Non-Terrestrial Radio Cell Shaping for Uneven Demand Coverage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Challenging to provide radio coverage for an extended geographical area efficiently while considering uneven population density and communication service demand in non-terrestrial networks.

Innovation Solution

Configure the shape of radio cell coverage areas to be non-circular or elliptical using satellite-based or high-altitude platform antennas that move relative to the earth's surface, allowing flexible coverage adaptation to geographical needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If circular or elliptical radio cell coverage is used, then the coverage area is simple to define and implement, but the coverage does not efficiently match uneven population density and communication service demand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage adaptation to geographical needsVSAvoidcoverage area shape configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the radio cell coverage shape to be dynamically configured based on actual communication needs and population density distributions. Instead of fixed circular or elliptical shapes, the system can adapt the coverage area geometry in real-time to match geographical requirements, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through programmable control of antenna entities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by allowing different regions to have different coverage characteristics. The antenna entity can be configured to provide non-uniform coverage shapes that match local population density and communication demands, so that densely populated areas receive optimized coverage compared to sparsely populated regions, thereby improving overall system adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If multiple non-terrestrial network components are deployed to cover extended geographical areas, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeographical coverage areaVSAvoidnumber of network components
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining the functions of multiple non-terrestrial network components into a single integrated antenna entity that can provide extended geographical coverage. The antenna entity is configured to serve multiple radio cells simultaneously, reducing the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive coverage of extended geographical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing the antenna entity to perform multiple functions: it can serve multiple radio cells, adapt to different coverage shapes, and operate across various communication scenarios. This multi-functional capability reduces the need for dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining extensive coverage capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If resources are distributed uniformly across the coverage area, then all areas receive equal service, but communication performance is not optimized for densely populated areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidresource allocation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by enabling differentiated resource allocation based on local communication demands. The antenna entity can be configured to provide enhanced coverage and performance in densely populated areas while maintaining appropriate service levels in sparsely populated regions. This localized optimization improves overall communication performance reliability without requiring complete redesign of the entire coverage area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing dynamic adjustment of coverage shape and characteristics based on population density and communication demand. The system can modify parameters such as coverage area boundaries, signal strength distribution, and resource allocation patterns to optimize performance in densely populated areas while maintaining adaptability across different geographical regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250373328A1Enabling communication between a user equipment and a mobile communication network being or having a non-terrestrial network
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • US20250373328A1 patent drawing
  • US20250373328A1 patent drawing
  • US20250373328A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for enabling communication between a user equipment and a mobile communication network includes: operating an antenna entity or functionality or configuring the antenna entity or functionality such that the shape of a coverage area of a radio cell is configured or configurable in a predefined manner other than circular or elliptical. The mobile communication network is or at least comprises a part corresponding to or being a non-terrestrial network. The user equipment is served by a base station entity which is part of that non-terrestrial network or that non-terrestrial network part. The base station entity has or is provided with—in view of serving or providing radio coverage to the user equipment—at least the antenna entity or functionality.