AU2017353353A1

AU2017353353A1 - Satellite mobility planning improvements

Info

Publication number: AU2017353353A1
Application number: AU2017353353A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew Bull; Stephen Dade
Original assignee: Nova Professional Services Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Nova Professional Services Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-11-03
Filing date: 2017-11-03
Publication date: 2019-06-06
Also published as: WO2018081870A1

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for satellite mobility planning for a satellite communications network for a mobile asset comprising: processing satellite beam data to identify one or more satellite beam characteristics along or within a predetermined distance of at least a portion of a proposed mobile asset route; processing the route beam characteristics to determine whether a data transfer requirement of the mobile asset will be met along at least a portion of the proposed route; optionally identifying one or more locations of expected failure to meet the data transfer requirement along the route; optionally issuing machine readable instructions to one or more computing devices to adjust a system parameter in response to the expected failure.

Description

Satellite Mobility Planning Improvements

Background of the invention:

Current Software Systems do not address the full need to manage iSatel I ite Connectivity “to mobile air and sea platforms especially with new long-range :broadband“services involving dynamic data rates from remote-controlled advanced sensors, such as E lectro-optic or Infra-red sensors or cameras that can be automated. In addition, typical dataflows (such as IP data throughputs) across corporate SATCOM networks tend to be quite dynamic and scalable to align with typical end-user demand profiles when running high-rate data services.

As satellites become more powerful, with many high-gain 'spot, coverage beams, the antennas on mobile platforms become smaller and smaller. These spot coverage beams result in very high power on the RF (radiofrequency) transmit and receive paths to and from the satellite.

Agile wideband data networks are an essential part of new-generation networking for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance) activities and missions. This includes all Airborne, Maritime and Land deployed platforms that need to feed high-rate data back to the network on a timely basis during use.

Aircraft Satellite Broadband (from a central HQ site or operational centre to an aircraft platform) is a recent technology that works in practice, but is not easy to manage with current software technology. Managing this mobile broadband over satellite presents technical challenges that can reduce the quality of data links with current software.

H igh data rate Satellite Communications have been previously available to fixed land stations with large satellite dishes to transmit and receive. In recent years, commercial satellites have been launched that offer 'high-throughput, data services. The challenge with these service is that mobile platforms (such as aircraft and maritime ships) often need to move through multiple narrow 'spot beams, of satellite coverage “ and sometimes need to transition across satellite networks to complete a typical long-range mission.

Software tools that allow human operators at both ends of the satellite link to manage this complexity are needed by theend-user and also any Network Operations Centre (NOC) that does not belong to the satellite service providers themselves. Many current software systems being used to do this are currently designed for large fixed land stations, and do not address 'mobility, for the smaller platforms that have recently or will soon become SATCOM-enabled.

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The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not betaken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Summary of the invention:

The agile satellite mobility planning tool of the invention includes a new approach and new features for planning data flows across long-range data networks where mobile :on-the-move“ platforms such as ships and aircraft are involved.

In some aspects, this satellite mobility planning approach primarily involves:

- satellite mobility planning for aircraft and ships;

- multi-satellite coverage planning; and

- sensor-to-Satellite Communications automation and dynamic re-planning.

The system and method of the invention enable a highly optimised mobile (such as air-sea) Satellite Communications (SATCOM) network, well suited to long-range communications and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance) operations involving high-rate data or highquality sensor data for example from automated sensors.

The system and method of the invention allows a dynamic, agile, intuitive approach to radio frequency (RF) network management for long-range SATCOM and sensor networks, for example where mobile platforms such as aircraft and ships are involved in a homeland security, emergency services or military scenario.

The agile satellite mobility planning tool of the invention enables a multi-satellite capacity utilisation to be planned up quickly and efficiently, for groups of mobile aircraft and ship platforms that rely on Satellite Communications to transport critical operational data while 'on-the-move_. In addition, automation of the operating modes of the Sensor-to-SATCOM chain, (known as a :Sensor-to-SATCOM Automation'capability), enables the most efficient flow of video or sensor data across a long-range, SAT COM-enabled data network that may span states, countries and oceans, with many mobile network nodes.

The satellite mobility tool of the invention can plan a wide range of SATCOM terminals and platforms from small portable land SATCOM sites, right up to large fleets of SATCOM

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PCT/AU2017/051215 enabled ships. The number of ships/vehides/sites that can be planned and then managed is scalable for example, from just 5 systems, up to around 500 sites or vehicles.

The agile satellite mobility planning tool set of the invention enables engineers and operators to provide control, management and unprecedented levels of network situational awareness to both the NOC-HQ (Network Operations Centre/ Headquarters) sites and the deployed remote user. In some embodiments, this map-based tool enables high quality video and wideband data ‘ the NOC operator can tune for optimal setup across complex agile networks, and the remote user enjoys 'easy wideband SATCOM deployment, which has been elusive in the past.

In various implementations the system and method of the invention comprises one or more of the following:

1. SATCOM Mobility Planning for aircraft and ships, where the aircraft may also be an unmanned Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) with associated Ground Control Stations (GCS sites);

2. Multi-satellite Coverage Planning;

3. Sensor-to-SATCOM Automation;

4. RF System Capability Modelling;

Some implementations comprise a combination of all of the above functions into an integrated, single-environment software tool.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method for managing a satellite communications network for a plurality of mobile assets comprising:

receiving satellite beam data in relation to a predetermined satellite, the data comprising one or more of beam type; beam location and beam data transfer rate which is optionally a calculated beam data transfer rate;

receiving data from a network node, the data comprising node health data;

receiving data from a mobile asset, the data comprising one or more of, planned route, location and heading data, the mobile asset data being optionally input by a user;

receiving a data transfer requirement in respect of the mobile asset;

processing the received mobile asset data to determine a projected route of the mobile asset;

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PCT/AU2017/051215 processing the satellite beam data to identify one or more satellite beam characteristics along or within a predetermined distance of the route;

processing the network node data to determine predicted network health along the route;

processing the route beam characteristics and the route network health data to determine whether the data transfer requirement will be met along at least a portion of the route;

optionally identifying one or more locations of expected failure to meet the data transfer requirement along the route;

optionally issuing machine readable instructions to one or more computing devices to adjust a system parameter in response to the expected failure;

wherein the adjusted system parameter comprises one or more of mobile asset route; a satellite beam characteristic; data route within the network; and satellite identity.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method for satellite mobility planning for a satellite communications network for a mobile asset comprising:

processing satellite beam data to identify one or more satellite beam characteristics along or within a predetermined distance of at least a portion of a proposed mobile asset route;

processing the route beam characteristics to determine whether a data transfer requirement of the mobile asset will be met along at least a portion of the proposed route;

optionally issuing machine readable instructions to one or more computing devices to adjust a system parameter in response to the expected failure.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method for managing a satellite communications network for a mobile asset comprising:

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PCT/AU2017/051215 optionally identifying one or more locations of expected failure to meet the data transfer requirement along the route;

In another aspect, the invention provides a computer-implemented method for coverage planning for a plurality of satellites comprising:

analysing in respect of each satellite at least one beam characteristics;

comparing the said at least one beam characteristic between a plurality of said satellites;

optionally determining one or more preferred satellites;

wherein the beam characteristics comprise one or more of beam coverage area, satellite transmit/receive power, available frequencies, transmit angles to satellite and satellite network compatibility with ground stations

In another aspect, the invention provides a computer-implemented method for sensor to satellite automation comprising:

for each satellite, processing satellite beam data to identify one or more satellite beam characteristics along or within a predetermined distance of at least a portion ofa proposed mobile sensor route;

optionally determining one or more preferred sensor route(s).

In another aspect, the invention provides a computer-implemented method for radio frequency system capability modelling comprising:

analysing at least one RF performance parameter;

analysing at least one key constraint associated with a proposed SATCOM plan;

determining a model for performance based on the at least one RF performance parameter and the at least one key constraint;

wherein the analysed variables comprise one or more of: satellite power, terminal power, RF bandwidth, link power, propagation across the RF link, RF interference, noise floor, look angle, satellite antenna gain, terminal EIRP, and terminal G/T.

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The method accordingto the invention may comprise receiving data from a network node, the data comprising node health data which is optionally heartbeat network data. H eartbeat network data as described herein comprises any data sent to a processor from one or more nodes in a network which provides data on the health of the node or on an aspect of the network. In some embodiments, the system of the invention comprises a heartbeat network which is separate from the communications or data transmission network and for example exists only to relay node or network health information.

The method may comprise rendering data on a user interface and optionally providing a means for user editing of said data. The method may comprise segmenting one or more types of data.

In some embodiments, the method of the invention comprises processing multiple data variables which optionally comprise one or more of video data rate, portion of route covered, cost of satellite beam and optionally rendering one or more performance metrics, and I or geographical map-based options on a user interface.

The method of the invention may also comprise processing a plurality of proposed mobile asset routes. The method may also comprise rendering a plurality of proposed satellite beam options on a user interface for visual review by a user.

In some embodiments, the method of the invention comprises issuing an alert in response to a predetermined identified event which optionally comprises one or more of: an identified planned coverage gap, an expected failure to meet a data transfer requirement, an expected failure to meet a priority demand.

In some embodiments, the method of the invention comprises processing one or more line of sight RF parameters. The method may also comprise processing one or more VSAT parameters and / or RF-tethered RPAS parameters wherein the RF-tethered parameters comprise one or more of transmit power, frequency band used; radiofrequency propagation characteristics; minimum altitude of the RPAS, local terrain.

The method of the invention may also comprise processing weather data and optionally determining one or more of an impact and a probability of a weather condition impacting on a communication link wherein the processing optionally comprises analysis in respect of a Kuband and / or a Ka-band SATCOM service. The method may further comprise displaying potential weather impact data using a time-scrubbing user interface.

The method of the invention may comprise further processing steps which are optionally one or more of plotting, analysing, visualising and comparing alternative satellite beam coverages.

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The method may also comprise visually and quantitatively comparing the satellite transmit and receive power performance of one or more satellite-beam options.

In some embodiments, the method of the invention comprises comparing one or more of power, frequency and least cost metrics. In some embodiments the method comprises comparing one or more variables to evaluate (for example: graphically, geospatially and I or quantitatively) new satellite options that become available in future.

The method of the invention may also comprise layering one or more datasets to compare them wherein the dataset(s) optionally comprise one or more of route segments, satellite beam coverage. In some embodiments, the method of the invention comprises use of a sensor quality-level structure matched to typical ISR which is optionally: Critical-Surge, Live Operations, Background, Standby.

The method of the invention may also comprise re-planning of linked SATCOM data :pipes“to enable transport of a higher quality or lower quality video (or sensor) dataflow. In some embodiments it comprises scheduling one or more surges and in some it may comprise matching a sensor demand segment with a core constraint of a SATCOM network. In some embodiments the method of the invention comprises modelling and optionally displaying a plurality and preferably all oftheRF performance parameters and key constraints.

Throughout this specification (including any claims which follow), unless the context requires otherwise, the word xomprise¹; and variations such as xomprises'and xomprising·; will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Brief Description of the Drawings

F igure 1 provides detai I of one example of a possi ble communications architecture according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a typical sequence of tasks to fine tune the Sensor-SATCOM-RF chain according to the invention.

Figure3 depicts examplesensor risk alerts and alarms according to the invention.

Figure 4 shows the detailed parameters of what provides this Net-SA feature.

Figure 5 depicts an example process flow for processing of rain intensity and wind speed data.

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Figures 6 to 13 are example screen shots from example implementations according to the invention.

Figure 14 depicts an example set of satellite beams.

Figures 15 to 16 are example screen shots from example implementations according to the invention.

Figure 17 depicts an example process flow for processing of coverage of static GEO and Shapeable LEO satellites.

Figures 18 to 20 are example screen shots from an example implementation according to the invention.

Detailed Description

It is convenient to describe the invention herein in relation to particularly preferred embodiments. However, the invention is applicable to a wide range of embodiments and it is to be appreciated that other constructions and arrangements are also considered as falling within the scope of the invention. Various modifications, alterations, variations and or additions to the construction and arrangements described herein are also considered as falling within the ambit and scope of the present invention.

In some aspects, the invention provides a tool to plan dataflow paths utilising multiple satellites, and also to plan automation ofthe sensors that generate the dataflows. The invention provides a new method and system to quickly and dynamically optimise long-range dataflows across a secure but mobile wide-area network.

This software toolset adds interactive control and advanced planning to ISR long-distance networks.

With a more dynamic planning cycle, to suit these smaller, mobile vehicle, aircraft and ship platforms SATCOM service plans may change frequently (for example within minutes, or hourly) during critical :surge'demand times. The :agile'component ofthe mobility planning tool accordingto the invention can for example address the following planning tasks: preplanned frequency plan :profile“changes (weeks ahead); rapid same-day re-planning to tune capacity usage; fast (eg real-time, or within minutes, or same-hour) re-planning to address a signal fault; preventative power adjustments to fortify a planned power margin.

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In support of the dynamic, agile Mobility Planning cycle, live weather feeds for example for rain intensity and local wind speeds are important inputs. For example, using these weather feeds power can be adjusted to fortify the I ink power against weather fades on the RF signal. Rain Intensity, measured as a irain rate'is highest in tropical regions such as Northern Australian coastal areas, South-East Asia and adjacent seas.

Important features that greatly assist in effective planning of the satellite capacity for mobile platforms comprise:

a) Remote Control in 'near real time., (eg. less than 30 seconds), of SATCOM and Sensor communications devices on a mobile aircraft or maritime vessel. Preferably with remote control from a central Headquarters (H Q) or Network Operations Centre (NOC) site at a central, strategic location for examplefor a typicalj oint ISR mission. The central sitecould be a fixed site H Q, NOC or a relocatable site deployed NOC I Deployed H Q“ Figure 1 provides detail of one example possible communications architecture according to the invention.

b) Monitoring i n 'near real ti me. of these components, so that the 'health _ of the end-to-end satellite links can be monitored frequently and the control loop can quickly Tine tune'the RF link portion of the SATCOM service or Sensor quality mode and data throughput, especially duringvehicle(whether on land, sea or in the air) movement towards the :beam edge'of the allocated satellite beam coverage. Figure 2 shows a typical sequence of tasks to fine tune the Sensor-SATCOM-RF chain according to the invention.

c) Fully configurable Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), and Internet Protocol (IP) polling rates, parameters shared and user access constraints, so that 'management, overhead to regularly control and monitor data traffic does not reduce the data link capacity itself during operations. Priority :heartbeat“polling can continue even under a SATCOM fallback toa low-rate(< 200 kbps link speed) SATCOM RF bearer, but more detailed :diagnostic“polling may be limited to a medium-rate (200-800 kbps) SATCOM RF bearer and also over high-rate RF bearers (>1.o Mbps);

d) A 'big data, approach to Control & Monitoring activity, so that trends, history, predictive alarms, graphical link health, and automated reports can be generated, applied and analysed for improvements;

e) A display (for understanding and quick response) ofthe:Situational Awareness.'of the current satellite communications network. This is referred to as :Network Situational

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Awareness (Net-SA) herein. Figure 4 shows the detailed parameters of what provides this Net-SA feature.

f) Full integration with a 2D map (Geospatial Information System, GIS), which preferably can be viewed simultaneously with one or more of the other screens in the tool. This allows the exact mobility (position, heading, speed, attitude) of vehicles, aircraft or vessels to be fully understood, supporting faster planning decisions see for example Figure 8.

A system accordingto the invention provides one or more of the above mentioned features required in order to manage aircraft and maritime satellite communications. The system of the invention enables control management and high levels of network situational awareness to one or both of the Network Operations Centre (NOC) and Headquarters (HQ) sites and can further provide awareness dashboards to the deployed remote user. Some embodiments comprising a map-based tool enable unusually high video and wideband data quality the Network Operations Centre operator can tune for optimal utilisation across complex agile networks, and the remote user enjoys 'easy wideband satellite communications deployment, which has been elusive in the past.

Tiny, intelligent heartbeats bounce across the long-distance satellite communication backbone so the NOC Operator can watch from a 'satellite-eye view, and optimise. Real-time status pictures, multi-angle views and rapid responses are preferable to bri ng out the best performance available.

Rainstorm impact and other hour-by-hour hazards to the Satellite Network can be predicted, monitored, planned for and even re-planned when faults emerge. A workflow design addressing 'SATCOM Mobility, includes Automation and Dashboards to enable operators to both understand and respond at the speed required by vehicles, aircraft and ships. This Mobility includes the mobile nature of the vehicle, aircraft or ship, as well as the SATCOM service imobility'to be quickly shifted from satelIite-to-satellite even where completely different satellite networks and transmission frequency bands are involved.

The system of the invention may comprise one or more ofthe following functions to address one or more of these issues:

a) Workflow Design for Mobility in SATCOM (satellite communications);

i. Icons and layout to maximise Network Situational Awareness (Net-SA) through display of layered graphics, dashboards, power meters, routes, waypoints, operational areas and map-based status icons;

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PCT/AU2017/051215 ii. For fast workflow, an intuitive network browsing structure may be integrated here;

b) Combination of the following concepts to enhance :Network Situational Awareness 1

i. Big Data gathering data on a regular (for example minute-by-minute) basis, from multiple nodes (preferably every node) of the SATCOM RF network and aggregating into one repository and one common picture;

ii. Environmental near-real-time feeds for example gathering location dependant data on weather, such as rain intensity and wind speeds, then for example project!ng the data on a map-based user interface, with calculations to estimate impact on high-frequency Ku-band and Ka-band SATCOM services;

iii. Industrial Internet of Things “automation for a SATCOM-Sensor context automated heartbeats, diagnostic channels, automated health history logging, automated status readings, preferably all with security and lock-down control over Management traffic dataflow. Uni ike the general :Internet-Of-Things“(IoT) approach where 'everything is connected. - this :Industrial-IoT“or more specifically :MiIitary-IoT “approach includes designing security domains and access points for every IP datalink in the network touched bythis Mobility Planning tool;

iv. Advanced Situational Awareness with highly accurate RF signal logging (or prediction) attached to the Mobile SATCOM stations in the overall system model ideally projected on a 2D and 3D map, preferably also visualising the major constraints on SATCOM RF performance beam coverage, RF interference, planned & actual station mobility, and specific tropical weather environmental data.

c) Automation to intelligently compare and trend all signal (RF) power levels on a geographic basis, specifically where they share satellite capacity.

i. Comparing levels across a moving network of vehicles that are sharing capacity on the same satellite.

ii. Trending based on Terminal type (air-sea-land), distance from edge of satellite beam, local weather environment, recent logged signal history and equipment/device profile active.

d) Mobile SATCOM dashboard that shows other communications links off the aircraft or vessel.

i. Links to ground, links toother interest areas “a re shown and analysed here.

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PCT/AU2017/051215 ii. Full awareness of the linked communications services is important when analysing position and performance of a moving SATCOM vehicle, aircraft or ship.

e) Specific integrated iCommon Operating Picture “(COP) screen, that sits alongside the satellite coverage planning screen. This screen shows status of a selected, filterable range of SATCOM-enabled mobile systems (vehicles, ships, sites) and their data status, network status and operational status. T his COP enables fast visual isation of the SAT COM-enabled fleet for organisations where rapid-deployment and ability to respond to sudden tasking are core requirements including emergency services, law enforcement, homeland security, Government and Defence organisations etc.;

f) Future prediction of weather impact on the high-frequency SATCOM services managed with 2D and 3D modelling of larger weather patterns such as rainstorms based on live weather feeds for example of :Rai n Intensity “from weather satellites.

i. Using algorithms to predict vector motion of vehicle/ aircraft I ship, as well as the motion of the weather pattern, such as an intense rainstorm cell itself;

ii. In some cases, forecast data from external weather sources is also imported, as an additional feed “ this combines a recent history with a 'next few hours, approach which is suited to the tasking cycles in a typical Satellite Network Operations Centre, when managing long-range mobile systems;

iii. Algorithms combine weather science with SATCOM Jink power fading“concepts in an hour-by-hour manner, aligned with advanced weather satellites producing highfidelity data for cloud height, rain intensity and wind speed geographic data sets;

iv. Consideration of the power available on the moving platform can be used to determine best method to mitigate the rain fade risk “ whether a inde-through¹; an alternate plan, a planned power boost or prepared auto-fallback strategy should be employed on the network.

Example 1 “ Network Operations Centre Planner role

A Network Operations Centre Planner can plan & manage transmitted video to best quality as an Unmanned Aircraft hops from one satellite coverage to another “ even across Commercial and Military spot beam coverages. T ransitions across edge of spot coverages can be planned, watched and managed with tight alert thresholds to prompt a rapid response. This capability can increase video quality and data rates.

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Network Planning techniques according to the invention may for example comprise:

- Network heartbeats to efficiently transmit status to control points & operators

- RF link diagnostic channels to investigate anomalies and optimise

- Using fallback or alternate channels where an RF link is down, to keep :health status information constant;

- Optimising RF power usage, to boost video quality and improve data rates;

- M appi ng of current movement vectors of the remote user;

- Mapping coverage areas in detail, and with live feedback to tune and optimise;

- Situational Awareness of all corners of the mobile network;

- Rainstorm prediction, to best mitigate the impact of storm fades on RF links;

Example 2 - Satellite mobility planning for aircraft and ships

Figures 6 and 7 depict example screen shots from an example implementation of the invention. In some embodiments, the invention provides routes and waypoint planning, against layered, multi pie satellite beam coverages from multiple satellites simultaneously. This may for example comprise satellites in different constellations, from different SATCOM service providers and with different anchor stations. A planned future Route can be received by the computing device (for example inputted directly, transmitted to the computing device, imported etc) and displayed and edited on the screen. In this embodiment, waypoint locations aredisplayed in a latitude-longitude format. In some embodiments, waypoints are timestamped for example in Universal Time format. Waypoints typically represent the future :planned deployment or :planned motionpositions of one or more assets over coming periods of time, for example hours-days-weeks.

Some embodiments of the invention provide an ability to overlay a plurality of beam coverage regions and routes (land, air or sea or a combination thereof) simultaneously, to enable optimised :medium-termbeam coverage planning decisions.

In some embodiments, planned routes may be segmented, for example, for multi-stage SATCOM plans matched to satellite mobilityor the ability to operate across multiple coverage beams and multi pie satellites. Waypoint-to-waypoint segments across a route may be broken up for example in fine or coarse detail. Segments may also be matched to options for SATCOM beam coverage. Wider-area, lower data-rate beams may be considered when (best performance) spot beams do not cover the planned route segments for each asset, such as a vehicle, ship or aircraft.

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In some embodiments, a multi-variable trade-off between multiple variables such as video data rate, portion of route covered, cost of satellite beam may be undertaken. In some embodiments, simultaneous screens show graphical map-based options and also performance metrics in a filterable text-based data comparison table. Having this in a single-integrated, multi-screen tool enables fast and optimal decision making around the complex decision space for choosing satellite beam coverage;

In some embodiments, the system and method of the invention can cover multiple routes for clustered (nearby) ships and aircraft, which are commonplace on air-sea ISR or homeland security communications missions. Figure 8 is a screenshot from an example implementation and provides a visual example of this. Clusters of vehicles, ships, aircraft and portable land systems can be viewed and grouped together on the map-based screen. Satellite beam options can quickly be auditioned, to assess their coverage performance visually. Visual (person-inthe-loop) decision methods are in some environments found to be faster than algorithms due to overlayed operational constraints, operational priorities per ship/vehicle along with a level of forward planning. Where coverage has gaps for a planned route, other features of the tool according to the invention can be used to assess, plan and alert an operator to a iplanned coverage gap The tool recognises the importance of matchi ng the :SATCOM coverage performance metric to the ipri ority demand segments across a planned mission route.

In some preferred embodiments, the system and method of the invention is able to plan both SATCOM RF (radio frequency) links, as well as local Line-Of-Sight (LOS) RF links to enable the best end-to-end capability. This includes functions to simultaneously plan RF links for: SATCOM, LOS radio, intra-site ground point-to-point links, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) RF Tethers for mission data download or the :C2 datalink

In some preferred embodiments, the system and method of the invention is able to plan large Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT)-like networks and also RF-tethered Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). For example, the RF tether may be planned as a potential local LOS RF link, but with the ability to move around in a :range radiusthat considers underlying terrain when required. The RF Tether range is calculated, displayed, and re-calculated when the:RPAS minimum altitudeparameter is adjusted. This planning can be deployed to the Ground Control Station site, or reside at the NOC or H Q central operations site. The RF Tether range considers: transmit power, frequency band used; radiofrequency propagation characteristics; minimum altitude of the RPAS, local terrain (mountains).

In some preferred embodiments the system and method of the invention may estimate the impact and likelihood of weather conditions (such as tropical rain) fading the SATCOM RF link

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PCT/AU2017/051215 power, in order to prevent and minimise SATCOM service outages due to rain. Rain intensity data may be imported into the tool, for example via a secure feed from the latest weather satellites (eg. external weather bureau access). Rain intensity data is processed, to assess the impacton Ku-bandand Ka-band SATCOM services with high risk rain locations flagged for example, with colour such as red and orange heat map graphics over the map-based screens. Figure 10 and 11 depict an example screen shot of this aspect of the invention. The rain intensity, time-sensitive heat maps may be displayed on a time-scrubbing user interface, so the user can browse recent history and upcoming forecasts for weather I tropical rain intensity in the local region where SATCOM services are being planned or live monitored. See for example Figures 9 and 10.

In some preferred embodiments, other weather and associated data may also be used, for example environmental wind speed and rain intensity may be input into the system, for example from live feeds, to enable optimisation of SATCOM link availability in certain regions, for example in Northern Australia and South-East Asian tropical regions. See for example Figure 5 in which this feature is referred to as feature H “and see also Figure 11. In some implementations, both wind speed and rain intensity feeds are fully integrated and available throughout the :planning“and :automation“modules of thetool. Alerts, alarms, actionsand analysis can be automatically run from when this environmental data exceeds a chosen threshold, within an area impacting on planning SATCOM routes. Sensor data and performance can also be considered, alerted and changed when heavy wind or rain exceeds the operational specifications for various Sensor options;

Example 3 - M ulti-satellite coverage planning;

In some preferred embodiments of the system and method of the invention, there is provided the ability to plot, analyse, visualise and compare alternative satellite beam coverages whether they be Military or Commercial satellite capacity. See for example Figure 17 in which this feature is referred to as FeatureJ. In some embodiments, the system and method comprise the ability to simultaneously compare one or more of beam coverage areas, satellite transmit/receive power, available frequencies, transmit angles to satellite and also satellite network compatibility with ground stations.

Some embodiments of the invention provide the ability to visually and quantitively compare the satellite transmit and receive power performance of the various satellite-beam options available at a given planned set of locations or routes. Figure 12 provides an example screen

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PCT/AU2017/051215 shot of this aspect of the invention. The SATCOM transmit and receive power may be automatically modelled and displayed per option considered, when selecting beam coverage for a given location or route segment. These power levels and comparison to performance thresholds can be made available throughout the planning and automation modules of the tool. According to this embodiment, Power to Beam Coverage to Video Performance trade-offs are able to be made readily and a enable user to reach the optimal SATCOM and Sensor plan.

Some embodiments comprise the ability to simultaneously compare power, frequency and least cost metrics as decision support to the satellite beam coverage selection for a ship or aircraft. See for example Figure 13. The fol lowing metrics of satellite beam selection can be quickly assessed, with automatic calculations and automatic comparisons: distance-to-edge of beam, power gain, lease costs, visual coverage of route segment.

Some embodiments of the invention provide comparison features to evaluate (for example: graphically, geospatially and I or quantitatively) new satellite options that become available in future, where likely GEO (Geostationary orbit), MEO (medium earth orbit) and LEO (low earth orbit) and other non-circular satellite coverages can be quickly modelled within the tool, to estimate the end-to-end SATCOM performanceof a site using a new satellite constellation.

Some embodiments of the invention provide map-based layering features to comparea SATCOM terminal fleets planned set of routes, with multiple steerable beam coverages, including :what-if“analysis if the beam was steered to another region.

Some embodiments provide map-based layering features to generate inputs (routes, locations & operation areas) from a companion satellite antenna plotting“tool. See for example Figure 15. Geographic areas can be imported, generated, modified and prepared (sketchpad) to or from another external satellite coverage planning tool “ These areas can be polygon areas, route segments, vectors, multi-waypoint routes or simple clusters of point locations.

In some embodiments there are provided layering features to display the results of a satellite antenna plotting tool'to plan electronically shaped coverage beams also showing individual SATCOM terminals and their resulting SATCOM services.

Example 4 - Sensor-to-SATCOM automation;

In some embodiments of the invention, both satellite beam coverages and route segments for Sensor missions can beoverlayed, compared and simultaneously planned. See for example, Figure 16.

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Along a ship or aircraft planned route, segments can be flagged to enable specific monitoring and automated alarms for the quality level ofthe returning sensor data. See for example Figure 19. Sensor quality-level requirementscan be generated, plotted and visualised as part ofthe SATCOM planning process.

In some embodiments, a simple sensor quality-level structure matched to typical ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance) operations is employed, such as: Critical-Surge, Live Operations, Background, Standby). A simple structure such as this can be employed to potentially conserve valuable satellite bandwidth when the mission demand is not there. See Figure 16.

In some preferred embodiments, there is provided a rapid, dynamic, re-planning of linked SATCOM data :pipes“to enable transport of a higher quality or lower quality video (or sensor) dataflow. See for example, Figure 18. Preferred embodiments enable importing, displaying and visualising the evolving ISR sensor requirements, broken up per route segment, if need be.

Some preferred embodiments enable editing and tagging the segmented sensor requirements (demand) to show operational data 4-level priorities such as Critical-Surge, Live Operations, Background, Standby. See for example Figure 2 in which this feature is referred to as :Feature X “. In this case, Sensor requirements can be mapped to SATCOM bearer performance-levels, for example:

CRITICAL-SURGE = High-rateSATCOM segment;

LIVE OPERATIONS = Mid-rateSATCOM segment;

BACKGROUND = only Low-rateSATCOM needed;

STANDBY = 'periodic RF Comms., in caseSATCOM activation is needed;

This approach ensures that the Management System'is always running;

By running scalable SATCOM, the satellite capacity can be shared amongst other vehicles, ships and aircraft in the fleet. Aircraft typically use a high level of satellite :power capacity “so are very important to optimise. This method allows H D full-motion video from multiple aircraft, by scheduling the surges with automation assistance. See Fig. 16 for an example of highlighted Sensor segments and matching to SATCOM beam examples. See Fig 2 for the workflow support included. See also Figure 17.

Some preferred embodiments provide features to match the :sensor demand “segments with the core constraints ofthe SATCOM network, being Beam Coverage; RF Interference; Mobility

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Routes (per platform) and mapped Environmental Hazards (intense rain, high winds, forecast higher sea state zones). See for example Figure 20.

Some embodiments comprise the ability to automate, alert and auto-change a profile change in both SATCOM datarate and Sensor Quality mode (including bandwidth demand). This includes automating both the :data source“(being the Sensor) and also the :Data bearer “(being the SATCOM service for example over the SATCOM RF link). See for example Figure 19.

Example5-RF System Capability Modelling

In some embodiments of the invention, there is provided the ability to model and display many and preferably all ofthe RF performance parameters and key constraints, in a singleenvironmentsoftwaretool, enables highest efficiency SATCOM plans. These comprise for example: satellite power, terminal power, RF bandwidth, link power, propagation across the RF link, RF interference, noise floor. Look angles, satellite antenna gain, terminal EIRP, terminal G/T are all modelled as part of this, to allow analysis and automated calculations across the RF environment.

In some embodiments, RF Interference can be modelled either point, area or movi ng vector; as well as antenna masks and radiation pattern angles. The following interferers can for example be modelled here in the core tool:

Point interferer (specific angles);

Movi ng vector interferer (tube and moving emitted);

Area interference (zone);

Specific, directional antenna interferer;

With each ofthe above modelled in air-ground or ground-space configurations. See for example Figure20.

In some embodiments, mobility ofthe air-sea platform is modelled accurately on a 2D map interface with the ability to quickly sketch or plot modified paths and :Plan B routes “with accurate Geospatial Information System (GIS) features integrated, plus the ability to quickly sketch or plot modified paths and :Plan B routes Preferably this embodiment has the ability to automatically calculate distances, nearest coastal towns, distance to maritime boundaries and other basic GIS calculations is all fully integrated into the fleet map view of this tool.

Claims

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for managing a satellite communications network for a plurality of mobile assets comprising:

receiving satellite beam data in relation to a predetermined satellite, the data comprising one or more of beam type; beam location and beam data transfer rate which is optionally a calculated beam data transfer rate;

receiving data from a network node, the data comprising node health data;

receiving data from a mobile asset, the data comprising one or more of, planned route, location and heading data, the mobile asset data being optionally input by a user;

receiving a data transfer requirement in respect of the mobile asset;

processi ng the received mobile asset data to determine a projected route of the mobile asset;

processing the satellite beam data to identify one or more satellite beam characteristics along or within a predetermined distance of the route;

processing the network node data to determine predicted network health along the route;

processing the route beam characteristics and the route network health data to determine whether the data transfer requirement will be met along at least a portion of the route;

optionally identifying one or more locations of expected failure to meet the data transfer requirement along the route;

optionally issuing machine readable instructions to one or more computing devices to adjust a system parameter in response to the expected failure;

wherein the adjusted system parameter comprises one or more of mobile asset route; a satellite beam characteristic; data route within the network; and satellite identity.
2. A computer-implemented method for satellite mobility planningfor a satellite communications network for a mobile asset comprising:

processing satellite beam data to identify one or more satellite beam characteristics along or within a predetermined distance of at least a portion ofa proposed mobileasset route;

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PCT/AU2017/051215 processing the route beam characteristics to determine whether a data transfer requirement of the mobile asset will be met along at least a portion of the proposed route;

optionally identifying one or more locations of expected failure to meet the data transfer requirement along the route;

optionally issuing machine readable instructions to one or more computing devices to adjust a system parameter in response to the expected failure.
3. A computer-implemented method for managing a satellite communications network for a mobile asset comprising:

processing satellite beam data to identify one or more satellite beam characteristics along or within a predetermined distance of at least a portion ofa proposed mobileasset route;

processing the route beam characteristics to determine whether a data transfer requirement of the mobileasset will be met along at least a portion of the proposed route;

optionally identifying one or more locations of expected failure to meet the data transfer requirement along the route;

optionally issuing machine readable instructions to one or more computing devices to adjust a system parameter in response to the expected failure.
4. A computer-implemented method for coverage planning for a plurality of satellites comprising:

analysing in respect of each satellite at least one beam characteristics;

comparing the said at least one beam characteristic between a plurality of said satellites;

optionally determining one or more preferred satellites;

wherein the beam characteristics comprise one or more of beam coverage area, satellite transmit/receive power, available frequencies, transmit angles to satellite and satellite network compatibility with ground stations
5. A computer-implemented method for sensor to satellite automation comprising:

for each satellite, processing satellite beam data to identify one or more satellite beam characteristics along or within a predetermined distance of at least a portion ofa proposed mobile sensor route;

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PCT/AU2017/051215 comparing the said at least one beam characteristic between a plurality of said satellites; optionally determining one or more preferred sensor route(s).
6. A computer-implemented method for radio frequency system capability modelling comprising:

analysing at least one RF performance parameter;

analysing at least one key constraint associated with a proposed SATCOM plan;

determining a model for performance based on the at least one RF performance parameter and the at least one key constraint;

wherein the analysed variables comprise one or more of: satellite power, terminal power, RF bandwidth, link power, propagation across the RF link, RF interference, noise floor, look angle, satellite antenna gain, terminal EIRP, and terminal G/T.
7. A method according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 comprising receiving data from a network node, the data comprising node health data which is optionally heartbeat network data.
8. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising rendering data on a user interface and optionally providing a means for user editing of said data.
9. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising segmenting one or more types of data.
10. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising processing multi pie data variables which optionally comprise one or more of video data rate, portion of route covered, cost of satellite beam and optionally rendering one or more performance metrics, and I or geographical map-based options on a user interface.
11. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising processinga plurality of proposed mobile asset routes.
12. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising rendering a plurality of proposed satellite beam options on a user interface for visual review by a user.
13. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to6 comprising issuingan alert in responsetoa predetermined identified event which optionally comprises one or more of: an identified planned coverage gap, an expected failure to meet a data transfer requirement, an expected failure to meet a priority demand.

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14. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising processing one or more line of sight RF parameters.
15. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising processing one or moreVSAT parameters and I or RF-tethered RPAS parameters wherein the RF-tethered parameters comprise one or more of transmit power, frequency band used; radiofrequency propagation characteristics; minimum altitude of the RPAS, local terrain.
16. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising processing weather data and optionally determining one or more of an impact and a probability of a weather condition impacting on a communication link wherein the processing optionally comprises analysis in respect of a Ku-band and / or a Ka-band SATCOM service.
17. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising displaying potential weather impact data using a time-scrubbing user interface.
18. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising further processing steps which are optionally one or more of plotting, analysing, visualising and comparing alternative satellite beam coverages.
19. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising visually and quantitatively comparing the satellite transmit and receive power performance of one or more satellitebeam options.
20. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising comparing one or more of power, frequency and least cost metrics.
21. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising comparing one or more variables to evaluate (for example: graphically, geospatially and I or quantitatively) new satellite options that become available in future.
22. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising layering one or more datasets to compare them wherein the dataset(s) optionally comprise one or more of route segments, satellite beam coverage.
23. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising useof a sensor quality-level structure matched to typical ISR which is optionally: Critical-Surge, Live Operations, Background, Standby.

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24. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising re-planning of linked SATCOM data ipipes'to enable transport of a higher quality or lower quality video (or sensor) data flow.
25. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising scheduling one or more surges.

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26. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising matching a sensor demand segment with a core constraint of a SATCOM network.
27. A method accordingto any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising modelling and optionally displaying a plurality and preferably all oftheRF performance parametersand key constraints.