Abstract: A directional antenna system for an aircraft is disclosed. The directional antenna system may include an enclosure, a linear antenna array disposed within the enclosure and a controller. The linear antenna array may include a plurality of antenna elements physically oriented in the same orientation. The plurality of antenna elements may be positioned along a longitudinal axis of the aircraft and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance center-to-center. The controller may be in communication with each of the plurality of antenna elements of the linear antenna array. The controller may be configured for independently controlling a RF phase angle of each of the plurality of antenna elements based on a position of the aircraft and at least one ground station available to the aircraft, allowing the linear antenna array to concentrate RF radiations in a particular wavelength toward a general direction.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed enabling deconfliction between a ground-based radio and an airborne radio while both radios are in wireless data communication with a ground-based cellular network via the same ground-based connection node or tower. An orthogonal plurality of time/frequency segments is divided into a ground group of segments and an air group of segments by dynamically placing a frequency barrier between the two groups. Through dynamic allocation between groups and between the plurality of time/frequency segments within each group, interference free communication may coexist while both radios are wirelessly connected to the same tower. Additionally, an uplink (from airborne radio to tower) frequency may be moved to a second, distant frequency band to deconflict with the uplink and downlink first frequency band allotted to the ground-based radio while the downlink from tower to airborne radio remains within the first frequency band.

Abstract: The present invention includes a plurality of native cellular nodes configured to provide wireless connectivity to one or more ground-based wireless devices, each native node including a BTS having a transceiver configured to transmit a downlink signal to the ground-based devices at a native downlink frequency and receive an uplink signal from the ground-based devices at a native uplink frequency, a plurality of augmented nodes configured to provide connectivity to one or more airborne devices, each augmented node including an augmented BTS having a transceiver configured to transmit a downlink signal to the one or more airborne communications devices via an upwardly directed antenna at the native downlink frequency and receive an air-to-ground uplink signal from the airborne devices at a selected air-to-ground uplink frequency different from the native uplink signal frequency, wherein the native nodes and the augmented nodes are configured to operate on a common backhaul infrastructure.

Abstract: A directional antenna is disclosed. The directional antenna may include a support structure for defining a support surface; a first antenna stack positioned on the support surface, the first antenna stack having multiple antenna elements oriented in a first orientation, allowing the first antenna stack to concentrate radiations in a first direction; a second antenna stack positioned on the support surface, the second antenna stack having multiple antenna elements oriented in a second orientation, the second orientation being rotated a predetermined angle with respect to the first orientation, allowing the second antenna stack to concentrate radiations in a second direction different from the first direction; and a controller configured to selectively activate at least one of the first antenna stack or the second antenna stack to steer the radiations of the directional antenna in different directions without physical/mechanical movement of the antenna stacks.

Abstract: A system for mitigating radio frequency (RF) interferences. The system may comprise an interference cancellation module communicatively coupled with a first antenna, the interference cancellation module configured for mitigating interferences from a second antenna by phase shifting a signal receivable at the first antenna according to a phase shift value, the phase shift value being predetermined when the second antenna is oriented in an initial directional orientation. The system may further comprise a variable RF delay module communicatively coupled with the interference cancellation module, the variable RF delay module configured for determining a current directional orientation of the second antenna, the variable RF delay module further configured for providing a phase compensation value based upon the current directional orientation of the second antenna.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed enabling deconfliction between a ground-based radio and an airborne radio while both radios are in wireless data communication with a ground-based cellular network via the same ground-based connection node or tower. An orthogonal plurality of time/frequency segments is divided into a ground group of segments and an air group of segments by dynamically placing a frequency barrier between the two groups. Through dynamic allocation between groups and between the plurality of time/frequency segments within each group, interference free communication may coexist while both radios are wirelessly connected to the same tower. Additionally, an uplink (from airborne radio to tower) frequency may be moved to a second, distant frequency band to deconflict with the uplink and downlink first frequency band allotted to the ground-based radio while the downlink from tower to airborne radio remains within the first frequency band.

Abstract: An in-flight video system for providing video services to an aircraft is disclosed. The video system may include a receiving module positioned on an aircraft. The receiving module may be configured for: receiving video signals being broadcasted on a ground-based cellular network, processing the video signals received and providing a video stream. The video system may further include a processor communicatively connected to the receiving module. The processor may be configured for distributing the video stream to at least one end device onboard the aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention includes a plurality of native cellular nodes configured to provide wireless connectivity to one or more ground-based wireless devices, each native node including a BTS having a transceiver configured to transmit a downlink signal to the ground-based devices at a native downlink frequency and receive an uplink signal from the ground-based devices at a native uplink frequency, a plurality of augmented nodes configured to provide connectivity to one or more airborne devices, each augmented node including an augmented BTS having a transceiver configured to transmit a downlink signal to the one or more airborne communications devices via an upwardly directed antenna at the native downlink frequency and receive an air-to-ground uplink signal from the airborne devices at a selected air-to-ground uplink frequency different from the native uplink signal frequency, wherein the native nodes and the augmented nodes are configured to operate on a common backhaul infrastructure.

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.

Abstract: A system for compensating for a Doppler frequency shift in communications between a mobile node and a fixed node. The system includes a Doppler frequency shift estimation unit configured to estimate the Doppler frequency shift experienced in a communication signal between the mobile node and the fixed node, wherein the Doppler frequency shift is estimated based on a location of the mobile node, a heading of the mobile node, and speed of the mobile node, and a location of the fixed node. The system also includes a frequency shift unit configured to shift a frequency of the communication signal in accordance with the estimated Doppler frequency shift.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for monitoring transmitting portable electronic devices (T-PEDs). The system may comprise one or more of the following features: (a) a plurality of radio frequency (RF) sensors; (b) a processing unit; and (c) a T-PED detection notification system. The RF sensors may be distributed throughout a given space in a substantially uniform arrangement so as to provide a nodal environment whereby the RF transmissions of a given T-PED may be associated with one or more RF sensors thereby allowing the monitoring system to calculate the location of the T-PED. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the RF sensors are integrated within the distributed network of an in-flight entertainment system of an aircraft.

Abstract: A video signal processing system and method is disclosed. The video signal processing system includes at least two receiving modules configured for independently receiving signals for the same video program. Each receiving module is further configured for processing the signals received and providing a corresponding video stream. The video signal processing system further includes a synchronization module and a data processing module. The synchronization module is configured for determining a latency difference between the at least two video streams, and the data processing module is configured for comparing and combining the at least two video streams to provide a merged video stream, which may have a reduced number of damaged or missing frames.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for controlling transmit power of a mobile node in air-to-ground communications to a fixed node. Power is controlled by taking into consideration the position of the mobile node, the ground position of a plurality of fixed nodes, and the RF pattern of an antenna. The ground position of the plurality of fixed nodes is determined by at least using a tower i.d. broadcast by the fixed nodes. Preferably, a power level is selected that will excite the fewest number of the plurality of fixed nodes while still maintaining a stable connection with at least one of the fixed nodes. The system may also utilize a repeater to receive communication signals from one or more mobile phones. This repeater then pre-amplifies the signal with a gain control signal received from one of the plurality of fixed nodes. The repeater would then pass the pre-amplified signal to the power amplifier for further amplification as controlled by the power controller.

Abstract: A directional antenna system for an aircraft is disclosed. The directional antenna system may include an enclosure, a linear antenna array disposed within the enclosure and a controller. The linear antenna array may include a plurality of antenna elements physically oriented in the same orientation. The plurality of antenna elements may be positioned along a longitudinal axis of the aircraft and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance center-to-center. The controller may be in communication with each of the plurality of antenna elements of the linear antenna array. The controller may be configured for independently controlling a RF phase angle of each of the plurality of antenna elements based on a position of the aircraft and at least one ground station available to the aircraft, allowing the linear antenna array to concentrate RF radiations in a particular wavelength toward a general direction.

Abstract: The communication system can be configured to generate revenue by using advertising elements or storing web pages. The communication system can allow internet access or programs to be performed. The mobile platforms can be automobiles, aircraft, boats, ships, trains or other vehicles. Advertising elements can be stored on the mobile platform.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for controlling transmit power of a mobile node in air-to-ground communications to a fixed node. Power is controlled by taking into consideration the position of the mobile node, the ground position of a plurality of fixed nodes, and the RF pattern of an antenna. Preferably, a power level is selected that will excite the fewest number of the plurality of fixed nodes while still maintaining a stable connection with at least one of the fixed nodes. The system may also utilize a repeater to receive communication signals from one or more mobile phones. This repeater then pre-amplifies the signal with a gain control signal received from one of the plurality of fixed nodes. The repeater would then pass the pre-amplified signal to the power amplifier for further amplification as controlled by the power controller.

Abstract: A video signal processing system and method is disclosed. The video signal processing system includes at least two receiving modules configured for independently receiving signals for the same video program. Each receiving module is further configured for processing the signals received and providing a corresponding video stream. The video signal processing system further includes a synchronization module and a data processing module. The synchronization module is configured for determining a latency difference between the at least two video streams, and the data processing module is configured for comparing and combining the at least two video streams to provide a merged video stream, which may have a reduced number of damaged or missing frames.

Abstract: A directional antenna is disclosed. The directional antenna may include a support structure for defining a support surface; a first antenna stack positioned on the support surface, the first antenna stack having multiple antenna elements oriented in a first orientation, allowing the first antenna stack to concentrate radiations in a first direction; a second antenna stack positioned on the support surface, the second antenna stack having multiple antenna elements oriented in a second orientation, the second orientation being rotated a predetermined angle with respect to the first orientation, allowing the second antenna stack to concentrate radiations in a second direction different from the first direction; and a controller configured to selectively activate at least one of the first antenna stack or the second antenna stack to steer the radiations of the directional antenna in different directions without physical/mechanical movement of the antenna stacks.

Abstract: A communication system is provided for use with a mobile platform. The communication system can be configured to store video data on-board to allow pseudo-live or live broadcasts to be played as the mobile platform traverses a number of broadcasts regions. The mobile platforms can be automobiles, aircraft, boats, ships, trains, or other vehicles. The communication system allows Internet access, movies, and other entertainment and business functions to be performed.

Abstract: The present invention is a position-based modulation system for communications devices. The device may comprise one or more of the following features: (a) a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of receiving positioning data from GPS satellites; (b) a radio frequency (RF) transceiver having at least a first channel and a second channel; (c) a geographical information system (GIS) database of topographical data; (d) a processor capable of optimizing transceiving parameters of the RF transceiver based on the positioning data and topographical data; and (e) a bus linking the GPS receiver, RF transceiver, GIS database, and processor.