Satellite Link Interruption Handling Using Predicted Blockage Periods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing satellite-based communication systems face interruptions due to obstructions blocking line-of-sight propagation, leading to inefficiencies and increased signaling overhead.

Innovation Solution

Predicting interruptions in satellite-based communication links by using UE location information and obstruction data to refrain from performing communication link correction procedures during the predicted interruption period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If communication link correction procedures are performed continuously to maintain connection reliability, then connection reliability is improved, but signaling overhead and system resource consumption increase during predictable interruption periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by determining predicted interruption periods in advance using UE location information and blockage information from a digital map. Based on these predictions, the network entity proactively suspends correction procedures before interruptions occur, and resumes them after interruptions end, thereby avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead during predictable blockage periods while maintaining connection reliability when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuously performing correction procedures without distinction, the system applies partial action by selectively suspending procedures only during predicted interruption periods. This partial application of correction procedures reduces signaling overhead during periods when corrections would be ineffective, while maintaining full correction functionality during periods when the communication link is stable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If correction procedures are performed during interruption periods, then connection attempts are made, but spectral efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary signaling and failed corrections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection maintenanceVSAvoidspectral efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network entity uses preliminary determination of predicted interruption periods based on UE location and blockage information to proactively suspend correction procedures before interruptions occur. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary correction attempts during predictable blockage periods, thereby maintaining connection reliability when needed while avoiding spectral efficiency degradation from futile correction signaling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the harmful effect of predictable blockages into a benefit by using blockage information and location data to anticipate interruptions. This prediction capability transforms what would normally be harmful interruption periods into opportunities to suspend unnecessary correction procedures, thereby improving overall spectral efficiency while maintaining connection reliability during stable periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the system continuously monitors and corrects communication link status, then connection stability is improved, but system complexity increases due to constant monitoring and correction procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication link stabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system reduces complexity by performing preliminary determination of predicted interruption periods using available UE location information and pre-existing blockage information from digital maps. This preliminary assessment enables the network entity to proactively adjust correction procedure timing, maintaining link stability through targeted corrections while reducing the complexity of continuous monitoring and constant correction execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12476701B2Techniques to handle interruption in satellite-based communications

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Apparatus, methods, and computer-readable media for facilitating interruption handling in satellite-based communications are disclosed herein. An example method for wireless communication at a UE includes determining an interruption for a satellite-based communication link based in part on UE location information and blockage information of an obstruction that blocks LOS propagation for the satellite-based communication link. The example method also includes refraining performance of one or more communication link correction procedures for a time period associated with the interruption.