Adaptive Satellite Network Closed-Loop Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current satellite network configurations are manually adjusted, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of self-optimization, as they do not incorporate closed-loop feedback, making them tedious, time-consuming, and unable to adapt dynamically to changing user demands or environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive self-optimizing network system using closed-loop feedback, where a global network operations center generates policies based on operator inputs and key performance indicators, transmitting configuration commands to satellites and receiving telemetry, allowing for real-time dynamic adjustments and self-optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual configuration changes are used for satellite networks, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but the process becomes tedious, time-consuming, and lacks self-optimization capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-optimization capabilityVSAvoidtime-consuming manual procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements closed-loop feedback by having the satellite system transmit performance data and operational status back to the ground station, which automatically analyzes this feedback and generates configuration adjustments. This creates a continuous cycle of monitoring, analysis, and optimization that eliminates manual intervention while maintaining adaptive control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The satellite network is empowered with self-service capabilities through autonomous decision-making algorithms that can independently analyze performance data, identify optimization opportunities, and reconfigure payload elements without human intervention. The system serves itself by automatically detecting configuration needs and implementing changes based on real-time operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration changes are implemented, then system stability is maintained through human oversight, but adaptability to changing user demands and environmental conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic adaptation to changing demandsVSAvoidoperator burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the satellite payload can automatically adjust its configuration in real-time based on changing operational conditions. The system transitions from static manual configuration to dynamic autonomous adaptation, allowing continuous optimization of beam forming, frequency allocation, and resource distribution according to real-time demand patterns and environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The ground station pre-configures multiple payload configurations and performance thresholds before deployment. When operational conditions change, the satellite system can quickly switch between pre-planned configurations or generate new ones based on stored optimization algorithms, enabling rapid adaptation without time-consuming manual reconfiguration processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated closed-loop feedback systems are implemented, then self-optimization and dynamic adaptation improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration adjustment efficiencyVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the satellite payload into independently controllable elements or modules that can be individually reconfigured. This segmentation allows the complex optimization problem to be broken down into smaller, manageable sub-problems, where each module can be adjusted independently based on specific performance metrics, reducing the overall computational complexity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ground station serves as an intermediary that hosts the complex optimization algorithms and decision-making logic, while the satellite itself executes relatively simple configuration changes. This distribution of computational complexity to the ground-based intermediary system allows the satellite to achieve sophisticated self-optimization without carrying heavy processing loads, thereby managing system complexity effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3863193A1Adaptive self-optimizing network using closed-loop feedback
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3863193A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3863193A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3863193A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Systems, methods, and apparatus for an adaptive self-optimizing network using closed-loop feedback are disclosed. A method for sharing network resources comprises receiving (602), by a network operations center (NOC) (430), user demand for users (479) from an external network (471). The method further comprises receiving (630), by the NOC (430), key performance indicators from at least one internal network (470a, 470b). Also, the method comprises determining (640), by the NOC (430), whether at least one internal network (470a, 470b) has available resources by analyzing the key performance indicators and the user demand. Further, the method comprises allowing (650), by the NOC (430) when the NOC (430) determines that there are available resources, at least some of the users (479) from the external network (471) to connect to at least one internal network (470a, 470b) according to the available resources.