Space Satellite Patents (Class 455/12.1)
  • Patent number: 8588679
    Abstract: The vehicle, such as airplane, which comprises the internal wireless communicating device and the external antenna device, wherein the passenger(s) in the vehicle may access network (e.g., the Internet) via the internal wireless communicating device and the external antenna device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Iwao Fujisaki
  • Patent number: 8583029
    Abstract: A satellite system for transmission of signals of two different frequencies and polarizations simultaneously, and will accommodate two different polarity commands from different sources at the same time. The satellite system includes a satellite antenna that receives signals. A head-in frequency processor enables the different frequencies and polarizations to be transmitted simultaneously via a single coaxial cable. This single coaxial cable is coupled to a head-out receiver processor which is connected to a receiver. This configuration provides for the system that will permit for satellite broadcasting in locations that are not in the line-of-sight path to the satellites such as high-rises, hospitals, condominiums, schools, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Global Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Green, Sr., Austin S. Coker, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130295841
    Abstract: A satellite communication system between a source and a destination over multiple satellite communications paths including first identifying the link performance established in multiple spectrums, performing a link comparison among the multiple spectrums (for example C-, Ku-, or Ka-Band) in order to determine a spectrum link that provides the highest throughput within an acceptable reliability criteria, and switching among the multiple spectrum links to provide that determined spectrum link between the source and the destination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Kyo Choi, Meiditomo Sutyarjoko
  • Patent number: 8576118
    Abstract: Techniques for monitoring transmission performance of a satellite communications systems are provided, including techniques for measuring the primary contributors to the end-to-end SNR, including the uplink SNR, the downlink SNR, and the C/I for each link in the network. These individual measurements are used to estimate satellite effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP), satellite antenna gain-to-noise-temperature (G/T), and loss due to an Earth Terminal pointing error. The EIRP, satellite antenna G/T and loss due to Earth terminal pointing error may then be used to determine operating parameters for the satellite communications network that enable the network to operate more efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130288593
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for combining signals received from a direct broadcast satellite system with signals received from a wireless network, includes a satellite antenna for receiving the signals from the direct broadcast satellite system; and a wireless network antenna, co-located with the satellite antenna, for receiving the signals from the wireless network. The wireless network antenna includes an antenna assembly that is rotated by a controller based on characteristics of the signals received from the wireless network. The controller energizes and de-energizes a motor to mechanically rotate the antenna assembly to properly align the wireless network antenna to communicate with the wireless network. The wireless network antenna comprises a closed cylinder, wherein the antenna assembly is rotatably mounted within the closed cylinder, such that, upon command from the controller, the motor engages the antenna assembly to mechanically rotate the antenna about a central axis of the closed cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: John L. Norin, Robert F. Popoli, Dipak M. Shah
  • Patent number: 8566022
    Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for identifying a location of a mobile computing device. A first location estimate of a mobile computing device and an accuracy of the first location estimate is determined at a mobile computing device based on wireless signals received from one or more beacons. A time period based on the accuracy of the first location estimate is determined. One or more subsequent location estimates of the mobile computing device and respective accuracies are determined. The determination of the subsequent location estimates is stopped at an end of the time period. A preferred location estimate from the determined location estimates is determined at the mobile computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Starenky, Alex Kennberg
  • Patent number: 8565758
    Abstract: An integrated wireless network and associated method are provided for facilitating wireless communication onboard an aircraft. The integrated wireless network includes a wireless distribution system including a wired interface and a plurality of wireless radios. The wireless distribution system may also include a combiner and one or more antennas, such as leaky feeder antenna(s), extending through the cabin compartment of the aircraft. The combiner may provide the combined wireless signals to the antenna for transmission. And, the combiner may deconstruct wireless signals received by the antenna and provide the deconstructed wireless signals to a respective wireless radio. The integrated wireless network of this embodiment also includes one or more wireless data concentrators having a plurality of wireless radios in communication with the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ethan Owyang, David T. Kirkland, Frank L. Whetten, Scott Edward Marston, Bradley J. Mitchell, Kenneth P. Kirchoff, Sudhakar S. Shetty
  • Publication number: 20130273840
    Abstract: A transmission and reception spot beam antenna is provided. A first transponder is configured to receive communications signals within a first receive spot beam and to transmit the communications signals within a first transmit spot beam. A second transponder is configured to receive reach-back signals within a second receive spot beam and to process the reach-back signals. A link between the second transponder and the first transponder passes the reach-back signals to the first transponder for transmission within the first transmit spot beam. A third transponder is configured to receive communications signals within a third receive spot beam and to transmit the communications signals within a third transmit spot beam. A link between the first transponder and the third transponder passes the communications signals to the third transponder, wherein the third transponder is configured to process the communications signals for transmission within the third transmit spot beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Hughes Network Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Russell FANG, Rajeev GOPAL
  • Patent number: 8559870
    Abstract: A method of acquiring and repatriating satellite data representative of a zone in space, termed the target zone, and an instrument for acquiring and repatriating satellite data including a plurality of satellites (1, 100), a plurality of terrestrial receiving stations (50, 51, 52, 53, 54), the instrument includes, for each item of data received by a receiving station (50, 51, 52, 53, 54), termed the receiving station, originating from the space layer: elements for determining a receiving station (50, 51, 52, 53, 54) intended for storing this item of data, termed the receiving station competent in respect of this item of data, and a terrestrial digital network for routing this item of data from the station receiving this item of data to the receiving station competent in respect of this item of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Antikidis, Jean-Jacques Favier
  • Patent number: 8559468
    Abstract: A method of combining a GPS carrier signal and a communication carrier signal over a common coaxial connection, the method comprising receiving a GPS carrier signal into a signal system using an antenna, which system is configured to receive a non-GPS communication carrier signal from a communication system, processing the GPS carrier signal with the signal communication system to produce a modified GPS carrier signal, the processing comprising at least: filtering the modified GPS carrier signal using a filter, and amplifying the GPS carrier signal using an amplifier; filtering, using a filter, and power combining using a power combiner, the GPS carrier signal and the non-GPS communication carrier signal, and transmitting, using a single coaxial cable, the combined GPS carrier and non-GPS communication carrier signals to a communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Comtech EF Data Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Beeler, Cris Mamaril, Jeffery Harig
  • Patent number: 8559871
    Abstract: Provided are a satellite VSAT apparatus and a control method thereof. The satellite VSAT apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can switch a modulation type of a signal to be transmitted from an indoor unit (IDU) to the outdoor unit to a linear or non-linear type in a case in which outputting of a transmitted signal is not controlled to an outdoor unit due to limitations, that is, there is no function such as an automatic signal level control in a block up-converter (BUC), a case in which transmission output limitation is large due to a lot of interference requirements for an adjacent channel, a case in which the number of adjacent channels (carriers) is large, or a case in which adjacent channel interference is large due to a frequency in a satellite multi-beam environment and polarization reuse, in a satellite VSAT apparatus system which aims at a low-priced user terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Pan Soo Kim, Jae Hee Han, Dae Ig Chang, Ho Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 8554203
    Abstract: A satellite signal demodulator is configured to use frequency-based channel scanning to sense the presence of a channel and to obtain the frequency profile of the channel. Once the channel is identified and the profile is obtained, channel extraction is used to identify the frequency parameters for a given channel. A coarse parameter estimation is performed to obtain a coarse estimate of the symbol rate (SR) and the center frequency (fc) of the channel. The coarse estimation can then be followed by a fine estimation of the symbol rate and center frequency (fc), using a bit tracking loop (BTL) lock indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Conexant Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Prasad Shamain, Chi-ping Nee, Gadi Kalit
  • Publication number: 20130259275
    Abstract: A stereo system for listening to music and other content is provided. The stereo system comprises a stereo and an MP3 device mounted within the stereo. The MP3 device stores and plays downloaded MP3 and other digital audio files while also providing full connectivity and compatibility wired or wireless with other devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Pradeep Ramdeo
  • Patent number: 8548377
    Abstract: A method is presented for communicating data in a multibeam satellite system utilizing frequency re-use. The method comprises establishing uplink service beams and downlink service beams between a satellite and a plurality of subscriber terminals. A plurality of the uplink service beams are transmitted to the satellite by re-using at least one common uplink frequency channel. A plurality of the downlink service beams are transmitted from the satellite by re-using at least one common downlink frequency channel. The method further comprises establishing at least one uplink feeder beam and at least one downlink feeder beam between the satellite and a gateway terminal. The at least one uplink feeder beam is transmitted to the satellite by further re-using the at least one common uplink frequency channel. The at least one downlink feeder beam is transmitted from the satellite by further re-using the at least one common downlink frequency channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Dankberg, Mark J. Miller, Kristi Jaska, Robert Wilson
  • Patent number: 8542785
    Abstract: A communication apparatus that can suppress an increase in circuit size and reduce influence of interference, includes reception array antenna elements, a reception digital beam forming (DBF) network that generates a reception beam signal for forming M reception beams using a reception signal, and reception filter banks (FBs) that generate frequency split reception beam signals obtained by frequency-splitting the reception beam signal. The communication apparatus includes an interference-source detecting unit that stores, for each reception beam, an interference candidate beam area estimated based on an initial reception beam characteristic, calculates, based on the frequency split reception beam signals, a reception spectrum, and calculates, based on the reception spectrum and a reception spectrum of a reception beam to the interference candidate beam area, an interference source area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Akinori Fujimura, Kazunari Kihira, Yasushi Sogabe
  • Publication number: 20130244572
    Abstract: A method of providing multi-beam coverage of a Region of Interest (ROI) in a multi-beam satellite communication system in which a non-uniform traffic demand density is defined over said Region of Interest, the method including partitioning the Region of Interest into N>1 non-overlapping cells (V1-V10, Vi); and generating N satellite beams, each of the satellite beams providing coverage of a respective cell. The step of partitioning the Region of Interest into N>1 non-overlapping cells is performed in such a way that the traffic demand associated to the cells is substantially uniform. Advantageously, the cells form a Voronoi diagram defined over the Region of Interest, the satellite beams being pointed towards the cells of the Voronoi diagram. A satellite communication system implementing the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Piero Angeletti, Juan Camilo Lizarraga Cubillos
  • Publication number: 20130244570
    Abstract: A satellite in a multi-beam satellite communication system selects at least some active beams based on a traffic demand of each beam and channel status information of each beam, and allocates a bandwidth and a communication capacity to each active beam such that power flux density (PFD) level of each beam has the same predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventor: Un Hee PARK
  • Publication number: 20130244571
    Abstract: An apparatus for allocating resources in a communication system includes a reception unit configured to receive information on a terminal from the terminal when the terminal initially accesses the apparatus in order to receive communication service, a determination unit configured to check information on a bandwidth for providing the communication service to the terminal, the information on the terminal, and information on a satellite and determine the size of a resource block group to be allocated to the terminal by taking the information on the bandwidth, the information on the terminal, and information on the satellite into consideration, and an allocation unit configured to allocate resource blocks corresponding to the size of the resource block group to the terminal in order to transmit and receive data packets to and from the terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventor: Tae-Chul HONG
  • Patent number: 8538327
    Abstract: User equipment of a communication system in one aspect obtains data indicative of the position of a satellite, and obtains data indicative of the position of the user equipment. The user equipment computes a delay measure based on the data indicative of the position of the satellite and the data indicative of the position of the user equipment, and adjusts the timing of a communication transmitted from the user equipment to the satellite based on the delay measure. In an illustrative embodiment, the user equipment receives data indicative of position and velocity of the satellite, and adjusts both timing and frequency of the communication based on the position and velocity data. The timing and frequency adjusted communication may then be transmitted to the satellite over a unicast uplink channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Zulfiquar Sayeed, Stephen A. Wilkus
  • Patent number: 8538326
    Abstract: The invention is about a method and apparatus for grouping multiple satellite transponders with both (LP) polarization formats in different frequencies through Wave-Front (WF) Multiplexing (muxing) techniques for ground terminals with incompatible (CP) polarization formats. As a result of this invention, linear polarized (LP) transponders can be accessed and efficiently utilized by circularly polarized (CP) ground terminals and vice versa. This invention consists of conventional ground terminals, a unique organization of space assets, and a unique polarization alignment processor. The applications of wavefront multiplexing techniques to satellite communications offer many potential advantages, including improved flexibility and utility efficiency of existing space assets. Our proposed “Polarization Utility Waveforms” is an entirely new concept in VSAT and Earth Station Antenna diversity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Donald C. D. Chang
  • Patent number: 8538322
    Abstract: A system for performing transmit power and admission control for a satellite based wireless communication systems. Admission control uses centralized admission and distributed admission controls. Centralized admission control uses a maximum persistence value broadcasted from a hub to terminals. Persistence is the probability that a transmission will timely occur. Each terminal transmits a persistence that is no greater than the maximum persistence value. If the transmission fails, the transmission is repeated using the same probability. Lowering the persistence introduces a delay for alleviating congestion. Power control is performed using centralized and distributed power control. Centralized power control uses power control commands transmitted from the hub to each terminal. When an acknowledge is not received, a backoff and recovery procedure is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Franklin P. Antonio, Ilan Kessler, Ze'ev Roth, Ephraim Zehavi
  • Patent number: 8538328
    Abstract: Disclosed is a satellite beam pointing system that uses color encoded signals from subscribers to align antennas on a satellite and to align the satellite. Subscribers detect the signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio of signals that are transmitted from the satellite. The values of the signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio data are encoded in signals that are transmitted back to a ground station that color encodes the data and graphically displays the signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio of the subscriber received signals. The actual beam projection can then be determined and the satellite antennas moved, so that the actual beam projection coincides with the intended beam projection. Also, the satellite can be properly oriented using this technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond L. Mills, Remberto L. Martin
  • Publication number: 20130237146
    Abstract: The adjustable headset is an all in one device that include an adjustable support band, an adjustable screen, a first and second ear cover, a computer system, a communications system, and a power source. The adjustable support band connects to each ear cover, allowing the virtual goggles to rest atop a user's head, with the ear covers being adjacent to a user's ears. The screen is attached to the ear covers by adjustable screen bars, which allow a user to change the distance, angle, and general orientation of the screen. The computer system is capable of storing and running software programs, such as an operating system, as well as interfacing with connected devices by means of a set of connection ports, located on the ear covers, or the communications system. Thus the virtual goggles serve to adjust to meet individual comfort needs and interface with a wide variety of technologies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Lee SEROTA
  • Patent number: 8532021
    Abstract: Mobile consumer communications devices can communicate their program application data over the voice channel of a wireless communications network. Structured by a protocol suitable for the voice channel, the data are encoded into tones which are transmitted over the voice channel. A server receives the tones over the voice channel, which are decoded into program application data structured by the protocol, and passed to an enterprise application. The server can respond accordingly over the voice channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Obopay, Inc.
    Inventor: John Tumminaro
  • Patent number: 8532567
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating and using a base station almanac for position determination is described. The base station almanac includes a number of records, where each record can describe a sector or a transmitter (e.g., a base station or a repeater) in a wireless communication network. Each record includes a protocol type field that indicates the one or more protocols supported by the record (e.g., IS-801, J-STD-36, GSM, W-CDMA, and so on). Each record also includes a unique sector identifier for the sector/transmitter for each supported protocol, where each identifier is defined based on the associated protocol. A record may also include multiple maximum antenna ranges (MARs), where each MAR is associated with a respective reference power level. One of the multiple MARs can be selected for use for position determination depending on received signal strength. The base station almanac further includes other features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark Moeglein, Wyatt Riley
  • Patent number: 8520561
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a satellite communications network dynamically regulates carrier assignment for bidirectional communications between a satellite and radioterminals. The satellite communications network includes a resource manager that regulates the carrier assignments by selecting among a plurality of FDD return subcarriers, with potentially different subcarrier bandwidths and supporting different radio access technologies, within at least one FDD return carrier grouping for coupling to a selected one of a plurality of FDD forward carriers, and by controlling the satellite network to receive communications from the radioterminal on the selected FDD return subcarrier and to transmit communications to the radioterminal on the selected FDD forward carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Serge Nguyen, Santanu Dutta
  • Patent number: 8521151
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for transmitting and receiving downlink common channels such as synchronization channel and broadcast channel in a cellular communication system supporting bandwidth scalability are provided. The downlink physical data channel transmission method for a base station of a cellular communication supporting bandwidth scalability according to the present invention includes generating a first system information specific to Long Term Evolution (LTE) terminals; generating a second system information specific to LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) terminals, the second system information including information on entire system bandwidth, a number of subbands constituting the entire bandwidth, and subbands on which common control channels are transmitted; transmitting the first information and the second information on a system information channel; and instructing, when a terminal attempts to camp on, a subband on which the terminal to camp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Joon Young Cho, Jin Kyu Han, Ju Ho Lee, Youn H. Heo
  • Patent number: 8521083
    Abstract: The time synchronization system according to the present invention can allow the master and slave time Tx/Rx devices to communicate information therebetween via two-way interactive wireless communication, so that it can rapidly detect an error that occurs in the system, via a monitoring device and a network management device for performing real-time integral management. Therefore, the system can reduce the user's system maintenance fee and can also maximize efficiency. In addition, the time synchronization system can allow for the easy extension of the equipment construction coverage area even in a long distance environment, by installing only repeaters, and can manage log information that may be used as evidence data for various incidents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Hook and Time Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Seok Lee, Kwang Sung Jeung
  • Publication number: 20130203343
    Abstract: A satellite reception assembly that provides satellite television and/or radio service to a customer premises may comprise a wireless interface via which it can communicate with other satellite reception assemblies. Wireless connections between satellite reception assemblies may be utilized for providing satellite content between different satellite customer premises. Wireless connections between satellite reception assemblies may be utilized for offloading traffic from other network connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Curtis Ling, Timothy Gallagher, Glenn Chang
  • Publication number: 20130203437
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for cells to obtain timing and positioning by using satellite systems with high power signals for improved building penetration are disclosed herein. In particular, the present disclosure relates to providing timing synchronization and geolocation for small cells or macrocells in attenuated and/or indoor environments. In order to achieve timing synchronization and geolocation, the cells utilize high power signals, which contain timing information, in conjunction with related aiding information. Satellites, such as Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) Iridium satellites, are employed to transmit the high powered signals to the cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: David A. Whelan, Gregory M. Gutt
  • Publication number: 20130196592
    Abstract: A system of searching for and acquiring a satellite signal comprises a system controller, a receiver controller operatively coupled to the system controller and configured to identify one or more satellites for which a search is to be conducted, and a fast acquisition module in operative communication with the receiver controller. The fast acquisition module is configured to receive a satellite search request from the receiver controller and divide the search request into a plurality of smaller search space requests. A hardware search device is in operative communication with the fast acquisition module. The hardware search device is configured to conduct a search for a satellite based on one or more of the search space requests and send search results back to the fast acquisition module. A baseband processor is operatively coupled to the receiver controller and configured to track one or more satellites based on the search results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Vickers, Mike Vukas
  • Patent number: 8498569
    Abstract: A communication system is provided that allows the use of low-cost, low-power remote terminal units that communicate substantially asynchronously and independently to a base station. To minimize cost and complexity, the remote terminal units are configured similarly, including the use of substantially identical transmission schemes, such as a common Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) code. To minimize collisions among transmissions, the communication system is designed to use a high-gain antenna with a limited field of view, to limit the number of cotemporaneous, or overlapping transmissions that are received at the base station. To cover a wide area, the limited field of view is swept across the area of coverage. To overcome potential losses caused by collisions, the remote terminal units are configured to repeat transmissions; to minimize repeated collisions, the repeat interval and/or duration is randomized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Comtech Mobile Datacom Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Fleeter, John E. Hanson, Scott A. McDermott, Raymond G. Zenick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8498238
    Abstract: An improved satellite communication system is provided comprising at least one satellite wherein each satellite provides multiple beams, a plurality of UTs, and at least one gateway connected to a PSTN and communicating with said at least one UT or with a constellation, wherein each of the UTs within a given frequency band is distinguished from another of the UTs employing a combination of TDM and NOPN codes and time slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Globalstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Monte, Vijaya Gallagher
  • Patent number: 8494443
    Abstract: A communication system is provided that allows the use of low-cost, low-power remote terminal units that communicate substantially asynchronously and independently to a base station. To minimize cost and complexity, the remote terminal units are configured similarly, including the use of substantially identical transmission schemes, such as a common Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) code. To minimize collisions among transmissions, the communication system is designed to use a high-gain antenna with a limited field of view, to limit the number of cotemporaneous, or overlapping transmissions that are received at the base station. To cover a wide area, the limited field of view is swept across the area of coverage. To overcome potential losses caused by collisions, the remote terminal units are configured to repeat transmissions; to minimize repeated collisions, the repeat interval and/or duration is randomized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Comtech Mobile Datacom Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Fleeter, John E. Hanson, Scott A. McDermott, Raymond G. Zenick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8489018
    Abstract: A method for determining a frequency correction and a symbol rate correction for transmissions from a user terminal in a satellite communications system comprises determining a frequency of a signal received at the user terminal, and determining a symbol rate of the signal received at the user terminal. The method also comprises computing an error associated with an oscillator at an outdoor unit of the user terminal, and computing an error associated with an oscillator at an indoor unit of the user terminal. The method also comprises computing a transmit frequency correction for the user terminal based on the error of the oscillator at the outdoor unit and the error of the oscillator at the indoor unit, and computing a transmit symbol rate correction for the user terminal based on the error of the oscillator at the indoor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: David Irvine, Timothy J. Martin, Mark J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8489134
    Abstract: A method is provided in one example implementation and the method includes interacting, via a first communication resource manager located in a first domain, with a second communication resource manager located in a second domain. The method further includes determining whether to establish a link for multicasting between users in the first domain and users in the second domain, and the link between the domains is established based on presence data of at least one user in the first domain and at least one user in the second domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zeeshan Khan, Keith Edmund O'Brien, Shmuel Shaffer
  • Patent number: 8489017
    Abstract: There is provided a wireless communication system which causes a wireless terminal to select a relay device among plural relay devices connected together via a communication line when the wireless terminal attempts to communicate with another wireless terminal. The relay device has an information acquiring unit, a calling determining unit, and an information adding unit. The wireless terminal has an information analyzing unit which analyzes whether or not the own device is included in a communication counterparty of calling information when the calling information is included in communication information, a priority comparing unit which determines whether or not a priority level of the calling information is higher than that of a current communication when the own device is included, and a channel changing unit which changes a channel to that of another relay device of the calling information when the priority level of the calling information is higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Icom Incorporated
    Inventors: Shoji Fukuzawa, Yoshiyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8489016
    Abstract: A method is provided for communication between at least one source entity and one destination entity, in a cooperative network that includes a plurality of entities. The method includes a step of determining, for a given entity of the network, a temporal variation of an impulse response of a transmission channel established between the given entity and another entity. The method further includes: a step of determining a temporal variation of an impulse response of at least one global transmission channel intended to be established between the source entity and the destination entity and passing through at least one relay entity, on the basis of the temporal variations of the impulse responses of the transmission channels; and a step of selecting a global transmission channel from among the set of global transmission channels determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: France Telecom
    Inventors: Ahmed Saadani, Michael Dohler
  • Patent number: 8483609
    Abstract: A method for determining EIRP of user terminals in a satellite communications system comprises measuring a return uplink thermal noise at one or more frequencies, obtaining a target return uplink signal density relative to thermal noise density, and determining a target signal power at a gateway in the satellite communications system for one or more frequency channels. The target signal power may be based at least in part on the return uplink thermal noise and the target return uplink signal density relative to the thermal noise density. The method also comprises obtaining a message signal power at the gateway of one or more messages from a user terminal, and determining the EIRP of the user terminal based at least in part on a difference between the target signal power and the message signal power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8483608
    Abstract: A network monitoring system includes data source routers, data servers, and user interface modules for depicting visual data presentations that show call activity within a satellite-based communication network. The data source routers capture signaling data from a terrestrial portion of the network and supply the signaling data to the data servers. The user interface modules request selected data from the data servers based on selected display filtering settings and generate the visual data presentations, including a geo view, a satellite activity grid, and a message view. The geo view shows a time progression of live or recorded call activity data on a map. The satellite activity grid organizes a time-progression of live or recorded call activity on a two-dimensional grid representing each satellite spot beam in the system. The message view shows a detailed listing of individual messages that have occurred within selected call flows in the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Exelis Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Pyhtila, Thomas H. Rollins, Charles Gumas, L. Perry Seip
  • Patent number: 8480036
    Abstract: A system and method for highly efficient constellations of satellites which give single, double, . . . k-fold redundant full earth imaging coverage, or k-fold coverage for latitudes greater than any selected latitude is given for remote sensing instruments in short periods of time, i.e., continuous coverage, as a function of the parameters of the satellite and the remote sensing instrument for many different types of orbits. A high data rate satellite communication system and method for use with small, mobile cell phone receiving and transmitting stations is also provided. Satellite instrument performance models, full and partial satellite constellation models, and satellite cost models are disclosed and used to optimize the design of satellite systems with vastly improved performance and lower cost over current major satellite systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: C. Laurence Korb, Andrew Robert Korb
  • Patent number: 8472871
    Abstract: A system and method for generating an output signal includes a diverse site, a communication network and a primary site in communication with the diverse site through the communication network. A transport processing system at the primary site communicates a first signal to the diverse site through the communication network. The diverse site generates a first diverse modulator signal at a first diverse modulator and a second diverse modulator signal at a second diverse modulator. The diverse site having a switch coupled to the first diverse modulator and the second diverse modulator and generating a switch output signal corresponding to the first diverse modulator signal and the second diverse modulator signal. The primary site monitors first diverse modulator signal and the second diverse modulator signal and controls the switch in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Eduardo Barroso
  • Patent number: 8472879
    Abstract: A terrestrial radio system for delivering to consumers data transmission services, Internet services, two-way capabilities and single-channel or multi-channel video programming, including national, regional and local television broadcast signals, as well as an apparatus and method thereof. The terrestrial radio system transmits terrestrial signals at satellite-allocated frequencies while mitigating interference with satellite signals to reuse satellite-allocated frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Xanadoo Company
    Inventors: John Hane, Richard Gould
  • Publication number: 20130160059
    Abstract: A data delivery system leverages existing satellite infrastructure to deliver massive data sets (e.g., genomic data) to last-mile, remote or rural, locations. The system repurposes existing high-capacity satellite links normally used to broadcast entertainment content by creating customized channels specifically adapted to delivering large data sets to be stored upon computer systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: NANT HOLDINGS IP, LLC
    Inventor: Nant Holdings IP, LLC.
  • Publication number: 20130149958
    Abstract: A satellite communication system including an interface device for distributing satellite signals received from an outdoor unit (ODU) to a plurality of indoor units (IDUs) connected to a local area network (LAN), at a particular site. Only two cables, a power cable and a cable connected to the LAN, must be installed between the interface device and the site containing the IDUs. Accordingly, the installation of IDUs at a site is simplified and has the flexibility of allowing future satellite based services to be added without requiring the installation of new cables between the ODU and the IDUs. The satellite communication system also permits flexibility among connected devices, including to which other devices they are connected, how they are connected to other devices and what types of connections are used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8463459
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for providing location information to a mobile receiver from a plurality of aerial vehicles is provided. The method includes receiving a source location from at least three location sources at each aerial vehicle of the plurality of aerial vehicles. The at least three location sources includes a remote aerial vehicle. A predicted location of the aerial vehicle at a future time is calculated at each aerial vehicle based at least in part on a current time at the aerial vehicle, the received source locations, and ephemeris data that represents motion of each remote aerial vehicle. The predicted location is transmitted at the future time at each aerial vehicle. The transmitted locations from the aerial vehicles are used by a mobile receiver to determine a current location of the mobile receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Brian Richard Breshears
  • Patent number: 8463178
    Abstract: A communications system comprising a first transceiver and a second transceiver, which system employs a device that measures power over a frequency band from sources other than those monitoring downlink radiation received at a radio terminal from the satellite, and a controller that receives these power measurements to determine on which frequency channel within a band a transmitter is to transmit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Globalstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Monte, Vijaya Gallagher, Brinda T. Shah
  • Patent number: 8462753
    Abstract: Provided is a mobile tri-band antenna system having low profile. The antenna system includes a tri-band feeding unit for dividing a satellite broadcasting signal by a signal channel in an azimuth angle and an elevation angle, and transmitting/receiving the satellite communication signal through distinguishing the satellite communication signal; a beam shaping unit for dividing the satellite broadcasting signals into a first channel signal and a second channel signal, combined power thereof through channel switching; an antenna controlling unit for driving an antenna system in an azimuth and elevation angle to direct the satellite according to the power combined second channel signal from the beam shaping unit; a first triplexer unit for outputting the power combined first channel signal to a rotary joint unit; a second triplexer unit for converting the first channel signal inputted to a downlink frequency and providing the converted first channel signal to the indoor apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Soon-Young Eom, Young-Bae Jung, Seong-Ho Son, Jae-Seung Yun, Soon-Ik Jeon
  • Patent number: 8458752
    Abstract: A method for receiving a broadcasting signal and a broadcasting signal receiver are disclosed. Even when a cell is changed while an emergency alert is output, the emergency alert can be continuously output using emergency alert table information included in the broadcasting signal and channel information of the cell. The emergency alert table information may include a cell identifier and the channel information of the cell may include virtual channel information of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Sik Yun, In Hwan Choi, Kook Yeon Kwak, Hyoung Gon Lee, Won Gyu Song, Jin Pil Kim, Jong Moon Kim, Jin Woo Kim, Byoung Gill Kim
  • Publication number: 20130137365
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: The Boeing Company