Normalized Distance Metric for Satellite Beam Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multibeam satellite communications systems, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently assigning user terminals to the best available spot beams, leading to suboptimal capacity utilization and increased congestion, especially with the growing demand for broadband connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where user terminals calculate a normalized distance metric for available spot beams, selecting the beam with the lowest metric and adjusting their antenna settings to connect through the selected spot beam, while also considering satellite loading and quality of service to optimize capacity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If satellites are designed based on traditional parameters (EIRP, G/T, C/I) without considering user assignment optimization, then satellite performance meets basic requirements, but system aggregate capacity and efficiency deteriorate due to suboptimal user-to-beam assignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for beam selection from traditional signal strength metrics to a normalized distance metric. This metric is calculated based on the user terminal's position relative to the spot beam center, allowing optimization of user-to-beam assignment without requiring complex signal measurements or satellite reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of normalized distance metrics for all available spot beams before actual connection establishment. By pre-calculating which beam each user terminal should connect to based on their position, the system avoids complex real-time decision-making and signal measurements during connection setup
2Reliability
If user terminals use complex automated processes to find the best spot beam based on signal strength measurements, then connection quality improves, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables user terminals to automatically determine their optimal spot beam by calculating the normalized distance metric based on their own position and the known spot beam parameters. The terminal independently makes the selection without requiring complex automated searching or manual intervention, simplifying both operation and maintenance
3Productivity
If multiple satellites serve the same geographic region to meet increasing broadband demand, then system capacity increases, but user terminal complexity increases due to need to select among multiple satellites and beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal beam selection method that works across multiple satellites serving the same geographic region. The normalized distance metric approach is satellite-agnostic, allowing user terminals to consistently apply the same selection logic regardless of which satellite is being evaluated, simplifying multi-satellite operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a standardized normalized distance metric that can be applied uniformly across multiple satellites. By changing from satellite-specific selection criteria to a universal position-based metric, the system handles multi-satellite scenarios without increasing terminal complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of designing beam patterns to increase aggregate capacity within a satellite communications system, comprising: determining (1402) a first beam pattern of a plurality of user spot beams of a first satellite serving a first geographic area; identifying (1404) a plurality of high traffic regions within the first geographic area covered by the first beam pattern; determining (1406) the user spot beams of the first beam pattern covering each of the plurality of high traffic regions; determining (1408) a normalized distance metric for each of the user spot beams of the first beam pattern covering each of the plurality of high traffic regions; and plotting (1410) a second beam pattern of a second satellite such that at least one of a plurality of user spot beams of the second beam pattern has a lower normalized distance metric for at least one of the plurality of high traffic regions relative to the normalized distance metrics of the user spot beams of the first beam pattern covering each of the plurality of high traffic region.