Ground Station Control Patents (Class 455/430)
  • Patent number: 8948934
    Abstract: Methods and systems for communicating data between a vehicle and a ground-based unit are provided. The method includes communicatively coupling the vehicle to the ground-based unit, initiating a Broadband over Power Line (BPL) link between the vehicle and the ground-based unit when power is supplied to the vehicle, and updating data stored in the vehicle with data received from the ground-based unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Donald B. Lee, Anil Kumar, Nha Thanh Nguyen, Timothy McNally Mitchel
  • Patent number: 8928526
    Abstract: Techniques for monitoring transmission performance of a satellite communications systems are provided, including techniques for measuring the primary contributors to the end-to-end SNR, including the uplink SNR, the downlink SNR, and the C/I for each link in the network. These individual measurements are used to estimate satellite effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP), satellite antenna gain-to-noise-temperature (G/T), and loss due to an Earth Terminal pointing error. The EIRP, satellite antenna G/T and loss due to Earth terminal pointing error may then be used to determine operating parameters for the satellite communications network that enable the network to operate more efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8923850
    Abstract: Interference between satellite radioterminal communications systems may be reduced by transmitting and receiving satellite uplink frequencies in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) mode by a wireless base station in a first sector thereof, while simultaneously refraining from transmitting and receiving satellite uplink frequencies in the TDD mode by the wireless base station in a second sector thereof that points to a low elevation angle satellite. Satellite uplink frequencies may be transmitted and received in the TDD mode by a satellite that communicates with radioterminals in the second sector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter D. Karabinis
  • Patent number: 8909220
    Abstract: A satellite communication system includes a global bandwidth enforcer that allocates bandwidth from the global bandwidth pool in accordance with a group service plan having a predetermined geographic scope. The system further includes an allocation of bandwidth from the one or more channels of the one or more beams of a first satellite in accordance with the group service plan. The system further includes a second satellite access station that receives an allocation of bandwidth from the one or more channels of the one or more beams of the second satellite in accordance with the group service plan. The system further includes a first sub-network associated with the first satellite access having a coverage area in the predetermined geographic scope of the group service plan, where the first sub-network receives an allocation of bandwidth from the first satellite access station in accordance with the group service plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: VT iDirect, Inc.
    Inventors: Sima Aftahi, Antoine Raymond Naaman, Joseph Jude Boone, Peng Zhao
  • Patent number: 8863267
    Abstract: A subscriber network can provide services. External applications can use the services on the subscriber network. A service access gateway can control application access to services of the subscriber network. The service access gateway can filter requests from an external application to access services on the subscriber network based on the customer for which the external application is accessing the service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventors: Boris Selitser, Daniel Jansson
  • Patent number: 8862153
    Abstract: An automated portable call collection unit (APCCU) may gather information used in testing the accuracy of a wireless mobile device locating system. A GPS ground truth detector may detect the location of the APCCU based on GPS signals. A cellular GPS detector may detect GPS signals identified by a signal-identification communication from the locating system. An internal clock may keep time and synchronize its time to GPS time as announced periodically by GPS time signals. A controller may repeatedly cause a cellular network communication system to wirelessly request and receive the signal-identification communication and to send the information about the detected GPS signals, the locations, and the times. All of this may be done in a manner that insures that the accuracy of the locating system is not tested before the internal clock is first synchronized to GPS time following application of operating power to the APCCU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Cellco Partnership
    Inventors: Robert M. Iwaszko, Jeff Torres, Todd Covington
  • Patent number: 8855546
    Abstract: A satellite receiver that is operable in a single cable system and that is configured to receiver satellite signals via an interface, comprises a controller configured to instruct the interface to perform a blind channel scan process over a predetermined frequency range to obtain measured spectrum signals and to change the predetermined frequency range until a desired frequency range has been measured. The satellite receiver further comprises a processing device configured to receive the measured spectrum signals, to process the measured spectrum signals to obtain a spectrum section and to concatenate the measured spectrum sections to obtain a spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: SONY Corporation
    Inventor: Ben Eitel
  • Patent number: 8830961
    Abstract: A mobile wireless system includes a first gateway (L-PGW), a second gateway (PGW), a first access point (HeNB) capable of establishing a communication path simultaneously with the first and second gateways, and a second access point (eNB) capable of establishing a communication path only with the PGW. When a mobile terminal connected to the HeNB and communicating with a communication destination node using a first path through the L-PGW switches a connection destination to the eNB, the HeNB establishes a second path through the HeNB and the PGW, while maintaining the first path. The HeNB transmits data, which has been transmitted to the HeNB along the first path, to the eNB along the second path, until the UE is connected to the eNB, and a third path to the communication destination node through the PGW is established. Accordingly, an interruption time of data reception involved in handover is shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Corporation of America
    Inventors: Takako Hori, Takeshi Kanazawa, Akito Fukui
  • Patent number: 8805435
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a controller to process a travel assistance request for communication through a satellite and terrestrial mobile communication network. Data related to multiple assistance providers can be received in response to the request. At least one criterion can be processed for the assistance providers based on, for example, historical trip data. The assistance providers can be graphically represented for user selection based on the criterion. Data related to a selected assistance provider can be displayed, including navigation data to and/or from the assistance provider. In another embodiment, the travel assistance request can be communicated to a service center through the network. The service center can communicate data related to an assistance provider, including navigation data to and/or from the assistance provider. A rating of the assistance provider can be communicated to a specified community-of-interest through the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Disk Network Corporation
    Inventor: Stefan Bernard Raab
  • Patent number: 8805390
    Abstract: A monitor and control unit is described herein which is associated with a land-based controller (e.g. base station controller) and one or more satellites, where the monitor and control unit is arranged to dynamically configure mobile-based controllers (e.g., radio base stations) located on mobile vessels (e.g., transport vessels, cruise liners) to provide bandwidth (voice and data capabilities) based at least on the number of mobile vessels being served by each of the satellites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventors: Richard Swardh, David Boltz, Bo Sundstedt
  • Patent number: 8787903
    Abstract: A hybrid cellular radiocommunication system includes base stations defining terrestrial cells covered by satellite umbrella cells. The base stations are distributed so as to be distinguishable by the satellite cell according to a time-invariant distribution function, and the system includes a device for maintaining, permanently and in the same link direction, congruence of the coverage of each satellite cell with respect to coverage of the terrestrial cells associated with the base stations contained in the satellite cell, with coverage of a satellite cell being congruent with a predetermined terrestrial coverage set when the predetermined coverage set is included in the satellite coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales
    Inventors: Christelle Boustie, Gael Scot
  • Patent number: 8768244
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing and coordinating the delivery of information content in a manner that makes efficient use of the bandwidth of satellite based transponders being used to relay the information content to the mobile platforms. The apparatus makes use of a content management coordinator system having a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI interfaces with one or more mobile platform operators to allow each of the operators to define the criteria by which various types of information content to be supplied to the mobile platforms. The apparatus further includes a file spaced storage monitoring subsystem which allows the file storage space available on each mobile platform to be monitored, and files deleted therefrom if necessary, to ensure that newly requested information content can be stored by the mobile platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Scott P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8750790
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a controller to process a criterion for selecting a point-of-interest (POI). The criterion can be based on historical trip data. Data related to a POI, including a community-of-interest rating, for example, can be accessed through a satellite and terrestrial mobile communication network. Multiple POIs can be graphically represented for user selection based on the criterion and/or other data. Once a POI is selected, data related to the selected POI, including navigation data, can be displayed. In another embodiment, the controller can access navigation data to a specified destination. The navigation data can be based on historical trip data such as route segments and destination areas. The navigation data can be accessed from an in-vehicle system or from a navigation service provider and can be displayed to assist a user in reaching the specified destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Dish Network Corporation
    Inventor: Stefan Bernard Raab
  • Patent number: 8744396
    Abstract: A software-defined tactical radio solution meets the original JTRS SWaP goals by providing four complete software-defined 125 W (peak) radio channels in four modules that replace the four UT modules of the current GMR design, while retaining the GVA and NIU of the GMR. Two dual transceiver modules each include two transceivers based on OMAP processors. Two dual-channel power amplifier modules each include two 125 W (peak) amplifiers, each amplifier combining two GaN transistors combined in parallel. In embodiments, the OMAP processors include TM320C64xx DSP cores. In some embodiments, the OMAP processors are DM3730 processors. In various embodiments, each dual transceiver module includes a five Watt power amplifier. In embodiments, SINCGAR, SRW, and/or WNW waveforms are supported by software configuration. In some embodiments transceivers can be transitioned by software between waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Dominick Laccona, George M Horihan
  • Patent number: 8730864
    Abstract: A payload switching architecture for LEO satellite networks minimizes processing and storage requirements of payloads for deployment as small primary or secondary payloads, payloads perform only forwarding functions. Forwarding rules are provisioned in the payloads enabling them to reroute in case of failures or congestion without intervention from a ground station. Configuration rules are provisioned in the payloads enabling them to dynamically establish and remove interplane crosslinks without intervention from a ground station. The central network operations center on the ground computes forwarding rules and configuration rules for payloads and uploads the rules to the payloads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Telcordia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Narayanan Natarajan, Anindo Bagchi, William E. Stephens
  • Patent number: 8713140
    Abstract: A system and method is directed to modifying a satellite radio subscription in a mobile vehicle. The method provides for receiving at least one satellite radio subscription modification request from the vehicle at a service provider, retrieving current satellite radio program subscription status at the service provider, determining at least one adjustment required to implement the at least one modification, and sending the determined adjustments required to implement the at least one modification. The system further provides means for receiving at least one satellite radio subscription modification request from the vehicle at a service provider, means for retrieving current satellite radio program subscription status at the service provider, means for determining at least one adjustment required to implement the at least one modification, and means for sending the determined adjustments required to implement the at least one modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventor: Matt C. Videtich
  • Patent number: 8682316
    Abstract: A communications system for an aircraft carrying at least one person having a personal electronic device (PED) for wireless data communications outside the aircraft includes a communications network, at least one access point in the aircraft for providing a wireless local area network (WLAN) for data communications with the PEDs, and a transceiver in the aircraft cooperating with the at least one access point for data communications with the communications network. A data traffic controller is for selectively allocating data communications channel capacity between the PEDs and the communications network based on a data communications channel capacity usage of the PEDs. The data communications channel capacity usage corresponds to bandwidth of the data communications with the PEDs, and when the bandwidth of the data communications for a given PED exceeds a predetermined portion of the data communications channel capacity, then appropriate action is taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Livetv, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Lynch, Jeffrey A. Frisco, Robert M. Keen
  • Publication number: 20140071886
    Abstract: A interface device and a method of allowing communication is provided to allow a wireless mobile communications device to interface with a satellite communication system. The interface includes a satellite modem (including antenna), a communications link to communicate with the wireless communications device (such as a Wifi link using VoIP) and an applications processor (with associated memory) to handle control and handshaking functions between the communications link and satellite modem and the related interfaced equipment (mobile communications device and satellite system) and to assist and reformat as needed transmission of data between the interfaced equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Globalstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Monte, Ronnie Daryl Tanner, Eric Blanchard, Mark Edward Sutton, Alfonso Bravo, Walter DeBus
  • Patent number: 8670707
    Abstract: A communication system is provided that allows the use of low-cost, low-power remote terminal units that communicate substantially asynchronously and independently to a base station. To minimize cost and complexity, the remote terminal units are configured similarly, including the use of substantially identical transmission schemes, such as a common Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) code. To minimize collisions among transmissions, the communication system is designed to use a high-gain antenna with a limited field of view, to limit the number of cotemporaneous, or overlapping transmissions that are received at the base station. To cover a wide area, the limited field of view is swept across the area of coverage. To overcome potential losses caused by collisions, the remote terminal units are configured to repeat transmissions; to minimize repeated collisions, the repeat interval and/or duration is randomized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Orbcomm Sens, LLC
    Inventors: Richard D. Fleeter, John E. Hanson, Scott A. McDermott, Raymond G. Zenick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8644290
    Abstract: In a coordination-free rendezvous method for a communication network, time is divided into superslots with each superslot being further divided into slots. At least one first-class slot and at least one second-class slot are selected out of the slots of each superslot. The relative position between the first-class slot and the second-class slot is changed every superslot, thereby the first-class slots or the second-class slots between or among devices of the communication network may overlap each other in a periodic manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Chun-Ting Chou, Yeo-Sheng Wang
  • Patent number: 8626153
    Abstract: In one non-limiting aspect thereof the exemplary embodiments of this invention provide a method, a computer program product and a mobile station operable in accordance therewith to originate a request at the mobile station to terminate reception of a Multimedia Broadcast/Multimedia Service radio bearer; and to transmit the request to a wireless network that is the source of the Multimedia Broadcast/Multimedia Service radio bearer. In another non-limiting aspect thereof the exemplary embodiments of this invention provide a method, a computer program product and a wireless network node operable in accordance therewith to receive a request from a mobile station to terminate reception of a Multimedia Broadcast/Multimedia Service radio bearer and, in response, to send the mobile station a PACKET TBF RELEASE message that includes an identification of the mobile station and a TBF_RELEASE_CAUSE value defined as Stop Receiving MBMS Radio Bearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Core Wireless Licensing, S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Rami Vaittinen, Antero Lundell
  • Patent number: 8626230
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a controller to process a criterion for selecting a point-of-interest (POI). The criterion can be based on historical trip data. Data related to a POI, including a community-of-interest rating, for example, can be accessed through a satellite and terrestrial mobile communication network. Multiple POIs can be graphically represented for user selection based on the criterion and/or other data. Once a POI is selected, data related to the selected POI, including navigation data, can be displayed. In another embodiment, the controller can access navigation data to a specified destination. The navigation data can be based on historical trip data such as route segments and destination areas. The navigation data can be accessed from an in-vehicle system or from a navigation service provider and can be displayed to assist a user in reaching the specified destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Dish Network Corporation
    Inventor: Stefan Bernard Raab
  • Patent number: 8626231
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a controller to process a travel assistance request for communication through a satellite and terrestrial mobile communication network. Data related to multiple assistance providers can be received in response to the request. At least one criterion can be processed for the assistance providers based on, for example, historical trip data. The assistance providers can be graphically represented for user selection based on the criterion. Data related to a selected assistance provider can be displayed, including navigation data to and/or from the assistance provider. In another embodiment, the travel assistance request can be communicated to a service center through the network. The service center can communicate data related to an assistance provider, including navigation data to and/or from the assistance provider. A rating of the assistance provider can be communicated to a specified community-of-interest through the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Dish Network Corporation
    Inventor: Stefan Bernard Raab
  • Patent number: 8608439
    Abstract: A system for arranging and operating an array of wind machines to protect crops from damaging weather conditions, such as freezing frost, rain and heat. The method includes a wind machine positioned to force air across the crop. The wind machine is preferably a propeller/tower configuration. The operational method of the wind machine array includes the steps of sensing ambient meteorological and the hardiness of the crop to withstand a particular adverse weather condition and operating the wind machines in response to these factors. Multiples of wind machines are employed in the preferred embodiment of the method, the siting of the wind machines preferably based upon topographic and historical meteorological conditions. The operation of the wind machines can be automatically and remotely operated with the aid of satellite communications including internet links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Daryl G. Hill
  • Patent number: 8613030
    Abstract: A wireless video camera system including a single or dual HDTV digital camera; a system for the wireless transmission of uncompressed single or multiple SMPTE 292M, HDSDI data streams over an RF band; and automatic self-pointing transmitting and receiving antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: Philip S Kossin, John E Nelson
  • Patent number: 8606266
    Abstract: A data transmission system for transmitting and receiving data comprising a first communication system configured to transmit and receive, data over a first network and a second communication system configured to transmit and receive data over a second network. The second network has a more contiguous physical coverage than the first network. The system further includes a proxy unit configured to select a routing of user data from a user device through either the first communication system or the second communication system. The proxy unit being configured to select the routing based on a user condition. The user condition may be based on a user preference, a detection of a type of user session (e.g., an SSL session), and/or a travel path of the user. A communication system is selected that provides the best network coverage, including continuity, based on the user condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8594661
    Abstract: A method for establishing radiofrequency links via a telecommunication satellite having several spots, designated a multispot satellite, between at least one terrestrial station and a service area composed of a plurality of elementary covering zones, designated cells, each cell comprising a plurality of terrestrial terminals is disclosed. This type of satellite allows the use of several spots of antennae on board the satellite to cover contiguous geographical zones or cells, instead of a single broad spot. Each cell is associated with a spot to which a frequency band is attributed. In the case of the loss of a spot associated with a cell, designated a faulty cell, the spot (FR1, FR2, FB1, FB2, FV1, FV2) associated with at least one contiguous cell (CR1, CR2, CB1, CB2, CV1, CV2) to the said faulty cell is likewise associated with a part of the said faulty cell so that the area (CPJ?) of said faulty cell is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Eutelsat SA
    Inventors: Hector Fenech, Emmanuel Lance, Jacques Dutronc
  • Patent number: 8576118
    Abstract: Techniques for monitoring transmission performance of a satellite communications systems are provided, including techniques for measuring the primary contributors to the end-to-end SNR, including the uplink SNR, the downlink SNR, and the C/I for each link in the network. These individual measurements are used to estimate satellite effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP), satellite antenna gain-to-noise-temperature (G/T), and loss due to an Earth Terminal pointing error. The EIRP, satellite antenna G/T and loss due to Earth terminal pointing error may then be used to determine operating parameters for the satellite communications network that enable the network to operate more efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8559871
    Abstract: Provided are a satellite VSAT apparatus and a control method thereof. The satellite VSAT apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can switch a modulation type of a signal to be transmitted from an indoor unit (IDU) to the outdoor unit to a linear or non-linear type in a case in which outputting of a transmitted signal is not controlled to an outdoor unit due to limitations, that is, there is no function such as an automatic signal level control in a block up-converter (BUC), a case in which transmission output limitation is large due to a lot of interference requirements for an adjacent channel, a case in which the number of adjacent channels (carriers) is large, or a case in which adjacent channel interference is large due to a frequency in a satellite multi-beam environment and polarization reuse, in a satellite VSAT apparatus system which aims at a low-priced user terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Pan Soo Kim, Jae Hee Han, Dae Ig Chang, Ho Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 8543106
    Abstract: Provided is a satellite communication system for obtaining a diversity gain by transmitting a signal applied with STBC. When a signal transmission band of a link between a satellite and a terminal differs from that of a link between a satellite and a repeater, the satellite communication system includes: a satellite for transmitting a first signal encoded to STBC using a band of a link formed between the satellite to a terminal and transmitting a second signal encoded to STBC using a band of a link formed between the satellite to a repeater; and at least one of frequency transforming repeaters for receiving the second signal through the band of the link formed between the satellite to the repeater, transforming the received second signal to a signal with other frequency band, and transmitting the transformed second signal using a band of a link formed to a terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Hee-Wook Kim, Kun-Seok Kang, Do-Seob Ahn
  • Patent number: 8526941
    Abstract: Communications between a terminal and a terrestrial base station are established. The terrestrial base station receives a request to monitor a satellite base station from the terminal. The terrestrial base station grants the request and receives monitoring information for the satellite base station corresponding to the request. Granting of the request may include suspending transmission from the terrestrial base station to the terminal for a period of time sufficient to allow the terminal to request the monitoring information from the satellite base station and receiving monitoring information may include receiving the requested monitoring information at the terrestrial base station via a communications path not including the terminal. Suspending transmission from the terrestrial base station to the terminal may be followed by resuming transmission to the terminal before receiving the monitoring information at the terrestrial base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Tseytlin, Santanu Dutta
  • Patent number: 8520631
    Abstract: A mechanism for decreasing the latency in an IP address assignment process for mobile systems using IP as network layer protocol is described. The proposed system is aimed at supporting seamless hand-offs for real-time applications like VOIP. A set of optimized messages is defined to eliminate the need for exchanging long DHCP messages to acquire an IP address. The mechanism involves splitting the IP address assignment functionality into two parts, with the base station being responsible for assigning IP addresses to individual end user devices, and the Mobile Switching Center assigning a block of IP addresses to each base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: XG Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shashidhar R. Gandham, Amit Shukla
  • Publication number: 20130203407
    Abstract: A hybrid satellite communication system in which a hub station transmits signals to remote stations through a satellite at a relatively low frequency which is unaffected by weather effects and in which the remote stations transmit signals to the hub station at a relatively higher frequency which enables the use of more economical equipment at the remote stations. The hub station senses the signal quality or strength received from each remote station and transmits power control signals to remote stations with poor signal strengths to cause such remote stations to increase their output power to overcome weather effects. The power control signals are transmitted on the lower frequency to prevent the power control signals from being masked by the weather effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: George A. Livergood
  • Patent number: 8504020
    Abstract: An on-board base station, comprising an interface device on board an aircraft that interfaces with a separate wireless device of a user inside the aircraft and with a wireless bearer system, an RF detector that detects RF emissions of the separate wireless device, a controller coupled to the RF detector, that controls RF emissions of the separate wireless device, as a function of detected RF emissions, and an RF repeater communicatively coupled to the controller. The controller controls the RF repeater to receive and send signals between the antenna and the interface device to maintain the RF emissions below a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: David Gilbert
  • Patent number: 8503941
    Abstract: In one embodiment a communications system includes an unmanned vehicle and a communications station located remote from the unmanned vehicle. The unmanned vehicle has a first wireless communications system and a first directional antenna for wirelessly communicating with the remote communications station. A first antenna control system tracks the remote communications station and aims the first directional antenna, in real time, at the remote communications station during wireless communications with the remote communications station. The remote communications station has a second wireless communications system having a second directional antenna for wirelessly communicating with the unmanned vehicle. A second antenna control system of the remote communications station tracks the unmanned vehicle and aims the second directional antenna at the unmanned vehicle, in real time, during wireless communications with the unmanned vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David Erdos, Timothy M. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8504019
    Abstract: A communications system for an aircraft carrying at least some personnel having personal electronic devices (PEDs) for wireless data communications outside the aircraft includes a ground-based communications network, and an access point in the aircraft for providing a wireless local area network (WLAN) for data communications with the PEDs. An air-to-ground transceiver in the aircraft cooperates with the access point for data communications with the ground-based communications network. An aircraft data memory cache is in the aircraft and cooperates with the access point for storing common data accessible by the PEDs during flight of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Livetv, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Lynch, Robert M. Keen, Jeffrey A. Frisco
  • Patent number: 8494443
    Abstract: A communication system is provided that allows the use of low-cost, low-power remote terminal units that communicate substantially asynchronously and independently to a base station. To minimize cost and complexity, the remote terminal units are configured similarly, including the use of substantially identical transmission schemes, such as a common Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) code. To minimize collisions among transmissions, the communication system is designed to use a high-gain antenna with a limited field of view, to limit the number of cotemporaneous, or overlapping transmissions that are received at the base station. To cover a wide area, the limited field of view is swept across the area of coverage. To overcome potential losses caused by collisions, the remote terminal units are configured to repeat transmissions; to minimize repeated collisions, the repeat interval and/or duration is randomized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Comtech Mobile Datacom Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Fleeter, John E. Hanson, Scott A. McDermott, Raymond G. Zenick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8489090
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include an apparatus, method, and computer program product for providing wireless service to devices located onboard an aircraft. For example, in one embodiment, a wireless base station is utilized onboard an aircraft for providing non-roaming cellular services to cellular devices onboard the aircraft. In addition, in some embodiments, the wireless base station may provide Internet access to Internet accessible devices located onboard the aircraft. Additionally, in some embodiments, the wireless base station is interfaced with an existing air-to-ground cellular transmission system of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Kelsyn D. S. Rooks, Jeffrey Sweeney
  • Patent number: 8477190
    Abstract: A moving platform system suitable for mounting and use on a moving platform, comprising a position system monitoring the location of the moving platform and generating a sequence of time-based position data, a non-line of sight communication system, a high-speed line of sight communication system, and a computer system monitoring the availability of the non-line of sight communication system and the high-speed line of sight communication system and initiating connections when the non-line of sight communication system and the high-speed line of sight communication system are available, and receiving the sequence of time-based position data and transmitting the sequence of time-based position data via the at least one of the currently available non-line of sight communication system and the high-speed line of sight communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Frank D Giuffrida, Mark A. Winkelbauer, Charles Mondello, Robert S. Bradacs, Craig D. Woodward, Stephen L. Schultz, Scott D. Lawrence, Matt Kusak, Kevin G. Willard
  • Patent number: 8463178
    Abstract: A communications system comprising a first transceiver and a second transceiver, which system employs a device that measures power over a frequency band from sources other than those monitoring downlink radiation received at a radio terminal from the satellite, and a controller that receives these power measurements to determine on which frequency channel within a band a transmitter is to transmit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Globalstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Monte, Vijaya Gallagher, Brinda T. Shah
  • Patent number: 8457682
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a controller to process a travel assistance request for communication through a satellite and terrestrial mobile communication network. Data related to multiple assistance providers can be received in response to the request. At least one criterion can be processed for the assistance providers based on, for example, historical trip data. The assistance providers can be graphically represented for user selection based on the criterion. Data related to a selected assistance provider can be displayed, including navigation data to and/or from the assistance provider. In another embodiment, the travel assistance request can be communicated to a service center through the network. The service center can communicate data related to an assistance provider, including navigation data to and/or from the assistance provider. A rating of the assistance provider can be communicated to a specified community-of-interest through the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: DBSD Satellite Services G.P.
    Inventor: Stefan Bernard Raab
  • Patent number: 8442518
    Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to aircraft communication, and more particularly to a non line-of-sight communication path to augment a line-of-sight communication path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: ADS-B Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Carlos Maria Ilarregui, Michael Steven Melum, Robert C. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8428000
    Abstract: A system and method for improving efficiency of satellite communications is described. In one embodiment, multiple return links are associated with a single forward link to reduce communications costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: SkyBitz, Inc.
    Inventors: Rich Battista, Jay Brosius, Uday Shankar
  • Patent number: 8391256
    Abstract: A wireless local area network is provided with simplified RF ports which are configured to provide lower level media access control functions. Higher level media access control functions are provided in a cell controller, which may service one or more RF ports that are capable operating with at least two wireless local area subnetworks. Mobile units can also be configured with the higher level media access control functions being performed in a host processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Beach
  • Patent number: 8380186
    Abstract: A space segment for a radioterminal communications system includes a satellite having service link antennas of different sizes that are configured to communicate with at least one radioterminal. The service link antennas of different size may serve different sized geographic areas, which may at least partially overlap. Analogous radioterminal communications methods also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter D. Karabinis
  • Patent number: 8346290
    Abstract: Techniques are described that can be used to determine a transmitter power level of a mobile station at cell edge. To determine transmitter power level, the technique considers at least a balance of power transmitted by mobile stations near cell edge and power transmitted by mobile stations closer to cell center, target mean received power by the base station from mobile stations near center cell, target mean power transmitted from cell edge mobile stations, signal-to-interference-power ratio between signals transmitted from base stations of different cells to the mobile station at cell edge, and channel gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Taha Koc, Shilpa Talwar, Changho Suh
  • Patent number: 8340663
    Abstract: A method and system for ground station signal handoff for an aircraft. The method comprises receiving signal quality data and position data from each of a plurality of ground stations as a signal from each of the ground stations becomes detectable onboard the aircraft, while the aircraft is in communication with an active ground station. A position of the aircraft is determined each time a signal quality from one of the ground stations reaches a predetermined threshold indicating that the signal quality is suitable for handoff. A set of ground stations potentially suitable for handoff is identified based on their signal quality data when an insufficient signal quality of the active ground station is detected. The set of potentially suitable ground stations is evaluated based on their position and signal quality, and a trajectory or speed vector of the aircraft, to determine an optimal ground station for handoff. A handoff request is then transmitted to the optimal ground station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Petr Tieftrunk, Michal Polansky
  • Patent number: 8311491
    Abstract: A system to provide narrowcast communications uses adaptive data rate control to individual subscribers such that the effects of precipitation or other link conditions, which are not common to all subscribers, is mitigated. The invention takes advantage of the fact that the narrowcast data consist of packets which are individually addressed to specific subscribers, or groups of subscribers. The narrowcast data is communicated on a plurality of channels, each of potentially differing data rates. The subscribers are assigned a particular channel, based upon their link quality, to receive packets addressed to them. The lower data rate channel will be less affected by adverse link conditions and are hence assigned to subscribers most likely to incur adverse link conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Miller, Mark D. Dankberg
  • Patent number: 8296051
    Abstract: A generalized high performance navigation system is provided using low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. In one embodiment, a method of performing navigation includes receiving a LEO signal from a LEO satellite. The method also includes decoding a navigation signal from the LEO signal. The method further includes receiving first and second ranging signals from first and second ranging sources, respectively. In addition, the method includes determining calibration information associated with the first and second ranging sources. The method also includes calculating a position using the navigation signal, the first and second ranging signals, and the calibration information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Clark E. Cohen, David A. Whelan, Robert W. Brumley, Gregory M. Gutt, Barton G. Ferrell
  • Patent number: 8290551
    Abstract: Wireless systems and methods establish an optimal wireless communication link by efficiently positioning an antenna module to receive/transmit the most effective signal. An antenna module scans and rotates and receives data such as available networks and the qualities of received signals. Received networks are analyzed, recorded and mapped to antenna variables such as azimuth, elevation and polarity. Automatic or manual selection of a wireless network is based upon antenna variables, qualities of received network signals and predefined conditions. If desired, a more refined antenna position is obtained by the addition of spiral antenna rotations and additional recordings of received data are mapped to antenna elevation, azimuth and polarity. In the event the measured effective signal reception diminishes, the center destination of the spiral path shifts and the process repeats until the highest effective signal reception is found.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Direct Beam Inc.
    Inventors: Lior Landesman, Erez Marom