Satellite Communication Handover Vectors for Low-Energy Transfers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite communication systems with moving constellations face challenges in optimizing communication transfers due to limited satellite capacity and energy constraints, requiring complex and energy-intensive measurement and calculation cycles for handovers, which are not feasible with existing terrestrial mobile communication standards.
Innovation Solution
A method for satellite communication transfer involving mobile user terminals and a constellation of satellites with predictable movement, where each terminal determines and transmits positioning and mobility information to a source satellite, which then generates a satellite communication transfer vector to inform a target satellite about the terminals to be handed over, optimizing resource management and avoiding energy-intensive calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex measurement and calculation cycles are implemented for handover transfers, then communication transfer reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing handover preparation in advance. The source satellite identifies candidate target satellites and pre-establishes communication links before the terminal actually needs to switch. This includes pre-synchronizing timing, pre-aligning antennas, and pre-configuring communication parameters, so that when handover is executed, the terminal can switch quickly without performing extensive real-time measurements and calculations, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the handover process adaptive and flexible. The system dynamically adjusts the handover strategy based on terminal mobility characteristics, signal conditions, and satellite positions. For stationary or slow-moving terminals, simpler handover procedures are used, while for fast-moving terminals, more robust pre-preparation is performed. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between reliability and energy consumption
2Adaptability or versatility
If terrestrial mobile communication standards are applied to satellite constellations, then communication transfer capability is improved, but satellite capacity and energy resources are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the handover process into distinct phases: identification phase (source satellite identifies candidate targets), preparation phase (pre-synchronization and link establishment), and execution phase (actual handover). This segmentation allows the system to perform only necessary operations at each stage, avoiding the exhaustive measurements and calculations required by terrestrial standards, thus reducing satellite capacity and energy requirements while maintaining transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling terminals to autonomously perform local measurements and calculations for handover decisions. The terminal independently evaluates signal conditions, determines optimal target satellites, and executes handovers with minimal satellite intervention. This shifts computational burden from the satellite to the terminal, preserving precious satellite capacity and energy resources while maintaining adaptability and transfer capability
3Measurement precision
If individual terminal measurements and calculations are performed for each handover, then communication transfer precision is improved, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining handover preparations for multiple terminals into a single coordinated process. When multiple terminals are transitioning between the same pair of satellites, the source satellite performs a unified handover preparation, sharing measurements, calculations, and resource allocations across all terminals. This reduces redundant processing, lowers system complexity, and decreases processing time while maintaining measurement precision through shared accurate data
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (30) for transferring satellite communications comprising the following steps: - by each terminal of a plurality (32), determining (38) and transmitting (40) positioning and mobility information to a moving source satellite participating in a current satellite communication with said terminal; - by each moving source satellite (34), from said positioning and mobility information(s) received, determining (42) and transmitting (44) at least one satellite communications transfer vector, each transfer vector being transmitted to a moving target satellite, and configured to inform it of all the mobile user terminals whose satellite communication continuity, identified by a session identifier also indicated within said vector, is to be taken over at the next change of satellite coverage sector, according to said scrolling.