Multi-band, multi-channel, location-aware communications booster
First Claim
1. A multi-band, multi-channel, location-aware communications booster for reducing interference to communications networks, enhancing the range and coverage of those networks, improving compliance with governmental regulations, and creating a new source of revenue for licensees, comprising:
- means for the reception of Global Positioning System signal;
means for receiving and decoding the GPS latitude and longitude coordinate data, electrically connected to said means for the reception of Global Positioning System signal;
means for storing a database of attributes associated with a large array of predetermined latitude/longitude pairs;
means for electronically communicating the latitude data from the processor to the memory, electrically connected to said means for storing a database of attributes associated with a large array of predetermined latitude/longitude pairs;
means for electronically communicating the longitude data from the processor to the memory, electrically connected to said means for storing a database of attributes associated with a large array of predetermined latitude/longitude pairs;
means for electronically communicating the attributes associated with a particular latitude and longitude pair to the processor, electrically connected to said means for storing a database of attributes associated with a large array of predetermined latitude/longitude pairs;
means for electronically communicating the latitude and longitude position to the processor, electrically connected to said means for receiving and decoding the GPS latitude and longitude coordinate data;
means for decoding the ASCII serial data output of the GPS receiver and converting it to data type suitable for further processing by the processor;
means for collecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging information with the memory, providing operation indicators, determining any one of various band and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay, electrically connected to said means for decoding the ASCII serial data output of the GPS receiver and converting it to data types suitable for further processing by the processor, electrically connected to said means for electronically communicating the latitude and longitude position to the processor, electrically connected to said means for electronically communicating the attributes associated with a particular latitude and longitude pair to the processor, electrically connected to said means for electronically communicating the longitude data from the processor to the memory, and electrically connected to said means for electronically communicating the latitude data from the processor to the memory;
means for providing the user with current device status information, such as the on/off state of the device, electrically connected to said means for collecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging information with the memory, providing operation indicators, determining any one of various band and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay;
means for providing device status information to the user, electrically connected to said means for provide the user with current device status information, such as the on/off state of the device;
means for electronically communicating attribute and device status information to the human-readable display, electrically connected to said means for collecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging information with the memory, providing operation indicators, determining any one of various band and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay;
means for providing text-based attribute information to the user, electrically connected to said means for electronically communicating attribute and device status information to the human-readable display;
means for rebroadcasting the mobile downlink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the mobile transceiver, and for reception of the mobile uplink signal or signals;
means for providing a connection point for the rebroadcast antenna, electrically connected to said means for rebroadcasting the mobile downlink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the mobile transceiver, and for reception of the mobile uplink signal or signals;
means for amplifying the base downlink and mobile uplink spectrum, electrically connected to said means for providing a connection point for the rebroadcast antenna;
means for providing electronic control of the band and channel selection and operating parameters of the bidirectional amplifier;
means for selecting operation for any one or more radiofrequency spectrum bands, functionally connected to said means for amplifying the base downlink and mobile uplink spectrum, and electrically connected to said means for collecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging information with the memory, providing operation indicators, determining any one of various band and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay;
means for selecting operation for any one or more radiofrequency channels within a band, functionally connected to said means for amplifying the base downlink and mobile uplink spectrum, and electrically connected to said means for collecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging information with the memory, providing operation indicators, determining any one of various band and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay;
means for the application or removal of electrical power to the bidirectional amplifier, functionally connected to said means for amplifying the base downlink and mobile uplink spectrum, and electrically connected to said means for collecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging information with the memory, providing operation indicators, determining any one of various band and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay;
means for providing a connection point for the donor antenna, electrically connected to said means for amplifying the base downlink and mobile uplink spectrum;
means for rebroadcasting the amplified mobile uplink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the base transceiver, and for reception of the base downlink radiofrequency spectrum, electrically connected to said means for providing a connection point for the donor antenna;
means for providing device status and human-readable attribute display information to the user;
means for communicating with the mobile transceiver using radiofrequency energy, electromagnetically coupled to said means for rebroadcasting the mobile downlink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the mobile transceiver, and for reception of the mobile uplink signal or signals;
means for communicating with the bidirectional amplifier using radiofrequency energy, electromagnetically coupled to said means for rebroadcasting the mobile downlink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the mobile transceiver, and for reception of the mobile uplink signal or signals;
means for communicating with the base transceiver using radiofrequency energy, electromagnetically coupled to said means for rebroadcasting the amplified mobile uplink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the base transceiver, and for reception of the base downlink radiofrequency spectrum;
means for communicating with the bidirectional amplifier using radiofrequency energy, electromagnetically coupled to said means for rebroadcasting the amplified mobile uplink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the base transceiver, and for reception of the base downlink radiofrequency spectrum;
means for providing the logical beginning of the software program;
means for providing a default operational state for the device;
means for setting the default state of the uplink amplifier;
means for setting the default state of the controls and indicators;
means for testing for the physical presence of the memory card;
means for testing for presence of a usable GPS signal;
means for comparing the elapsed time without a usable GPS signal with a predetermined maximum value for the elapsed time;
means for counting the elapsed time without a usable GPS signal;
means for capturing the serial data from the GPS receiver;
means for extracting information from the GPS serial data;
means for verifying that the GPS serial data is error free;
means for comparing measured GPS altitude data with a predetermined maximum value;
means for disabling the uplink amplifier for altitudes greater than a predetermined value;
means for revising device status indicators and attribute display;
means for retrieving memory card authorization data;
means for comparing memory card authorization data with anti-piracy values;
means for disabling the uplink amplifier when anti-piracy values not satisfied;
means for revising device status indicators and attribute display;
means for searching the memory for files associated with the GPS derived location;
means for comparing search results with GPS derived location;
means for comparing record format with predetermined encryption algorithm;
means for accepting unencrypted data;
means for deciphering encoded data;
means for determining uplink amplifier state based on attributed retrieved from memory;
means for revising device status indicators and attribute display;
means for disabling the uplink amplifier because a match was not found for the GPS derived location; and
means for revising device status indicators and attribute display.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention is a device for multiband, multi-channel, wireless communications that automatically provides signal amplification when necessary, and that automatically avoids harmful interference to base stations and other parts of the communications infrastructure. The device is especially suitable for, but not limited to, cellular and PCS bands and channels. The invention is a unique combination of a bidirectional amplifier, a GPS receiver, a processor, and a removable, updatable memory. The memory stores comprehensive information that determines if amplification is necessary at a particular location sensed by the GPS receiver. Because the memory is removable and updatable, it therefore provides protection against piracy and unauthorized and improper use.
25 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A multi-band, multi-channel, location-aware communications booster for reducing interference to communications networks, enhancing the range and coverage of those networks, improving compliance with governmental regulations, and creating a new source of revenue for licensees, comprising:
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means for the reception of Global Positioning System signal; means for receiving and decoding the GPS latitude and longitude coordinate data, electrically connected to said means for the reception of Global Positioning System signal; means for storing a database of attributes associated with a large array of predetermined latitude/longitude pairs; means for electronically communicating the latitude data from the processor to the memory, electrically connected to said means for storing a database of attributes associated with a large array of predetermined latitude/longitude pairs; means for electronically communicating the longitude data from the processor to the memory, electrically connected to said means for storing a database of attributes associated with a large array of predetermined latitude/longitude pairs; means for electronically communicating the attributes associated with a particular latitude and longitude pair to the processor, electrically connected to said means for storing a database of attributes associated with a large array of predetermined latitude/longitude pairs; means for electronically communicating the latitude and longitude position to the processor, electrically connected to said means for receiving and decoding the GPS latitude and longitude coordinate data; means for decoding the ASCII serial data output of the GPS receiver and converting it to data type suitable for further processing by the processor; means for collecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging information with the memory, providing operation indicators, determining any one of various band and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay, electrically connected to said means for decoding the ASCII serial data output of the GPS receiver and converting it to data types suitable for further processing by the processor, electrically connected to said means for electronically communicating the latitude and longitude position to the processor, electrically connected to said means for electronically communicating the attributes associated with a particular latitude and longitude pair to the processor, electrically connected to said means for electronically communicating the longitude data from the processor to the memory, and electrically connected to said means for electronically communicating the latitude data from the processor to the memory; means for providing the user with current device status information, such as the on/off state of the device, electrically connected to said means for collecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging information with the memory, providing operation indicators, determining any one of various band and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay; means for providing device status information to the user, electrically connected to said means for provide the user with current device status information, such as the on/off state of the device; means for electronically communicating attribute and device status information to the human-readable display, electrically connected to said means for collecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging information with the memory, providing operation indicators, determining any one of various band and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay; means for providing text-based attribute information to the user, electrically connected to said means for electronically communicating attribute and device status information to the human-readable display; means for rebroadcasting the mobile downlink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the mobile transceiver, and for reception of the mobile uplink signal or signals; means for providing a connection point for the rebroadcast antenna, electrically connected to said means for rebroadcasting the mobile downlink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the mobile transceiver, and for reception of the mobile uplink signal or signals; means for amplifying the base downlink and mobile uplink spectrum, electrically connected to said means for providing a connection point for the rebroadcast antenna; means for providing electronic control of the band and channel selection and operating parameters of the bidirectional amplifier; means for selecting operation for any one or more radiofrequency spectrum bands, functionally connected to said means for amplifying the base downlink and mobile uplink spectrum, and electrically connected to said means for collecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging information with the memory, providing operation indicators, determining any one of various band and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay; means for selecting operation for any one or more radiofrequency channels within a band, functionally connected to said means for amplifying the base downlink and mobile uplink spectrum, and electrically connected to said means for collecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging information with the memory, providing operation indicators, determining any one of various band and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay; means for the application or removal of electrical power to the bidirectional amplifier, functionally connected to said means for amplifying the base downlink and mobile uplink spectrum, and electrically connected to said means for collecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging information with the memory, providing operation indicators, determining any one of various band and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay; means for providing a connection point for the donor antenna, electrically connected to said means for amplifying the base downlink and mobile uplink spectrum; means for rebroadcasting the amplified mobile uplink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the base transceiver, and for reception of the base downlink radiofrequency spectrum, electrically connected to said means for providing a connection point for the donor antenna; means for providing device status and human-readable attribute display information to the user; means for communicating with the mobile transceiver using radiofrequency energy, electromagnetically coupled to said means for rebroadcasting the mobile downlink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the mobile transceiver, and for reception of the mobile uplink signal or signals; means for communicating with the bidirectional amplifier using radiofrequency energy, electromagnetically coupled to said means for rebroadcasting the mobile downlink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the mobile transceiver, and for reception of the mobile uplink signal or signals; means for communicating with the base transceiver using radiofrequency energy, electromagnetically coupled to said means for rebroadcasting the amplified mobile uplink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the base transceiver, and for reception of the base downlink radiofrequency spectrum; means for communicating with the bidirectional amplifier using radiofrequency energy, electromagnetically coupled to said means for rebroadcasting the amplified mobile uplink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the base transceiver, and for reception of the base downlink radiofrequency spectrum; means for providing the logical beginning of the software program; means for providing a default operational state for the device; means for setting the default state of the uplink amplifier; means for setting the default state of the controls and indicators; means for testing for the physical presence of the memory card; means for testing for presence of a usable GPS signal; means for comparing the elapsed time without a usable GPS signal with a predetermined maximum value for the elapsed time; means for counting the elapsed time without a usable GPS signal; means for capturing the serial data from the GPS receiver; means for extracting information from the GPS serial data; means for verifying that the GPS serial data is error free; means for comparing measured GPS altitude data with a predetermined maximum value; means for disabling the uplink amplifier for altitudes greater than a predetermined value; means for revising device status indicators and attribute display; means for retrieving memory card authorization data; means for comparing memory card authorization data with anti-piracy values; means for disabling the uplink amplifier when anti-piracy values not satisfied; means for revising device status indicators and attribute display; means for searching the memory for files associated with the GPS derived location; means for comparing search results with GPS derived location; means for comparing record format with predetermined encryption algorithm; means for accepting unencrypted data; means for deciphering encoded data; means for determining uplink amplifier state based on attributed retrieved from memory; means for revising device status indicators and attribute display; means for disabling the uplink amplifier because a match was not found for the GPS derived location; and means for revising device status indicators and attribute display. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A multi-band, multichannel, location-aware communications booster for reducing interference to communications networks, enhancing range and coverage of those networks, improving compliance with governmental regulations, and creating a new source of revenue for licensees, comprising:
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a GPS antenna, for the reception of Global Positioning System signal; a GPS receiver, for receiving and decoding the GPS latitude and longitude coordinate data, electrically connected to said GPS Antenna; a Removable, Updatable, Non-Volatile Storage, Encrypted memory, for storing a database of attributes associated with a large array of predetermined latitude/longitude pairs; a latitude bus, for electronically communicating the latitude data from the processor to the memory, electrically connected to said Memory; a longitude bus, for electronically communicating the longitude data from the processor to the memory, electrically connected to said Memory; an attribute bus, for electronically communicating the attributes associated with a particular latitude and longitude pair to the processor, electrically connected to said Memory; a Serial Data, NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) compliant decoder bus, for electronically communicating the latitude and longitude position to the processor, electrically connected to said GPS Receiver; a decoder, for decoding the ASCII serial data output of the GPS receiver and converting it to data type suitable for further processing by the processor; a High Speed, Multi-port processor, for collecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging information with the memory, providing operation indicators, determining any one of various band and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay, electrically connected to said Decoder, electrically connected to said Decoder Bus, electrically connected to said Attribute Bus, electrically connected to said Longitude Bus, and electrically connected to said Latitude Bus; a status bus, for providing the user with current device status information, such as the on/off state of the device, electrically connected to said Processor; a User Accessible status indicator, for providing device status information to the user, electrically connected to said Status Bus; a text bus, for electronically communicating attribute and device status information to the human-readable display, electrically connected to said Processor; a Human-Readable attribute display, for providing text-based attribute information to the user, electrically connected to said Text Bus; a rebroadcast antenna, for rebroadcasting the mobile downlink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the mobile transceiver, and for reception of the mobile uplink signal or signals; a rebroadcast antenna terminal, for providing a connection point for the rebroadcast antenna, electrically connected to said Rebroadcast Antenna; a bidirectional amplifier, for amplifying the base downlink and mobile uplink spectrum, electrically connected to said Rebroadcast Antenna Terminal; an enabler bus, for providing electronic control of the band and channel selection and operating parameters of the bidirectional amplifier; a multi-band selector, for selecting operation for any one or more radiofrequency spectrum bands, functionally connected to said Bidirectional Amplifier, and electrically connected to said Processor; a multi-channel selector, for selecting operation for any one or more radiofrequency channels within a band, functionally connected to said Bidirectional Amplifier, and electrically connected to said Processor; an on/off switch, for the application or removal of electrical power to the bidirectional amplifier, functionally connected to said Bidirectional Amplifier, and electrically connected to said Processor; a donor antenna terminal, for providing a connection point for the donor antenna, electrically connected to said Bidirectional Amplifier; a donor antenna, for rebroadcasting the amplified mobile uplink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the base transceiver, and for reception of the base downlink radiofrequency spectrum, electrically connected to said Donor Antenna Terminal; an indicators, for providing device status and human-readable attribute display information to the user; a mobile uplink, for communicating with the mobile transceiver using radiofrequency energy, electromagnetically coupled to said Rebroadcast Antenna; a mobile downlink, for communicating with the bidirectional amplifier using radiofrequency energy, electromagnetically coupled to said Rebroadcast Antenna; a base uplink, for communicating with the base transceiver using radiofrequency energy, electromagnetically coupled to said Donor Antenna; a base downlink, for communicating with the bidirectional amplifier using radiofrequency energy, electromagnetically coupled to said Donor Antenna; a start block, for providing the logical beginning of the software program an initialize hardware, for providing a default operational state for the device; an uplink amplifier off, for setting the default state of the uplink amplifier; an update controls, for setting the default state of the controls and indicators; a memory card present decision block, for testing for the physical presence of the memory card; a GPS lock decision block, for testing for presence of a usable GPS signal; a timer expired decision block, for comparing the elapsed time without a usable GPS signal with a pre-determined maximum value for the elapsed time; an increment timer, for counting the elapsed time without a usable GPS signal; a get GPS data, for capturing the serial data from the GPS receiver; a decode GPS data, for extracting information from the GPS serial data; a GPS data valid decision block, for verifying that the GPS serial data is error free; an altitude decision block, for comparing measured GPS altitude data with a predetermined maximum value; an altitude amp off block, for disabling the uplink amplifier for altitudes greater than a predetermined value; an update controls altitude off block, for revising device status indicators and attribute display; an authenticate block, for retrieving memory card authorization data; a memory valid decision block, for comparing memory card authorization data with anti-piracy values; a memory amp off block, for disabling the uplink amplifier when anti-piracy values not satisfied; an update controls memory, for revising device status indicators and attribute display; a find base map record, for searching the memory for files associated with the GPS derived location; a match found decision block, for comparing search results with GPS derived location; a data encrypted decision block, for comparing record format with predetermined encryption algorithm; a pass string, for accepting unencrypted data; a decryption, for deciphering encoded data; a process, for determining uplink amplifier state based on attributed retrieved from memory; an update controls ok, for revising device status indicators and attribute display; a match amp off block, for disabling the uplink amplifier because a match was not found for the GPS derived location; an update controls match, for revising device status indicators and attribute display; and a GPS amp off, for disabling the uplink amplifier.
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Specification