Including A Satellite Patents (Class 342/352)
- Determining a navigation solution using signals transmitted by a satellite radio beacon positioning system (Class 342/357.21)
- Satellite radio beacon positioning system transmitting time-stamped messages; e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO (IPC) (Class 342/357.39)
- Using Doppler frequency shift (Class 342/357.78)
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Publication number: 20080174487Abstract: Methods and systems for demodulation of open-loop GPS radio occultation signals are provided. An occulted GPS radio signal where the atmosphere-induced modulation on the phase is up to 180 degrees may be recorded by a radio occultation receiver. The radio signal may be concurrently received by a second receiver where the atmosphere-induced phase modulation is below 90 degrees and where the Navigation Data Message (NDM) bit sequence can be readily extracted. The extracted NDM bit sequence may be used to demodulate the occulted GPS radio signal and a 4-quadrant phase extractor may then be used to determine the phase and amplitude of the radio occultation signal. The phase and amplitude modulations after removal of NDM may be used for inversion, e.g., retrieval of the atmospheric parameters such as the bending angle, refractivity and deriving of the meteorological parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: Sergey V. Sokolovskiy, Christian Rocken
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Publication number: 20080143589Abstract: Downstream satellite communication systems and methods are disclosed according to embodiments of the invention. According to embodiments of the invention, a composite signal may be received by a subscriber terminal that includes at least a first signal that is transmitted from a first user through a first satellite, a second signal that is transmitted from the first user through a second satellite, and a third signal that is transmitted from a second user through the second satellite. The first signal and the second signal are transmitted to the first and second satellites as the same signal from a gateway, transmitter or subscriber terminal. The third signal is isolated from the composite signal and the subtracted from the composite signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: ViaSat, Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Dankberg, Charles N. Pateros
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Publication number: 20080143600Abstract: There is described a method for the alignment of an earth station antenna with a satellite antenna, wherein a reference signal, emitted by the earth station antenna is analyzed in a monitoring station, wherein the reference signal is used as a carrier for authentication information about the earth station.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2005Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Leopold Gerlinger, Erwin Greilinger, Christian Hausleitner
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Publication number: 20080137714Abstract: A spread-spectrum signal comprises a spreading waveform modulating a carrier wave and containing a real linear combination of a first waveform at a first waveform rate and a second waveform at a second waveform rate, the first waveform rate being distinct from the second waveform rate and both waveform rates being distinct and non-zero. The linear combination of the first and the second waveform is modulated with at least one binary sequence comprising a signal identification code.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: CENTRE NATIONAL D'ETUDES SPATIALESInventors: Ries Lionel, Jean-Luc Issler, Laurent Lestarquit, Jose-Angel Avila-Rodriguez, Guenter W. Hein
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Publication number: 20080136706Abstract: A device is dedicated to generating messages relating to at least one satellite navigation system and to be sent to navigation receivers. This device comprises processor means responsible for generating “description” messages to be broadcast to the navigation receivers from a chosen date and comprising a description of a format of future messages to be broadcast to the navigation receivers from a date after the chosen date.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: Alcatel LucentInventors: Jean-Louis DAMIDAUX, Charles Fernet
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Patent number: 7369847Abstract: A communication system has a high altitude communication device that has an antenna for directing beams to a fixed cell pattern with a polarity of cells. A specific pattern of cells having the same communication resource is provided. Preferably, cells having the same resource are separated. The antenna is shaped to suppress interference with locations having the same resource. The areas not having the same resource are not suppressed to allow the system to have maximum capacity and allow a smaller antenna aperture.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Harold Rosen, Ying Feria, Parthasarathy Ramanujam
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Patent number: 7366463Abstract: A radio signal relay device such as satellite is used to cover several relatively small geographical regions with relatively narrow beams as well as a relatively large geographical region with a single beam. This relatively wide beam permits legacy equipment to be used. A transmitting device in a beam transmits a signal to the relay device, which in turn retransmits the signal to a receiving device. The transmitting devices, relay device, and receiving devices synchronize communication by using a particular mode of communication which includes a band of carrier frequencies and a protocol. In addition to communicating like mode signals from a transmitter to a receiver, the relay device may be used in a dual mode communication system to translate signals from the one mode to another. A translator may direct a transmitter to modulate a signal on a different carrier frequency, convert one protocol into another protocol, or both.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Stephen F. Archer, Richard H. Johnson
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Publication number: 20080094276Abstract: A method for optimising at least one property of a satellite system. The satellite system comprises a satellite provided with a transmitter for transmitting an satellite signal which represents data. The satellite is further provided with a satellite receiver for receiving said satellite signal. The method comprises receiving at said satellite receiver the satellite signal; determining from the satellite signal said data; checking the data for data errors; and changing said at least one property of the satellite system if a result of said checking satisfies a predetermined criterion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2003Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: Jacobus Adrianus Kegel
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Publication number: 20080070497Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for acquiring signal received from space vehicles (SVs) in a satellite navigation system. In one example, although claimed subject matter is not so limited, information processed in acquiring a signal from a first SV may be used in acquiring a signal from a second SV.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventor: Rayman Wai Pon
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Publication number: 20080055151Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for use in managing satellite communication signal strength includes: receiving a beacon signal from an earth-based beacon, the received beacon signal having an amplitude; monitoring the amplitude of the beacon signal; and, in response to monitoring the beacon signal, causing a transmitter to adjust the signal strength for a satellite communication. According to another embodiment, a method for use in managing satellite communication signal strength includes: using a transmitter on a satellite, transmitting microwave communications signals; determining a distortion associated with at least a portion of the transmitted microwave communications signals; and, in response to the determination, causing the signal strength of the microwave communications signals transmitted by the transmitter to be adjusted.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Applicant: WildBlue Communications, Inc.Inventors: Erwin C. Hudson, Remberto L. Martin
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Patent number: 7333815Abstract: A server for authenticating subscribers in a tracking and locating system and method is disclosed. The locating system provides positional information of locator devices in the form of pages viewable by subscribers over a network.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Bryan Holland
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Patent number: 7321775Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for obtaining location information on the location of a terminal (UE) attached to a communication network, said method comprising the steps of: issuing, by an application (LCS_CLIENT) requiring such location information, a request for location information to said communication network, forwarding said request within said network to a routing entity (VMSC, SGSN) currently in charge of routing messages for said terminal, and collecting information for determining the location of said terminal in response to said request, wherein said collecting comprises the further steps of: inquiring an access control entity (RNC) of said network currently in charge of controlling access of said terminal to said network for parameters for location determination, providing a response from said access control entity to a location determination functional entity (SMLC), judging, at said location determination functional entity (SMLC), whether the response contains said inquired parameters,Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventor: Markus Maanoja
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Publication number: 20080001811Abstract: A digital broadcasting receiver having a location registration and notification function is disclosed. The receiver includes a receiving unit for receiving data including identification information of a gap filler; an input unit for inputting a location registration request signal; a sub-controller for detecting gap filler identification information (GFID) from the digital broadcasting data; a main controller for creating location identification information corresponding to the GFID in response to the location registration request signal; and a location information storage unit for storing the GFID and the location identification information.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2007Publication date: January 3, 2008Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Seong Geun Kwon
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Patent number: 7302317Abstract: A system and method to enhance attitude estimation for transfer orbit maneuvers of a spinning satellite includes a transfer orbit earth sensor that can receive and convert an infrared radiance to an analog signal. The analog signal is provided to a hardware chord processor and an analog-to-digital converter. The hardware chord processor determines an earth chord length based on the analog signal. The analog signal is sampled in the analog-to-digital converter to provide a digital signal to a digital earth sensor pre-processor, which reshapes the digital signal to provide a pre-processed signal having nearly distinct peaks. A software chord processor is provided with the pre-processed signal. The software chord processor locates the peaks in the pre-processed signal and determines an earth chord length.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Danny D. Howard, Che-Hang Charles Ih
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Patent number: 7277673Abstract: A plurality of satellites are placed into a virtually geosynchronous orbit, in which a first part of the orbit, that is near apogee, has a similar movement to the rotation of the earth, and therefore the orbit appears virtually stationary relative to the earth. Different satellites in the orbit are caused to have specified standardized parameters, and also defined according to an orbital position at a date certain. The different satellites and therefore be assigned to different owners according to these parameters.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Virtual Geosatellite LLCInventor: David Castiel
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Patent number: 7274327Abstract: A receiver unit (400) capable of determining its approximate location using a first and a second satellite transmission source (12 & 14) and, a first terrestrial transmission source (18) includes a receiver (402) and decoder (450) for receiving and decoding a first synchronization pulse from the first satellite, a second synchronization pulse from the satellite signal, and a third synchronization pulse from the terrestrial source. The receiver unit further includes a counter (412) for measuring a first delay between the first synchronization pulse and the second synchronization pulse and for measuring a second delay between one of the first synchronization pulse or the second synchronization pulse and the third synchronization pulse. The receiver unit further includes a processor (421) for determining an east-west constant delay line based on the first delay and for determining a north-south constant delay line based on the second delay.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2001Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: XM Satellite Radio, Inc.Inventors: Paul Marko, Craig Wadin, Richard Andrew Michalski
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Patent number: 7269393Abstract: In a portable radio device in which both an antenna for cell phone and an antenna for receiving GPS data are installed, an object of the present invention is to decrease influence of the antennas on one another with respect to deterioration of their radio performances. According to the present invention, in a portable radio device in which an operating part housing (11) and a display part housing (12) are connected by way of a hinge part (13) in a freely foldable manner to conduct both telephone conversation and reception of GPS data, an antenna (20) for the telephone conversation is provided at one side of the operating part housing (11) in a lateral direction, and at the same time, an antenna (21) for receiving the GPS data is mounted to a base board (22) in the display part housing (12) in its end area at an opposite side to the hinge part (13). With this arrangement, both the antennas (20), (21) can be spaced from each other, and deterioration of their radio performances can be restrained.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiko Ota, Makoto Noto, Takamitsu Suzuki, Masanori Kubota
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Patent number: 7233798Abstract: To address the need for faster location determination by GPS-equipped units, this application describes embodiments of the present invention that provide GPS-assist data to a remote unit (110) that is determining its location. This GPS assist data is relative to a central point of a grid element that contains the particular remote unit. The grid element is a geographical area within which a predetermined number of GPS satellites are viewable from anywhere within the grid element. By providing GPS-assist data for a grid element, the remote unit receives GPS-assist data sufficiently local in nature to help it determine its location more quickly. Also, because there are significantly fewer grid elements than cell sites over a region such as the US, the maintenance of current GPS-assist data on a grid element basis requires less network bandwidth than it would on a cell site basis.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Bruce M. Drawert, Audrey Longhurst
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Patent number: 7228112Abstract: In a portable radio device in which both an antenna for cell phone and an antenna for receiving GPS data are installed, an object of the present invention is to decrease influence of the antennas on one another with respect to deterioration of their radio performances. According to the present invention, in a portable radio device in which an operating part housing (11) and a display part housing (12) are connected by way of a hinge part (13) in a freely foldable manner to conduct both telephone conversation and reception of GPS data, an antenna (20) for the telephone conversation is provided at one side of the operating part housing (11) in a lateral direction, and at the same time, an antenna (21) for receiving the GPS data is mounted to a base board (22) in the display part housing (12) in its end area at an opposite side to the hinge part (13). With this arrangement, both the antennas (20), (21) can be spaced from each other, and deterioration of their radio performances can be restrained.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiko Ota, Makoto Noto, Takamitsu Suzuki, Masanori Kubota
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Patent number: 7187732Abstract: Method and apparatus for adjusting the frequency of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) at a receiver to synchronize the receiver with the transmitter by correlating a synchronization code channel with training sequences to estimate positive and negative offsets which are employed to estimate an error, which is then filtered. The filter output provides voltage controlling the VCO. The same technique may be employed to control a numeric controlled oscillator (NCO).Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: InterDigital Technology CorporationInventor: Alpaslan Demir
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Patent number: 7142156Abstract: System and method for enabling signal acquisition in a satellite positioning system (SPS) when signals from SPS satellites are attenuated by the operating environment of a SPS receiver. A preferred embodiment comprises a communications server (for example, communications server 220) coupled to a SPS receiver (for example, SPS receiver 210) at one end and a time server (for example, time server 225) by a public network (for example, the Internet 230). Preferably, the communications server 220 is coupled to the Internet 230 via a wireless network to facilitate maximum mobility and flexibility. The communications server 220 queries the time server 225 for the current time and then provides the current time to the SPS receiver 210. The SPS receiver 210 makes use of the current time to assist it in signal acquisition.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Alan M. Gilkes
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Patent number: 7089013Abstract: A method of incrementally increasing a revenue stream generated by an incrementally built satellite communication system comprising the following steps: (A) planning an initial constellation phase of the satellite communication system to cover an initial predetermined coverage area; (B) building the initial number of satellites for the initial constellation phase of the satellite communication system; (C) launching each satellite to fill the initial constellation phase of the satellite communication system; and (D) collecting an initial revenue stream generated by the initial constellation phase of the satellite communication system. The initial constellation phase of the satellite communication system comprises an initial number of satellites and is substantially completed to carry an initial communication traffic for the initial predetermined coverage area. The initial revenue stream can be used for building the subsequent phase of the planned satellite communication system.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Astro Research CorporationInventors: Roger R. Taur, Ted Mitsuteru Sugiki, Hiroyuki Okamoto
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Patent number: 7013137Abstract: This disclosure describes a method to generate large numbers of spot beams for multiple-beam satellite systems using smaller apertures. This is done by dividing the basic spot beam that has 3 to 4 dB of gain drop within the beam into a number of smaller 1-dB sub-beams. This has the effect of reducing the required peak gain for the antenna by 2–3 dB, thus reducing its size by as much as 50%. The frequency band allocated to the basic beam will be divided among the sub-beams. However, the frequency re-use among the basic beams can be maintained. Frequency allocations have to be coordinated among all beams. This concept is especially applicable to phased arrays using digital beam formers. The DBF complexity is a function of the number of array elements, and is less dependent on the number of beams. Reducing the array size, and consequently reducing the number of elements helps in reducing the complexity, power and mass of the DBF.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Comsat CorporationInventors: Amir I. Zaghloul, Ozlem Killic, Albert E. Williams
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Patent number: 6993288Abstract: A method of coordinating communications between ground stations and fixed beam satellites is provided, wherein each beam of a satellite antenna is assigned a color to create a color pattern that matches a frequency reuse pattern for the antenna, thereby using the same frequencies in a different beam with the same color. In operation, a ground station requests a virtual channel number from a resource manager, which sends a virtual channel number that is not used by another ground station within a beam diameter of the requesting ground station. The ground station then determines the position of the satellite, the beam and beam color, and further computes the frequency, polarization, and time slot, among other information, to communicate with the satellite. A method is also provided for managing virtual channels that comprises a network manager that groups ground stations and limits the number of virtual channels per group.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael de La Chapelle, David C. Morse, Leonard J. Quadracci
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Patent number: 6989786Abstract: Techniques for redirecting a satellite antenna beam from a satellite antenna of a satellite in an inclined orbit to a preferred satellite antenna beam pointing position on the earth are provided. Satellite antenna maneuver data is computed based upon information associated with the satellite, such as telemetry, orbital, and antenna nominal pointing information. Command code sequences are then generated that correspond to the maneuver data. The command codes are executable at the inclined orbit satellite to modify the antenna position. The generated command codes are then transmitted to the inclined orbit satellite to redirect the satellite antenna beam center to the preferred position.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Intelsat Global Service CorporationInventor: Guibin Dong
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Patent number: 6980586Abstract: A pseudo-noise (PN) encoded digital data clock recovery circuit for recovering an original bit stream from a received chip stream includes a correlator, a phase controller, and a bit clock generator. The correlator correlates a pseudo-noise sequence with the received chip stream and generating a correlator output. The pseudo-noise sequence modulates the original bit stream. The phase controller is configured and arranged to histogram the correlator output of the correlator over the plurality of bit periods. The bit clock generator generates a bit clock which determines a sampling position of the received chip stream to recover the original bit stream from the received chip stream. The bit clock generator uses the histogram of the correlator output to select/adjust the sample position for the bit clock.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2000Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: David Ballinger
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Patent number: 6976937Abstract: An integrated exercise detection device includes a satellite positioning module that receives satellite signals associated with a user. The satellite positioning module includes a microprocessor that processes the received satellite signals to generate first data including current position, displacement, velocity and altitude of the user. The integrated exercise detection device further includes an exercise detection module that detects exercise signals of the user and generates second data in response thereto. The second data are transmitted to the microprocessor via for example electrical cables and/or wireless transmission comprised of wireless transmitter coupled to the exercise detection module and wireless receiver coupled to the microprocessor. A display is electrically coupled to the second microprocessor to selectively display the first and second data.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2004Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Inventor: Yu-Yu Chen
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Patent number: 6968187Abstract: A communications link for a cellular communications system (10) includes a first airplane (35) for flying in a first pattern (86) and including a first antenna for transmitting RF beams (92) to form a first footprint (96) on a first target geographic area (98) to provide cellular phone users (18) within the footprint with a first communications link. A second airplane (35?) flies in a second pattern (86) and includes a second antenna for transmitting RF beams (92) to form a second footprint (96) on a second target geographic area (98) to provide cellular phone users (18) within the second footprint with a second communications link. The first and second airplanes each fly at an altitude that is below a high altitude level and that is varied to enable continuous uninterrupted coverage to be provided to a service area below in a weather pattern-independent and geographic feature-independent manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: William George Carson Irwin, Mark Melvin Kanne
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Patent number: 6936760Abstract: A space-based power system. The system maintains proper positioning and alignment of system components without using connecting structures. Power system elements are launched into orbit, and the free-floating power system elements are maintained in proper relative alignment, e.g., position, orientation, and shape, using a control system.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Solaren CorporationInventors: James E. Rogers, Gary T. Spirnak
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Patent number: 6919839Abstract: A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) compensates for ionospheric distortions based upon measurement of the group delay, particularly when operating in the VHF/UHF band. The SAR is based upon a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) technique for estimating the effective ionospheric conditions, which is referred to as the group delay approach. The group delay approach is divided into a 1-dimensional (range) approach and a 2-dimensional (range and cross-range) approach. The group delay measures the effective or observed TEC, which is used to reduce the ionospheric distortion.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2004Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Edward R. Beadle, Paul D. Anderson, Steve Richter, John F. Dishman, Emile Ganthier
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Patent number: 6915208Abstract: The present invention discloses a GPS system that can operate in different modes depending on the network facilities and bandwidth available, the GPS information that can be acquired, or user or system requirements. The modes comprise standalone mode, where a mobile communications device computes the position of the device, an autonomous mode, where the mobile communications device transmits the computed position to a server, application, or PSAP in a communications network, a network aided mode, where the network aides the mobile communications device in determining the position of the device, a network based mode, and other modes.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Sirf Technology, Inc.Inventors: Lionel Jacques Garin, Kanwar Chadha, Gregory Bret Turetzky, Ashutosh Pande
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Patent number: 6914553Abstract: A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for a moveable platform includes an antenna, a radar transmitter and radar receiver cooperating with the antenna. A radar processor is connected to the radar transmitter and radar receiver to account for the Faraday rotation introduced by propagation through the ionosphere by estimating an individual ionospheric distortion for each received echo pulse based upon a measured Faraday rotation, and reducing the ionospheric distortion for each received echo pulse based upon the estimated individual ionospheric distortion associated therewith for providing a compensated echo pulse.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2004Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Edward R. Beadle, Paul D. Anderson, Steve Richter, John F. Dishman, Emile Ganthier
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Patent number: 6909875Abstract: A mobile wireless communications system including a plurality of individual transponding nodes of various types, all in communication with a central processing hub. A local user signal is processed by the central processing hub and radiated through multiple paths to a plurality of the plurality of individual transponding platforms simultaneously. The signal is then re-radiated by each of the plurality of the plurality of individual transponding platforms to a mobile terminal that receives the re-radiated signal from the plurality of the plurality of individual transponding platforms coherently and in phase. The number of transponders and codes used to transmit each user signal can be readily adapted to user requirements.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: Kar W. Yung, Frank A. Hagen, Donald C. D. Chang
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Patent number: 6904341Abstract: A vessel monitoring and control system. Data indicative of operational conditions for vessel systems is transmitted from the vessel to one or more remote sites and commands are received from the one or more remote sites for controlling the vessel systems. Multiple transmitting and receiving components are available on the vessel for communicating with a variety of different communications systems at the remote sites.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Sea-Watch Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Loretta Ann Kish, Lamar Graham McBryde
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Patent number: 6900757Abstract: The method for identification of a set of satellites, arranged on GEO orbit, consists of receiving satellite signals; determining antenna beams strength; detecting beams that are local maximums according to the antenna structure, defined by the number of beams and their coordinates in the antenna plane; and approximating the GEO orbit using the strength of the received signals, wherein the satellites' identification is carried out through the local maximums situated on or in a defined range of the approximated GEO curve, according to the information for the geographic position of each satellite and the antenna orientation. Projection probability coefficients of a given satellite in a given area of the antenna plane are used for satellites' identifications. The information about the geographic position of each satellite may be corrected by azimuth, elevation and roll angles, according to the inaccuracy of the antenna installation.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Skygate International Technology N.V.Inventors: Milen Dimitrov, Dimitar Mishev, Todor Krastev, Boyan Yakimov, Nikolay Kratchunov
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Patent number: 6891497Abstract: A chirp-based method and apparatus measures phase variation through a reference frequency transport cable for a phased array antenna. A chirp is injected into the a signal transport path from a remote transmit/receive portion of the antenna, so that the chirp is conveyed over the signal path, reflected from an upstream bandpass filter at a local transmit/receive portion of the antenna, and returned to a remote transmit portion of the antenna. Energy in the returned chirp is extracted by a downstream bandpass filter and correlated in a delay lock loop with energy in an auxiliary chirp signal, that is delayed relative to the injected chirp. The delay of the auxiliary chirp is adjusted to maximize the correlation output and provide an indication of the delay through the signal path.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: John Roger Coleman, Jr., Travis Sean Mashburn
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Patent number: 6876925Abstract: A method, corresponding apparatus and corresponding system for determining a dynamical quantity of a receiver of signals conveying information useful in estimating the dynamical quantity, the method including the steps of: providing a single-point solution, by solving for the dynamical quantity of the receiver using a single-point solution having as an input the information useful in estimating the dynamical quantity being determined; providing a plurality of filter solutions (such as predictive filter solutions), and each assuming a different motion model for the receiver; and combining the plurality of filter solutions to provide a first value of the dynamical quantity based on weights that take into account the likelihood of the suitability of each motion model, with the likelihood determined on the basis of agreement of the first value of the dynamical quantity compared with a second value of the dynamical quantity as indicated by a single-point solution.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventor: Paula Syrjärinne
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Patent number: 6861975Abstract: A chirp-based arrangement derives a measure of phase variation through a reference frequency transport cable of a phased array antenna architecture, such as a spaceborne synthetic aperture radar system. A direct digital synthesized chirp signal is injected in an upstream direction into the transport cable from a downstream end thereof, so that the chirp signal is transmitted in an upstream direction, reflected from an upstream bandpass filter, and returned in a downstream direction. At each of a plurality of nodes that are distributed along the transport cable, the two chirp signals are extracted and frequency domain-processed to derive said measure of transport delay through the cable between the source of the reference frequency signal and each of the nodes.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: John Roger Coleman Jr., Travis Sean Mashburn
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Patent number: 6859169Abstract: A radar surveillance system includes a plurality of satellites a plurality of medium earth orbit satellites to provide continuous, long dwell coverage of a region of interest. Each satellite has an antenna having a main reflector and a subreflector electromagnetically coupled to the main reflector. A phased array generates multiple electromagnetic beams positioned so the electromagnetic beams reflect from the subreflector onto said main reflector. The system may be used in determining slow moving targets using a combination of monopulse anomaly and target spectral width measurements. The system also performs synthetic aperture radar imagery and focussed area fast moving target detection using alternating slope linear frequency modulated pulses. The plurality of medium Earth orbit satellites include a self-contained communications system consisting of high bandwidth self-relay crosslinks, high bandwidth downlink, and direct broadcast downlinks for processed data.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventors: David A. Jones, Henry L. McCord, Paul A. Jensen, Eric B. Jensen, James M. Knight
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Patent number: 6844844Abstract: The invention concerns a system comprising a radiofrequency antenna stationed in an orbit around the earth, and illuminating means for transmitting and/or receiving likewise orbiting round the earth located on at least a satellite separate from the one bearing the antenna, the antenna being located in the illuminating field of said means. The invention is characterised in that the antenna is a radiofrequency antenna formed by a mesh generation of tiles and phase-shifting means connected thereto, the signals received by the tiles passing through the phase-shifting means before being assembled on said tiles, said phase-shifting and/or delaying means being capable of diverting the radiofrequency signals corresponding to one or several channels transmitted by the illuminating means to send them to the earth along one or several beams and/or of diverting the radiofrequency signals corresponding to one or several beams transmitted from the earth to send them to the illuminating means along one or several channels.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2000Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Centre National d'Etudes SpatialesInventor: Jean-Paul Aguttes
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Patent number: 6839547Abstract: A locator using Navstar constellation signals for determining geographical location of a mobile receiver. The locator is integrated with a mobile unit of a cellular network, which derives its reference frequency from a local oscillator (26). A frequency measuring module (28) counts the number of digital numbers derived from the local oscillator passing between two consecutive time-tagged indicators of the cellular network. The estimated frequency is calculated by dividing the number of digital numbers by the nominal time interval (T0) between the indicators.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2000Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: CellGuide Ltd.Inventors: Joseph Nir, Baruch Shayevits, Hanoch Cohen
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Patent number: 6829535Abstract: Method and apparatus for creating a compact orbit model is described. Satellite tracking data is obtained having a first set of orbit terms that define a first orbit model. The satellite tracking data is formatted to form formatted data having a second set of orbit terms that define a second orbit model. A number of terms in the first set of orbit terms is greater than a number of terms in the second set of orbit terms.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Global Locate, Inc.Inventors: Frank van Diggelen, Charles Abraham, James W. LaMance
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Patent number: 6824107Abstract: A transmission or communication system, wherein plural individual elliptical orbits are so defined that an individual right ascension of a north-bound node is established with a designated angle. An artificial satellite is travels on a respective ones of the plural individual elliptical orbit and a group of artificial satellites arranged on respective ones of the plural individual elliptical orbits are used so that at least one of the artificial satellites having a communication system is always viewable within a pre-defined range of operational elevational angle in a zenith direction from a service area. The group of artificial satellites are on respective orbits obtained by combining an inclination angle and an eccentricity squared of the individual elliptical orbit so that a right ascension of north-bound node is a designated angle and a time period during which respective ones of the group of artificial satellites is viewable from ground is substantially identical.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toshihide Maeda, Nobuo Hamano, Shigeki Nakamura, Tomiharu Yoshida, Masataka Owada, Masahiko Ikeda, Takashi Yabutani, Masahiro Ito
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Patent number: 6768452Abstract: System and method for enabling signal acquisition in a satellite positioning system (SPS) when signals from SPS satellites are attenuated by the operating environment of a SPS receiver. A preferred embodiment comprises a communications server (for example, communications server 220) coupled to a SPS receiver (for example, SPS receiver 210) at one end and a time server (for example, time server 225) by a public network (for example, the Internet 230). Preferably, the communications server 220 is coupled to the Internet 230 via a wireless network to facilitate maximum mobility and flexibility. The communications server 220 queries the time server 225 for the current time and then provides the current time to the SPS receiver 210. The SPS receiver 210 makes use of the current time to assist it in signal acquisition.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Texas Instrucments IncorporatedInventor: Alan Martin Gilkes
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Patent number: 6748197Abstract: A method and device for using a single antenna for simultaneously receiving radio frequency signals in different L-band and GPS data band radio frequency bands embodied by example in a circuit having a directional coupler configured to direct a signal input at a first port into two second ports. Filters are coupled to receive the output of each second port, the filters being configured to reflect radio frequency energy in radio frequency bands other than the GPS data radio frequency band. The directional coupler is further configured to direct the reflected radio frequency energy into another port of the directional coupler. A filter is coupled to the other port of the directional coupler and is configured to reflect radio frequency energy in radio frequency bands other than the L-band radio frequency.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.Inventors: Brian Lindemann, Tuan Nguyen
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Patent number: 6732050Abstract: A method, corresponding apparatus and corresponding system for determining a dynamical quantity of a receiver of signals conveying information useful in estimating the dynamical quantity, the method including the steps of: providing a single-point solution, by solving for the dynamical quantity of the receiver using a single-point solution having as an input the information useful in estimating the dynamical quantity being determined; providing a plurality of filter solutions (such as predictive filter solutions), and each assuming a different motion model for the receiver; and combining the plurality of filter solutions to provide a first value of the dynamical quantity based on weights that take into account the likelihood of the suitability of each motion model, with the likelihood determined on the basis of agreement of the first value of the dynamical quantity compared with a second value of the dynamical quantity as indicated by a single-point solution.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones LtdInventor: Paula Syrjärinne
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Patent number: 6727425Abstract: High-output transmitters are applied to a power generation satellite and a transmission antenna apparatus and a transmission antenna having an array antenna with a small number of element antennas and a reflecting mirror antenna is applied, thereby providing a power generation satellite and a transmission antenna apparatus in a space photovoltaic generation system comprising transmission antennas each having performance equivalent to that of a phased array antenna with a smaller number of transmitters and a smaller number of element antennas than those of a transmission antenna implemented as a phased array antenna.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuyuki Takada, Hiroyuki Satou, Izuru Naito, Izumi Mikami
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Patent number: 6723912Abstract: A power generation satellite has a photoelectric conversion unit for converting sunlight into electric energy, a transmission frequency conversion unit for performing frequency conversion of the electric energy to a microwave, a microwave control unit for controlling the amplitude, the phase, or the amplitude and the phase of the microwave, and a transmitting antenna for radiating the microwave. A plurality of the power generation satellites are placed in space to form a power generation satellite group and an array antenna having the transmitting antennas of the power generation satellites in the power generation satellite group as element antennas is formed.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomohiro Mizuno, Hiroyuki Sato, Izuru Naito, Izumi Mikami
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Patent number: 6708019Abstract: A method for rapidly monitoring and detecting a mobile terminal causing RF interference with one or more satellites orbiting in the vicinity of a target satellite, from a plurality of mobile terminals accessing the target satellite. Each mobile terminal performs a transmit lobing signal sequence and a ground-based component in the form of a Network Operation Center (NOC) analyzes the signals transmitted by each mobile platform. The NOC determines a ratio of energy-per-bit to noise spectral density (Eb/No) value for the signals transmitted by each mobile platform and compares these values to a predetermined Eb/No value. If the Eb/No values for a given mobile platform deviate by more than a predetermined magnitude from the predetermined Eb/No value, then the NOC identifies that given mobile platform as causing the unintended RF interference with the adjacent satellite(s).Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Christopher John McLain, Michael de La Chapelle, David S. Parkman
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Patent number: 6695260Abstract: An array of satellites virtual forming a geosynchronous space. Communication with the satellites is only carried out during an active arc near the apogee portion. During other points of the satellites orbit, they are inactive. These inactive portions of the satellites orbit include the positions where the satellite communication could conceivably interfere with communications to geosynchronous satellites.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Virtual Geosatellite LLCInventors: David Castiel, Jay Brosius