Iridium Communications. has been granted a patent for a method of load balancing among low-Earth orbit communications satellites. The method involves determining satellite positions and adjusting beam assignments to optimize coverage in high traffic areas, ensuring efficient use of satellite resources. GlobalData’s report on Iridium Communications gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Iridium Communications, was a key innovation area identified from patents. Iridium Communications's grant share as of July 2024 was 73%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Load balancing for communications satellites' beam assignments
The patent US12057924B2 outlines a method and system for load balancing among a constellation of low-Earth orbit communications satellites. The method involves determining the anticipated positions of multiple satellites, each equipped with an antenna system that generates multiple beams to create a coverage footprint. During a defined time period, the system identifies when a first satellite's coverage footprint primarily serves a high-traffic region while also overlapping with the coverage of other satellites. Based on this analysis, the system assigns specific beam configurations for the first satellite, deactivating certain beams while activating others on adjacent satellites to ensure continuous service in high-demand areas. This dynamic beam assignment is facilitated by processors that manage the satellite operations and ensure optimal coverage.
Additionally, the patent specifies that the system can store beam assignments in laydown tables for each satellite, allowing for organized management of beam activity over multiple time periods. The method also accounts for real-time traffic volume assessments to determine high-traffic regions, enabling efficient communication sessions with terminals located within the coverage areas. By allowing terminals to connect with whichever satellite provides the strongest signal, the system enhances communication reliability. Overall, the patent presents a structured approach to managing satellite communications, ensuring effective load distribution and service continuity in high-demand scenarios.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
