Space Satellite Patents (Class 455/427)
  • Patent number: 8099756
    Abstract: Channel changes between services with differing bandwidth in a switched digital video system. A services map published by the headend and distributed to all of the edge devices, allows a bandwidth requirement to be correlated with each request from a device in the home. The bandwidth requirement is passed upstream along with the request for service and is subject to a system resource management validation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventors: William C. Versteeg, William E. Wall, Luis A. Rovira, Don Michael Zauzig
  • Publication number: 20120009920
    Abstract: Two satellite communications systems can use the same frequency or frequencies in geographically overlapping footprints, without creating undue interference in a given system that is caused by the same frequency signal(s) that is/are used by the other system. In particular, an aggregate Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) of the radioterminals and/or ancillary terrestrial components of a second satellite communications system in the common footprint is sufficiently low, and/or the receive antenna gain of a first satellite communications system is sufficiently low compared to the receive antenna gain of the second satellite communications system, so as to increase an aggregate receiver noise that is seen by the first satellite system receivers by an amount that does not substantially change a Quality of Service (QoS) of the first satellite communications system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Peter D. Karabinis
  • Patent number: 8095066
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of optimizing the resources used in a satellite or aircraft telecommunications system (onboard segment). The method includes expressing the difference in consumption EdB between the consumption of onboard power and the consumption of onboard bandwidth as a function of a plurality of terms including a quality indicator, an informational term expressing onboard parameters and a corrective term. The quality indicator QaF?depends on the antenna system, onboard and on the ground, and on conditions of propagation and interference of the medium. The informational term ?dB depends on modem parameters. The term K? depends on onboard parameters such as the maximum incoming flux density and the bandwidth. A corrective term CdB characterizing the consumption of onboard power attributable to the upward noise which is amplified and transposed on board. At least one of the parameters QaF?, K?, ?dB is modified in order to tend toward the cancellation of the absolute value of the term EdB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventor: Patrick Bruas
  • Patent number: 8095145
    Abstract: A method and System for communicating between a mobile device, and first and second transceivers are described. The second transceiver is positioned in an area covered by the first transceiver. The first transceiver and the mobile device can exchange data on at least one of a plurality of channels. The mobile device transmits a first signal to the first transceiver on the at least one of a plurality of channels. The second transceiver transmits a second signal to the mobile device on a channel outside of the plurality of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Telcom Ventures, LLC
    Inventors: Rajendra Singh, George Ron Olexa
  • Patent number: 8094731
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and tangible computer-readable media for coordinating communications between a ground station, a control center, and a spacecraft. The method receives a call to a simple, unified application programmer interface implementing communications protocols related to outer space, when instruction relates to receiving a command at the control center for the ground station generate an abstract message by agreeing upon a format for each type of abstract message with the ground station and using a set of message definitions to configure the command in the agreed upon format, encode the abstract message to generate an encoded message, and transfer the encoded message to the ground station, and perform similar actions when the instruction relates to receiving a second command as a second encoded message at the ground station from the control center and when the determined instruction type relates to transmitting information to the control center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Timothy J. Ray, Vuong T. Ly
  • Patent number: 8090336
    Abstract: A method of processing signals received and transmitted between a satellite and sub-arrays of an antenna array. The satellite emits an analog signal received by the sub-arrays, each sub-array in turn produces a corresponding output. The array's total output is approximated by designating one of the sub-array's output as a reference output, and digitally forming a series of beams that consist of the reference output and permutations of the other sub-array outputs with either no time delay or with a time delay applied. A high power beam from the series is selected for cross correlation with each sub-array output to determine the signal's relative arrival time at each sub-array. Each sub-array output is time delayed based on the signal arrival time at that sub-array. The time delayed outputs are combined to form a high gain beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony W. Jacomb-Hood
  • Patent number: 8086261
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to customer premises equipment including a network access port configured to receive broadband digital network data from broadband wireless network access equipment, a broadcast access port configured to receive digital satellite broadcast data, and a unified access port configured to provide the broadband digital network data and the digital broadcast data via a coaxial cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Assad Radpour
  • Publication number: 20110312320
    Abstract: Mobile device positioning includes a mobile device receiving a prompt to discover its position. In response to this prompt, the mobile device searches for communication signals between the mobile device and one of the communication satellites of the hybrid terrestrial-satellite communication system. If such signals are found, the mobile device accesses a communication satellite almanac to retrieve a location associated with the coverage area of the satellite spot beam in which the mobile device is currently located. Using this coverage area location information, the mobile device may access a satellite positioning system to obtain more accurate position data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark Leo Moeglein
  • Patent number: 8081922
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for use in devices adapted to receive signals from at least one satellite positioning system (SPS). As part of at least one search for a transmission from a space vehicle (SV) associated with the SPS, the methods and apparatuses may correlate a code associated with the SV with a received signal to establish a plurality of correlation values, sample at least a portion of the correlation values during the search, and selectively transitioning the search early or prematurely based, at least in part, on at least one of the sampled correlation values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Emilija M. Simic, Douglas Grover, Rizwan Ahmed
  • Patent number: 8078101
    Abstract: A space-based component, such as a satellite, is configured to receive wireless communications from radiotelephones in a satellite footprint over an uplink satellite radiotelephone frequency, and to transmit wireless communications to the radiotelephones over a downlink radiotelephone frequency. An ancillary terrestrial network, that may include one or more ancillary terrestrial components, is configured to transmit wireless communications to, and receive wireless communications from, the radiotelephones over the uplink satellite radiotelephone frequency in a time-division duplex mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Peter D. Karabinis, Gary G. Churan
  • Patent number: 8077019
    Abstract: In a meeting or group event, people having a portable device, such as a cell phone or pager, may wish to be discretely notified when an important message is received, an urgent call comes in from a selected person or a selected group of people, or to be alerted to an upcoming important event without any audible alert to disturb the meeting or group event. To convey such a notification, a tactile alert is provided by vibrating the portable device according to a unique vibration pattern associated with the received communication. When a communication is received, a group identification (ID) is assigned based on the communication being a member of a classified group of source addresses. The portable device associates the group ID with a unique vibration pattern. To provide the alert, the portable device is vibrated according to the unique vibration pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard Gerard Hofmann, Gerald Paul Michalak, Barry Joe Wolford
  • Patent number: 8078141
    Abstract: A system and method provide the ability to collect, store and transmit information statements concerning satellite communication system use. The satellite system may collect billing information, such as roaming data, network use in terms of both total time and total bandwidth and functionality utilized on a user by user basis. Further, the satellite system may collect network usage information from the totality of users of a satellite system. The billing information and network usage information may be collected and stored on-board satellite(s) in a network in a data structure including a database. This information may then be collected, organized and transmitted to a variety of users in the earth segment of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Overhorizon (Cyprus) PLC
    Inventors: Per Wahlberg, Kennet Lejnell
  • Patent number: 8073565
    Abstract: Provided is a fully automated web service with location based services generally involved in transmission of situational location dependent information to automatically located mobile receiving data processing systems. The web service communicates with a receiving data processing system in a manner by delivering information to the device when appropriate without the device requesting it at the time of delivery. There are varieties of configurations made by different user types of the web service for configuring information to be delivered, and for receiving the information. The web service maximizes anonymity of users, provides granular privacy control with a default of complete privacy, and supports user configurable privileges and features for desired web service behavior and interoperability. The web service is fully automated to eliminate human resources required to operate services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8073422
    Abstract: A system and method for distributing messages to a plurality of satellite receivers comprising sending a message with geographic target area coding or information via satellite or a ground repeater to at least one satellite receiving device equipped with geographic-aware information. The satellite receiving device thereafter utilizes its geographic aware information to compare with the geographic target area coding in the transmitted message to determine whether the satellite receiving device should present the message to the user of the satellite receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cassidian Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Al Langsenkamp, Kevin McCarthy, Nathan Weinrich
  • Patent number: 8068827
    Abstract: A method, satellite and system utilizes non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) frequency spectrum in geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) satellite communication in a non-interfering manner. A ground station transmits signals to a GSO satellite using a GSO frequency band and an extended frequency spectrum including the an NGSO frequency band whenever a noninterference situation exists, i.e., when an NGSO satellite is not in-line between the earth terminal and the GSO satellite or when the NGSO satellite is not utilizing the NGSO band of interest. A command module is provided to instruct the ground station to transmit signals to the GSO satellite using the GSO frequency band and the extended frequency spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Miller, John C. Tchorz
  • Patent number: 8068828
    Abstract: A space-based component, such as a satellite, is configured to receive wireless communications from radiotelephones in a satellite footprint over an uplink satellite radiotelephone frequency, and to transmit wireless communications to the radiotelephones over a downlink radiotelephone frequency. An ancillary terrestrial network, that may include one or more ancillary terrestrial components, is configured to transmit wireless communications to, and receive wireless communications from, the radiotelephones over the downlink satellite radiotelephone frequency in a time-division duplex mode. By terrestrially transmitting and receiving wireless communications over the downlink satellite radiotelephone frequency in a time-division duplex mode, interference at the space-based component and/or at the gateway, by the ancillary terrestrial network and/or the radiotelephones due to terrestrial reuse of cellular satellite frequency spectrum, may be reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter D. Karabinis
  • Patent number: 8064824
    Abstract: Processing return feeder link signals at a satellite gateway including a first and second receive antennas includes receiving first and second return feeder link signals at the first and second receive antennas, respectively, modulating a phase of the first return feeder link signal to form an adjusted first feeder link signal, combining the adjusted first feeder link signal with the second return feeder link signal to form a combined feeder link signal, detecting periodic amplitude variation in the combined feeder link signal, and shifting a phase of the first return feeder link signal to reduce periodic amplitude variation in the combined feeder link signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter D. Karabinis
  • Publication number: 20110281581
    Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention a network apparatus may be provided, which network apparatus may include a detecting device, a selecting device, a receiving device, a determining device and a sending device. The detecting device may be adapted to detect a condition for a handover. The selecting device may be adapted to select a first group, wherein the first group includes at least one first target apparatus member. The receiving device may be adapted to receive a second group, wherein the second group may include at least one second target apparatus member. The determining device may be adapted to determine a difference group of the first target apparatus members and the second target apparatus members. The selecting device may be adapted to select at least one target apparatus member of the difference group. The sending device may be adapted to send a preparation information to the at least one selected target apparatus member of the difference group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: NOKIA SIEMENS NETWORKS OY
    Inventors: Achim Von Brandt, Shun Liang Zhang, Yi Zhang, Wei Hua Zhou
  • Patent number: 8060082
    Abstract: A satellite radio telephone system employing at least two space-based components, each of which is configured to communicate with a plurality of radio telephones. Each space-based component employs its own frequency band and its own air interface and includes an ancillary terrestrial component that is configured to communicate terrestrially with a plurality of radio telephones over their frequency bands and air interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Globalstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Monte, Vijaya Gallagher, Anthony Navarra
  • Patent number: 8055193
    Abstract: An underwater remote sensing system comprising a transmitter for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, a receiver for receiving an electromagnetic signal reflected from an object and determining means for determining the location of the object, wherein at least one of the transmitter and receiver is underwater. The determining means may be operable to determine the location of the object using signals received at three or more receiver positions. To do this, three or more receiver antennas may be provided. Alternatively, a single receiver antenna may be provided and moved between three or more different measurement locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8055257
    Abstract: A radioterminal communications system includes an ancillary terrestrial component configured to receive from at least some of a plurality of radioterminals using frequencies from a first satellite frequency band (e.g., an L-band) and to transmit to at least some of the plurality of radioterminals using frequencies from a second satellite frequency band (e.g., an S-band). The system further includes a space-based component configured to communicate with the plurality of radioterminals using at least some of the frequencies from the first satellite frequency band and/or at least some of the frequencies from the second satellite frequency band. In some embodiments the ancillary terrestrial component communicates with radioterminals using a Time Division Duplex (TDD) mode and the space-based component communicates with the same or other radioterminals using a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and/or a TDD mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter D. Karabinis
  • Patent number: 8050628
    Abstract: Systems and methods according to embodiment of the present invention prevent or otherwise mitigate data corruption and interference that may result when a communications on-the-move transmission is blocked by a radio relay link antenna transmitting on a shared frequency band. Harmful radiation that could affect persons blocking the line-of-sight of a COTM transmission is also prevented or mitigated. According to one embodiment of the present invention, if a building or other obstruction blocks the line-of-sight between a COTM antenna and a target satellite, the transmission will automatically cease, preventing or minimizing any potential interference that can occur, such as the interference to a radio relay link antenna operating atop a building. Similarly, persons who may have been in the line-of-sight will not be subjected to harmful radiation. COTM transmission remains offline until free line-of-sight is re-established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: M.N.C. Microsat Networks (Cyprus) Limited
    Inventors: Per Wahlberg, Kennet Lejnell
  • Patent number: 8050674
    Abstract: A radioterminal may include a transceiver, a hands-free interface, and a satellite/hands-free interlock. The transceiver may be configured for space-based communications and for terrestrial wireless communications. The satellite/hands-free interlock may be configured to prevent the transceiver from transmitting space-based communications unless the hands-free interface is activated. Related methods are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter D. Karabinis
  • Patent number: 8045985
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for providing a voice service without discontinuance in a mobile communication system. The apparatus includes a controller for receiving a system information block of a first network system or a system information block of a second network system from an interface module, and transmitting a network selection change request to the interface module to change a network system mode; and a network selector for, when the system information block of the first network system does not comprise voice switched domain information for location area update, driving a timer according to a selection of a user, changing the network system mode into the second network system, and executing location area update to thereby provide the voice service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Ho-Jung Ahn
  • Patent number: 8045500
    Abstract: A communication system and method of communicating signals to a plurality of different types of receivers is provided. The communication system includes at least one transmitter that transmits high priority and low priority signals as a single frequency network. At least one satellite receives and re-transmits at least one of the high priority and low priority signals. At least one terrestrial repeater is in communication with the at least one transmitter, and receives from the at least one transmitter and re-transmits at least one of the high priority and low priority signals. A plurality of receivers includes at least a first receiver configured to process the high priority signal to emit an output signal based upon the high priority signal, and a second receiver configured to process the high priority and low priority signals to emit an output signal based upon the high priority and low priority signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Walker
  • Patent number: 8045975
    Abstract: Two satellite communications systems can use the same frequency or frequencies in geographically overlapping footprints, without creating undue interference in a given system that is caused by the same frequency signal(s) that is/are used by the other system. In particular, an aggregate Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) of the radioterminals and/or ancillary terrestrial components of a second satellite communications system in the common footprint is sufficiently low, and/or the receive antenna gain of a first satellite communications system is sufficiently low compared to the receive antenna gain of the second satellite communications system, so as to increase an aggregate receiver noise that is seen by the first satellite system receivers by an amount that does not substantially change a Quality of Service (QoS) of the first satellite communications system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter D. Karabinis
  • Publication number: 20110256865
    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: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Zulfiquar Sayeed, Stephen A. Wilkus
  • Patent number: 8036592
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an integrated presentation of existing media program services and secondary media program services is described. The method comprises the steps of accepting a election of a secondary media program transmitted on a secondary media program channel; accessing a mapping to determine a primary media program channel associated with the selected secondary media program channel; commanding a first tuner module to receive conditional access information associated with the primary media program channel from the primary service provider; evaluating the conditional access information to determine if a second tuner is authorized to receive the secondary media program channel; and commanding a second tuner module to receive the secondary media program if the second tuner is authorized to receive the secondary media program channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Godwin
  • Patent number: 8032073
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to enable a fixed or a mobile ground based slave stations (VSAT: Very Small Aperture Terminal) in a communication network to receive TDM transmissions from and transmit TDMA burst transmissions to one or more ground-based gateway stations in a networking system that employs one or more geosynchronous satellites. Each gateway station transmits on one or more forward TDM channels to the slave stations; however, one primary gateway acts as the master station at any given time which transmits the network control messages to the slave stations (VSATs) that control their TDMA transmission behavior on the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: STM Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Emil Youssefzadeh, Hans Peter Lexow, Richard R. Forberg
  • Patent number: 8032134
    Abstract: A wireless communication system for transmitting signals having a wireless positioning system being responsive to incoming signals for processing the same to generate coordinate information for determining the position of said wireless communication system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication system further includes a phase controller module being responsive to said coordinate information for controlling the phase of the output signals for transmission in a specified direction by performing beamforming, said wireless communication system for performing beamforming to increase the range of transmission of said output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Ralink Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Chien-Cheng Tung
  • Publication number: 20110237247
    Abstract: A reach back secure communications terminal includes a modem to satellite interconnect board that captures DTMF tones, demodulates encrypted modem information, and converts both into an ASCII string for presentation to a data port of a satellite phone, allowing out-of-band control of a non-secure satellite system (e.g., AT command control of a data port) by a user on a secure side of an encryption device, by including the ability to interpret control signals and control the satellite system appropriately. A false dial tone is presented to the encryption device, and the data stream coming from the encryption device is monitored for the presence of dual-tone, multi-frequency (DTMF) tones representing control signals, the DTMF tones are converted to ASCII characters, which are in turn received as control signals by the satellite phone, allowing control of the functions of the satellite system directly from the secure side of the encryption device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Fiona S. Best, Dorothy A. McClintock, William Jeremy Lee, Wesley R. Hartwell, Eric Reed
  • Publication number: 20110237248
    Abstract: A system and method allow end users the ability to operate using non-compliant antennas. A coordination database may be continually updated with respect to geographic coordinates, time planning, frequency and orbital positions. Further, the system and method may utilize a tool for easily calculating interference resulting from the use of non-compliant antennas. These components, amongst others, spot possible slots in the frequency spectrum for non-compliance operations. A device may be integrated into terrestrial terminals to perform a sound, realistic and up-to-date interference calculation for equipment in a particular environment. The device may determine the level and extent of safety for operating the equipment in the particular environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Per Wahlberg, Kennet Lejnell
  • Patent number: 8027672
    Abstract: A system and a method for facilitating communication between a remote station and a service network are disclosed. A remote station is associated with a first communicator configured to communicate over a first communication network and a second communicator configured to communicate over a second communication network. A communication controller associated with the remote station and coupled with the first communicator and the second communicator is operable to transmit a first set of signals using the first communicator a second set of signals using the second communicator. A mobile network access point is directable to within a communication range of the second communicator of the remote station when the remote station is outside of an existing communication range of the second communication network and the first set of signals includes a resource request for the second communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Intellisist, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Tolhurst
  • Patent number: 8023888
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for acquiring and demodulating a data stream transmitted in a communication system. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises finding a boundary of a physical layer frame (PLFrame) in the data stream, finding a first 26 bits of a Unique Word (UW) associated with the data stream, finding a scrambling code utilizing the UW, and using a decoding procedure to determine a modulation type and code rate used for desired signals within the data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Santoru, Guangcai Zhou, Ernest C. Chen, Dennis Lai, Shamik Maitra
  • Patent number: 8023887
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a telecommunication network for establishing radiofrequency links between at least one gateway and ground terminals via a multispot telecommunication satellite. The network includes a service zone composed of a plurality of cells each including a plurality of ground terminals, the said service zone being split into N sub-zones, N being an integer strictly greater than 1, each sub-zone having a capacity profile evolving in time over a given period and presenting a maximum value, the said maximum values of each of the capacities being shifted with regard to time and a multispot satellite including a transponder including amplification of the signals emitted by the gateway on the forward link and the signals emitted by the cells on the return link and a continuous power supply system of the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Eutelsat SA
    Inventors: Hector Fenech, Emmanuel Lance
  • Patent number: 8023939
    Abstract: A communications system includes a first wireless communications system configured to provide wireless communications over a first frequency band, and a second wireless communications system configured to provide wireless communications using at least a portion of the first frequency band. The system includes an inter-system communications link between the first wireless communications system and the second wireless communications system. The inter-system communications link is used to coordinate the use of the first frequency band. The system further includes an interference reducer configured to reduce interference between the first wireless communications system and the second wireless communications system. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander H. Good, Charlene J. King, Eric A. Swank, Monish Kundra, Peter D. Karabinis
  • Patent number: 8019275
    Abstract: Method, apparatuses, and system for selectively stacking systems are disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises satellite signals broadcast in a first frequency band, that are downconverted to a first intermediate frequency (IF) band of signals, and different satellite signals broadcast in a second frequency band that are downconverted to a second IF band of signals and a third IF band of signals. The first, second, and third IF bands of signals are all present in a combined IF signal on a cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John Norin, Kesse Ho
  • Publication number: 20110217976
    Abstract: A multi-band low-profile, low-volume two-way mobile panel array antenna system is described. Operation of the antenna may automatically switch between bands based on various user-entered parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: RAYSAT ANTENNA SYSTEMS, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ilan Kaplan, Daniel Francis DiFonzo, Kevin Arthur Bruestle, David Gross, Victor Boyanov, Stanimir Kamenopolski
  • Patent number: 8014771
    Abstract: A method of sharing a satellite communication system having a common equipment includes billing a first user for sending a first message using the common equipment over a first satellite link, billing a second user for sending a second message using the common equipment over a second satellite link, wherein the first satellite link is different than the second satellite link, billing a first network operator for billing the first user, and billing a second network operator for billing the second user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: VT Idirect, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Bettinger, Hai Quang Tang, Christopher Robert Burdick, Joseph J. Boone, Gregory Carey Braunberg, Hao Cheng, Jason B. Maiorana, Chao Liu
  • Patent number: 8010043
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are presented for improved satellite communications. The satellite system may comprises at least one gateway, a satellite in orbit configured to communicate with the at least one gateway and provide a plurality of spot beams, and a plurality of subscriber terminals. The spot beams may include a first spot beam to illuminate a first region and a second spot beam to illuminate a second region adjacent to and overlapping with the first region. The first spot beam as sent to at least one subscriber terminal may be affected by (1) interference from other signal sources including the second spot beam at a signal-to-interference ratio C/I and (2) noise at a signal-to-noise ratio C/N. Reception of signals from the first spot beam by the at least one of the first plurality of subscriber terminals may be interference-dominated such that C/I is less than C/N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8005034
    Abstract: A scalable subscriber terminal for bi-directional communication with a gateway through one or more satellites is provided according to another embodiment of the invention. The scalable subscriber terminal may comprise a plurality of antennas and be configured to operate in at least a first communication mode prior to switching to a second communication mode. The first communication mode may comprise communicating with the gateway through a first satellite. The second communication mode may include communicating with the gateway through the first satellite and a second transceiver. The scalable subscriber terminal may download MIMO operational firmware from the gateway through the first satellite prior to switching to the second communication mode. The first communication mode may be a SISO or SIMO mode. The second communication mode may be a MISO or MIMO mode. The second transceiver may be a second satellite or a terrestrial repeater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Dankberg, Aniruddha Das
  • Patent number: 7995989
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus to control the actions of a user terminal (UT) located at a remote location, possibly far from a gateway (GW), which has an interface to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and/or to the Internet. The methods and apparatus provide for operation of a mobile satellite communication system having at least one gateway (GW), at least one user terminal (UT), and a constellation of satellites. The methods and apparatus allow access to the communication satellites by specifying an exclusion zone having a confidence limit (CL) associated therewith. The methods and apparatus selectively provide service to a UT depending on a determined location of the UT relative to the exclusion zone and on an estimated error (E) of the determined UT location, wherein location of the UT is determined by the UT, and transmitted to the GW, or location of the UT is determined by the GW.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Globalstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Wiedeman, Paul A. Monte, Michael J. Sites
  • Patent number: 7991348
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for combining signals in a satellite delivery system are disclosed. A first set of satellite signals are broadcast in a first frequency band, and downconverted to a first Intermediate Frequency (IF) band, and a second set of satellite signals are broadcast in a second frequency band and downconverted to a second IF band and a third IF band. A combiner receives the first, second, and third IF bands and combines the first, second, and third IF bands into a delivery signal. A distribution unit coupled to the combiner distributes the delivery signal to a plurality of outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John Norin, Kesse Ho
  • Patent number: 7974575
    Abstract: Methods of reducing interference in a satellite communications system may include receiving a plurality of feeder link signals and time aligning the plurality of feeder link signals to provide time aligned feeder link signals. At least two of the time aligned feeder link signals may be combined to provide reduced interference of at least one of the feeder link signals. Related systems are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter D. Karabinis
  • Patent number: 7974227
    Abstract: A relay terminal for relaying communication signals from originator user terminals to destination user terminals stores relay-authorization-and-priority data for a plurality of user terminals having respective identification codes; detects the identification codes in communication signals sent from a plurality of originator terminals; processes the detected identification codes in combination with the stored data to determine if immediate relaying of the received communication signals to respective identified destination terminals is authorized; and relays the received communication signals immediately to only those of the identified destination terminals to which immediate relaying is so authorized. Directional-position data associated with a given originator terminal derived by processing portions of a signal received from such originator terminal is processed to form a beam path for communications with the given originator terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Stanley Seay
  • Patent number: 7969911
    Abstract: A hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. Copies of data, program code and processing resources are migrated from their source toward requesting destinations based on request frequency, communication link costs and available local storage and/or processing resources. Each appropriately configured network device acts as an active participant in network migration. In addition, portable two-dimensional (2-D) code reading terminals are configured to wirelessly communicate compressed 2-D images toward stationary access servers that identify the code image through decoding and through comparison with a database of images that have previously been decoded and stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald L. Mahany, Guy J. West, Alan G. Bunte, Arvin D. Danielson, Michael D. Morris, Robert C. Meier
  • Patent number: 7970346
    Abstract: Methods of reducing interference in a satellite communications system may include receiving a plurality of feeder link signals and time aligning the plurality of feeder link signals to provide time aligned feeder link signals. At least two of the time aligned feeder link signals may be combined to provide reduced interference of at least one of the feeder link signals. Related systems are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter D. Karabinis
  • Patent number: 7962134
    Abstract: A system and method allow end users the ability to operate using non-compliant antennas. A coordination database may be continually updated with respect to geographic coordinates, time planning, frequency and orbital positions. Further, the system and method may utilize a tool for easily calculating interference resulting from the use of non-compliant antennas. These components, amongst others, spot possible slots in the frequency spectrum for non-compliance operations. A device may be integrated into terrestrial terminals to perform a sound, realistic and up-to-date interference calculation for equipment in a particular environment. The device may determine the level and extent of safety for operating the equipment in the particular environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: M.N.C. Microsat Networks (Cyprus) Limited
    Inventors: Per Wahlberg, Kennet Lejnell
  • Patent number: 7962159
    Abstract: disclosed are a method of and a system for receiving data on a portable device. The method comprises the steps of providing a portable device having a data modem with active and dormant stages, and a short message service (SMS) capability; receiving a pre-defined SMS message and in response thereto, switching said data modem from said dormant stage to said active stage; and thereafter, receiving data through said data modem. The preferred embodiment of the invention uses a cellular PDA type device that can receive phone calls and Short Message Service (SMS) type messages even when the data modem of the PDA is not engaged. In this preferred embodiment, a special SMS message is sent from a back-end server infrastructure of a computer network to the PDA device to tell that device to “wake up” and connect to the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua L. Beard, Louis C. Foss, Nuno D. Pereira, Robert S. Tabit
  • Patent number: RE43137
    Abstract: A satellite radiotelephone system includes a space-based component, a plurality of ancillary terrestrial components, and a plurality of radiotelephones. The space-based component is configured to provide wireless radiotelephone communications using satellite radiotelephone frequencies. The plurality of ancillary terrestrial components include a plurality of ancillary terrestrial component antennas configured to provide wireless radiotelephone communications using at least one of the satellite radiotelephone frequencies in a radiation pattern that increases radiation below the horizon compared to above the horizon. The plurality of radiotelephones are configured to communicate with the space-based component and with the plurality of ancillary terrestrial components. Each radiotelephone also includes a GPS signal processor and a GPS mode filter that is configured to suppress energy at (1575.42??) MHz, where 0<??16.42 MHz. Related radiotelephones and methods are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter D. Karabinis