Mobile terminals and set top boxes including multiple satellite band service links, and related systems and methods

• US 20050239399A1
• Filed: 04/01/2005
• Published: 10/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: ATC Technology Corporation (FedEx Corporation)
• Original Assignee: ATC Technology Corporation (FedEx Corporation)
• Inventors: Karabinis, Peter D.
• Application Number:
  US11/096,862
• Publication Number:
  US 20050239399A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/3.20
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/1858 Arrangements for data transmission on the physical system, i.e. for data bit transmission between network components

Abstract

A mobile terminal is configured to receive audio, video and/or data content from a first satellite over a first satellite frequency band and to communicate with a second satellite and/or an ancillary terrestrial network over a second satellite frequency band to control the receiving of the audio, video and/or data content from the first satellite over the first satellite frequency band. The mobile terminal may also communicate with a set top box when proximate thereto. Communications with the set top box may take place directly or via a relay. The set top box may also communicate with the first and/or second satellite using the relay. Related methods also are disclosed.

Claims

1. A mobile terminal comprising:

a mobile terminal transceiver system that is configured to receive audio, video and/or data content from a first satellite over a first satellite frequency band and to communicate with a second satellite and/or an ancillary terrestrial network over a second satellite frequency band to control the receiving of the audio, video and/or data content from the first satellite over the first satellite frequency band.

2. A mobile terminal according to claim 1 wherein the first satellite is a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) and/or a satellite radio satellite and the first satellite frequency band is a DBS and/or satellite radio frequency band, and wherein the second satellite is a Mobile Satellite System (MSS) satellite and the second frequency band is an MSS frequency band.

3. A mobile terminal according to claim 1 wherein the mobile terminal transceiver system comprises:

a mobile terminal receiver that is configured to receive the audio, video and/or data content from the first satellite over the first satellite frequency band; and

a mobile terminal bidirectional transceiver that is configured to bidirectionally communicate with the second satellite and/or the ancillary terrestrial network over the second satellite frequency band to control the receiving of the audio, video and/or data content from the first satellite over the first satellite frequency band.

4. A mobile terminal according to claim 3 wherein the mobile terminal receiver and the mobile terminal bidirectional transceiver are at least partially integrated in the mobile terminal.

5. A mobile terminal according to claim 1 further comprising a mobile terminal controller that is configured to request the audio, video and/or data content from a content provider over the second satellite frequency band via the mobile terminal transceiver system, to obtain an authorization for the audio, video and/or data content from the content provider over the second satellite frequency band via the mobile terminal transceiver system and to limit the audio, video and/or data content from being received and/or used at the mobile terminal absent the authorization.

6. A mobile terminal according to claim 5 wherein the mobile terminal controller is further configured to preferentially request the audio, video and/or data content from the content provider via a set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate thereto, and to preferentially obtain the authorization for the audio, video and/or data content from the content provider via the set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate thereto.

7. A mobile terminal according to claim 6 wherein the mobile terminal controller is further configured to preferentially receive the audio, video and/or data content from the content provider via the set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate thereto.

8. A mobile terminal according to claim 5 wherein the mobile terminal controller is further configured to preferentially request the audio, video and/or data content from the content provider via a relay device that communicates with a set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate to the relay device, and to obtain the authorization for the audio, video and/or data content from the content provider via the relay device when the mobile terminal is proximate thereto.

9. A mobile terminal according to claim 8 wherein the mobile terminal controller is further configured to preferentially receive the audio, video and/or data content from the content provider via the relay device that communicates with the set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate to the relay device.

10. A mobile terminal according to claim 6 wherein the mobile terminal controller is further configured to transmit remote control commands to the set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate thereto.

11. A mobile terminal according to claim 8 wherein the mobile terminal controller is further configured to transmit remote control commands to the set top box via the relay device when the mobile terminal is proximate to the relay device.

12. A mobile terminal comprising:

a mobile terminal transceiver system that is configured to communicate with a first satellite over a first satellite frequency band and to communicate with a second satellite and an ancillary terrestrial network over a second satellite frequency band.

13. A mobile terminal according to claim 12 wherein the first satellite is a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) and/or a satellite radio satellite and the first satellite frequency band is a DBS and/or satellite radio frequency band and wherein the second satellite is a Mobile Satellite System (MSS) satellite and the second frequency band is an MSS frequency band.

14. A mobile terminal according to claim 12 wherein the mobile terminal transceiver system is further configured to communicate with a set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate thereto.

15. A mobile terminal according to claim 12 wherein the mobile terminal transceiver system is further configured to communicate with a relay device that communicates with a set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate to the relay device.

16. A mobile terminal comprising:

a mobile terminal transceiver system that is configured to communicate wirelessly using a terrestrial and/or satellite frequency band and to communicate with a set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate thereto.

17. A mobile terminal according to claim 16 wherein the mobile terminal transceiver system is further configured to communicate with a relay device that communicates with the set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate to the relay device.

18. A set top box comprising:

a set top box transceiver system that is configured to receive audio, video and/or data content from a first satellite over a first satellite frequency band and/or via a wired connection and to communicate with a relay device that is external to the set top box that itself communicates with a second satellite and/or an ancillary terrestrial network over a second satellite frequency band, to control the receiving of the audio, video and/or data content.

19. A set top box according to claim 18 wherein the first satellite is a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) and/or a satellite radio satellite and the first satellite frequency band is a DBS and/or satellite radio frequency band and wherein the second satellite is a Mobile Satellite System (MSS) satellite and the second frequency band is an MSS frequency band.

20. A set top box according to claim 18 wherein the set top box transceiver system comprises:

a set top box receiver that is configured to receive the audio, video and/or data content from the first satellite over the first satellite frequency band and/or via the wired connection; and

a set top box bidirectional transceiver that is configured to bidirectionally communicate with the second satellite and/or the ancillary terrestrial network over the second satellite frequency band via the relay device to control the receiving of the audio, video and/or data content from the first satellite over the first satellite frequency band and/or via the wired connection.

21. A set top box according to claim 20 wherein the set top box receiver and the set top box bidirectional transceiver are at least partially integrated.

22. A set top box according to claim 18 further comprising a set top box controller that is configured to request the audio, video and/or data content from a content provider over the second satellite frequency band via the set top box transceiver system and the relay device, to obtain an authorization for the audio, video and/or data content from the content provider over the first and/or second satellite frequency band via the set top box transceiver system and the relay device and to limit the audio, video and/or data content from being received and/or used at the set top box absent the authorization.

23. A set top box according to claim 22 wherein the set top box controller is further configured to request the audio, video and/or data content from the content provider in response to a request from a mobile terminal that is proximate the relay device and/or the set top box, and to provide the audio, video and/or data content to the mobile terminal via the relay device and/or the set top box.

24. A set top box according to claim 22 wherein the set top box controller is further configured to receive remote control commands for the set top box via the relay device.

25. A set top box relay device comprising:

a set top box relay device transceiver system that is external to a set top box and is configured to communicate with the set top box over a wireless and/or a wired connection and to communicate with a Mobile Satellite System (MSS) satellite and/or an ancillary terrestrial network over an MSS frequency band.

26. A set top box relay device according to claim 25 wherein the set top box relay device transceiver system is further configured to wirelessly communicate with a mobile terminal that is proximate thereto.

27. A set top box relay device according to claim 25 wherein the set top box relay device transceiver system is further configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote control unit that is proximate thereto.

28. A content providing system that provides audio, video and/or data content to a mobile terminal comprising:

a first satellite that is configured to transmit the audio, video and/or data content to the mobile terminal over a first satellite frequency band; and

a second satellite and/or an ancillary terrestrial network that is/are configured to communicate with the mobile terminal over a second satellite frequency band to control the receiving of the audio, video and/or data content from the first satellite over the first satellite frequency band.

29. A content providing system according to claim 28 wherein the first satellite is a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) and/or a satellite radio satellite and the first satellite frequency band is a DBS and/or satellite radio frequency band, and wherein the second satellite is a Mobile Satellite System (MSS) satellite and the second frequency band is an MSS frequency band.

30. A content providing system according to claim 28 further comprising a content providing system controller that is configured to receive a request for the audio, video and/or data content from the mobile terminal over the second satellite frequency band via the second satellite and/or the ancillary terrestrial network and to provide an authorization for the audio, video and/or data content to the mobile terminal over the second satellite frequency band via the second satellite and/or the ancillary terrestrial network.

31. A content providing system according to claim 28 further comprising a content providing system controller that is configured to receive a request for the audio, video and/or data content from the mobile terminal over the second satellite frequency band via the second satellite and/or the ancillary terrestrial network and to refrain from providing the audio, video and/or data content to the mobile terminal over the first satellite frequency band via the first satellite if the request is unauthorized.

32. A content providing system according to claim 28 further comprising a content providing system controller that is configured to receive a request for the audio, video and/or data content from the mobile terminal via a set top box that is proximate thereto and the second satellite and/or the ancillary terrestrial network, and to provide an authorization for the audio, video and/or data content to the mobile terminal via the set top box and the second satellite and/or the ancillary terrestrial network.

33. A content providing system according to claim 28 further comprising a content providing system controller that is configured to receive a request for the audio, video and/or data content from the mobile terminal via a set top box that is proximate thereto and the second satellite and/or the ancillary terrestrial network and to refrain from providing the audio, video and/or data content to the mobile terminal via the set top box and the second satellite and/or the ancillary terrestrial network if the request is unauthorized.

34. A content providing system according to claim 28 further comprising a content providing system controller that is configured to receive a request for the audio, video and/or data content from the mobile terminal via a set top box and a relay device that are proximate thereto and the second satellite and/or the ancillary terrestrial network, and to provide an authorization for the audio, video and/or data content to the mobile terminal via the set top box and the relay device and the second satellite and/or the ancillary terrestrial network.

35. A content providing system according to claim 28 further comprising a content providing system controller that is configured to receive a request for the audio, video and/or data content from the mobile terminal via a set top box and a relay device that are proximate thereto and the second satellite and/or the ancillary terrestrial network, and to refrain from providing the audio, video and/or data content to the mobile terminal via the set top box and the relay device and the second satellite and/or the ancillary terrestrial network if the request is unauthorized.

36. A mobile terminal communications system comprising:

a first satellite that is configured to communicate with a mobile terminal over a first satellite frequency band; and

a second satellite and an ancillary terrestrial network that are configured to communicate with the mobile terminal over a second satellite frequency band.

37. A mobile terminal communications system according to claim 36 wherein the first satellite is a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) and/or a satellite radio satellite and the first satellite frequency band is a DBS and/or satellite radio frequency band and wherein the second satellite is a Mobile Satellite System (MSS) satellite and the second frequency band is an MSS frequency band.

38. A mobile terminal communications system according to claim 36 wherein the second satellite and/or the ancillary terrestrial network is/are configured to communicate with the mobile terminal via a set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate thereto.

39. A mobile terminal communications system according to claim 36 wherein the second satellite and/or an ancillary terrestrial network is/are configured to communicate with the mobile terminal via a relay device that communicates with the set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate to the relay device.

40. A content providing system that provides audio, video and/or data content to a set top box comprising:

a content transmitting system that is configured to transmit the audio, video and/or data content to the set top box from a first satellite over a first satellite frequency band and/or via a wired connection; and

a content controlling system that is configured to communicate with a relay device that is external to the set top box, via a second satellite and/or an ancillary terrestrial network over a second satellite frequency band, to control the audio, video and/or data content at the set top box.

41. A content providing system according to claim 40 wherein the first satellite is a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) and/or a satellite radio satellite and the first satellite frequency band is a DBS and/or satellite radio frequency band and wherein the second satellite is a Mobile Satellite System (MSS) satellite and the second frequency band is an MSS frequency band.

42. A content providing system according to claim 40 wherein the content controlling system is responsive to a request for the audio, video and/or data content from the set top box via the relay device and is configured to transmit an authorization for the audio, video and/or data content to the set top box via the relay device.

43. A content providing system according to claim 40 wherein the content controlling system is responsive to a request for the audio, video and/or data content from the set top box via the relay device and to limit the audio, video and/or data content from being transmitted and/or used at the set top box absent the authorization.

44. A mobile terminal communications method comprising:

receiving audio, video and/or data content at the mobile terminal from a first satellite over a first satellite frequency band; and

communicating between the mobile terminal and a second satellite and/or an ancillary terrestrial network over a second satellite frequency band to control the receiving of the audio, video and/or data content at the mobile terminal from the first satellite over the first satellite frequency band.

45. A method according to claim 44 wherein the first satellite is a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) and/or a satellite radio satellite and the first satellite frequency band is a DBS and/or satellite radio frequency band, and wherein the second satellite is a Mobile Satellite System (MSS) satellite and the second frequency band is an MSS frequency band.

46. A method according to claim 44 further comprising:

preferentially receiving the audio, video and/or data content from the first satellite at the mobile terminal via a set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate thereto; and

preferentially communicating between the mobile terminal and the second satellite and/or the ancillary terrestrial network via the set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate thereto.

47. A method according to claim 44 further comprising:

preferentially receiving the audio, video and/or data content from the first satellite at the mobile terminal via a relay device that communicates with a set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate to the relay device; and

preferentially communicating between the mobile terminal and the second satellite and/or the ancillary terrestrial network via the relay device when the mobile terminal is proximate thereto.

48. A method according to claim 46 further comprising:

transmitting remote control commands from the mobile terminal to the set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate thereto.

49. A method according to claim 47 further comprising:

transmitting remote control commands form the mobile terminal to the set top box via the relay device when the mobile terminal is proximate to the relay device.

50. A mobile terminal communications method comprising:

communicating between a mobile terminal and a first satellite over a first satellite frequency band; and

communicating between the mobile terminal and a second satellite and/or an ancillary terrestrial network over a second satellite frequency band.

51. A method according to claim 50 wherein the first satellite is a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) and/or a satellite radio satellite and the first satellite frequency band is a DBS and/or satellite radio frequency band and wherein the second satellite is a Mobile Satellite System (MSS) satellite and the second frequency band is an MSS frequency band.

52. A method according to claim 50 further comprising:

communicating between the mobile terminal and a set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate thereto.

53. A method according to claim 50 further comprising:

communicating between the mobile terminal and a relay device that communicates with a set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate to the relay device.

54. A mobile terminal communications method comprising:

communicating wirelessly by the mobile terminal using a terrestrial and/or satellite frequency band; and

communicating between the mobile terminal and a set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate thereto.

55. A method according to claim 54 further comprising:

communicating between the mobile terminal and a relay device that communicates with the set top box when the mobile terminal is proximate to the relay device.

56. A set top box communication method comprising:

receiving audio, video and/or data content at a set top box from a first satellite over a first satellite frequency band and/or via a wired connection; and

communicating between the set top box and a relay device that is external to the set top box that itself communicates with a second satellite and/or an ancillary terrestrial network over a second satellite frequency band, to control the receiving of the audio, video and/or data content.

57. A method according to claim 56 wherein the first satellite is a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) and/or a satellite radio satellite and the first satellite frequency band is a DBS and/or satellite radio frequency band and wherein the second satellite is a Mobile Satellite System (MSS) satellite and the second frequency band is an MSS frequency band.

58. A method according to claim 56 further comprising:

receiving remote control commands at the set top box via the relay device.

59. A set top box relay device communications method comprising:

communicating between the relay device and a set top box over a wireless and/or a wired connection; and

communicating between a relay device and a Mobile Satellite System (MSS) satellite and/or an ancillary terrestrial network over an MSS frequency band.

60. A method according to claim 59 further comprising:

wirelessly communicating between the relay device and a mobile terminal that is proximate to the relay device.

61. A method according to claim 59 further comprising:

wirelessly communicating between the relay device and a remote control unit that is proximate to the relay device.