Automated Frequency Capacity Fill Rate Analysis for Satellite Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual frequency capacity fill rate analysis of satellite communication links is time-consuming and infrequent, leading to outdated and less reliable results, making it difficult to obtain real-time information and hindering regular assessments.

Innovation Solution

An automated system using a data processing unit configured to analyze radio frequency signals transmitted via communication links, with a central controlling device managing multiple base stations and spectrum analyzers to perform continuous, automated frequency capacity fill rate analysis without human intervention, allowing for real-time and up-to-date results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual analysis is performed with one antenna and one full-time operator, then the analysis can be carried out, but the analysis time is too long (4.5 months) and results are outdated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis speedVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of moving antennas and operating spectrum analyzers with an automated control system. The controlling device automatically positions antennas, configures spectrum analyzers, and processes measurement data, eliminating the need for manual intervention and dramatically reducing analysis time from months to minutes or seconds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service automation where the controlling device independently manages the entire measurement process without human operators. The system automatically coordinates multiple base stations, schedules measurements, processes data, and generates reports, allowing continuous operation and real-time frequency capacity monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 3:

The patent divides the analysis system into multiple independent base stations, each equipped with its own antenna and spectrum analyzer. This segmentation allows parallel processing of frequency capacity data from different locations, significantly increasing overall productivity and enabling continuous monitoring even when individual stations experience interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Extent of automation

If manual analysis is performed, then the process can be controlled, but the analysis cannot be performed on a regular basis and results have lower value

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidresult accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual analysis operations with automated electronic control systems that eliminate human error, fatigue, and inconsistency. The automated controlling device ensures consistent measurement procedures, data processing, and reporting, thereby improving result reliability and accuracy while enabling regular repeated measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated feedback loops where measurement results are immediately processed and stored in databases. The controlling device continuously monitors frequency capacity fill rates and can trigger alerts or automated responses based on detected conditions, ensuring timely and reliable information for decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If one base station is used, then the setup is simple, but the analysis is interrupted when the satellite leaves the visible horizon

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidnumber of base stations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the monitoring task across multiple geographically distributed base stations. Each station independently monitors satellites within its visible horizon, and the controlling device aggregates data from all stations. This segmentation enables continuous monitoring as different stations can observe the satellite at different times, eliminating interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the capabilities of multiple base stations under a single centralized controlling device. The controlling device coordinates measurements across all stations, combines their data sets, and produces unified frequency capacity assessments. This merging provides continuous coverage that no single station could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2568624B1A frequency capacity fill rate analysing system and method of automatically analysing the frequency capacity fill rate of wireless communication links
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 AIRBUS SATELLITE EXCHANGE SAS
  • EP2568624B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2568624B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A frequency capacity fill rate analysing system for analysing the frequency capacity fill rate of wireless communication links, in particular satellite communication links, comprises at least one transmitter (10) and at least one receiver (21, 23, 25, 27) between which the communication link (20", 22", 24", 26") is established, and a spectrum analyser (21', 23', 25', 27') associated to said at least one receiver (21, 23, 25, 27); wherein the spectrum analyser is connected to a central controlling device (30) which is provided with a data processing unit (34) on which an analysis task management software is running, and which is connected to a database (32) in which technical parameters of the communication link are stored; and wherein the data processing unit (34) is configured such that the spectrum analyser (21', 23', 25', 27') automatically analyses the frequency capacity fill rate of radio frequency signals transmitted via said communication link (20", 22", 24", 26") on the basis of an analysis task obtained from said central controlling device (30).