KR20240053274A - Base station for aerial network and method for determining cell coverage for covering upper area thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of determining a cell area covering the airspace of a base station for an airspace network according to an embodiment is performed by the base station for an airspace network, comprising the steps of acquiring signal information about a signal generated from an adjacent base station for an airspace network, and the obtained Based on signal information, it is performed including the step of determining that one of a cell area provided by an adjacent base station for the airspace network and a cell area provided by the base station for the airspace network covers the airspace of the base station for the airspace network.

Description

Base station for airspace network and method of determining cell area covering the airspace {BASE STATION FOR AERIAL NETWORK AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING CELL COVERAGE FOR COVERING UPPER AREA THEREOF}

The present invention relates to a base station for an airspace network and a method for determining a cell area covering the airspace thereof.

Recently, interest in urban air mobility (UAM) has been increasing, especially in developed countries. Korea has also conducted a comprehensive demonstration of Korean-style urban air traffic and is nearing commercialization.

According to the Korean urban air transportation technology roadmap, the operating altitude of the UAM aircraft is expected to be approximately 300 to 600 meters, the maximum operating speed is expected to be approximately 320 km/h, and it is expected to be operated along a designated operating route.

A base station for the airspace network will be installed on the UAM aircraft's flight route to support data transmission and reception services for the UAM aircraft.

Antennas are installed at these airspace network base stations. At this time, the antenna can be installed or implemented by tilting up at a predetermined angle.

When the antenna is installed or implemented with a tilt-up like this, various factors must be considered in the design of the airspace network. For example, due to the tilted angle of the antenna, the upper area of the airspace network base station can be designed to be covered not by the airspace network base station, but by the airspace network adjacent base station (cell area) adjacent to the airspace network base station. .

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2011-0014239, published on February 10, 2011.

The problem to be solved according to one embodiment is that, in a situation where the cell area of the adjacent base station for the airspace network is designed to cover the upper area of the base station for the airspace network, the actual network quality in the 'airspace of the base station for the airspace network' is If the cell area of adjacent base stations for the airspace network does not reach the level intended at the time of design, this may include proposing a solution.

However, the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems to be solved that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below. will be.

A method of determining a cell area covering the airspace of a base station for an airspace network according to a first aspect is performed by the base station for an airspace network, and includes the steps of acquiring signal information about a signal generated from an adjacent base station for an airspace network, the acquisition Based on the signal information, it is performed including the step of determining that one of a cell area provided by an adjacent base station for the airspace network and a cell area provided by the base station for the airspace network covers the airspace of the base station for the airspace network.

The base station for the airspace network according to the second aspect includes a memory storing at least one command, a communication unit, and a processor. Here, by executing the at least one command by the processor, signal information about a signal generated from a neighboring base station for the airspace network is acquired, and based on the obtained signal information, the airspace of the base station for the airspace network is, It is determined to be covered by either a cell area provided by an adjacent base station for the network or a cell area provided by the base station for the airspace network.

According to one embodiment, even if the network quality in the airspace of the airspace base station does not reach the level intended at the time of design due to the cell area of the adjacent base station for the airspace network, the cell area of the airspace network base station covers the airspace. , network quality at the same or close to the level at the time of design can be obtained.

In addition, even when the network quality in the sky changes over time during the operation of the airspace network base station, the network quality of the airspace network base station can be managed or maintained by changing the cell area covering the airspace of the airspace network base station. there is.

Through this, the aircraft can communicate smoothly through the airspace network base station.

In Figure 1, the cell area covered by each of a plurality of base stations for the airspace network is shown as an example.
Figure 2 is an exemplary configuration diagram of a base station for an airspace network according to an embodiment.
Figure 3 exemplarily shows the characteristics of the mainlobe beam and sidelobe beam of the antenna of the airspace network base station.
FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method for determining a cell area covering the airspace of a base station for an airspace network according to an embodiment.
Figure 5 exemplarily shows a flowchart of a procedure for setting a basic beam of a base station for an airspace network according to an embodiment.
FIG. 6 exemplarily shows a flowchart of a procedure for changing the basic beam of a base station for an airspace network, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 7 exemplarily shows a detailed flowchart for some of the procedures in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6.

The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become clear with reference to the embodiments described below along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. The present embodiments are merely provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to be understood by those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to fully inform those who have the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, and the present invention will be described in detail.

The terms used in the present invention are general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the functions in the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person working in the art, the emergence of new technology, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the name of the term.

When it is said that a part 'includes' a certain element throughout the specification, this means that it does not exclude other elements, but may further include other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Additionally, the term 'unit' used in the specification refers to software or hardware components such as FPGA or ASIC, and the 'unit' performs certain roles. However, 'wealth' is not limited to software or hardware. The 'part' may be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium and may be configured to run on one or more processors. Therefore, as an example, 'part' refers to components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, properties, procedures, Includes subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided within the components and 'parts' may be combined into a smaller number of components and 'parts' or may be further separated into additional components and 'parts'.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. In order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the description are omitted.

In Figure 1, the cell area covered by each of a plurality of base stations for the airspace network is shown as an example.

Referring to Figure 1, three airspace network base stations (100A to 100C) are deployed. These airspace network base stations (100A to 100C) may be arranged along the flight route of the aircraft. At this time, it will be explained below on the premise that one base station for the airspace network may be an 'adjacent' base station for the airspace network with respect to another base station for the airspace network.

Here, the aircraft may include various things. For example, the UAM aircraft is an example of the above-described aircraft, but is not limited thereto.

The operating altitude of these aircraft may be about 300 meters to 600 meters. Considering this, these base stations for airspace networks (100A to 100C) can provide airspace networks at these operating altitudes. Of course, the operating altitude of the aircraft and the altitude or height of the airspace network provided are not limited to the above-mentioned range.

The upper area of each airspace network base station (100A to 100C) is designed to be covered by the cell area (or cell coverage) of the adjacent airspace network base station at the time of design. Looking at Figure 1, the airspace of the second airspace network base station (100B) is designed to be covered by the cell area (102A) of the first airspace network base station (100A), and the airspace of the third airspace network base station (100C) is designed to cover the second airspace network base station (100C). It is designed to cover the cell area (102B) of the airspace network base station (100B). Here, the drawing shows that the airspace of one airspace network base station is covered by the cell area of another airspace network base station, but this is merely an example. For example, of course, the airspace of one airspace network base station may be covered by the cell areas of at least two airspace network base stations, and this premise can also be applied to each embodiment to be described below.

The above-mentioned design characteristics of the airspace network base station are the result of the antenna of each airspace network base station (100A to 100C) being tilted up at a predetermined angle relative to the horizon so that it faces the sky above the adjacent airspace network base station. As shown in FIG. 1, with the antenna tilted up in this way, the beam from each antenna is transmitted at a predetermined angle relative to the horizon so as to be directed toward the sky above the adjacent base station for the airspace network (101A, 101B, 101C).

Hereinafter, let's look at the network quality in the airspace of each airspace network base station (100A to 100C), assuming that the airspace is designed to be covered by the cell area of the adjacent airspace base station.

In general, when designing the cell area of an adjacent base station for the airspace network to cover the airspace of the base station for the airspace network, the distance between the base station for the airspace network and the adjacent base station for the airspace network and the tilt-up angle of the antenna provided in the adjacent base station for the airspace network are considered. do.

However, the actual airspace network may be constructed differently from the design intention. For example, the actual distance between a base station for the airspace network and an adjacent base station for the airspace network may be longer than the distance intended in the design. Alternatively, the actual tilt-up angle of the antenna provided in an adjacent base station for the airspace network may be different from the angle intended in the design. In this case, the network quality in the sky of the airborne network base station may not reach the level intended at the time of design.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, even in this case, a technology can be provided that ensures that the network quality in the sky of the airspace network base station is the same or close to the level intended at the time of design. Below, we will look at base stations for air and air networks to provide this technology.

Figure 2 is an exemplary configuration diagram of a base station for an airspace network according to an embodiment. Before explaining FIG. 2, it is assumed that the airspace network base station 100 and its configurations 110 to 130 shown in FIG. 2 can be applied to the airspace network base stations 100A to 100C shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 2, the base station 100 for the airspace network includes a communication unit 110, a memory 120, and a processor 130. However, the configuration diagram shown in FIG. 2 is merely illustrative, and the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the configuration diagram shown in FIG. 2. For example, the base station 100 for the airspace network may include at least one configuration not shown in FIG. 2 or may not include at least one configuration shown in FIG. 2 .

The communication unit 110 can be implemented using a wired or wireless communication module. The base station 100 for the airspace network can communicate with the aircraft through this communication unit 110. In addition, the airspace network base station 100 may communicate with other airspace network base stations through the communication unit 110.

The memory 120 can be implemented by a medium that stores information. These media include, but are not limited to, ROM or RAM.

This memory 120 stores data or at least one instruction executable by the processor 130, which will be described below.

Processor 130 may be implemented by a processing device having at least one core. For example, the processor 130 may be implemented to include at least one CPU or GPU.

The processor 130 can control the communication unit 110. Additionally, the processor 130 can read the above-described data or instructions stored in the memory 120, and can also write new data or instructions into the memory 120. Additionally, the processor 130 can modify or delete already recorded data or instructions.

The processor 130 allows the airspace network base station 100 to perform various functions. To this end, the processor 130 may execute at least one instruction stored in the memory 120. Hereinafter, we will look at various functions that can be performed by the processor 130 in the airspace network base station 100.

The airspace network base station 100 selects, by the processor 130, a basic beam to be used in the airspace network base station 100 from beams that can be provided by the airspace network base station 100. Here, the basic beam refers to the beam used by the airspace network base station 100 for communication with the aircraft.

Each of the beams that can be selected as basic beams has different characteristics that distinguish them from each other. For example, each beam may have a different gain, or the covering angle (an angle measured based on a predetermined reference direction) may be different. Beams distinguished from each other by characteristics include, for example, mainlobe beams and sidelobe beams, but are not limited thereto. However, the following specification will be explained on the premise that beams that can be selected as basic beams include the main leaf beam and the secondary leaf beam.

The angles covering the main leaf beam and the secondary leaf beam are different. Specifically, based on the tilt-up angle of the antenna provided in the airspace network base station 100, the side-lobe beam covers a wider angle than the main-lobe beam. In other words, the main lobe beam is generally oriented centrally in the antenna's tilt-up direction, while the side-lobe beams are oriented at higher or lower angles relative to the antenna's tilt-up direction (or relative to the angle covered by the main lobe beam).

Through Figure 3, it can be seen that the cover angles of the main leaf beam and the secondary leaf beam are different from each other. Looking at the beam shown as a solid line in FIG. 3, the main leaf beam included therein covers from 330 degrees to 30 degrees based on the tilt-up angle of the antenna provided in the airspace network base station 100, while the side leaf beam covers 310 degrees. Covers approximately 50 degrees. Looking at the beam shown in dotted lines, the main lobe beam included therein covers 350 degrees to 5 degrees based on the tilt-up angle of the antenna provided in the airspace network base station 100, while the side lobe beam covers 330 degrees to 310 degrees. Covers between degrees and between 15 and 30 degrees. Of course, the cover angles of the main leaf beam and the secondary leaf beam are not limited to those shown in FIG. 3.

When the base station 100 for the airspace network uses side lobe beams as the basic beam, the network quality provided by the base station 100 for the airspace network tends to be good when the separation distance from the base station 100 for the airspace network is relatively not far. There is.

In other words, when the base station 100 for the airspace network uses the sidelobe beam as the basic beam, in places where the separation distance from the base station 100 for the airspace network is not relatively far due to the wide coverage angle range of the sidelobe beam, the network quality due to the sidelobe beam This locally good point exists widely.

Considering the characteristics of each beam, let's look at the case where the basic beam of the airspace network base station 100 is selected as the main leaf beam and the case where the basic beam is selected as the side leaf beam.

First, this is the case where the main leaf beam is selected as the basic beam. According to the design of the base station 100 for the airspace network, the main lobe beam is selected, so that the cell area provided by the base station 100 for the airspace network covers the airspace of the adjacent base station for the airspace network adjacent to the airspace network, not the airspace itself. I do it. In addition, the airspace of the corresponding airspace network base station 100 is covered by the cell area of another adjacent airspace network base station. In other words, communication is performed in the airspace of the airspace network base station 100 by the above-mentioned 'another adjacent base station for the airspace network' (=the serving cell base station of the airspace network base station 100 is 'another adjacent base station for the airspace network'.

In contrast, this is the case where the side lobe beam is selected as the basic beam. Because of the above-described characteristics of the side lobe beam, the sky above the base station 100 for the airspace network is covered by the cell area of the base station 100 for the airspace network. In other words, communication is performed in the airspace of the airspace network base station 100 (=the serving cell base station of the airspace network base station 100 is the airspace network base station 100).

That is, according to one embodiment, the base station for the airspace network can select one of the main leaf beam and the side leaf beam as the basic beam.

In addition, by this selection, the cell area of the base station for the airspace network can cover the airspace of the adjacent base station for the airspace network (main leaf beam selection) or cover the airspace of the base station for the airspace network (side leaf beam selection).

Looking at this based on the airspace of the airspace network base station, the airspace of the airspace network base station is covered by the cell area of the airspace network base station (side-leaf beam selection, serving cell base station is the airspace network base station) or by the cell area of the airspace network adjacent base station. Cover (main leaf beam selection, serving cell base station can be adjacent base station for airspace network).

Hereinafter, let's look at the parameters that the airspace network base station 100 considers in the process of selecting a basic beam by the processor 120.

The base station 100 for the airspace network may consider various parameters when selecting a basic beam by the processor 120.

These parameters may include signal information (or signal strength) from an adjacent base station for the airspace network that is designed to cover the airspace of the base station 100 for the airspace network. Specifically, if the result of a signal generated from an adjacent base station for the airspace network measured in the sky above the base station 100 for the airspace network is referred to as signal information, such signal information may be included in the above-described parameters.

Here, this signal information may be obtained in various ways.

For example, signal information may be measured by a device dedicated to obtaining such signal information.

In contrast, signal information may be obtained from a feedback report generated from an aircraft above the airspace network base station 100. Looking at this in detail, an aircraft in the sky above the airspace network base station 100 can receive signals not only from the airspace network base station 100, but also from an adjacent airspace network base station designed to cover the airspace of the airspace network base station 100. there is. The aircraft can generate a feedback report using information about the received signal. In addition, the feedback report generated in this way can be transmitted from the aircraft to the base station 100 for the airspace network or an adjacent base station for the airspace network.

The above-mentioned parameters may include the separation distance between the base station 100 for the airspace network and an adjacent base station for the airspace network designed to cover the airspace of the base station 100 for the airspace network. This separation distance may be measured at the time of design or actual construction of the airspace network base station, but is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, let's look at a specific 'method' in which the airspace network base station 100 considers the above-mentioned parameters when selecting a basic beam by the processor 120. However, the methods described below are merely illustrative, and methods different from the methods described below are not excluded from the embodiments of the present invention.

In the first scheme, the above-described signal information can be taken into account. For example, if the above-described signal information (signal size) is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the side lobe beam may be selected as the basic beam, otherwise, the main lobe beam may be selected.

In the second scheme, the above-mentioned separation distance can be taken into account. For example, if the above-described separation distance is greater than a predetermined threshold, the side leaf beam may be selected as the basic beam, otherwise, the main leaf beam may be selected.

In the third method, each of the above-described signal information and separation distance can be considered. For example, if the above-mentioned signal information (signal size) is less than the predetermined threshold and the above-mentioned separation distance is greater than the threshold, the side lobe beam is selected as the basic beam, and the above-described signal information (signal size) is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold. Alternatively, if the above-described separation distance is less than the threshold, the main leaf beam may be selected as the basic beam.

In the following, the cell area of the adjacent base station for the airspace network was designed to cover the airspace of the base station for the airspace network, but in the actual airspace network, it was constructed differently from what was designed, and therefore the network quality in the sky above the base station for the airspace network, that is, the adjacent base station for the airspace network In a situation where the network quality in the sky provided by the cell area does not reach the level intended at the time of design, the function or operation performed by the base station 100 for the airspace network according to an embodiment through the processor 120 Let's take a look.

First, the base station 100 for the airspace network acquires signal information about signals generated from adjacent base stations for the airspace network through the communication unit 110. The signal information obtained here is a result measured in the sky above the airspace network base station 100. The above-described method is used to obtain this signal information.

Then, the base station 100 for the airspace network selects a basic beam to be used in the base station 100 for the airspace network through the processor 120. Selectable beams include main leaf beams and side leaf beams, but are not limited thereto, as described above.

Here, various parameters may be considered in the process of selecting this basic beam. For example, assuming that an airspace network is actually constructed, the signal size resulting from measurement in the sky above the airspace network base station 100 for signals generated from adjacent base stations for the airspace network can be considered. Of course, the separation distance between the adjacent base station for the airspace network and the base station 100 for the airspace network can also be considered.

If this signal size is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the network quality in the sky of the airborne network base station 100 does not reach the level intended at the time of design.

In this case, according to one embodiment, the airspace network base station 100 selects, through the processor 120, a side lobe beam rather than the main leaf beam as the basic beam of the airspace network base station 100. By selecting the side lobe beam, the airspace of the base station 100 for the airspace network is no longer covered by the cell area of the base station 100 for the airspace network, rather than the cell area of the adjacent base station for the airspace network. In addition, these side-lobe beams have the characteristic of having a larger coverage angle compared to the main-leaf beam, and the RSRP has the maximum value at a short distance. Therefore, compared to the case where the airspace of the base station 100 for the airspace network is covered by the cell area of the adjacent base station for the airspace network, relatively high network quality (or a level intended at the time of design or a level close to it) can be obtained.

That is, according to one embodiment, even if the network quality in the airspace of the airspace network base station does not reach the level intended at the time of design due to the cell area of the adjacent base station for the airspace network, the cell area of the airspace network base station covers the airspace. By doing so, network quality at the same or close to the level at the time of design can be obtained. Through this, the aircraft can smoothly communicate with the airspace network base station.

Below, we will look at other functions or operations performed by the airspace network base station 100 through the processor 120.

The airspace network base station 100 may, through the processor 120, maintain the cell area determined to cover the airspace of the airspace network base station 100, or change from one cell area to another.

Specifically, after the basic beam is selected, it is necessary to continuously or periodically check whether the network quality in the sky of the airborne network base station 100 is at the level intended at the time of design. In the check process, signal information resulting from measurements in the sky of the airspace network base station 100 for signals generated from each of the airspace network base station 100 and adjacent airspace network base stations may be used, but is not limited to this. .

If it is determined that the network quality in the sky of the airspace network base station 100 does not reach the level intended at the time of design, the cell area covering the airspace may be changed from one to another. We will look at the process and conditions for determining whether or not to change in more detail later.

That is, according to one embodiment, the base station for the airspace network can not only determine the cell area covering the airspace of the base station for the airspace network, but also, even after this decision, by changing the cell area covering the airspace of the base station for the airspace network, The network quality of the base station can be managed or maintained. Therefore, even when the network quality of the airspace network base station changes over time, the aircraft can smoothly communicate through the airspace network base station.

So far, we have looked at the base station 100 for an airspace network according to an embodiment. Below, we will look at a method of determining the cell area for the airspace of the airspace network base station 100, which is performed by the airspace network base station 100.

First, FIG. 4 exemplarily shows a flowchart of a method for determining a cell area for the airspace of a base station for an airspace network according to an embodiment. Here, this flow chart is merely illustrative, and the spirit of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, depending on the embodiment, each step may be performed in a different order from that shown in FIG. 4, or at least one step not shown in FIG. 4 may be additionally performed, or at least one of the steps shown in FIG. 4 may not be performed. Maybe not.

Referring to FIG. 4, a step (S100) of acquiring signal information about a signal generated from an adjacent base station for the airspace network is performed. Here, the adjacent base station for the airspace network may be an adjacent base station designed to cover the airspace of the base station 100 for the airspace network among a plurality of adjacent base stations for the airspace network, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the signal information obtained here is a result measured in the sky above the airspace network base station 100. At this time, the previously described method of acquiring signal information will be used, and description will be omitted here.

Next, a step (S200) of determining a cell area to cover the airspace of the airspace network base station 100 is performed. This step S200 will be examined in more detail with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart of step S200 shown in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 5, the signal information obtained in S100 is compared with a predetermined threshold (S210). Depending on the embodiment, in this step (S210), the separation distance between the base station 100 for the airspace network and an adjacent base station for the airspace network designed to cover the airspace of the base station 100 for the airspace network may be additionally considered. The comparison method with the threshold value of signal information or the comparison method with the threshold value of the separation distance is decided to use the three methods discussed above, that is, the method in which the airspace network base station 100 considers parameters when selecting the basic beam, The description will be omitted here.

According to the comparison result in S210, the basic beam of the airspace network base station 100 is determined to be one of the main leaf beam and the side leaf beam (S220, S230). For example, if the signal information of the adjacent base station for the airspace network is greater than the threshold, the main lobe beam is selected as the basic beam of the base station for the airspace network (S220). In addition, the airspace of the airspace network base station 100 at this time is determined to be covered by the cell area of the adjacent airspace network base station (S221). In contrast, if the signal information of the adjacent base station for the airspace network is below the threshold, the side lobe beam is selected as the basic beam of the base station for the airspace network (S230). In addition, the airspace of the airspace network base station 100 at this time is determined to be covered by the cell area of the airspace network base station 100 (S231). Here, the method of comparing the signal information of adjacent base stations for the airspace network and the threshold is only an example, and other methods are not excluded.

Once the basic beam is determined in this way and the cell area covering the sky above the airspace network base station 100 is determined, communication is performed in the sky above the airspace network base station 100. In addition, the network quality in the sky of the airspace network base station 100 is checked periodically or continuously. This will be examined in more detail in Figures 6 and 7.

FIG. 6 exemplarily shows a flowchart of a procedure for changing the basic beam of a base station for an airspace network, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, communication is performed in the sky above the airspace network base station 100 (S300). Communication at this time is performed by a cell area determined to cover the airspace of the airspace network base station 100.

Then, from now on, it is determined whether to maintain or change the cell area covering the airspace of the airspace network base station 100, that is, whether change is necessary (S400).

If it is determined that a change is necessary (S500), the cell area determined to cover the airspace of the airspace network base station 100 may be changed from one to another (S600). In contrast, if it is determined that no change is necessary (S500), the procedures from S300 to S300 shown in FIG. 6 are performed.

Then, in the following steps S400, S500, and S600 shown in FIG. 6, that is, the need to change the cell area covering the airspace of the airspace network base station 100 is determined, and if change is necessary, change is performed. If not, change is performed. Let's look at the maintenance procedure in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 7 exemplarily shows a detailed flowchart for some of the procedures in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 7, first, it is checked whether it is possible to obtain location information of the aircraft (S410).

If the location information of the aircraft can be estimated, for example, if a GPS device is attached to the aircraft, the location information of the aircraft can be obtained (S420), and therefore, the aircraft is in the sky above the airspace network base station 100. It can be determined whether it exists or not.

In contrast, there may not be a means to directly provide location information of the aircraft. In this case, the location information of the aircraft must first be estimated in various ways. One of the estimation methods is to use the information on the handover history of the aircraft between the base station 100 for the airspace network and the adjacent base station for the airspace network (S430). Specifically, the location of the aircraft may be determined depending on the time when the aircraft handovers between an adjacent base station for the airspace network and the base station 100 for the airspace network and the type of beam used in the base station 100 for the airspace network. Let’s look at it in more detail below.

First, this is a case where the side lobe beam of the airspace network base station 100 is selected as the basic beam. In this case, if a predetermined time has elapsed toward the future from the time the aircraft is handed over from an adjacent base station for the airspace network to the base station 100 for the airspace network, it is presumed that the aircraft is in the airspace of the base station 100 for the airspace network ( S431).

In contrast, let's look at a case where the airspace network base station 100 selects the main leaf beam as the basic beam. In this case, it is presumed that the aircraft was in the airspace of the airspace network base station 100 within a predetermined period of time facing past from the time the aircraft handed over from an adjacent base station for the airspace network to the base station 100 for the airspace network (S431).

In this way, if the aircraft is estimated to be or has been in the sky above the airspace network base station 100, a feedback report at the estimated time can be received from the aircraft. In this feedback report, information about signals received when the aircraft is above the airspace network base station 100 is recorded. For example, in this report, signal information for each signal of the adjacent base station for the airspace network and the base station for the airspace network 100, which is the result of measurement by an aircraft in the sky above the airspace network base station 100, is recorded (S440).

Then, the airspace network base station 100 can check the network quality in the sky above the airspace network base station 100 using these signal information through the processor 120, and then determine whether to change or maintain the cell area. (S500). In this S500, the results may be different depending on whether the basic beam of the airspace network base station 100 is the side leaf beam or the main leaf beam. Hereinafter, we will look at S500 for each case.

<When the primary beam of the airspace network base station is selected as the side-lobe beam>

In this case, the airspace of the airspace network base station 100 is covered by the cell area of the airspace network base station 100. From the feedback report in this case, signal information above the base station 100 for the airspace network can be obtained for signals generated from each of the base station 100 for the airspace network and adjacent base stations for the airspace network.

(Case 1) Measured signal strength of adjacent base station for airspace network < Threshold & Measured signal strength of base station for airspace network > Threshold: The cell area covering the airspace of the base station for airspace network (100) is maintained as the cell area of the base station for airspace network. .

(Case 2) Measured signal strength of adjacent base station for airspace network ≥ threshold & Measured signal strength of base station for airspace network ≤ threshold: The cell area covering the airspace of the base station for airspace network (100) is changed to the cell area of the adjacent base station for airspace network. do.

(Case 3) Measured signal strength of adjacent base station for airspace network ≥ threshold & Measured signal strength of base station for airspace network > Threshold: The cell area covering the airspace of the base station for airspace network (100) is changed to the cell area of the adjacent base station for airspace network. do.

(Case 4) Measured signal strength of adjacent base station for airspace network < Threshold & Measured signal strength of base station for airspace network ≤ Threshold: The cell area covering the airspace of the base station for airspace network (100) is maintained as the cell area of the base station for airspace network. .

Here, of course, case 3 and case 4 may be different from the above depending on the situation.

<In case the basic beam of the airspace network base station is selected as the main leaf beam>

In this case, the airspace of the base station 100 for the airspace network is covered by the cell area of the adjacent base station for the airspace network. From the feedback report in this case, signal information above the base station 100 for the airspace network can be obtained for signals generated from each of the base station 100 for the airspace network and adjacent base stations for the airspace network.

(Case 5) Measured signal strength of adjacent base station for airspace network < Threshold & Measured signal strength of base station for airspace network ≤ Threshold: The cell area covering the airspace of the base station for airspace network (100) is changed to the cell area of the base station for airspace network. .

(Case 6) Measured signal strength of adjacent base station for airspace network ≥ threshold & Measured signal strength of base station for airspace network ≤ threshold: The cell area covering the airspace of the base station for airspace network (100) is maintained as the cell area of the adjacent base station for airspace network do.

(Case 7) Measured signal strength of adjacent base station for airspace network ≥ threshold & Measured signal strength of base station for airspace network > Threshold: The cell area covering the airspace of the base station for airspace network (100) is maintained as the cell area of the adjacent base station for airspace network do.

(Case 8) Measured signal strength of adjacent base station for airspace network < Threshold & Measured signal strength of base station for airspace network > Threshold: The cell area covering the airspace of the base station for airspace network (100) is changed to the cell area of the base station for airspace network. .

Here, in case 5, the adjacent base station for the airspace network may request, through communication with the base station 100 for the airspace network, to change the base station 100 for the airspace network from using the main leaf beam to the side leaf beam as the basic beam.

That is, according to one embodiment, the base station for the airspace network can not only determine the cell area covering the airspace of the base station for the airspace network through the processor, but also, after this determination, the cell area covering the airspace of the base station for the airspace network during the operation of the base station for the airspace network. You can change the area from one area to another. Therefore, even when the network quality of the airspace network base station changes over time, the aircraft can smoothly communicate through the airspace network base station.

Meanwhile, the method according to the above-described embodiment can be implemented in the form of a computer program implemented to include computer instructions for causing a processor to perform each step included in the method. At this time, such a computer program may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium.

Alternatively, the method according to the above-described embodiment may be implemented in the form of a computer-readable recording medium including a computer program including computer instructions for causing a processor to perform each step included in the method.

Combinations of each step in each flowchart attached to the present invention may be performed by computer program instructions. Since these computer program instructions can be mounted on the processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, the instructions performed through the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment perform the functions described in each step of the flow chart. It creates the means to carry out these tasks. These computer program instructions may also be stored on a computer-usable or computer-readable recording medium that can be directed to a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement a function in a particular way, so that the computer program instructions are computer-usable or computer-readable. The instructions stored in the recording medium can also produce manufactured items containing instruction means that perform the functions described in each step of the flowchart. Computer program instructions can also be mounted on a computer or other programmable data processing equipment, so that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer or other programmable data processing equipment to create a process that is executed by the computer, thereby generating a process that is executed by the computer or other programmable data processing equipment. Instructions that perform processing equipment may also provide steps for executing the functions described in each step of the flowchart.

Additionally, each step may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for executing specified logical function(s). Additionally, it should be noted that in some alternative embodiments it is possible for the functions mentioned in the steps to occur out of order. For example, two steps shown in succession may in fact be performed substantially simultaneously, or the steps may sometimes be performed in reverse order depending on the corresponding function.

The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical idea of the present invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential quality of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but are for illustrative purposes, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted in accordance with the claims below, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto shall be construed as being included in the scope of rights of the present invention.

According to one embodiment, even if the network quality in the airspace of the airspace base station does not reach the level intended at the time of design due to the cell area of the adjacent base station for the airspace network, the cell area of the airspace network base station covers the airspace. , network quality at the same or close to the level at the time of design can be obtained. This embodiment of the present invention can be used in aviation systems that operate UAM aircraft and related technical fields.

100: Base station for airspace network
110: Department of Communications
130: processor

Claims (10)

As a method of determining a cell area covering the airspace of a base station for an airspace network,
Obtaining signal information about signals generated from adjacent base stations for airspace networks;
Based on the obtained signal information, determining that one of a cell area provided by an adjacent base station for the airspace network and a cell area provided by the base station for the airspace network covers the airspace of the base station for the airspace network.
A method of determining the cell area covering the airspace of a base station for an airspace network. According to claim 1,
The above method is,
Further comprising the step of obtaining separation distance information about the adjacent base station for the airspace network from the base station for the airspace network,
In determining the cell area covering the airspace of the airspace network base station,
The separation distance information is additionally considered
A method of determining the cell area covering the airspace of a base station for an airspace network. According to claim 1,
The cell area provided by the adjacent base station for the airspace network is provided by the mainlobe beam of the adjacent base station for the airspace network,
The cell area provided by the airspace network base station is provided by the sidelobe beam of the airspace network base station.
A method of determining the cell area covering the airspace of a base station for an airspace network. According to claim 1,
The beam used in the airspace network base station is,
Covering the sky at a higher angle on average than the beam used in the adjacent base station for the airspace network
A method of determining the cell area covering the airspace of a base station for an airspace network. According to claim 1,
The cell area determined to cover the airspace of the base station for the airspace network is changed from the cell area of the base station for the airspace network to the cell area of the adjacent base station for the airspace network, or from the cell area of the adjacent base station for the airspace network to the cell area of the base station for the airspace network. which further includes steps to change to
A method of determining the cell area covering the airspace of a base station for an airspace network. According to claim 5,
Whether or not the above changing step is executed,
Determined according to signal information measured in the airspace of the airspace network base station for signals generated from each of the adjacent base stations for the airspace network and the airspace network base station.
A method of determining the cell area covering the airspace of a base station for an airspace network. According to claim 5,
The above method is,
Further comprising the step of estimating the location of an aircraft performing communication through the airspace network,
The above changing steps are:
Performed when the aircraft is estimated to be in the airspace of the airspace network base station
A method of determining the cell area covering the airspace of a base station for an airspace network. According to claim 7,
The point in time at which the aircraft is estimated to be above the airspace network base station is,
Determined depending on the time when the aircraft handovers between the adjacent base station for the airspace network and the base station for the airspace network and the type of beam used at the base station for the airspace network.
A method of determining the cell area covering the airspace of a base station for an airspace network. According to claim 8,
If the beam used by the base station for the airspace network is a main leaf beam, it is estimated that the aircraft is in the sky above the base station for the airspace network at a time prior to the time when the aircraft handovers,
If the beam used at the airspace network base station is a sidelobe beam, it is estimated that the aircraft is in the sky above the airspace network base station at a later time than the time when the aircraft handed over.
A method of determining the cell area covering the airspace of a base station for an airspace network. a memory storing at least one instruction;
Department of Communications,
Contains a processor,
By executing the at least one instruction by the processor,
Signal information about signals generated from adjacent base stations for the airspace network is obtained,
Based on the obtained signal information, it is determined that the airspace of the base station for the airspace network is covered by one of a cell area provided by an adjacent base station for the airspace network and a cell area provided by the base station for the airspace network.
Base station for commercial network.

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