Hybrid Modem Link Optimization via Frequency Band Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems for vehicles face issues with bi-directional links being unavailable, slow, or malfunctioning, leading to inconsistent data services and limited bandwidth, which affects the user experience and reliability of on-board data services.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid communications system that utilizes multiple forward and reverse links operating in different frequency bands to efficiently deliver data to and from vehicles, allowing for the selection of optimal communication paths based on feedback and content type, thereby optimizing modem usage and adhering to regulatory constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single bi-directional communication link is used for all data transmissions, then the system structure is simple, but the bandwidth is limited and service consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication link structureVSAvoidbandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication link into separate forward links (download) and reverse links (upload), each operating on different frequency bands. This allows independent optimization of each direction's bandwidth and performance characteristics, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and sufficient bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If all communications traverse the same bi-directional link, then the system is easy to manage, but service consistency and user experience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication managementVSAvoidservice consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different quality characteristics to different communication directions by allocating separate forward and reverse links on different frequency bands. Each link can be optimized for its specific function (download vs. upload), ensuring consistent and reliable service for each type of communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the bi-directional link is used for both forward and reverse communications, then the system structure is simple, but the bandwidth allocation is insufficient for optimal performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink configurationVSAvoiddata throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-dimensional bi-directional link to a multi-dimensional communication architecture by introducing separate frequency bands for forward and reverse links. This dimensional expansion enables significantly higher data throughput while maintaining manageable system complexity through clear separation of functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3232584B1A method for optimizing modem usage on a vehicle in which a processor determines the port state of the vehicle and with a wireless communication link in a receive state of bandwidth larger than that of the reverse link
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 GOGO BUSINESS AVIATION LLC
  • EP3232584B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3232584B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3232584B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Techniques for optimizing modem use for data delivery to vehicles that are near to or parked at ports include using a high-capacity forward communications link, in a first frequency band, to support a logical forward link of a data tunnel via which data is delivered between a data provider and the vehicle. Instead of using the reverse communications link of the first frequency band, though, a reverse communications link in a different frequency band is used to support the reverse logical link of the data tunnel, as reverse data typically requires less bandwidth. Thus, the forward communications link is used in a high-throughput, unidirectional manner. Forward data may be multiplexed and/or multicast, and in some cases, multiple forward communications links may be used in parallel to support the logical forward link of the data tunnel.