Satellite Beam Steering for Stable Coverage in Non-Synchronous Orbits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-synchronous orbit satellites cause rapid changes in ground antenna coverage, leading to frequent beam switching and communication failures, especially in areas not covered by terrestrial networks, affecting communication quality.

Innovation Solution

A satellite-based communication method that determines antenna parameters based on satellite operation and location information to stabilize beam direction towards a target coverage area, using phased array antennas for beamforming and resource management to ensure continuous communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If low-orbit satellites are used to provide communication services, then coverage area and accessibility to remote regions are improved, but communication quality deteriorates due to fast satellite movement causing frequent beam switching requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidcommunication quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the beam direction adjustable and adaptable to the satellite's movement. The system dynamically adjusts the beam pointing direction based on real-time satellite position and attitude information, allowing the beam to track and follow the satellite's motion trajectory over the ground coverage area, thus maintaining stable communication despite satellite movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by pre-calculating and determining the antenna parameters and beam pointing directions based on predicted satellite positions and attitudes. The system determines the parameters in advance according to operation information and location information, so that when the satellite reaches a specific position, the beam is already correctly directed toward the target coverage area, eliminating the need for frequent beam switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Area of stationary object

If ground communication terminals frequently switch access beams to track satellite movement, then coverage is maintained, but communication quality and service stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidbeam switching frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the beam direction based on satellite movement, allowing a single ground terminal to remain within a stable beam coverage area for extended periods. The beam moves with the satellite's ground track, creating a dynamic but stable communication link without requiring terminal beam switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous beam coverage over the target area by maintaining a persistent beam direction that follows the satellite's ground projection. This continuous coverage allows ground terminals to maintain uninterrupted communication without frequent beam switching, as the beam continuously serves the same ground area throughout the satellite's orbital passage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12627369B2Satellite-based communication method and apparatus, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.05.12 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • US12627369B2 patent drawing
  • US12627369B2 patent drawing
  • US12627369B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A satellite-based communication method includes obtaining operation information of a first satellite and location information of a target coverage area; and determining parameters of an antenna of the first satellite according to the operation information of the first satellite and the location information of the target coverage area. The parameters are configured to control the antenna to provide beams directed to the target coverage area. A satellite-based communication apparatus and storage medium are also disclosed.