Satellite Antenna Beam Scheduling Under Power Budgets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar-based and terrestrial ADS-B systems fail to provide comprehensive air traffic surveillance in vast areas due to the absence of ground infrastructure, while satellite-based systems face power and resource constraints that limit effective beam usage.
Innovation Solution
Implement intelligent beam selection and scheduling techniques for satellite antennas to manage power budgets and resource constraints, using techniques such as default sector scans, paired beam patterns, and weighted scoring to optimize beam configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite-based ADS-B systems use more beams to expand coverage area, then surveillance coverage is improved, but power consumption increases beyond available power budgets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surveillance coverage area into multiple discrete beams, allowing selective activation of only necessary beams based on real-time air traffic distribution. Instead of using all beams simultaneously to cover the entire area, the system segments the coverage and activates individual beams or beam groups dynamically, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining comprehensive surveillance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam scheduling that adjusts beam activation in real-time based on changing air traffic patterns and satellite position. The system transitions from static full-coverage beam activation to dynamic selective beam activation, where beams are turned on or off according to actual surveillance needs, thereby optimizing the balance between coverage area and power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If satellite-based ADS-B systems activate all available beams, then measurement precision of air traffic surveillance is improved, but resource constraints are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating surveillance resources on specific regions where air traffic is detected rather than uniformly distributing resources across all areas. The system identifies high-traffic regions and activates beams with higher measurement precision for those specific locations, while using fewer or no beams in low-traffic areas, thereby achieving overall high surveillance precision without exceeding resource constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automated beam selection and scheduling algorithms that autonomously determine which beams to activate based on real-time air traffic data and satellite position. The system automatically adjusts beam configurations without manual intervention, optimizing the balance between measurement precision and resource usage by having the surveillance system itself make intelligent decisions about resource allocation.
3Reliability
If conventional radar-based systems are used to ensure comprehensive coverage, then surveillance reliability is improved, but the system cannot operate in areas without ground infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the satellite-based ADS-B system universal by enabling it to perform comprehensive air traffic surveillance in diverse environments including both land and sea regions without requiring ground infrastructure. The satellite platform provides a universal surveillance capability that replaces the need for location-specific ground-based radar systems, allowing the same system to reliably operate across different geographic regions and operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the satellite as an intermediary platform that bridges the gap between ground-based radar systems and airborne targets. By receiving ADS-B signals directly from aircraft and processing them in orbit, the satellite mediates the surveillance function, enabling reliable air traffic monitoring in areas where traditional ground-based systems cannot operate, thus enhancing both reliability and operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
In one implementation, a method for scheduling beams of an antenna on a satellite during a defined time period includes calculating a beam score for each beam based on the expected gain of the beam and determining that the number of beams having non-zero beam scores during the defined time period is less than a threshold value. In addition, the method also includes accessing a set of beam weights for each of multiple different candidate beam patterns, and, for each set of weights, multiplying individual beam weights by corresponding beam scores, and generating a candidate beam pattern score by calculating a sum of the products of the beam weights and corresponding beam scores. The method further includes comparing the candidate beam pattern scores, selecting a particular one of the candidate beam patterns, and scheduling the selected beam pattern for the defined time period.