Satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for resource allocation are described.

Description

SATELLITE SERVICE UNIT ALLOCATION WITHIN A SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SERVICE BACKGROUND

[0001] The following relates generally to communications, including satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service.

[0002] Communications devices may communicate with one another using wired connections, wireless (e.g., radio frequency (RF)) connections, or both. Wireless communications between devices may be performed using a wireless spectrum that has been designated for a service provider, wireless technology, or both. In some examples, the amount of information that can be communicated via a wireless communications network is based on an amount of wireless spectrum designated to the service provider, and an amount of frequency reuse within the region in which service is provided. Increasingly, satellite communication systems provide global connectivity, which involves sophisticated satellite systems and corresponding ground equipment, including satellite terminals. The global demand for satellite connectivity and, as a result, for satellite terminals, has created complex supply chains responsible for distribution across different regions worldwide.

[0003] The optimization of these supply chains, however, may pose significant challenges. Different regions have varying needs, economic capacities, and market dynamics — all of which may influence the valuation of satellite terminal allocations. Existing allocation strategies may lead to suboptimal allocations that do not maximize the overall value derived from the resource distribution, affecting the efficiency of supply chains and potentially destabilizing regional markets.SUMMARY

[0004] The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that support satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service. For example, the described techniques provide for methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that provide potential allocations of equipment for satellite connectivity among different regions that receive satellite communications services.

[0005] An apparatus is described. The apparatus may include memories, processors, or means to cause the apparatus to identify utility profiles for a plurality of service regions for a subscription service, identify one or more service unit types associated with the subscriptionservice, wherein service units of respective service unit types are operable to provide the subscription service within one or more of the plurality of service regions, identify a service unit supply comprising respective quantities of service units for each of the one or more service unit types, determine, for each of the plurality of service regions, a respective unit long term level associated with allocating a service unit to the each of the plurality of service regions based at least in part on respective aggregate subscription revenues for the plurality of service regions, determine a maximum long term level for an optimized allocation of the service unit supply according to the respective unit long term levels associated with at least the plurality of service regions, the utility profiles for the plurality of service regions, and the respective quantities of service units of each of the one or more service unit types, receive one or more supply criteria associated with one or more of the plurality of service regions, determine a plurality of unit allocations of the service unit supply based at least in part on an operability of the respective service unit types to provide the subscription service within the one or more of the plurality of service regions, wherein each of the plurality of unit allocations is associated with a respective allocation long term level and a supply window for each of the plurality of service regions, and allocate the service unit supply according to one of the plurality of unit allocations based at least in part on ordering a subset of the plurality of unit allocations that satisfy the one or more supply criteria according to the respective long term levels.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 shows an example of a satellite communication system that supports satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service in accordance with examples described herein.

[0007] FIG. 2 shows an example of resource utilization for a satellite communication system that supports satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service in accordance with examples described herein.

[0008] FIG. 3 shows an example of a satellite communication environment that supports satellite service unit allocation for a satellite communication service in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4 shows an example of a diagram that supports satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 5 shows an example of an interactive family grid that supports satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 6 shows an example of a process flow that supports satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a distribution manager that supports satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart illustrating methods that support satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart illustrating methods that support satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Techniques described herein support methods, systems, and devices for satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service. Satellite communication services may cover wide regions of the Earth, utilizing constellations of one or more satellites operating in space orbits. Every user of the satellite communication service may need equipment to be able to connect to the satellite communication service, including satellite terminals, cabling, modems, and other parts or components, collectively referred to herein as satellite service units. This equipment may be in limited supply, and it may not be feasible to provide a surplus of satellite service units to every region where the satellite communication services are available. Due to the limited supply, limited production, or other economic realities, the satellite service units may have to be strategically supplied to the service regions.

[0016] The allocation of satellite service units to the various service regions may be based on many factors. These factors may include service subscriptions within the region, a number of users within the region, a projected number of future users within the region, the quality of service within the region, the types of satellite service units usable within the region, on-hand supply of the satellite service units within the region, how many satellite service units are intransit to the region, a prioritization of certain regions, a percentage of the region covered by the satellite communication service, and the like. Techniques described herein provide a user interface that may be easily used to determine and compare possible allocation solutions for the various satellite service units among the various regions within coverage of the satellite network. While the invention described herein is directed to an example application of provision of satellite service units, methodologies and systems applying the invention may similarly apply to provision of other goods, such as other electronic devices, mechanical devices, and the like.

[0017] An algorithm may be provided which generates a template of planning views based on these, and other factors, which may be used to extract supply and demand data in addition to other data elements. The template of planning views may contain instructions to manipulate the extracted data, build a family grid, create a user interface, and display the related data connections. The family grid may be a central hub used for improving user engagement with the data and potential allocations. In some examples, the family grid may be a user interface where users strategically adjust various metrics to see outcomes of different satellite service unit allocations. For example, the user may fine-tune allocation percentages to elevate long term value (LTV) and achieve specific outcomes. The family grid may enable users to make decisions to target specific service regions, which may align with the growth objectives for those service regions.

[0018] Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of satellite communication systems. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to diagrams, screenshots, and process flows that relate to satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, block diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows an example of a satellite communication system 100 that supports satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service in accordance with examples described herein. Satellite communication system 100 may include a ground system 135, terminals 120, and satellite system 101. The ground system 135 may include a network of access nodes 140 that are configured to communicate with the satellite system 101 via a feeder link 132. The access nodes 140 may he coupled with access node transceivers 145 that are configured to process signals received from and to be transmitted through correspondingaccess node(s) 140. The access node transceivers 145 may also be configured to interface with a network 125 (e.g., the Internet) — e.g., via a network device 130 (e.g., a network operations center, satellite and gateway terminal command centers, or other central processing centers or devices) that may provide an interface for communicating with the network 125.

[0020] Terminals 120 may include various devices configured to communicate signals with the satellite system 101. For example, terminals 120 may include fixed terminals (e.g., ground-based stationary terminals), or mobile terminals mounted on mobile platforms (e.g., boats, aircraft, ground-based vehicles, and the like), or a combination of fixed and mobile terminals. A terminal 120 may communicate data and information with an access node 140 via the satellite system 101. The data and information may be communicated with a destination device such as a network device 130, or some other device or distributed server associated with a network 125.

[0021] Terminals 120 may include an antenna assembly which may also include various hardware for mounting an antenna. An antenna assembly may also include circuits and / or processors for converting (e.g., performing frequency conversion, modulating / demodulating, multiplexing / demultiplexing, filtering, forwarding, etc.) between radio frequency (RF) satellite communication signals, and satellite terminal communications signals transmitted between the antenna and a satellite terminal receiver. For mobile terminals, the antenna assembly may be mounted on the outside of the mobile platform (e.g., outside of the fuselage of an aircraft). Additionally, or alternatively, the terminal 120 may include a transceiver, which may be mounted on the inside or outside of the mobile platform and may include circuits and / or processors for performing various RF signal operations (e.g., receiving, performing frequency conversion, modulating / demodulating, multiplexing / demultiplexing, etc.).

[0022] The satellite system 101 may include a single satellite 105, or a network of satellites 105 that are deployed in space orbits (e.g., low earth orbits, medium earth orbits, geosynchronous orbits, geostationary orbits, etc.). One or more satellites 105 included in satellite system 101 may be equipped with multiple antennas (e.g., one or more antenna arrays). In some examples, the one or more satellites 105 equipped with multiple antennas may each include one or more antenna panels that include an array of evenly distributed antennas (which may also be referred to as antenna elements). In some examples, a satellite may be equipped with an antenna array including antennas that are unevenly distributedacross a large region. The ground system 135 may also contain access nodes 140 with multiple antenna array elements.

[0023] The satellite system 101 may have a large aperture size, which may be spanned by the antenna arrays or multiple satellites of the satellite system 101. The satellite system 101 may use the one or more satellites to support beamforming techniques within the coverage area 155 of the satellite system to increase a utilization of resources used for communications. The coverage area 155 may include a plurality of service regions 161 (e.g., including service regions 160-a, 160-b, 160-c, 160-d, and 160-e). In some examples, the service regions 160 may correspond to different geographical regions. For example, the service regions may refer to geopolitical regions such as continents, countries, states, provinces, groups of geopolitical regions, or different geographical areas.

[0024] Beamforming, including using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques, may be used to exploit multipath signal propagation and increase spectral efficiency by transmitting or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers over the same frequency resources. The multiple signals may, for example, be transmitted by a transmitting device (e.g., a satellite system) via a set of antennas in accordance with a set of weighting coefficients. Likewise, the multiple signals may be received by a receiving device (e.g., a satellite system) via a set of antennas in accordance with a set of weighting coefficients. Each of the multiple signals may be associated with a separate spatial stream and may carry bits associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams (e.g., different codewords).

[0025] In some examples, some or all of the antenna elements on the satellite and / or the ground system may he arranged as an array of constituent receive and / or transmit feed elements that cooperate to enable various examples of on-board beamforming (OBBF), ground-based beamforming (GBBF), end-to-end beamforming, or other types of beamforming. In the GBBF implementation, there may be multiple transmit or receive antennas on the ground system access node(s).

[0026] To determine weighting coefficients to apply to the set of antennas such that N spatial layers are formed, an (M x N) MIMO matrix may be formed, where M may represent the quantity of antennas of the set of antennas. In some examples, M may be equal to N. The MIMO matrix may be determined based on a channel matrix and used to isolate the different spatial layers of the channel. In some examples, the weighting coefficients are selected toemphasize signals transmitted using the different spatial layers while reducing interference of signals transmitted in the other spatial layers. Accordingly, processing signals received at each antenna of the set of antennas (e.g., a signal received at the set of antennas) using the MIMO matrix may result in multiple signals being output, where each of the multiple signals may correspond to one of the spatial layers. In some examples, the weighting coefficients used for MIMO communications may be referred to as beam coefficients or beamforming coefficients, and the multiple spatial layers may be referred to as beams or spot beams.

[0027] The elements of the MIMO matrix used to form the spatial layers of the channel may be determined based on channel sounding probes communicated between a satellite system 101 and one or more devices. Channel sounding probes include reference signals transmitted periodically between a satellite system and a device (e.g., a terminal) coupled with the satellite system. For example, a channel sounding probe may be periodically transmitted from a terminal to the satellite system, or from the satellite system to a terminal, or both, and may include a sequence that is known to the transmitter and receiver (e.g., based on a terminal identifier or other parameters known to the transmitter and receiver). The receiving device (e.g., the terminal or the satellite system) may use the received channel sounding probe to evaluate the connection by correlating received channel sounding probe to the expected signal for the channel sounding probe (e.g., to determine a signal strength, an interference, etc.) and make decisions based thereon. Due to the periodicity of the signal, the receiving device may know when the signal should be received.

[0028] Beamforming techniques may be used to shape or steer a communication beam along a spatial path between a satellite system 101 and a geographic area. A communication beam may be formed by determining weighting coefficients for antenna elements of an antenna array that result in the signals transmitted from or received at the antenna elements being combined such that signals propagating in a particular orientation with respect to an antenna array experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference. Thus, beamforming may be used to transmit signals having energy that is focused in a direction of a communication beam and to receive signals that arrive in a direction of the communication with increased signal power (relative to the absence of beamforming). The weighting coefficients may be used to apply amplitude offsets, phase offsets, or both to signals carried via the antennas.

[0029] In some examples, the weighting coefficients applied to the antennas may be used to form multiple beams, each associated with a different direction, where the multiple beamsmay be used to communicate multiple signals having the same frequency at the same time to different user terminals. This may be referred to as Multiuser MIMO. The weighting coefficients used for beamforming may be referred to as beam coefficients, and the multiple signals may be referred to as beam signals. The resulting beams may be referred to herein as beamformed spot beams, spot beams, or beams.

[0030] In some examples, the coverage area 155 of a beam 150 may be determined based on the wavelength of the carrier wave and the diameter of the aperture. The coverage area 155 may correspond, e.g., to a footprint in which the power level of the beam 150 is above a threshold, or in which the power level drop-off away from the center of the beam 150 is less than a threshold amount (e.g., 3 decibels (dB) or 6 dB). In some examples, the coverage area 155 may be determined by a beam width of the beam 150.

[0031] The beams 150 may be associated with a set of resources of the satellite system 101. The set of resources may include frequency resources, time resources, and polarization resources. For example, beams 150 may overlap spatially without interfering if they are associated with different resources. In some cases, a given frequency range for the satellite system 101 may be divided into frequency resources or channels, and a given amount of time may be divided into different recurring time slots, where a frequency resource may be used to carry a beam signal (e.g., a modulated signal carried in a beam) on one of the recurring time slots. By doing this, beams may overlap spatially without interfering if they are associated with different frequency and / or time resources. In addition, multiple polarizations may be used such that two beams 150 may overlap spatially without interfering if they are associated with different polarizations.

[0032] Satellite service units (e.g., terminals 120) may include various types of terminals 120, where each type of terminal may be usable in a subset of the service regions 160 based on carrier frequencies, modulation techniques, time resource divisions, and the like. The allocation of satellite service units to the various service regions 160 may involve complex logistical challenges, and in the presence of many factors affecting value of terminal allocation an allocation taking into account a limited number of factors may fail to approach a maximum achievable LTV. Satellite communication system 100 may include distribution manager 180. Distribution manager 180 may provide a user interface that may be easily used to determine and compare possible allocation solutions for the various satellite service units (e.g., terminals 120) among the various service regions 160 within coverage of the satellite communication system 100. For example, distribution manager 180 may provide a userinterface to enable a user to fine-tune allocation percentages to elevate LTV and achieve specific outcomes for service regions 160.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows an example of resource utilization 200 for a satellite communication system that supports satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service in accordance with examples described herein. Resource utilization 200 may illustrate resources and services utilized within multiple service regions 160, which may depend on factors such as satellite coverage, spectrum availability, region-specific regulatory criteria, economic factors, and the like. For example, a frequency range 205 (e.g., one or more frequency bands) may be divided up into a set of different frequencies or frequency channels 210 (e.g., frequency channel 210-a, frequency channel 210-b, frequency channel 210-c, frequency channel 210-d) that carry the signals between the satellite communication system and the terminals. Each frequency channel 210 may carry signals associated with one or more terminals (e.g., at a time). In some cases, each frequency channel 210 may carry a single modulated signal, while in other cases each frequency channel may be further divided to carry multiple modulated signals which may be multiplexed in time (e.g., time division multiple access (TDMA)) or frequency (frequency division multiple access (FDMA)). Information (e.g., data, control information) may be modulated onto the modulated signals using a variety of single-carrier or multi-carrier modulation techniques (e.g., Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), linearly pre-coded OFDM (LP-OFDM)).

[0034] In addition to being multiplexed in time or frequency, different polarizations may be used to define the resources for assignment to beams. For example, a set of resources may include a first sub-set of resources associated with a first polarization and a second sub-set of resources associated with a second, orthogonal, polarization. The first and second polarizations may be any orthogonal polarizations, and may be linearly polarized or circularly polarized (e.g., a right-hand circular polarization (RHCP), a left-hand circular polarization (LHCP)). Thus, a set of resources available for assignment to beams may be defined according to frequency resources (e.g., frequency channels), time resources (e.g., sub-periods of resource periods), or polarization resources.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates that each service region 160 may be associated with different frequency ranges or subsets of frequency channels 210. For example, frequency channels A 210-a and N 210-d may he supported for use in service region 160-f, frequency channels C 210-c and N 210-d may be supported for use in service region 160-g, frequency channels A210-a, B 210-b, and C 210-c may be supported for use in service region 160-h, and frequency channels B 210-b and C 210-c may be supported for use in service region 160-i. The subsets supported for use in a service region may depend on satellites that support beams within each service region, as well as spectrum availability and other regulatory constraints. For example, service regions 160-f and 160-h may be serviced by satellite 220-a, while service regions 160-g and 160-i may be serviced by satellite 220-b.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows that different satellite service unit types 235 may be usable in different service regions 160. For example, satellite service unit 230-a (e.g., terminal A) may be usable in service regions 160-h and 160-i, satellite service unit 230-b (e.g., terminal B) may be usable in service regions 160-g and 160-i, and satellite service unit 230-c (e.g., terminal C) may be usable in service regions 160-f, 160-g, and 160-h. Availability of satellite service units 230 for use in various service regions 160 may depend on factors such as the frequency channels 210 that are in use in the service region 160, the polarization used for the frequency channels, the frequency or time division techniques used in the service region, support of data speeds provided within the service region, or other regulatory or distribution factors (e.g., import licensing). In some cases, different satellite service units 230 may have different associated costs. Thus, use of a lower cost satellite service unit 230 in a particular region may provide a higher value (e.g., LTV) associated with the satellite service unit 230. However, it may be beneficial to provide higher cost satellite service units 230 to a particular region if lower cost satellite service units 230 are not available at a given time to support revenue acceleration and service growth.

[0037] As also illustrated in FIG. 2, each service region 160 may have different subscription services 240. For example, service region 160-f may be associated with subscription services A 240-a, service region 160-g may be associated with subscription services B 240-b, service region 160-h may be associated with subscription services C 240-c, and service region 160-i may be associated with subscription services D 240-d. Subscription services 240 may vary across regions due to economic considerations such as cost sensitivity, regulatory constraints, bandwidth needs, or other factors. For example, some regions may be associated with higher typical bandwidth usage and less cost sensitivity and may thus come with higher tier services than other regions that may have lower typical bandwidth usage and higher cost sensitivity.

[0038] FIG. 3 shows an example of a satellite communication environment 300 that supports satellite service unit allocation for a satellite communication service in accordancewith aspects of the present disclosure. The satellite communication environment 300 includes a satellite communication system 305, which may be an example of satellite communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The example satellite communication system 305 includes one or more communications satellites (not shown), and one or more satellite service units 230 (e.g., terminals). The terminals may be multi-user access terminals providing network access connectivity to multiple user devices (not shown), which may be located within different service regions 160. The user devices may be stationary or mobile, and in some examples may be located within a mobile platform. The satellite communication environment 300 may include a distribution manager 180-a, which may also be connected to the network 330.

[0039] Satellite communication environment 300 may include multiple service regions 160, as described with reference to FIGs. 1 or 2. The satellite communication system 305 may provide satellite communications service to each of the service regions 160 via one or more beams (not shown). As described with reference to FIG. 2, service in each service region 160 may be provided via combinations of frequency resources, time resources, polarization resources, multiplexing techniques, or modulation techniques, and in some cases different techniques may be used in different service regions 160. Thus, as described with reference to FIG. 2, different satellite service units 230 (e.g., terminals) may be usable in different service regions 160. For example, satellite service unit 230-d (e.g., terminal D) may be usable in service regions 160-j, 160-k, and 160-1, satellite service unit 230-e (e.g., terminal E) may be usable in service regions 160-k and 160-m, and satellite service unit 230-f (e.g., terminal F) may be usable in service regions 160-j and 160-h. Thus, different satellite service units 230 may be interchangeable for supporting the satellite communications service in some service regions 160. Satellite service units 230 may need to be distributed among the different service regions 160 in order for satellite service units 230 to be installed or used. The distribution manager 180-a may aid in distributing the various satellite service units 230 among the service regions 160.

[0040] In addition, each service region 160 may have different subscription services 240. For example, service region 160-j may be associated with subscription services E 240-e, service region 160-k may be associated with subscription services F 240-f, service region 160-1 may be associated with subscription services G 240-g, and service region 160-m may be associated with subscription services H 240-h.

[0041] The distribution manager 180-a may include a region manager 342, a prioritization manager 344, and an inventory manager 346. The distribution manager 180-a may furtherinclude one or more input devices 348, one or more display devices 350, one or more processors 354, and memory 356. A satellite service unit supply 320 may include different satellite service unit types 235 and may be limited based on production constraints. The distribution manager 180-a may determine a LTV for each satellite service unit type 235 or for each service region 160. The LTV for a satellite service unit type 235 may be a value associated with selling a satellite service unit 230 within a region. The LTV may include cost elements, sell price elements, anticipated future revenue elements, or any other relevant factors to determine value of the satellite service units 230 when allocated to particular service regions 160. The distribution manager 180-a may include an algorithm for integrated business planning (IBP), which may be a supply and demand portion of sales and operations planning (SAP) software. The distribution manager 180-a may include an SAP-IBP add-in that serves as an interface between the SAP-IBP and a spreadsheet editor or other database program. The distribution manager 180-a may output a graphical representation of a planning view at a display device 350. The planning view may be a worksheet or spreadsheet that is connected to the SAP-IBP. The distribution manager 180-a may include a template, which may be a collection of planning view worksheets, such as in a spreadsheet editor workbook. The network 330 may store a final demand plan or a supply plan.

[0042] The region manager 342 may determine a set of the different service regions 160 for which distribution of satellite service units may be requested. The region manager 342 may process any requests from network devices within the service regions 160. The region manager 342 may determine demand and supply among the various service regions 160.

[0043] The prioritization manager 344 may receive priorities from the input devices 348, such as which service regions 160 may be given preference for certain satellite service units 230. The satellite service units 230 may include demand items and supply items. A demand item may be any item that has demand within a given service region 160. The demand may be a prediction or forecast, which may be based on historical data, future need predictions, or the like. A supply item may be any item that may be used to satisfy demand in a given service region 160.

[0044] The inventory manager 346 may provide the distribution manager 180-a with information about inventory levels of the satellite service units 230, the production rates of the satellite service units 230, the timeframe for production of the satellite service units 230, and the like.

[0045] The satellite communication environment 300 may use techniques described herein to route satellite service units 230 within one or more service regions 160. The distribution manager 180-a may be used to provide improved distribution and allocation of satellite service units 230 among various service regions 160 when the satellite service units 230 are in limited supply. For example, the distribution manager 180-a may provide an allocation 365 of satellite service units 230 to distribution channels 360 for distribution of satellite service unit supply 320. These techniques may reduce costs, improve revenue, improve user experience per region, improve satellite communications connectivity within service regions, and more fairly or equitably distribute satellite service units 230.

[0046] FIG.4 shows an example of a diagram 400 that supports satellite service unit allocation for support of a satellite communication service in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The diagram 400 represents part of a process for satellite service unit allocation across service regions for a satellite communication service. The process shown in diagram 400 may be used within a satellite communication system, such as the satellite communication system 100 of FIG. 1. In some examples, the process may be utilized by a distribution manager, such as the distribution manager 180 of FIGs. 1 or 3.

[0047] In some examples, a data manager may include an SAP-IBP. At 405, the SAP-IBP data alignment may be calculated. The SAP-IBP may implement instructions to define calculations for the satellite service unit allocation. In some examples, the instructions may assign values from a final demand plan and a supply plan that may be stored in a network, such as a cloud-based database, to an independent demand calculation, which may include stock on hand and a time phased supply. The data may relate to current stock on-hand, supply to be produced that is time phased, supply in transit, and the like. The data may also relate to different regions.

[0048] At 410, data entities may be saved for planning and analysis. In some examples, the data entities may be stored on a network, such as network 330 of FIG. 3. The data entities may be quantitative data entities, denoted as key figures, and may be stored within an inmemory relational cloud database management system.

[0049] At 415, the algorithm for satellite service unit allocation among the different regions may be defined or otherwise customized. Relevant data may be extracted from the SAP-IBP and the cloud-based database or harmonized across the SAP-IBP and the cloud-based database. The data may he used to customize a satellite service unit allocation for efficient, user-controlled allocations. This may utilize in-memory processing and cloud scalability. Thealgorithm for satellite service unit allocation may be performed by the distribution manager 180 of FIG. 1 or 3 and may be determined via a user interface of the distribution manager 180 that may be easily used to determine and compare possible allocation solutions for the various satellite service units among the various service regions within coverage of the satellite communication system.

[0050] At 420, the cloud memory may be updated with the extracted data and customized satellite service allocation. This enables the customized satellite service allocation to be performed efficiently and quickly for large datasets.

[0051] At 425, the data may be integrated to the network, such as a cloud network, for data services. For example, the data may be extracted from the SAP-IBP using a cloud integration for data services (CT-DS), which may allow for seamless integration of the data within wider SAP applications.

[0052] Different examples of processes for customizing a satellite service unit allocation may be used, in addition to that of FIG. 4. The process described herein may more efficiently and effectively use relevant data, including current and historical data, to determine a satellite service unit allocation across many service regions when the satellite service units may be in demand or scarce.

[0053] FIG. 5 shows an example of an interactive family grid 500 that supports satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The interactive family grid 500 may be output at one or more display devices, such as the display device 350 of FIG. 3. In other examples, the interactive family grid 500 may be output at one or more display devices that are external to a distribution manager, such as a display device on or connected to a separate user device. For example, the information for display may be sent to a separate display or computer for display. The interactive family grid 500 may illustrate content for a graphical display, such as the graphical display 352 of FIG. 3. The interactive family grid 500 may relate to a family of satellite service units such as satellite terminals, subgroups of satellite terminals, portions of satellite terminals, or satellite terminal accessories that support specific services.

[0054] The interactive family grid 500 may show a template of planning views and may be used to extract supply and demand data in addition to other data elements. The template of planning views may contain instructions or other automation to manipulate the extracted data, build the family grid, create a user interface, and display the related data connections. Theinteractive family grid 500 may be a central hub used for improving user engagement. In some examples, the interactive family grid 500 may be a primary space which users strategically adjust the various metrics to see the outcomes of different satellite service unit allocations. The user may fine-tune allocation percentages to elevate LTV and achieve specific outcomes. The interactive family grid 500 may enable users to make decisions to target specific service regions, which may align with the growth objectives for those service regions.

[0055] The data that may be used, which may be stored in an SAP-IBP, may include the following. First, a family for each satellite service unit. Second, substitutions for each satellite service unit may be defined (e.g., for each service region). The substitutes may be alternate items that may be used in certain service regions to fulfill the demand for particular satellite service units. For example, a first satellite terminal may be a substitute for a second satellite terminal in a first region, but not in a second region. In some examples, the substitutes may include one or multiple substitution stock keeping units (SKUs). In other examples, other methods of identifying satellite service units and their alternatives may be used. Third, a pallet size (e.g., a shipping multiple) associated with shipping satellite service units from a distribution location to a service region. Fourth, a target number of weeks of on-hand may be set for each demanded satellite service unit of the respective service regions. Fifth, a LTV may be assigned for each supply item from each distribution location to each service region. Sixth, service levels for respective service regions may be determined based on allocated satellite service units. In other examples, additional or less data may be used for the family grid.

[0056] The interactive family grid 500 may illustrate an example view of a user interactive central hub for determining satellite service unit allocations. The interactive family grid 500 may include a representation of a partial database or a table, which may include a solution section 505 and a region section 510. The solution section 505 shows several fields in rows, including a solution number 520, a solution row 522, a maximum LTV 524, a selected LTV 526, a variance cost 528, a variance percentage 530, and a family LTV 532.

[0057] The solution number 520 may be an index value defined for the particular solution presented in the interactive family grid 500. There may be more than one solution for the potential satellite service unit allocations. The different solutions may be based on many different factors, including different prioritization of service regions, different inventory levels for the satellite service units, long term projections for revenue out of each serviceregion, and the like. A user may be able to customize the solutions and may look through each of the potential solutions by changing the solution number 520. In some examples, the distribution manager may determine all possible allocations or a subset of all possible allocations for the given items within the given service regions. These possible allocations may be available to the user by selecting a given solution number 520, or by selecting a value for one or more metrics. For example, one of the possible allocations that have been determined that maximizes LTV while satisfying selected metrics may be presented to the user (for example, as a preview), or the user may filter the possible allocations based on one or more criteria or threshold values. In some examples, a best number of possible allocations in terms of the one or more criteria or threshold values may be presented to the user. The one or more criteria may include rankings or thresholds based on values (for example, maximum LTV or selected LTV, family LTV, etc.), number of service regions receiving the items of the satellite service units, variance costs, variance percentages, service regions, and alphabetically or numerically by any of the possible criteria or thresholds.

[0058] The solution row 522 may refer to a row within a database for the particular solution presented in the interactive family grid 500.

[0059] The maximum LTV 524 may represent a highest value that any of the solutions are able to achieve. The selected LTV 526 may show the LTV for the particular solution selected (e.g., the displayed solution). The user may compare the maximum LTV 524 to the selected LTV 526. The difference between the maximum LTV 524 and the selected LTV 526 may be shown by variance cost 528 and may provide the value difference from selecting a solution that prioritizes other considerations for one or more particular service regions for other considerations such as keeping a minimum of weeks on hand, or a minimum service level.

[0060] The variance percentage 530 may provide the difference between the maximum LTV 524 and the selected LTV 526, shown as a percentage.

[0061] The region section 510 may illustrate data particular to regions and satellite service units. The region section 510 may include a service region row 540, a satellite service unit row 542, a region stock and in-transit supply row 544, a region demand for a minimum number of weeks row 546, a regional minimum weeks on-hand (WoH) row 548, a selected minimum weeks on-hand row 550, a first allocation row 552, and a service level row 558.

[0062] The region section 510 may include several columns of data, such as columns 554-a, 554-b, 554-c, and 554-d (referred to herein as columns 554). In other examples, other numbers of columns 554 may be displayed in the interactive family grid 500.

[0063] The service region row 540 may identify the service regions that are included in the example satellite service unit allocation shown in interactive family grid 500. In this example, the service regions include a Region A, a Region B, and a Region C. In this example, Region B is displayed twice because two different example satellite service units are being allocated. In other examples, other numbers of service regions or repetitions of the service regions may be displayed.

[0064] The satellite service unit row 542 may display the different satellite service units that are being allocated in this example. Here, four different satellite service units are shown, including Part-1, Part-2, Part-3, and Part-4. The satellite service units may be any component, part, or item that may be used for satellite communications, such as modems, cabling, satellite terminals, satellite terminal mounts, or any parts or components used along with the examples described herein.

[0065] The region stock and in-transit supply row 544 illustrates the number of each satellite service unit that is in stock within the particular service region or in transit to the service region.

[0066] The region demand for a minimum number of weeks row 546 illustrates how many of each satellite service unit is demanded for the particular region for a set number of weeks. The number of weeks may be predetermined or set by the user.

[0067] The regional minimum weeks on-hand row 548 illustrate how many weeks the region may have supply of the particular satellite service unit based on the region stock, intransit supply, allocation of supply according to the selected solution, and the demand.

[0068] The selected minimum weeks on-hand row 550 shows how many weeks on-hand each region is to have supply of the particular satellite service unit or item, which may be selected by the user. For example, the SAP-IBP or user may select the minimum weeks on-hand value for a region to modify the selected solution, and the interactive family grid 500 may output the allocation for each region and each satellite service unit for a solution satisfying the value. Alternatively, the SAP-IBP may set an allocation and provide a value for the selected weeks on-hand. The user may also set either of these values to determine eitherthe allocation or the selected weeks on-hand. As described above, a quantity of solutions may be precalculated that may correspond to combinations of values for one or more metrics (e.g., shown by metric values 570). For example, all solutions for a quantized set of values of selected weeks on-hand for each region may be precalculated and prepopulated to selection boxes (e.g., selection box 556) that may pop up from interactive family grid 500 when a given value for a metric 570 is selected for input by the user. As shown in FIG. 5, the user may select the minimum weeks on hand for Region B 554-b for Part -2, and the selection box 556 may show the values available in precalculated solutions. In some cases, the values available in the precalculated solutions may reflect constraints such as the pallet size. The user may select one of the available values or may enter a custom value for the metric (e.g., minimum weeks on hand), in which case a solution may be calculated if the custom value for the metric does not match any available precalculated solutions. Selected values for a given metric may correspond to minimum values for the metric (e.g., the selected solution may meet or exceed the selected value for the given metric for the given service region). The user may enter selected values for one or more metrics for one or more regions, in which case the interactive family grid 500 may track the selected values and display a selected solution that maximizes the selected LTV 526 while satisfying the selected values. For example, the interactive family grid 500 may determine where substitutable satellite service units may be reallocated across service regions to satisfy the selected values while maximizing the selected LTV 526.

[0069] The first allocation row 552 may show the allocation for each satellite service unit for each of the respective service regions. The allocation may be calculated in order to achieve the selected weeks on-hand. Based on the allocation, the selected LTV 526, the variance cost 528, the variance percentage 530, and the family LTV 532 may be calculated. These values may all vary based on different selected weeks on-hand for different solutions.

[0070] The interactive family grid 500 may also include one or more charts or graphs, which may display any of the metrics described herein. For example, the interactive family grid 500 may include a pie chart 560 which shows the selected LTV compared with the maximum LTV. In other examples, other charts, graphs, or other representations of the data may be provided.

[0071] Service level 558 for a service region may correspond to a percentage of a maximum service level (e.g., a percentage of demand that may be satisfied). Where a user enters selected values (e.g., selected minimum values) for more than one metric for a service region, the family grid may select a solution that will satisfy each of the metrics, wherepossible. For example, if a user enters a first value for minimum weeks on hand row 548 for a service region and a second value for service level 558 for the service region, the family grid may display a selected solution that satisfies both the first value and the second value for the selected metrics. However, where it is not possible to satisfy all of the metrics selected by the user, the solutions that satisfy a highest quantity of metrics may be evaluated, with the solution having the highest LTV selected. Metrics may be highlighted as shown by the selected weeks on hand for Region C 554-d that do not satisfy given selected values for the metrics.

[0072] The solution metrics displayed in the interactive family grid 500, such as the maximum LTV 524, the selected LTV 526, the variance cost 528, the variance percentage 530, and the family LTV 532, may enable a user to quickly and easily compare the potential solutions for the potential satellite service unit allocation. The user may make changes to the potential satellite service unit allocation and see how the changes effect the selected LTV 526, the variance cost 528, the variance percentage 530, and the family LTV 532. The SAP-IBP may update the selected LTV 526, the variance cost 528, the variance percentage 530, and the family LTV 532 based on any changes to the allocation. The interactive family grid may allow the user to easily clear the selected metrics to return to the solution (e.g., solution 1) corresponding to the maximum LTV to pursue different combinations of metrics.

[0073] The values shown in the solution section 505 and the region section 510 are example values. In other examples, other values may be shown. Additionally, for other solution numbers 520, other values may be shown. The SAP-IBP may present the solution numbers 520 sequentially, using different version of the interactive family grid 500, or may present them based on a prioritization of one of the fields described herein.

[0074] An example algorithm may perform as described herein. The supply and demand values may be used to create a time-phased cumulative net demand for each demanded satellite service unit (or other item) in each region. A maximum quantity to ship to the region may be calculated using the total net demand for the target weeks-on-hand, combined with a pallet size multiple. For each satellite service unit, a number of possible choices of quantity of the satellite service unit to ship to each service region, from zero to a maximum quantity able to ship. This may be shown in increments of the pallet size.

[0075] The interactive family grid 500 may include all mathematically possible solutions (e.g., according to quantized metrics) of distribution of supply to satisfy demand, a supplyvalidation, a demand validation, and a user interface. The user interface may be displayed as the screenshot of interactive family grid 500. The interactive family grid 500 may load the family grid worksheet and generate all mathematically possible solutions based on the permutations of the number of possible shipment choices, except demand local to distribution center or location. For demand that is local to the distribution center or location, for each solution row, the total the supply used for other regions may be subtracted from on-hand supply, and this balance of available on-hand may be assigned to the local demand, not to exceed the demand total for the target weeks on-hand.

[0076] Any solutions where the supply distribution exceeds that on-hand may be eliminated. Any solutions where the distribution totals to a region exceeds a maximum quantity to ship to the region may be eliminated.

[0077] A value may be assigned to each solution record. The solutions may be sorted in descending order based on that value, and a sequential number may be assigned to the solution rows. The initial solution may be assigned as solution number 1, and the interactive family grid 500 may only show the selected solution.

[0078] The interactive family grid 500 may not include other fields, such as a supply validation, a demand validation, a supply side. The interactive family grid 500 may show only the demand side user interface, and this may show service impact of the selected solution upon each service region. This may enable filters to allow the user to change any regional service level. In some examples, the algorithm may automatically promote the solution with the highest LTV that satisfies the filtering selection. The user may also select, using one or more filters, one or more values or sets of values in order to rank the solutions. The solutions may be presented to the user according to the ranking.

[0079] The algorithm may propagate the values of the selected solution to all connected areas and show the intended and unintended consequences of the selected solution on all the service regions. The interactive family grid 500 may also display comparison data of the selected solution to the initial solution with the largest LTV. In some examples, this data may be integrated into a main constellation worksheet. The SAP-IBP may be loaded with planned shipments for the supply satellite service units or other supply items, using specific parts and quantities that are tied to the chosen solution. Once the desired combination of selections and results is completed, this may become the supply distribution plan.

[0080] In other examples, the interactive family grid 500 may include different fields and metrics than those displayed in this example. Furthermore, in other examples, the techniques and systems described herein may be used for inventory different than, or unrelated to, satellite service units.

[0081] Additional graphical user displays may also be output at one or more display devices. For example, a main screen can be shown that can show different product families. The interactive family grid 500 may relate to a particular product family, which may be access through the main screen. The main screen can display, for example, an overall LTV based on user selections and provide a clear visualization of the maximum achievable LTV. Once a specific product family is chosen for further exploration, the algorithm may dynamically open the detailed grid view, such as the interactive family grid 500, which may offer an in-depth analysis of the selected product family.

[0082] FIG. 6 shows an example of a process flow 600 that supports satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The process flow 600 may include actions that take place potentially at a service region 602, a distribution manager 604, and at a user device 606. In some examples, the service region 602 may refer to a user device within a service region or for a service region, such as the service regions 160 as described in FIG. 1. In some examples, the distribution manager 604 may be aspects of a distribution manager 180 as described in FIGs. 1 or 3. In some examples, the user device 606 may be part of the distribution manager 604 or may be any user device, such a user device coupled with the distribution manager 604.

[0083] At 610, the satellite service units requested for the service region 602 may be determined. This may be a demand for one or more satellite service units. Although the process flow 600 shows the service region 602, this is meant to illustrate actions taken in relation to the service region 602. For example, the distribution manager 604 may determine the demand for the satellite service units. In another example, a user may determine the demand for the satellite service units using a user device within or outside of the service region 602.

[0084] At 612, the distribution manager 604 may identify one or more utility profiles for the service region. Even though FIG. 6 shows only a single service region for simplicity of illustration, multiple service regions may be considered. At 614, the distribution manager 604 may determine whether the service region 602 has or is associated with any subscriptionservices for the one or more satellite service units or for satellite communications. If so, this factor may be used to weight the satellite service unit allocation.

[0085] At 616, the distribution manager 604 may identify the satellite service unit supply for each service unit type. At 618, the distribution manager 604 may determine aggregate subscription revenues for any subscriptions within the service region. The aggregate subscription revenues may add up the value of each subscription service within the service region.

[0086] At 620, the distribution manager 604 may determine a unit LTV based on the aggregate. At 622, the distribution manager 604 may determine a maximum unit LTV. Based on these values and determinations, the distribution manager 604 may determine a first allocation at 624 (e.g., maximizing LTV according to unit LTVs for the service regions).

[0087] The user device 606 may output the first allocation at a display device at 626. The user may provide one or more inputs to the user device 606 at 628. The inputs may include a prioritization 630, which may be a prioritization of one or more metrics. The inputs may include a metric change 632, which may change the values of one or more selectable metrics. The inputs may include a supply criteria 634, which may provide information of related to the supply. These inputs may be provided to the distribution manager 604. The user inputs may also include selecting a different solution to be displayed.

[0088] At 640, the distribution manager 604 may update the first allocation based on the user inputs to the second allocation. The user device 606 may display the second allocation with an indicator of the differences between the second allocation and the first allocation, at 642. The user device 606 may receive an input that selects the second allocation at 644. In other examples, other inputs may be received, and the second allocation may be changed to a third allocation (e.g., selected allocation) at 646.

[0089] Based on the selected allocation, the distribution manager 604 may determine a long term value based on the aggregate at 648. Once the allocation is determined, then the service region 602 may receive the allocated satellite service units at 650. For example, the allocated satellite service units may be shipped over time to the service region 602.

[0090] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram 700 of a distribution manager 180-b that supports satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication services in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The distribution manager 180-b may be an example ofaspects of a distribution manager as described with reference to FIGs. 1 through 6. The distribution manager 180-b, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication services as described herein. For example, the distribution manager 180-b may include a region manager 725, a prioritization manager 745, an inventory manager 730, an input device 735, an output device 740, or any combination thereof. Each of these components, or components of subcomponents thereof (e.g., one or more processors, one or more memories), may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0091] The region manager 725 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for identifying utility profiles for a plurality of service regions for a subscription service. In some examples, the inventory manager 730 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for identifying one or more service unit types associated with the subscription service, wherein service units of respective service unit types are operable to provide the subscription service within one or more of the plurality of service regions. In some examples, the region manager 725 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for determining, for each of the plurality of service regions, a respective unit long term level associated with allocating a service unit to the each of the plurality of service regions based at least in part on respective aggregate subscription revenues for the plurality of service regions. In some examples, the prioritization manager 745 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for determining a maximum long term level for an optimized allocation of the service unit supply according to the respective unit long term levels associated with at least the plurality of service regions, the utility profiles for the plurality of service regions, and the respective quantities of service units of each of the one or more service unit types.

[0092] In some examples, the prioritization manager 745 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for determining a plurality of unit allocations of the service unit supply based at least in part on an operability of the respective service unit types to provide the subscription service within the one or more of the plurality of service regions, wherein each of the plurality of unit allocations is associated with a respective allocation long term level and a supply window for each of the plurality of service regions. In some examples, the prioritization manager 745 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for allocating the service unit supply according to one of the plurality of unit allocations based at least in part on ordering a subset of the plurality of unit allocations that satisfy the one or more supply criteria according to the respective long term levels.

[0093] The inventory manager 730 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for identifying a service unit supply comprising respective quantities of service units for each of the one or more service unit types.

[0094] The input device 735 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving one or more supply criteria associated with one or more of the plurality of service regions.

[0095] In some examples, the output device 740 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for outputting an indication of the service unit supply allocation for the subset of the plurality of unit allocations for at least the one or more of the plurality of service regions.

[0096] In some examples, the inventory manager 725 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for identifying a constraint on the operability of the respective service unit types to provide the subscription service within the one or more of the plurality of service regions, wherein allocating the service unit supply according to one of the plurality of unit allocations is further based on the constraint. In some examples, the constraint may be a satellite bandwidth constraint.

[0097] In some examples, the input device 735 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving an input prioritizing the one or more of the plurality of service regions, wherein allocating the service unit supply is further based on the prioritizing.

[0098] In some examples, the maximum long term level for the optimized allocation of the service unit supply may be based at least in part on a family of an item of the service unit supply, one or more substitutions for the item, a pallet size associated with the item, a target number of weeks on-hand for the item, a long term level associated with the item, or combinations thereof.

[0099] In some examples, the output device 740 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for outputting, at a display device, a grid indicating a plurality of mathematically possible solutions of distribution of the service unit supply to satisfy utility in each of the one or more of the plurality of service regions. In some examples, the grid may display the plurality of mathematically possible solutions of distribution in a ranked order based on a prioritization factor.

[0100] The memory 760 may include volatile memory (e.g., RAM) and / or non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM). Other types of memory may also be possible. The memory 760 may store code 765 that is computer-readable and computer-executable. The code may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 750, cause the distribution manager 180-b to perform various functions described herein. The code 765 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, the code 765 may not be directly executable by the processor 750 but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 760 may contain, among other things, a BIOS which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0101] Processor 750 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor), a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an PLD, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). The processor 750 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 760) to cause the distribution manager 180-b to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service).

[0102] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 800 that supports satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 800 may be implemented by a satellite communication system or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 800 may be performed by a satellite communication system as described with reference to FIG. 1. In some examples, a satellite communication system may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the satellite communication system to perform the described functions. Additionally, or alternatively, the satellite communication system may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

[0103] At 805, the method may include outputting (e.g., to one or more display devices via output device 740), a first graphical display representing a first allocation for distributing a quantity of satellite service units over time to a plurality of service regions associated with a satellite communications service, where the quantity of satellite service units of respective satellite service unit types are operable to provide the satellite communications service within one or more of the plurality of service regions, where the first graphical display provides a grid showing one or more metrics for each of the plurality of service regions according to thefirst allocation, where the one or more metrics include at least respective subsets of the quantity of the satellite service units, respective durations of time associated with respective subsets of the quantity of the satellite service units, respective service levels associated with the respective subsets of the quantity of the satellite service units, a type of the respective subsets of the quantity of the satellite service units, or combinations thereof. The operations of 805 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 805 may be performed by a distribution manager 180-b as described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0104] At 810, the method may include receiving (e.g., via one or more input devices such as input device 735), an indication of a change to at least one of the one or more metrics for a respective service region of the plurality of service regions. The operations of 810 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 810 may be performed by a region manager 725 as described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0105] At 815, the method may include determining a second plurality of allocations for distributing the quantity of satellite service units over time to the plurality of service regions based at least in part on the indication of the change to the at least one of the one or more metrics. The operations of 815 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 815 may be performed by an inventory manager 730 as described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0106] At 820, the method may include outputting (e.g., to the one or more display devices via output device 740), a second graphical display representing at least one of the second plurality of allocations for distributing the quantity of satellite service units over time to the plurality of service regions. The operations of 820 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 820 may be performed by a distribution manager 180-b as described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0107] In some examples, an apparatus as described herein may perform a method or methods, such as the method 800. The apparatus may include features, circuitry, logic, means, or instructions (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor), or any combination thereof for performing the following aspects of the present disclosure:

[0108] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 900 that supports satellite service unit allocation within a satellite communication service in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 900 may be implemented by a satellite communication system or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 900 may be performed by a satellite communication system as described with reference to FIG. 1. In some examples, a satellite communication system may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the satellite communication system to perform the described functions. Additionally, or alternatively, the satellite communication system may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

[0109] At 905, the method may include identifying utility profiles for a plurality of service regions for a subscription service. The operations of 905 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 905 may be performed by a distribution manager 180-b as described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0110] At 910, the method may include identifying one or more service unit types associated with the subscription service, wherein service units of respective service unit types are operable to provide the subscription service within one or more of the plurality of service regions. The operations of 910 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 910 may be performed by a distribution manager 180-b as described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0111] At 915, the method may include identifying a service unit supply comprising respective quantities of service units for each of the one or more service unit types. The operations of 915 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 915 may be performed by an inventory manager 730 as described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0112] At 920, the method may include determining, for each of the plurality of service regions, a respective unit long term level associated with allocating a service unit to the each of the plurality of service regions based at least in part on respective aggregate subscription revenues for the plurality of service regions. The operations of 920 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 920 may be performed by a distribution manager 180-b as described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0113] At 925, the method may include determining a maximum long term level for an optimized allocation of the service unit supply according to the respective unit long termlevels associated with at least the plurality of service regions, the utility profiles for the plurality of service regions, and the respective quantities of service units of each of the one or more service unit types. The operations of 925 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 925 may be performed by a distribution manager 180-b as described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0114] At 930, the method may include receiving one or more supply criteria associated with one or more of the plurality of service regions. The operations of 930 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 930 may be performed by an input device 735 as described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0115] At 935, the method may include determining a plurality of unit allocations of the service unit supply based at least in part on an operability of the respective service unit types to provide the subscription service within the one or more of the plurality of service regions, wherein each of the plurality of unit allocations is associated with a respective allocation long term level and a supply window for each of the plurality of service regions. The operations of 935 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 935 may be performed by a distribution manager 180-b as described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0116] At 940, the method may include allocating the service unit supply according to one of the plurality of unit allocations based at least in part on ordering a subset of the plurality of unit allocations that satisfy the one or more supply criteria according to the respective long term levels. The operations of 940 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 940 may be performed by a distribution manager 180-b as described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0117] In some cases, the method may include outputting an indication of the service unit supply allocation for the subset of the plurality of unit allocations for at least the one or more of the plurality of service regions.

[0118] In some cases, identifying the one or more service unit types may include receiving (e.g., via one or more input devices such as input device 735) an indication of a constraint on the operability of the respective service unit types to provide the subscription service within the one or more of the plurality of service regions, wherein allocating the service unit supply according to one of the plurality of unit allocations is further based on the constraint. In some cases, the constraint is a satellite bandwidth constraint.

[0119] In some cases, the method may include receiving (e.g., via one or more input devices such as input device 735), an input prioritizing the one or more of the plurality of service regions, wherein allocating the service unit supply is further based on the prioritizing.

[0120] In some cases, the maximum long term level for the optimized allocation of the service unit supply is based at least in part on a family of an item of the service unit supply, one or more substitutions for the item, a pallet size associated with the item, a target number of weeks on-hand for the item, a long term level associated with the item, or combinations thereof.

[0121] In some cases, the method may include outputting (e.g., to one or more display devices via an output device such as output device 740), a grid indicating a plurality of mathematically possible solutions of distribution of the service unit supply to satisfy utility in each of the one or more of the plurality of service regions. In some cases, the grid displays the plurality of mathematically possible solutions of distribution in a ranked order based on a prioritization factor.

[0122] In some examples, an apparatus as described herein may perform a method or methods, such as the method 900. The apparatus may include features, circuitry, logic, means, or instructions (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor), or any combination thereof for performing the following aspects of the present disclosure:

[0123] It should be noted that these methods describe examples of implementations, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible. In some examples, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined. For example, aspects of each of the methods may include steps or aspects of the other methods, or other steps or techniques described herein.

[0124] Information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0125] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a DSP,an ASIC, an 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 in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A 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 in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0126] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, functions described herein can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations.

[0127] Computer readable media includes both non transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer readable media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disk read-only memory (CDROM) or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer, or a genera] purpose or special purpose processor. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk andBlu ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable media.

[0128] As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase 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). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.”

[0129] In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label, or other subsequent reference label.

[0130] The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “exemplary” used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0131] The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to theexamples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for resource allocation, comprising:one or more memories; andone or more processors (354) coupled with the one or more memories and configured to cause the apparatus to:output, to one or more display devices (350), a first graphical display (352) representing a first allocation (552) for distributing a quantity of satellite service units (230) over time to a plurality of service regions (161) associated with a satellite communications service, wherein the quantity of satellite service units (230) of respective satellite service unit types (235) are operable to provide the satellite communications service within one or more of the plurality of service regions (160), wherein the first graphical display (352) provides a grid showing one or more metrics (570) for each of the plurality of service regions (161) according to the first allocation, wherein the one or more metrics (570) include at least respective subsets of the quantity of the satellite service units (230), respective durations of time (548) associated with respective subsets of the quantity of the satellite service units (230), respective service levels (558) associated with the respective subsets of the quantity of the satellite service units (230), a type of the respective subsets of the quantity of the satellite service units (230), or combinations thereof;receive, via one or more input devices (348), an indication of a change to at least one of the one or more metrics (570) for a respective service region (160) of the plurality of service regions (161);determine a second plurality of allocations for distributing the quantity of satellite service units (230) over time to the plurality of service regions (161) based at least in part on the indication of the change to the at least one of the one or more metrics (570); andoutput, to the one or more display devices (350), a second graphical display (352) representing at least one of the second plurality of allocations for distributing the quantity of satellite service units (230) over time to the plurality of service regions (161).

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors (354) are further configured to cause the apparatus to:output, in the first graphical display (352), a first long term indicator associated with an aggregate of respective contributions of the quantity of satellite service units (230) allocated across the plurality of service regions (161) according to the first allocation; andoutput, in the second graphical display (352), an indicator of a difference between the first long term indicator and a second long term indicator associated with an aggregate of respective contributions of the quantity of satellite service units (230) allocated across the plurality of service regions (161) according to the at least one of the second plurality of allocations.

3. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: the one or more metrics for each of the plurality of service regions (161) comprise the respective service levels (558), andthe second graphical display (352) comprises respective achievable service levels (558) for each of the plurality of service regions (161).

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 3, wherein the one or more metrics for each of the plurality of service regions (161) comprise respective sets of service levels (558) corresponding to the second plurality of allocations.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the respective sets of service levels (558) are based at least in part on a family of each item of the quantity of service units (230), one or more substitution relationships for the each item, a pallet size associated with the each item, a target number of weeks on-hand for the each item, or combinations thereof.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one or more processors (354) are further configured to cause the apparatus to:receive, via the one or more input devices (348), a selection of a service level associated with a first service region (160) of the plurality of service regions (161); andoutput, to the one or more display devices, a list of the respective set of service levels corresponding to the second plurality of allocations for the first service region (160).

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 6, wherein the one or more processors (354) are further configured to cause the apparatus to:receive, via the one or more input devices (348), an indication of selection of the at least one of the second plurality of allocations; andoutput an indication of the at least one of the second plurality of allocations to a distribution channel (360).

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 7, wherein the one or more processors (354) are further configured to cause the apparatus to:receive, via the one or more input devices (348), an indication of a constraint on an operability of the respective satellite service unit types (235) to provide the satellite communications service within the one or more of the plurality of service regions (160), wherein the second plurality of allocations for distributing the quantity of satellite service units (230) over time to the plurality of service regions (160) is further based on the constraint.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 8, wherein the one or more processors (354) are further configured to cause the apparatus to:receive, via the one or more input devices (348), an input of a prioritization (630) of the one or more of the plurality of service regions (160), wherein the second plurality of allocations for distributing the quantity of satellite service units (230) over time to the plurality of service regions (160) is further based on the prioritization (630).

10. A method, comprising:outputting, to one or more display devices, a first graphical display (352) representing a first allocation for distributing a quantity of satellite service units (230) over time to a plurality of service regions (160) associated with a satellite communications service, wherein the quantity of satellite service units (230) of respective satellite service unit types (235) are operable to provide the satellite communications service within one or more of the plurality of service regions (160),wherein the first graphical display (352) provides a grid showing one or more metrics for each of the plurality of service regions (160) according to the first allocation, wherein the one or more metrics (570) include at least respective subsets of the quantity of the satellite service units (230), respective durations of time associated with respective subsets of the quantity of the satellite service units (230), respective service levels (558) associated with the respective subsets of the quantity of the satellite service units (230), a type of the respective subsets of the quantity of the satellite service units (230), or combinations thereof;receive, via one or more input devices (348), an indication of a change to at least one of the one or more metrics (570) for a respective service region (160) of the plurality of service regions (161);determine a second plurality of allocations for distributing the quantity of satellite service units (230) over time to the plurality of service regions (161) based at least in part on the indication of the change to the at least one of the one or more metrics (570); andoutput, to the one or more display devices (350), a second graphical display (352) representing at least one of the second plurality of allocations for distributing the quantity of satellite service units (230) over time to the plurality of service regions (161).

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:outputting, in the first graphical display (352), a first long term indicator associated with an aggregate of respective contributions of the quantity of satellite service units (230) allocated across the plurality of service regions (161) according to the first allocation; andoutputting, in the second graphical display (352), an indicator of a difference between the first long term indicator and a second long term indicator associated with an aggregate of respective contributions of the quantity of satellite service units (230) allocated across the plurality of service regions (161) according to the at least one of the second plurality of allocations.

12. The method of any one of claims 10 or 11 , wherein: the one or more metrics (570) for each of the plurality of service regions (161) comprise the respective service levels (558), andthe second graphical display (352) comprises respective achievable service levels (558) for each of the plurality of service regions (161).

13. The method of any one of claims 10 through 12, wherein the one or more metrics (570) for each of the plurality of service regions (161) comprise respective sets of service levels (558) corresponding to the second plurality of allocations.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the respective sets of service levels are based at least in part on a family of each item of the quantity of satellite service units (230), one or more substitution relationships for the each item, a pallet size associated with the each item, a target number of weeks on-hand for the each item, or combinations thereof.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising:receive, via the one or more input devices (348), a selection of a service level (558) associated with a first service region (160) of the plurality of service regions (161); andoutput, to the one or more display devices (350), a list of the respective set of service levels (558) corresponding to the second plurality of allocations for the first service region (160).

16. The method of any one of claims 10 through 15, further comprising:receiving, via the one or more input devices (348), an indication of selection of the at least one of the second plurality of allocations; andoutputting an indication of the at least one of the second plurality of allocations to a distribution channel (360).

17. The method of any one of claims 10 through 16, further comprising:receiving, via the one or more input devices (348), an indication of a constraint on an operability of the respective satellite service unit types (235) to provide the satellite communications service within the one or more of the plurality of service regions (161), wherein the second plurality of allocations for distributing the quantity ofsatellite service units (230) over time to the plurality of service regions (161) is further based on the constraint.

18. The method of any one of claims 10 through 17, further comprising:receiving, via the one or more input devices (348), an input of a prioritization (630) of the one or more of the plurality of service regions (161), wherein the second plurality of allocations for distributing the quantity of satellite service units (230) over time to the plurality of service regions (161) is further based on the prioritization (630).

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