Patent ID: 9107081
Filing Date: 2015-08-11
Classification: H04B,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method of maintaining an ad hoc communications network between a base and a mobile platform as the mobile platform moves over a surface comprising the following steps: a. providing a radio relay device; b. physically coupling a deployer to the mobile platform, wherein the deployer is configured to releasably stow the radio relay device; c. sending video data from the mobile platform to the base; d. monitoring the strength of a network signal received over time at the mobile platform and issuing a weak-link warning when the highest signal strength received at the mobile platform drops below a threshold value; e. once the weak-link warning has been issued, calculating video throughput data metrics based on video data received at the base over time, and issuing an imminent link-failure alert when the metrics reach a predefined condition, wherein the predefined condition is met when a first function z f. deploying the relay device from the deployer to the surface after the weak-link warning and the imminent link-failure alert are issued; g. providing a plurality of radio relay devices configured to be stowed and deployed by the deployer; and h. repeating steps (c) through (f) until all relay devices stowed in the deployer have been deployed.