WO2019090042A1

WO2019090042A1 - Remote configuration, maintenance, and installation for communication systems

Info

Publication number: WO2019090042A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/058893
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Booker Gravely; Andrew E. Beck
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2017-11-02
Filing date: 2018-11-02
Publication date: 2019-05-09
Anticipated expiration: 2020-05-02

Abstract

A dock for remote servicing of a communication device is provided. The dock includes a platform configured to be mounted on or in proximity to a communication device or component, and a mounting device, configured to receive a service device, the mounting device disposed on the platform.

Description

Remote Configuration, Maintenance, and Installation for

Communication Systems

BACKGROUND

[0001] Current communication systems often have substantial portions of the system deployed in areas and on structures that are difficult and dangerous for technicians to access. For example, in mobile communications systems, a number of components of the communication system are located on a tower, e.g., antennas, amplifiers, etc. These structures are usually tall thus requiring a technician to scale the tower to reach the location of the equipment for servicing, maintenance and other operations. The cost of technician service is high because of the danger, specialized skills, equipment required, safety precautions, and substantial time required to reach and service the equipment. This situation is little changed since the first communication systems were deployed.

[0002] Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved way to service telecommunications equipment that is located in difficult and dangerous locations, including configuration, maintenance and installation of such systems.

DRAWINGS

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention can be more easily understood and further advantages and uses thereof more readily apparent, when considered in view of the description of the preferred embodiments and the following figures in which:

[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a remotely operated service device for configuring, maintaining and installing components of a communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a platform for docking a remotely or autonomously operated service device associated with a communication system.

[0006] FIG. 3 is perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a platform for docking a remotely or autonomously operated service device associated with a communication system.

[0007] FIG. 4 is block diagram of one embodiment of a service device. [0008] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of one embodiment of a process for operating a service device to configure, maintain, or install components of a communication system.

[0009] FIG. 6 is a flow chart that illustrates a process for a service device to adjust an orientation of a component of a communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 7 is a flow chart that illustrates a process for communicating data between a service device and a component of the communication system.

[0011] FIG. 8 is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of a process for a service device to inspect operation and make adjustments to a communications system.

[0012] FIG. 9 is flow char that illustrates another embodiment of a process for a service device to inspect the operation of a communications system using RF emissions.

[0013] FIG. 10 is one embodiment of a process for inventorying equipment in a

communications system using a service device using captured images.

[0014] FIG. 1 1 is another embodiment of a process for inventorying equipment in a communications system using a service device using wireless data transfer.

[0015] In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize features relevant to the present invention. Reference characters denote like elements throughout figures and text.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of specific illustrative embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0017] Many of the negative aspects of servicing communication systems discussed above can be eliminated or at least mitigated through the use of automated or remotely controlled specialized robotic devices to perform the servicing and therefore dramatically improve the situation. However, the design of existing communication system equipment causes the use of such service devices to be generally impractical. Embodiments of the present invention provide improvements to communication systems that enable the use of robotic service devices, referred to generally as "service devices." The use of these service devices reduces the risks and dangers associated with servicing communications equipment in locations that are difficult or dangerous to reach.

[0018] To enable service of communications equipment by such a service device, a platform is provided that enables both electrical and mechanical interfaces between the service device and the communication equipment. The platform may be mounted to a tower that contains the communication equipment. Alternatively, the platform may be mounted directly to the communication equipment itself. Equipment on the service device, as well as the design of the platform, enable electrical and mechanical interaction between the service device and the communication equipment. Through these interfaces and equipment, the service device is able to perform such tasks as inventory equipment, antenna pointing, equipment replacement and installation, visual inspection, software maintenance, and accurate determination of position among other tasks.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a remotely operated service device, indicated generally at 100, for configuring, maintaining and installing components of a communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, service device 100 is built around a remotely controlled aerial vehicle, e.g., a drone, having a number of propellers 102 mounted on a number of arms 106 extending from a central body 104. In other embodiments, other configurations for the service device 100 are contemplated. For example, in other embodiments, service device 100 is configured as any appropriate type of remotely controlled aerial vehicle that is capable of traveling from the base of the tower up to a location for the service device to attach to the tower or communication equipment.

Therefore, the remotely controlled aerial vehicle having four propellers is only shown by way of example and not by way of limitation. Further, in other embodiments, service device 100 includes other types of vehicles that are configured to climb, ascend, or scale a tower to a docking location. For example, service device 100, in other embodiments, includes wheels, treads, arms or other mechanism that enables the service device to climb, ascend or scale the tower along a track or other structure associated with the tower to a location on or proximate the communication equipment. Other embodiments use a mechanism designed around a pulley to lift the service device to the docking location on the tower or communication equipment.

[0020] Service device 100 includes a mechanical interface, indicated generally at 108, for attaching to a dock or platform on a communications tower, a communication device (such as an antenna) or other structure that is difficult or dangerous for a technician to reach. In this embodiment, mechanical interface 108 is disposed in a bottom surface 109 of central body 104 of service device 100. Mechanical interface 108 comprises a conical orifice that extends into central body 104 of service device 100. This enables service device 100 to be piloted to a target dock or platform and land such that a complementary mounting device on the dock or platform is inserted into the mechanical interface 108. In this manner, the service device 100 is held in place on the dock or platform by at least the force of gravity, as explained in more detail below, while performing service for the communication equipment.

[0021] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a dock, indicated at 200 and 300, respectively, for receiving service device 100. Docks 200 and 300 can be integrated directly into an antenna package, such as mounted to the top or side of an antenna radome such as antenna 312 of Figure 3, or an external mechanical device that could attach to an existing antenna. The external attachment, for example, could mount to the back of the antenna and provide an interface point at the top of the antenna. In other embodiments, the dock is attached to a portion of a tower such as pole 212 as shown in Figure 2. The manner in which docks 200 and 300 are shown as attached to communications structures and devices are provided by way of example and not by way of limitation. In other embodiments, the docks 200 and 300 are disposed in locations that enable the dock to receive a service device in a position such that the service device is enabled to provide the desired service to the communication equipment.

[0022] Advantageously, the dock 200 or 300 provides a standardized mechanical interface or mounting device 202 and 302, respectively, for receiving and holding the service device 100 on the dock 200 or 300. The mechanical interfaces 202 and 302 have a generally conical shape that provides a tight and repeatable coupling to the mechanical interface 108 of service device 100 of Figure 1. Additionally, the generally conical shape of mechanical interfaces 202 and 302 provide immunity to dirt and debris, and are easy for a service device to attach to and align itself to a known orientation. In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, the mechanical interface 202 and 302 are each mounted on a surfaces 208 and 308 of platforms 210 and 310, respectively. [0023] An accurate location of deployed equipment is often beneficial in planning and optimizing the operation of communication systems. The use of a standardized mechanical interface or reference point on equipment can enable the remotely operated service device with an accurate positioning capability to determine the location and orientation of deployed equipment. Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention provide this standardized reference point through the mechanical interface 202 and 302. This mechanical interface 202 and 302, in one embodiment is a mount point for the service device to attach to the communication equipment, for example, an antenna or tower, and is the basis for pointing and/or location measurements for the communication equipment. The mechanical interface 202 and 302 further enables the service device to provide a number of other services for the communication equipment by providing a location for the service device in proximity to the communication equipment and by providing electrical and mechanical interfaces to the communication equipment as described in more detail below.

[0024] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate various options for the design and structure of the mechanical interface. Beginning with Figure 2, dock 200 includes mechanical interface 202 (also referred to as a mount or a mounting device) where a service unit, such as service unit 100 of Figure 1 , would utilize gravity to form a tight coupling, "landing" on top of the mounting device 202. The mounting device 302 in Figure 3 adds grip points 304 to the mounting device 302 which are configured to be engaged by a service device such as service device 100 to enable a tight coupling of the service device to the platform 300 via a mechanical latch. In other embodiment, magnets or spring loaded latches are used to enable a tight dock coupling between the service device and the mounting device 302.

[0025] For some operations, such as antenna alignment, the service device 100 may require not only a tight coupling in three dimensions to the mounting device 202 or 302, but also a specified alignment in compass azimuth. To accomplish this, mounting devices 202 and 302 are configured with a mechanism to automatically align the service unit with the required compass azimuth. For example, as illustrated in Figure 2, mounting device 202 includes an alignment outdent or triangular protrusion 206 that is the inverse of, for example, a corresponding alignment indent 1 10 in mechanical interface 108 of service unit 100 of Figure 1. Similarly, mounting device 302 includes an alignment indent or triangular recess 306. In this embodiment, mounting device 302 mates with a mechanical interface 108 of a service unit that includes an alignment outdent that protrudes into the interior of the mechanical interface 108 of the service unit. Outdent 206 and indent 306 provide fine alignment rotation of the service device 100 as it attaches to mounting device 202 or 302, respectively, to an azimuth with a known relationship relative to the communication equipment, e.g., an antenna boresight.

[0026] In some embodiments, the dock provides a mechanical and/or electrical interface between the service device and the communications equipment. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, this electrical and mechanical interface 214 and 314 is included in the conical mechanical interface 202 and 302 to adjust or communicate with the communication equipment such as an antenna. In one embodiment, this electrical and mechanical interface 214 and 314 is useful to query an associated antenna for parametric data and/or to change the pointing characteristics of the antenna. The mechanical interface 214 or 314 may include a coupling to interface to one or more motors supplied by the service device to adjust mechanical antenna downtilt or azimuth, for example. The electrical interface of interface 214 or 314 may include the ability to direct motors within the antenna to perform downtilt or azimuth adjustments or query sensors within the antenna for current pointing settings.

[0027] Service device 100 includes additional components to enable operation of service device 100. For example, in some embodiments, service device 100 comprises a remotely controlled aerial vehicle. To this end, service device 100 includes an antenna 1 16 that communicates with a radio frequency controller used by a technician to control the operation of service device 100. Additionally, other antenna can also be included with service device 100. For example, antenna 118 may be used with a GPS receiver to capture position information for the service device 100. Service device 100 also includes a camera 120 to provide visual feedback and other data for use in performing configuration, maintenance and installation. Further, camera 120 can be used by service device 100 to enable docking procedures with docks 200 and 300 whether the docking procedure is automated or under the control of a user or technician. More detail regarding the operation of these components of service device 100 is provided below.

[0028] FIG. 4 is block diagram of one embodiment of a service device, indicated generally at 400. Service device 400 includes a number of electronic components that work together to provide the functionality of service device 400. The basic operation of service device 400 is controlled by controller 402. Controller 402 comprises a microcontroller, FPGA, or other appropriate circuit for controlling the operation service device 400. Controller 402 is configured to run software programs stored in storage medium 404, e.g., non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and DVD disks.

[0029] Service device 400 also includes flight control 406. Flight control 406 includes functionality to control the trajectory, elevation, and flightpath of service device 400. One embodiment, flight control 406 receives destination coordinates for service device 400. Flight control 406 operates autonomously to bring service device 400 to the proper location for docking. In other embodiments, receives signals from a radio controller to allow an operator to pilot service device 400 to its destination.

[0030] Service device 400 also includes a communication module 408. Communication module 408 enables service device 400 to communicate with other devices. For example, communication module 408, in one embodiment, provides an interface to an external radio controller for receiving signals for flight control 406 for controlling flightpath of service device 400. Additionally, communication module 408 is also configured to receive commands from the radio controller for implementing monitoring, configuration, and installation procedures as discussed in more detail below. Further, communication module 408, in some embodiments, is also configured to deliver and retrieve data from the communication system being serviced by service module 400.

[0031] In some embodiments, service device 400 also includes a data interface 410. Data interface 410 comprises, for example, circuitry used for downloading data from or uploading to the communication device being serviced by service device 100. In one embodiment, data interface 410 communicates with electrical interface 214 or 314 of docks 200 and 300, respectively. Some Data Interface examples for communicating with the equipment being serviced include antenna interface standards group (AISG), serial (RS-232, RS-422, RS-485), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. Other communication protocols may be implemented in data interface 410 based on the protocol supported by the equipment being serviced.

[0032] Service device 400 includes a number of sensors 412 that provide data for service device 400 to use in serving a communication system. For example, sensors 412 includes camera 414 that is used, for example, to visually inspect the communication system and aid in docking the service device 400 with a dock such as docks 200 and 300. Camera 414 can be used to capture images of the communication system prior to, and after, docking with the communication system. Further, camera 414 may be used to read bar codes, QR codes, or other indicia on the communication equipment for use in, for example, collecting an inventory of parts installed on the communication system or identifying the proper dock to be used on a communications system with multiple docks. As discussed above, camera 414 can also be used by flight control 406 to aid in navigating the service device 400 to the dock.

[0033] Sensors 412 also includes one or more accelerometers 416. Accel erometers 416 enable service device 400 to determine the orientation, trajectory or heading of the service device 400. The data from the accelerometer 416 can be used by the flight control 406 to aid in guiding the service device 400 to a desired location on a flight path. Also, the data from the accelerometers 416 can be used to determine the angle or orientation of a piece of communication equipment as described in more detail below because, in some embodiments, the mechanical interface of the dock locks the service unit into a known orientation relative to the communication device being serviced.

[0034] Sensors 416 may also include GPS receiver 418. GPS receiver 418 can provide the current location of the service device 400. This information can be used by the flight control 406 to assist in guiding the flight path of the service device 400. Also, the GPS receiver 418 can provide data that is used in other functions related to positioning of equipment on a structure such as a cell tower. Sensors 412, in other embodiments, include other sensors such as barometers for altitude measurements, gyroscopes for navigation orientation, compass, thermometer, IR camera for detecting overheating components and an RF receiver for measuring spectral energy.

[0035] Service device 400 also includes a drive system 420 for the mechanical interface that interfaces with the dock or communications equipment. Drive system 420 controls the operation of mechanical equipment that is used to adjust, for example, the angle of an antenna.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of one embodiment of a method 500 for operating a service device to configure, maintain, or install components of a communication system. In one embodiment, the communication system includes a cell tower or other structure that typically requires a technician to climb at great risk to personal safety to service equipment installed on the structure. The method 500 provides a safe alternative to a traditional tower climb to configure, maintain, install or otherwise service a component on the structure.

[0037] Method 500 begins at block 502. At block 504, a service device, e.g., a drone or other vehicle, is launched. At block 506, the drone is guided to be within proximity of a dock on the tower or other structure. The dock may be connected to the tower structure or a piece equipment mounted on the structure.

[0038] In some embodiments, the drone is guided toward the dock by a technician using a radio control device. In other embodiments, the drone includes an automated guidance system. In these embodiments the technician enters the destination for the selected dock and the drone guides itself to within proximity of the dock. In either case the drone would use navigation cues such as GPS and/or a video camera to locate and begin the attachment to the dock. Visual cues could be placed on the landing platform to ease in approach. As discussed above with respect to Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments the dock includes a mechanical interface or mounting device (202 or 302). This mechanical interface is shaped in such a manner to allow for a coarsely aligned connection at first which would become finer and tighter as the drone gets closer to the landing platform (e.g., platform 210 or 310). The shape of the mechanical interface (202 or 302) serves as a mechanical guide. The shape is also chosen to avoid concave regions with respect to gravity to avoid areas where water or dirt could build up interfering with the mechanical fit. In some embodiments, the drone locks the mechanical interface of the dock.

[0039] Once the drone completes the docking process and is engaged tightly with the mechanical interface (block 508), the drone may use its internal sensors to perform a monitoring or maintenance task at block 510. For example, the drone may use its sensors for position and alignment measurements. GPS could be used for two or three-dimension location information. GPS measurements could be averaged over a time window and/or supplemented with differential correction technology (e.g. WAAS) for greater location accuracy. Barometric pressure measurements could alternatively be used for altitude measurements. Compass measurements could be used for pointing angle orientation.

Gyroscope measurements could be used for tilt or roll measurements. Various tasks are described in more detail below. These tasks include, by way of example, and not by way of limitation, equipment inventory (Figs. 10 an 11), antenna pointing (Figs. 6), equipment installation and replacement, equipment inspection and testing (Figs. 8 and 9), software maintenance (Fig. 7), accurate location determination, or other task normally done by a technician during a tower climb.

[0040] Once the drone is finished with all assigned tasks, the drone disengages from the dock at block 512. The drone then returns to the landing zone either using automatic flight guidance or under the control of a technician using a radio control device at block 514. And the process ends at block 516.

Antenna Pointing

[0041] The pointing direction of the electromagnetic boresight of an antenna is a critical factor in many system deployments. In one embodiment of the present invention, a service device, e.g., service device 100 of Fig. 1, determines and adjusts the pointing direction of the boresight of an antenna. FIG. 6 is a flow chart that illustrates an example process that the service device 100 can use to adjust an orientation of a component of a communication system, e.g., the pointing angle of an antenna, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] To accomplish this task (at block 510 of Fig. 5), the service device 100 uses a standardized mechanical interface that establishes a known orientation between the antenna boresight and the servicing device 100. This mechanical interface provides the transfer of physical orientation from the antenna 204 to the servicing device 100. In one embodiment, this standardized mechanical interface comprises a mounting device 202 of dock 200 that is mounted on the antenna in a known orientation relative to the direction of the electromagnetic boresight. Thus, when the service device 100 engages with mounting device 202 of dock 200, the orientation of the service device 100 relative to the boresight is known and readings from the sensors on the service device 100 are enabled to sense the orientation of the antenna. Thus, the service device can determine the physical pointing direction of the antenna 204, with or without the support of external analysis. In addition, in some embodiments, the antenna includes standardized mechanical or electrical adjustments for internal beam pattern control. In such embodiments, the service device 100 uses the mechanical or electrical interfaces 214 or 314 to determine the current setting and perform any desired adjustments as described below. One example of determining the orientation of the antenna using interface 214 or 314 is reading the antenna physical position settings via an AISG interface.

[0043] In some embodiments, the service device 100 supplies mechanical devices for modifying the antenna pointing direction (e.g. a motor to drive a mechanical linkage arm between the dock and the antenna) eliminating the need for a motor to be permanently mounted on the antenna. This would save cost and space over what is deployed in conventional communication systems. [0044] The process of Figure 6 begins at block 602 and determines the desired boresight orientation of antenna 204. At block 604, the azimuth angle of the antenna is determined by the service device 100. Service device 100 may use an onboard GPS receiver, a compass, or a camera with image recognition to an object with a known location (e.g. TV antenna tower). At block 606, the process determines if the current azimuth angle is correct. If so the process proceeds to block 610. Otherwise, if the angle needs to be corrected, the service device 100 uses a electrical or mechanical interface, e.g., interfaces 214 or 314, to rotate the antenna to the correct orientation. At block 610, the process monitors the current elevation angle of the antenna. The service device 100, in one embodiment, uses an accelerometer to determine the elevation angle. If the elevation angle is determined to be correct at block 612, the process ends at block 616. Otherwise, the process corrects the elevation angle of the antenna at block 614 and then ends at block 616.

Software Maintenance

[0045] FIG. 7 is a flow chart that illustrates a process for communicating data between a service device and a component of the communication system. This process is described in conjunction with the service device 400 of Fig. 4. The process is used to provide, for example software maintenance for an installed communication device or component. A communication device with software, but no remote communications capability, must be physically accessed for software maintenance activities, such as software updates and data log collection. Standardized interfaces for communication and control can allow a service device to perform the actions required.

[0046] The process begins at block 702 with the establishment of a data connection over data interface 410 or communication interface 408. For example, the data connection could be one of antenna interface standards group (AISG), serial (RS-232, RS-422, RS-485),

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. Other appropriate communication protocols may also be used. Once the data connection is established, block 704 determines if service device 400 has data, e.g., a software or firmware update, to deliver to the communication device or component, e.g., a remote radio head, antenna controller, tower mounted amplifier, interference mitigation unit, or other appropriate communication device or component. If not, the process moves to block 708. If, however, the service device 400 has data to deliver, the data is uploaded to the communication device or component at block 706. [0047] At block 708, the process determines if the communication device or component has data to upload to service device 400, e.g., data logs of activity, errors, configuration state and/or status, or other appropriate data that has been generated during the operation of the communication device or component. If so, the data is uploaded to the service unit 400 and stored in the storage medium 404 at block 910 for later retrieval and processing by a technician upon completion of the servicing of the communication device or component. Otherwise, the process ends at block 712.

Equipment Inspection

[0048] Standardized interfaces (e.g. electrical or wireless) for communicating data and control can allow service devices to inspect equipment operation, and make adjustments, if required. FIG. 8 is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of a process for a service device to inspect operation and make adjustments to a communications system. In this embodiment, service device 400 tests the operation of a communication device or component. The process begins at block 802 with the establishment of a data connection between service device 400 and the communication device or component over data interface 410 or communication interface 408. For example, the data connection could be one of antenna interface standards group (AISG), serial (RS-232, RS-422, RS-485), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. Other appropriate communication protocols may also be used. Once the data connection is established, at block 804, service device 800 performs one or more tests on the component. Example tests include antenna azimuth/downtilt control, RRU health test or other tests appropriate to the type of communication device or component being tested. At block 806, the process determined whether adjustments are needed based on the tests. If no adjustments are needed, the process ends at block 810. If, however, adjustments are needed, the process makes the adjustments at block 808.

[0049] Radio emissions inspection can be performed by service devices to ensure proper operation of the communication device or component. FIG. 9 is flow chart that illustrates another embodiment of a process for a service device to inspect the operation of a

communications system using RF emissions. The process begins at block 902 with service device 400 emitting radio transmissions in proximity of the communication device or component under test to stimulate the component, e.g., a remote radio head. For example, the service device 400 could transmit signals via communication module 408 such as an out of band carrier wave (CW) signal, in or out of band modulated test signal, or any other appropriate signal coordinated with the communication device or component that the component or device is configured to receive. At block 804, the service device 400 monitors the response of the communication device or component to the radio transmissions over, for example, the data interface 410 of the service device 400. The process, in some

embodiments, records the response of the communication device or component to the radio transmissions in storage medium 404. The process ends at block 806.

[0050] Service devices can inspect equipment for physical health and for desired operation. Mechanical designs can facilitate the automated identification of proper installation using image analysis techniques. For example, markings and alignment points on equipment provide references for automated identification of the equipment installation quality. For example, service device 400 can capture images of communication equipment or components along with their markings and alignment points with camera 414 and store the images in storage medium 404. The markings and alignment points include, but are not limited to intrusion or water entry markers, scales for mechanical orientation or downtilt on an antenna, model or serial number of a component, scales for tightness on a connector. Images of these markers can provide valuable information on the health of the communication system.

Inventory

[0051] Inventorying deployed equipment could be readily performed by a robotic servicing device through the use of a visual interface using image recognition, standardized pattern encoding (e.g. QR and bar codes), and text recognition (reading labels). FIG. 10 is one embodiment of a process for inventorying equipment in a communications system using a service device using captured images. The process of Fig. 10 begins with the service device, e.g., service device 400 of Fig. 4, located in proximity of a piece of equipment on a tower or other structure. The service device 400 is piloted until camera 414 is able to capture an image of a standardized pattern encoding on a side of the piece of equipment on the tower or other structure at block 1002. Service device 400 stores the captured image in storage medium 404. Service device 400 further processes the captured image using software stored in storage medium 404 and executed in controller 402 at block 1004 to identify the pattern. Once identified, the identity of the piece of equipment is stored in an inventory database in storage medium 404 at block 1006. At block 1008, the process determines if there are additional targets to be acquired. If so, the process proceeds to block 1002 and the service device is piloted to a location in proximity of the next piece of equipment to capture an image of the standardized pattern encoding located on a side of the equipment. If no additional targets are required, the process ends at block 1010. [0052] Equipment identification can also be achieved wirelessly through active wireless interrogation (e.g. RFID, Bluetooth), and passive signal recognition (e.g. beacon, base station downlink). Additionally, equipment can be inventoried through a standardized electrical interface, such as AISG. FIG. 11 is another embodiment of a process for inventorying equipment in a communications system using a service device 400 using wireless data transfer via communication module 408. The process begins at block 1 102 with the receipt of a signal at communication module 408 including the identification of a piece of equipment on the tower or other structure. This information can be received via RFID, Bluetooth, beacon, base station downlink or other communication protocol. The equipment

identification is added to a database in storage medium 404 at block 1104. At block 1106, it is determined whether additional equipment needs to be discovered. If so, the process returns to block 1102. If not, the process ends at block 1108.

Equipment Installation and Replacement

[0053] Equipment installation and replacement by robotic service devices can be facilitated by standardized interfaces. For example, standardized mounting points on towers can enable easy installation of equipment, such as antennas and remote radio heads, by service devices. Mechanical and electrical connection points can be designed specifically to work with service devices. Also, mechanical attachment points on equipment can be designed to facilitate the transport and positioning of the equipment on its installation point by service devices.

Accurate Location Determination

[0054] An accurate location of deployed equipment is often beneficial in planning and optimizing the operation of communication systems. The use of a standardized reference point on equipment can allow a service device with an accurate positioning capability to determine the location and orientation of deployed equipment.

[0055] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention.

Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A dock for remote servicing of a communication device, the dock comprising: a platform configured to be mounted on or in proximity to a communication device or component; and

a mounting device, configured to receive a service device, the mounting device disposed on the platform.

2. The dock of claim 1, wherein the mounting device is generally conical in shape.

3. The dock of claim 2, wherein the mounting device further includes a gripping mechanism to engage the service device.

4. The dock of claim 2, and further comprising an alignment component on a surface of the conically shaped mounting device.

5. The dock of claim 2, wherein the mounting device further includes a mechanical and electrical interface that is configured to provide electrical and mechanical interaction between the service device and the communication device.

6. A method for serving a communication device, the method comprising:

launching a service device;

guiding the service device to a location that is in proximity of a dock associated with the communication device;

engaging the dock with the service device;

performing one or more monitoring or maintenance tasks for the communication device with the service device;

disengaging the service device from the dock; and

guiding the service device to a landing zone.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein performing one or more monitoring or maintenance tasks comprises one or more of inventorying equipment, antenna pointing, equipment installation and replacement, equipment inspection and testing, software maintenance, and location determination.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein guiding the service device comprises guiding the service device with one of a remote control and autonomously with instructions stored on the service device.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein engaging the dock with the service device comprises lowering a mechanical interface of the service device over a complementary mounting device of the dock.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein performing one or more monitoring or maintenance tasks comprises monitoring and adjusting the azimuth angle and the elevation angle of an antenna of the communication device.

11. The method of claim 6, wherein performing one or more monitoring or maintenance tasks comprises uploading software to the communication device.

12. The method of claim 6, wherein performing one or more monitoring or maintenance tasks comprises downloading data from the communication device.

13. The method of claim 6, wherein performing one or more monitoring or maintenance tasks comprises:

establishing a data connection between the service device and the communication equipment;

testing the operation of the communication device;

determining, from the testing, if adjustments are needed to the communication device; and

when adjustments are needed, adjusting the communication device.

14. The method of claim 6, wherein performing one or more monitoring or maintenance tasks comprises:

emitting radio transmissions from the service device; and

monitoring the response from the communication device by the service device.

15. The method of claim 6, wherein performing one or more monitoring or maintenance tasks comprises:

capturing images of equipment of the communication device;

identifying one or more patterns in the captured images to identify the equipment; storing an identity of the identified equipment in an inventory database.

16. The method of claim 6, wherein performing one or more monitoring or maintenance tasks comprises:

receiving a signal that identifies a piece of equipment associated with the communication device;

updating a database with the identified piece of equipment.

17. A service device, comprising:

a main body;

a mechanical interface, disposed on a bottom surface and extending into the main body, the mechanical interface configured to receive a mounting device of a dock in proximity to a communication device or component;

one or more sensors disposed on or in the main body;

a communication module disposed on or in the main body and configured to receive commands from a radio controller; and

a data interface on or in the main body and configured to communicate data to and from the communication device or component.

18. The service device of claim 17, wherein the data interface comprises one or more of antenna interface standards group (AISG), serial (RS-232, RS-422, RS-485), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet interfaces.

19. The service device of claim 17, wherein the mechanical interface comprises a conical orifice.

20. The service device of claim 19, wherein a surface of the conical orifice includes an alignment indent.

21. The service device of claim 17, and further including a flight control that is configured to control the flight path, elevation and traj ectory of the service device.

22. The service device of claim 21 , wherein the flight control in one of an autonomous mode and a remotely controlled mode.

23. The service device of claim 21 , wherein the main body includes a central body and plurality of arms, each arm extending from the central body and with a propeller mounted on each arm.

24. The service device of claim 17, and further including wheels, arms or treads that enable the service device to climb, ascend or scale a tower along a track or other structure.