can be based on a subscription model, where users pay a monthly fee for broadband access. Alternatively, the technology can be offered as a service, where companies pay for temporary connectivity for specific events or projects. The strategic positioning of this technology is as a cost-effective and scalable alternative to traditional broadband infrastructure, targeting underserved markets and niche applications.\n\nThe ROI projections for this technology are highly attractive. The initial investment in UAVs and communication equipment can be recouped quickly through recurring revenue streams and licensing fees. The scalability of the technology allows for rapid expansion and increased profitability. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (uav) Beam Pointing and Data Rate Optimization for High Throughput Broadband Access patent presents a compelling business opportunity with significant potential for growth and profitability in the wireless communication sector.","faqs":null,"topics":["UAV broadband","beam pointing","data rate optimization","wireless communication","rural internet"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"UAV Beam Pointing & Data Rate Optimization - Patent US-9853713","description":"Explore the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (uav) Beam Pointing and Data Rate Optimization for High Throughput Broadband Access patent: optimized broadband access with UAVs. Full analysis, claims, and applications.","keywords":["UAV broadband","beam pointing","data rate optimization","wireless communication","rural internet","UAV","patent","patent US-9853713"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853713","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-9853713","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) beam pointing and data rate optimization for high throughput broadband access\" (US-9853713). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853713","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853713","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853713","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T03:51:05.797Z"}