LPWAN Satellite Transmission Timing Using Terrestrial Location Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
LPWAN endpoint devices face challenges in determining optimal transmission times to LPWAN satellite networks due to unreliable location information and directional antenna characteristics, leading to inefficient battery usage and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
Endpoint devices leverage terrestrial networks for accurate location and time synchronization using BLE beacons, updating their position and time estimates based on terrestrial network devices, and utilizing satellite ephemeris data to transmit data only when satellites are overhead, thereby optimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If LPWAN endpoint devices transmit data to satellite networks without accurate location information, then communication can occur, but transmission efficiency decreases and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The endpoint device performs preliminary location estimation using terrestrial network beacons before attempting satellite transmission. This preliminary action allows the device to determine in advance whether a satellite is overhead and whether transmission is appropriate, avoiding wasted battery power on unsuccessful transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from terrestrial network beacons containing location and time information to continuously update the endpoint device's estimated position. This feedback mechanism enables the device to adjust its transmission strategy based on current location accuracy and satellite visibility conditions.
2Reliability
If LPWAN endpoint devices use directional antenna characteristics for satellite communication, then transmission can be focused, but unreliable location information reduces communication reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The terrestrial network acts as an intermediary that provides location and time information to the endpoint device. This intermediary enables the device to improve its location estimation accuracy without requiring direct satellite visibility or complex positioning hardware, thereby enhancing communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct satellite-based positioning (mechanical/GPS system) with terrestrial network-based positioning using wireless beacons. This substitution allows location estimation to occur without relying on satellite signals, improving reliability in environments where satellite positioning is unavailable.
3Productivity
If LPWAN endpoint devices continuously monitor for satellite opportunities, then transmission timing can be optimized, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endpoint device performs periodic location updates by listening for terrestrial network beacons at regular intervals rather than continuously monitoring for satellite opportunities. This periodic action reduces power consumption while still maintaining adequate location awareness for transmission optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The endpoint device uses its own internal clock and the timestamp information from terrestrial beacons to autonomously determine transmission timing based on satellite ephemeris data. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous external monitoring while maintaining optimized transmission scheduling.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques for an endpoint device on Earth to communicate with both a terrestrial network and with a satellite network are described. By communicating with the terrestrial network, the endpoint device is able to determine its approximate location. Then, using ephemeris data for the satellite network, the endpoint device further determines when one or more satellites of the satellite network are likely to be overhead. The endpoint device then transmits information to the satellite network at the determined time. By leveraging the location information gathered from the terrestrial network, the endpoint device limits its transmissions to the satellite network to only those times when a satellite is likely to receive the transmissions, thereby conserving battery power and extending the lifespan for the endpoint device.