Helicopter Satellite Communication Interruption Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication devices in helicopter satellite communication systems face inefficiencies due to periodic signal interruptions caused by the rotary wing, leading to inaccurate detection of interruption timing and phase differences, which affects communication efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A communication device with a receiving device that includes a signal determination unit and a period estimation unit to accurately determine the interruption period by analyzing signal reception and masking operations, improving detection accuracy and enabling efficient communication by synchronizing transmissions with the rotary wing's rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the flying station detects interruption timing and phase difference based on reception level, then the communication device can identify signal interruption, but the detection accuracy is susceptible to instantaneous changes in reception level

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidinterruption timing detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting multiple characteristics (reception level, reception timing, signal presence) before final determination. The period estimation unit uses these preliminary detections to calculate the interruption period, and the phase difference estimation unit uses this period along with reception timing to determine the phase difference, thereby improving accuracy through multi-step preliminary analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the period estimation unit continuously monitors reception level changes and adjusts the interruption period estimation accordingly. The phase difference estimation unit uses feedback from the period estimation to refine the phase difference calculation, creating a closed-loop system that improves detection accuracy through iterative refinement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the communication device continuously transmits signals, then communication coverage is maintained, but communication efficiency is reduced due to periodic interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidtime lost to interruptions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies periodic action by synchronizing transmission timing with the periodic interruptions. The transmission device transmits signals during non-interruption periods and pauses during interruption periods, creating a periodic transmission pattern that matches the rotational characteristics of the helicopter, thereby maximizing communication efficiency while accepting necessary time loss during interruptions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of interruption timing and phase difference before actual transmission occurs. The period estimation unit and phase difference estimation unit analyze reception characteristics in advance, allowing the transmission device to pre-plan transmission timing that avoids interruptions, thereby improving overall communication efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3754865B1Communication device and blocking prediction method
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3754865B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3754865B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3754865B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication device includes a signal determination unit (220) determining whether there is a reception signal, and a period estimation unit (230) estimating an interruption period of interruption of a signal transmitted from a device as a source of the reception signal, using a determination result from the signal determination unit. The period estimation unit (230) includes a differential operation unit (231) calculating a differential value of the determination result, a masking operation unit (232) calculating a provisional period of the interruption period using the differential value, controlling use of the differential value and provisional period based on internal state, and outputting the provisional period to be used, a period calculation unit (233) calculating the interruption period using the provisional period, a signal existing section calculation unit (236) calculating a signal existing section using the provisional period, a periodic timing estimation unit (235) estimating periodic timing using the provisional period and signal existing section, and a state determination unit (234) determining the internal state using the interruption period.