Abstract: Seamless hand-off of air-to-ground telephony calls is achieved autonomously within an aircraft by using one of at least two radio links to search for additional ground stations. The search for candidate ground stations for hand-off is expedited by eliminating ground stations exhibiting zero or negative Doppler effects. Other values indicating quality of the link corresponding to the channel over which the search is conducted is compared with the quality of the call and an alternate call is established using the call identification code previously established for the call in progress. The hand-off of the call may then be easily conducted by transferring the voice signal to the channel over which the search was conducted. This is preferably done at a time when the transmission quality of the two channels would be approximately the same or the quality improved on the channel to which hand-off is made.

Abstract: A wireless access unit (12) for providing an interface between a satellite communications system (32) and a plurality of terrestrial user devices (14-26) in a centralized or distributed architecture includes a spectrum allocation unit (92) for dynamically allocating spectrum to the plurality of terrestrial user devices (14-26) based on a spectral environment about the wireless access unit (12). A spectrum scan unit (60) scans the spectral environment about the wireless access unit (12) and generates a spectrum signal indicative thereof. An environment understanding unit (61) provides signal information corresponding to signal emitters in proximity to the distributed or centralized network. A spectrum table (90) assembles data related to the spectral environment and the proximity emitters for use by the spectrum allocation unit (92) in dynamically allocating spectrum.

Abstract: A call center system that transmits call availability from a call center to a remote user of a wireless network via a virtual private network to reduce communication costs and to improve operational efficiency. The call center system includes a set of point-of-presence call center gateways distributed at points of presence that are close to the point of the remote user. The point-of-presence call center gateways are connected by the virtual private network to call center gateways at business locations where call centers reside.

Abstract: A system for processing a call between a mobile services switching centre (MSC) and a gateway mobile switching centre (GMSC) includes a first alternative gateway unit (ANG) being connected to the mobile services switching centre and a second alternative gateway unit (ANG) being connected to the gateway mobile switching centre. A call which is to be processed via an alternative network (AN) is processed directly between the alternative gateway units (ANG). The alternative gateway units (ANG) include means for performing speech and data coding and means to transmit and receive a call to be able to process the call directly via the alternative network, e.g. a Voice-over-IP network.

Abstract: Calls in the satellite radiotelephone system are conducted as single or dual hop calls under the control of a satellite radiotelephone that initiates the call. In particular, a first satellite radiotelephone calling a second satellite radiotelephone can configure the call as a dual hop call by transmitting a suspension code to a switching center, thereby possibly avoiding a default action by the switching center to conduct the call a single hop call. The switching center recognizes the suspension code and conducts the call in the active state to the second satellite radiotelephone as a dual hop call. In other words, the suspension code transmitted by the first satellite radiotelephone instructs the switching center to avoid conducting the call as a single hop call which may be the default action performed by the switching center.

Abstract: Given access to two or more originating switching node addressing mechanisms (such as, for example, a mobile switching center identification (MSCID), a mobile switching center identification number (MSCIN) and/or a point code subsystem number (PC-SSN)), a serving switching node, when needing to address a message to that originating switching node, implements a hierarchical process for selecting one of the two or more available mechanisms for use in addressing the message. The process gives preference to use of the MSCIN, if present and if the message is being sent in an international routing context, in addressing the message. Alternatively, the process gives preference to use of the PC-SSN, if present and if the message is being sent in a national routing context, in addressing the message. Lastly, the process utilizes the MSCID in addressing the message.

Abstract: A broadcast and interactive data distribution system that distributes broadcast and interactive data transmitted by way of a geostationary satellite, and optionally by way of a cable system, to personal computers. The system comprises a modular digital data communication cyberstation that is a modular computer and server that is external to the personal computers to which data is to be distributed. The cyberstation receives, optionally stores, and distributes the broadcast and interactive data to the personal computers. The cyberstation has wireless and optional wired interfaces for communicating with the personal computers. An optional cable modem may be used to directly communicate with the cable system. A satellite receiver is employed to communicate with the geostationary satellite, and a low-earth-orbit satellite transceiver is employed to communicate with low-earth-orbit satellites used to support information requests, data billing and status/diagnostic reporting to a service provider.

Abstract: To provide a mobile integrated intelligent network as basis for a pan-European universal railway communication system wherein a local control is enabled for subscribers roaming internationally it is proposed to provide a service switching means (SSF) for this mobile integrated intelligent network with an interrogation means (24) adapted to receive at least a routable number from a service control unit (14) in accordance with a functional number supplied thereto. Further, the service switching unit (SSF) comprises an address storage unit (26; 34-1, . . . , 34-n) storing an address of the service control unit (14) such that the interrogation is directed to a local service control unit (14) in the event of international roaming.

Abstract: A method for operating a communication system includes steps of: (a) receiving a call for a user terminal at a satellite system gateway, the call originating from another user terminal; (b) examining a database to determine if the called user terminal is located within a coverage area of the satellite system gateway; and (c) if yes, formulating a paging message and transmitting the paging message to the called user terminal via at least one satellite. Upon the called user terminal responding to the page, the method further: (d) establishes the call using satellite system resources, (e) designates one of the calling or called user terminals as a call manager for the duration of the call, and (f) makes a temporary assignment of satellite system resources to the call manager user terminal for use in managing the remainder of the call. The step of establishing the call includes a step of assigning at least an initial channel/circuit pair to each of the user terminals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring satellite signals and subscriber unit signals utilizes broadcast beams (205) and acquisition beams (215) projected from a satellite (20). The broadcast beams (205) and acquisition beams (215) form broadcast acquisition beam pairs that are swept within the footprint (50) of the satellite (20) on the surface of the earth. Broadcast bursts are transmitted by the satellite (20) in the broadcast beams (205), and acquisition bursts broadcast by subscriber units (30) are received by the satellite (20) in acquisition beams (215).

Abstract: A data communication system and method that allocates an amount of bandwidth to a ground terminal for uplink transmission of one or more data packets in a low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite data communication network. A bandwidth request message is generated and transmitted to a bandwidth allocation processing unit in the LEO satellite data communication network. The bandwidth request message requests allocation of an amount of bandwidth to a ground terminal for uplink transmission of one or more data packets and identifies a priority status of the data packets for which bandwidth is sought. The bandwidth allocation processing unit allocates bandwidth to the ground terminal in accordance with the priority status identified in the bandwidth request message. Allocated bandwidth is reported to the ground terminal in a bandwidth allocation response.

Abstract: A method of communicating FSK-modulated Caller ID signals through a network incompatible to the transmission of these signals is presented. A first network component couples between the incompatible network and a Central Office, and a second network component couples between the incompatible network and the telephone. In one embodiment, the call flow proceeds until the second network component would ring the line of the called party. The second network component seizes the line but does not apply a ringing signal. The second network component continues with the call flow as though the second network component had entered the silent interval after the first ring cycle at the called party. Subsequently, the CO transmits the FSK Caller ID information to the first network component which detects the FSK transmission and converts it into an out-of-band message and transmits the out-of-band message over the incompatible network to the second network component.

Abstract: Providing a cellular telephone which does not use a digital cellular adapter and permits direct connection to an information processing apparatus for data communications. A serial data communication connection unit is directly connected to an information processing apparatus. A digital data communication processing unit interprets a command from the information processing apparatus for applying a control command to a controlling unit. Responding to the control command, the controlling unit controls a radio communication unit for issuing a call while controlling a switching unit for connection between the radio communication unit and the digital data communication processing unit thereby establishing a data communication channel. Communication data sent from the information processing apparatus is encoded by the digital data communication processing unit to be transmitted through the switching unit from the radio communication unit.

Abstract: A telephone comprises a body formed of a plastic material, wherein at least part of the body includes a section formed of a transparent material. An adhesive layer is provided on the rear face of the section formed of the transparent material, and colored or lustrous fine fragments are dispersedly applied onto the adhesive layer. A painting layer is also provided on the colored or lustrous fine fragments. As to painting, metallic coating may be applied as well as regular painting.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for decreasing the average call setup time in a cellular network by using an Internet Protocol based cellular network. Call information (such as routing information, channel types, etc.) for a particular call initiated by a calling Mobile Station (MS) can be stored in a call cache within a serving Mobile Switching Center (MSC) to immediately allow the same call to be re-established without tying-up circuits. A call cache identifier (CCI) is assigned to that call cache and passed to the calling MS. When the MSC receives a call from the calling MS, the MSC determines whether a CCI is included with the call. If not, call setup proceeds as normal, and the MSC creates a call cache for the call, assigns a CCI to the call cache and returns the CCI to the calling MS. If a CCI is received with the call, the MSC accesses the call cache associated with the received CCI, and uses the call setup information stored in the call cache to re-establish the call.

Abstract: The computer controlled communication system has communication devices (KE1, . . . , KEn) and has data devices (DE1, . . . , DEn) that are connected to a network server (SR) via a local network (LAN), of which devices at least one communication device (KE1, . . . , KEn) and one data device (DE1, . . . , DEn) are respectively associated with a user and are functionally coupled in order to fulfill technical communication performance characteristics. Via a technical communication interface subassembly (VBT), the communication devices (KE1, . . . , KEn) are connected to the network server (SR), which is connected to an open or private switching center (PBX) via a transit switch (ISDN-A/Q), which network server has a gateway (GW) to couple the local network (LAN) to the communication network (ISDN).

Abstract: A telecommunications network including sub-telecommunications networks for transferring information including packet data which comprises one or more mobile stations, a first sub-telecommunications network, and a second sub-telecommunications network interconnected with the first sub-telecommunications network. The network further includes a number of gateway GPRS support nodes, and one or more gateway GPRS support nodes corresponding to each of the first sub-telecommunications network and the second sub-telecommunications network. Each of the gateway GPRS support nodes is operable to provide interworking between the first and the second sub-telecommunications networks and external packet data networks. The network also includes a system controlled in accordance with a procedure for transferring packet data within a multi-country telecommunications network.

Abstract: An MSAT system is provided which optimizes satellite resources when implementing a single-hop TtT call. The system allocates satellite channels and signaling channels for a single-hop TtT call to the participating terminals at an early stage during the call set-up procedure such that only a single pair of satellite channels are assigned to each of the terminals for call establishment and for use during the call, as opposed to two pairs of satellite channels. A test message for signaling channel (e.g., TTCH) validation is transmitted from the network (e.g., from a gateway station controller) to each of the terminals.

Abstract: A combination pager and cordless telephone (40) has a receiver (414) for receiving paging signals including a location identifier associated with a geographic location (202) of a paging controller transmitting the paging signals. A decoder (416) coupled to the receiver (414) decodes the paging signals to recover a page and the location identifier. A memory (422, 423) stores the page and the location identifier identifying the geographic location (202) of the transceiver (40). A message processor (606), coupled to the memory (423), determines when a new location identifier is received; and a controller (420) couples to a home paging controller (10) in response to the message processor (606) determining that the new location identifier has been received.

Abstract: A land mobile-satellite communication system comprises: at least one communication satellite station; a plurality of portable communication terminals for communicating with each other through a communication link to be formed to include the at least one communication satellite station; and a plurality of mobile repeater stations mounted on mobiles located on the earth for repeating the communication in the communication link formed between the portable communication terminals and including the at least one communication satellite station. Preferably, the system includes a plurality of communication satellite stations, each mounted on a respective one of a plurality of low earth communication satellites, and each including a mechanism for communicating each other through inter-satellite links.

Abstract: Method for making a mobile-to-mobile wireless data communication in PCS (Personal Communication Services)/digital cellular mobile telecommunication system, is disclosed, which allows a direct communication without occupying an IWU, the method including the steps of (1) transmitting an originating instruction for a terminating mobile data terminal as an originating mobile data terminal sets up a service mode, (2) making a communication using a first radio link protocol (RLP) set up between the originating mobile data terminal and a base station/mobile switching center, (3) calling the terminating mobile data terminal through an identification number of the originating mobile data terminal and a service option as the originating instruction is executed, (4) informing a signal responding to the call to the originating mobile data terminal, (5) making a communication using a second RLP set up between the terminating mobile data terminal and the base station/mobile switching center, (6) setting up protocol layers

Abstract: A mobile satellite system including a satellite communication switching office and network system having a satellite antenna for receiving and transmitting a satellite message via a satellite to and from a mobile earth station including a mobile communication system, a satellite interface system, a central controller receiving and transmitting the satellite message from the mobile earth station to and from the satellite communication switching office via the satellite and the satellite interface system. The mobile communication system includes a user interface system providing a user interface through which a user has access to services supported by the mobile satellite system and an antenna system which provides an interface between the mobile communication system and the mobile satellite system via the satellite interface system.

Abstract: A dynamic repeater configuration for satellite systems is disclosed that allows for multiple broadcast of channel information and multiple subchannel allocations on uplink and downlink beam signals. The apparatus comprises an input multiplexer, a subchannel routing switch matrix, a channel routing switch matrix, and an output multiplexer. The input multiplexer receives the uplink signal and produces at least a first channel signal therefrom. The subchannel routing switch matrix receives the uplink signal, separates at least one channel signal into at least one subchannel, routes the subchannel from a selected uplink subchannel into a selected downlink subchannel, and recombines the selected downlink subchannels into a second channel signal. The channel routing switch matrix routes the first channel signal into a first downlink channel signal and the second channel signal into a second downlink channel signal. The output multiplexer combines the first and second downlink channels into the downlink signal.

Abstract: A communication system (100) that includes base stations (103-109) comprising selection circuitry (207) is provided herein. The determination of a call anchoring base station (base station performing Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) frame selection) is made based on the base station with a lowest mean work load. During communication with a remote unit (113), frames received by non-call anchoring base stations (105, 107) are backhauled to a switch (101). The switch (101) then sidehauls the frames to the call anchoring base station (103), where selection and call processing functions for the particular call takes place.

Abstract: The low power RF receiver (1) includes an antenna (2), a reception and shaping stage (3) for the radio-frequency signals provided by the antenna, a 12 channel correlation stage (7) receiving intermediate signals (IF) shaped by the reception stage (3), a microprocessor (12) connected to the correlation stage for calculating X, Y and Z position, velocity and time data as a function of data provided by the radio-frequency signals, such as GPS signals, transmitted by the satellites. Each channel includes a correlator (8) associated with a controller (9), which also includes a digital signal processing algorithm to allow all the synchronisation tasks for acquiring and tracking a satellite to be performed autonomously when the channel (7′) is set in operation, and to lock onto the satellite. Buffer registers (11) are placed at the interface between the correlation stage (7) and the microprocessor (12) for the mutual transfer of data.

Abstract: A communication system employing optical fibers and a high data rate satellite is utilized to provide high-speed Internet access to various geographic regions. In one aspect, a first teleport station is located geographically separated from a first user. The first teleport station is connected through a network access point to the Internet. The second user communicates through a satellite to the first teleport station to access the Internet. The teleport station and the network access point use a long haul optical fiber.

Abstract: Secure access is provided for a limited access data network (intranet) to handheld electronic devices which include the functionality to process alphanumeric information and process information received in handheld device markup language (HDML). A handheld device user may first establish a connection with a data network such as the World Wide Web. Through use of a uniform resource locator (URL) request made over this data network, a connection is made to an intranet. At the firewall for the intranet, an identification process is performed to determine that the URL request originated from a handheld device. Such a request is routed through a socket designated for such requests and received by a proxy server. The proxy server provides the necessary security steps in order to provide access to applications within the intranet, and once validation has been confirmed, connection to the application is established.

Abstract: A hand-over processing method includes (a) providing a first satellite providing a communication service to a service area having a plurality of areas at a first time, (b) detecting, of the plurality of areas, an area as a specific area outside a service area to which the first satellite provides the communication service at a second time when a predetermined time elapsed after the first time, (c) detecting a second satellite providing the communication service to the specific area at the second time, (d) transmitting a hand-over request from the first satellite to perform a hand-over of the specific area to the second satellite, (e) judging whether or not the hand-over can be performed in response to the hand-over request to transmit the judging result to the first satellite and (f) performing the hand-over based on the judging result.

Abstract: In a wireless telecommunications network, apparatus and method for code gapping messages from mobile switching centers to switching control points. The switching control point, (SCP), sends a stand-alone message containing only code gap control information to each of the MSCs served by the SCP. The code gap control message specifies the types of messages which are to be subject to code gap control, as well as the code gap interval and overall timer interval. The message further specifies such details as the range of digits of calls for which messages are to be subject to code gap control. Advantageously, the specification of the details of code gap control is made more efficient.

Abstract: A telecommunications satellite channelizer (170) is provided for mapping RF signals between feeder links (160-162) and mobile link beams (210-212) based on a predefined frequency plan (FIGS. 7 and 8). The mobile link beams (240) define a coverage area (242) of a satellite (10). Each feeder link and mobile link beam comprises a plurality of feeder subbands and mobile subbands grouped to form feeder link channels (216-238) and mobile link channels (244-255). The channelizer (170) includes at least one feeder lead carrying a feeder link signal (160-162) associated with a ground station (14 and 16). A feeder link distribution network (175) is connected to the feeder leads and maps RF signals in the feeder links (160-162) onto a plurality of distribution leads as divided feeder signals. Channel multiplexers (182-184) are connected to the distribution leads.

Abstract: A portable data device (300) having a memory (302) is provided. The memory (302) is segmented into a plurality of sectors (304-312). A backup memory buffer (312) and a plurality of applications (304-310) are programmed into the plurality of sectors, wherein the backup memory buffer (312) is jointly used by the plurality of applications (304-310). A valid state of data is stored in the backup memory buffer (312) prior to performing a transaction for a first application (304). The valid state of data is restored in the first application (304) upon power up of the portable data device (300) in an event the transaction is terminated prior to completion, wherein the step of restoring is independent of a next application in which a next transaction is performed.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method for transmitting digital images produced by a digital camera attached to or integrated with a mobile station (MS) from the MS to a receiving terminal through the Internet. A calling mobile subscriber can select the digital image to transmit and dial the number associated with the receiving terminal on the MS. The digital image is then sent in parallel through the Internet while a telecommunications connection, such as a call setup request, is being sent through the cellular or fixed network. At the end office serving the receiving terminal, the call setup request is associated with the digital image and a call connection is established between the calling MS and the receiving terminal. When the call connection is established, the end office serving the receiving terminal sends the digital image to the receiving terminal.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for utilizing a session processor having multiple internal states to control communication sessions occurring within a wireless and satellite network that includes at least one control interface. First, a message is received from the control interface and is then processed. Next, an internal state of the session processor is changed such that a response message may be formulated. Thereafter, internal tables and counters are updated in response to the message. Finally, the response message is delivered to the control interface, such that the session processor may be utilized to maintain comprehensive and seamless control of communications sessions occurring within the wireless and satellite network.

Abstract: A mobile satellite (MSAT) system is provided for establishing a single-hop terminal-to-terminal call between two terminals. The MSAT system maintains a signaling path between each terminal and a gateway station during the terminal-to-terminal call although a call path between the mobile switching center and the originating terminal is blocked by the satellite. During single-hop call establishment, satellite channels for the terminal-to-terminal call path and for signaling are allocated. The allocated channels are assigned when a direct satellite link for the terminal-to-terminal call is established; otherwise, the call can proceed as a double-hop call using previously assigned satellite channels. A verification signal is sent on the direct satellite link which is for processing by the terminals and which contains information that causes the signal to be ignored by a gateway station.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating a packet over a cell relay satellite network, without establishing a connection in the cell relay satellite network, comprises the steps of segmenting the packet into a number of segments at a source node in the communications network, generating for each of the segments a fixed size cell that includes a cell header and a payload with a prefix, a downlink beam locator, and a source node identifier included in the cell header, and inserting each segment into the payload of each generated cell, respectively, and transmitting the cells to the cell relay satellite. A cell relay satellite receives each transmitted cell from the source node, and broadcasts each cell on a downlink beam corresponding to the downlink beam locator in each cell header. A destination node receives each broadcasted cell on the downlink beam, and re-assembles the packet from the received cells.

Abstract: A navigation and mobile communication satellite system including a Geo-Mobile (GEM) satellite (14) and a plurality of Global Position System (GPS) satellites (50). The GEM satellite (14) is in operative communication with at least one ground segment (12) and at least one user segment (16), and includes a GEM processor for providing communication services to the user segments (16). The GPS network is also in operative communication with at least one of the user segments (16) and at least one of the ground segments (12). The GPS network provides navigation data to the user segment (16). Each of the ground segments (12) include a gateway station (28) for receiving the navigation data and uplinking the navigation data to the GEM satellite (14) such that the navigation data is rebroadcast to the user segments (16) at a higher power than from the GPS network alone. In this manner, the GEM system provides a navigation signal at a much higher power than the present GPS system.

Abstract: An information delivery system includes terminals receiving data via a satellite-communication system, and a user center having a destination-conversion table which lists a satellite-system receiver ID with respect to each ground-network address of the terminals, and, upon receiving a request for data delivery via an intra-network, obtaining satellite-system receiver IDs from ground-network addresses indicated as destinations of the data delivery by referring to the destination-conversion table so as to deliver requested data and a reception-control program to the destinations via the satellite-communication system. The terminals use the reception-control program to check the data-reception conditions when receiving the requested data and the reception-control program, and send a request for a repeat of the data delivery to the user center via the intra-network if the data-reception conditions are not satisfactory.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for optimizing the Call Forwarding on Busy (CFB) feature for optimized mobile stations (MSs) within a satellite network. The CFB feature for optimized calls can be stored within the Home Location Register (HLR) associated with the MS. Therefore, when the MS becomes engaged in an optimized call, the HLR sets a busy indication associated with the optimized MS. Thereafter, when another incoming call arrives, the HLR can check the busy indication, and if it is set, the HLR determines that the MS is busy, and invokes the CFB feature.

Abstract: A method for transferring a data message, in a connectionless manner between a selected source terminal and a selected destination terminal, in a communications network which supports connection-oriented communications. The network has a plurality of source and destination terminals in addition to satellites having up and downlink antenna beams. One of the uplink beams covers the selected source terminal and one of the downlink antenna beams covers the selected destination terminal. Downlink beam identifiers are assigned to each downlink antenna beam in the network. An address is assigned to each destination terminal so that the address of the selected destination terminal includes a downlink beam identifier of one downlink antenna beam in the network which covers the selected destination terminal. The downlink beam identifier is used to route the data message through the network.

Abstract: An input device for an electronic device such as a mobile phone includes an analog input device for scanning through an input space of records and a digital input device for selecting a current record presented on a display. The analog input device is a flip pivotably arranged by an attachment device on a housing of the electronic device. The attachment device is provided with a rotational sensor device connected to a processing device incorporated in the housing. An angle between the flip and the housing corresponds to a sensor value, translated and interpreted by the processing device, to show a particular record on the display.

Abstract: A method is provided for forwarding a call in a satellite communication system having a memory with a call forwarding table for storing satellite communication subscriber numbers and call forwarding numbers. The method includes the step of forming a communication path with a calling communication terminal upon detecting an incoming call. It is then checked whether a calling subscriber is a satellite communication subscriber. A subscriber number of the calling subscriber and a call forwarding number corresponding to the subscriber number is stored in the call forwarding table, when the calling subscriber is the satellite communication subscriber. It is then checked whether another incoming call to the subscriber number is detected. The other incoming call is forwarded to the call forwarding number corresponding to the subscriber number, when the other incoming call to the subscriber number is detected.

Abstract: An input device and a portable electronic device using the input device are disclosed, wherein a first selection item is selected by a first rotary electric part through a first operating member and a second selection item is selected by a second rotary electric part through a second operating member. The input device and the portable electronic device are simple and easy to operate and are excellent in operability.

Abstract: Methods (400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900) and a multi-layer service management system (300) enable mutilayer service management in a global network environment in a communication system (100) which includes a core network (230) and multiple Distributed Virtual Network Segments (DVNSs) (240). The system (300) includes a network service manager (315) capable of managing a set of services for operating the core network, DVNS service managers (DVNSMs) (345, 347) residing within a core side (340) and a product side (335) of each item of DVNS equipment (330) for managing a first and second set of services associated with the DVNS and also a set of value added services (352) provided through the DVNS equipment (330), and a processor/server 385 residing within customer premises equipment (CPE) (370) for enabling provision of value added services to the CPE.

Abstract: A new use for the (already existing) fleets of commercial airline aircraft to replace low-earth orbit (LEO) communication satellites. This invention will provide low-cost, broadband wireless communication infrastructure among points-to-points accomplished by using and modifying existing, small, lightweight low power, low cost microwave relay station equipment onboard the commercial airline aircraft. Each equipped aircraft would have a broadband wireless communication link (within line-of-sight coverage ranges) to one or more neighboring aircraft or ground stations and form a chain of seamless airborne repeaters providing broadband wireless communication gateways along the entire flight path. Broadband wireless communication services also provide for customers onboard in-flight as well as customers overboard, along the line-of-sight ranges of flight path from the commercial airline aircraft.

Abstract: A satellite-based communications system operating at high data rates includes a plurality of communications satellites each having an uplink and a downlink antenna for receiving and transmitting a plurality of spot beams which may be fixed or scanned. The fixed beams may be directed to areas of high satellite use. The scanned beams may be rapidly scanned between areas of use insufficient to support a dedicated beam. The scanned beam allows potentially nearly ubiquitous coverage by using high frequency beams. To rapidly scan, beam forming networks have a plurality of phase coefficients that may be changed so that the angle of the beam may change. A controller coupled to the beam forming network may be used to change the phase coefficients in response to beam inputs such as the desired beam and configurations of the other beams on the satellite.

Abstract: The transferring of accumulated data from a plurality of vehicles to a data processing station involves transmitting a first packet type request from each vehicle via an open radio channel in response to a predetermined operation. The predeterminedn operation may include the vehicle's ignition being turned off. The first packet type is detected at a receiving station if a transmitting vehicle is within the vicinity of the receiving station. The receiving station transmits an instruction for data in the form of a second packet type upon detecting a first packet type. Thereafter, a portion of the accumulated data is transmitted from a detected vehicle in response to instructions generated by the receiving station.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing single hop space segment terminal to terminal connections. The system includes a satellite-based radio frequency (RF) communication link for conveying multiple communication channels over the space segment via one or more spot beams. A terrestrial supervisory transceiver such as a gateway station is provided in communication with the satellite-based communication link. Mobile hand-held terminals (HHTs), herein first and second access terminals, may be located within one or more of the spot beams to communicate with one another via a single hop connection through a satellite of the system. A switch is provided for communication switching with the satellite of the system for the multiple communication channels to couple the first access terminal and the second access terminal over the space segment via one or more of the spot beams.

Abstract: To provide a novel opening/closing structure for a flip provided to a portable phone, which is superior in evaluation on the market, a flip (3) that is rotatable in an opening direction from a condition where a phone operating portion (2) provided on a surface of a portable phone body (1) is covered by the flip to the condition where the phone operating portion (2) is exposed is provided at a predetermined position on the surface of the portable phone body (1).

Abstract: An approach for synchronizing operation of a first communications terminal with operation of a second communications terminal involves establishing a communications link between the first communications terminal and the second communications terminal, the communications link being defined by a communication standard; and synchronizing a first clock coupled to the first communications terminal with a second clock coupled to the second communications terminal by receiving a time standard signal into the first communications terminal independently of the communication standard. This approach can be implemented using a first clock; a first communications terminal coupled to the first clock; a second clock; a second communications terminal coupled to the second clock; a communications link defined by a communication standard; and a transmitter transmitting a time standard signal independently of the communication standard to the first clock and setting the first clock in response to the time standard signal.

Abstract: A method (300, FIG. 3) controls CU (140, FIGS. 1, 6) hand-off in a non-geostationary orbit (NSGO) satellite system (100, FIG. 1) without consuming large amounts of bandwidth or satellite processing power. Using method (300), a network control facility (NCF) (130, FIGS. 1, 5) divides the earth (102, FIG. 2) into suitable regions 200 (FIG. 2), or geographical areas of the earth sized so that all of the CUs (140, 142, 144, FIG. 1) within a region (200) can be handed-off as a group rather than handling each station individually. When it is determined through the method (300) that it is time to hand-off communications in a particular region, all CUs within that region are directed to effectuate a hand-off at substantially the same time.