U.S. patent application number 14/328226 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-30 for relative positioning of balloons with altitude control and wind data.
The applicant listed for this patent is Google Inc.. Invention is credited to Clifford L. Biffle, Richard Wayne DeVaul, Dan Piponi, Eric Teller, Josh Weaver.
Application Number | 20140319270 14/328226 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48743246 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140319270 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeVaul; Richard Wayne ; et
al. |
October 30, 2014 |
Relative Positioning of Balloons with Altitude Control and Wind
Data
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.
Inventors: |
DeVaul; Richard Wayne;
(Mountain View, CA) ; Teller; Eric; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Biffle; Clifford L.; (Berkeley,
CA) ; Weaver; Josh; (San Jose, CA) ; Piponi;
Dan; (Oakland, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Google Inc. |
Mountain View |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48743246 |
Appl. No.: |
14/328226 |
Filed: |
July 10, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13346637 |
Jan 9, 2012 |
8820678 |
|
|
14328226 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
244/96 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05D 1/104 20130101;
B64B 1/44 20130101; G05D 1/105 20130101; B64B 1/40 20130101; H04B
7/18504 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
244/96 |
International
Class: |
B64B 1/40 20060101
B64B001/40 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: identifying a plurality of goodness factors
for a given balloon in a high-altitude balloon network; determining
a plurality of goodness scores for the given balloon, wherein each
goodness score relates to a respective goodness factor in the
plurality of goodness factors; determining a current overall
goodness for the given balloon as a function of the plurality of
goodness scores for the given balloon; identifying a plurality of
actions that could be taken by the given balloon; determining, for
each action, a respective overall goodness resulting from that
action; selecting, from among the plurality of actions, an action
that results in an overall goodness that is higher than the current
overall goodness; and controlling the given balloon to undertake
the selected action.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of goodness factors
includes at least one goodness factor that relates to a distance
between the given balloon and a neighbor balloon in the
high-altitude balloon network.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of goodness factors
includes at least one goodness factor that relates to a ground
position of the given balloon.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of goodness factors
includes at least one goodness factor that relates to an altitude
of the given balloon.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected action comprises a
movement of the given balloon.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the movement of the given balloon
comprises movement of the given balloon in a horizontal
direction.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the movement of the given balloon
comprises movement of the given balloon in a vertical
direction.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected action results in
the highest overall goodness from among the plurality of actions.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a division of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/346,637, filed Jan. 9, 2012, which
application is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described
in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application
and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this
section.
[0003] Computing devices such as personal computers, laptop
computers, tablet computers, cellular phones, and countless types
of Internet-capable devices are increasingly prevalent in numerous
aspects of modern life. As such, the demand for data connectivity
via the
[0004] Internet, cellular data networks, and other such networks,
is growing. However, there are many areas of the world where data
connectivity is still unavailable, or if available, is unreliable
and/or costly. Accordingly, additional network infrastructure is
desirable.
SUMMARY
[0005] In a first aspect, a method is provided. The method includes
determining a location of a target balloon and determining
locations of one or more neighbor balloons relative to the location
of the target balloon. The target balloon includes a communication
system that is operable for data communication with at least one of
the one or more neighbor balloons. The method further includes
determining a desired movement of the target balloon based on the
locations of the one or more neighbor balloons relative to the
location of the target balloon and controlling the target balloon
based on the desired movement of the target balloon.
[0006] In a second aspect, a non-transitory computer readable
medium is provided. The non-transitory computer readable medium has
stored therein instructions executable by a computing device to
cause the computing device to perform functions. The functions
include: (a) determining a location of a target balloon; (b)
determining locations of one or more neighbor balloons relative to
the location of the target balloon; (c) determining a desired
movement of the target balloon based on the locations of the one or
more neighbor balloons relative to the location of the target
balloon; and (d) controlling the target balloon based on the
desired movement of the target balloon.
[0007] In a third aspect, a balloon is provided. The balloon
includes a communication system operable for data communications
with one of more other balloons in a mesh network of balloons. The
balloon further includes a controller coupled to the communication
system. The controller is configured to: (a) determine the
balloon's location; (b) determine locations of one or more neighbor
balloons relative to the balloon's location, wherein the one or
more neighbor balloons are in the mesh network of balloons; and (c)
determine a desired movement of the balloon based on the locations
of the one or more neighbor balloons relative to the balloon's
location.
[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. The method
includes identifying a plurality of goodness factors for a given
balloon in a high-altitude balloon network, and determining a
plurality of goodness scores for the given balloon. Each goodness
score relates to a respective goodness factor in the plurality of
goodness factors. The method also includes determining a current
overall goodness for the given balloon as a function of the
plurality of goodness scores for the given balloon. The method
further includes identifying a plurality of actions that could be
taken by the given balloon and determining, for each action, a
respective overall goodness resulting from that action. Still
further, the method includes selecting, from among the plurality of
actions, an action that results in an overall goodness that is
higher than the current overall goodness and controlling the given
balloon to undertake the selected action.
[0009] In a fifth aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium
is provided. The non-transitory computer readable medium has stored
therein instructions executable by a computing device to cause the
computing device to perform functions. The functions include: (a)
identifying a plurality of goodness factors for a given balloon in
a high-altitude balloon network; (b) determining a plurality of
goodness scores for the given balloon, where each goodness score
relates to a respective goodness factor in the plurality of
goodness factors; (c) determining a current overall goodness for
the given balloon as a function of the plurality of goodness scores
for the given balloon; (d) identifying a plurality of actions that
could be taken by the given balloon; (e) determining, for each
action, a respective overall goodness resulting from that action;
(f) selecting, from among the plurality of actions, an action that
results in an overall goodness that is higher than the current
overall goodness; and (g) controlling the given balloon to
undertake the selected action.
[0010] These as well as other aspects, advantages, and
alternatives, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art by reading the following detailed description, with
reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a balloon
network, according to an example embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a balloon-network
control system, according to an example embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a
high-altitude balloon, according to an example embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a balloon
network that includes super-nodes and sub-nodes, according to an
example embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a scenario for determining a desired
movement of a target balloon based on the locations of four
neighbor balloons, according to an example embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method, according to an
example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Example methods and systems are described herein. Any
example embodiment or feature described herein is not necessarily
to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments
or features. The example embodiments described herein are not meant
to be limiting. It will be readily understood that certain aspects
of the disclosed systems and methods can be arranged and combined
in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are
contemplated herein.
[0018] Furthermore, the particular arrangements shown in the
Figures should not be viewed as limiting. It should be understood
that other embodiments may include more or less of each element
shown in a given Figure. Further, some of the illustrated elements
may be combined or omitted. Yet further, an example embodiment may
include elements that are not illustrated in the Figures.
[0019] 1. Overview
[0020] Example embodiments help to provide a data network that
includes a plurality of balloons; for example, a mesh network
formed by high-altitude balloons deployed in the stratosphere.
Since winds in the stratosphere may affect the locations of the
balloons in a differential manner, each balloon in an example
network may be configured to change its horizontal position by
adjusting its vertical position (i.e., altitude). For instance, by
adjusting its altitude, a balloon may be able find winds that will
carry it horizontally (e.g., latitudinally and/or longitudinally)
to a desired horizontal location.
[0021] Further, in an example balloon network, the balloons may
communicate with one another using free-space optical
communications. For instance, the balloons may be configured for
optical communications using ultra-bright LEDs (which are also
referred to as "high-power" or "high-output" LEDs). In some
instances, lasers could be used instead of or in addition to LEDs,
although regulations for laser communications may restrict laser
usage. In addition, the balloons may communicate with ground-based
station(s) using radio-frequency (RF) communications.
[0022] In some embodiments, a high-altitude-balloon network may be
homogenous. That is, the balloons in a high-altitude-balloon
network could be substantially similar to each other in one or more
ways. More specifically, in a homogenous high-altitude-balloon
network, each balloon is configured to communicate with one or more
other balloons via free-space optical links. Further, some or all
of the balloons in such a network, may additionally be configured
to communicate with ground-based and/or satellite-based station(s)
using RF and/or optical communications. Thus, in some embodiments,
the balloons may be homogenous in so far as each balloon is
configured for free-space optical communication with other
balloons, but heterogeneous with regard to RF communications with
ground-based stations.
[0023] In other embodiments, a high-altitude-balloon network may be
heterogeneous, and thus may include two or more different types of
balloons. For example, some balloons in a heterogeneous network may
be configured as super-nodes, while other balloons may be
configured as sub-nodes. It is also possible that some balloons in
a heterogeneous network may be configured to function as both a
super-node and a sub-node. Such balloons may function as either a
super-node or a sub-node at a particular time, or, alternatively,
act as both simultaneously depending on the context. For instance,
an example balloon could aggregate search requests of a first type
to transmit to a ground-based station. The example balloon could
also send search requests of a second type to another balloon,
which could act as a super-node in that context. Further, some
balloons, which may be super-nodes in an example embodiment, can be
configured to communicate via optical links with ground-based
stations and/or satellites.
[0024] In n example configuration, the super-node balloons may be
configured to communicate with nearby super-node balloons via
free-space optical links. However, the sub-node balloons may not be
configured for free-space optical communication, and may instead be
configured for some other type of communication, such as RF
communications. In that case, a super-node may be further
configured to communicate with sub-nodes using RF communications.
Thus, the sub-nodes may relay communications between the
super-nodes and one or more ground-based stations using RF
communications. In this way, the super-nodes may collectively
function as backhaul for the balloon network, while the sub-nodes
function to relay communications from the super-nodes to
ground-based stations. Other differences could be present between
balloons in a heterogeneous balloon network.
[0025] The present disclosure describes various example embodiments
of apparatuses, methods, and functions executable by a
computer-readable medium that are generally operable to determine a
desired movement of a target balloon, based on the locations of one
or more neighbor balloons relative to the location of the target
balloon, and to control the target balloon based on the desired
movement.
[0026] In some embodiments, a potential energy function may be
defined that assigns a potential energy to the target balloon as a
function of the locations of the one or more neighbor balloons and
the location of the target balloon. A gradient of the potential
energy function may be determined, and the desired movement of the
target balloon may be determined based on the gradient.
[0027] In some embodiments, the desired movement of the target
balloon is a horizontal movement that may be achieved by
controlling the altitude of the target balloon. For example, wind
data and/or predictive models may be used to determine that ambient
winds with a velocity that is suitable to achieve the desired
horizontal movement are likely to be available at a particular
altitude. The altitude of the target balloon may then be adjusted
to attain the particular altitude.
[0028] 2. Example Balloon Networks
[0029] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a balloon
network 100, according to an example embodiment. As shown, balloon
network 100 includes balloons 102A to 102F, which are configured to
communicate with one another via free-space optical links 104.
Balloons 102A to 102F could additionally or alternatively be
configured to communicate with one another via RF links 114.
Balloons 102A to 102F may collectively function as a mesh network
for packet-data communications. Further, at least some of balloons
102A and 102B may be configured for RF communications with
ground-based stations 106 and 112 via respective RF links 108.
Further, some balloons, such as balloon 102F, could be configured
to communicate via optical link 110 with ground-based station
112.
[0030] In an example embodiment, balloons 102A to 102F are
high-altitude balloons, which are deployed in the stratosphere. At
moderate latitudes, the stratosphere includes altitudes between
approximately 10 kilometers (km) and 50 km altitude above the
surface. At the poles, the stratosphere starts at an altitude of
approximately 8 km. In an example embodiment, high-altitude
balloons may be generally configured to operate in an altitude
range within the stratosphere that has relatively low wind speed
(e.g., between 5 and 20 miles per hour (mph)).
[0031] More specifically, in a high-altitude-balloon network,
balloons 102A to 102F may generally be configured to operate at
altitudes between 18 km and 25 km (although other altitudes are
possible). This altitude range may be advantageous for several
reasons. In particular, this layer of the stratosphere generally
has relatively low wind speeds (e.g., winds between 5 and 20 mph)
and relatively little turbulence. Further, while the winds between
18 km and 25 km may vary with latitude and by season, the
variations can be modeled in a reasonably accurate manner.
Additionally, altitudes above 18 km are typically above the maximum
flight level designated for commercial air traffic. Therefore,
interference with commercial flights is not a concern when balloons
are deployed between 18 km and 25 km.
[0032] To transmit data to another balloon, a given balloon 102A to
102F may be configured to transmit an optical signal via an optical
link 104. In an example embodiment, a given balloon 102A to 102F
may use one or more high-power light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to
transmit an optical signal. Alternatively, some or all of balloons
102A to 102F may include laser systems for free-space optical
communications over optical links 104. Other types of free-space
optical communication are possible. Further, in order to receive an
optical signal from another balloon via an optical link 104, a
given balloon 102A to 102F may include one or more optical
receivers. Additional details of example balloons are discussed in
greater detail below, with reference to FIG. 3.
[0033] In a further aspect, balloons 102A to 102F may utilize one
or more of various different RF air-interface protocols for
communication with ground-based stations 106 and 112 via respective
RF links 108. For instance, some or all of balloons 102A to 102F
may be configured to communicate with ground-based stations 106 and
112 using protocols described in IEEE 802.11 (including any of the
IEEE 802.11 revisions), various cellular protocols such as GSM,
CDMA, UMTS, EV-DO, WiMAX, and/or LTE, and/or one or more propriety
protocols developed for balloon-ground RF communication, among
other possibilities.
[0034] In a further aspect, there may be scenarios where RF links
108 do not provide a desired link capacity for balloon-to-ground
communications. For instance, increased capacity may be desirable
to provide backhaul links from a ground-based gateway, and in other
scenarios as well. Accordingly, an example network may also include
downlink balloons, which could provide a high-capacity air-ground
link.
[0035] For example, in balloon network 100, balloon 102F is
configured as a downlink balloon. Like other balloons in an example
network, a downlink balloon 102F may be operable for optical
communication with other balloons via optical links 104. However, a
downlink balloon 102F may also be configured for free-space optical
communication with a ground-based station 112 via an optical link
110. Optical link 110 may therefore serve as a high-capacity link
(as compared to an RF link 108) between the balloon network 100 and
the ground-based station 112.
[0036] Note that in some implementations, a downlink balloon 102F
may additionally be operable for RF communication with ground-based
stations 106. In other cases, a downlink balloon 102F may only use
an optical link for balloon-to-ground communications. Further,
while the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 includes just one downlink
balloon 102F, an example balloon network can also include multiple
downlink balloons. On the other hand, a balloon network can also be
implemented without any downlink balloons.
[0037] In other implementations, a downlink balloon may be equipped
with a specialized, high-bandwidth RF communication system for
balloon-to-ground communications, instead of, or in addition to, a
free-space optical communication system. The high-bandwidth RF
communication system may take the form of an ultra-wideband system,
which may provide an RF link with substantially the same capacity
as one of the optical links 104. Other forms are also possible.
[0038] Ground-based stations, such as ground-based stations 106
and/or 112, may take various forms. Generally, a ground-based
station may include components such as transceivers, transmitters,
and/or receivers for communication via RF links and/or optical
links with a balloon network. Further, a ground-based station may
use various air-interface protocols in order to communicate with a
balloon 102A to 102F over an RF link 108. As such, ground-based
stations 106 and 112 may be configured as an access point via which
various devices can connect to balloon network 100. Ground-based
stations 106 and 112 may have other configurations and/or serve
other purposes without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0039] In a further aspect, some or all of balloons 102A to 102F
could be configured to establish a communication link with
space-based satellites in addition to, or as an alternative to, a
ground-based communication link. In some embodiments, a balloon may
communicate with a satellite via an optical link. However, other
types of satellite communications are possible.
[0040] Further, some ground-based stations, such as ground-based
stations 106 and 112, may be configured as gateways between balloon
network 100 and one or more other networks. Such ground-based
stations 106 and 112 may thus serve as an interface between the
balloon network and the Internet, a cellular service provider's
network, and/or other types of networks. Variations on this
configuration and other configurations of ground-based stations 106
and 112 are also possible.
[0041] 2a) Mesh Network Functionality
[0042] As noted, balloons 102A to 102F may collectively function as
a mesh network. More specifically, since balloons 102A to 102F may
communicate with one another using free-space optical links, the
balloons may collectively function as a free-space optical mesh
network.
[0043] In a mesh-network configuration, each balloon 102A to 102F
may function as a node of the mesh network, which is operable to
receive data directed to it and to route data to other balloons. As
such, data may be routed from a source balloon to a destination
balloon by determining an appropriate sequence of optical links
between the source balloon and the destination balloon. These
optical links may be collectively referred to as a "lightpath" for
the connection between the source and destination balloons.
Further, each of the optical links may be referred to as a "hop" on
the lightpath.
[0044] To operate as a mesh network, balloons 102A to 102F may
employ various routing techniques and self-healing algorithms. In
some embodiments, a balloon network 100 may employ adaptive or
dynamic routing, where a lightpath between a source and destination
balloon is determined and set-up when the connection is needed, and
released at a later time. Further, when adaptive routing is used,
the lightpath may be determined dynamically depending upon the
current state, past state, and/or predicted state of the balloon
network.
[0045] In addition, the network topology may change as the balloons
102A to 102F move relative to one another and/or relative to the
ground. Accordingly, an example balloon network 100 may apply a
mesh protocol to update the state of the network as the topology of
the network changes. For example, to address the mobility of the
balloons 102A to 102F, balloon network 100 may employ and/or adapt
various techniques that are employed in mobile ad hoc networks
(MANETs). Other examples are possible as well.
[0046] In some implementations, a balloon network 100 may be
configured as a transparent mesh network. More specifically, in a
transparent balloon network, the balloons may include components
for physical switching that is entirely optical, without any
electrical components involved in the physical routing of optical
signals. Thus, in a transparent configuration with optical
switching, signals travel through a multi-hop lightpath that is
entirely optical.
[0047] In other implementations, the balloon network 100 may
implement a free-space optical mesh network that is opaque. In an
opaque configuration, some or all balloons 102A to 102F may
implement optical-electrical-optical (OEO) switching. For example,
some or all balloons may include optical cross-connects (OXCs) for
OEO conversion of optical signals. Other opaque configurations are
also possible. Additionally, network configurations are possible
that include routing paths with both transparent and opaque
sections.
[0048] In a further aspect, balloons in an example balloon network
100 may implement wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), which may
help to increase link capacity. When WDM is implemented with
transparent switching, physical lightpaths through the balloon
network may be subject to the "wavelength continuity constraint."
More specifically, because the switching in a transparent network
is entirely optical, it may be necessary to assign the same
wavelength for all optical links on a given lightpath.
[0049] An opaque configuration, on the other hand, may avoid the
wavelength continuity constraint. In particular, balloons in an
opaque balloon network may include the OEO switching systems
operable for wavelength conversion. As a result, balloons can
convert the wavelength of an optical signal at each hop along a
lightpath. Alternatively, optical wavelength conversion could take
place at only selected hops along the lightpath.
[0050] Further, various routing algorithms may be employed in an
opaque configuration. For example, to determine a primary lightpath
and/or one or more diverse backup lightpaths for a given
connection, example balloons may apply or consider shortest-path
routing techniques such as Dijkstra's algorithm and k-shortest
path, and/or edge and node-diverse or disjoint routing such as
Suurballe's algorithm, among others. Additionally or alternatively,
techniques for maintaining a particular quality of service (QoS)
may be employed when determining a lightpath. Other techniques are
also possible.
[0051] 2b) Station-Keeping Functionality
[0052] In an example embodiment, a balloon network 100 may
implement station-keeping functions to help provide a desired
network topology. For example, station-keeping may involve each
balloon 102A to 102F maintaining and/or moving into a certain
position relative to one or more other balloons in the network (and
possibly in a certain position relative to the ground). As part of
this process, each balloon 102A to 102F may implement
station-keeping functions to determine its desired positioning
within the desired topology, and if necessary, to determine how to
move to the desired position.
[0053] The desired topology may vary depending upon the particular
implementation. In some cases, balloons may implement
station-keeping to provide a substantially uniform topology. In
such cases, a given balloon 102A to 102F may implement
station-keeping functions to position itself at substantially the
same distance (or within a certain range of distances) from
adjacent balloons in the balloon network 100.
[0054] In other cases, a balloon network 100 may have a non-uniform
topology. For instance, example embodiments may involve topologies
where balloons are distributed more or less densely in certain
areas, for various reasons. As an example, to help meet the higher
bandwidth demands that are typical in urban areas, balloons may be
clustered more densely over urban areas. For similar reasons, the
distribution of balloons may be denser over land than over large
bodies of water. Many other examples of non-uniform topologies are
possible.
[0055] In a further aspect, the topology of an example balloon
network may be adaptable. In particular, station-keeping
functionality of example balloons may allow the balloons to adjust
their respective positioning in accordance with a change in the
desired topology of the network. For example, one or more balloons
could move to new positions to increase or decrease the density of
balloons in a given area. Other examples are possible.
[0056] In some embodiments, a balloon network 100 may employ an
energy function to determine if and/or how balloons should move to
provide a desired topology. In particular, the state of a given
balloon and the states of some or all nearby balloons may be input
to an energy function. The energy function may apply the current
states of the given balloon and the nearby balloons to a desired
network state (e.g., a state corresponding to the desired
topology). A vector indicating a desired movement of the given
balloon may then be determined by determining the gradient of the
energy function. The given balloon may then determine appropriate
actions to take in order to effectuate the desired movement. For
example, a balloon may determine an altitude adjustment or
adjustments such that winds will move the balloon in the desired
manner.
[0057] 2c) Control of Balloons in a Balloon Network
[0058] In some embodiments, mesh networking and/or station-keeping
functions may be centralized. For example, FIG. 2 is a block
diagram illustrating a balloon-network control system, according to
an example embodiment. In particular, FIG. 2 shows a distributed
control system, which includes a central control system 200 and a
number of regional control-systems 202A to 202B. Such a control
system may be configured to coordinate certain functionality for
balloon network 204, and as such, may be configured to control
and/or coordinate certain functions for balloons 206A to 206I.
[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, central control system 200
may be configured to communicate with balloons 206A to 206I via a
number of regional control systems 202A to 202C. These regional
control systems 202A to 202C may be configured to receive
communications and/or aggregate data from balloons in the
respective geographic areas that they cover, and to relay the
communications and/or data to central control system 200. Further,
regional control systems 202A to 202C may be configured to route
communications from central control system 200 to the balloons in
their respective geographic areas. For instance, as shown in FIG.
2, regional control system 202A may relay communications and/or
data between balloons 206A to 206C and central control system 200,
regional control system 202B may relay communications and/or data
between balloons 206D to 206F and central control system 200, and
regional control system 202C may relay communications and/or data
between balloons 206G to 206I and central control system 200.
[0060] In order to facilitate communications between the central
control system 200 and balloons 206A to 206I, certain balloons may
be configured as downlink balloons, which are operable to
communicate with regional control systems 202A to 202C.
Accordingly, each regional control system 202A to 202C may be
configured to communicate with the downlink balloon or balloons in
the respective geographic area it covers. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment, balloons 206A, 206F, and 206I are
configured as downlink balloons. As such, regional control systems
202A to 202C may respectively communicate with balloons 206A, 206F,
and 206I via optical links 206, 208, and 210, respectively.
[0061] In the illustrated configuration, only some of balloons 206A
to 206I are configured as downlink balloons. The balloons 206A,
206F, and 206I that are configured as downlink balloons may relay
communications from central control system 200 to other balloons in
the balloon network, such as balloons 206B to 206E, 206G, and 206H.
However, it should be understood that in some implementations, it
is possible that all balloons may function as downlink balloons.
Further, while FIG. 2 shows multiple balloons configured as
downlink balloons, it is also possible for a balloon network to
include only one downlink balloon, or possibly even no downlink
balloons.
[0062] Note that a regional control system 202A to 202C may in fact
just be a particular type of ground-based station that is
configured to communicate with downlink balloons (e.g., such as
ground-based station 112 of FIG. 1). Thus, while not shown in FIG.
2, a control system may be implemented in conjunction with other
types of ground-based stations (e.g., access points, gateways,
etc.).
[0063] In a centralized control arrangement, such as that shown in
FIG. 2, the central control system 200 (and possibly regional
control systems 202A to 202C as well) may coordinate certain
mesh-networking functions for balloon network 204. For example,
balloons 206A to 206I may send the central control system 200
certain state information, which the central control system 200 may
utilize to determine the state of balloon network 204. The state
information from a given balloon may include location data,
optical-link information (e.g., the identity of other balloons with
which the balloon has established an optical link, the bandwidth of
the link, wavelength usage and/or availability on a link, etc.),
wind data collected by the balloon, and/or other types of
information. Accordingly, the central control system 200 may
aggregate state information from some or all of the balloons 206A
to 206I in order to determine an overall state of the network.
[0064] The overall state of the network may then be used to
coordinate and/or facilitate certain mesh-networking functions such
as determining lightpaths for connections. For example, the central
control system 200 may determine a current topology based on the
aggregate state information from some or all of the balloons 206A
to 206I. The topology may provide a picture of the current optical
links that are available in balloon network and/or the wavelength
availability on the links. This topology may then be sent to some
or all of the balloons so that a routing technique may be employed
to select appropriate lightpaths (and possibly backup lightpaths)
for communications through the balloon network 204.
[0065] In a further aspect, the central control system 200 (and
possibly regional control systems 202A to 202C as well) may also
coordinate certain station-keeping functions for balloon network
204. For example, the central control system 200 may input state
information that is received from balloons 206A to 206I to an
energy function, which may effectively compare the current topology
of the network to a desired topology, and provide a vector
indicating a direction of movement (if any) for each balloon, such
that the balloons can move towards the desired topology. Further,
the central control system 200 may use altitudinal wind data to
determine respective altitude adjustments that may be initiated to
achieve the movement towards the desired topology. The central
control system 200 may provide and/or support other station-keeping
functions as well.
[0066] FIG. 2 shows a distributed arrangement that provides
centralized control, with regional control systems 202A to 202C
coordinating communications between a central control system 200
and a balloon network 204. Such an arrangement may be useful to
provide centralized control for a balloon network that covers a
large geographic area. In some embodiments, a distributed
arrangement may even support a global balloon network that provides
coverage everywhere on earth. Of course, a distributed-control
arrangement may be useful in other scenarios as well.
[0067] Further, it should be understood that other control-system
arrangements are also possible. For instance, some implementations
may involve a centralized control system with additional layers
(e.g., sub-region systems within the regional control systems, and
so on). Alternatively, control functions may be provided by a
single, centralized, control system, which communicates directly
with one or more downlink balloons.
[0068] In some embodiments, control and coordination of a balloon
network may be shared by a ground-based control system and a
balloon network to varying degrees, depending upon the
implementation. In fact, in some embodiments, there may be no
ground-based control systems. In such an embodiment, all network
control and coordination functions may be implemented by the
balloon network itself. For example, certain balloons may be
configured to provide the same or similar functions as central
control system 200 and/or regional control systems 202A to 202C.
Other examples are also possible.
[0069] Furthermore, control and/or coordination of a balloon
network may be de-centralized. For example, each balloon may relay
state information to, and receive state information from, some or
all nearby balloons. Further, each balloon may relay state
information that it receives from a nearby balloon to some or all
nearby balloons. When all balloons do so, each balloon may be able
to individually determine the state of the network. Alternatively,
certain balloons may be designated to aggregate state information
for a given portion of the network. These balloons may then
coordinate with one another to determine the overall state of the
network.
[0070] Further, in some aspects, control of a balloon network may
be partially or entirely localized, such that it is not dependent
on the overall state of the network. For example, individual
balloons may implement station-keeping functions that only consider
nearby balloons. In particular, each balloon may implement an
energy function that takes into account its own state and the
states of nearby balloons. The energy function may be used to
maintain and/or move to a desired position with respect to the
nearby balloons, without necessarily considering the desired
topology of the network as a whole. However, when each balloon
implements such an energy function for station-keeping, the balloon
network as a whole may maintain and/or move towards the desired
topology.
[0071] As an example, each balloon A may receive distance
information d.sub.1 to d.sub.k with respect to each of its k
closest neighbors. Each balloon A may treat the distance to each of
the k balloons as a virtual spring with vector representing a force
direction from the first nearest neighbor balloon i toward balloon
A and with force magnitude proportional to d.sub.i. The balloon A
may sum each of the k vectors and the summed vector is the vector
of desired movement for balloon A. Balloon A may attempt to achieve
the desired movement by controlling its altitude.
[0072] Alternatively, this process could assign the force magnitude
of each of these virtual forces equal to d.sub.i.times.d.sub.i,
wherein d.sub.i is proportional to the distance to the second
nearest neighbor balloon, for instance. Other algorithms for
assigning force magnitudes for respective balloons in a mesh
network are possible.
[0073] In another embodiment, a similar process could be carried
out for each of the k balloons and each balloon could transmit its
planned movement vector to its local neighbors. Further rounds of
refinement to each balloon's planned movement vector can be made
based on the corresponding planned movement vectors of its
neighbors. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that
other algorithms could be implemented in a balloon network in an
effort to maintain a set of balloon spacings and/or a specific
network capacity level over a given geographic location.
[0074] 2d) Example Balloon Configuration
[0075] Various types of balloon systems may be incorporated in an
example balloon network. As noted above, an example embodiment may
utilize high-altitude balloons, which could typically operate in an
altitude range between 18 km and 25 km. FIG. 3 shows a
high-altitude balloon 300, according to an example embodiment. As
shown, the balloon 300 includes an envelope 302, a skirt 304, a
payload 306, and a cut-down system 308, which is attached between
the balloon 302 and payload 304.
[0076] The envelope 302 and skirt 304 may take various forms, which
may be currently well-known or yet to be developed. For instance,
the envelope 302 and/or skirt 304 may be made of materials
including metalized Mylar or BoPet. Additionally or alternatively,
some or all of the envelope 302 and/or skirt 304 may be constructed
from a highly-flexible latex material or a rubber material such as
chloroprene. Other materials are also possible. Further, the shape
and size of the envelope 302 and skirt 304 may vary depending upon
the particular implementation. Additionally, the envelope 302 may
be filled with various different types of gases, such as helium
and/or hydrogen. Other types of gases are possible as well.
[0077] The payload 306 of balloon 300 may include a processor 312
and on-board data storage, such as memory 314. The memory 314 may
take the form of or include a non-transitory computer-readable
medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may have
instructions stored thereon, which can be accessed and executed by
the processor 312 in order to carry out the balloon functions
described herein. Thus, processor 312, in conjunction with
instructions stored in memory 314, and/or other components, may
function as a controller of balloon 300.
[0078] The payload 306 of balloon 300 may also include various
other types of equipment and systems to provide a number of
different functions. For example, payload 306 may include an
optical communication system 316, which may transmit optical
signals via an ultra-bright LED system 320, and which may receive
optical signals via an optical-communication receiver 322 (e.g., a
photodiode receiver system). Further, payload 306 may include an RF
communication system 318, which may transmit and/or receive RF
communications via an antenna system 340.
[0079] The payload 306 may also include a power supply 326 to
supply power to the various components of balloon 300. The power
supply 326 could include a rechargeable battery. In other
embodiments, the power supply 326 may additionally or alternatively
represent other means known in the art for producing power. In
addition, the balloon 300 may include a solar power generation
system 327. The solar power generation system 327 may include solar
panels and could be used to generate power that charges and/or is
distributed by the power supply 326.
[0080] The payload 306 may additionally include a positioning
system 324. The positioning system 324 could include, for example,
a global positioning system (GPS), an inertial navigation system,
and/or a star-tracking system. The positioning system 324 may
additionally or alternatively include various motion sensors (e.g.,
accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, and/or compasses).
[0081] The positioning system 324 may additionally or alternatively
include one or more video and/or still cameras, and/or various
sensors for capturing environmental data.
[0082] Some or all of the components and systems within payload 306
may be implemented in a radiosonde or other probe, which may be
operable to measure, e.g., pressure, altitude, geographical
position (latitude and longitude), temperature, relative humidity,
and/or wind speed and/or wind direction, among other
information.
[0083] As noted, balloon 300 includes an ultra-bright LED system
320 for free-space optical communication with other balloons. As
such, optical communication system 316 may be configured to
transmit a free-space optical signal by modulating the ultra-bright
LED system 320. The optical communication system 316 may be
implemented with mechanical systems and/or with hardware, firmware,
and/or software. Generally, the manner in which an optical
communication system is implemented may vary, depending upon the
particular application. The optical communication system 316 and
other associated components are described in further detail
below.
[0084] In a further aspect, balloon 300 may be configured for
altitude control. For instance, balloon 300 may include a variable
buoyancy system, which is configured to change the altitude of the
balloon 300 by adjusting the volume and/or density of the gas in
the balloon 300. A variable buoyancy system may take various forms,
and may generally be any system that can change the volume and/or
density of gas in the envelope 302.
[0085] In an example embodiment, a variable buoyancy system may
include a bladder 310 that is located inside of envelope 302. The
bladder 310 could be an elastic chamber configured to hold liquid
and/or gas. Alternatively, the bladder 310 need not be inside the
envelope 302. For instance, the bladder 310 could be a rigid
bladder that could be pressurized well beyond neutral pressure. The
buoyancy of the balloon 300 may therefore be adjusted by changing
the density and/or volume of the gas in bladder 310. To change the
density in bladder 310, balloon 300 may be configured with systems
and/or mechanisms for heating and/or cooling the gas in bladder
310. Further, to change the volume, balloon 300 may include pumps
or other features for adding gas to and/or removing gas from
bladder 310. Additionally or alternatively, to change the volume of
bladder 310, balloon 300 may include release valves or other
features that are controllable to allow gas to escape from bladder
310. Multiple bladders 310 could be implemented within the scope of
this disclosure. For instance, multiple bladders could be used to
improve balloon stability.
[0086] In an example embodiment, the envelope 302 could be filled
with helium, hydrogen or other lighter-than-air material. The
envelope 302 could thus have an associated upward buoyancy force.
In such an embodiment, air in the bladder 310 could be considered a
ballast tank that may have an associated downward ballast force. In
another example embodiment, the amount of air in the bladder 310
could be changed by pumping air (e.g., with an air compressor) into
and out of the bladder 310. By adjusting the amount of air in the
bladder 310, the ballast force may be controlled. In some
embodiments, the ballast force may be used, in part, to counteract
the buoyancy force and/or to provide altitude stability.
[0087] In other embodiments, the envelope 302 could be
substantially rigid and include an enclosed volume. Air could be
evacuated from envelope 302 while the enclosed volume is
substantially maintained. In other words, at least a partial vacuum
could be created and maintained within the enclosed volume. Thus,
the envelope 302 and the enclosed volume could become lighter than
air and provide a buoyancy force. In yet other embodiments, air or
another material could be controllably introduced into the partial
vacuum of the enclosed volume in an effort to adjust the overall
buoyancy force and/or to provide altitude control.
[0088] In another embodiment, a portion of the envelope 302 could
be a first color (e.g., black) and/or a first material from the
rest of envelope 302, which may have a second color (e.g., white)
and/or a second material. For instance, the first color and/or
first material could be configured to absorb a relatively larger
amount of solar energy than the second color and/or second
material. Thus, rotating the balloon such that the first material
is facing the sun may act to heat the envelope 302 as well as the
gas inside the envelope 302. In this way, the buoyancy force of the
envelope 302 may increase. By rotating the balloon such that the
second material is facing the sun, the temperature of gas inside
the envelope 302 may decrease. Accordingly, the buoyancy force may
decrease. In this manner, the buoyancy force of the balloon could
be adjusted by changing the temperature/volume of gas inside the
envelope 302 using solar energy. In such embodiments, it is
possible that a bladder 310 may not be a necessary element of
balloon 300. Thus, in various contemplated embodiments, altitude
control of balloon 300 could be achieved, at least in part, by
adjusting the rotation of the balloon with respect to the sun.
[0089] Further, a balloon 306 may include a navigation system (not
shown). The navigation system may implement station-keeping
functions to maintain position within and/or move to a position in
accordance with a desired topology. In particular, the navigation
system may use altitudinal wind data to determine altitudinal
adjustments that result in the wind carrying the balloon in a
desired direction and/or to a desired location. The
altitude-control system may then make adjustments to the density of
the balloon chamber in order to effectuate the determined
altitudinal adjustments and cause the balloon to move laterally to
the desired direction and/or to the desired location.
Alternatively, the altitudinal adjustments may be computed by a
ground-based or satellite-based control system and communicated to
the high-altitude balloon. In other embodiments, specific balloons
in a heterogeneous balloon network may be configured to compute
altitudinal adjustments for other balloons and transmit the
adjustment commands to those other balloons.
[0090] As shown, the balloon 300 also includes a cut-down system
308. The cut-down system 308 may be activated to separate the
payload 306 from the rest of balloon 300. The cut-down system 308
could include at least a connector, such as a balloon cord,
connecting the payload 306 to the envelope 302 and a means for
severing the connector (e.g., a shearing mechanism or an explosive
bolt). In an example embodiment, the balloon cord, which may be
nylon, is wrapped with a nichrome wire. A current could be passed
through the nichrome wire to heat it and melt the cord, cutting the
payload 306 away from the envelope 302.
[0091] The cut-down functionality may be utilized anytime the
payload needs to be accessed on the ground, such as when it is time
to remove balloon 300 from a balloon network, when maintenance is
due on systems within payload 306, and/or when power supply 326
needs to be recharged or replaced.
[0092] In an alternative arrangement, a balloon may not include a
cut-down system. In such an arrangement, the navigation system may
be operable to navigate the balloon to a landing location, in the
event the balloon needs to be removed from the network and/or
accessed on the ground. Further, it is possible that a balloon may
be self-sustaining, such that it does not need to be accessed on
the ground. In yet other embodiments, in-flight balloons may be
serviced by specific service balloons or another type of service
aerostat or service aircraft.
[0093] 2e) Example Heterogeneous Network
[0094] In some embodiments, a high-altitude-balloon network may
include super-node balloons, which communicate with one another via
optical links, as well as sub-node balloons, which communicate with
super-node balloons via RF links. Generally, the optical links
between super-node balloons may be configured to have more
bandwidth than the RF links between super-node and sub-node
balloons. As such, the super-node balloons may function as the
backbone of the balloon network, while the sub-nodes may provide
sub-networks providing access to the balloon network and/or
connecting the balloon network to other networks.
[0095] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a balloon
network that includes super-nodes and sub-nodes, according to an
example embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates a portion
of a balloon network 400 that includes super-node balloons 410A to
410C (which may also be referred to as "super-nodes") and sub-node
balloons 420 (which may also be referred to as "sub-nodes").
[0096] Each super-node balloon 410A to 410C may include a
free-space optical communication system that is operable for
packet-data communication with other super-node balloons. As such,
super-nodes may communicate with one another over optical links.
For example, in the illustrated embodiment, super-node 410A and
super-node 401B may communicate with one another over optical link
402, and super-node 410A and super-node 401C may communicate with
one another over optical link 404.
[0097] Each of the sub-node balloons 420 may include a
radio-frequency (RF) communication system that is operable for
packet-data communication over one or more RF air interfaces.
Accordingly, each super-node balloon 410A to 410C may include an RF
communication system that is operable to route packet data to one
or more nearby sub-node balloons 420. When a sub-node 420 receives
packet data from a super-node 410, the sub-node 420 may use its RF
communication system to route the packet data to a ground-based
station 430 via an RF air interface.
[0098] As noted above, the super-nodes 410A to 410C may be
configured for both longer-range optical communication with other
super-nodes and shorter-range RF communications with nearby
sub-nodes 420. For example, super-nodes 410A to 410C may use using
high-power or ultra-bright LEDs to transmit optical signals over
optical links 402, 404, which may extend for as much as 100 miles,
or possibly more. Configured as such, the super-nodes 410A to 410C
may be capable of optical communications at data rates of 10 to 50
GBit/sec or more.
[0099] A larger number of high-altitude balloons may then be
configured as sub-nodes, which may communicate with ground-based
Internet nodes at data rates on the order of approximately 10
MBit/sec. For instance, in the illustrated implementation, the
sub-nodes 420 may be configured to connect the super-nodes 410 to
other networks and/or directly to client devices.
[0100] Note that the data speeds and link distances described in
the above example and elsewhere herein are provided for
illustrative purposes and should not be considered limiting; other
data speeds and link distances are possible.
[0101] In some embodiments, the super-nodes 410A to 410C may
function as a core network, while the sub-nodes 420 function as one
or more access networks to the core network. In such an embodiment,
some or all of the sub-nodes 420 may also function as gateways to
the balloon network 400. Additionally or alternatively, some or all
of ground-based stations 430 may function as gateways to the
balloon network 400.
[0102] 3. Example Approaches For Maintaining a Desired Network
Topology
[0103] The positions of balloons in a high-altitude balloon network
may be adjusted in order to maintain a desired network topology.
Maintaining a desired network topology may involve maintaining a
desired density of balloons over particular areas, desired
altitudes of balloons, a desired arrangement of particular types of
balloons (e.g., super-node balloons and sub-node balloons), a
desired number of "hops" between different points in the network,
and/or any other preferences relating to the placement or
arrangement of balloons. For example, it may be desirable to
maintain a relatively high density of balloons over densely
populated areas (such as cities or metropolitan areas), whereas a
relatively low density of balloons may be sufficient over less
populated or unpopulated areas (such as deserts or oceans).
However, even in relatively unpopulated areas, a certain number and
arrangement of balloons may be maintained in order to provide
communication connectivity between different portions of the
network.
[0104] In one approach for maintaining a desired network topology,
the positions of balloons may be adjusted relative to locations on
the ground. For example, the position of a balloon used for
downlink communications could be controlled in order to stay within
a communication range of a ground station. Other types of balloons
could also be controlled to be within a given a range of a specific
ground location. Thus, a desired arrangement of balloons over a
metropolitan area could be maintained by controlling the positions
of the balloons to be within respective ranges of respective ground
positions.
[0105] In some cases, there may be an overall flow of balloons
through particular areas, for example, because of prevailing winds
in the stratosphere. In such cases, a desired network topology can
still be maintained based on ground locations. For example, the
motion of balloons relative to one another can be controlled so
that when a balloon moves out of range of its respective ground
location, a replacement balloon also moves into range. Other
examples of maintaining a desired network topology based on ground
locations are possible.
[0106] In another approach for maintaining a desired network
topology, the positions of balloons may be adjusted relative to
each other. For example, the position of a target balloon may be
adjusted relative to one or more neighbor balloons. The
determination of which balloons are included as "neighbor balloons"
of a target balloon could be made in different ways.
[0107] In one example, the neighbor balloons could be taken as the
N balloons in the network that are nearest to the target balloon,
where N is a predetermined number. N could be as small as one or as
large as ten or more. In some cases, N may be selected for a target
balloon based on the where the target balloon is located (e.g., N
may be larger if the target balloon is over a highly populated area
or smaller if the target balloon is over a less populated
area).
[0108] In another example, any balloons in the network that are
within a predefined distance of the target balloon may be
identified as neighbor balloons. The predefined distance could
depend on where the target balloon is located (e.g., the predefined
distance could be smaller if the target balloon is over a highly
populated area or larger if the target balloon is over a less
populated area). Alternatively, the predefined distance could be
taken as the distance over which the target balloon can communicate
with other balloons. Thus, any balloons in the network that are
within a communication range of the given balloon may be identified
as neighbor balloons.
[0109] The position of the target balloon may be adjusted based on
one or more neighbor balloons in order to maintain a desired
distance or a desired range of distances between the target balloon
and its neighbor balloons. In this regard, one can imagine a
virtual spring between the target balloon and each of its neighbor
balloons.
[0110] If the distance between the target balloon and a given
neighbor balloon is less than the desired distance, then the
virtual spring between the target n balloon and the given neighbor
balloon may be seen as compressed. The compressed spring may be
thought of as exerting a virtual force on the target balloon in a
direction away from the given neighbor balloon. This virtual force
may result in the target balloon being controlled so as to move
away from the given neighbor balloon.
[0111] On the other hand, if the distance between the target
balloon and the given neighbor balloon is greater than the desired
distance, then the virtual spring between the target balloon and
the given neighbor balloon may be seen as stretched. The stretched
spring may be thought of as exerting a virtual force on the target
balloon in a direction toward the given neighbor balloon. This
virtual force may result in the target balloon being controlled so
as to move toward the given neighbor balloon.
[0112] The virtual spring concept may be formalized by using the
well-known potential energy function for a spring to assign a
"potential energy" to the target balloon as a function of the
distance between the target balloon and the neighbor balloon. The
following is one example of such a potential energy function:
U=1/2k(r-R).sup.2, where U is the potential energy assigned to the
target balloon, k is the "spring constant" of the virtual spring, r
is the actual distance between the target balloon and the given
neighbor balloon, and R is the desired distance between target
balloon and the given neighbor balloon.
[0113] Given this potential energy function, the virtual force
exerted on the target balloon may be expressed as: F=-k(r-R), where
F is the virtual force, k is the spring constant of the virtual
spring, r is the actual distance between the target balloon and the
given neighbor balloon, and R is the desired distance between
target balloon and the given neighbor balloon.
[0114] Although the above discussion refers to a potential energy
and virtual force for a target balloon based on only one neighbor
balloon, the approach may be generalized to the case of multiple
neighbor balloons. In particular, each of the multiple neighbor
balloons may be associated with an individual potential energy
function, which could be a function of the respective distance
between the target balloon and the neighbor balloon in the form
described above. Thus, the i.sup.th neighbor balloon may be
associated with an individual potential energy function as follows:
U.sub.i=1/2k.sub.i(r.sub.i-R.sub.i).sup.2, where U.sub.i is the
i.sup.th neighbor balloon's contribution to the potential energy of
the target balloon, k.sub.i is the spring constant for the virtual
spring between the target balloon and the i.sup.th neighbor
balloon, r.sub.i is the actual distance between the target balloon
and the i.sup.th neighbor balloon, and R.sub.i is the desired
distance between the target balloon and the i.sup.th neighbor
balloon. As this expression indicates, different neighbor balloons
may be associated with different desired distances and/or different
spring constants. The different parameters could reflect, for
example, differences in the types or functions of the balloons. For
instance, the desired distances to neighbor balloons that are
super-nodes may be different than the desired distances to neighbor
balloons that are sub-nodes. Other differences are also
possible.
[0115] The overall potential energy function for the target balloon
may be taken as the sum of the individual potential energy
functions from each of its neighbor balloons: U=.SIGMA.U.sub.i. The
virtual force exerted on the target balloon may be related to the
gradient of the overall potential energy function as follows:
{right arrow over (F)}=-.gradient.U. Of course, this virtual force
can also considered to be the vector sum of individual virtual
forces exerted on the target balloon by each of its neighbor
balloons: {right arrow over (F)}=.SIGMA.{right arrow over
(F)}l.
[0116] Because the virtual force exerted on a target balloon
includes contributions from each of its neighbor balloons, it is
possible for the target balloon to move in the general direction of
a neighbor balloon that is already closer than the desired distance
(e.g., because another neighbor balloon may be even closer). It is
also possible for the target balloon to move generally away from a
neighbor balloon that is already farther than the desired distance
(e.g., in order to come closer to another neighbor balloon that is
even more distant). These points are illustrated by scenario 500
shown in FIG. 5.
[0117] In scenario 500, a target balloon 502 is shown at the origin
of x-y coordinate axes, and the locations of four neighbor balloons
(neighbor balloons 504, 506, 508, and 510) are indicated by vectors
{right arrow over (r.sub.1)}, {right arrow over (r.sub.2)}, {right
arrow over (r.sub.3)}, and {right arrow over (r.sub.4)}. As shown,
neighbor balloon 504 is in the first quadrant, neighbor balloon 506
is in the second quadrant, neighbor balloon 508 is in the third
quadrant, and neighbor balloon 510 is in the fourth quadrant. It is
to be understood that this arrangement is merely one example that
is presented for purposes of illustration. Target balloon 502 could
have a greater or fewer number of neighbor balloons, and the
neighbor balloons could be located differently than shown in FIG.
5.
[0118] The x-y coordinates in FIG. 5 may represent ground
coordinates. Thus, in addition to coordinates in the x-y plane,
each of balloons 502-510 may have respective z-coordinates (i.e.,
altitudes) which are not indicated in FIG. 5. Further, the
discussion of distances between balloons in scenario 500 may refer
to lateral distances in the x-y plane, which do not take into
account altitude differences between balloons.
[0119] Scenario 500 assumes that the target balloon 502 has the
same desired distance, R, to each of the neighbor balloons 504-510.
This desired distance is indicated by the dashed circle in FIG. 5.
As shown, neighbor balloons 504 and 508 are more than the desired
distance away from target balloon 502, whereas neighbor balloons
506 and 510 are less than the desired distance away from target
balloon 502.
[0120] Each of neighbor balloons 504-510 may exert a respective
virtual force on target balloon 502 based on the "virtual spring"
model described above. The net virtual force acting on target
balloon 502 will be the vector sum of the virtual forces exerted by
neighbor balloons 504-510. In particular, neighbor balloons 504 and
508 will both exert an attractive force on target balloon 502 since
they are both more than the desired distance away from target
balloon 502. However, neighbor balloon 504 is more distant than
neighbor balloon 508. Thus, neighbor balloon 504 may exert a
greater attractive force than neighbor balloon 508. The net effect
of these attractive forces may be a virtual force toward the first
quadrant where neighbor balloon 504 is located. Similarly, neighbor
balloons 506 and 510 will both exert a repulsive force on target
balloon 502 since they are both less than the desired distance away
from target balloon 502. However, neighbor balloon 510 is closer
than neighbor balloon 506. Thus, neighbor balloon 510 may exert a
greater repulsive force than neighbor balloon 506. The net effect
of these repulsive forces may be a virtual force toward the second
quadrant where neighbor balloon 506 is located. Thus, in scenario
500, the overall virtual force on target balloon 502, which results
from the net attractive forces and the net repulsive forces, may be
in a direction that is generally along the positive y-axis.
[0121] The virtual force acting on target balloon 502 may be used
to determine a desired movement of target balloon 502. The desired
movement could be, for example, a desired velocity, a desired
change in velocity, a desired acceleration, or a desired
displacement. Further, the desired movement could be a horizontal
movement (i.e., a movement in the x-y plane), or the desired
movement could include a desired change in altitude. The target
balloon 502 could be controlled (e.g., using a controller in target
balloon 502 or through remote control) in order to try to achieve
the desired movement, as described in more detail below.
[0122] The direction of the desired movement could be based on the
direction of the virtual force, and the magnitude of the desired
movement could be based on the magnitude of the virtual force.
Thus, if the desired movement is a desired velocity, then the
direction of the desired velocity may correspond to the direction
of the virtual force, and the magnitude of the desired velocity may
be a function of the magnitude of the virtual force. In this way, a
greater virtual force may result in a greater velocity. If the
desired movement is a desired displacement (i.e., a desired
distance of travel in a desired direction), then the desired
distance of travel may be a function of the magnitude of the
virtual force and the desired direction of travel may correspond to
the direction of the virtual force. In this way, a greater virtual
force may result in a greater distance of travel. Thus, whether the
desired movement is defined in terms of displacement, velocity,
acceleration, or some other parameter, the magnitude of the desired
movement of target balloon 502 may be larger or smaller depending
on the magnitude of the virtual force acting on target balloon
502.
[0123] Although the above discussion refers to potential energy
functions that are based on virtual springs, it is to be understood
that other types of potential energy functions could be used. In
general, the potential energy, U, of a target balloon may be a
function of the locations of the target balloon and n neighbor
balloons: U({right arrow over (r.sub.0)}, {right arrow over
(r.sub.1)}, {right arrow over (r.sub.2)}, . . . {right arrow over
(r.sub.n)}), where n is an integer greater than or equal to one,
vector {right arrow over (r.sub.0 )} corresponds to the location of
the target balloon, and vectors {right arrow over (r.sub.1)},
{right arrow over (r.sub.2)}, through {right arrow over (r.sub.n)}
correspond to the locations of the n neighbor balloons. The
locations of the target balloon and the neighbor balloon may be in
terms of either ground coordinates (i.e., coordinates in the x-y
plane) or to coordinates that include altitude (i.e., coordinates)
in xyz space.
[0124] In some embodiments, the potential energy could be a
function of the distances between the target balloon and each of
the n neighbor balloons. For example, the potential energy, U,
could have the following functional form: U=.SIGMA.u.sub.i(|{right
arrow over (r.sub.0)}-{right arrow over (r.sub.l)}|), where u.sub.i
is a function that is specific to the i.sup.th neighbor balloon,
and the sum is taken over i=1 to n. The u.sub.i functions could be
different for different neighbor balloons, or they could be the
same or similar for different neighbor balloons. For instance, the
u.sub.i functions could each correspond to potential energy
functions based on virtual springs, as discussed above.
[0125] The virtual force may be related to the gradient of the
potential energy function, as follows: {right arrow over
(F)}=-.gradient.U({right arrow over (r.sub.0)}, {right arrow over
(r.sub.1)}, {right arrow over (r.sub.2)}, . . . {right arrow over
(r.sub.n)}), where the gradient is determined by taking partial
derivatives with respect to the coordinates of the target balloon.
As discussed above, the desired movement of the target balloon
could be based on the virtual force and, thus, based on the
gradient of the potential energy function.
[0126] The desired movement of the target balloon could also be
determined from the potential energy function in other ways. For
example, the potential energy function may have a minimum at
coordinates that correspond to a desired location of the target
balloon. In that case, the desired movement could be a movement
toward the desired location, i.e., a movement that minimizes the
potential energy function. Other methods could also be used to
determine a desired motion of the target balloon based on the
potential energy function.
[0127] Two approaches for maintaining a desired network topology
are discussed above: an approach based on adjusting the positions
of balloons relative to ground locations and an approach based on
adjusting the positions of balloons relative to each other. In
addition, these two approaches could be combined. For example, the
position of a target balloon could be adjusted using an algorithm
that takes into account its location relative to one or more ground
locations as well as its location relative to one or more neighbor
balloons. The algorithm may involve a potential energy function
that includes contributions associated with the distances between
the target balloon and n neighbor balloons and contributions
associated with the distances between the target balloon and p
ground locations. The potential energy function could be as
follows: U=.SIGMA.u.sub.i(|{right arrow over (r.sub.0)}-{right
arrow over (r.sub.l)})+.SIGMA.v.sub.j(|{right arrow over
(r.sub.0)}-{right arrow over (g.sub.j)}|), where vector {right
arrow over (r.sub.0)} corresponds to the location of the target
balloon, vectors {right arrow over (r.sub.l)}, correspond to the
locations of the n neighbor balloons, u.sub.i is a function that is
specific to the i.sup.th neighbor balloon, vectors {right arrow
over (g.sub.j)} correspond to the locations of the p ground
locations, v.sub.j is a function that is specific to the j.sup.th
ground location, i=1 to n, and j=1 to p. The desired movement of
the target balloon may then be determined by taking the gradient of
the potential energy function, by minimizing the potential energy
function, or in some manner.
[0128] The concept of a potential energy function may be further
generalized as a "goodness" function that can take into account
multiple different kinds of "goodness" factors. Such "goodness"
factors may relate to the spacing between balloons, ground
locations, altitudes, the wind speeds that exist near balloons,
and/or other types of considerations. For example, k "goodness"
factors may be identified for a given balloon. For each "goodness"
factor, a current "goodness" score, G.sub.i, where i=1 to k, may be
determined for the given balloon.
[0129] One possible "goodness" factor could be an altitude factor
that provides a better "goodness" score for a lower altitude. This
type of "goodness" factor may reflect a principle that, all things
being equal, it is better for a balloon to be lower than higher in
order to get a better RF connection with the ground. Another
possible "goodness" factor could be a geographic location factor
that provides a better "goodness" score for being over certain,
desired geographic areas and/or a lower "goodness" score for being
over certain geographic areas that should be avoided. This type of
"goodness" factor may reflect a principle that, all things being
equal, it is better to be over certain geographic areas than
others. For example, being over the open ocean may, in general, be
associated with a negative "goodness" score. However, being over
shipping lanes in the ocean may be associated with a positive
"goodness" score. Other types of factors are also possible.
[0130] In addition to determining k "goodness" scores for k
"goodness" factors of a given balloon, it may be possible to
consider various actions that the given balloon might take in order
to improve one or more of these "goodness" scores. Such actions may
include, for example, a movement in a particular direction. The
movement could be a horizontal movement (i.e., a change in ground
position), a vertical movement (i.e., a change in altitude), or a
combination of horizontal and vertical movements. The action could
also be an adjustment in the balloon's buoyancy, an adjustment of
an airfoil (a kit, wing, or sail), or some other type of adjustment
that may affect how the balloon moves in response to ambient winds
or under its own power.
[0131] A given action, A, may improve one or more "goodness" scores
of a given balloon. However, the action might also adversely affect
one or more other "goodness" scores of the given balloon. Thus,
each "goodness" score, G.sub.i, may be considered a function of the
action A, so that we have G.sub.i(A) for the given balloon, where
i=1 to k. The overall effect of the action, A, may be determined by
calculating an "overall goodness," O, as a function of the
individual "goodness" scores: O=W(G.sub.1(A), . . . , G.sub.k(A)).
The function, W, could be any weighting function that determines
how each "goodness" score contributes to the "overall goodness."
For example, the "goodness" scores could have equal weight, so that
the "overall goodness" could simply be the sum of the individual
"goodness" scores. Alternatively, some "goodness" scores could be
weighted more heavily than others, or the relative weightings could
be dependent on the scores themselves.
[0132] The merits of a particular action, A, for a given balloon
can be determined by calculating the resulting "overall goodness,"
O, for that given balloon. Various different actions may be
evaluated in this way, and the action that maximizes O may be taken
as the desired action. The given balloon may then be controlled to
undertake the desired action.
[0133] By controlling individual balloons based on "goodness"
factors, a desired network topology may be achieved. The desired
network topology could be, in a simple case, a network in which the
balloons maintain an equal spacing. However, when "goodness"
factors other than relative spacing are considered, the desired
network topology could be more complicated. For example, the
relative spacing between balloons could be higher in some areas
than in others.
[0134] It is also possible to use different techniques for
achieving a desired network topology at different times. For
example, a default adjustment technique might be applied under
typical conditions. However, certain undesirable conditions (such
as excessive balloon density) may develop for which a different
kind of adjustment technique may be applied temporarily (e.g.,
until the undesirable condition is alleviated).
[0135] As one example, when the density of balloons in a particular
area becomes undesirably high, the balloons in that area might
"draw lots" in some way (any type of low-probability random
selection) to select one or more balloons to leave the group. A
selected balloon could increase or decrease its altitude until it
achieves a speed and direction that is meaningfully different from
that of the group. The selected balloon may then maintain this
different speed and direction for a sufficient period of time in
order to "randomize" the distribution of balloons. At that point,
the default adjustment technique may be re-applied. This
randomization technique can be used to break up clumps of balloons,
with a low probability of clumps re-forming.
[0136] 4. Example Methods For Achieving a Desired Movement
[0137] As noted above, a desired network topology may be maintained
by adjusting the positions of individual balloons in the balloon
network. The adjustment in the position of a particular, target
balloon may involve determining a desired movement of the target
balloon (e.g., based on a potential energy function) and
controlling the target balloon to achieve the desired movement. The
desired movement of the target balloon could be achieved in
different ways.
[0138] In one approach, a desired horizontal movement of the target
balloon may be achieved by adjusting the altitude of the target
balloon. In this regard, the winds in the stratosphere typically
follow a pattern in which the wind speed decreases with increasing
altitude for altitudes between about 15 km and 20 km, reaching a
local minimum between about 20 km and 25 km, and then increases
with increasing altitude thereafter. To the extent that the target
balloon is moving as a result of ambient winds, the motion of the
target balloon can be adjusted by either increasing or decreasing
its altitude. For example, altitude control may be used to achieve
a desired horizontal movement of the target balloon by determining
that the desired horizontal movement of the target balloon can be
achieved by exposing the target balloon to ambient winds of a
particular velocity, determining that ambient winds of the
particular velocity are likely to be available at a particular
altitude (this determination could be made based on predictive
models and/or actual measurements of the winds in the vicinity of
the target balloon), and adjusting the altitude of the target
balloon to attain the particular altitude.
[0139] The altitude-adjustment approach can be used in any balloon
that is configured for altitude control. For example, as discussed
above, a balloon may include a variable buoyancy system that can
change the volume and/or density of the gas within the balloon's
envelope. However, the altitude-adjustment approach generally
relies on the ambient winds to carry the target balloon in the
desired direction. Other approaches may be used to move the target
balloon in a direction that is different than that of the ambient
winds.
[0140] For example, the target balloon may include an airfoil, such
as a kite, wing, or sail, that can be adjusted to control the
target balloon's direction of motion. In particular, the airfoil
may be operable to move the target balloon horizontally using
ambient winds, but in a direction that may be controllable (to at
least some extent) by appropriate adjustment of the airfoil.
[0141] Alternatively, the airfoil may be of a type that is operable
to convert vertical motion of the target balloon (the vertical
motion may be generated by changing the buoyancy of the target
balloon) into horizontal motion of the target balloon. This type of
airfoil can be used to achieve the desired movement of the target
balloon without relying on ambient winds. This approach may be
thought of as using the airfoil to convert lift into thrust, which
is essentially the opposite of how a conventional airplane works
(the wings of a conventional airplane convert thrust into
lift).
[0142] In some embodiments, the target balloon may be configured
for powered flight. For example, the target balloon may include a
propeller, jet, or other propulsion mechanism. These propulsion
mechanisms may be used to achieve the desired movement of the
target balloon instead of or in addition to the use of ambient
winds. Because of the energy that they consume, such propulsion
mechanisms could be used as a back-up, for example, when the
available ambient winds are insufficient to provide the desired
movement.
[0143] 5. Example Methods For Controlling a Target Balloon Based on
the Relative Locations of Neighbor Balloons
[0144] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 600 for
controlling a target balloon based on the relative locations of
neighbor balloons. Method 600 could be performed using any of the
apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-5 and described above. However, other
configurations could be used. Further, the steps shown in FIG. 6
for method 600 are for one particular embodiment. In other
embodiments, the steps may appear in different order and steps
could be added or subtracted.
[0145] Step 602 involves determining a location of a target
balloon. The target balloon could be any balloon whose movement may
be controlled, for example, in order to achieve a desired network
topology in a balloon network. For purposes of illustration, this
example assumes that the target balloon network is in a
high-altitude network of balloons that functions as a mesh network.
However, other types of balloon networks are possible.
[0146] The target balloon could be configured as shown in FIG. 3,
or it could be differently configured. The location of the target
balloon could be determined using GPS, inertial navigation data,
star-tracking, radar, or by some other method. The location of the
target balloon could be determined by a positioning system within
the target balloon, such as positioning system 324 shown in FIG. 3.
Alternatively, the location of the target balloon could be
determined externally, for example, by another balloon, by a
ground-based station, or by some other entity.
[0147] Step 604 involves determining locations of one or more
neighbor balloons relative to the determined location of the target
balloon. The target balloon includes a communication system that is
operable for data communication with at least one of the one or
more neighbor balloons. The communication system may, for example,
use a free-space optical link or an RF link for the data
communication.
[0148] The one or more neighbor balloons may be identified in
various ways. In some embodiments, a predetermined number of
balloons in the mesh network that are nearest neighbors to the
target balloon may be identified as the one or more neighbor
balloons. In other embodiments, any balloons in the mesh network
that are within a predefined distance from the target balloon may
be identified as the one or more neighbor balloons. The predefined
distance could, for example, correspond to a communication range of
the target balloon's communication system. Other ways of defining
which balloons in the mesh network are neighbor balloons to the
target balloon are also possible.
[0149] The locations of the one or more neighbor balloons could be
determined using GPS, inertial navigation data, star-tracking,
radar, or by some other method. The locations of the neighbor
balloons could be determined by the neighbor balloons themselves,
and this location information could be transmitted to the target
balloon, to a ground-based station, or to some other entity.
Alternatively, the locations of the one or more neighbor balloons
could be determined by the target balloon or by a ground-based
station. Other methods for determining the locations of the one or
more neighbor balloons are also possible.
[0150] Step 606 involves determining a desired movement of the
target balloon based on the determined locations of the one or more
neighbor balloons relative to the determined location of the target
balloon. The desired movement of the target balloon could be a
desired displacement of the target balloon (such as displacement to
a particular location or displacement in a certain direction for a
certain distance or duration of travel), a desired velocity of the
target balloon (the desired velocity could be relative to the
ground, relative to the air, or relative to another balloon), a
desired change in the velocity of the target balloon (either an
increase or decrease in the target balloon's current speed and/or a
change in the target balloon's current direction of motion), a
desired acceleration of the target balloon, or any other type of
movement of the target balloon.
[0151] This desired movement could be determined based on a
potential energy function, as described above. Thus, a potential
energy function may be defined to assign a potential energy to the
target balloon as a function of the determined locations of the one
or more neighbor balloons and the determined location of the target
balloon. A gradient of the potential energy function may be
determined, and the desired movement of the target balloon may be
determined based on the gradient of the potential energy function.
In particular, the direction of the desired movement may be based
on the direction of the gradient and the magnitude of the desired
movement may be based on the magnitude of the gradient.
[0152] Step 608 involves controlling the target balloon based on
the desired movement of the target balloon. In some embodiments,
the target balloon may control itself autonomously to achieve the
desired movement, using data that the target balloon collects
itself or receives through its communication system. In other
embodiments, the target balloon may be controlled remotely by
another balloon, by a ground-based station, or by some other
entity.
[0153] In some embodiments, the desired movement of the target
balloon may include a desired horizontal movement (i.e., a movement
that is generally parallel to the ground). The desired horizontal
movement of the target balloon may be achieved in various ways.
[0154] In one approach, the altitude of the target balloon of the
target balloon may be controlled in order to achieve the desired
horizontal movement of the target balloon. This approach makes use
of the variation of wind speed with altitude that is typical in the
stratosphere. For example, the buoyancy of the target balloon may
be adjusted to attain a particular altitude where ambient ways may
be expected to produce the desired horizontal movement of the
target balloon. In some embodiments, the target balloon may use its
own predictive models and/or actual data regarding wind speeds.
Alternatively, the target balloon may receive wind data or wind
predictions from other balloons, ground-based stations, and/or
other entities.
[0155] In another approach, the target balloon may include an
airfoil, such as a kite, wing, or sail, that can use ambient winds
to achieve the desired horizontal movement of the target balloon.
For example, the airfoil could be controllable to achieve a desired
direction of movement.
[0156] In still another approach, the target balloon may include an
airfoil that is operable to convert vertical motion of the target
balloon into the desired horizontal movement of the target balloon.
The vertical motion of the target balloon may be generated by
changing the buoyancy of the target balloon.
[0157] In yet another approach, the target balloon may include a
propulsion mechanism, such as a propeller or jet. The target
balloon may control the propulsion mechanism in order to achieve
the desired horizontal movement.
[0158] It is to be understood that method 600 shown in FIG. 6 may
be performed repetitively, in order to adjust the position of the
target balloon based on changing conditions. In some embodiments,
method 600 may be performed periodically, for example, every
second, minute, or hour. In other embodiments, method 600 may be
performed in response to a triggering event. For example, the
target balloon may perform the method in response to receiving an
instruction from another balloon, ground-based station, or some
other entity.
[0159] It is also to be understood that method 600 shown in FIG. 6
may be performed in order to adjust the positions of multiple
balloons in a balloon network. The method could be performed for
each balloon independently. Alternatively, a central controller,
which could be in a balloon or in a ground-based station, may
perform the method for multiple balloons in a cooperative fashion.
Either way, the positions of balloons in a balloon network may be
adjusted relative to one another in order to maintain a desired
network topology.
[0160] 6. Non-Transitory Computer Readable Media
[0161] Some or all of the functions described above and illustrated
in FIGS. 1-6 may be performed by a computing device in response to
the execution of instructions stored in a non-transitory computer
readable medium. The non-transitory computer readable medium could
be, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory
(ROM), a flash memory, a cache memory, one or more magnetically
encoded discs, one or more optically encoded discs, or any other
form of non-transitory data storage. The non-transitory computer
readable medium could also be distributed among multiple data
storage elements, which could be remotely located from each other.
The computing device that executes the stored instructions could be
a computing device in a balloon, such as a computing device
corresponding to processor 312 illustrated in FIG. 3.
Alternatively, the computing device that executes the stored
instructions could be in another entity, such as a ground-based
station.
Conclusion
[0162] The above detailed description describes various features
and functions of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods with
reference to the accompanying figures. While various aspects and
embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The
various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes
of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true
scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
* * * * *