Non-terrestrial Network Control for Power and Traffic Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

The operation of a non-terrestrial network apparatus can become unstable due to limited time for solar power charging, necessitating stable control based on traffic volume and remaining power.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus that acquires traffic volume and remaining power amount of a non-terrestrial network apparatus and controls it accordingly, including methods to calculate expected traffic volume and manage power usage to ensure stable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the non-terrestrial network apparatus operates continuously to provide communication services, then the traffic volume increases and service quality improves, but the remaining power amount decreases and power exhaustion risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic volumeVSAvoidremaining power amount
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the non-terrestrial network apparatus by adjusting its operational state based on real-time monitoring of remaining power amount and traffic volume. The control apparatus dynamically selects between different operation modes (normal operation, power-saving mode, or standby) to optimize the balance between service provision and power conservation, ensuring continuous operation while preventing power exhaustion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback control by continuously monitoring the remaining power amount and traffic volume, then using this information to adjust operational parameters. The control apparatus receives power amount information from the non-terrestrial network apparatus and uses this feedback to determine appropriate control actions, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing power and traffic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If the non-terrestrial network apparatus charges the battery using solar power generation, then the remaining power amount increases, but the time available for charging is limited by the orbit and position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremaining power amountVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus performs preliminary assessment of the charging situation by determining the satellite's position and orbit characteristics before initiating charging operations. It calculates expected charging duration based on orbital parameters and uses this information to plan power management strategies in advance, allowing the system to prepare for power shortages or surpluses before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters based on charging conditions by adjusting traffic handling policies, power consumption levels, and operation modes according to the available charging time and remaining power amount. This allows the non-terrestrial network apparatus to adapt its behavior to the constraints imposed by orbital mechanics and solar power availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the control apparatus implements comprehensive power management based on traffic volume and remaining power amount, then the operation stability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation stabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules: a determination unit that assesses power and traffic conditions, and a control unit that executes specific control actions. This segmentation allows the complex power management function to be broken down into manageable, independent components that can be developed, tested, and maintained separately while working together to achieve stable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution enables stable operation of non-terrestrial network apparatuses by effectively managing power usage based on traffic volume and remaining power, preventing power exhaustion and ensuring continuous communication.

Implementation Method 1

the time during which the non-terrestrial network apparatus can charge its battery using solar power generation is limited

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar power generation: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250193810A1Control apparatus, non-terrestrial network apparatus, control method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
Publication Date: 2025.06.12 NEC CORP
  • US20250193810A1 patent drawing
  • US20250193810A1 patent drawing
  • US20250193810A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An acquisition unit in a control apparatus acquires the traffic volume and the remaining power amount of a non-terrestrial network apparatus. A control unit controls the non-terrestrial network apparatus based on the traffic volume and the remaining power amount acquired by the acquisition unit.