Optical Relay Satellite Rate Control for Multi-Satellite Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems face limitations in transmitting data from multiple satellites to ground stations or other equipment while adhering to a predetermined data rate limit, leading to underutilization of communication lines and inefficient data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A communication control apparatus and method that manages parallel optical communication between multiple satellites and a communication relay satellite, controlling data rates to ensure they do not exceed a predetermined limit, allowing simultaneous data transmission to ground stations or other equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data from multiple satellites is transmitted to ground stations simultaneously, then communication line utilization is improved, but data rate limit is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication capacity by assigning dedicated time slots to each satellite-optical communication unit pair. The time period is divided into multiple slots, with each slot dedicated to a specific satellite communicating with a specific optical communication unit, preventing simultaneous transmission that would exceed data rate limits while maximizing overall utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by cycling through different satellite-optical communication unit pairs in sequential time slots. The control unit repeatedly assigns time slots in a periodic manner, allowing multiple satellites to communicate over time while maintaining compliance with data rate limits during each slot.
2Productivity
If time slots are assigned to multiple optical communication units, then number of communicating satellites is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the optimal time slot assignments in advance. The control unit determines which optical communication units should communicate with which satellites during which time slots before actual communication begins, simplifying real-time control and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback signals from optical communication units regarding their communication status and adjusts time slot assignments accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to dynamically optimize the assignment while maintaining manageable complexity through automated adjustment based on actual communication conditions.
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
Enables efficient transmission of data from a greater number of satellites to ground stations or other equipment while maintaining data rate limits, optimizing communication line utilization.
Implementation Method 1
n optical downlink channels (DL1 to DLn) or n optical uplink channels (UC1 to UCn)... each satellite including plural uplink/downlink optical telescopes for performing optical communication with plural ground sites... performs parallel simultaneous optical communication with the plural flying relay stations
Data Source
AI summary
A communication control apparatus controls optical communication between a communication relay satellite and plural user satellites such that, when the communication relay satellite relays communication between the plural user satellites and other equipment, a sum of data rates/representing communication rates per unit time between the plural user satellites and the communication relay satellite is not greater than a limit value of a data rate between the communication relay satellite and the other equipment.