LEO Satellite Blockage Mapping and Path Scheduling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems face line-of-sight blockages, which hinder communication efficiency due to the need for directional antennas and limited satellite visibility, especially when using frequency-differentiated satellite paths, and preclude the use of higher frequency bands like Ka/Ku-band.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine blockages around a non-omnidirectional antenna by receiving ephemeris data for LEO satellites, dividing the ground into segments, calculating and mapping satellite directions, and attempting signal locks to identify blocked segments, allowing for efficient satellite selection and communication path scheduling to bypass blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unidirectional antenna is mounted high to avoid blockage, then line-of-sight to satellites is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical blockage avoidance (mounting antenna high) with an electronic/software solution (blockage mapping and satellite selection algorithms). The terminal uses a processor to calculate blockage based on antenna orientation, terminal location, and satellite positions, then selects appropriate satellites without requiring physical antenna elevation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequency-differentiated satellite paths are used, then satellite path diversity is improved, but blockage impact increases due to directional antenna requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic satellite selection based on real-time blockage conditions. The system continuously calculates which satellites are blocked based on current antenna orientation and terminal location, then dynamically switches to unblocked satellites. This dynamic adaptation maintains communication reliability while utilizing frequency-differentiated paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sky into multiple regions and maps blockages to specific segments. By dividing the satellite constellation into multiple frequency-differentiated paths and segments, the system can selectively use unblocked segments while avoiding blocked ones, maintaining path diversity without suffering from blockage impacts.
3Reliability
If blockage mapping and satellite selection algorithms are implemented, then communication path reliability is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary blockage mapping by receiving blockage information from the network before communication occurs. The terminal pre-calculates which satellites may be blocked based on its location and antenna characteristics, storing this information for quick reference during communication. This preliminary action reduces real-time processing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A system and method for providing communications with a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation using a non-omnidirectional antenna is disclosed. The method includes receiving (502) ephemeris data for satellites in the LEO constellation; receiving (504) a segment division that divides a ground cell into segments; calculating (514), for the satellite, a path availability and a satellite direction from the ground cell. The method also includes defining (512) a logical cell for each of the segments, wherein each logical cell overlays the ground cell and each logical cell is associated with a general direction for the respective segment; selecting (516) the logical cell from the logical cells associated with the ground cell and the satellite direction; and associating (518) the path availability of the satellite with the selected logical cell.