Softswitch Gateway for Seamless Satellite Mobile Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite and mobile phones have limitations such as restricted indoor usage, non-portable telephone numbers, and dropped calls when switching between networks, necessitating the use of both devices for comprehensive coverage.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a softswitch or Vertical Handover SoftSwitch Gateway (VHSG) that seamlessly transfers ongoing calls between satellite and mobile networks without interruption, enabling flexible network selection and maintaining call quality through anchoring and monitoring by the Softswitch's processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a satellite phone is used for broad coverage, then outdoor coverage is improved, but indoor usability deteriorates (cannot transmit or receive calls indoors)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines satellite phone and mobile phone functionalities into a single integrated device. The terminal equipment includes both a satellite communication module and a mobile communication module, allowing seamless operation in both outdoor and indoor environments without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated terminal performs multiple functions by supporting both satellite and mobile communication networks simultaneously. This multi-functionality enables the single device to provide comprehensive coverage area like satellite phones while maintaining indoor usability like mobile phones.
2Ease of operation
If a mobile phone is used for indoor coverage, then indoor usability is improved, but coverage area deteriorates (cannot function in remote locations outside cellular tower range)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mobile and satellite communication capabilities in one terminal, enabling the device to automatically switch between networks. This allows the terminal to maintain excellent indoor usability through mobile networks while extending coverage to remote areas via satellite networks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate satellite and mobile phones are used for comprehensive coverage, then coverage completeness is improved, but device complexity and cost deteriorate (need for multiple devices and numbers)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates satellite and mobile phone functionalities into a single integrated terminal, eliminating the need for users to carry and manage separate devices. This significantly reduces device complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated terminal provides universal communication capability across both satellite and mobile networks, allowing a single device to replace multiple specialized devices and achieve complete coverage adaptability.
4Reliability
If telephone numbers are assigned to satellite handsets, then satellite network functionality is improved, but portability to non-satellite networks deteriorates (cannot be ported to mobile networks)
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated terminal associates a single telephone number with both satellite and mobile network capabilities. This universal number assignment allows the same number to be portable across network types, maintaining satellite functionality while enabling seamless portability to mobile networks.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications system which allows for the integration of mobile and satellite communication networks, which includes an interface device configured to bi-directionally communicate with a mobile device (preferably wirelessly), that includes a satellite antenna on the communications device and a voice/data modem configured to bi-directionally communicate with a satellite network via the antenna.