Abstract: An absorber device for electromagnetic sensor systems has at least one aperture. Each aperture is able to be opened and closed by an aperture closure. The absorber device is designed in such a way that when the aperture is open, electromagnetic waves incoming through the aperture do not then leave the absorber device, and when the aperture is closed, electromagnetic waves impinging on the aperture are reflected.

Abstract: A profile generating apparatus which generates a profile includes a transmissive color measurement value acquiring portion that acquires a transmissive color measurement value in a case in which light is transmitted to the medium on which a patch is formed, a reflective color measurement value acquiring portion that acquires a reflective color measurement value in a case in which light is reflected from a front surface of the patch, and a profile generating portion that generates the profile based on the transmissive color measurement value and the reflective color measurement value.

Abstract: An optical characteristic measuring apparatus includes a hemispheric portion having a reflective surface on its inner wall, and a plane portion arranged to close an opening of the hemispheric portion and having a reflective surface on an inner-wall side of the hemispheric portion. The plane portion includes a first window occupying a range including a substantial center of curvature of the hemispheric portion for attaching a light source to the first window. At least one of the hemispheric portion and the plane portion includes a plurality of second windows arranged in accordance with a predetermined rule for extracting light from inside the hemispheric portion.

Abstract: Provided are a solar light collecting mirror which can achieve high light collection efficiency even in a solar thermal power generation system such as a tower solar thermal power generation system in which the distance from a reflecting mirror to a heat collector is a long distance between several tens of meters and several hundreds of meters, can be manufactured easily and inexpensively, and can easily achieve concave mirrors with various curvatures, and a solar thermal power generation system using the same.

Abstract: A curved reflective mirror includes a flat glass structure, an intermediate adhesive layer, and a flat glass mirror. The intermediate adhesive layer is positioned between the flat glass structure and the flat glass mirror. The flat glass structure, the intermediate adhesive layer, and the flat glass mirror are curved and deformed in a mechanical manner with the support of a mold. The curved and deformed flat glass structure, intermediate adhesive layer, and flat glass mirror are solidified and bonded together in a heating and/or ultraviolet (UV) light radiation and/or room temperature solidification manner to form a composite curved structure. Also provided is a method for manufacturing a curved reflective mirror. The curved reflective mirror can be widely applied in the fields of solar thermal collection and concentration and solar thermal power generation.

Abstract: A microscope system has a VS image generation means for generating a virtual slide image of a specimen which is constructed by mutually connecting a plurality of microscope images with a first photomagnification photographed and acquired whenever an objective lens and the specimen are relatively moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and which represents the entire image of the specimen, an object-of-interest set means setting an object of interest with respect to the entire image of the specimen represented by the VS image, and a three-dimensional VS image generation means for generating a three-dimensional VS image which is constructed by connecting the microscope images at different focal positions in accordance with the same focal position and which is constructed from the microscope images with a second photomagnification higher than the first photomagnification and represents the image of the object of interest.

Abstract: A mirror includes a substrate, a reflection layer, and a protection layer. The substrate includes a surface having an attachment area and a reflection area. The reflection layer is formed on the reflection area. The protection layer is formed on the reflection area on which the reflection layer is formed and the attachment area. Material of the protection layer is homogeneous across the reflection area and the attachment area.

Abstract: A mirror is provided and includes a first layer including reflective material and an adhesive backing, a second layer including one or more layers of a cloth or a non woven fiber matrix and polymer composite and a third layer including polystyrene foam spheres in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical device including a concave surface formed of a part of a cylindrically curved surface, and the concave surface is a reflection surface.

Abstract: Optical system for a telescope having independent optical arms adapted to collect light rays over a first cross sectional area and compress it into a second cross sectional area less than the first cross sectional area. Orthogonal mirror pairs of parabolic trough mirrors compress light in first one dimension and then the other dimension and feed the light into a focusing smaller telescope structure. The gathered light is kept parallel and its wavefront is kept in phase, allowing the telescope to have the diffraction limit of the collective aperture. The optical arms are independently adjustable to point the system toward different objects of interest and track them.

Abstract: An image display device of the present invention comprises projectors, a reflecting mirror, a screen, an image signal processor which performs a distortion correction, and a base for supporting the projectors, the reflecting mirror, and the screen. The projectors, reflecting mirror, and screen are assembled in one to constitute a single moving unit, and the image display device further comprises a lifting device capable of moving the moving unit in a vertical direction with respect to the base.

Abstract: A light irradiation apparatus in which high peak irradiance is obtained and the heat influence on the article being irradiated with light is reduced, and also an inkjet printer which has such a light irradiation apparatus in which pictures with high image quality can be reliably made and the amount of heat influence on the recording medium is low is achieved using a light irradiation apparatus having a discharge lamp of the short arc type and a reflection component for reflecting the light of this discharge lamp. The light of the discharge lamp is radiated in a state in which it is focused by the reflection component so as to extending linearly on the light irradiation area.

Abstract: A reflector for the lighting device and an illumination system of the projection apparatus are provided. The reflector comprises a first reflecting structure and a second reflecting structure disposed on the portion of the first reflecting structure. The reflecting surfaces of the first and second reflecting structures are formed with a distance therebetween. After the first portion of the light is reflected from the first reflecting surface and the second portion of the light is reflected from the second reflecting surface, the second portion of the light is adapted to remove the centrally dimmed area at the opening of the lighting device. Thus, the luminance performance can be improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beam, a manner of securing the arms for supporting mirrors to the beam, a frame and a process for manufacturing the beam of a cylindrical parabolic solar collector. The beam (1) of the frame of a cylindrical parabolic solar collector is characterized in that the beam is cylindrical, hollow and has a circular cross-section; is formed by two or more profile parts or portions (2), with a length equal to that of the beam, with a cross-section in the form of a circular sector with an angle equal to the full angle divided by the number of parts forming the beam, with flanges (3) having a planar area of radial direction at the two ends; the flanges have made therein holes which coincide when they face one another, to allow the assembly of through elements. Said profile portions are made of sheet metal and are attached to one another by contacting the flanges such that a closed profile is formed, thereby forming a full beam.

Abstract: The invention concerns a lighting module comprising a concave reflector, and at least one light source disposed in the concavity of the reflector in order to illuminate at least upwards, and a lens situated in front of the reflector and light source. The reflector is associated with a flat plate, the top face of which is reflective in order to bend the beam coming from the reflector, the said plate comprising a front end edge able to form the cutoff in the lighting beam. The reflector is determined so as to transform a spherical wave surface coming from the source into a wave surface boiling down to an arc of a circle situated in the plane of the plate, and the lens is of revolution about an axis orthogonal to the plane of the plate and passing through the center of the said arc of a circle.

Abstract: The EUV light source device eliminates radiation other than EUV radiation from the light which it emits, and supplies only the EUV radiation to an exposure device. A composite layer consisting of a plurality of Mo/Si pair layers is provided upon the front surface of an EUV collector mirror, and blazed grooves are formed in this composite layer. Radiation emitted from a plasma is incident upon this EUV collector mirror, and is reflected or diffracted. The reflected EUV radiation (including diffracted EUV) proceeds towards an intermediate focal point IF. The radiation of other wavelengths proceeds towards some position other than this focal point IF, because its reflection angle or diffraction angle is different. A SPF shield having an aperture portion is provided at the focal point IF. Accordingly, only the EUV radiation passes through the aperture portion and is supplied to the exposure device, while the other radiation is intercepted by the shield.

Abstract: A beam-condensing unit has a first light source, a second light source, and a condenser mirror. The first and second light sources output a plurality of first and second light fluxes arrayed along a first direction, respectively. A condenser mirror has first and second optical plates that intersect with each other. The first optical plate includes a plurality of first reflecting portions that are arrayed along the first direction and reflect the first light fluxes, respectively. The second optical plate includes a plurality of second reflecting portions that are arrayed along the first direction alternately with the first reflecting portions and reflect the second light fluxes, respectively.

Abstract: A method for producing a mirror (10) from a titanium-based material by using the technique of ultraprecision machining. The mirror produced using this method has both a shape accuracy and a surface roughness in the submicrometer region. The mirror (10) is made from a titanium-based material having a shape accuracy and a surface roughness in the submicrometer region, whose basic shape (11) has a has a reflecting surface (12) having a surface roughness of less than 60 nm, and in particular of less than 30 nm.

Abstract: A trough reflector for solar energy collection is constructed from transverse ribs which support a reflective surface. Side edge support rails mounted on ends of the ribs support linear edges of the reflective surface. The edge support rails have a channel-like construction with an inner flange member which is in contact with a top of the reflective surface, and a lip member extending from an outer flange member. The edge region of the reflective surface rests on the lip member with the edge of the reflective surface in contact with the outer flange member. A turning moment is applied to the edge regions of the reflective surface to ensure that the entire reflective surface is parabolic. An arcuate profile of ribs of the trough reflector is converted into a parabolic profile by the application of a force to the ends of the ribs.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus of converting a laser beam traveling straight to a beam propagated in all directions and a security system using the laser beam propagated in all directions. The laser beam traveling straight is incident on a cylindrical prism and repeatedly reflected and transmitted to be converted to the laser beam propagated in all directions. The laser beam is converted to a plane beam or a conical beam by controlling an incident angle of the laser beam incident on the cylindrical prism. The security system is constructed using the apparatus of generating the plane, beam or conical beam.

Abstract: An optical device includes a structure defining an enclosed volume that is empty or filled with a non-solid, such as an aerogel or a gas, within which reflective surfaces bounce incoming light back and forth, focusing the light toward an exit aperture. The structure of the device may be formed from two halves, which are molded or machined to form the inner faces used to reflect and focus incoming light. The structure halves may be made of a moldable material. The moldable material may have reflective material, such as aluminum, deposited on inner faces that are used to reflect and focus incoming light. The halves of the structure are joined together, such as by use of a suitable adhesive. The enclosed volume may be substantially empty except for an ambient gas. The resulting hollow optical device provides a greatly reduced weight compared with folded optics made from solid materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a micro particle analyzing device illuminating light to fluid including micro particles, reading the lights emitted from the micro particles at a signal processing reading section and thus analyzing the micro particles. The device comprises a light source section emitting light which will be illuminated to the fluid; a lens regulating an amount and a focal distance of the light emitted from the light source; and a concave mirror condensing light emitted from the micro particle to reflect it to the reading section wherein the concave mirror is formed with a hole so that the light of the light source section having passed through the lens can pass through the concave mirror. When analyzing the micro particles using the analyzing device according to the invention, the amounts of lights emitted from the micro particles according to up-and-down positions of the micro particles are not different.

Abstract: An image display device includes a case having an opening, a luminous source image display displaying a first image, a focusing element receiving light from the source image display and focusing the light to form a second image that is viewable through the opening of the case, and an image source providing image information to the source image display so that the source image display displays the first image. The focusing element has a concave mirror and a mirror supporter that supports the concave mirror. The perimeter of the concave mirror has at least one straight- cut portion that has a line contact with the mirror supporter. The image information provided by the image source is changed with user interaction.

Abstract: The disclosure is a radiation collecting/emitting device to/from different spatial directions, the apparatus in the preferred design is manufactured in a single piece and the work surface is modified to obtain a reflective surface for the radiations of interest. In an alternate design, the device is covered by an envelope or bell to increase the effectiveness of the device and protect it from the surrounding environment. The device can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as solar energy collection for industrial or commercial purposes, diverse electromagnetic radiations antennae or radar, since its area of action is 360° related to the horizontal and 180° related to the vertical.

Abstract: A line producing system includes an input beam of radiant energy that enters a side of a low cost, radiant energy altering device. The radiant energy emerges from the light altering device radiating in a nearly 360 degree disc pattern forming a ring of ever expanding light.

Abstract: In a reflector (10) including a mirror base member (11) having a concave surface, a reflecting film (12) is formed on the concave surface. For preventing the fragments of the broken lamp from flying forward, a protective glass plate (13) is attached to the mirror base member. At least one of the mirror base member and the protective glass plate is made of a glass member whose mechanical strength is enhanced. The mechanical strength of the glass member may be enhanced by ion exchange.

Abstract: The invention, disclosing a light-path device of curved-surface mirror, is a light-path device that is designed in an optical scanner. By an appropriate arrangement of the inter-relationship between the curved-surface mirror and the light-path module in its light-path route, the length of the light-path route may thereby be adjusted, such that there are different lengths of light-path route according to the different positions where the curved-surface mirror is located without the limitations of the size of the scanned object or the physics characteristics of the photoelectric conversion device itself. The invention includes curved-surface mirror, light source, light-path module, light-focusing device, and photoelectric conversion device. The light-path module further includes reflection device and light-focusing device. The reflection device is constituted of plural reflection mirrors. The light-focusing device is lens.

Abstract: A circular optical reflection apparatus to be used in an optical image capturing device for receiving light ray from a light source and reflecting the light ray at least twice inside the apparatus then projecting the light ray to a lens set for forming an image on an image forming device. The apparatus includes a cylindrical optical member which has its outside surface coating with a reflective material and has an axial cutaway section to serve as a light inlet and a light outlet. Light ray enters through the light inlet into the cylindrical optical member and reflects inside at least twice then emits out through the light outlet. It may obtain an optical path needed for image forming with less number of reflection mirrors. It is smaller size and may be produced and assembled with less time and cost. It can also eliminate accumulated reflection angle tolerance that might otherwise happen to the conventional ones that use reflection mirrors.

Abstract: A patent application is filed for an automobile side-view mirror that could avoid thousands of automobile accidents that could occur yearly on account of the well-known blind-spot hazard. The side-view mirror is a relatively low-cost item, and yet is a major contributor of automobile safety. The new device will cost substantially little more to fabricate than existing alternate devices, yet is devoid of the disadvantages inherent with the earlier devices. The new mirror is an integrated all-planar device which has no curvature and hence fully retains the distance perception of the auto driver. It provides the driver with a continuous side view of the road from close to the shoulder back toward the horizon. Contiguous images of extraneous vehicles can be seen, only one image for a given distance. Multiple reflections of light from points on the mirror are avoided. In mounting on the auto body, the new device introduces no hydrodynamical problem. It is versatile for use and esthetically appealing.

Abstract: A circular optical reflection apparatus to be used in an optical image capturing device for receiving light ray from a light source and reflecting the light ray at least twice inside the apparatus then projecting the light ray to a lens set for forming an image on an image forming device. The apparatus includes a cylindrical optical member which has its outside surface coating with a reflective material and has an axial cutaway section to serve as a light inlet and a light outlet. Light ray enters through the light inlet into the cylindrical optical member and reflects inside at least twice then emits out through the light outlet. It may obtain an optical path needed for image forming with less number of reflection mirrors. It is smaller size and may be produced and assembled with less time and cost. It can also eliminate accumulated reflection angle tolerance that might otherwise happen to the conventional ones that use reflection mirrors.

Abstract: A tri-faceted side view mirror assembly having a tri-faceted vehicle side view mirror that provides an increased viewing angled which encompasses the side and back side of a vehicle. The tri-faceted vehicle side view mirror assembly includes a two-part housing securable to the side of a vehicle and a tri-faceted mirror member held within the two-part housing.

Abstract: Light distribution characteristics are defined which define a correspondence relation between the position of a reflection point on a reference plane and the position of an image of a light source. In accordance with the light distribution characteristics, a path line in the reference plane is determined. A profile curve for each of a plurality of sampling points dispersibly distributed on the path line, is determined in accordance with the light distribution characteristics, the profile curve passing through the sampling point and corresponding to the topological shape of a reflecting surface to be determined. As the reflection point moves along the profile curve, the image of the light source moves in the direction crossing the reference plane in accordance with the light distribution characteristics. The topological shape of the reflecting surface is determined in accordance with the profile curve determined for each sampling point.

Abstract: A radiant energy collecting and converting device having at least one array of slat-like concave reflective elements and an elongated receiver. The device efficiently concentrates and converts radiant energy, such as sunlight, to other useful types of energy, such as electricity and heat. The mirrored surfaces of reflective elements having appropriate individual profiles represented by curved and/or straight lines are positioned so that the energy portions reflected from individual surfaces are directed, focused, and superimposed on one another to cooperatively form a common focal region on the receiver. The mirrored surfaces are inclined towards one another at their rear ends facing the receiver and can be arranged to provide lens-like operation of the array. The receiver can be arranged in line photovoltaic cells or a tubular solar heat absorber.

Abstract: An optical system capable of providing a magnification which can be varied comprises a pair of ellipsoidal mirrors (20, 21) which are so mounted and arranged that the focus for radiation reflected from one mirror corresponds substantially with the input focus for the other mirror. The mirrors are preferably mounted so that they are pivotable.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjustable installation of band plate-like members facilitates the separate adjustment of a cylindrical mirror in the normal direction of the reflecting face of the mirror, in a direction intersecting the normal direction, and the orientation of the reflecting face. A mirror holder housing a cylindrical mirror is disposed in a frame. Support shafts of the mirror holder penetrate holder plates attached slidably to the frame. Adjustment plates are linked to the ends of the support shafts from outside the holder plates, which are slid to allow the mirror holder to move in the normal direction of the reflecting surface of the mirror. The adjustment plate is rotated with respect to the holder plate to rotate about the support shafts and slides with respect to the holder plate and moves in a direction different from the normal direction to adjust the magnification, register, and skew of the mirror.

Abstract: A head for a printer and an image processing system is provided in which light emitted from light emitting elements formed on a substrate of the head does not leak from pinholes of a non-corresponding light emitting elements and does not interfere with light emitted by other light emitting elements, so that satisfactory printing can be carried out. An aperture has on opposite ends sandwiching portions and covers a substrate to sandwich a carriage. Concave portions are formed correspondence with light emitting elements. Pinholes are provided in a front wall and an insulating black coat is formed on the surfaces of the concave portions to prevent a short circuit. Light from the light emitting elements which does not pass through the pinholes is absorbed by the surfaces of the concave portions.

Abstract: A fixing and covering structure for a reflection mirror in which a pair of base bodies each having a curved inner surface are assembled to form a substantially semi-cylindrical reflection surface. The fixing and covering structure includes cover members and fixing elements. Each of the cover member has a shape conforming to the shape of the corresponding end of a semi-cylindrical space defined by the semi-cylindrical reflection surface and a plurality of holes formed dt positions that face the corresponding longitudinal end surface of each of the base bodies. Each of the fixing elements is disposed to penetrate the corresponding hole to fix the cover member to the base body.

Abstract: A concave light reflecting device for providing substantially uniform illumination across a plane comprising a parabolic reflecting surface, an involute reflecting surface, and a segmented reflecting surface. The parabolic reflecting surface having a first end and a second end, wherein the parabolic radius of the first end is less than the parabolic radius of the second end. The involute reflecting surface having a first end, a second end, and a focal point within the concave portion of the device. Wherein, the distance from the focal point to the involute reflecting surface increases from the first end to the second end. The second end of the involute reflecting surface transitions to the first end of the parabolic reflecting surface, and the first end of the involute reflecting surface is connected to the segmented reflecting surface. The segmented reflecting surface extends outward from the focal point of the involute reflecting surface for decreasing glare from the device.

Abstract: A trough-type parabolic concentrator (1) for a solar thermal power plant comprises a reflector plate (3) bent in trough shape and a support structure (4) for supporting the reflector plate (3) and comprising a plurality of wooden segments (2) arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the trough. Each segment (2) is assembled from a plurality of wooden frames (5). Using wooden frames (5) as the basic element of the supporting structure (4) allows for a lightweight, simple and low-cost structure of the trough-type parabolic concentrator (1).

Abstract: A fundamental surface for a reflection surface of a reflection mirror of a vehicle lamp is formed in a manner such that a curved surface where an insertion hole, through which a light source is inserted into the reflection mirror in the direction oblique to the optical axis of the reflection mirror, is to be formed, is made smoothly continuous to the remaining curved surface without any level-difference. A group consisting of a number of paraboloids of revolution with different focal distances are put on the fundamental surface, and a group of closed curves formed as intersecting lines of the fundamental surface and the group of paraboloids of revolution are determined. A number of reflection steps in the form of loop are formed on the reflection surface. The reflection steps between the adjacent ones of the closed curves are defined by portions of the paraboloid of revolution between the adjacent ones.

Abstract: A process for the production of coaxial and confocal mirrors having grazing incidence consists essentially of a support element or a carrier made of ceramic material, a layer reflecting X-rays and intermediate layer which is a buffer and which avoids the transfer of the rough surface of the carrier or support element to the reflecting layer. The support element or carrier is prepared by deposition involving the spraying of the ceramic material in the form of plasma (plasma spray deposition).

Abstract: A scanner transmits a generally collimated beam of radiation such that the beam rotates about an axis to form a conical scanning pattern. The scanner comprises a concave parabolic reflector having a geometric axis and a focus, a rotation mechanism for effecting rotation of the concave parabolic reflector about a rotation axis which is angularly offset with respect to the geometric axis of the concave parabolic reflector, an opening formed in the concave parabolic reflector proximate the rotation axis thereof, and a convex parabolic reflector disposed along the rotation axis of the concave parabolic reflector and having a focus which is approximately co-located with the focus of the concave parabolic reflector.

Abstract: A reflector is constituted by a right pseudo-dihedral, a ridge (C) of which is in the form of a portion of a helix so as to provide a calibrator or a beacon.

Abstract: A back mirror has plural mirror surface areas of different curvatures disposed side by side or plural mirror surface areas disposed side by side to form discontinuous planes. The back mirror includes a dividing line having a light diffusion effect formed along a border portion of the plural mirror surface areas. The dividing line may be formed by projections and depressions having a light diffusion effect which are formed on at least one of a transparent substrate, reflecting film and a transparent thin film formed on the reflecting film.

Abstract: A reflection mirror has reflection steps formed as portions of respective paraboloids of revolution and disposed between adjacent ones of closed curves formed as lines of intersection of a group consisting of the paraboloids of revolution with different focal distances and a fundamental surface for the reflection surface. The fundamental surface for the reflection surface includes a first curved surface portion and a second curved surface portion connected to the first curved surface portion in the n-th order continuity (N.gtoreq.1). The first curved surface portion is shaped such that when a light beam, which is emitted from a point light source supposed to lie on the principal optical axis of the reflection mirror, is reflected at a reflection point on the first curved surface portion, the light beam reflected thereat is directed substantially parallel to the principal optical axis of the reflection mirror.

Abstract: An optical illumination system according to the present invention is provided with an optical reflector for illuminating a surface to be illuminated in the shape of arc or annulus. A reflective plane of the optical reflector is shaped in a special curved surface. Specifically, an arbitrary parabola with a first axis passing through the vertex and the focus of the parabola is rotated about a second axis passing through a point located on the opposite side of the directrix of the parabola with respect to the focus and being parallel to the directrix. The rotation of the parabola yields a parabolic toric surface. The reflective plane of the optical reflector has the curved surface constituting at least a part of the parabolic toric surface. The reflective plane so shaped reflects a light source image emitted from a light source system to illuminate the surface to be illuminated in the shape of arc or annulus.

Abstract: Grazing incidence co-axial and confocal mirrors, used in particular for X-ray telescopes for astronomic observations, having a parabola/hyperbola double-cone truncated-cone structure, with polynomial sections or other geometric configurations, and consisting of an internal reflecting surface (15), in the form of a gold layer, an epoxy resin layer (14) and a supporting mechanical structural element (carrier) (11), formed of a ceramic material having physical-chemical properties improved compared to nickel and obtained according to the process of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or other fabrication processes.

Abstract: A satellite-based cellular telecommunications system employing a constellation of telecommunications satellites in medium earth orbit to provide multibeam radio frequency (rf) communications links for worldwide cellular telephone service with a minimum number of satellites. The telecommunications satellites are placed in a plurality of inclined orbits about the earth at an altitude of between approximately 5600 and 10,000 nautical miles. The characteristics of the orbits, such as the number of orbits, the inclination of each orbit, the number of satellites in each orbit and the altitude of the satellites, are tailored to maximize the coverage area of the satellites and their related line-of-sight elevation angles, while minimizing propagation time delays, the number of beam-to-beam and satellite-to-satellites handovers, and the total number of satellites.

Abstract: A convex, hyperbolic mirror (70) has a concave depression (72) made in a truncated apex end of the mirror. Such a depression may be used for aligning the mirror with respect to a Hindle sphere (74) or a primary mirror (86) in an optical system. An additional depression may be placed in an opposite end of the mirror and used together with the first depression to position the mirror with respect to an axis of rotation thereof to facilitate machining (66) of the mirror or testing (68). Tooling balls (52, 54) may be placed in the depressions and gas passages may be provided in the tooling balls for forming a gas bearing between the depressions and the tooling balls.

Abstract: A satellite-based cellular telecommunications system employing a constellation of telecommunications satellites in medium earth orbit to provide multibeam radio frequency (rf) communications links for worldwide cellular telephone service with a minimum number of satellites. The telecommunications satellites are placed in a plurality of inclined orbits about the earth at an altitude of between approximately 5600 and 10,000 nautical miles. The characteristics of the orbits, such as the number of orbits, the inclination of each orbit, the number of satellites in each orbit and the altitude of the satellites, are tailored to maximize the coverage area of the satellites and their related line-of-sight elevation angles, while minimizing propagation time delays, the number of beam-to-beam and satellite-to-satellites handovers, and the total number of satellites.