Intelligent signal 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, without changing the operational state of those networks, comprising:
- means for the reception of Global Positioning System signals;
means for receiving and decoding the GPS latitude and longitude coordinate data;
means for storing a database of attributes associated with an array of predetermined latitude-longitude pairs;
means for retrieving those attributes stored in memory corresponding to the latitude and longitude coordinate data received from GPS signals, and communicating those attributes to a microprocessor;
means for the amplification of downlink and uplink signals;
means for the amplification of uplink signals only on the selected bands and channels;
means for the microprocessor to use solely those attributes stored in memory to control the band and channel selection, and the power level, of the amplifier;
means for the microprocessor to disable the amplifier if no latitude and longitude coordinate data corresponding to that received from the GPS can be retrieved from memory;
means for the wireless connection, using donor and rebroadcast antennas, of the booster to user equipment operating in the cellular, PCS, or other radio service, such equipment to include communication handsets, wireless computers, wireless personal digital assistants, wireless video phones and telemetry transceivers;
means for simultaneous wireless connection of the booster to multiple user equipments;
means for the simultaneous wireless connection of the booster to multiple user equipments operating in different radio services;
means for the wired connection, using cables, of the booster to user equipment operating in the cellular, PCS, or other radio service, such equipment to include communication handsets, wireless computers, wireless personal digital assistants, wireless video phones and telemetry transceivers;
means for the wireless connection of the booster to a remote control device, for the purpose of communicating a unique identifier from the booster to the device, and for the purpose of communicating a deactivation command, or kill switch, from the device to the booster.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention is a device for multi-band, multi-channel, wireless communications that automatically provides signal amplification when and where 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 an adjustable gain, bidirectional amplifier, a GPS receiver, a processor, and one or more removable, non-volatile, updatable memory devices. Alternatively, the memory can be an internal device accessible via an electronic port such as a USB. In either case, the memory stores comprehensive information that determines if amplification is necessary at a particular location sensed by the GPS receiver. Because the memory devices are updatable, they therefore provide protection against piracy and unauthorized and improper use. As an added measure of protection for the wireless networks, the device includes a dedicated apparatus that permits a service technician to remotely deactivate it in the event of a malfunction.
174 Citations
20 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, without changing the operational state of those networks, comprising:
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means for the reception of Global Positioning System signals; means for receiving and decoding the GPS latitude and longitude coordinate data; means for storing a database of attributes associated with an array of predetermined latitude-longitude pairs; means for retrieving those attributes stored in memory corresponding to the latitude and longitude coordinate data received from GPS signals, and communicating those attributes to a microprocessor; means for the amplification of downlink and uplink signals; means for the amplification of uplink signals only on the selected bands and channels; means for the microprocessor to use solely those attributes stored in memory to control the band and channel selection, and the power level, of the amplifier; means for the microprocessor to disable the amplifier if no latitude and longitude coordinate data corresponding to that received from the GPS can be retrieved from memory; means for the wireless connection, using donor and rebroadcast antennas, of the booster to user equipment operating in the cellular, PCS, or other radio service, such equipment to include communication handsets, wireless computers, wireless personal digital assistants, wireless video phones and telemetry transceivers; means for simultaneous wireless connection of the booster to multiple user equipments; means for the simultaneous wireless connection of the booster to multiple user equipments operating in different radio services; means for the wired connection, using cables, of the booster to user equipment operating in the cellular, PCS, or other radio service, such equipment to include communication handsets, wireless computers, wireless personal digital assistants, wireless video phones and telemetry transceivers; means for the wireless connection of the booster to a remote control device, for the purpose of communicating a unique identifier from the booster to the device, and for the purpose of communicating a deactivation command, or kill switch, from the device to the booster. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18)
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9. A movable, portable, standalone apparatus for enhancing range and coverage of communications networks, without changing the operational state of those networks, comprising:
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a GPS antenna for the reception of Global Positioning System signals; a GPS receiver, for receiving and decoding the GPS latitude and longitude coordinate data; a removable, updatable memory, for storing a database of attributes associated with an array of predetermined geographic coordinate pairs, or a fixed internal memory accessible via an electronic port; a processor, for collecting GPS data, retrieving information from the memory, and selecting the correct band and channel, and level of amplification; a rebroadcast antenna, providing a wireless connection between the booster and user equipment, such equipment to include communication handsets, wireless computers, wireless personal digital assistants, wireless video phones and telemetry transceivers; an enabler bus, for providing electronic control of the band and channel selection and operating parameters of the amplifier; a multi-band selector, for selecting operation for any one or more radiofrequency spectrum bands, functionally connected to said amplifier, and electrically connected to said processor; a multi-channel selector, for selecting operation for any one or more radiofrequency channels, functionally connected to said amplifier, and electrically connected to said processor; a donor antenna, providing a wireless connection between the booster and the cellular, PCS, or other radio service base station transceiver; a dedicated telemetry module, providing a wireless connection between the booster and a remote control device, for the purpose of communicating a unique identifier from the booster to the device, and for the purpose of communicating a deactivation command, or kill switch, from the device to the booster. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19)
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20. An apparatus providing wireless communication between the signal booster and a remote control unit for the purpose of deactivating the booster in response to a command from the remote control unit, said apparatus comprising
A telemetry transceiver within the signal booster that communicates wireless signals to and from the remote control unit; -
An antenna connected to the transceiver that provides a wireless connection between the telemetry transceiver and a remote control unit; A wired connection between the telemetry transceiver and the processor; Program instructions within the processor that recognize signals conducted from the telemetry transceiver to the processor, said signals requesting the booster to provide a unique identifier; Program instructions within the processor that retrieve the unique identifier from memory and cause it be conducted to the telemetry transceiver for wireless transmission back to the remote control unit; Program instructions within the processor that recognize signals conducted from the telemetry transceiver to the processor, said signals commanding the booster to deactivate; and Program instructions within the processor that cause the enabling bus to turn off the amplifier.
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Specification