Satellite Data Traffic Scaling Using Beacon-Based Collision Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite-based communication networks face challenges such as network collisions due to multiple terrestrial devices transmitting data simultaneously, which are exacerbated by the large geographic coverage area of satellites and the inability to implement carrier sense-based medium access control, leading to data loss and inefficient flow control.

Innovation Solution

Terrestrial computing devices adjust their transmission probability threshold based on the number of detected orbital communication satellites, reducing the likelihood of transmission when multiple satellites are in range to mitigate network collisions, using beacon signals and traffic scaling parameters adjusted by network management devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple terrestrial computing devices transmit data simultaneously to orbital communication satellites, then data transmission volume increases, but network collisions increase causing data loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission volumeVSAvoidnetwork collision rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic transmission probability adjustment where terrestrial computing devices continuously modify their transmission probability based on real-time detection of orbital communication satellites. When more satellites are detected, the transmission probability threshold is adjusted to reduce collision likelihood, creating a dynamic adaptation mechanism that balances transmission volume with collision avoidance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where terrestrial computing devices detect beacon signals from orbital communication satellites and use this information to adjust their transmission behavior. The feedback loop involves devices monitoring satellite presence, comparing it against transmission probability thresholds, and modifying their transmission decisions accordingly to reduce network collisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If terrestrial computing devices use carrier sense-based medium access control, then network collisions are reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork collision rateVSAvoidmedium access control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of implementing complex carrier sense-based medium access control systems, the patent uses simple beacon signals transmitted periodically by orbital communication satellites. These lightweight signals provide sufficient information for terrestrial devices to adjust transmission probability without requiring complex detection and processing mechanisms, achieving collision reduction with minimal system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential function of medium access control from complex carrier sense mechanisms and implements it through simplified beacon signal detection. By removing unnecessary complexity while retaining the core functionality of collision avoidance, the system achieves reliable data transmission with reduced device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If transmission probability threshold is reduced to avoid network collisions, then data loss decreases, but transmission efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata loss rateVSAvoidtransmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts transmission probability thresholds based on real-time satellite detection conditions. Rather than using a fixed low threshold that would permanently reduce efficiency, the threshold adapts to current network conditions, allowing high transmission efficiency when collisions are unlikely and reducing transmission probability only when necessary to avoid collisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission probability parameter dynamically based on the number of detected orbital communication satellites. When fewer satellites are detected, the transmission probability threshold is set higher to maximize efficiency. When more satellites are detected, the threshold is lowered to reduce collisions, achieving an optimal balance between transmission efficiency and data loss prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12587272B2Data traffic scaling for communication satellite

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A method for network data communication includes, at a terrestrial computing device, detecting one or more beacon signals from a corresponding one or more orbital communication satellites of a constellation of orbital communication satellites. A transmission probability threshold is adjusted based at least in part on a detected quantity of the one or more orbital communication satellites. Data is transmitted from the terrestrial computing device to the constellation of orbital communication satellites contingent on the transmission probability threshold being satisfied.