Satellite Modem Location Tracking via GPS Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite communication systems cannot determine if a satellite modem is operating in an unauthorized territory or jurisdiction, as they only report the beam coverage area which may include both authorized and unauthorized regions.
Innovation Solution
A satellite modem integrated with a GPS device that requests and receives location information, determining if it is authorized to operate, and taking actions such as ceasing operation or reducing functionality if it is not, and communicating this information to a network management center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If beam coverage area is used to determine satellite modem location, then satellite coverage is provided over multiple territories or jurisdictions, but it is not possible to know whether the customer's portion is operating in an unauthorized territory or jurisdiction
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the beam coverage area into multiple authorized and unauthorized territories or jurisdictions. By dividing the large coverage area into smaller segments, the system can determine which specific segment the satellite modem is operating in, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing wide coverage and achieving precise location determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces GPS devices as intermediary components that provide precise location information to the network management center. This intermediary system bridges the gap between the broad satellite beam coverage and the need for precise territory-specific location determination, allowing the system to enforce authorization rules at the territory level while maintaining wide satellite coverage.
2Measurement precision
If GPS device is integrated with satellite modem, then precise location tracking is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS device serves as an intermediary component that handles the complex task of location determination independently. By offloading the GPS functionality to a separate device rather than integrating it directly into the satellite modem, the system achieves precise location tracking while minimizing the complexity increase to the core modem functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The GPS device is designed to work with multiple satellite modems and serve multiple functions including location tracking, authorization verification, and communication with the network management center. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing broad utility across the satellite communication system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures the satellite modem operates only in authorized locations, preventing unauthorized use by determining its precise location and reporting any unauthorized operation to the network management center.
Implementation Method 1
The GPS device may include a first receiver, a transceiver, and a microcontroller. The first receiver may receive signals from multiple sources. The GPS device uses the signals to determine a current location.
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite modem, a GPS device, and a method are provided. The satellite modem requests current location information from a GPS device and waits no more than a preconfigured amount of time to receive the current location information. When the satellite modem receives the current location information, the satellite modem determines whether the current location information indicates a location in which the satellite modem is authorized to operate. When the satellite modem determines that the current location information indicates a location in which the satellite modem is not authorized to operate, the satellite modem performs at least one action from a group of actions including preventing the satellite modem from operating normally, permitting the satellite modem to operate with a reduced functionality, and transmitting a message to a network management center indicating that the satellite modem is not located at an authorized location.