Dynamic Satellite Routing for Continuous LEO Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication networks using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites face challenges in efficiently routing and transmitting data due to the transient nature of satellite communication ranges and the need for dynamic frequency and data rate adjustments to ensure reliable data transfer.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented process that dynamically selects satellites based on predicted positions and communication capabilities, adjusts radio frequencies and data transmission rates, and uses ephemeris information to route data through multiple satellites to ensure continuous communication, even when individual satellites go out of range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dynamic satellite selection based on predicted positions is implemented, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ground station performs preliminary calculations of satellite positions and communication windows before data transmission. By predicting satellite ephemeris data and determining optimal transmission times in advance, the system ensures reliable communication without requiring complex real-time decision-making mechanisms during actual data transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the ground station monitors satellite positions, communication status, and data transmission progress. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts satellite selection and transmission parameters, improving reliability while keeping the control logic manageable through iterative optimization rather than complex upfront planning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Duration of action of stationary object

If multiple satellites are used to maintain continuous data transfer, then communication continuity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication continuityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication task is segmented across multiple satellites, with each satellite handling specific time windows or data portions. The ground station divides data transmission into segments that can be sent to different satellites during their respective visibility periods, ensuring continuous communication while keeping individual satellite interactions simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous communication by seamlessly transitioning between satellites as they enter and exit visibility windows. By calculating overlapping communication windows and buffering data appropriately, the system ensures uninterrupted data flow without requiring complex coordination mechanisms, as each satellite independently handles its portion of the continuous transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If radio frequency and data transmission rate are dynamically adjusted, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters including radio frequency and data rate based on satellite position, atmospheric conditions, and channel quality. By implementing adaptive modulation and coding schemes, the system optimizes transmission efficiency for each communication window while using standardized parameter adjustment algorithms that balance performance improvement with implementation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Area of stationary object

If satellite selection is based on predicted location, then communication range utilization is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication range utilizationVSAvoidposition prediction precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The ground station performs preliminary satellite ephemeris calculations and communication window predictions using available orbital data. By determining approximate satellite positions and visibility periods in advance with acceptable precision, the system identifies candidate satellites for communication without requiring extremely precise real-time position measurements, thus expanding communication range utilization while maintaining manageable measurement requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8665777B2Dynamic routing from space
Publication Date: 2014.03.04 DNA GLOBAL SOLUTIONS
  • US8665777B2 patent drawing
  • US8665777B2 patent drawing
  • US8665777B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A satellite communication network includes one or more satellites and multiple ground stations, or ground stations. An originating ground station receives an Internet communication, determines when a satellite will be within range, and transmits a stream of data packets including part or all of the communication to the satellite when in communication range. The satellite either forwards the data packets to another satellite, or determines when a destination ground station will be in sight and transmits the data packets to the destination ground station when in range.