High Altitude Platform Frequency Reuse via Satellite Pattern Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing communication infrastructure, including conventional wire and fiber landlines, cellular networks, and geostationary satellite systems, is insufficient to meet the increasing demand for communication services, necessitating the use of airborne communication networks with high altitude platforms (HAPS) to enhance coverage and capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method for reusing frequencies among high altitude platforms involves receiving and analyzing frequency usage patterns of non-geostationary satellites, allowing ground terminals and HAPS to use identified satellite communication frequencies during non-interfering periods, using data processing hardware to steer antennas and modify communication parameters to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional wire and fiber landlines, cellular networks, and geostationary satellite systems are used to meet communication demand, then existing infrastructure can be utilized, but the infrastructure is still not large enough to accommodate the increase in demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces high altitude platforms operating in the stratosphere (17-50 km altitude) as a new dimensional layer in the communication infrastructure, bridging the gap between terrestrial networks and traditional satellites. This vertical dimension expansion enables both enhanced coverage and capacity simultaneously
2Productivity
If high altitude platforms use the same frequencies as satellites, then frequency resources are efficiently utilized, but interference may occur with satellite communications
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic frequency usage patterns where HAPS platforms and satellites alternately use the same frequency resources. The HAPS uses satellite frequencies during periods when the satellite is not communicating or is in non-interfering positions, creating a time-division multiplexing effect that eliminates interference while maximizing frequency utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency allocation system is dynamically adjusted based on satellite position, communication status, and HAPS location. The system continuously monitors and adapts frequency usage patterns, transitioning between using satellite frequencies and alternative frequencies based on real-time conditions to prevent interference
3Area of stationary object
If HAPS platforms operate at higher altitudes to enhance coverage, then coverage area increases, but the complexity of frequency management and interference avoidance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where HAPS platforms monitor satellite positions and communication patterns, and terrestrial base stations observe frequency usage patterns of passing satellites. This information feeds back into the frequency management system to automatically adjust and coordinate frequency usage, simplifying the overall management complexity despite the expanded coverage area
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a frequency usage pattern of one or more satellites includes receiving, at data processing hardware, identifications of one or more satellite communication frequencies used by a satellite at corresponding locations of the satellite along a non-geostationary satellite orbit. The method includes determining, by the data processing hardware, a pattern of frequency usage by the satellite at the corresponding locations of the satellite. The method also includes instructing, by the data processing hardware, communication between a high altitude platform and a ground terminal using an identified satellite communication frequency during a non-interfering period of time based on the pattern of frequency usage by the satellite. The high altitude platform has an altitude lower than the satellite.