Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile telecommunication device (100) for establishing a telecommunication connection in the radio frequency range with a base station (102; 104; 1100), the mobile telecommunication device comprising; at least a first (106) and a second antenna (108), an electromagnetic shield (110) located between the first and the second antenna, a logic component (1000), wherein the first and the second antenna are adapted to transmit and receive telecommunication signals of the same frequency band, and wherein the logic component selects whether the first or the second antenna is used for the telecommunication connection with the base station.

Abstract: A method for electronic communications comprises transmitting an electronic text message from a sender to a receiver, starting a sender timer when the text message is transmitted that monitors an initial time period to accept a response message from the receiver, and starting a receiver timer when the text message is received that monitors an initial time period to respond. If a STANDBY message is selected after the text message is received, an automatic timing delay is initiated to send the STANDBY message. The STANDBY message is transmitted when the automatic timing delay has reached a predetermined timing threshold. The receiver timer is restarted when the STANDBY message is transmitted to give the receiver an additional time period to respond. The sender timer is restarted when the STANDBY message is received to give the sender an additional time period to accept a response message from the receiver.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radio communication apparatus that does not need installation of multiple radio devices in a communication node and requires only a single radio device to construct a data link of any of line-of-sight communication, over-the-horizon communication and aerial-vehicle communication.

Abstract: A method and device for managing communication channels for data exchange from an aircraft establishes at least one connection path between the aircraft and at least one ground entity with a plurality of communication channels of at least two different types. After detecting an event such as modification of a communication channel condition or a modification of aircraft position, a communication configuration enabling the aircraft to receive or transmit data from or to the ground entity via at least one of the communication channels is determined. A mechanism for establishing at least one connection path is then adapted based on the communication configuration. Advantageously, the transmission of at least one datum includes determining a priority level of the datum and determining the type of communication channel of the connection path, the datum being transmitted if the determined type of communication channel is compatible with the priority level.

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.

Abstract: An onboard device for receiving a signal coming from an aircraft at a distance d from the device, said signal resulting from the combination of multiple propagation paths, one of the paths corresponding to the main echo of the transmitted signal, said device including an equalizer of processing depth T. The device includes means for estimating the distance covered by the second path, means for deducing therefrom a delay value ? associated with it, means for estimating when ? is greater than or equal to T the interfering signal associated with the main echo and for reducing the contribution of said signal to the total level of interference received. Also a system of communication between aircraft using the onboard device.

Abstract: A device for communication between a portable computer system including a display screen and avionic equipment items comprises shielded walls forming at least a partial Faraday cage. The device also includes at least one wide band high output wireless transmitter-receiver arranged inside the shielded walls and adapted for carrying out a very short range point-to-point radio communication with the portable computer system when the portable computer system is placed inside the shielded walls. The device also includes at least one interface connected to the avionic equipment items and adapted for transmitting data originating from the portable computer system to the avionic equipment items and data originating from the avionic equipment items to the portable computer system, through the at least one said transmitter-receiver.

Abstract: A device for acquiring and recording data captured in an aircraft including a plurality of sources of data streams to be recorded, at least one source of dated values of recording parameters, and a recording mechanism recording data from the data streams and parameter values, on at least one non-volatile information medium. The recording mechanism is adapted to store, in separate files, the data of the various streams of data associated with the dated values of recording parameters.

Abstract: A communications system, apparatus, method, and computer program product for inter-satellite and inter-spacecraft crosslinks (ISL) with non-ISL optimized antennas where at least one component of the communications system has the potential energy to go into space. The system includes a mobile communications platform that includes an ISL antenna configured to transmit information through a non-ISL antenna of another communications platform. The non-ISL antenna does not track a trajectory of the mobile communications platform. The mobile communications platform includes a controller configured to determine a location of the mobile platform; determine whether the non-ISL antenna is within communications range; and prepare a signal for relayed transmissions through a non-ISL antenna to another communications platform in a signal format that is decipherable by this other communications platform.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed enabling deconfliction between a ground-based radio and an airborne radio while both radios are in wireless data communication with a ground-based cellular network via the same ground-based connection node or tower. An orthogonal plurality of time/frequency segments is divided into a ground group of segments and an air group of segments by dynamically placing a frequency barrier between the two groups. Through dynamic allocation between groups and between the plurality of time/frequency segments within each group, interference free communication may coexist while both radios are wirelessly connected to the same tower. Additionally, an uplink (from airborne radio to tower) frequency may be moved to a second, distant frequency band to deconflict with the uplink and downlink first frequency band allotted to the ground-based radio while the downlink from tower to airborne radio remains within the first frequency band.

Abstract: A cross-architecture flight tracking system helps an individual keep track of the status of an airline flight. A subscriber receives status updates intelligently and in real time based on the individual's accessibility over an instant messaging client. The system facilitates the status updates by maintaining and listing the flight as a contact in the individual's instant messaging client contact list, processing status updates from the airline, and dynamically passing the status updates to the subscriber through a channel that will successfully deliver the message.

Abstract: Ground vehicle reporting and tracking techniques are provided to track vehicles associated with a particular area (e.g., an airport, a military base, etc.). Ground vehicles may regularly report information about the vehicle to one or more control stations via corresponding communication links. The communication links may include, for example, an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) link and a non-ADS-B link.

Abstract: A system may include a sensor for coupling with a vehicle configured for atmospheric flight. The sensor may be configured for detecting a turbulence event, where the turbulence event is at least one of experienced by the vehicle or occurs proximal to the vehicle during atmospheric flight. The system may also include a transmitter coupled with the sensor. The transmitter may be configured for automatically remotely transmitting data regarding the turbulence event to a ground based entity.

Abstract: The present invention includes a plurality of native cellular nodes configured to provide wireless connectivity to one or more ground-based wireless devices, each native node including a BTS having a transceiver configured to transmit a downlink signal to the ground-based devices at a native downlink frequency and receive an uplink signal from the ground-based devices at a native uplink frequency, a plurality of augmented nodes configured to provide connectivity to one or more airborne devices, each augmented node including an augmented BTS having a transceiver configured to transmit a downlink signal to the one or more airborne communications devices via an upwardly directed antenna at the native downlink frequency and receive an air-to-ground uplink signal from the airborne devices at a selected air-to-ground uplink frequency different from the native uplink signal frequency, wherein the native nodes and the augmented nodes are configured to operate on a common backhaul infrastructure.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to wireless network management. One specific example relates to efficient radio frequency (RF) spectrum management involving multiple mobile vehicles, whereby a system and/or a method of the invention achieves greatly improved spectral efficiency in the assignment of frequency bands to communications channels between the vehicles and/or stationary ground stations. Other examples of the present invention provide systems and methods to analyze the RF emissions resulting from the motion of transmitters and/or receivers through airspace with the help of five-dimensional quanta of space (x, y, z), time and frequency to assign frequency bands to test plans (including previously-validated test plan(s) and/or to-be-validated test plan(s)). In one specific example, the analysis is directed to the assignment of frequency bands with and without reuse.

Abstract: A data transmission system for transmitting and receiving data comprising a first communication system configured to transmit and receive, data over a first network and a second communication system configured to transmit and receive data over a second network. The second network has a more contiguous physical coverage than the first network. The system further includes a proxy unit configured to select a routing of user data from a user device through either the first communication system or the second communication system. The proxy unit being configured to select the routing based on a user condition. The user condition may be based on a user preference, a detection of a type of user session (e.g., an SSL session), and/or a travel path of the user. A communication system is selected that provides the best network coverage, including continuity, based on the user condition.

Abstract: An aircraft-mounted base transceiver station (mBTS) for providing intermittent coverage in a cellular radio network. The mBTS utilizes the existing protocol of its terrestrial counterparts, thereby avoiding dual-mode devices and enabling common usage of terminal monitoring and device management systems for devices connected to a single radio access network even when outside terrestrial coverage areas. The aircraft follows a transient flight pattern, providing intermittent flyover connectivity for remote radio device such as machine-type devices. Connectivity may be store and forward. Channel usage may be adjusted to avoid interfering with terrestrial communication cells during flyover. Doppler effects due to aircraft speed may be accounted for. The mBTS may be configured to service in-range radio devices which are outside a Doppler-inhibited region and/or to prioritize communication with devices based on expected time outside the Doppler-inhibited region.

Abstract: A method for protecting communications between an aircraft and a spacecraft in outer space including flying the aircraft in the earth's atmosphere at an altitude above 40,000 feet from the earth, and preferably above 50,000 feet, and transmitting a signal from the aircraft to the spacecraft having a frequency within a range of 50-70 GHz. The method includes selecting the frequency of the signal based on the altitude of the aircraft and the elevation angle between the spacecraft the aircraft.

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.

Abstract: At least two waveforms are operated on a single antenna. A scheduler module coordinates the at least two waveforms. A modem module processes the at least two waveforms. A transmitter propagates the at least two waveforms to the antenna.

Abstract: The invention refers to a base station (BTS) and a method for a BTS, for a cellular communication system comprising a user equipment (UE) onboard an aircraft, when at a predetermined altitude, and a terrestrial network. The invention is characterised in that the BTS is arranged to be an airborne onboard BTS comprising a screening device generating a first signal (S1) matched to screen a second signal (S2) from the terrestrial network at a predetermined altitude. The onboard BTS also comprises a signal generator generating a third signal (S3) stronger than both the first signal (S1) and the second signal (S2), the onboard BTS arranged to establish a communication link with the UE via the third signal (S3).

Abstract: A method of communication comprises receiving a text message, starting a response timer, and monitoring transmission of a response message. If the response message has not been transmitted, it is determined whether the response timer has reached a timing threshold. If not, monitoring for transmission of the response message continues. If the response timer reaches the timing threshold without the response message being sent, it is determined whether an automatic standby message mode is enabled. If the automatic standby message mode is enabled, a STANDBY message is automatically transmitted and the response timer is restarted. Monitoring for response message transmission then continues. If a response message has not been transmitted, it is determined whether the response timer expired. If response timer has not expired, then monitoring response message transmission continues. If the response timer has expired without the response message being sent, transmission of subsequent response messages is disabled.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to an Open Wireless Architecture (OWA) unified airborne and terrestrial communications architecture providing optimal high-speed connections with open radio transmission technologies (RTTs) between aircrafts and ground cells, and between different aircrafts in Ad-Hoc or Mesh network group, to construct the multi-dimensional unified information delivery platform across the airborne networks and the terrestrial networks wherein the same OWA mobile device or OWA mobile computer can be used seamlessly and continuously both in the aircrafts and on the ground.

Abstract: An avionic communication unit with interface capabilities is provided. The communication unit includes at least one first type port, at least one second type port and a communication function. The at least one first type port is configured to couple a communication link using a first communication format to the communication unit. The at least one second type port is configured to couple a communication link using a second communication format to the communication unit. The communication function is configured to provide communications to and from an aircraft. The communication function is further configured to interface communications between the at least one first type port and the at least one second type port wherein avionic devices located on the aircraft and using different communication formats coupled to the respective ports can communicate.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are described herein for using a modified Kalman filter to generate attitude error corrections. Attitude measurements are received from primary and secondary attitude sensors of a satellite or other spacecraft. Attitude error correction values for the attitude measurements from the primary attitude sensors are calculated based on the attitude measurements from the secondary attitude sensors using expanded equations derived for a subset of a plurality of block sub-matrices partitioned from the matrices of a Kalman filter, with the remaining of the plurality of block sub-matrices being pre-calculated and programmed into a flight computer of the spacecraft. The propagation of covariance is accomplished via a single step execution of the method irrespective of the secondary attitude sensor measurement period.

Abstract: Innovative new methods in connection with lighter-than-air (LTA) free floating platforms, of facilitating legal transmitter operation, platform flight termination when appropriate, environmentally acceptable landing, and recovery of these devices are provided. The new systems and methods relate to rise rate control, geo-location from a LTA platform including landed payload and ground-based vehicle locations, and steerable recovery systems.

Abstract: To ameliorate interference between an indoor wireless pico cell system, for example in an aircraft, and public wireless communications systems operating in a surrounding or over-flown area, frequencies of operation of the indoor system are coordinated with those used by the public wireless systems in the surrounding area. The pico cell system operates one type of service on all or a portion of a band used for a different type of service by the public system. In the aircraft example, a pico cell system might support GSM narrowband service and CDMA broadband service. The airborne GSM operations use a portion, e.g. corresponding to a guard band, of CDMA service spectrum in the terrestrial network. The airborne CDMA service uses a band used for GSM service by the terrestrial network. The pico cell system dynamically changes its frequency band(s), as the aircraft flies over different areas.

Abstract: A network for providing high speed data communications may include multiple terrestrial transmission stations that are located within overlapping communications range and a mobile receiver station. The terrestrial transmission stations provide a continuous and uninterrupted high speed data communications link with the mobile receiver station employing a wireless radio access network protocol.

Abstract: A method and system for setting transmission rate of messages transmitted and received by a mobile unit. The method and system include monitoring the speed of the mobile unit; and adjusting the transmission rate based on the speed of the mobile unit. Prevailing conditions may also be determined and the transmission rate may be further adjusted based on the prevailing conditions. The prevailing conditions may be determined based on at least one of states of one or more sensors local to the mobile unit and information provided from an external source over a communication system. The prevailing conditions may include at least one of slick pavement, limited visibility, road construction, object in roadway, accident, dense traffic, and anomalous driving behavior.

Abstract: A network for providing high speed data communications may include multiple terrestrial transmission stations that are located within overlapping communications range and a mobile receiver station. The terrestrial transmission stations provide a continuous and uninterrupted high speed data communications link with the mobile receiver station employing a wireless radio access network protocol.

Abstract: A method of processing a message in a relay network comprises determining if a destination node is within range; if the destination node is not in range, identifying one or more network member aircraft within range; selecting one of the one or more network member aircraft within range; authenticating membership of the selected network member aircraft if membership of the selected network member aircraft has not been previously authenticated; and transmitting the message to the selected network member aircraft in order to relay the message to the destination node at least in part via the selected network member aircraft.

Abstract: The distance to a communicating party is detected using whether or not an electromagnetic-coupled RF field formation is achieved or not as simple measurement means. If the distance to the communicating party is short, i.e., if it is possible to form an RF field, then transmission power is reduced. As a result, power consumption is reduced. Since a reduction in transmission power is accompanied by restriction of the zone in which communication is possible, leakage of information is prevented and security is enhanced.

Abstract: In one embodiment a communications system includes an unmanned vehicle and a communications station located remote from the unmanned vehicle. The unmanned vehicle has a first wireless communications system and a first directional antenna for wirelessly communicating with the remote communications station. A first antenna control system tracks the remote communications station and aims the first directional antenna, in real time, at the remote communications station during wireless communications with the remote communications station. The remote communications station has a second wireless communications system having a second directional antenna for wirelessly communicating with the unmanned vehicle. A second antenna control system of the remote communications station tracks the unmanned vehicle and aims the second directional antenna at the unmanned vehicle, in real time, during wireless communications with the unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: A fast uplink data transmission method for a handover is disclosed. This method effectively uses a handover signal when there is data to be transmitted to an uplink during an Intra Radio Access Technology (I-RAT) handover, such that it quickly transmits and receives uplink data. The method of transmitting uplink data in a wireless access system includes, transmitting a message including an information bit to a target base station by a mobile station during a handover, wherein the information bit indicates whether the uplink data is present, and receiving a radio resource for transmitting the uplink data from the target base station, if the information bit indicates the uplink data is present, wherein the radio resource is allocated by the target base station. So, uplink user data can be quickly transmitted to a destination while the UE performs the handover.

Abstract: An on-board base station, comprising an interface device on board an aircraft that interfaces with a separate wireless device of a user inside the aircraft and with a wireless bearer system, an RF detector that detects RF emissions of the separate wireless device, a controller coupled to the RF detector, that controls RF emissions of the separate wireless device, as a function of detected RF emissions, and an RF repeater communicatively coupled to the controller. The controller controls the RF repeater to receive and send signals between the antenna and the interface device to maintain the RF emissions below a predetermined level.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for speech and/or data communication between a mobile telephone on board an aircraft and terminals in communication networks outside the aircraft. The invention allows communication with third parties on the ground during a flight, with calls handled in a manner that is largely or completely automatic for the user of the mobile telephone, such that the user can use his mobile telephone just as well as if he were in the area of his home network on the ground. The communication is handled directly via the satellite communication path between the aircraft and the ground, bypassing the mobile radio operator with whom the user of the mobile telephone has completed a contract.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include an apparatus, method, and computer program product for providing wireless service to devices located onboard an aircraft. For example, in one embodiment, a wireless base station is utilized onboard an aircraft for providing non-roaming cellular services to cellular devices onboard the aircraft. In addition, in some embodiments, the wireless base station may provide Internet access to Internet accessible devices located onboard the aircraft. Additionally, in some embodiments, the wireless base station is interfaced with an existing air-to-ground cellular transmission system of the aircraft.

Abstract: A radio communication system is disclosed. This system includes a wireless base station placed at an upper section of a communicating zone in a mobile unit such as an aircraft, multiple seat-rows arranged along a longitudinal direction in the communicating zone, and wireless terminals placed at each one of seats of the seat rows. Radio communication is done between the wireless base station and the wireless terminals. The wireless base station is placed on the ceiling at the forefront or at the extreme end of the communicating zone relative to the longitudinal direction of the seat rows.

Abstract: A moving platform system suitable for mounting and use on a moving platform, comprising a position system monitoring the location of the moving platform and generating a sequence of time-based position data, a non-line of sight communication system, a high-speed line of sight communication system, and a computer system monitoring the availability of the non-line of sight communication system and the high-speed line of sight communication system and initiating connections when the non-line of sight communication system and the high-speed line of sight communication system are available, and receiving the sequence of time-based position data and transmitting the sequence of time-based position data via the at least one of the currently available non-line of sight communication system and the high-speed line of sight communication system.

Abstract: A system and method for wireless data delivery is provided. The communication may be between the antenna arrays of an airborne platform (such as aircraft) and a surface base station. The antenna arrays may generate a plurality of directional synchronization beams directed in at a plurality of corresponding spatial directions. Other antenna arrays receive the directional synchronization beam and respond in kind, providing the original antenna array a way to determine directionality of the other antenna arrays. The antenna arrays may then receive a training beam. The training beam includes known data, such as a Fourier Matrix, which may then be utilized to generate weights. Weights may then be utilized to modify either of the phase or amplitude of a base signal which is then sent to each of the elements of the antenna array in order to achieve directionality of the signal propagation.

Abstract: The Traffic Scheduling System executes a multi-step process first to identify the bandwidth intensive traffic. The identification of the bandwidth intensive traffic is effected at the stream level by measuring the byte volume of the stream over a predetermined period of time and using this data to classify the stream into one of a plurality of usage categories. The classification of bandwidth intensive traffic is network neutral in that all data is classified at the stream level (source IP, destination IP, source port, destination port). Otherwise, the data is not inspected. Once streams have been classified by the Traffic Scheduling System, the Bandwidth Intensive and Near Real Time traffic can be controlled by a simple Traffic Shaping process executed by the Traffic Scheduling System, using a traffic management parameter such as via the Round-Trip Time of the next higher priority queue, in the set of queues.

Abstract: The DSCP Mirroring System enables the automatic reuse of the Differentiated Services Code Point header by the user devices that are served by a network to enable delivery of wireless services to the individually identified user wireless devices and manage the various data traffic and classes of data to optimize or guarantee performance, low latency, and/or bandwidth without the overhead of the management of the Differentiated Services Code Point header.

Abstract: The Multi-Link Aircraft Cellular System makes use of multiple physically separated antennas mounted on the aircraft, as well as the use of additional optional signal isolation and optimization techniques to improve the call handling capacity of the Air-To-Ground cellular communications network. These additional techniques can include polarization domain and ground antenna pattern shaping (in azimuth, in elevation, or in both planes). Further, if code domain separation is added, dramatic increases in capacity are realized. Thus, the Air-To-Ground cellular communications network can increase its capacity on a per aircraft basis by sharing its traffic load among more than one cell or sector and by making use of multiple physically separated antennas mounted on the aircraft, as well as the use of additional optional signal isolation and optimization techniques.

Abstract: A network for providing high speed data communications may include multiple terrestrial transmission stations that are located within overlapping communications range and a mobile receiver station. The terrestrial transmission stations provide a continuous and uninterrupted high speed data communications link with the mobile receiver station employing a wireless radio access network protocol.

Abstract: The present Spectrum Sharing System implements spectrum reuse between aircraft-based Air-To-Ground (ATG) communication systems and Geostationary Satellite Service systems. This is accomplished by managing the radio frequency transmissions in the volume of space in which the aircraft operates, with interference between the Spectrum Sharing System and the Geostationary Satellite Service system being reduced by implementing reversed uplink and downlink radio frequency paths in the common spectrum.

Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to aircraft communication, and more particularly to a non line-of-sight communication path to augment a line-of-sight communication path.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for controlling transmit power of a mobile node in air-to-ground communications to a fixed node. Power is controlled by taking into consideration the position of the mobile node, the ground position of a plurality of fixed nodes, and the RF pattern of an antenna. Preferably, a power level is selected that will excite the fewest number of the plurality of fixed nodes while still maintaining a stable connection with at least one of the fixed nodes. The system may also utilize a repeater to receive communication signals from one or more mobile phones. This repeater then pre-amplifies the signal with a gain control signal received from one of the plurality of fixed nodes. The repeater would then pass the pre-amplified signal to the power amplifier for further amplification as controlled by the power controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless signal communication in flight vehicles are disclosed. In an embodiment, a system includes a first portion that generates a first wireless zone. A second portion is decoupleable from the first portion and generates a second wireless zone. The first wireless zone and the second wireless zone communicate flight-related information while the first portion and the second portion are coupled, and discontinue the communication subsequent to the separation of the first portion from the second structural portion. In another embodiment, a method includes establishing a first wireless zone in a first portion of a flight vehicle, and establishing a second wireless zone in a second decoupleable portion of the flight vehicle. Flight-related information is communicated between the first wireless zone and the second wireless zone while the first portion and the second portion are coupled, and communication is discontinued after decoupling.