Inflight Satellite Beam Reselection for Seamless Connectivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-flight connectivity systems face challenges in maintaining reliable and high-bandwidth data connectivity due to the movement of satellites relative to aircraft, leading to frequent connection disruptions and suboptimal use of available satellite resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-orbit system that dynamically switches between LEO, GEO, and MEO satellites based on performance, cost, and bandwidth requirements, using a computing platform to monitor satellite beam candidates and perform seamless transitions to ensure consistent connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single satellite beam is used for providing communication connectivity, then the system complexity is reduced, but the reliability and connectivity consistency deteriorate due to satellite movement relative to aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam selection by continuously monitoring satellite beam performance metrics (signal strength, data rate, latency) and automatically switching between multiple satellite beams based on real-time conditions. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple system architecture while achieving reliable connectivity through automated, condition-based beam transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different satellite beams based on performance thresholds. When a beam's signal strength or data rate falls below a threshold, the system transitions to an alternative beam, thereby maintaining connectivity consistency without requiring complex manual intervention or system redesign.
2Reliability
If frequent beam switching is performed to maintain connectivity, then the reliability improves, but the connection disruptions and switching overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying and preparing alternative beam candidates before actual connectivity failures occur. By continuously monitoring multiple beams and having backup options ready, the system can execute rapid transitions with minimal disruption when primary beams fail, thus improving reliability while reducing switching overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors beam performance metrics (signal strength, data rate, latency) and uses this information to make intelligent switching decisions. This feedback loop ensures that beam switches are triggered only when necessary, preventing unnecessary transitions while maintaining reliable connectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple satellite beams are monitored and switched between, then the adaptability and bandwidth utilization improve, but the device complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring beam performance and executing switching decisions without external intervention. The computing platform autonomously evaluates multiple beams based on predefined criteria and initiates transitions when conditions warrant, thereby achieving high adaptability and bandwidth utilization while avoiding the complexity of manual control systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If beam reselection is triggered by minor signal variations, then the adaptability improves, but the frequency of switching increases leading to more connection disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by establishing threshold criteria for beam switching that filter out minor signal variations. The system only triggers reselection when performance metrics (signal strength, data rate) fall below predetermined thresholds, thereby maintaining adaptability to genuine connectivity degradation while preventing excessive switching caused by minor fluctuations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for providing data connectivity for passengers in a commercial passenger vehicle, includes determining, by a computing platform, an occurrence of a condition that triggers a reselection of a satellite beam used for providing communication connectivity to passengers in the commercial passenger vehicle; obtaining, the computing platform, one or more alternate beam candidates for the reselection; selecting, according to a rule, a next satellite beam for providing the communication connectivity; and switching, upon selecting the next satellite beam, to the next satellite beam at a switching time.