3d modeling of cell sites to detect configuration and site changes

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016360428-A1
Application number	US-201615241239-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Aug 19, 2016
Priority date	Apr 14, 2015
Publication date	Dec 8, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

A modeling method performed for a cell site to detect changes in or at the cell site includes obtaining first data regarding the cell site from a first audit performed using one or more data acquisition techniques and obtaining second data regarding the cell site from a second audit performed using the one or more data acquisition techniques, wherein the second audit is performed at a different time than the first audit; processing the first data to define a first model of the cell site using the associated one or more location identifiers and processing the second data to define a second model of the cell site using the associated one or more location identifiers; comparing the first model with the second model to identify the changes in or at the cell site; and performing one or more actions based on the identified changes.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A modeling method performed for a cell site to detect changes in or at the cell site, the modeling method comprising:
obtaining first data regarding the cell site from a first audit performed using one or more data acquisition techniques and obtaining second data regarding the cell site from a second audit performed using the one or more data acquisition techniques, wherein the second audit is performed at a different time than the first audit, and wherein the first data and the second data each comprise one or more location identifiers associated therewith; processing the first data to define a first model of the cell site using the associated one or more location identifiers and processing the second data to define a second model of the cell site using the associated one or more location identifiers; comparing the first model with the second model to identify the changes in or at the cell site; and performing one or more actions based on the identified changes.

2 . The modeling method of claim 1 , wherein the identified changes are associated with cell site components installed on a cell tower at the cell site, and wherein the one or more actions comprises any of maintenance, licensing with operators, and removal.

3 . The modeling method of claim 1 , wherein the identified changes are associated with physical surroundings of the cell site, and wherein the one or more actions comprise maintenance to correct the identified changes.

4 . The modeling method of claim 3 , wherein the identified changes comprise any of degradation of gravel roads, trees obstructing a cell tower, physical hazards at the cell site, and mechanical issues with the cell tower or a shelter at the cell site.

5 . The modeling method of claim 1 , wherein the first data and the second data are obtained remotely, without a tower climb.

6 . The modeling method of claim 1 , wherein the first model and the second model each comprise a three-dimensional model of the cell site, displayed in a Graphical User Interface (GUI).

7 . The modeling method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more data acquisition techniques comprise using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to capture the first data and the second data.

8 . The modeling method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more data acquisition techniques comprise using a fixed or portable camera to capture the first data and the second data.

9 . The modeling method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more location identifiers comprise at least two location identifiers comprising Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS).

10 . The modeling method of claim 1 , wherein the second model is created using the first model as a template for expect objects at the cell site.

11 . A modeling system adapted for detecting changes in or at a cell site, the modeling system comprising:
a network interface and a processor communicatively coupled to one another, and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to
obtain first data regarding the cell site from a first audit performed using one or more data acquisition techniques and obtain second data regarding the cell site from a second audit performed using the one or more data acquisition techniques, wherein the second audit is performed at a different time than the first audit, and wherein the first data and the second data each comprise one or more location identifiers associated therewith;
process the first data to define a first model of the cell site using the associated one or more location identifiers and process the second data to define a second model of the cell site using the associated one or more location identifiers;
compare the first model with the second model to identify the changes in or at the cell site; and
cause performance of one or more actions based on the identified changes.

12 . The modeling system of claim 11 , wherein the identified changes are associated with cell site components installed on a cell tower at the cell site, and wherein the one or more actions comprises any of maintenance, licensing with operators, and removal.

13 . The modeling system of claim 11 , wherein the identified changes are associated with physical surroundings of the cell site, and wherein the one or more actions comprise maintenance to correct the identified changes.

14 . The modeling system of claim 13 , wherein the identified changes comprise any of degradation of gravel roads, trees obstructing a cell tower, physical hazards at the cell site, and mechanical issues with the cell tower or a shelter at the cell site.

15 . The modeling system of claim 11 , wherein the first data and the second data are obtained remotely, without a tower climb.

16 . The modeling system of claim 11 , wherein the first model and the second model each comprise a three-dimensional model of the cell site, displayed in a Graphical User Interface (GUI).

17 . The modeling system of claim 11 , wherein the one or more data acquisition techniques comprise using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to capture the first data and the second data.

18 . The modeling system of claim 11 , wherein the one or more data acquisition techniques comprise using a fixed or portable camera to capture the first data and the second data.

19 . The modeling system of claim 11 , wherein the one or more location identifiers comprise at least two location identifiers comprising Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS).

20 . A non-transitory computer readable medium includes instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform the steps of:
obtaining first data regarding the cell site from a first audit performed using one or more data acquisition techniques and obtaining second data regarding the cell site from a second audit performed using the one or more data acquisition techniques, wherein the second audit is performed at a different time than the first audit, and wherein the first data and the second data each comprise one or more location identifiers associated therewith; processing the first data to define a first model of the cell site using the associated one or more location identifiers and processing the second data to define a second model of the cell site using the associated one or more location identifiers; comparing the first model with the second model to identify the changes in or at the cell site; and performing one or more actions based on the identified changes.

Assignees

• Priest Lee
• Etak Systems Llc

Inventors

• Priest Lee

Classifications

• B64U2201/202

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• B64U2101/60

  for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons · CPC title

• B64U2101/30

  for imaging, photography or videography · CPC title

• B64U80/70

  in containers (B64U80/60 takes precedence) · CPC title

• B64U2201/20

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