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.

Abstract: A system and method for determining when a moving mobile platform will enter or exit a satellite coverage region. In a preferred form the method involves determining a plurality of boundary coordinates that define a satellite coverage region perimeter. A position of the mobile platform is monitored as the mobile platform moves along a travel path. The proximity of the mobile platform to the satellite coverage region perimeter is determined by periodically comparing the position of the mobile platform to the boundary coordinates.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a workload for a data content delivery apparatus of a communications network. The delivery apparatus delivers content to mobile users via buffered RF link over a fixed bandwidth. A last router routes the content from the delivery apparatus to RF link buffer(s) for transmission to the users. A monitor determines, from the delivery apparatus, parameters describing the content and determines, from the router, bandwidth utilization via the buffer(s), and reports, to the delivery apparatus, bandwidth available for allocation to the content based on the parameters and the bandwidth utilization. The system tracks overall data transfer rates for the network and provides information that can be used to optimize available bandwidth.

Abstract: A system and method for informing users of a possible disruption in a communications link established between users traveling on a mobile platform and a fixed base station. In one preferred form, the invention enables a user on a mobile platform to log on to access a web server on the mobile platform and to obtain information on the availability/status of the communications link formed between the mobile platform and the fixed base station. In another preferred embodiment, the user is provided by the web server with a pop-up window which automatically appears on the user's computing device that is periodically updated with useful information concerning the performance of the network on board the mobile platform and/or the status of the communications link linking the mobile platform and a fixed base station, and the possibility of an imminent disruption in the satellite communications link.

Abstract: A communication system for supplying information content from a base station to a mobile platform via a satellite link, wherein the base station monitors a plurality of buffers used to supply the content to insure that all of the buffers are utilized in the most efficient manner possible. If it is detected that any one or more of the buffers are being under utilized, meaning that one or more has additional capacity, then the base station will select a transmission method for the information content to be transmitted, for example, a point-to-point connection which requires additional formatting of the information content. This requires additional buffer capacity but will better ensure that the requested information content will be reliably received by the requesting mobile platform.

Abstract: A friendship band with exchangeable closed loop members is disclosed. The friendship band may be configured to be worn as a wrist bracelet, ankle bracelet, and a necklace. The friendship wrist bracelet includes a wristband formed of stretchable material and having releasable closure means members for opening and closing the wristband. A plurality of closed loop members are slidably removable from the wristband for exchanging with the closed loop members of other ones of the wristbands. Each of the plurality of closed loop members having first indicia thereon for exchanging with the closed loop members of other ones of the wristbands having second, third and fourth indicia thereon.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that enable a bi-directional mobile communication system to prioritize the delivery of content to mobile platforms based input from a policy algorithm. The policy algorithm is in communication with a database that contains rules for distribution of content (e.g., Internet web pages, audio, and video, among others). The policy algorithm is further in communication with a link management system that provides information as to which mobile platforms are available and a plurality of routers to improve bandwidth utilization. Accordingly, the system according to the present invention prioritizes deliveries and updates of content to the mobile platform in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

Abstract: A system and method for informing users of a possible disruption in a communications link established between users traveling on a mobile platform and a fixed base station. In one preferred form, the invention enables a user on a mobile platform to log on to access a web server on the mobile platform and to obtain information on the availability/status of the communications link formed between the mobile platform and the fixed base station. In another preferred embodiment, the user is provided by the web server with a pop-up window which automatically appears on the user's computing device that is periodically updated with useful information concerning the performance of the network on board the mobile platform and/or the status of the communications link linking the mobile platform and a fixed base station, and the possibility of an imminent disruption in the satellite communications link.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the transmission of data content, in real time, to a plurality of mobile platforms operating within a given coverage region. The system makes use of a database which includes an identifier which uniquely identifies each mobile platform authorized to access the system, together with the specific types of data content to be provided to, and level of quality of service to be accorded to, each mobile platform. The system and method allows the delivery of data content to each one of a plurality of mobile platforms receiving data content to be better managed, in real time, whenever a mobile platform is available to receive data content.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a workload for a data content delivery apparatus of a communications network. The delivery apparatus delivers content to mobile users via buffered RF link over a fixed bandwidth. A last router routes the content from the delivery apparatus to RF link buffer(s) for transmission to the users. A monitor determines, from the delivery apparatus, parameters describing the content and determines, from the router, bandwidth utilization via the buffer(s), and reports, to the delivery apparatus, bandwidth available for allocation to the content based on the parameters and the bandwidth utilization. The system tracks overall data transfer rates for the network and provides information that can be used to optimize available bandwidth.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that enable a bi-directional mobile communication system to prioritize the delivery of content to mobile platforms based input from a policy algorithm. The policy algorithm is in communication with a database that contains rules for distribution of content (e.g., Internet web pages, audio, and video, among others). The policy algorithm is further in communication with a link management system that provides information as to which mobile platforms are available and a plurality of routers to improve bandwidth utilization. Accordingly, the system according to the present invention prioritizes deliveries and updates of content to the mobile platform in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the transmission of data content, in real time, to a plurality of mobile platforms operating within a given coverage region. The system makes use of a database which includes an identifier which uniquely identifies each mobile platform authorized to access the system, together with the specific types of data content to be provided to, and level of quality of service to be accorded to, each mobile platform. The system and method allows the delivery of data content to each one of a plurality of mobile platforms receiving data content to be better managed, in real time, whenever a mobile platform is available to receive data content.

Abstract: A communication system for supply information content from a base station to a mobile platform via a satellite link, wherein the base station monitors a plurality of buffers used to supply the content to insure that all of the buffers are utilized in the most efficient manner possible. If it is detected that any one or more of the buffers are being under utilized, meaning that one or more has additional capacity, then the base station will select a transmission method for the information content to be transmitted, for example, a point-to-point connection which requires additional formatting of the information content. This requires additional buffer capacity but will better ensure that the requested information content will be reliably received by the requesting mobile platform.