Multi-Beam Satellite Terminal Location via Signal Amplitude
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating a terminal in a coverage area, such as GPS and OmniTRACS, are costly and vulnerable to data falsification, as they rely on the terminal itself for position determination and lack means to authenticate the data.
Innovation Solution
A method using a multi-beam satellite with a multi-beam antenna, where the terminal transmits a message on a shared frequency to three beams, and the satellite rebroadcasts the message with different amplitudes, allowing terrestrial receiving means to determine the terminal's location without user intervention or data falsification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS receivers are integrated into terminals for position determination, then position accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multi-beam satellite as an intermediary that performs the complex position determination calculations on its side. The satellite receives signals from terminals and uses its multi-beam antenna system to measure signal characteristics, then calculates positions centrally rather than requiring complex GPS receivers in each terminal. This transfers the computational burden from the terminal to the satellite infrastructure.
2Loss of information
If terminals transmit position data to service centres, then service centre awareness of terminal location is improved, but data security and authenticity deteriorate due to possible falsification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the service centre receives not just position data but also verification information from the multi-beam satellite. The satellite measures signal characteristics (amplitude, phase, time of arrival) from multiple beams and provides this measurement data back to the service centre, enabling the service centre to verify that the position information is authentic and has not been falsified by the terminal.
3Measurement precision
If sophisticated boxes with steerable antennas are used for position determination, then position measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the multi-beam satellite perform multiple functions: it provides both communication services and position determination services. The same satellite infrastructure and multi-beam antenna system are used for both relaying terminal communications and measuring signal characteristics for position calculation. This eliminates the need for separate sophisticated position determination equipment in terminals.
4Loss of time
If terminals perform position calculations autonomously, then response time is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the satellite perform position calculations instead of the terminal. Rather than the terminal calculating its own position using received satellite signals, the satellite measures the terminal's signal characteristics and calculates the position centrally. This reverses the computational roles and simplifies the terminal while maintaining timely position determination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides an economical and secure way to determine the terminal's location without adapting the terminal or performing specific calculations, ensuring the authenticity of the position and preventing data falsification, using a single multi-beam satellite for both location determination and communication.
Implementation Method 1
a telecommunication satellite having a plurality of beams, referred to as a multi-beam satellite, said multi-beam satellite comprising a multi-beam antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A method for locating a terminal in a coverage area using a telecommunication network, the network including a multi-beam satellite, the area including various cells, each associated with a beam for linking to the satellite to which a frequency band is assigned, the method including: performing the uplink transmission of a message incorporated into a modulated signal to the satellite at a frequency shared by three different uplink beams such that the message is received by the satellite with three different amplitudes; performing the downlink transmission of three modulated signals incorporating the message, the first, second, and third signals each corresponding to a different beam from among the three beams; receiving the first, second, and third signals; determining the amplitudes of the message within the first, second and third signals; and determining the location of the terminal from the amplitudes of the message within the first, second, and third signals.