Mobile satellite beam resource allocation

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatus for mobile satellite beam resource allocation are described. Communication services may be provided to a mobile terminal via respective beamformed spot beams that track movement of the mobile terminal. The central server may perform resource element allocation by determining, for a repetitive period of time, an interference event associated with a beam for a current period of time; determining a resource element to be associated with an interference beam for a next time period; and directing the beam to a reallocation of the resource elements for the next time period. Each beam may be allocated to one or more resource elements based on a number of mobile terminals within a coverage of the beam or a desired data rate of the mobile terminals. The power associated with the resource element may be adjusted based on a data rate or user demand associated with the mobile terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following mainly concerns communications, including the allocation of mobile satellite beam resources. Background Technology

[0002] Communication devices can communicate with each other using wired connections, wireless (e.g., radio frequency (RF)) connections, or both. Wireless communication between devices can be performed using radio spectrum designated for service providers, wireless technologies, or both. In some instances, the amount of information that can be transmitted via a wireless communication network is based on the amount of radio spectrum designated for a service provider and the amount of frequency reuse within the area where services are provided. Satellite communications can use beamforming to create beams to increase frequency reuse; however, providing high levels of frequency reuse in satellite communication systems using beamforming remains a challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, apparatus, and devices for supporting the allocation of mobile satellite beam resources. For example, communication services can be provided to a mobile terminal via a beamforming point beam that tracks the movement of the mobile terminal. A central server can perform resource element allocation by: identifying interference events associated with a beam for a recurring time period; identifying resource elements associated with an interfering beam for the next time period; and guiding the reallocation of the beam to resource elements for the next time period. Each beam can be allocated to one or more resource elements based on the number of mobile terminals within the beam's coverage area or the mobile terminals' desired data rate. The allocation of resource elements or power associated with a beam can be adjusted based on the data rate associated with the beam or user demand. Attached Figure Description

[0004] Figure 1 Examples of satellite communication systems that support the allocation of mobile satellite beam resources, based on the examples described herein, are shown.

[0005] Figure 2A and 2B Examples of resources for a satellite communication system that support the allocation of mobile satellite beam resources, according to the examples described herein, are shown.

[0006] Figure 3 An example of a satellite communication system supporting mobile satellite beam collision cancellation is shown, based on examples disclosed herein.

[0007] Figure 4 An example of another satellite communication system supporting mobile satellite beam collision cancellation is shown, based on examples disclosed herein.

[0008] Figure 5A and5B A block diagram of a satellite communication system supporting mobile satellite beam resource allocation, based on an example described herein, is shown.

[0009] Figure 6 An exemplary timing diagram is shown for supporting mobile satellite beam resource allocation according to examples disclosed herein.

[0010] Figures 7A to 7C Exemplary scenarios are shown for different allocation types of resource elements supporting mobile satellite beam resource allocation, based on examples disclosed herein.

[0011] Figure 8 A block diagram is shown of a beam manager that supports mobile satellite beam resource allocation according to an example disclosed herein.

[0012] Figure 9 A block diagram is shown of a beam / terminal manager that supports mobile satellite beam resource allocation according to an example disclosed herein.

[0013] Figure 10 and 11 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method for supporting mobile satellite beam resource allocation based on examples disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Beam-to-beam handovers of mobile terminals can be a source of disruption for end users due to lost or delayed packets, or variations in beam congestion levels or performance. In some satellite communication systems, beam-to-beam handovers of mobile terminals may be based on the relative position of the mobile terminal within adjacent fixed beams, which may not account for inter-beam interference. For example, a handover may occur when a mobile terminal is within the overlapping portion at the edge of the coverage area of ​​an adjacent beam. At these locations, the mobile terminal may have a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (e.g., compared to when the mobile terminal is in the center of the coverage area), resulting in performance degradation. To compensate, a lower coding rate can be set, providing more redundancy. However, this reduces overall communication speed and is inefficient. Furthermore, all edge portions of the beam's coverage area must overlap with at least one of the other beams, requiring wide beams and significant beam overlap.

[0015] For mobile terminals on slow-moving vehicles (such as cars or ships), handovers may occur relatively infrequently, and the resulting performance degradation and interruptions may have a small overall impact on communications associated with the mobile terminal. However, for mobile terminals on fast-moving vehicles (such as aircraft), the performance degradation and interruptions caused by frequent beam-to-beam handovers may occur relatively frequently, thus having a greater impact on communications. In either case, reducing the number of beam-to-beam handovers to reduce the number of resulting performance degradations and interruptions is likely beneficial.

[0016] This paper describes techniques for performing resource element allocation for a point beam in a satellite communication system when a point beam tracks a moving mobile terminal. In some cases, multiple resource elements can be allocated to a single point beam. In others, the resource elements and / or power associated with each beam can be adjusted based on the data rate of the mobile terminal associated with the beam or real-time user demand. Since data rates and user demand can fluctuate, this allows each point beam to provide data as needed or desired, thereby minimizing unused capacity. Alternatively, the beam's data rate can be based on service rewards, such as contract link speed, contract priority, service layer protocol, or service value associated with the mobile terminal. This can be a corresponding data rate consistent with the service rewards. In some cases, adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) behavior can be dynamically modified based on changes in the power and / or resource elements associated with the beam. In some cases, the allocation of resource elements for a point beam can be performed at a single central server. Using a single central server allows for the coordinated use of resource elements, resulting in more efficient use of resource elements. As mobile terminals move, a single central server can coordinate the allocation and reallocation of beams to resource elements based on the number of mobile terminals within the beam's coverage area or on the mobile terminals' expected data rates. This is particularly beneficial near airports, where there are more mobile terminals in a smaller area.

[0017] The aspects of this disclosure are initially described in the context of satellite communication systems. Device diagrams, system diagrams, block diagrams, and flowcharts relating to mobile satellite beam collision cancellation are further shown and referenced in the description of the aspects of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1 An example of a satellite communication system 100 supporting mobile satellite beam resource allocation is shown, according to the examples described herein. The satellite communication system 100 may include a terrestrial network 135 and a satellite network 101, which are configured to track one or more mobile terminals 120 and provide communication services to them.

[0019] The terrestrial network 135 may include a group of earth stations 170 with access nodes 140 configured to communicate with the satellite network 101 via feeder links 132 (e.g., one or more satellite beams). Access nodes 140 may be coupled to access node transceivers 145 configured to process signals received from and to be transmitted through their respective access nodes. Access node transceivers 145 may also be configured to interact with network 125 (e.g., the Internet)—for example, via network device 130 (e.g., a network operations center, satellite and gateway terminal command center, or other central processing center or device) that can provide an interface for communicating with network 125.

[0020] The terrestrial network may also include a beam manager 175 for controlling the tracking of mobile terminals when providing communication services to terminals via beamforming point beams, coordinating resource elements used by the beams, and performing collision cancellation between associated beams, as discussed herein. The beam manager 175 may retrieve information (e.g., associated with satellite network 101 and terminal 120) from satellite network 101 (e.g., via feeder link 132 and access node 140) for control purposes and may therefore send commands (e.g., to satellite network 101 and / or terminal 120) (e.g., via access node and feeder link).

[0021] In some implementations, beam manager 175 may be a single device. Alternatively, beam manager 175 may be distributed throughout the system, for example, in two or more elements of a satellite network and / or a terrestrial network. For example, beam manager 175 may be incorporated into one or more devices in a terrestrial network (e.g., network device 130 or access node transceiver 145) or one or more devices in a satellite network (e.g., on a single satellite 105 or distributed among multiple satellites) or a combination of devices in both terrestrial and satellite networks. In some implementations, a first portion of beam manager 175 may be located in terrestrial network 135, and a second portion may be located in satellite network 101.

[0022] In some implementations, beam manager 175 may perform some or all of its functions at a single location through a single entity. For example, resource element coordination for beamforming point beams may be performed at a central server 180. In some implementations, beam manager 175 may first assign a beam to a set of resource elements, and then, for recurring time periods: determine interference events associated with the beam for the current time period, determine resource elements to associate with the interfering beam for the next time period, and guide the reassignment of the beam to resource elements for the next time period, all at the central server 180.

[0023] Terminal 120 may include various devices configured to transmit signals via satellite network 101. Although terminal 120 is shown as being on an aircraft, it may include a fixed terminal (e.g., a ground-based fixed terminal), a mobile terminal mounted on a mobile platform (e.g., a ship, aircraft, ground-based vehicle, etc.), or a combination of fixed and mobile terminals. Terminal 120 may transmit data and information via access node 140 through satellite system 101. Data and information may be transmitted using a destination device (such as network device 130) or another device or distributed server associated with network 125.

[0024] Various physical layer transmission modulation and coding techniques can be used for signal communication through access node 140, terminal 120, and components of satellite network 101 (e.g., satellite). In some instances, adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) can be used. ACM automatically changes the forward error correction code rate and modulation used on the satellite link to compensate for changes in link conditions. In ACM, the modulation and coding of each terminal can be adaptively adjusted over time to meet the current needs of the terminal. As channel conditions change, such as different fading during rainy and non-rainy periods, the modulation and coding can be adjusted accordingly to adequately compensate for the channel conditions.

[0025] Satellite network 101 may include one or more satellites 105 (e.g., a single satellite 105 or a satellite network) deployed in space orbits (e.g., low Earth orbit, medium Earth orbit, geostationary orbit, geostationary orbit, etc.). Each satellite 105 included in satellite network 101 may be equipped with one or more antennas (e.g., a single antenna or an antenna array). In some instances, one or more satellites 105 equipped with multiple antennas may each include one or more antenna panels comprising an array of uniformly distributed antennas (which may also be referred to as antenna elements). In some instances, satellites may be equipped with antenna arrays comprising antennas non-uniformly distributed across a large area. Ground network 135 may also include access nodes 140 having multiple antenna array elements.

[0026] Terminal 120 may include an antenna assembly, which may also include various hardware for mounting the antenna. The antenna assembly may also include circuitry and / or a processor for performing conversions (e.g., frequency conversion, modulation / demodulation, multiplexing / demultiplexing, filtering, forwarding, etc.) between radio frequency (RF) satellite communication signals and satellite terminal communication signals transmitted between the antenna and a satellite terminal receiver. For mobile terminals, the antenna assembly may be mounted externally to the mobile platform (e.g., externally to the fuselage of an aircraft). Alternatively or additionally, terminal 120 may include a transceiver, which may be mounted internally or externally to the mobile platform and may include circuitry and / or a processor for performing various RF signal operations (e.g., receiving, performing frequency conversion, modulation / demodulation, multiplexing / demultiplexing, etc.).

[0027] Satellite network 101 can have a large aperture size, which can be spanned by an antenna array or multiple satellites of satellite network 101. Beam manager 175 can use one or more satellites to support beamforming technology within the coverage area 155 of the satellite communication system to increase the utilization of resources used for communication. Beam manager 175 can employ beamforming (including using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology) to utilize multipath signal propagation and improve spectral efficiency by transmitting or receiving multiple signals over different space layers on the same frequency resources. Beam manager 175 can cause multiple signals to be transmitted, for example, by a transmitting device (e.g., satellite 105) via a set of antennas according to a set of weighting coefficients. Similarly, multiple signals can be received by a receiving device (e.g., satellite terminal 120) via a set of antennas according to a set of weighting coefficients. Each of the multiple signals can be associated with an independent spatial stream and can carry bits associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams (e.g., different codewords).

[0028] In some instances, some or all of the antenna elements on satellite 105, terrestrial network 135, and / or terminal 120 may be arranged to form an array of receiving and / or transmitting feed elements that cooperate to achieve various instances of machine-on-board beamforming (OBBF), ground-based beamforming (GBBF), end-to-end beamforming, or other types of beamforming. In a GBBF implementation, multiple transmit or receive antennas may be present at the terrestrial network access node.

[0029] Beam manager 175 can determine weighting coefficients applicable to a set of antennas. For example, for N spatial layers to be formed, beam manager 175 can utilize an (M x N) MIMO matrix, where M can represent the number of antennas in the set. In some instances, M may be equal to N. Beam manager 175 can determine the MIMO matrix based on the channel matrix and can use the MIMO matrix to isolate different spatial layers of the channel. In some instances, beam manager 175 can select weighting coefficients to emphasize signals transmitted using different spatial layers while reducing interference to signals transmitted in other spatial layers. Therefore, processing signals received at each antenna in a set of antennas (e.g., signals received at a set of antennas) using a MIMO matrix may result in multiple output signals, each of which can correspond to one of the spatial layers. In some instances, the weighting coefficients used for MIMO communication can be called beamforming coefficients or beamforming coefficients, and the multiple spatial layers can be called beams or spot beams.

[0030] Beam manager 175 can determine the elements of the MIMO matrix used to form the spatial layer of the channel based on channel sounding probes. Channel sounding probes can include reference signals periodically transmitted between satellite network 101 and devices coupled to the satellite network (e.g., terminal 120). For example, channel sounding probes can be periodically transmitted from terminal 120 to satellite 105, or from satellite to terminal, or both, and can include sequences known to both the transmitter and receiver (e.g., based on terminal identifiers or other parameters known to both the transmitter and receiver). Receiving devices (e.g., terminals or satellites) can use the receiving channel sounding probes to evaluate connectivity by correlating the received probes with the expected signal of the channel sounding probes (e.g., to determine signal strength, interference, etc.) and make decisions based on this. Due to the periodicity of the signal, the receiving device can know when to receive the signal.

[0031] Beam manager 175 can use beamforming techniques to shape and direct a communication beam along a spatial path between one or more satellites and mobile terminal 120 within a geographic area. Beam manager 175 can shape the communication beam by determining weighting coefficients for antenna elements of an antenna array. These weighting coefficients cause signals transmitted from or received at an antenna element to be combined such that signals propagating in a particular orientation relative to the antenna array experience constructive interference, while others experience destructive interference. Therefore, beamforming can be used to transmit signals with energy focused in the communication beam direction and to receive signals arriving in the communication direction with increased signal power (relative to the absence of beamforming). Beam manager 175 can use weighting coefficients to apply amplitude shift, phase shift, or both to the signal carried via the antenna.

[0032] In some instances, beam manager 175 can apply weighting coefficients to an antenna to form multiple beams, each associated with a different direction, whereby these multiple beams can be used to simultaneously transmit multiple signals of the same frequency to different user terminals. This can be referred to as multi-user MIMO. The weighting coefficients used for beamforming can be called beam coefficients, and the multiple signals can be called beam signals. The resulting beam can be referred to herein as a beamforming point beam, spot beam, or beam.

[0033] Beam manager 175 can calculate the amplitude and phase of each weighting coefficient given the antenna array and reflector geometry and location, as well as the desired beam position. However, such methods can be impractical due to inaccuracies (e.g., in satellite position, array orientation, geometry, atmospheric scintillation, etc.). Instead, beam manager 175 can calculate the weighting coefficients using continuous or periodic measurements of the MIMO propagation channel characteristics (e.g., paired channels from each system antenna element to each terminal antenna element) and adjust the weighting coefficients based on the changing channel characteristics. The measured MIMO channel characteristics can include paired gains as well as phase response and noise levels, and can be referred to as MIMO channel state information (CSI). Once the MIMO CSI is obtained, beam manager 175 can derive the weighting coefficients by solving a set of equations or applying a set of adaptive formulas. Various beamforming calculation and adaptive techniques can be used, including minimum mean square (MMSE) beamformers, zero-forcing beamformers, MIMO sphere decoders, etc.

[0034] Measurement of MIMO CSI can involve cooperation from at least one terminal in each beam. The situation may differ between the forward link direction (from satellite to terminal) and the return link direction (from terminal to satellite). In the return link, each terminal can transmit a channel sounding signal, which can be orthogonal to the sounding signals of other terminals. The satellite can determine which channel sounding signal was transmitted from each terminal and can process the signal to estimate the channel parameters corresponding to that terminal's channel. Therefore, MIMO CSI on the return link can be calculated locally on the satellite side for the terminal that transmitted the channel sounding signal. In contrast, on the forward link, the satellite can transmit channel sounding signals. Different antenna elements can transmit signals orthogonal to each other. Each terminal to calculate MIMO CSI can do so by processing the sounding signal corresponding to each transmitting antenna element. Furthermore, each such terminal can transmit MIMO CSI back to the satellite using the return link control channel.

[0035] The spot beams generated in this manner can be tailored to provide MIMO CSI by user terminals, and each beam can illuminate the direction of each such terminal. Each beam has a finite coverage area 160 (e.g., several kilometers in diameter) and can therefore illuminate additional terminals that may be near the CSI-generating terminal. These additional terminals may be unable to provide CSI, as this could unnecessarily increase the CSI reporting channel overhead. The terminal used to provide MIMO CSI per beam can be considered a reference terminal for that beam. In some instances, the coverage area 160 of the beam can be determined based on the wavelength of the carrier and the diameter of the aperture. The coverage area 160 can, for example, correspond to a footprint in which the power level of the beam is above a threshold or in which the power level drops less than a threshold amount (e.g., 3 dB or 6 dB) away from the beam center. In some instances, the coverage area 160 can be based on the beamwidth of the beam.

[0036] In some instances, one or more aircraft-based terminals 120 may be sufficiently separated from each other and from other aircraft, allowing beam manager 175 to use an independent beam for each of the one or more terminals. In some instances, two or more of the terminals 120 may be close enough (e.g., at an airport) that beam manager 175 can illuminate the terminals with the same beam. In the former case, each terminal on the aircraft can be the reference terminal for its beam, while in the latter case, one of several terminals on the aircraft can act as the reference terminal for the beam.

[0037] As the mobile terminal 120 moves in the airspace, the MIMO CSI may change, causing a change in beam direction. The beam manager 175 can adjust the beam direction according to the changed MIMO CSI, so that the reference terminal can remain at or near the center of the beam. Therefore, as the reference terminal moves, the beam can follow it, as further explained herein.

[0038] Beam manager 175 can associate a beamforming point beam with a set of resources of satellite communication system 100 (at central server 180). This set of resources may include, for example, frequency resources, time resources, and polarization resources. For example, a given frequency range 100 of the satellite communication system may contain frequency resources or channels, and a given amount of time may include different repeating time slots. For example, beam manager 175 can use a frequency channel to carry a signal (e.g., a modulated signal carried in the beamforming point beam) on one of the repeating time slots. By doing so, beamforming point beams can spatially overlap without interference (if they are associated with different combinations of frequency / time resources). Furthermore, beam manager 175 can use multiple polarizations such that two beamforming point beams can spatially overlap without interference (if they are associated with different polarizations).

[0039] Therefore, beamforming point beams may overlap spatially without interference (if they are not associated with different combinations of resources (e.g., frequency channel / time slot / polarization combinations)). These different combinations can be referred to as resource elements, which together form a set of resource elements that can be used by beam manager 175 to transmit signals through beams. Beam manager 175 can control the association of beams with resource elements and determine when to reallocate beams (e.g., at central server 180), as discussed herein.

[0040] As described herein, beam manager 175 can adjust the individual coverage area or footprint of the beamforming point beam (e.g., by adjusting weighting coefficients) to track a corresponding mobile terminal (e.g., a reference terminal) (e.g., moving in a manner coordinated with that corresponding mobile terminal). This can allow communication services associated with a mobile terminal to be provided via the same beamforming point beam as the mobile terminal moves through the coverage area of ​​a satellite communication system. This can reduce the number of beam-to-beam switches for the mobile terminal, thereby reducing potential performance degradation and communication interruptions caused by beam-to-beam switches. For example, beam-to-beam switches may require beam-switching terminals to coordinate with the beam of a receiving terminal, which may require communication across several communication layers to transmit terminal information and verify transmissions between access points (e.g., gateways, gateway modems) serving the beam. This can lead to performance degradation and communication interruptions between beams.

[0041] When beam-tracking mobile terminals, collisions may occasionally occur between beams, such as when two or more movable beamforming point beams spatially overlap while simultaneously using the same resource elements (e.g., the same frequency channel, time slot, polarization combination). However, these collisions can be resolved using the collision cancellation procedures discussed herein. For example, when such a collision occurs (e.g., based on interference metrics of beams that meet a threshold), beam manager 175 can transfer one or more of the conflicting mobile terminals to different resource elements. Therefore, performance degradation may be minimal or nonexistent. And since collision cancellation may only involve a single beam (e.g., no communication between access points serving different beams), communication interruptions associated with beam switching can be avoided.

[0042] Furthermore, as the reference terminals move, they can remain centrally located within the beam's coverage area. This allows the reference terminals to maintain a high SNR, resulting in higher overall communication speed and efficiency associated with them.

[0043] Figure 2AAn example of resource 200 for a satellite communication system supporting the allocation of mobile satellite beam resources, according to the examples described herein, is shown. Resource 200 may correspond to a frequency partition of the satellite communication system. For example, frequency range 205 (e.g., frequency band) may include a set of different frequency resources or frequency channels 210 (e.g., frequency channels 210-a, 210-b, 210-c, 210-d) that carry signals between the satellite network and terminals. Resource 200 may correspond to frequency channel 210 of frequency range 205.

[0044] Each frequency channel 210 may carry a signal associated with a single terminal (e.g., once). For example, each frequency channel 210 may carry a single modulated signal. Information (e.g., data, control information) may be modulated onto the modulated signal using various single-carrier or multi-carrier modulation techniques (e.g., Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), Linear Precoded OFDM (LP-OFDM)). Beamforming point beams may be associated with one or more frequency channels 210 (e.g., via beam manager 175) to provide communication to and track mobile terminals, as discussed herein.

[0045] exist Figure 2A In this example, resource 200 can correspond to frequency channel 210. That is, each frequency channel 210 can be an independent resource 200. Since there are no other types of resources, in some instances, an independent resource can also be a resource element. Therefore, in this instance, the number of available resource elements can correspond to the number of frequency channels N.

[0046] Figure 2B An example of resource element 250 for a satellite communication system supporting mobile satellite beam resource allocation, according to the examples described herein, is shown. In this example, frequency channel 210 can be used again to carry signals associated with a terminal. Furthermore, frequency channel 210 can be time-multiplexed. That is, each frequency channel 210 can be configured to carry signals to the terminal in repeating time slots after a certain period. For example, time period 215 can be divided into a set of sub-periods or time slots t (e.g., time slot t1, time slot t2, time slot t3, time slot t4). mEach frequency channel 210 has a length of 225. Each frequency channel 210 can carry a signal to another terminal during each time slot t, although in some cases, multiple time slots within a time period 215 may be assigned to the same terminal. For example, each frequency channel 210 can carry a single modulated signal during each time slot t. Information (e.g., data, control information) can be modulated on the modulated signal using various single-carrier or multi-carrier modulation techniques (e.g., OFDM, DSSS, LP-OFDM) to provide communication to and track a mobile terminal (e.g., via beam manager 175), as discussed herein.

[0047] This process can be repeated upon completion of time period 215, allowing each frequency channel 210 to carry additional signals associated with different terminals during the resource cycle. Therefore, beam manager 175 can communicate with a terminal using frequency channel 210 in one time slot t within each time period 215. In some instances, beam manager 175 can assign a terminal to more than one time slot per time period, and thus communication with that terminal can occur in more than one time slot per time period for frequency channel 210.

[0048] exist Figure 2B In this example, resource element 250 can correspond to a combination of frequency channel 210 and time slot t in time period 215. That is, each unique combination of frequency channel 210 and time slot t can be a separate resource element 250. Therefore, in this example, the number of available resource elements can correspond to the number of frequency channels multiplied by the number of time slots, or N x m. Therefore, with... Figure 2A Compared to the previous instance, this instance can provide more resource elements.

[0049] In addition to multiplexing in time or frequency, different polarizations can be used to define resource elements for allocation to beamforming point beams. For example, a set of resource elements may include a first subset of resource elements associated with a first polarization and a second subset of resource elements associated with a second orthogonal polarization. The first and second polarizations may be orthogonal polarizations and may be linear or circular polarizations (e.g., right-hand circular polarization (RHCP), left-hand circular polarization (LHCP)). Thus, a set of resource elements that beam manager 175 may use to allocate to beamforming point beams can be defined based on frequency resources (e.g., frequency channels), time resources (e.g., sub-terms of resource periods), or polarization resources.

[0050] In some instances, the types of resource elements can be combined. For example, within the same system, one or more frequency channels can be divided into time slots (e.g., such as...). Figure 2B (in the middle), and one or more other frequency channels can be used as, partitioned (e.g., such as Figure 2A (The middle element) is an independent resource element. Other combinations are also possible.

[0051] Figure 3 An example of a satellite communication system 300 supporting mobile satellite beam resource allocation, as disclosed herein, is shown. The satellite communication system 300 can be used as a reference. Figure 1 Examples of satellite communication system 100 described herein, or other aspects thereof. Satellite communication system 300 may include a satellite network 101 having one or more satellites 105 configured to generate beamforming point beams 150 (e.g., beam 150-a) for communication with a group of terminals 120 (e.g., terminals 120-a, 120-b, 120-c, 120-d) within the coverage area 155 of the satellite communication system, as directed by beam manager 175. The beamforming point beam may be referred to herein as a point beam or a beam.

[0052] Terminal 120 may be located on a mobile platform or vehicle (such as a car, boat, or aircraft) and can therefore be considered a mobile terminal 120. In some instances, each vehicle may include a single mobile terminal. In other instances, one or more vehicles may each include two or more mobile terminals. At least some of the mobile terminals 120 may be multi-user mobile terminals, and therefore the satellite communication system 300 may provide communication services to multiple user devices (e.g., smartphones, laptops, tablets) connected via the mobile terminal 120.

[0053] In some instances, satellite communication system 300 can provide communication services to mobile terminal 120 via a set of movable beamforming point beams 150 that track the mobile terminal as controlled by beam manager 175 during its movement. For clarity, Figure 3 Only a single movable beamforming point beam 150-a associated with a single mobile terminal 120-a is shown. Although not shown in... Figure 3 As shown, the movable beamforming point beam 150 may also be associated with one or more of the other mobile terminals 120.

[0054] In some instances, beam manager 175 may associate each beamforming point beam 150 with a different mobile terminal 120. Each mobile terminal 120 associated with its own point beam may be referred to as a reference terminal. Each point beam 150 may have a corresponding coverage area 160 (e.g., coverage areas 160-a, 160-b, 160-c, 160-d). The coverage area may, for example, correspond to a footprint in which the power level of the beam is above a threshold or in which the power level drops less than a threshold amount (e.g., 3 dB or 6 dB) away from the beam center.

[0055] In some instances, the beamforming point beam associated with the reference terminal can be formed (e.g., controlled by beam manager 175) to include the physical location of the terminal within the coverage area of ​​the beamforming point beam. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, mobile terminal 120-a, acting as a reference terminal, may be physically located within the coverage area 160-a of beamforming point beam 150-a, and mobile terminals 120-b, 120-c, and 120-d may be physically located within the coverage areas 160-b, 160-c, and 160-d of their respective beamforming point beams (not shown). Satellite communication system 300 may provide communication services to mobile terminal 120-a via beamforming point beam 150-a (e.g., via beam manager 175).

[0056] In some instances, beam manager 175 can enable a beamforming point beam to track a moving mobile terminal while providing communication services to that terminal via the beam. For example, as mobile terminal 120-a physically moves from location A to location B, as indicated by arrow 325, beamforming point beam 150-a can be "moved" to track the mobile terminal, as indicated by arrow 330. In some instances, to "move" the beamforming point beam, beam manager 175 can change the beamforming coefficient associated with that beamforming point beam and apply it to the signal associated with that beamforming point beam. This can change the directivity of the beamforming point beam (e.g., "move" the beam), causing the coverage area of ​​the beamforming point beam to change (e.g., "move").

[0057] To follow or track a mobile terminal, beam manager 175 can modify the beamforming coefficients so that the coverage area of ​​the beamforming point beam can be moved to reflect the movement of the mobile terminal (e.g., in a coordinated manner). Beam manager 175 can continuously adjust the coverage area (e.g., by periodically changing the beamforming coefficients to provide continuous coverage) to continue corresponding to the moving physical location of the mobile terminal and thus track it. For example, beam manager 175 can move the coverage area 160-a of beamforming point beam 150-a (e.g., from coverage area 160-a1 to coverage area 160a-a2) so that the physical location of mobile terminal 120-a is covered when mobile terminal 120-a moves from location A to location B. This allows communication services associated with the mobile terminal to be provided via the same beamforming point beam as the mobile terminal moves through the coverage area of ​​the satellite communication system. For example, beam manager 175 can provide continuous communication services to mobile terminal 120-a via beamforming point beam 150-a without switching when the mobile terminal moves between location A and location B.

[0058] In some instances, beam manager 175 can avoid changing the beamforming factors associated with a mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is stationary, because the coverage area of ​​the beamforming point beam may already correspond to the physical location of the stationary terminal. In other instances, beam manager 175 can change the beamforming factors even when the mobile terminal is stationary. For example, in some systems, there may be a set of beamforming factors that can generate all beams from all beam signals. In those cases, beam manager 175 may change the beamforming factors used for all terminals even if only one terminal moves.

[0059] In some instances, to track a mobile terminal, beam manager 175 can adjust the coverage area of ​​a spot beam (e.g., a mobile spot beam) based on measurements of signals transmitted by the mobile terminal. In some instances, the terminal can periodically provide channel state information back to the satellite network, and beam manager 175 can process this channel state information to calculate appropriate beamforming coefficients such that the beam energy of the beam signal associated with the aircraft is concentrated on the aircraft. As the aircraft moves, the channel state information may change, which in turn may cause changes in the beam weighting coefficients calculated by beam manager 175. Through this beamformer adaptive process, the beam center can be continuously co-located with the aircraft position (potentially following the aircraft).

[0060] Additionally, beam manager 175 can make an initial estimate of where to move the beam based on the mobile terminal's latest speed and direction of travel. In some instances, beam manager 175 can move the point beam in a manner that the mobile terminal moves while remaining centrally positioned within the coverage area. This allows the mobile terminal to maintain a high SNR, resulting in higher overall communication speed and spectral efficiency associated with the mobile terminal.

[0061] In some instances, beam manager 175 can determine the location of the mobile terminal based on information received from the mobile terminal, such as location coordinates (e.g., determined via a positioning system such as GPS), speed, direction, or other information associated with the mobile terminal. In some instances, beam manager 175 can determine the location of the mobile terminal based on information external to the mobile terminal, such as radar or other signals.

[0062] In some instances, satellite communication systems can provide communication services to one or more mobile terminals via beamforming point beams associated with a terminal. For example, in Figure 3 In this context, beam manager 175 can establish beamforming point beams 150 for each of mobile terminals 120-a, 120-b, 120-c, and 120-d, and can provide communication services to and track mobile terminals when they move within the coverage area 155 of the satellite communication system.

[0063] In some instances, beam manager 175 may use initial channel state information to determine the location of the mobile terminal. Beam manager 175 may determine the initial channel state information based on measurements (e.g., signal strength) of an initial signal transmitted (e.g., transmitted to or received from the mobile terminal) by the mobile terminal. The initial channel state information may be based on a corresponding first location of the mobile terminal within coverage area 155 (e.g., location A of mobile terminal 120-a). In some instances, the initial signal may include a corresponding initial channel sounding probe transmitted by the mobile terminal.

[0064] In some instances, to generate a beamforming dot beam, beam manager 175 can apply beamforming coefficients to convert between beam signals and component signals associated with each of the beamforming dot beams, the component signals being associated with multiple antenna elements of a satellite communication system. For example, to generate a dot beam for transmitting information to a mobile terminal, beam manager 175 can apply beamforming coefficients to the beam signal (which contains information) to obtain component signals that can be applied to the antenna elements; and to generate a dot beam for receiving information from the mobile terminal, beam manager 175 can apply beamforming coefficients to the component signals received from the mobile terminal at the antenna elements to obtain a beam signal containing information.

[0065] Multiple antenna elements may be located on one or more of the satellites 105, or may be located on components of the ground network (not shown) of the satellite communication system 300 (e.g., such as...). Figure 1 As shown, on the access node 140 of the terrestrial network 135. The beam manager 175 can use beamforming coefficients to form a beamforming point beam 150 between the satellite 105 and the coverage area 160. The beam manager 175 can use the beamforming coefficients based on initial channel state information so that the coverage area 160 of the beam 150 can cover the corresponding first location (e.g., location A) of the associated terminal 120.

[0066] The beamforming point beam 150 can be a forward link beamforming point beam (e.g., for transmitting information to a mobile terminal) and / or a return link beamforming point beam (e.g., for receiving information from a mobile terminal). For example, beamforming coefficients can include multiple sets of forward link beamforming coefficients and multiple sets of return link beamforming coefficients.

[0067] The beam manager 175 can apply a first set of forward link beamforming coefficients to a set of forward link beam signals at the first moment to generate a first set of forward link component signals for transmission to one or more mobile terminals via the antenna element at the first moment. Transmitting the first set of forward link component signals to the mobile terminals via the antenna element can form forward link beamforming point beams for the first time, each corresponding to one of the mobile terminals.

[0068] The beam manager 175 can apply a second set of forward link beamforming coefficients to a set of forward link beam signals at a second time to generate a second set of forward link component signals for transmission to the mobile terminal via the antenna element. Transmitting the second set of forward link component signals to the mobile terminal via the antenna element can form a second forward link beamforming point beam, each corresponding to one of the mobile terminals. One or more of the forward link beamforming point beams at the second time may have already moved from their corresponding forward link beamforming point beams at the first time to track the movement of the corresponding mobile terminal.

[0069] On the return link, beam manager 175 can apply a first set of return link beamforming coefficients to the return link component signal received from the mobile terminal via the antenna element at the first moment. Applying the first set of return link beamforming coefficients can form the return link beamforming point beam for the first time, each corresponding to one in the mobile terminal.

[0070] The beam manager 175 can apply a second set of return link beamforming coefficients to the return link component signals received from the mobile terminal via multiple antenna elements at a second time. Applying the second set of return link beamforming coefficients can form a second return link beamforming point beam. One or more of the return link beamforming point beams at the second time may have already moved from the corresponding return link beamforming point beam at the first time to track the movement of the corresponding mobile terminal.

[0071] In some instances, beam manager 175 can use subsequent channel state information to determine the subsequent location of the mobile terminal. Beam manager 175 can determine the subsequent channel state information based on measurements of subsequent signals transmitted by the mobile terminal (e.g., signal strength). The subsequent channel state information can be based on a corresponding second location of the mobile terminal within coverage area 155 (e.g., location B of mobile terminal 120-a). The difference between the initial channel state information and the subsequent channel state information can be based on movement of the mobile terminal towards the corresponding second location.

[0072] In some instances, subsequent signals may include corresponding subsequent channel sounding probes transmitted via a mobile terminal. Modifications to the beamforming coefficients may be based on these subsequent channel sounding probes. In some instances, the corresponding initial and subsequent channel sounding probes may be transmitted via a mobile terminal in a first period, and the beamforming coefficients may be updated in a second period based on this.

[0073] In some instances, beam manager 175 can modify beamforming coefficients and apply them to convert between a beam signal and component signals associated with multiple antenna elements of a satellite network. The modified beamforming coefficients can be based on subsequent channel state information so that a new coverage area of ​​the beam (e.g., coverage area 160-a2) can cover a corresponding second location of the mobile terminal (e.g., location B).

[0074] Beam manager 175 can (as needed, frequently, and whenever necessary) repeatedly determine the subsequent location of the mobile terminal and modify the beamforming coefficients accordingly. In this way, while providing communication services to the mobile terminal, multiple beamforming point beams 150 can track the movement of the reference terminal 120 over the coverage area 155 of the entire satellite communication system. In some instances, beam manager 175 can move the beamforming point beams 150 to track their respective mobile terminals frequently enough that the associated coverage area at the current location overlaps with the coverage area at a previous location. That is, each movement of the beamforming point beams 150 can move the beam by a amount smaller than the diameter of the beamforming point beam 150 (e.g., radius or a portion, such as half the radius).

[0075] In some instances, beamforming coefficients (e.g., initial beamforming coefficients and all modified beamforming coefficients) can include multiple sets of beamforming coefficients. For a set of beamforming point beams, each set of beamforming coefficients may correspond to a different time period. In some instances, beamforming coefficients can be modified based on features, attributes, or conditions satisfying (e.g., reaching, exceeding, and / or falling below) a threshold. For example, beam manager 175 can modify and apply beamforming coefficients based on received signal quality (e.g., measured at a reference terminal or at a satellite communication system) being below a threshold. This allows for maintaining high signal quality associated with the mobile terminal, resulting in higher overall communication speed and efficiency associated with the mobile terminal. In some instances, beam manager 175 can determine received signal quality based on subsequent channel state information.

[0076] In some instances, two or more beams can use different resource elements to provide communication services to their respective mobile terminals. For example, beam manager 175 can enable each beam to use different resource elements (e.g., different combinations of frequency channels, time slots, and polarizations) to provide communication to its respective mobile terminal while tracking it. By using different resource elements, interference between beams can be reduced or eliminated even when mobile terminals may be close to each other.

[0077] In some instances, two or more beams can use the same resource elements to provide communication services to their respective mobile terminals. For example, beam manager 175 can enable two or more beams to provide communication to their respective mobile terminals while tracking them using the same combination of frequency channels, time slots, and polarization. This may be desirable when the mobile terminals are far enough apart to prevent the respective beams from interfering with each other. By using the same resource elements, more beams can be used with a specific set of resources, thereby increasing frequency reuse.

[0078] Figure 4 Another example of a satellite communication system 400 supporting mobile satellite beam resource allocation, based on examples disclosed herein, is shown. The satellite communication system 400 can be an example of the satellite communication systems discussed herein, such as those referenced... Figure 1 or Figure 3 Or the satellite communication system 100 or 300 as described in its various aspects.

[0079] Satellite communication system 400 may include a satellite network 101 having one or more satellites 105 configured to generate movable beamforming point beams 150 (e.g., beams 150-a and 150-b) for communication with a mobile terminal 120 (e.g., mobile terminals 120-a and 120-b) when the beamforming point beams track the mobile terminal 120 (as controlled by beam manager 175), as discussed herein.

[0080] In some instances, each beamforming point beam 150 may be associated with a different mobile terminal 120. For example, beam manager 175 may associate beamforming point beam 150-a with mobile terminal 120-a and beamforming point beam 150-b with mobile terminal 120-b. Beamforming point beam 150 may have coverage areas 160 (e.g., coverage areas 160-a and 160-b). For clarity, the moving beamforming point beam 150-a corresponding to the moving mobile terminal 120-a and its associated coverage area 160-a are shown in solid lines, and the moving beamforming point beam 150-b corresponding to the moving mobile terminal 120-b and its corresponding coverage area 160-b are shown in dashed lines.

[0081] Figure 4 This illustration shows an example of two mobile terminals 120-a and 120-b passing close to each other while traveling along corresponding paths 460-a and 460-b. Similar to beam 150-b and its corresponding coverage area 160-b, path 460-b corresponding to mobile terminal 120-b is shown as a dashed line. Mobile terminals 120-a and 120-b can travel along paths 460-a and 460-b from their respective starting positions, indicated by A1 and A2, to their respective ending positions, indicated by G1 and G2. Beams 150-a and 150-b are shown as being on an aircraft, although other mobile platforms could also be used. Beams 150-a and 150-b can track mobile terminals 120-a and 120-b respectively as the mobile terminals move along the path (e.g., by adjusting their respective coverage areas 160-a and 160-b in a manner coordinated with the movement of the mobile terminals via beam manager 175), while providing communication services to the mobile terminals via the beams.

[0082] As mobile terminals 120 move closer to each other, interference between associated beams 150 may increase (e.g., when beams use the same resource element). As described herein, beam manager 175 can switch one or both beams to other resource elements to improve interference.

[0083] At the points along paths 460-a and 460-b, represented by B1 and B2, beams may begin to overlap, for example, as the mobile terminals move toward each other. As used herein, beam overlap can be considered based on the relative positions of the respective coverage areas of the beams. For example, beams 150-a and 150-b may overlap when their respective coverage areas 160-a and 160-b overlap. In some cases, the coverage area of ​​a beam may be focused on the location of the mobile terminal the beam is tracking. For example, coverage areas 160-a and 160-b may be focused on the locations of mobile terminals 120-a and 120-b, respectively. In some instances, the overlap of coverage areas may be based on the distance between the respective mobile terminals.

[0084] Further along paths 460-a and 460-b, mobile terminals 120-a and 120-b may reach another point represented by C1 and C2, at which point one or more of the mobile terminals may enter the coverage area of ​​a beam that does not support the mobile terminals (e.g., does not provide communication services to the mobile terminals or does not track the mobile terminals) (e.g., by continuing to move toward each other). For example, at C1 / C2, mobile terminal 120-a may enter the coverage area 160-b of beam 150-b and / or mobile terminal 120-b may enter the coverage area 160-a of beam 150-a. At some point before or after this, the interference between beams 150-a and 150-b may increase to an unacceptable level. For example, the interference metric of one or both beams may meet (e.g., reach; or exceed; or reach or exceed) a threshold. As discussed herein, steps (e.g., by beam manager 175) can be taken to improve the interference (e.g., to eliminate beam collisions).

[0085] Mobile terminals 120-a and 120-b can each remain within the coverage areas 160-a and 160-b of both beams 150-a and 150-b, until another point along paths 460-a and 460-b, indicated by E1 and E2. At this point, the mobile terminals can cease to be within the coverage area of ​​the other beam (e.g., by moving away from each other). For example, at E1 / E2, mobile terminal 120-a can cease to be within the coverage area 160-b of beam 150-b, and mobile terminal 120-b can cease to be within the coverage area 160-a of beam 150-a. Even when the mobile terminals cease to be within the coverage area of ​​the other terminal, the beams can still overlap. For example, at E1 / E2, the coverage areas 160-a and 160-b of beams 150-a and 150-b can still overlap.

[0086] Beams 150-a and 150-b can remain overlapping until another point along paths 460-a and 460-b, represented by F1 and F2. At that point, beams 150-a and 150-b can stop overlapping (e.g., by the mobile terminal continuing to move away from each other). From that point along paths 460-a and 460-b to G1 / G2, beams 150-a and 150-b can remain separate without overlapping, as long as the mobile terminals remain sufficiently far apart from each other.

[0087] Such as about Figure 2A and 2B As discussed herein, beam manager 175 can use resource elements to provide communication services to mobile terminals via beamforming point beams. In some instances, if beams do not conflict (e.g., interference between beams is low), beams can use the same resource elements to provide communication services to the respective mobile terminals. For example, as long as the corresponding interference metrics of beams 150-a and 150-b remain below a threshold, beam manager 175 can use the same resource elements to provide communication to mobile terminals 120-a and 120-b via beams 150-a and 150-b, as discussed herein.

[0088] As mobile terminals 120-a and 120-b move closer to each other (e.g., from A1 / A2 to B1 / B2 and from C1 / C2 to D1 / D2), interference between corresponding beams 150-a and 150-b may increase. Increased interference may mean that communication via independent beams will be subject to excessive inter-beam interference (e.g., when using the same resource elements). When interference increases to a certain level (e.g., the interference metric of at least one of the beams meets a threshold), beam manager 175 may take steps to eliminate beam collisions (e.g., improve beam interference).

[0089] In some instances, the interference metric may correspond to the measurement interference of one or more beams. For example, the interference metric may correspond to the signal strength of a beam associated with a terminal. In some instances, the signal strength associated with a terminal may be measured at a second terminal. Alternatively or concurrently, the interference metric may correspond to a decrease in beam signal (e.g., a lower SNR), and the threshold may correspond to a metric of the decrease or a specific level of a specific amount (e.g., 3 dB or 6 dB SNR loss). In some instances, beam interference may be measured at the receiving device of the communication link. For example, beam interference may be measured at a mobile terminal (for the forward link) or a satellite (for the return link).

[0090] In some instances, interference metrics can correspond to channel correlation. For example, an interference metric can be based on the correlation between channel state information of two or more mobile terminals. Interference metrics can also be frequency-dependent.

[0091] In some instances, the interference metric may correspond to estimated interference from one or more beams. For example, the estimated interference may be based on the distance between mobile terminals or on an algorithm that estimates interference between associated beams. In some instances, the interference metric may be based on the distance between mobile terminals associated with a beam, and a threshold may correspond to a specific distance. For example, the threshold may correspond to the distance between mobile terminals where the coverage areas of corresponding beams begin to overlap (e.g., at B1 / B2) or where one mobile terminal enters the coverage area of ​​a beam corresponding to another mobile terminal (e.g., at C1 / C2) or somewhere in between. Other distances are also possible.

[0092] In some instances, each beam can have multiple interference metrics. For example, an interference metric could correspond to interference between beam pairs, and the interference between each pair could be independently compared to a threshold. Therefore, each beam can have multiple interference values, each corresponding to the interference between that beam and one of the other beams. For example, for three beams A, B, and C that are close to each other, beam A might have two independent interference values, one corresponding to the interference between beam A and B, and one corresponding to the interference between beam A and C. The interference between beam pairs AB, AC, and BC can be independently compared to a threshold, and demodulation can be performed on beam pairs whose interference metrics meet the threshold.

[0093] In some instances, each beam may have a single interference metric. For example, the interference metric may correspond to the interference between a beam and multiple other beams (e.g., all other beams). For instance, for the same three beams A, B, and C, beam A may have a single interference metric that corresponds to the total interference between beam A and beams B and C. For each beam, the total interference can be compared to a threshold, and demodulation can be performed on beams whose interference metrics meet the threshold.

[0094] Back Figure 4In the example shown, beams 150-a and 150-b may initially be assigned to the same resource element (e.g., at A1 / A2) to provide communication services to their respective mobile terminals 120-a and 120-b. Mobile terminals 120-a and 120-b may be reasonably far apart at A1 / A2, such that beams 150-a and 150-b do not interfere with each other (e.g., even if beams 150-a and 150-b are assigned to the same resource element A, there may be very little interference between them, if any). Therefore, the interference metric between beams 150-a and 150-b may be relatively low (e.g., below a threshold). Beams 150-a and 150-b may be semi-statically assigned to the same resource element A (e.g., by beam manager 175), such that each terminal monitors the same resource element and / or transmits on the same resource element until the terminal receives an instruction to switch its resource element.

[0095] Interference between beams may increase to an unacceptable level (e.g., the interference metric may meet a first threshold). In some instances, this could correspond to one of mobile terminals 120 entering the coverage area of ​​another beam 150 (e.g., at or near C1 / C2). In some instances, this could correspond to mobile terminals 120-a and 120-b being located between B1 / B2 and C1 / C2. Other locations where the interference metric meets the first threshold are also possible.

[0096] To mitigate interference, one or both of the beams can be redirected to different resource elements (e.g., by beam manager 175). For example, in response to an interference metric meeting a first threshold, beam manager 175 can switch the resource element of beam 150-b (e.g., by reassigning beam 150-b to resource element B, which is different from resource element A) to provide communication services to mobile terminal 120-b. This can include changing one or more of the frequency channel, time slot, polarization, or other resources (e.g., one or more codes) associated with beam 150-b to be different from those used by beam 150-a. In some instances, resource element B can be orthogonal to resource element A.

[0097] After beam 150-b has been changed to a different resource element than beam 150-a, interference between beams 150-a and 150-b may be greatly reduced or eliminated. Therefore, the satellite communication system can continue to provide communication services to mobile terminal 120-b without performing beam-to-beam switching.

[0098] When the interference (or potential interference) between beams is no longer at an unacceptable level (e.g., the interference metric may not meet a second threshold), beams 150-a and 150-b can resume using the same resource elements. For example, beam 150-b can revert to its original resource element (e.g., beam manager 175 reassigns beam 150-b back to resource element A) to provide communication services to mobile terminal 120-b. Alternatively, beams 150-a and 150-b can continue to use different resource elements. For example, beam manager 175 can allow beam 150-b to continue using resource element B instead of changing its resource element back to resource element A.

[0099] Figure 5A and 5B Block diagrams of satellite communication systems 500 and 550 supporting mobile satellite beam resource allocation according to aspects of this disclosure are shown. Satellite communication system 500 may include beam manager 505 that communicates with mobile terminals 120 (e.g., mobile terminals 120-a, 120-b, 120-n) via associated spot beams 150 (e.g., spot beams 150-a, 150-b, 150-n). In some embodiments, communication may be coordinated at a central server 510. That is, beam manager 505 may coordinate the use of spot beams for resource elements at the central server 510. Beam manager 505 and central server 510 may be instances of beam managers and central servers discussed herein, such as beam managers 175 and 805 and central server 180 or aspects thereof.

[0100] In some instances, the beam manager 505 can be configured to communicate with all mobile terminals in the system. The spot beams can be shaped and moved separately by beamformers, as discussed herein. Figure 5A and 5B This indicates the communication flow between the beam manager 505 (e.g., at the central server 510) and the mobile terminal 120 at two different times.

[0101] Figure 5AThis describes the communication flow when beam manager 505 obtains information associated with mobile terminal 120 and spot beam 150. Communication can flow from mobile terminal 120 to beam manager 505 via spot beam 150, as shown by arrow 520. In some instances, the information may include current information, such as location and other information, which beam manager 505 can use to determine when an interference event occurs between spot beams 150. The information may also include demand information, which includes the amount of data in queues (e.g., forward or return link queues), user information (e.g., users connected to each mobile terminal 120, services provided to each connected user), or requested data rates for the next time period.

[0102] Figure 5B This describes the communication flow when beam manager 505 (e.g., at central server 510) transmits information associated with mobile terminal 120 and spot beam 150. Communication can flow from beam manager 505 to mobile terminal 120 via spot beam 150, as indicated by arrow 525. In some instances, the information may include reallocation information for the spot beam, such as changes to resource element allocation or beam power allocation to be made. In some instances, the reallocation information may also include the expected time for implementing the changes. The reallocation information can be determined by beam manager 505 based on current information obtained from spot beam 150 and mobile terminal 120. As described above regarding... Figure 6 The acquisition of current information (e.g., as discussed) Figure 5A ) and the transmission of information for redistribution (e.g., Figure 5B This can occur within the same time period that can be repeated. In some instances, the beam manager 505 can send a redistribution message at the end of the time period for use in the next time period.

[0103] Figure 6 An exemplary timing diagram is shown to support mobile satellite beam resource allocation according to various aspects of this disclosure. Timing diagram 600 shows... Figure 5A and 5B The timing of certain communications between the mobile terminal 120 / spot beam 150 and the beam manager 505 (e.g., at the central server 510).

[0104] The time sequence diagram 600 can consist of multiple time periods 610 (e.g., time periods 610-1 and 610-2). For example, the first time period 610-1 can extend from time t1 to time t7, and the second time period 610-2 can extend from time t7 to time t... 13In some instances, the duration of time intervals 610 is equal. Time intervals 610 can be repeated, allowing similar activities performed at similar times within each time interval to be included. For example, actions performed at times t2, t3, t4, t5, and t6 in the first time interval 610-1 can be performed at times t8, t9, and t6 in the second time interval 610-2. 10 t 11 and t 12 Repetition. For ease of discussion, this paper only discusses activities associated with the "current" time period (e.g., the first time period 610-1). It should be understood that the discussion also applies to similar actions in other repeating time periods 610.

[0105] During each time period 610, one or more of the mobile terminals 120 may move, and the beam 150 associated with the mobile terminal may track the movement (e.g., as controlled by the beam manager 505). That is, the corresponding coverage area of ​​the beam 150 associated with the mobile terminal 120 may be adjusted during each time period 610 to track the movement of the mobile terminal.

[0106] Time t1 indicates the start of the first time period 610-1. At time t1, spot beam 150 can provide communication services to mobile terminal 120 via a set of resource elements. Each spot beam 150 can be assigned by beam manager 505 to one or more of the resource elements, as discussed herein.

[0107] Between time t1 and t2, beam manager 505 can obtain (e.g., collect) information associated with mobile terminal 120 and spot beam 150 within the satellite communication system. This information may include information associated with the beam and / or mobile terminal for the current time period, such as the current location of each mobile terminal, the number of users connected to each mobile terminal, the amount of data waiting to be transmitted from the queue (e.g., forward or return link queue), coverage area information associated with the spot beam, the current resources allocated to each spot beam, and other information.

[0108] Between times t3 and t5, beam manager 505 can determine the resource element allocation for spot beam 150. In some instances, resource element allocation may be based on information obtained from the mobile terminal prior to time t3 during the current time period (e.g., current location, connected user, demand information). In some instances, resource element allocation may be based on the corresponding location of the mobile terminal.

[0109] Starting at time t3, in order to determine resource element allocation, beam manager 505 can identify interference events associated with beam 150 for the current time period. In some instances, interference events can be determined by beam manager 505 based at least in part on interference metrics of the beams. For example, when the interference metrics of one or more beams meet a threshold, interference events between beams 150 can be determined to have occurred during the current time period. Regarding Figure 4 We will discuss some possible interference measures and thresholds.

[0110] Based on the identified interference event, beam manager 505 can determine a subset of beams 150 for reassignment to different resource elements. For example, when an interference event is determined to occur between two beams 150, beam manager 505 can determine that one or both beams 150 should be added to the subset for reassignment to different resource elements.

[0111] For each beamforming point beam 150 in the subset, beam manager 505 can determine one or more corresponding resource elements associated with the point beam for the next time period. By doing this at the central server 510 for all point beams in the system, beam manager 505 can keep track at a global level of which resource elements are associated with which beamforming point beams 150, and thus determine which resource elements are best suited for each beam 150. For each beam 150 in the subset, the corresponding one or more resource elements may differ from the resource elements currently assigned to beam 150. The corresponding one or more resource elements for all point beams in the subset can be determined before time t4.

[0112] Starting at time t4, beam manager 505 can direct the redistribution of a subset of beams to one or more corresponding resource elements for use during the next time period (e.g., 610-2). This may involve preparing various components associated with each beam, such as inverters, schedulers, polarization components, etc. Directing may also include transmitting redistribution information to the associated mobile terminal 120 via spot beam 150. The redistribution information may include a list of one or more resource elements for the associated beam to be used for the next time period. In some instances, the redistribution information may also include the specific time for implementing the redistribution. In some instances, the corresponding mobile terminal associated with the subset of beams is notified of the redistribution. The preparation of various components and / or the transmission of redistribution information may be completed before time t5.

[0113] At time t6, various components associated with a subset of the beam can implement resource element allocation changes guided by beam manager 505 for use during the next time period (e.g., time period 610-2). For example, beam manager 505 can cause various components to change one or more of the characteristics of each data stream used by the subset of the beam (e.g., by changing the frequency, time slot, and / or polarization), which may result in the corresponding beam 150 being reassigned to one or more resource elements determined by beam manager 505 prior to time t4.

[0114] In some instances, reassigning a set of beams to different resource elements to improve inter-beam interference may include assigning all beams in the set to the new resource element. In other instances, reassigning some beams to the new resource element while leaving the assignments of the other beams unchanged.

[0115] Time t6 can occur at any time after time t5. In some instances, time t6 may correspond to a specific expected time (e.g., time period 610) included in the reallocation information sent to the mobile terminal. The allocation change may trigger the start of the next time period (e.g., time period 610-2).

[0116] Figures 7A to 7C Exemplary scenarios 700-a, 700-b, and 700-c are illustrated, showing different allocation types of resource elements supporting mobile satellite beam resource allocation according to various aspects of this disclosure. Scenarios 700-a, 700-b, and 700-c correspond to scenarios where beams have been associated with resource elements after at least some of the associated beams have experienced potential interference events (e.g., as detected by beam manager 175). That is, scenarios are shown after beam manager 175 has reassigned beams to mitigate interference. In each scenario, each mobile terminal is assigned its own beam.

[0117] To simplify the discussion, each beam is represented by its coverage area, and interference events are directly related to the overlap of coverage areas. That is, in scenarios 700-a, 700-b, and 700-c, interference events may occur between beams using the same resource elements when their respective coverage areas overlap. Therefore, in scenarios 700-a, 700-b, and 700-c, interference metrics can include comparisons between coverage areas, and a threshold can correspond to the overlap of coverage areas such that when coverage areas overlap, the threshold of the interference metric is satisfied.

[0118] Scenario 700-a illustrates four mobile terminals 120-a, 120-b, 120-c, and 120-d, which are assigned by beam manager 175 to four beams 150-a, 150-b, 150-c, and 150-d, respectively, to provide communication services to the mobile terminals. The mobile terminals 120-a, 120-b, and 120-c are sufficiently close to each other such that the coverage areas of the associated beams 150-a, 150-b, and 150-c overlap. Therefore, when beams are assigned to the same resource element, the interference metric of any of the corresponding beams 150-a, 150-b, and 150-c meets a threshold. To avoid (or improve) interference, beams 150-a, 150-b, and 150-c can be assigned (or reassigned) by beam manager 175 to different resource elements (e.g., resource elements A, B, and C, respectively).

[0119] Mobile terminal 120-d is positioned at a certain distance from other mobile terminals such that the coverage area of ​​the associated beam 150-d does not overlap with the coverage areas of any of the other beams 150-a, 150-b, and 150-c. Because of this, even if beam 150-d is assigned to the same resource element as other beams, the interference metric of beam 150-d may not meet the threshold. Therefore, beam 150-d can be assigned by beam manager 175 to any of resource elements A, B, or C.

[0120] In some instances, a beam can be assigned to more than one resource element. For example, in scenario 700-a, beam 150-d is assigned by beam manager 175 to all three resource elements A, B, and C. Assigning a beam to more than one resource element can provide greater capacity (e.g., data rate) to that beam, which can be beneficial in various ways. For example, in locations with many mobile terminals, assigning a beam to multiple resource elements allows a single beam to use independent resource elements to provide communication services to multiple mobile terminals, thereby ensuring that all mobile terminals remain connected. In locations with fewer mobile terminals, assigning a beam to multiple resource elements allows multiple resource elements to be used to provide communication services to a single mobile terminal, thereby increasing the total system capacity and data rate achievable by the mobile terminal. For example, as shown in scenario 700-a, if the data rate associated with resource elements A, B, and C is 10 Mbps, then the data rate associated with beams 150-a, 150-b, and 150-c may also be 10 Mbps, while the data rate associated with beam 150-d may be the sum of the data rates associated with resource elements A, B, and C (e.g., 30 Mbps). Therefore, beams 150-a, 150-b, and 150-c can provide less capacity to the corresponding mobile terminals 120-a, 120-b, and 120-c, while beam 150-d can simultaneously provide greater capacity to mobile terminal 120-d.

[0121] In some instances, the number of resource elements allocated to a beam can be set or adjusted based on the number of mobile terminals within the beam's coverage area. For example, beam manager 175 can allocate a higher number of resource elements to a beam with many mobile terminals located within its coverage area. This can be advantageous, for example, at or near an airport, where many mobile terminals may be present in a small area.

[0122] In scenario 700-b, mobile terminal 120-c and its associated beam 150-c have been omitted, and one of the other beams 150-a or 150-b can be assigned by beam manager 175 to the resource element to which beam 150-c was previously assigned. For example, in scenario 700-b, beam 150-c is assigned (or reassigned) by beam manager 175 to resource element C in addition to being assigned (or reassigned) to resource element B, which may result in a higher data rate for beam 150-b (e.g., 20 Mbps, instead of 10 Mbps in scenario 700-a). Since beam 150-a is assigned to resource element A, even if the coverage areas of beams 150-a and 150-b may overlap, interference events may not occur between beams 150-a and 150-b.

[0123] In some instances, resource elements and / or power can be allocated to beams to provide similar or different capacities to different users relative to each other. For example, different customers may require different speeds and priorities based on their contracts, service layer agreements, business value, etc.

[0124] In some instances, the power associated with a beam can be used to adjust the capacity of a beam associated with one or more resource elements. For example, setting the power level of a beam below its full power level by beam manager 175 may result in a reduced data rate associated with each resource element to which that beam is allocated. For instance, as shown in scenario 700-b, if the power of beam 150-c is set to 33% by beam manager 175, the resulting capacity associated with each beam may be reduced, thus reducing the capacity (data rate) of the point beam 150-c associated with each resource element (e.g., 3.33 Mbps for each resource element A, B, and C, compared to 10 Mbps in scenario 700-a). In some instances, the power can be adjusted by beam manager 175 by transmitting a signal to the mobile terminal indicating that the transmission power associated with the mobile terminal should be adjusted. The beam power can be adjusted accordingly using beamforming factors and / or by adjusting the transmission power from one or more antenna elements.

[0125] In some instances, adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) variations can be transmitted to the mobile terminal along with the signal via beamforming. In ACM, the modulation and coding of each terminal can adaptively adjust over time to meet the terminal's current needs. When adjusting the power associated with a beam, the modulation and coding of the terminal associated with that beam may take some time to "catch up" with the data. This time can be significant, especially with large instantaneous power changes. Until the modulation and coding actually catch up, the data transmission rate to and from the mobile terminal can be significantly reduced. By including the ACM variations along with the signal, the mobile terminal can determine the modulation and coding to use more quickly, thus reducing or avoiding catch-up time. Furthermore, the mobile terminal can determine the modulation and coding without round-trip feedback. The same benefits can be obtained by including the ACM variations along with the signal when interference variations are anticipated.

[0126] In some instances, the number of resource elements and the power associated with the beam can be combined to adjust the beam capacity. For example, as shown in scenario 700-b, the power of beam 150-d, dedicated to resource elements A, B, and C associated with the beam, can be set to 33%, such that the data rate of beam 150-d (e.g., 10 Mbps) can be equal to the rate when only one of the resource elements is used at full power.

[0127] In some instances, the power associated with a beam and / or the number of resource elements allocated to the beam can be set or adjusted by beam manager 175 based on one or more mobile terminals associated with the beam. For example, the power and the number of resource elements (e.g., time slots and / or frequency channels) can be based on the data rate (or desired data rate) associated with the mobile terminal. That is, beam manager 175 can set or adjust the number of time slots, the number of frequency channels allocated to each beam, and / or the power level associated with the beam to provide the desired data rate for the mobile terminal. In some instances, the data rate can be based on user requirements associated with the mobile terminal. For example, scenario 700-c shows beam 150-a with a data rate of 1 Mbps based on 10% of the beam's power level to match the 1 Mbps user requirement of mobile terminal 120-a; and beam 150-b with a data rate of 20 Mbps based on the number of resource elements to match the 20 Mbps user requirement of mobile terminal 120-a.

[0128] In some instances, the power associated with a beam and / or the number of resource elements to which the beam is allocated can be set or adjusted based on service rewards associated with the mobile terminal. For example, the power associated with a beam and / or the number of resource elements to which the beam is allocated can be based on one or more of the following: contract link speed, contract priority, service layer protocol, or service value associated with the mobile terminal. In some instances, the total power of all beams allocated to a given resource element can have a fixed (e.g., finite) value. For example, a specific amount of power can be dedicated to communication using a particular resource element, and this specific amount of power can be divided among the beams allocated to the resource element, for example, based on user demand or the provided data rate or both. Therefore, as... Figure 7B As shown, allocating less power (e.g., 33%) to beam 150-d using resource element B allows for the allocation of additional power to beam 150-b using resource element B. The beamforming coefficients used to form beams using resource elements can effectively divide power between beams. It should be noted that, although... Figure 7B and 7C The diagram shows a linear relationship between power and data rate, but this relationship can also be non-linear.

[0129] Figure 8 A block diagram 800 illustrates a beam manager 805 supporting mobile satellite beam resource allocation according to an example disclosed herein. The beam manager 805 can be... Figure 1An example of beam manager 175. Beam manager 805 may include bus 825, collision cancellation manager 870, memory 830, code 835, processor 840, beamformer 845 and beam signal processor 850, and may be configured to control beam tracking of a mobile terminal (e.g., mobile terminal 120) via antenna array 810; and resource allocation and collision cancellation of beamforming point beams (e.g., beamforming point beam 150).

[0130] The beam manager 805 can be located in the terrestrial network of a satellite communication system (e.g., Figure 1 terrestrial networks (135) or satellite networks (e.g., Figure 1 Within the satellite network 101. Alternatively, beam manager 805 can be partitioned between a ground network and a satellite network. In one instance (e.g., corresponding to a GBBF configuration), all components of beam manager 805 can reside in the ground network. In another instance (e.g., corresponding to an OBBF configuration), beamformer 845 can reside in the satellite network (e.g., in one or more satellites), and the remaining components of beam manager 805 can each reside in either the ground network or the satellite network. In some instances, a distributed implementation can be used. For example, one or more components or portions of beam manager 805 can reside on different servers (e.g., hosted in the cloud). In some instances, beam manager 805 can reside at a single entity (e.g., central server 180).

[0131] Antenna array 810 may be Figure 1 Examples of antennas for satellite network 101 may include antenna elements 815. In some instances, one or more of the antenna elements 815 may be or include an antenna panel. The spacing between the antenna elements 815 may be uniformly distributed across the aperture of the antenna array 810, or the spacing of the antenna elements 815 may be different across the antenna array 810. In some instances, the first antenna array 810 may be included in a ground segment, and the second antenna array 810 (e.g., one or more antenna arrays coupled to each other using transponders) may be included in a space segment.

[0132] Bus 825 may represent an interface on which signals can be exchanged between components of beam manager 805 and a location (e.g., a central location) that can be used to distribute signals to beam manager 805 (e.g., collision cancellation manager 870, beam signal processor 850, beamformer 845). Bus 825 may include one or more wired interfaces. Alternatively, bus 825 may be a wireless interface for wirelessly transmitting signaling between signal processing components—e.g., according to a communication protocol. Beamformer 845 may be coupled to antenna element 815 via one or more wired or wireless interfaces.

[0133] Memory 830 may include volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) and / or non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM)). Other types of memory are also possible. Memory 830 may store computer-readable and computer-executable code 835. The code may include instructions that, when executed by processor 840, cause beam manager 805 to perform the various functions described herein. Code 835 may be stored in non-transitory computer-readable media, such as system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, code 835 may not be directly executable by processor 840, but may enable a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein. In some cases, memory 830 may contain, in particular, a basic I / O system (BIOS) that controls basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0134] Processor 840 may include intelligent hardware devices (e.g., general-purpose processors), digital signal processors (DSPs), central processing units (CPUs), microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. Processor 840 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 830) to cause beam manager 805 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting the allocation of mobile satellite beam resources). For example, processor 840 and memory 830 may be configured to perform the various functions described herein.

[0135] Beam signal processor 850 can be configured to process (e.g., demodulate, decode) a received beam signal 854 received from beamformer 845. Beam signal processor 850 can decode data symbols included in the received beam signal 854 to obtain a received beam data signal 864. Information (e.g., data packets) in the received beam data signal 864 can be transmitted (e.g., via one or more networks 125) to a destination device. Beam signal processor 850 can also be configured to process (e.g., encode, modulate) a transmit beam data signal 862 to obtain a transmit beam signal 852 for transmission to beamformer 845. Transmit beam data signal 862 may include received (e.g., via one or more networks 125) information (e.g., data packets) for transmission to terminal 120.

[0136] The collision cancellation manager 870 can be configured to determine resource element changes for each beam and guide the execution of these changes. For example, if a new time slot is to be allocated to a beam, the collision cancellation manager 870 can calculate new beamforming factors based on the CSI from all beams active in that time slot, and can also determine the desired power, modulation, and / or coding within that time slot either by calculation or by requesting a signal-to-noise ratio report from the terminal associated with that beam. In another instance, if a beam is to be moved to a new frequency range or channel, the CSI and beamforming factors from the old channel may not be applicable to the new channel due to the variability of the channel's RF characteristics. The collision cancellation manager 870 can cause the channel probe signal to be transmitted in the new frequency channel and instruct the terminal associated with the beam to: switch to the new channel, process the probe signal, switch back to the original channel, and report the CSI information to the beam manager 805. To avoid packet loss during this operation, packet scheduling can be paused while receiving the channel probe signal in the new channel. The collision cancellation manager 870 may include a terminal tracker 820 and an allocation manager 875. In some instances, the beam manager 805 may be located at a single entity (e.g., central server 180).

[0137] Terminal tracker 820 can be configured to use antenna element 815 to determine the beamformer 845 for forming beamforming point beams (e.g., Figure 1 Information about the beamforming point beam 150. To determine the information used to form the beamforming point beam, the terminal tracker 820 can identify a set of terminals to be assigned as reference terminals (e.g., ...). Figure 1The mobile terminal 120 can determine spatial information associated with a reference terminal. The terminal tracker 820 can determine a set of beamforming factors (e.g., phase shift, amplitude components), which the beamformer 845 can use to generate a beamforming point beam with a single coverage area for the spatial information associated with the reference terminal.

[0138] The terminal tracker 820 can determine beamforming factors to isolate signals transmitted on beamforming point beams from each other—for example, by emphasizing signals transmitted within each beamforming point beam and eliminating interference from signals transmitted within other beamforming point beams. Beamforming factors can be included in an M x N matrix, where the value of M can indicate the number of antennas and the value of N can indicate the number of space layers, where the value of N can be less than or equal to the value of M.

[0139] In some instances, the beamforming coefficients can be determined at one or more satellites 105. In some instances, the beamforming coefficients can be received by one or more satellites from one or more ground stations (e.g., network device 130 or other sites of ground network 135) after the beamforming coefficients are determined by the terminal tracker 820.

[0140] The allocation manager 875 can be configured to perform beam resource allocation and reallocation, including coordinating the resource elements used by the beams. For example, the allocation manager 875 can determine the allocation of beams for each beamforming point: one or more frequency ranges or channels (e.g., Figure 2B Channel 210); one or more time periods and / or time slots (e.g., Figure 2B The time period 215, time slot t); and / or polarity. To allocate beams to identified resource elements, the allocation manager 875 may include various components such as frequency converters, schedulers, and polarization components. The allocation manager 875 may be further configured to keep track of which resource elements each beamforming point is allocated to and determine when beam reallocation is expected. In some instances, the allocation manager 875 may include separate subsystems. For example, one subsystem may determine which resources are allocated to each beam, and another subsystem may coordinate a seamless resource reallocation process, resulting in no packet loss. In some instances, the allocation manager 875 may be partitioned across multiple devices and / or locations. In some instances, the allocation manager 875 may be located at a single entity (e.g., a central server 180).

[0141] In some instances, for transmission of a beamforming point beam via antenna element 815, allocation manager 875 can determine the frequency range or channel, as well as the time period and time slot, for application to a set of transmission beam signals 852 associated with the beamforming point beam. Beamformer 845 can apply a set of transmission beamforming coefficients to a set of transmission beam signals 852 based on the frequency range or channel to obtain component signals 856 for transmission via antenna element 815.

[0142] In some instances, for receiving a beamforming point beam via antenna element 815, terminal tracker 820 can determine a set of receive beamforming coefficients based on a frequency range or channel determined by allocation manager 875 to obtain a set of component signals 856. The frequency range or channel, as well as the time period and time slot, can be applied by allocation manager 875 or beamformer 845 to the component signals 856 to obtain a set of receive beam signals 854 associated with the beamforming point beam.

[0143] In some instances, the terminal tracker 820, allocation manager 875, beamformer 845, beam signal processor 850, or various combinations or components thereof, may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in communication management circuitry). The hardware may include processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs or other PLDs, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof configured to or otherwise support components for performing the functions described herein. In some instances, the processor and memory coupled to the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing instructions stored in memory by the processor).

[0144] Alternatively, the terminal tracker 820, allocation manager 875, beamformer 845, beam signal processor 850, or various combinations thereof, may be implemented in code 835 (e.g., as communication management software or firmware) executed by processor 840. If implemented in code 835 executed by processor 840, the functionality of the terminal tracker 820, allocation manager 875, beamformer 845, beam signal processor 850, or various combinations thereof, may be performed by a general-purpose processor, DSP, CPU, ASIC, FPGA, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices (e.g., units configured or otherwise supported for performing the functions described in this disclosure).

[0145] Figure 9 A block diagram 900 illustrates a conflict resolution manager 920 supporting mobile satellite beam resource allocation according to an example disclosed herein. The conflict resolution manager 920 can be as described in the reference... Figure 8Examples of aspects of the described conflict resolution manager 870. The conflict resolution manager 920 or its various components may be examples of apparatus for performing the various aspects of mobile satellite beam resource allocation described herein. For example, the conflict resolution manager 920 may include a communication manager 925, an allocation guide 930, an interference event determiner 935, a beam subset determiner 940, a beamforming manager 945, an allocation manager 950, a resource element manager 955, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0146] The communication manager 925 can be configured or otherwise supports means for providing communication services to multiple mobile terminals via a set of beamforming point beams of a satellite communication system, as discussed herein. Each mobile terminal can be assigned to a beamforming point beam. In some instances, the communication manager 925 can be configured or otherwise supports means for providing communication services to first, second, and third mobile terminals via first, second, and third beamforming point beams, as discussed herein. In some instances, the communication manager 925 may include one or more of the other components of the collision cancellation manager 920. In some instances, the communication manager 925 may include an allocation guide 930, an interference event determiner 935, a beam subset determiner 940, a beamforming manager 945, an allocation manager 950, and a resource element manager 955. In some instances, the communication manager 925 may include a beamforming manager 945, an interference event determiner 935, and an allocation guide 930.

[0147] The beamforming manager 945 can be configured, or otherwise supports, means for adjusting the respective coverage areas of a set of beamforming point beams over multiple time periods to track the movement of multiple mobile terminals within the coverage area of ​​a satellite communication system, as discussed herein. In some instances, the beamforming manager 945 can be configured, or otherwise supports, means for adjusting the respective coverage areas of first, second, and third beamforming point beams over multiple time periods to track the movement of first, second, and third mobile terminals within the coverage area of ​​a satellite communication system, as discussed herein.

[0148] The allocation manager 950 can be configured or otherwise supported as a means for performing resource element allocation and reallocation on a set of beamforming point beams, as described herein. The allocation manager 950 can be, as referenced... Figure 8Examples of various aspects of the described allocation manager 875. In some instances, the allocation manager 950 may include one or more of the other components of the conflict resolution manager 920. In some instances, the allocation manager 950 may include an interference event determiner 935, a beam subset determiner 940, a resource element manager 955, and an allocation bootstrap 930. In some instances, the allocation manager 950 may execute at a single entity (e.g., a central server 180).

[0149] Interference event determiner 935 may be configured or otherwise supported to determine (e.g., at a central server) one or more interference events associated with a set of beamforming point beams for the current time period. The determination may be based on the interference metrics of the beamforming point beams each meeting a threshold. In some instances, interference event determiner 935 may be configured or otherwise supported to determine that the interference metrics of the first and second beamforming point beams each meet a threshold and the interference metric of the third beamforming point beam fails to meet a threshold. The determination may be based on adjusting the respective coverage area of ​​the beamforming point beams.

[0150] The beam subset determiner 940 may be configured or otherwise supported as means for determining (e.g., at a central server) a subset of beamforming point beams for the reallocation of resource elements associated with the next time period. The determination may be based on determining one or more interference events for the current time period.

[0151] The resource element manager 955 can be configured or otherwise supported to determine (e.g., at a central server) one or more resource elements associated with each beamforming point beam for the next time period. For each beamforming point beam, the corresponding one or more resource elements for the next time period may differ from the one or more resource elements assigned to the beamforming point beam for the current time period.

[0152] The allocation guide 930 may be configured or otherwise supported to guide (e.g., at a central server) the allocation of each beamforming point beam to one or more resource elements. The allocation guide 930 may also be configured or otherwise supported to guide the reassignment of each beamforming point beam to one or more resource elements for a next time period. In some instances, the allocation guide 930 may be configured or otherwise supported to allocate a first beamforming point beam to a first resource element, a second beamforming point beam to a second resource element, and a third beamforming point beam to both the first and second resource elements. The allocation may be based on a determination that the interference metrics for the first and second beamforming point beams each meet a threshold and that the interference metrics for the third beamforming point beam fail to meet the threshold.

[0153] In some instances, aspects of one or more components of the collision cancellation manager 870 or 920 may be found in other components of the beam / terminal block or even outside of the beam / terminal block. For example, processor 840 and memory 830 may be used to perform one or more functions associated with components of the collision cancellation manager 920.

[0154] Figure 10 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method 1000 for supporting mobile satellite beam resource allocation according to an example disclosed herein. The operation of method 1000 can be implemented by a satellite communication system or its components as described herein. For example, the operation of method 1000 can be implemented by, as referenced... Figures 1 to 9 The described beam manager is used to perform this function. In some instances, the processor can execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the beam manager to perform the described function. Alternatively, the beam manager can use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described function.

[0155] At point 1005, the method may include providing communication services to a plurality of mobile terminals via a set of beamforming point beams of a satellite communication system, wherein each of the plurality of mobile terminals is assigned a beamforming point beam of the set of beamforming point beams. Operation 1005 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1005 may be provided by reference to [reference needed]. Figure 9 The communication manager 925 described is used to perform this. In some instances, providing communication services may include operations 1010, 1015, 1020, 1025, 1030, 1035, and 1040.

[0156] At 1010, the method may include assigning each beamforming point beam of a set of beamforming point beams to one or more first resource elements in a set of resource elements. The operation of 1010 can be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some instances, aspects of the operation of 1010 may be provided by reference to [reference needed]. Figure 9 The described allocation bootloader 930 is used for execution.

[0157] At point 1015, the method includes adjusting the corresponding coverage areas of a set of beamforming point beams over multiple time periods to track the movement of multiple mobile terminals within the coverage area of ​​a satellite communication system. The operation at point 1015 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some instances, aspects of the operation at point 1015 can be derived from, as referenced... Figure 9 The described beamforming manager 945 is used to perform this.

[0158] At 1020, the method may include resource element allocation performed by a central server for a set of beamforming point beams. Performing resource element allocation may include operations at 1025, 1030, 1035, and 1040. Operations at 1020 can be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some instances, aspects of operations at 1020 may be provided as referenced. Figure 9 The allocation manager 950 described is used to execute this.

[0159] At point 1025, performing resource element allocation may include: for each time period, determining, at least in part, one or more interference events associated with the set of beamforming point beams for the current time period, based on interference metrics of at least a set of beamforming point beams each satisfying a threshold. The operation at point 1025 can be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some instances, aspects of the operation at point 1025 may be provided by reference to [reference needed]. Figure 9 The described interference event determiner 935 is executed.

[0160] At 1030, performing resource element allocation may include: for each time period, at least in part based on determining one or more interference events for the current time period, a subset of beamforming point beams by a central server for the reallocation of resource elements associated with the next time period. The operation at 1030 can be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some instances, aspects of the operation at 1030 may be as described in the references... Figure 9 The described beam subset determiner 940 is used to perform this.

[0161] At 1035, performing resource element allocation may include: for each time period, a central server determining one or more second resource elements of a set of resource elements to be associated with each beamforming point beam of a subset of beamforming point beams for the next time period, such that the interference metric of each beamforming point beam of the subset of beamforming point beams fails to meet a threshold, wherein for each beamforming point beam of the subset of beamforming point beams, the corresponding one or more second resource elements for the next time period are different from one or more first resource elements allocated to the beamforming point beams for the current time period. The operation at 1035 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some instances, aspects of the operation at 1035 may be as described in the references... Figure 9 The described Resource Element Manager 955 is used to execute this.

[0162] At point 1040, performing resource element allocation may include: for each time period, the central server directing each beamforming point beam of a subset of beamforming point beams to a corresponding one or more second resource elements for the next time period for reallocation. The operation at point 1040 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some instances, aspects of the operation at point 1040 may be as described in the references... Figure 9 The described allocation bootloader 930 is used for execution.

[0163] Figure 11 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method 1100 for supporting mobile satellite beam resource allocation according to an example disclosed herein. The operation of method 1100 can be implemented by a beam manager or its components as described herein. For example, the operation of method 1100 can be implemented by, as referenced... Figures 1 to 9 The described beam manager is used to perform this function. In some instances, the processor can execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the beam manager to perform the described function. Alternatively, the beam manager can use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described function.

[0164] At 1105, the method may include providing communication services to first, second, and third mobile terminals respectively via first, second, and third beamforming point beams of a satellite communication system. The operation of 1105 can be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1105 may be derived from references... Figure 9 The described communication manager 925 is used to execute this.

[0165] At 1110, the method may include: assigning each of the first, second, and third beamforming point beams to one or more resource elements in a set of resource elements, the set of resource elements including the first resource element and the second resource element. The operation of 1110 can be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some instances, aspects of the operation of 1110 may be provided by reference to [reference needed]. Figure 9 The described allocation bootloader 930 is used for execution.

[0166] At 1115, the method includes: adjusting the corresponding coverage areas of the first, second, and third beamforming point beams over multiple time periods to track the movement of the first, second, and third mobile terminals within the coverage area of ​​the satellite communication system. The operation at 1115 can be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some instances, aspects of the operation at 1115 can be derived from references... Figure 9 The described beamforming manager 945 is used to perform this.

[0167] At 1120, the method may include: determining that the interference metrics of the first and second beamforming point beams each meet a threshold and the interference metric of the third beamforming point beam fails to meet the threshold, due to adjustments to the respective coverage areas of the first, second, and third beamforming point beams for a first time period across multiple time periods. The operation of 1120 can be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some instances, aspects of the operation of 1120 may be derived from references... Figure 9 The described interference event determiner 935 is executed.

[0168] At 1125, the method may include: assigning a first beamforming point beam to a first resource element, assigning a second beamforming point beam to a second resource element, and assigning a third beamforming point beam to the first and second resource elements, based at least in part on a determination that interference metrics for the first and second beamforming point beams each satisfy a threshold and that interference metrics for the third beamforming point beam fail to satisfy a threshold. The operation of 1125 can be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some instances, aspects of the operation of 1125 may be derived from references... Figure 9 The described allocation bootloader 930 is used for execution.

[0169] In some instances, the apparatus as described herein can perform one or more methods, such as method 1000 and / or method 1100. The apparatus may include features, circuitry, logic, means, or instructions (e.g., processor-executable non-transitory computer-readable medium storage instructions) or any combination thereof for performing one or more methods.

[0170] It should be noted that these methods describe examples of implementation schemes, and the operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified to make other implementation schemes possible. In some instances, two or more aspects from the methods may be combined. For example, each aspect of the methods may include steps or aspects of other methods, or other steps or techniques described herein.

[0171] The information and signals described herein can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and skills. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or light particles, or any combination thereof.

[0172] The various illustrative blocks and modules described herein can be implemented or performed as follows: a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0173] The functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented as software executed by a processor, these functions can be stored or transmitted to a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or code. Other examples and embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwired, or any combination thereof. Features implementing the functions can also be physically located in various locations, including distributed implementations such that different parts of the functions are implemented in different physical locations.

[0174] Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media that include any medium facilitating the transfer of computer programs from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media can be any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, optical disc read-only memory (CDROM) or other optical disc storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code elements in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Furthermore, any connection is properly referred to as computer-readable media. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, these are included in the definition of media. As used herein, discs and platters include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital multifunction discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, wherein discs typically reproduce data magnetically, while platters optically reproduce data using lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0175] As used herein, including in the claims, the word "or" as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with phrases such as "at least one of..." or "one or more of...") indicates an inclusive list, such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Similarly, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be construed as referring to a closed set of conditions. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, an exemplary step described as "based on condition A" may be based on both condition A and condition B. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "at least partially based on".

[0176] In the accompanying drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, various components of the same type can be distinguished by a dash following the reference numeral and a second numeral used to differentiate them among similar components. If only the first reference numeral is used in the specification, the description applies to any of the similar components having the same first reference numeral, regardless of the second or other subsequent reference numerals.

[0177] The exemplary configurations described herein, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, are representative of all implementable or claim-scoped embodiments. The term "exemplary" as used herein means "serving as an example, illustration, or description" and is not "preferred" or "superior" to other embodiments. Detailed descriptions, including specific details, are provided to provide an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0178] The description herein is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but rather aims to achieve the broadest possible agreement on the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method comprising: Communication services are provided to a plurality of mobile terminals (120) via a set of beamforming point beams (150) of a satellite communication system (100), wherein each of the plurality of mobile terminals (120) is assigned to a beamforming point beam (150) in the set of beamforming point beams, and wherein providing the communication services includes: Each beamforming point beam (150) in the set of beamforming point beams is assigned to one or more first resource elements in the set of resource elements; Adjusting the corresponding coverage area (160) of the set of beamforming point beams (150) within multiple time periods (610) to track the movement of the plurality of mobile terminals (120) within the coverage area (155) of the satellite communication system (100); and The central server (180) performs resource element allocation on the set of beamforming point beams (150), wherein performing the resource element allocation includes, for each of the plurality of time periods: The central server (180) determines one or more interference events associated with the set of beamforming point beams (150) for the current time period (610) based at least in part on the interference metrics of the beamforming point beams (150) in the set of beamforming point beams each satisfying a threshold. The central server (180) determines, at least in part, a subset of the set of beamforming point beams for the reallocation of resource elements associated with the next time period (610) based on the determination of one or more interference events for the current time period (610). The central server (180) determines one or more corresponding second resource elements from the set of resource elements to be associated with each beamforming point beam (150) of the subset of beamforming point beams (150) for the next time period (610), such that the interference metric of each beamforming point beam (150) of the subset of beamforming point beams (150) fails to meet the threshold, wherein for each beamforming point beam (150) of the subset of beamforming point beams (150), the corresponding one or more second resource elements for the next time period (610) are different from the one or more first resource elements assigned to the beamforming point beam (150) for the current time period (610); and The central server (180) directs each of the subset of beamforming point beams (150) to the redistribution of the corresponding one or more second resource elements for the next time period (610).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein guiding the reallocation for the next time period (610) for each time period (610) comprises: The central server (180) directs one or more satellites (105) associated with the subset of beamforming point beams (150) to perform the redistribution at a specific time.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein guiding the reallocation for the next time period (610) for each time period (610) comprises: The central server (180) notifies the corresponding mobile terminal (120) associated with the subset of beamforming point beams (150) of the reallocation.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein performing the resource element allocation for each time period (610) further comprises: The central server (180) collects information associated with the plurality of mobile terminals (120) and the set of beamforming point beams (150) for the time period (610), wherein the determination of the one or more interference events is based at least in part on the collected information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein performing the resource element allocation for each time period (610) further comprises: The central server (180) determines the corresponding locations of the plurality of mobile terminals (120) for the current time period (610), wherein the determination of the one or more interference events is based at least in part on the determination of the corresponding locations of the plurality of mobile terminals.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein for each time period (610), determining the subset of beamforming point beams (150) for resource element reallocation comprises: Due to the adjustment of the coverage area (160) of the first beamforming point beam (150), the central server (180) determines that the interference metric of the first beamforming point beam (150) associated with the first mobile terminal (120) meets the threshold. as well as The central server (180) determines, at least in part, that the subset of beamforming point beams (150) includes the first beamforming point beam (150) based on the fact that the interference metric of the first beamforming point beam (150) satisfies the threshold.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein guiding the reallocation of each beamforming point beam (150) for the next time period (610) comprises: The central server (180) sends a control signal to the first mobile terminal (120).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein performing the resource element allocation for each time period (610) further comprises: The central server (180) determines, for the current time period (610), one or more corresponding resource elements for each of the subset of beamforming point beams (150), wherein the determination of the one or more interference events is based at least in part on the determination of the one or more corresponding resource elements for each of the beamforming point beams (150) for the current time period (610).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each time period (610) comprises the same duration.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the interference metric of the beamforming point beam (150) is based on one or more of the following: Measurement interference between the beamforming point beams (150) of the set of beamforming point beams; Estimated interference between the beamforming point beams (150) of the set of beamforming point beams; The correlation between the channels of the plurality of mobile terminals (120); or The distance between the mobile terminals (120) of the plurality of mobile terminals.

11. A method comprising: Communication services are provided to the first, second, and third mobile terminals (120) respectively via the first, second, and third beamforming point beams (150) of the satellite communication system (100), wherein providing the communication services includes: Each of the first, second, and third beamforming point beams (150) is assigned to one or more resource elements in a set of resource elements, the set of resource elements including the first resource element and the second resource element; The corresponding coverage areas (160) of the first, second and third beamforming point beams (150) are adjusted over multiple time periods to track the movement of the first, second and third mobile terminals (120) within the coverage area (155) of the satellite communication system (100); Because the corresponding coverage areas of the first, second, and third beamforming point beams (150) for the first time period (610) of the plurality of time periods are adjusted, it is determined that the interference metrics of the first and second beamforming point beams (150) each meet a threshold, and the interference metric of the third beamforming point beam (150) fails to meet the threshold; and Based at least in part on the determination that the interference metrics of the first and second beamforming point beams (150) each satisfy the threshold and the interference metrics of the third beamforming point beam (150) fail to satisfy the threshold, the first beamforming point beam (150) is assigned to the first resource element, the second beamforming point beam (150) is assigned to the second resource element, and the third beamforming point beam (150) is assigned to the first and second resource elements.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein providing the communication service further comprises: Since the respective coverage areas of the first, second, and third beamforming point beams (150) for the second time period (610) of the plurality of time periods are adjusted after the first time period (610), it is determined that the interference metric of the first beamforming point beam (150) fails to meet the threshold, and the interference metrics of the second and third beamforming point beams (150) each meet the threshold. as well as Based at least in part on the determination that the interference metric for the first beamforming point beam (150) fails to meet the threshold and that the interference metrics for the second and third beamforming point beams (150) each meet the threshold, the first beamforming point beam (150) is reassigned to the first and second resource elements, the second beamforming point beam (150) is reassigned to the second resource element, and the third beamforming point beam (150) is reassigned to the first resource element.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the interference metric of the first, second and third beamforming point beams (150) each comprises a comparison between the coverage area (160) of the first, second or third beamforming point beam (150) associated with the interference metric and the coverage area (160) of one or more of the other beamforming point beams (150) of the first, second or third beamforming point beam (150).

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein providing the communication service further comprises: Based at least in part on the determination that the interference metrics of the first and second beamforming point beams (150) each meet the threshold and the interference metrics of the third beamforming point beam (150) fail to meet the threshold, either the first beamforming point beam (150) or the second beamforming point beam (150) is selected. One of them is further allocated to the third resource element of the group of resource elements, and the third beamforming point beam (150) is further allocated to the third resource element.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the number of resource elements allocated to each of the first and second beamforming point beams (150) is based at least in part on the number of mobile terminals (120) located within the coverage area (160) of the respective beamforming point beam (150).

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the number of resource elements allocated to each of the first and second beamforming point beams (150) is at least partially based on the data rate associated with the first or second mobile terminal (120) associated with the respective beamforming point beam (150).

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the number of resource elements allocated to each of the first and second beamforming point beams (150) is at least partially based on user demand associated with the first or second mobile terminal (120) associated with the respective beamforming point beam (150).

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the number of resource elements each of the first and second beamforming point beams (150) is assigned to is based at least in part on one or more of the following: The contract link speed associated with the first or second mobile terminal (120), which is associated with the corresponding beamforming point beam (150); Contract priority associated with the first or second mobile terminal (120), which is associated with the corresponding beamforming point beam (150); The service layer protocol associated with the first or second mobile terminal (120), wherein the first or second mobile terminal is associated with the corresponding beamforming point beam (150); or The service value associated with the first or second mobile terminal (120), which is associated with the corresponding beamforming point beam (150).

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the power associated with the first beamforming point beam (150) is at least partially based on the desired data rate of the first mobile terminal (120).

20. The method of claim 19, wherein providing the communication service further comprises: The power associated with the first beamforming point beam (150) is adjusted at least in part based on the data rate or user demand associated with the first mobile terminal (120).

21. The method of claim 20, wherein adjusting the power associated with the first beamforming point beam (150) comprises: Transmit a signal to the first mobile terminal (120), wherein the signal indicates an adjustment to the power associated with the first beamforming point beam (150); and The adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) variations are transmitted along with the signal to the first mobile terminal (120).

22. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 21, wherein each of the first and second resource elements is a combination of at least time and frequency resources.

23. A system (100) for satellite communication, the system comprising: One or more satellites (105); as well as A beam manager (175) is configured to provide communication services to a plurality of mobile terminals (120) via a set of beamforming point beams (150), wherein each of the plurality of mobile terminals (120) is assigned to a beamforming point beam (150) in the set of beamforming point beams, and wherein, in order to provide the communication services, the beam manager (175) is configured to: Each beamforming point beam (150) in the set of beamforming point beams is assigned to one or more first resource elements in the set of resource elements; as well as The corresponding coverage area (160) of the set of beamforming point beams (150) is adjusted over multiple time periods to track the movement of the multiple mobile terminals (120) within the coverage area (155) of the system (100) for satellite communication; as well as A central server (180) is configured to perform resource element allocation for the set of beamforming point beams (150), wherein, in order to perform the resource element allocation, the central server (180) is configured for each of the plurality of time periods (610) to: The central server (180) determines one or more interference events associated with the set of beamforming point beams (150) for the current time period (610) based at least in part on the interference metrics of the beamforming point beams (150) in the set of beamforming point beams each satisfying a threshold. The central server (180) determines, at least in part, a subset of the set of beamforming point beams for the reallocation of resource elements associated with the next time period (610) based on the determination of one or more interference events for the current time period (610). The central server (180) determines one or more second resource elements from the set of resource elements to be associated with each beamforming point beam (150) of the subset of beamforming point beams for the next time period (610), such that the interference metric of each beamforming point beam (150) of the subset of beamforming point beams fails to meet the threshold, wherein for each beamforming point beam (150) of the subset of beamforming point beams, the corresponding one or more second resource elements for the next time period (610) are different from the one or more first resource elements assigned to the beamforming point beam (150) for the current time period (610). as well as The central server (180) directs each beamforming point beam (150) of the subset of beamforming point beams to the redistribution of the corresponding one or more second resource elements for the next time period (610).

24. The system of claim 23, wherein for each time period (610), in order to guide the reallocation for the next time period (610), the central server (180) is further configured to: The central server (180) directs one or more satellites (105) associated with the subset of beamforming point beams (150) to perform the redistribution at a specific time.

25. The system according to any one of claims 23 or 24, wherein, for each time period (610), in order to guide the reallocation for the next time period (610), the central server (180) is further configured to: The central server (180) notifies the corresponding mobile terminal (120) associated with the subset of beamforming point beams (150) of the reallocation.

26. The system according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein for each time period (610), in order to perform the resource element allocation, the central server (180) is further configured to: The central server (180) collects information associated with the plurality of mobile terminals (120) and the set of beamforming point beams (150) for the time period (610), wherein the determination of the one or more interference events is based at least in part on the collected information.

27. The system according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein for each time period (610), in order to perform the resource element allocation, the central server (180) is further configured to: The central server (180) determines the corresponding locations of the plurality of mobile terminals for the current time period (610), wherein the determination of the one or more interference events is based at least in part on the determination of the corresponding locations of the plurality of mobile terminals.

28. The system according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein, for each time period (610), in order to determine the subset of beamforming point beams (150) for resource element reallocation, the central server (180) is further configured to: Due to the adjustment of the coverage area (160) of the first beamforming point beam (150), the central server (180) determines that the interference metric of the first beamforming point beam (150) associated with the first mobile terminal (120) meets a threshold; and The central server (180) determines, at least in part, that the subset of beamforming point beams (150) includes the first beamforming point beam (150) based on the fact that the interference metric of the first beamforming point beam (150) satisfies the threshold.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein, for each time period (610), in order to guide the redistribution of each beamforming point beam (150) for the next time period, the central server (180) is further configured to: The central server (180) sends a control signal to the first mobile terminal (120).

30. The system according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein for each time period (610), in order to perform the resource element allocation, the central server (180) is further configured to: The central server (180) determines, for the current time period (610), one or more corresponding resource elements for each of the subset of beamforming point beams (150), wherein the determination of the one or more interference events is based at least in part on the determination of the one or more corresponding resource elements for each of the beamforming point beams (150) for the current time period (610).

31. The system according to any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein each time period (610) comprises the same duration.

32. The system according to any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the interference metric of the beamforming point beam (150) is based on one or more of the following: Measurement interference between the beamforming point beams (150) of the set of beamforming point beams; Estimated interference between the beamforming point beams (150) of the set of beamforming point beams; The correlation between the channels of the plurality of mobile terminals (120); or The distance between the mobile terminals (120) of the plurality of mobile terminals.

33. A system comprising: One or more satellites (105); as well as Beam manager (175), the beam manager being configured to: Communication services are provided to the first, second, and third mobile terminals (120) respectively via the first, second, and third beamforming point beams (150) of the satellite communication system (100), wherein, in order to provide the communication services, the beam manager (175) is configured to: Each of the first, second, and third beamforming point beams (150) is assigned to one or more resource elements in a set of resource elements, the set of resource elements including the first resource element and the second resource element; The corresponding coverage areas (160) of the first, second and third beamforming point beams (150) are adjusted over multiple time periods to track the movement of the first, second and third mobile terminals (120) within the coverage area (155) of the satellite communication system (100); Since the corresponding coverage areas of the first, second and third beamforming point beams (150) for the first time period (610) of the plurality of time periods are adjusted, it is determined that the interference metrics of the first and second beamforming point beams (150) each meet the threshold, and the interference metrics of the third beamforming point beam (150) fail to meet the threshold. as well as Based at least in part on the determination that the interference metrics of the first and second beamforming point beams (150) each satisfy the threshold and the interference metrics of the third beamforming point beam (150) fail to satisfy the threshold, the first beamforming point beam (150) is assigned to the first resource element, the second beamforming point beam (150) is assigned to the second resource element, and the third beamforming point beam (150) is assigned to the first and second resource elements.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein, in order to provide the communication service, the beam manager (175) is further configured to: Since the corresponding coverage areas of the first, second, and third beamforming point beams (150) for the second time period (610) of the plurality of time periods are adjusted after the first time period (610), it is determined that the interference metric of the first beamforming point beam (150) fails to meet the threshold, and the interference metrics of the second and third beamforming point beams (150) each meet the threshold; and Based at least in part on the determination that the interference metric for the first beamforming point beam (150) fails to meet the threshold and that the interference metrics for the second and third beamforming point beams (150) each meet the threshold, the first beamforming point beam (150) is reassigned to the first and second resource elements, the second beamforming point beam (150) is reassigned to the second resource element, and the third beamforming point beam (150) is reassigned to the first resource element.

35. The system according to any one of claims 33 or 34, wherein the interference metric of the first, second and third beamforming point beams (150) each comprises a comparison between the coverage area (160) of the first, second or third beamforming point beam (150) associated with the interference metric and the coverage area (160) of one or more of the other beamforming point beams (150) of the first, second or third beamforming point beam.

36. The system according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein, in order to provide the communication service, the beam manager (175) is further configured to: Based at least in part on the determination that the interference metrics of the first and second beamforming point beams (150) each meet the threshold and the interference metrics of the third beamforming point beam (150) fail to meet the threshold, either the first beamforming point beam (150) or the second beamforming point beam (150) is selected. One of them is further allocated to the third resource element of the group of resource elements, and the third beamforming point beam (150) is further allocated to the third resource element.

37. The system according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the number of resource elements allocated to each of the first and second beamforming point beams (150) is based at least in part on the number of mobile terminals (120) located within the coverage area (160) of the respective beamforming point beam (150).

38. The system according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the number of resource elements allocated to each of the first and second beamforming point beams (150) is at least partially based on the data rate associated with the first or second mobile terminal (120) associated with the respective beamforming point beam (150).

39. The system according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the number of resource elements allocated to each of the first and second beamforming point beams (150) is at least partially based on user demand associated with the first or second mobile terminal (120) associated with the respective beamforming point beam (150).

40. The system according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the number of resource elements each of the first and second beamforming point beams (150) is allocated to is based at least in part on one or more of the following: The contract link speed associated with the first or second mobile terminal (120), which is associated with the corresponding beamforming point beam (150); Contract priority associated with the first or second mobile terminal (120), which is associated with the corresponding beamforming point beam (150); The service layer protocol associated with the first or second mobile terminal (120), wherein the first or second mobile terminal is associated with the corresponding beamforming point beam (150); or The service value associated with the first or second mobile terminal (120), which is associated with the corresponding beamforming point beam (150).

41. The system according to any one of claims 33 to 40, wherein the power associated with the first beamforming point beam (150) is at least partially based on the desired data rate of the first mobile terminal (120).

42. The system of claim 41, wherein, in order to provide the communication service, the beam manager (175) is further configured to: The power associated with the first beamforming point beam (150) is adjusted at least in part based on the data rate or user demand associated with the first mobile terminal (120).

43. The system of claim 42, wherein, in order to adjust the power associated with the first beamforming point beam (150), the beam manager (175) is further configured to: Transmit a signal to the first mobile terminal (120), wherein the signal indicates an adjustment to the power associated with the first beamforming point beam (150); and The adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) variations are transmitted along with the signal to the first mobile terminal (120).

44. The system according to any one of claims 33 to 43, wherein each of the first and second resource elements is a combination of at least time and frequency resources.

Images