Relative positioning of balloons with altitude control and wind data
US8820678B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B7/18504
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The positions of balloons in a communication network of balloons, such as a mesh network of high-altitude balloons, may be adjusted relative to one another in order to try to maintain a desired network topology. In one approach, the position of each balloon may be adjusted relative to one or more neighbor balloons. For example, the locations of a target balloon and one or more neighbor balloons may be determined. A desired movement of the target balloon may then be determined based on the locations of the one or more neighbor balloons relative to the location of the target balloon. The target balloon may be controlled based on the desired movement. In some embodiments, the altitude of the target balloon may be controlled in order to expose the target balloon to ambient winds that are capable of producing the desired movement of the target balloon.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.