How to use unlicensed spectrum for D2D communications of mobile satellite services

Abstract

We provide methods, devices, and computer program products for assigning spectrum to user equipment (UE) via mobile satellite services (MSS). [Solution] The method includes monitoring the radio spectrum within the coverage area of ​​the MSS satellite, determining a spectrum usage map of the radio spectrum within the coverage area, the spectrum usage map including frequency bands including permitted and unpermitted frequency bands, and transmitting the spectrum usage map for use by the UE. Related wireless electronic devices are also discussed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 725,756, filed on November 27, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002] The various embodiments described herein relate to methods, devices, and computer program products for communication networks, and more specifically, to wireless communication networks including satellite communication.

[0003] Opportunistic use of spectrum using licensed and unlicensed spectrum is a common practice. Terrestrial mobile service coverage can spread around populated areas. Vast areas on the ground are not covered by cellular mobile networks. UEs connecting to mobile satellite services (MSS) within these areas have attracted great attention.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of allocating spectrum to user equipment (UE) by a mobile satellite service (MSS) satellite. The method includes monitoring, by the MSS satellite, the radio spectrum within the coverage area of the MSS satellite, determining a spectrum usage map of the radio spectrum within the coverage area, and transmitting the spectrum usage map for use by the UE. The spectrum usage map includes frequency bands including licensed frequency bands and unlicensed frequency bands.

[0005] According to some embodiments, transmitting a spectrum usage map for use by a UE includes transmitting the spectrum usage map directly to the UE. According to some embodiments, transmitting a spectrum usage map for use by a UE includes transmitting the spectrum usage map to a terrestrial broadband wireless access (BWA) base station. The terrestrial BWA base station may transmit to the UE some frequency bands of the permitted frequency bands and some frequency bands of the unpermitted frequency bands available for use by the UE. According to some embodiments, transmitting a spectrum usage map for use by a UE includes transmitting the spectrum usage map to the UE using an out-of-band controlled channel network (OBCCN).

[0006] According to some embodiments, the spectrum usage map may include preferred permitted frequency bands authorized to the MSS provider operating the MSS satellite. Preferred permitted frequency bands may be based on frequency band availability, the UE's ability to use the frequency band, the frequency band's relationship with the MSS provider, and / or the UE's geographical location. The spectrum usage map may further include third-party permitted frequency bands available for use by the MSS provider. The MSS satellite coverage area includes one or more satellite spot beams associated with each ground coverage area in which the UE is configured to communicate with the MSS satellite.

[0007] According to some embodiments, monitoring of the radio spectrum within the MSS satellite's coverage area by an MSS satellite includes requesting the UE to provide information associated with radio spectrum usage patterns around the UE (near, in the vicinity, within a given range, in a vicinity), and receiving such information from the UE. Determining a spectrum usage map of the radio spectrum within the coverage area may include selecting permitted and unpermitted frequency bands in the spectrum usage map based on the received information associated with radio spectrum usage patterns around the UE. Determining a spectrum usage map of the radio spectrum within the coverage area may also include selecting permitted and unpermitted frequency bands in the spectrum usage map based on frequency band availability, the UE's ability to use the frequency band, the frequency band's relationship with the MSS provider associated with the MSS satellite, and / or the UE's geographical location.

[0008] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of communication by user equipment (UE) within a communication network serviced by a mobile satellite service (MSS) satellite. The method includes the UE receiving a spectrum usage map including one or more authorized frequency bands and one or more unauthorized frequency bands available for use by the UE, selecting a communication frequency band from the one or more authorized frequency bands and one or more unauthorized frequency bands, and the UE establishing a communication link with an MSS satellite using the selected communication frequency band.

[0009] According to some embodiments, receiving a spectrum usage map by a UE may include receiving the spectrum usage map directly from an MSS satellite. Receiving a spectrum usage map by a UE may include receiving the spectrum usage map indirectly from an MSS satellite via a terrestrial broadband wireless access (BWA) base station. The UE may create a list of preferred frequency bands based on the received spectrum usage map. The list of preferred frequency bands may include an ordered list containing one or more licensed frequency bands and one or more unlicensed frequency bands. The ordered list may indicate a preferred order for the UE to select the frequency bands to be used to establish a communication link. The UE may be configured to download the spectrum usage map using a terrestrial network including an Internet connection, a mobile network operator (MNO) connection, a fixed satellite service (FSS), or an unlicensed network.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the method may include the UE establishing a session with the MSS satellite in a specified frequency band based on a spectral usage map. The method may also include the UE receiving a command from the MSS satellite to switch the UE to a different frequency band. The switch by the UE may include switching from one or more authorized frequency bands to one of one or more unauthorized frequency bands to one unauthorized frequency band, or from one or more unauthorized frequency bands to one authorized frequency band.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the spectrum usage map may include a first spectrum usage map from a first MSS provider. One or more permitted frequency bands may include one or more first permitted frequency bands, and one or more unpermitted frequency bands may include one or more first unpermitted frequency bands. The method may further include the UE receiving a second spectrum usage map from a second MSS provider, the second spectrum usage map including one or more second permitted frequency bands and one or more second unpermitted frequency bands available for use by the UE, and the UE selecting a preferred spectrum usage map, based on the characteristics of the first and second spectrum usage maps, including either a first spectrum usage map from the first MSS provider or a second spectrum usage map from the second MSS provider. Establishing a communication link may include the UE establishing a communication link with either a first MSS satellite of the first MSS provider or a second MSS satellite of the second MSS provider, based on the preferred spectrum usage map.

[0012] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to wireless electronic devices associated with Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) satellites, the wireless electronic devices being configured to allocate spectrum to user equipment (UE). The wireless electronic device comprises a transceiver and a processor coupled to memory, the memory being configured to store instructions causing the processor to perform an operation, the operation including monitoring the radio spectrum within the coverage area of ​​the MSS satellite and determining a spectrum usage map of the radio spectrum within the coverage area, the spectrum usage map including frequency bands including permitted and unpermitted frequency bands. The transceiver may be configured to transmit the spectrum usage map to the UE.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the coverage area of ​​an MSS satellite includes one or more satellite spot beams associated with each ground coverage area in which a UE is configured to communicate with the MSS satellite. Monitoring the radio spectrum within the MSS satellite's coverage area by the MSS satellite may include requesting the UE to provide information associated with radio spectrum usage patterns around the UE, and receiving information associated with radio spectrum usage patterns around the UE from the UE.

[0014] According to some embodiments, determining a spectral usage map of the radio spectrum within a coverage area may include selecting permitted and unpermitted frequency bands within the spectral usage map based on information associated with the radio spectrum usage pattern around the received UE. Determining a spectral usage map of the radio spectrum within a coverage area may further include selecting permitted and unpermitted frequency bands within the spectral usage map based on the availability of the frequency band, the UE's ability to use the frequency band, the frequency band's relationship with the MSS provider associated with the MSS satellite, and / or the geographical location of the UE.

[0015] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to wireless electronic devices associated with user equipment (UEs) in a communication network serviced by Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) satellites. The wireless electronic device includes a transceiver and a processor coupled to memory. The memory is configured to store instructions causing the processor to perform an operation, which includes receiving a spectrum usage map including one or more permitted frequency bands and one or more unpermitted frequency bands available for use by the UE, selecting a communication frequency band from the one or more permitted frequency bands and one or more unpermitted frequency bands, and using the transceiver to establish a communication link with the MSS satellite in the selected communication frequency band.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the UE may create a list of preferred frequency bands based on a received spectral usage map. The list of preferred frequency bands may include an ordered list containing one or more authorized frequency bands and one or more unauthorized frequency bands. The ordered list may indicate a preferred order for the UE to select the frequency bands to be used to establish a communication link. The processor may be configured to perform operations that further include receiving a command from the MSS satellite for the UE to switch to a different frequency band. The UE switching may include switching from one authorized frequency band among one or more authorized frequency bands to one unauthorized frequency band among one or more unauthorized frequency bands, or switching from one unauthorized frequency band among one or more unauthorized frequency bands to one authorized frequency band among one or more authorized frequency bands. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1A] This figure illustrates, according to several embodiments of the concept of the present invention, the geographical area in which user equipment (UE) is located, serviced by a mobile satellite service (MSS) satellite. [Figure 1B] This figure illustrates an MSS satellite system using unauthorized frequency spectrum according to several embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 2] This flowchart illustrates the operation for assigning the spectrum of an MSS satellite to a UE according to several embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 3] This flowchart illustrates the operation for assigning the spectrum of an MSS satellite to a UE according to several embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 4] This flowchart illustrates the operation for assigning the spectrum of an MSS satellite to a UE according to several embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 5] This flowchart illustrates the operation for assigning the spectrum of an MSS satellite to a UE according to several embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating operations for allocating the spectrum of an MSS satellite to a UE, according to some embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating operations for allocating the spectrum of an MSS satellite to a UE, according to some embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating operations for allocating the spectrum of an MSS satellite to a UE, according to some embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating operations for allocating the spectrum of an MSS satellite to a UE, according to some embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating operations for allocating the spectrum of an MSS satellite to a UE, according to some embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating operations for allocating the spectrum of an MSS satellite to a UE, according to some embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 12] A flowchart illustrating operations for allocating the spectrum of an MSS satellite to a UE, according to some embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 13] A flowchart illustrating operations for allocating the spectrum of an MSS satellite to a UE, according to some embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 14] A flowchart illustrating operations for allocating the spectrum of an MSS satellite to a UE, according to some embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 15] A flowchart illustrating operations for allocating the spectrum of an MSS satellite to a UE, according to some embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 16] Block diagrams of various wireless electronic devices, according to some embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 17] Block diagrams of various wireless electronic devices, according to some embodiments of the concept of the present invention. [Figure 18] Block diagrams of various wireless electronic devices according to some embodiments of the concepts of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Terrestrial mobile service coverage, such as cellular networks, can spread around populated areas, but rural and low-density areas may not have appropriate terrestrial mobile services. Vast areas of the earth are not covered by cellular mobile communication networks. There is great interest in providing mobile services to these uncovered areas using standard user equipment (UE). In addition to UE, the services according to the embodiments described herein may also have other applications such as IoT, land transportation, and maritime transportation.

[0019] The satellite radio spectrum can be shared by the terrestrial broadband wireless access (BWA) radio spectrum. Further, satellite communication can use unlicensed spectrum in some cases. The spectrum can be used for mobile satellite service (MSS) uplink (from ground to space) and downlink (from space to ground).

[0020] Licensed spectrum worldwide is limited. However, there is a significant allocation of unlicensed spectrum that can be used in conjunction with the limited licensed spectrum to provide Direct to Device (DtD, communication between terminals) services for voice, data, messaging, video, and other services. The techniques described herein are applicable to any combination of different licensed and unlicensed bands depending on the network configuration.

[0021] Mobile satellite service (MSS) networks may be limited due to transmit / receive antenna arrays, power limitations, and licensing rules for radio spectrum in different geographical areas. Much of the radio spectrum is underutilized over most of the ground outside densely populated areas. This specification discusses methods for enabling the efficient use of permitted, unpermitted, and / or permitted third-party radio spectrum for use by MSS networks.

[0022] The MSS space network can monitor real-time utilization of the radio spectrum within its coverage area, including the frequency bands and signal quality in use. Depending on the antennas and payloads available on the satellite, the MSS space network may utilize portions of the permitted spectrum, as well as other bands outside the permitted spectrum that may be unlicensed or may be permitted to third parties.

[0023] The satellite may be designed to have the capability to monitor the radio spectrum band to create a real-time map of spectrum utilization. The spectrum utilization map may be downloaded to a ground station using a feeder link, or, depending on the space network capabilities, to the UE in permitted spectrum, unpermitted spectrum, or third-party permitted spectrum. The feeder link may be used for the MSS satellite to communicate directly with the ground station. A traffic link or control channel may be used by the MSS satellite to communicate directly with the UE or base station. The satellite may communicate directly with the UE via a traffic link (i.e., uplink and / or downlink). In some embodiments, a traffic link from the MSS satellite may directly facilitate communication between the UE and a ground-based repeater in communication state. The ground-based repeater may be an MSS control station. Thus, the spectrum utilization map may be downloaded from the MSS satellite to the repeater, which then provides it to the UE. The repeater may be a standalone network element that can receive signals from the satellite but may not include cellular base station functionality and may not have a backhaul link. Therefore, the repeater provides the UE with the ability to receive and communicate satellite signals, including configuration information, communications, spectrum utilization map downloads, and other UE functions controlled by the MSS satellite provider. In some embodiments, the ground station is connected to the internet so that the UE can obtain spectrum utilization maps from the internet.

[0024] The space segment of the network may continuously monitor designated unpermitted and / or permitted spectral bands and create a spectrum usage map (SUM). To monitor the spectrum of the downlink band, the MSS satellite may use a guard band during which the MSS satellite is not transmitting and monitoring by the MSS satellite may occur. During transmission in the active segment of the radio spectrum, blanking periods / intervals may exist during which transmission is turned off to monitor the downlink radio spectrum. In some embodiments, periodic guard bands may be used to ensure that transmission and monitoring activity do not occur simultaneously within the frequency. The spectrum usage map calculation may be performed by the MSS satellite 110, or at the ground station 220 or at the BWA base station 120 when the relevant data is received from the MSS satellite 110 via the feeder link. In some embodiments, the spectrum usage map calculation may be performed remotely when the data is received over the Internet. Spectrum usage maps may be shared with UEs and / or ground stations of the terrestrial system, such as base stations, MSS control stations / repeaters, and / or base station controllers. Spectrum usage maps may be shared by using data transmission on permitted spectrum, or by the space network for downloading the spectrum usage map to the UE, or directly with ground stations of the terrestrial system. In some embodiments, spectrum usage maps may be communicated by space segment transmission on unlicensed bands, where permitted under local law, or by preloading a spectrum map based on the geographical area where the UE is located. However, it should be noted that certain remote geographical areas may not have permitted spectrum available for use. In such cases, unlicensed spectrum may be used. Spectrum usage maps may include information such as the cost of service, the grade of service, channels, power, and / or frequency band characteristics.

[0025] In detail, the space network may monitor the radio spectrum within a satellite geographic coverage area, also referred to as a spot beam, to determine the use of the radio spectrum, the type of use of the radio spectrum, and usage characteristics such as signal strength, periodicity of such use, and other potentially relevant parameters. This information may be downloaded to ground stations via a feeder link using permitted spectrum, unpermitted spectrum, or third-party permitted spectrum. A ground-based UE may access this spectrum usage map for a given geographic area, or a map of available frequency bands for use may be transmitted to the UE. In some embodiments, multiple maps from multiple satellite service providers may be downloaded to the UE so that the UE can make a decision on which frequency bands to use, associated with selected maps and / or service providers.

[0026] An MSS provider that owns, operates, or manages an MSS satellite system may specify preferred spectral bands, spectral bands permitted to the MSS provider, unpermitted spectra, or third-party permitted spectral bands for a given geographic area covered by the spot beam of an MSS satellite. In some embodiments, the MSS provider may specify a subset of the area covered within the spot beam. An MSS network provider may make decisions regarding a more precise geographic area within a spot beam by sharing usage information about the spectrum around a UE within the spot beam. This more precise geographic area may be determined by requesting the UE to measure the radio spectrum usage pattern around the UE. The UE may measure the radio spectrum usage pattern and then transmit such information to the MSS provider. Crowdsourcing of radio spectrum usage patterns may be achieved by collecting data from various UEs within the geographic area. In some embodiments, UEs may periodically collect information on radio spectrum usage patterns and provide it to the MSS provider for aggregation, although they may not be individually triggered by the MSS provider.

[0027] A communication session may be initiated by the MSS satellite upon session initiation directed to the UE. Sessions to the UE may be initiated using control channels on permitted radio spectrum. Depending on the location and availability of unpermitted spectrum, the space network may instruct the UE to utilize permitted or unpermitted spectrum. If permitted spectrum is unavailable, the space segment may transmit on pre-designated channels that the UE is instructed to monitor. Session initiation from the UE may be achieved by the UE requesting session initiation on permitted spectrum on a permitted spectrum uplink (i.e., Earth to space link). If such an uplink channel is unavailable, the UE may transmit on pre-designated channels within a given geographical area.

[0028] In many cases, UE uplink transmission (i.e., from Earth to space) can be a limiting factor for bidirectional communication. In these situations, wide-area repeaters can transmit UE signals toward the space segment of the network. This can provide enhanced coverage and / or better data throughput for permitted or unpermitted spectrum bands. Because these repeaters transmit directionally toward the space segment, they avoid interference with any Earth spectrum use. Repeaters can include ground devices as standalone devices, or devices such as MSS control stations / repeaters or base station controllers. Uplink repeaters, either as part of a base station or as standalone repeaters in remote areas, can be used in unpermitted bands based on spectrum usage maps and can significantly improve coverage and throughput from UEs on the uplink (Earth to space).

[0029] UEs can download spectrum maps using terrestrial networks such as the Internet, mobile network operators (MNOs), unlicensed networks, or fixed satellite service (FSS) networks. This flexibility can be particularly useful when UEs are outside the coverage of FSS networks, as such FSS networks are likely to be located outside major densely populated areas where other wireless coverage is not readily available.

[0030] Additionally, vast areas exist where unlicensed spectrum is not used. Within the unlicensed band, there may be global standards that can be used to download spectrum usage maps enabled by MSS networks. MSS networks can interoperate by sharing spectrum usage maps, in accordance with the concepts described herein, especially if these networks do not have ubiquitous coverage.

[0031] A UE wishing to connect to an MSS network may create a list of preferred spectrums for its use, depending on which frequency bands are available, which frequency bands the UE can use, the relationship between the UE and the MSS network provider (e.g., regular service subscriber, pay-per-use subscriber, or subscriber with roaming permission), the UE's geographical location, recent spectrum usage information, and / or the financial terms of such use. In addition to using a spectrum usage map based on technical and spectrum-related considerations, the UE may also consider several business and / or financial factors, such as unused capacity in the purchase agreement and service costs, when preparing its preferred list.

[0032] The UE can establish a session with the MSS network in a specified radio spectrum band from a spectrum usage map. Once a session is established, the MSS network can instruct the UE to switch to a different radio spectrum band if it is more suitable. In some embodiments, the UE may make the switching decision based on a spectrum usage map received from the MSS network.

[0033] The MSS network may establish a session in a permitted frequency band from a spectrum usage map that has been pre-specified or pre-assigned to the UE within the spectrum usage map by the MSS network, or in a different frequency band. Such session establishment may occur when the UE is moving out of the coverage area of ​​another network (such as MNO, FSS, or the Internet) into the spot beam of the MSS satellite, and therefore, the most recently available spectrum usage map may be used to establish the session.

[0034] Figure 1A illustrates geographical regions where user equipment (UEs) are located, serviced by a Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) satellite, according to several embodiments of the concept of the present invention. Referring thereto, the MSS satellite 110 may communicate with an MSS-enabled UE 150 in geographical region 170, also referred to as a spot beam. Some geographical regions, such as geographical region 190, may include a ground base station 130. A UE 135 in geographical region 190 may communicate with base station 130 or directly with the MSS satellite 110. An MSS control station 160 may be ground-based and may act as a repeater for the MSS satellite 110. The MSS control station 160 may play a role in conserving power for signals from the MSS satellite 110. According to various embodiments described herein, the MSS control station 160 may, for example, assist in frequency allocation, monitor ground conditions around the UE 150, and monitor unauthorized spectrum within geographical region 170. Similarly, the BWA base station controller 195 may be ground-based and may serve as a repeater for the MSS satellite 110 and / or for the ground base station 130. The MSS control station 160 and / or the BWA base station controller 195 may, according to various embodiments described herein, for example, assist in frequency allocation, monitor ground conditions around UE 150 or UE 135, and monitor unauthorized spectrum within geographical areas 170, 190. The MSS control station 160 is distinct from the ground station 220 in Figure 1B. The MSS control station 160 may be a standalone entity or may operate in conjunction with the BWA base station 195. According to some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1A, UE 150 not controlled by the BWA base station 195 or by the MSS control station 160 may be in direct communication with the MSS satellite 110. In other words, communication between the MSS satellite 110 and UE150 may be via repeaters such as the ground station 220, BWA base station 130, and MSS control station 160, or communication may be direct between the MSS satellite 110 and UE150.

[0035] Figure 1B illustrates an MSS satellite system using unlicensed frequency spectrum according to several embodiments of the concept of the present invention. The MSS satellite 110 may communicate with a ground station 220 via a feeder link. The ground station 220 may correspond to the MSS control station 160 and / or BWA base station controller 195 in Figure 1A. The MSS satellite 110 may communicate control and / or data signals to the ground station 210 using licensed or unlicensed spectrum. The MSS satellite 110 may communicate directly with the UE 150. Control and / or data signals may be communicated to the UE 150 using unlicensed spectrum. A spectrum usage map may be transmitted from the MSS satellite 110 to the UE 150 according to several embodiments. Map distribution may be on licensed or unlicensed spectrum. In some embodiments, control signals may be transmitted on licensed spectrum and data signals may be transmitted on unlicensed spectrum. The ground station 220 may be connected to the Internet or other networks by wired or wireless connection.

[0036] Figures 2 to 15 are flowcharts illustrating the operation for assigning the spectrum of an MSS satellite to a UE according to several embodiments of the concept of the present invention. Referring to Figure 2, the method includes, in block 210, monitoring the radio spectrum within the coverage area of ​​the MSS satellite by the MSS satellite. A spectrum usage map of the radio spectrum is determined in block 220 within the coverage area. The spectrum usage map includes frequency bands, including permitted and unpermitted frequency bands. The method includes, in block 230, transmitting the spectrum usage map for use by the UE. The spectrum usage map may be determined at the MSS satellite 110 or at a central location on the ground, such as the ground station 220 in Figure 1B.

[0037] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, transmitting a spectrum usage map for use by a UE in block 230 may include transmitting the spectrum usage map directly to the UE in block 310. Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, transmitting a spectrum usage map for use by a UE in block 230 may include transmitting the spectrum usage map to a ground broadband wireless access (BWA) base station 410. Referring to Figure 5, in some embodiments, transmitting a spectrum usage map for use by a UE in block 230 may include transmitting the spectrum usage map to the UE using an out-of-band controlled channel network (OBCCN) in block 510. The spectrum usage map may include preferred permitted frequency bands authorized to the MSS provider operating the MSS satellite. Preferred permitted frequency bands may be based on the availability of the frequency band, the UE's ability to use the frequency band, the frequency band's relationship with the MSS provider, and / or the UE's geographical location. The spectrum usage map may further include third-party permitted frequency bands available for use by the MSS provider. The coverage area of ​​an MSS satellite may include one or more satellite spot beams associated with each ground coverage area on which the UE is configured to communicate with the MSS satellite. The OBCCN is a dedicated control channel for establishing communication with the MSS provider, and / or over this control channel, spectrum usage maps may be downloaded by the UE. This allows the channel on which spectrum usage maps are downloaded to be separate from data traffic.

[0038] OBCCN can be a pre-defined spectrum on which the UE can establish a communication channel with the MSS provider, a channel for downloading spectrum usage maps, and / or can be used as a traffic channel for data communication depending on data requirements and availability. OBCCN can use a dedicated spectrum or it can share a spectrum with the traffic channel.

[0039] Referring to Figure 6, in block 210, monitoring the radio spectrum within the MSS satellite's coverage area by the MSS satellite may include requesting the UE to provide information associated with radio spectrum usage patterns around the UE in block 610, and receiving information associated with radio spectrum usage patterns around the UE from the UE in block 620.

[0040] Referring to Figure 7, determining the spectral use map of the radio spectrum within the coverage area in block 220 may include, in block 710, selecting permitted and unpermitted frequency bands within the spectral use map based on information associated with the radio spectrum use pattern around the received UE.

[0041] Referring to Figure 8, determining the spectrum usage map of the radio spectrum within the coverage area in block 220 may further include, in block 810, selecting permitted and unpermitted frequency bands in the spectrum usage map based on the availability of the frequency band, the UE's ability to use the frequency band, the frequency band relationship with the MSS provider associated with the MSS satellite, and / or the geographical location of the UE.

[0042] Referring to Figure 9, a method of communication by user equipment (UE) within a communication network serviced by a Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) satellite may include, in block 910, the UE receiving a spectrum usage map that includes one or more authorized frequency bands and one or more unauthorized frequency bands available for use by the UE. This method may include, in block 920, selecting a communication frequency band from one or more authorized frequency bands and one or more unauthorized frequency bands. This method may include, in block 930, the UE establishing a communication link with the MSS satellite using the selected communication frequency band.

[0043] Referring to Figure 10, receiving a spectrum usage map by the UE 910 may include receiving the spectrum usage map directly from the MSS satellite in block 1010. For example, UE 150 in Figure 1A may receive the spectrum usage map directly from the MSS satellite 110. Referring to Figure 11, receiving a spectrum usage map by the UE in block 910 may include receiving the spectrum usage map indirectly from the MSS satellite via a terrestrial broadband wireless access (BWA) base station in block 1110. For example, UE 150 in Figure 1A may receive the spectrum usage map from the MSS satellite 110 via base station 130. The UE may create a list of preferred frequency bands based on the received spectrum usage map. The list of preferred frequency bands may include an ordered list containing one or more permitted frequency bands and one or more unpermitted frequency bands. The ordered list may indicate a preferred order for the UE to select the frequency bands to be used to establish a communication link. The UE may be configured to download spectrum usage maps using terrestrial networks, including Internet connectivity, mobile network operator (MNO) connectivity, fixed satellite services (FSS), or unauthorized networks.

[0044] Referring to Figure 12, the method may include, in block 1210, the UE establishing a session with the MSS satellite in a specified frequency band based on a spectral usage map. Referring to Figure 13, the method may include, in block 1310, the UE receiving a command from the MSS satellite to switch the UE to a different frequency band. The UE switch may include switching from one or more authorized frequency bands to one of one or more unauthorized frequency bands to one unauthorized frequency band, or switching from one or more unauthorized frequency bands to one of one or more authorized frequency bands.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the spectrum usage map may be a first spectrum usage map from a first MSS provider. One or more permitted frequency bands may include one or more first permitted frequency bands, and one or more unpermitted frequency bands may include one or more first unpermitted frequency bands. Referring to Figure 14, the method may, in block 1410, include the UE receiving a second spectrum usage map from a second MSS provider, the second spectrum usage map including one or more second permitted frequency bands and one or more second unpermitted frequency bands available for use by the UE. The method may, in block 1420, include the UE selecting a preferred spectrum usage map, which includes either a first spectrum usage map from a first MSS provider or a second spectrum usage map from a second MSS provider, based on the characteristics of the first and second spectrum usage maps.

[0046] Referring to Figure 15, establishing a communication link in block 930 may include, in block 1510, the UE establishing a communication link with either the first MSS satellite of the first MSS provider or the second MSS satellite of the second MSS provider, based on a preferred spectral usage map.

[0047] Figures 16, 17, and 18 are block diagrams of various electronic devices that may be used in an MSS system and / or UE. Referring to Figure 16, a block diagram of a wireless electronic device is provided that, in several embodiments, may correspond to one or more of the various elements of the UE 150, MSS control station 160, and / or base station controller 195 in Figure 1A. Referring to Figure 17, a block diagram of a mobile satellite service wireless electronic device is provided that, in several embodiments, may correspond to one or more of the various MSS network elements, such as the MSS satellite 110 or MSS control station 160 in Figures 1A and / or 1B.

[0048] As illustrated in Figure 16, the wireless electronic device 1601 may include an antenna system 1646, a transceiver 1642, a processor (e.g., a processor circuit) 1651, and memory 1653. Furthermore, the wireless electronic device 1601 may optionally include a display 1654, a user interface 1652, and / or a microphone / speaker 1650. The MSS wireless electronic device 1701 in Figure 17 may include components that operate similarly to those of the wireless electronic device 1601 in Figure 16, and therefore details are omitted.

[0049] The transmitters of the transceiver 1642 or 1742 in Figures 16 and 17 are not described individually because they can operate similarly to each other. Referring again to Figure 16, the transmitter 1643 of the transceiver 1642 can convert the information to be transmitted by the wireless electronic device 1601 into an electromagnetic signal suitable for wireless communication. The receiver 1645 of the transceiver 1642 can demodulate the electromagnetic signal received by the wireless electronic device 1601. The transceiver 1642 may include a transmit / receive circuit (TX / RX) that provides separate communication paths for supplying / receiving RF signals to different radiating elements of the antenna system 1646 via their respective RF feeds. Thus, if the antenna system 1646 includes two active antenna elements, the transceiver 1642 may include a transmit circuit 1643 and / or a receive circuit 1645 connected to different antenna elements via their respective RF feeds. For example, the transmit / receive circuits 1643 / 1645 may be connected to a Wi-Fi antenna, satellite antenna, MIMO antenna, near-field communication (e.g., NFC, or Bluetooth®) antenna, cellular antenna, satellite antenna, or 3G, 4G, LTE, or 5G antenna. Furthermore, the antenna system 1646 and / or transceiver 1642 may include a GPS receiver.

[0050] Still referring to Figure 16, memory 1653 may store computer program instructions that, when executed by processor circuit 1651, perform the operation of wireless electronic device 1601. In some embodiments, memory 1653 may be a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium containing computer-readable program code that, when executed by processor 1651, causes processor 1651 to perform the methods described herein. As an example, memory 1653 may store applications that can perform the operations illustrated in the various blocks of the flowcharts in Figures 2 to 15. Memory 1653 may be a non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, which retains stored data while power is lost from memory 1653. Memory 1753 in Figure 17 and memory 1853 in Figure 18 operate similarly to memory 1653 in Figure 16, and therefore a separate description is omitted.

[0051] Referring again to Figure 16, the wireless electronic device 1601 may be associated with a UE 150 or UE 135 in a communications network serviced by the MSS satellite 110. The wireless electronic device 1601 includes a transceiver 1642 and a processor 1651 coupled to a memory 1653, the memory 1653 being configured to store instructions causing the processor 1651 to perform an operation, the operation including receiving a spectrum usage map including one or more permitted frequency bands and one or more unpermitted frequency bands available for use by the UEs 150, 135, selecting a communications frequency band from the one or more permitted frequency bands and one or more unpermitted frequency bands, and using the transceiver 1642 to establish a communications link with the MSS satellite 110 in the selected communications frequency band.

[0052] Referring again to Figure 17, the MSS wireless electronic device 1701 may be associated with the MSS satellite 110 in Figures 1A and 1B. The wireless electronic device 1700 may be configured to assign a spectrum to UE 150 or UE 135 in Figures 1A and 1B. The processor 1751 is coupled to a memory 1753, which is configured to store instructions that cause the processor 1751 to perform an operation, which includes monitoring the radio spectrum within the coverage area of ​​the MSS satellite 110 and determining a spectrum usage map of the radio spectrum within the coverage area, the spectrum usage map including frequency bands that include permitted and unpermitted frequency bands.

[0053] Figure 18 illustrates a block diagram of a processor 1851 and a memory 1853 that can be used according to various embodiments of the concept of the present invention. The processor 1851 communicates with the memory 1853 via an address / data bus 1890. The processor 1851 may be, for example, a commercially available or custom microprocessor. Furthermore, the processor 1851 may comprise multiple processors. The memory 1853 represents an overall hierarchy of memory devices, including software and data used to perform various functions as described herein. The memory 1853 may include, but is not limited to, devices of the following types: cache, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash, static RAM (SRAM), and dynamic RAM (DRAM).

[0054] Still referring to Figure 18, memory 1853 may hold various categories of software and data, such as the operating system 1883. The processor 1851 and memory 1853 may correspond to either the processor 1651 or 1751 and memory 1653 and 1753 of the wireless electronic device 1601 or MSS wireless electronic device 1701 in Figures 16 and / or 17. Thus, the operating system 1883 may control the operation of devices 1601 and / or 1701. In particular, the operating system 1883 may manage the resources of the corresponding devices 1601 and / or 1701 and may coordinate the execution of various programs by the processor 1851 that perform the operations described herein.

[0055] Further Definitions and Embodiments In the above descriptions of various embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art belonging to this disclosure. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and related art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0056] When an element is referred to as “connected,” “combined,” “responsive,” or a variation thereof to another element, it may be directly connected to, combined with, or responsive to the other element, or there may be an intervening element. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly connected,” “directly combined,” “directly responsive,” or a variation thereof to another element, there is no intervening element. The same number refers to the same element throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, “combined,” “connected,” “responsive,” or their variations may include being wirelessly combined, connected, or responsive. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail for the sake of brevity and / or clarity. The term “and / or” includes one or any combination of the related enumeration items.

[0057] As used herein, the terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “comprises,” “include,” “including,” “includes,” “have,” “has,” “having,” or their variations thereof are open-ended and include one or more described features, integers, elements, steps, components, or functions, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, elements, steps, components, functions, or groups thereof.

[0058] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to block diagrams and / or flowcharts of computer implementation methods, apparatus (systems and / or devices), and / or computer program products. It should be understood that blocks in block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented by computer program instructions implemented by one or more computer circuits. These computer program instructions may be provided to processor circuits of general-purpose computer circuits, dedicated computer circuits, and / or other programmable data processing circuits to produce a machine, and as a result, instructions executed via the processor of a computer and / or other programmable data processing device transform and control transistors, values ​​stored in memory locations, and other hardware components in such circuits to perform the functions / actions specified in the block diagrams and / or flowchart blocks, thereby creating means (functions) and / or structures for performing the functions / actions specified in the block diagrams and / or flowchart blocks.

[0059] These computer program instructions may also be stored on a tangible computer-readable medium that can instruct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored on the computer-readable medium produce a product containing instructions that perform functions / actions specified in block diagrams and / or flowchart blocks(or blocks).

[0060] Tangible, non-temporary computer-readable media may include electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor data storage systems, apparatus, or devices. More specific examples of computer-readable media include portable computer diskettes, random-access memory (RAM) circuits, read-only memory (ROM) circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory) circuits, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), and portable digital video disc read-only memory (DVD / Blu-ray).

[0061] Computer program instructions can also be loaded into a computer and / or other programmable data processing device such that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer and / or other programmable device to generate a process for computer execution, such that instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for performing functions / actions specified in block diagrams and / or flowchart blocks(or blocks). Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure can be embodied in hardware and / or software (including firmware, resident software, and microcode) that runs on a processor such as a digital signal processor, which may be collectively referred to as “circuits,” “modules,” or variations thereof.

[0062] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each block in a flowchart and / or block diagram, and any combination of blocks within a flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine in which instructions executed via the processor of a computer or other programmable instruction execution device create a mechanism for performing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram blocks.

[0063] These computer program instructions can also be stored on computer-readable media, which can instruct a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device to function in a specific manner, such that when the instructions are stored on computer-readable media, they produce a product containing instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to perform a function / action specified in a flowchart and / or block diagram block(s). Computer program instructions can also be loaded into a computer, other programmable instruction execution device, or other device, such that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer, other programmable device, or other device, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device result in a process of computer execution that provides a process for performing a function / action specified in a flowchart and / or block diagram block(s).

[0064] The illustrated flowcharts and block diagrams illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of potential implementations of the systems, methods, and computer program products of this disclosure in various aspects. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or code portion containing one or more executable instructions for performing a specified logical function. Note that in some alternative embodiments, the functions described within a block may occur outside the order in which they are illustrated. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order depending on the functions they relate to. Note that each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, as well as any combination of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, may be performed by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or action, or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0065] It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the functions / actions described within a block may occur outside the order shown in the flowchart. For example, two consecutively shown blocks may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order depending on the functions / actions involved. Furthermore, the function of a given block in a flowchart and / or block diagram may be divided into multiple blocks, and / or the functions of two or more blocks in a flowchart and / or block diagram may be at least partially integrated. Finally, other blocks may be added / inserted between the illustrated blocks. Moreover, while some diagrams include arrows on the communication path to indicate the main direction of communication, it should be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows.

[0066] Many different embodiments are disclosed herein in connection with the above description and drawings. It should be understood that a literal description and illustration of all combinations and partial combinations of these embodiments would lead to excessive repetition and obfuscation. Therefore, this specification, including the drawings, is to be construed as constituting a complete written description of various example combinations and partial combinations of embodiments, as well as the manner and process of their manufacture and use, and supporting the claims for any such combination and partial combination. Many variations and modifications can be made to embodiments without substantially departing from the principles described herein. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A method for assigning spectrum to user equipment (UE) by a mobile satellite services (MSS) satellite, The MSS satellite monitors the radio spectrum within the coverage area of ​​the MSS satellite, Determining a spectral usage map of the radio wave spectrum within the coverage area, wherein the spectral usage map includes frequency bands including permitted frequency bands and unpermitted frequency bands. To transmit the spectral usage map for use by the aforementioned UE Methods that include...

2. Transmitting the spectral usage map for use by the aforementioned UE is, The method according to claim 1, comprising directly transmitting the spectral usage map to the UE.

3. Transmitting the spectral usage map for use by the aforementioned UE is, The method according to claim 1, comprising transmitting the spectrum usage map to a terrestrial broadband wireless access (BWA) base station.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the ground BWA base station transmits to the UE a certain frequency band from the permitted frequency band and a certain frequency band from the unpermitted frequency band that are available for use by the UE.

5. Transmitting the spectral usage map for use by the aforementioned UE is, The method according to claim 1, comprising transmitting the spectral usage map to the UE using an out-of-band controlled channel network (OBCCN).

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the spectral usage map includes preferred permitted frequency bands authorized to the MSS provider operating the MSS satellite.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the preferred permitted frequency band is based on the availability of the frequency band, the UE's ability to use the frequency band, the relationship of the frequency band with the MSS provider, and / or the geographical location of the UE.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the spectral usage map further includes third-party permitted frequency bands available for use by the MSS provider.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the coverage area of ​​the MSS satellite includes one or more satellite spot beams associated with each ground coverage area configured to communicate with the UE.

10. Monitoring the radio spectrum within the coverage area of ​​the MSS satellite using the MSS satellite is: To request the UE to provide information associated with the radio spectrum usage patterns around the UE, and The method according to claim 1, comprising receiving from the UE the information associated with the radio wave spectrum usage pattern around the UE.

11. Determining the spectral usage map of the radio wave spectrum within the coverage area is: The method according to claim 10, comprising selecting the permitted frequency bands and the unpermitted frequency bands in the spectrum usage map based on the information associated with the radio spectrum usage pattern around the received UE.

12. Determining the spectral usage map of the radio wave spectrum within the coverage area is: The method according to claim 11, further comprising selecting the permitted and unpermitted frequency bands in the spectrum usage map based on the availability of the frequency band, the UE's ability to use the frequency band, the relationship of the frequency band with the MSS provider associated with the MSS satellite, and / or the geographical location of the UE.

13. A method of communication by user equipment (UE) within a communication network serviced by a mobile satellite services (MSS) satellite, The UE receives a spectrum usage map that includes one or more permitted frequency bands and one or more unpermitted frequency bands available for use by the UE, Selecting a communication frequency band from the one or more permitted frequency bands and the one or more unpermitted frequency bands, The UE establishes a communication link with the MSS satellite using the selected communication frequency band. Methods that include...

14. Receiving the spectral usage map by the UE means that The method according to claim 13, comprising receiving the spectral usage map directly from the MSS satellite.

15. Receiving the spectral usage map by the UE means that The method according to claim 13, comprising receiving the spectrum usage map indirectly from the MSS satellite via a terrestrial broadband wireless access (BWA) base station.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the UE creates a list of preferred frequency bands based on the received spectral usage map.

17. The list of preferred frequency bands includes an ordered list of one or more permitted frequency bands and one or more unpermitted frequency bands, The method according to claim 16, wherein the ordered list indicates a preferred order for the UE to select the frequency bands used to establish the communication link.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein the UE is configured to download the spectrum usage map using a terrestrial network including an Internet connection, a mobile network operator (MNO) connection, a fixed satellite service (FSS), or an unlicensed network.

19. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the UE establishing a session with the MSS satellite in a specified frequency band based on the spectral usage map.

20. The UE further includes receiving a command from the MSS satellite to switch the UE to a different frequency band, The method according to claim 19, wherein the UE switching includes switching from one permitted frequency band among the one or more permitted frequency bands to one unpermitted frequency band among the one or more unpermitted frequency bands, or switching from one unpermitted frequency band among the one or more unpermitted frequency bands to one permitted frequency band among the one or more permitted frequency bands.

21. The spectrum usage map includes a first spectrum usage map from a first MSS provider, the one or more permitted frequency bands include one or more first permitted frequency bands, and the one or more unpermitted frequency bands include one or more first unpermitted frequency bands. The aforementioned method, The UE receives a second spectrum usage map from a second MSS provider, the second spectrum usage map includes one or more second permitted frequency bands and one or more second unpermitted frequency bands available for use by the UE. The UE selects a suitable spectral usage map based on the characteristics of the first spectral usage map and the second spectral usage map, which includes either the first spectral usage map from the first MSS provider or the second spectral usage map from the second MSS provider. The method according to claim 13, further comprising:

22. Establishing the aforementioned communication link is The method according to claim 21, comprising establishing the communication link with either the first MSS satellite of the first MSS provider or the second MSS satellite of the second MSS provider based on the preferred spectral usage map by the UE.

23. A wireless electronic device associated with a Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) satellite, wherein the wireless electronic device is configured to assign a spectrum to a user equipment (UE), Transmitter and receiver, A processor coupled to memory, wherein the memory is configured to store instructions that cause the processor to perform an operation, and the operation is, The MSS satellite monitors the radio spectrum within the coverage area of ​​the MSS satellite, Determining a spectral usage map of the radio wave spectrum within the coverage area, wherein the spectral usage map includes frequency bands that include permitted frequency bands and unpermitted frequency bands. Including processors and Equipped with, The transceiver is a wireless electronic device configured to transmit the spectrum usage map to the UE.

24. The wireless electronic device according to claim 23, wherein the coverage area of ​​the MSS satellite includes one or more satellite spot beams associated with each ground coverage area configured for the UE to communicate with the MSS satellite.

25. Monitoring the radio spectrum within the coverage area of ​​the MSS satellite using the MSS satellite is: To request the UE to provide information associated with the radio spectrum usage patterns around the UE, and The wireless electronic device according to claim 23, comprising receiving from the UE information associated with a radio wave spectrum usage pattern around the UE.

26. Determining the spectral usage map of the radio wave spectrum within the coverage area is: The wireless electronic device according to claim 25, comprising selecting the permitted frequency bands and the unpermitted frequency bands in the spectrum usage map based on the information associated with the radio wave spectrum usage pattern around the received UE.

27. Determining the spectral usage map of the radio wave spectrum within the coverage area is: The wireless electronic device according to claim 26, further comprising selecting the permitted and unpermitted frequency bands in the spectrum usage map based on the availability of the frequency band, the UE's ability to use the frequency band, the relationship of the frequency band with the MSS provider associated with the MSS satellite, and / or the geographical location of the UE.

28. A wireless electronic device associated with user equipment (UE) in a communications network serviced by a Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) satellite, Transmitter and receiver, A processor coupled to memory, wherein the memory is configured to store instructions that cause the processor to perform an operation, and the operation is, Receiving a spectral usage map that includes one or more permitted frequency bands and one or more unpermitted frequency bands available for use by the UE, Selecting a communication frequency band from the one or more permitted frequency bands and the one or more unpermitted frequency bands, Using the aforementioned transceiver, establish a communication link with the MSS satellite in the selected communication frequency band. Including processors and A wireless electronic device equipped with the following features.

29. The wireless electronic device according to claim 28, wherein the UE creates a list of preferred frequency bands based on the received spectral usage map.

30. The list of preferred frequency bands includes an ordered list of one or more permitted frequency bands and one or more unpermitted frequency bands, The wireless electronic device according to claim 29, wherein the ordered list indicates a preferred order for the UE to select the frequency bands used to establish the communication link.

31. The aforementioned processor, Receiving a command from the MSS satellite to switch the UE to a different frequency band. It is configured to perform operations that further include, The wireless electronic device according to claim 28, wherein the UE switching includes switching from one permitted frequency band among the one or more permitted frequency bands to one unpermitted frequency band among the one or more unpermitted frequency bands, or switching from one unpermitted frequency band among the one or more unpermitted frequency bands to one permitted frequency band among the one or more permitted frequency bands.

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