System for mobile user terminal triggered handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite communication systems face significant latency and inefficiencies due to the use of geosynchronous satellites, which introduce long signal propagation delays and require complex antenna systems to manage large footprints, while non-geosynchronous satellites offer reduced latency but pose challenges in seamless handover without precise location data.
Innovation Solution
A self-triggered handover mechanism for mobile user terminals (MUTs) that determines handover requests based on state data such as position, heading, and signal strength, allowing handovers without disclosing precise location, enabling seamless communication service transitions using a constellation of non-geosynchronous satellites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If geosynchronous satellites are used to provide communication services, then coverage area is improved, but signal propagation delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coverage area into multiple smaller spots, each served by non-geosynchronous satellites. This allows the system to maintain comprehensive coverage while reducing the distance signals must travel, thereby reducing propagation delay while preserving overall coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using geosynchronous satellites (single orbital dimension) to using constellations of non-geosynchronous satellites in multiple orbital planes. This dimensional change enables reduced signal propagation time while maintaining coverage through coordinated multi-satellite operation and handover mechanisms.
2Loss of time
If non-geosynchronous satellites are used to reduce latency, then signal propagation delay is reduced, but handover complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-triggered handover mechanism where the mobile user terminal autonomously determines when handover is needed based on its own state data (position, heading, signal strength) without requiring complex network coordination. This reduces handover complexity by distributing the decision-making to the user terminal itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing communication links with multiple spots simultaneously and pre-configuring handover parameters before handover is needed. This allows seamless transitions between spots using non-geosynchronous satellites without increasing operational complexity during actual handover events.
3Measurement precision
If precise location data is used to trigger handover, then handover accuracy is improved, but operational security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for handover triggering from precise location data to state data (position relative to spot boundaries, heading, signal strength measurements). This maintains handover accuracy by using sufficient information to determine when to switch spots while protecting operational security by not exposing precise geographic location data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the necessary information elements from location data needed for handover decisions (relative position, signal strength) while removing or protecting the precise geographic coordinates. This allows accurate handover triggering without disclosing sensitive location information that would compromise operational security.
Data Source
AI summary
A constellation of satellites provides communication services to user terminals (UTs). Some UTs may be mobile. Each satellite provides communication services to discrete geographic areas or “spots” on and above the Earth. The mobile UT determines it will be moving from a current spot to a destination spot based on one or more of geographic position and the geometry of the spots, or signal strength of received signals from one or more satellites associated with the destination spot. The mobile UT sends a handover request. Responsive to the handover request, communication resources associated with a handover time and the destination spot are allocated to the mobile UT. This information is provided to the mobile UT for use after the handover time. During this process, the exact position of the mobile UT remains unknown to the satellites and associated systems managing the constellation and handover.