VSAT Beam Selection via Normalized Distance Metric
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multibeam satellite communications systems, Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) face complexity in automating the process of selecting the optimal satellite spot beam for connectivity, often relying on signal strength measurements which can be inefficient and non-automated.
Innovation Solution
A VSAT with a remote satellite dish and processor calculates a normalized distance metric for user spot beams, selecting the beam with the lowest metric and establishing a connection using the remote satellite dish.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If VSAT uses signal strength measurement for spot beam selection, then the VSAT can identify the best spot beam, but the process becomes non-automated and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection parameter from signal strength measurement to normalized distance metric calculation. The processor calculates the normalized distance between the VSAT's geographic position and each spot beam's coverage area, selecting the beam with the minimum normalized distance. This parameter change automates the process while maintaining selection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual/measurement-based beam selection process with an automated computational system. The processor automatically calculates normalized distance metrics and performs beam selection without requiring manual signal strength measurements or intervention, thus automating the previously complex manual process.
2Ease of operation
If VSAT manually selects spot beams based on geographic position, then the process is simple, but automation is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The VSAT performs beam selection autonomously using its own geographic position data and the normalized distance metric calculation. The processor automatically determines the best spot beam without external intervention or complex manual procedures, achieving both simplicity and full automation simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual geographic position-based selection with an automated processor that calculates normalized distance metrics. This substitution maintains the simplicity of geographic positioning while adding automated computation to determine and execute beam selection without human intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for beam selection for a multibeam satellite communications system including a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) with a remote satellite dish for sending and receiving RF signals and processor for calculating a normalized distance metric for user spot beams, selecting the user spot beam with the lowest normalized distance metric, and finding an outroute on the selected user spot beam using the remote satellite dish.