Abstract: A communications system (20) includes a resource controller (22) and a terminal (24) in communication with the resource controller (22). Periodically, the resource controller (22) sends a service announcement (46) that identifies a set (50) of timeslots (52) within a communication resource (40) configured for random access within a future frame (42). The terminal (24) ascertains a burst characteristic (118) of a message (54) to be sent from the terminal (24) and generates a random access parameter (128). The terminal (24) selects one of the timeslots (52) from the set (50) in accordance with the random access parameter (128), the timeslot exhibiting a burst type (62) corresponding to the burst characteristic (118) of the message (54). The terminal (24) transmits the message (54) in the selected timeslot (52).

Abstract: A base station (26) provides service in a satellite communications (SATCOM) system (22) to a terminal (24). The SATCOM system (22) operates in accordance with a first standard (43), and the terminal (24) is unable to communicate in accordance with the first standard (43). Methodology entails receiving, at a SATCOM resource controller (32), a request (62) for a satellite resource (46) from the base station (26). The satellite resource (46) is allocated to the base station (26) and the controller (32) sends a message (58) with the allocated satellite resource (46). The base station (26) applies a second standard (48), defining a specific set of functional and performance characteristics, to the satellite resource (46). The terminal (24) is enabled to perform satellite communications in accordance with the second standard (48) using the satellite resource (46).

Abstract: A base station (26) provides service in a satellite communications (SATCOM) system (22) to a terminal (24). The SATCOM system (22) operates in accordance with a first standard (43), and the terminal (24) is unable to communicate in accordance with the first standard (43). Methodology entails receiving, at a SATCOM resource controller (32), a request (62) for a satellite resource (46) from the base station (26). The satellite resource (46) is allocated to the base station (26) and the controller (32) sends a message (58) with the allocated satellite resource (46). The base station (26) applies a second standard (48), defining a specific set of functional and performance characteristics, to the satellite resource (46). The terminal (24) is enabled to perform satellite communications in accordance with the second standard (48) using the satellite resource (46).

Abstract: A communications system (20) includes a resource controller (22) and a terminal (24) in communication with the resource controller (22). Periodically, the resource controller (22) sends a service announcement (46) that identifies a set (50) of timeslots (52) within a communication resource (40) configured for random access within a future frame (42). The terminal (24) ascertains a burst characteristic (118) of a message (54) to be sent from the terminal (24) and generates a random access parameter (128). The terminal (24) selects one of the timeslots (52) from the set (50) in accordance with the random access parameter (128), the timeslot exhibiting a burst type (62) corresponding to the burst characteristic (118) of the message (54). The terminal (24) transmits the message (54) in the selected timeslot (52).

Abstract: A method and system for detecting GPS interference is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for detecting interference in a Global Positioning System comprises the steps of receiving at least one satellite signal from one or more satellites in a Global Positioning System; identifying a noise floor value from the at least one satellite signal; identifying an interference signal based on the noise floor value; determining an interference value for the interference signal from the noise floor value wherein a level of the noise floor value corresponds to a level of interference; and providing the interference value to at least one user for informing the user of the interference signal.

Abstract: An electric power meter (102) includes a temperature sensor (114) and a controller (112). The controller (112) is operable, based on the temperature reported from the temperature sensor (114), to generate alarm(s) when the temperature exceeds certain alarm threshold(s) (307, 507, 508) and to activate a power disconnect switch (104), thereby shutting off power to a customer premises, when the temperature exceeds a shut off threshold (309, 509). The controller (112) is operable to activate the power disconnect switch (104) for non-payment of electricity cost, subject to secondary criteria based on regulatory requirements. A customer terminal (103) may be used to notify a customer of an alarm condition, to provide information regarding electrical power usage or to provide information regarding disconnection of electrical power.

Abstract: An electric power meter (102) includes a temperature sensor (114) and a controller (112). The controller (112) is operable, based on the temperature reported from the temperature sensor (114), to generate alarm(s) when the temperature exceeds certain alarm threshold(s) (307, 507, 508) and to activate a power disconnect switch (104), thereby shutting off power to a customer premises, when the temperature exceeds a shut off threshold (309, 509). The controller (112) is operable to activate the power disconnect switch (104) for non-payment of electricity cost, subject to secondary criteria based on regulatory requirements. A customer terminal (103) may be used to notify a customer of an alarm condition, to provide information regarding electrical power usage or to provide information regarding disconnection of electrical power.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting GPS interference is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for detecting interference in a Global Positioning System comprises the steps of receiving at least one satellite signal from one or more satellites in a Global Positioning System; identifying a noise floor value from the at least one satellite signal; identifying an interference signal based on the noise floor value; determining an interference value for the interference signal from the noise floor value wherein a level of the noise floor value corresponds to a level of interference; and providing the interference value to at least one user for informing the user of the interference signal.

Abstract: A method of recalibrating a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver includes applying a first control signal to an oscillator for generation of an oscillator signal having an initial frequency and determining if an indicator of correct oscillator output frequency is present at the initial frequency. If an indicator of correct oscillator output frequency is not present, then iterative steps are followed until an indicator of correct oscillator output frequency is found. The iterative steps include: applying a new adjusted control signal to the oscillator for generation of a new frequency; determining whether an indicator of correct oscillator frequency is present; and if an indicator of correct oscillator output frequency is present with the oscillator having the new frequency, storing said adjusted control signal. If an indicator of correct oscillator frequency is present with the oscillator output signal having said initial frequency, then storing said initial control signal.

Abstract: A pre-payment energy metering system uses two-way smart card communications. Secure power line carrier communications are provided at the consumer locations communication between a customer terminal and the utility meter. Two-way secure communication of data is provided through the use of a smart card or memory card which conveys data from the utility service provider to the customer's terminal and also conveys information from the customer's terminal back to the utility. The pre-payment power system of the present invention allows consumers to pay for electricity prior to consumption through the use of the smart card which is loaded with funds at a fully automatic point-of-sale (POS) terminal or at the utility service providers staffed customer service center. Back office software interfaces between the POS terminals and customer service centers, and utility service providers customer information systems.

Abstract: An electric power meter (102) includes a temperature sensor (114) and a controller (112). The controller (112) is operable, based on the temperature reported from the temperature sensor (114), to generate alarm(s) when the temperature exceeds certain alarm threshold(s) (307, 507, 508) and to activate a power disconnect switch (104), thereby shutting off power to a customer premises, when the temperature exceeds a shut off threshold (309, 509). The controller (112) is operable to activate the power disconnect switch (104) for non-payment of electricity cost, subject to secondary criteria based on regulatory requirements. A customer terminal (103) may be used to notify a customer of an alarm condition, to provide information regarding electrical power usage or to provide information regarding disconnection of electrical power.

Abstract: Utility consumption data is provided over power line carrier links to local nodes and routed through a network of local nodes over peer-to-peer line-of-sight RF links to a utility service provider. Backhauler nodes combine the utility consumption data from the local nodes within a coverage region for routing to the utility service provider. Consumer nodes include sensing elements for measuring the utility consumption data, and switching elements for connecting or disconnecting the utility from a consumer location. Messages are sent through the network requesting the utility consumption data and for activating the switching elements.

Abstract: Voice call group functionality is provided in a satellite based air traffic control system to allow air traffic controllers and pilots of one or more aircraft to establish and maintain voice communication over a group call. A pilot of an aircraft may maintain voice communication with the same air traffic controller the entire duration of the flight over the entire globe. Voice communication between the pilot of an aircraft may be handed off from one air traffic controller to another by switching voice call groups. The voice call group functionality allows an air traffic controller to communicate simultaneously with pilots of different aircraft, and also allows pilots of different aircraft to communicate with each other.

Abstract: A satellite based broadcast data communications service for a satellite communications system is presented which allows a data information service provider (40) to send large blocks of data information to mobile subscriber units (50). A satellite gateway (30) is coupled to a service provider (40) via a ground link (42) and to a satellite communications network (10) via a gateway link (36). A mobile subscriber unit (50) is coupled to the satellite communications network (10) via both a message link (56) and a high-speed high-bandwidth downlink (58). The mobile subscriber unit sends a data request for requested data information to service provider (40) via message link (56), satellite communications network (10), gateway link (36), gateway (30), and ground link (42).

Abstract: A data message routing and delivery system for an air traffic control system includes a communications network with one or more ground processing nodes, one or more satellite processing nodes, and one or more avionics processing nodes each configured to send and receive data packets to and from others network processing nodes in the communications network. One or more transmission prioritizing controllers are provided to determine the locations of each of network processing node, and to control access to communication channels and routing of data messages in order of priority between the network processing nodes. An application executing on one network processing node is send to an application executing on another network processing node under the control of the transmission prioritizing controllers.

Abstract: A local traffic signal controller (3) is interfaced to a satellite subscriber unit (10) to provide for centralized control of the traffic signals (1) controlled by the local controller (3). A central controller (7) provides central control and can download program control information to local controller (3). Dial-up access to local controller (3) is provided to central controller (7) with the subscriber unit (10). The resultant communication path may be utilized to provide for accessing information from the local traffic signal controller (3). Such information may include indications of lamp failures, traffic pattern information and other status or traffic related information.

Abstract: An autonomous interrogatable information and position device combines the functionality of a satellite communications device capable of sending and receiving voice and digital data messages, a geo-location device capable of self-determining its positional location; an input/output port configured to allow attachment of the device to external local site sensors or equipment in order to obtain external local site sensor data or control the equipment, and a control processor capable of monitoring and responding to positional location information, input sensor data, and incoming voice and digital data messages.

Abstract: A satellite-based air traffic control system utilizes global-coverage satellite communications network to provide voice and data communication between an air traffic control center and one or more aircraft worldwide. Each aircraft is provided with an airborne navigation location reporting system device which has the capability of determining positional information of the aircraft and to transmit and receive voice and data messages to and from the ATC center via the satellite communications network.

Abstract: A battery powered electronic system (50, FIG. 1) is controlled by a movement sensor (20) which senses the acceleration of the electronic system (50). The output of the movement sensor (20) is filtered by an event duration filter (FIG. 2, 120, 121) which determines if the output is of sufficient duration and acceleration to trigger a change in the operation of the electronic system (50). If the acceleration meets the triggering criteria, the electronic system (50) can be made to change an on/off state, an operating mode, or to effect an incremental change in the electronic system (50) such as adjusting the volume or channel setting. Additional movement sensors (20) oriented in different axes can be used to trigger a change in the operation of the electronic system (50) according to a plurality of different directions of acceleration.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting GPS interference is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for detecting interference in a Global Positioning System comprises the steps of receiving at least one satellite signal from one or more satellites in a Global Positioning System; identifying a noise floor value from the at least one satellite signal; identifying an interference signal based on the noise floor value; determining an interference value for the interference signal from the noise floor value wherein a level of the noise floor value corresponds to a level of interference; and providing the interference value to at least one user for informing the user of the interference signal.