Ubiquitous mobile subscriber station

• US 6,408,180 B1
• Filed: 08/24/1999
• Issued: 06/18/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Gogo LLC (GOGO Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Aircell LLC (GOGO Incorporated)
• Inventors: McKenna, Daniel B., Gregoire, Scott P., Polson, Jerry H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hunter, Daniel
• Assistant Examiner(s): LE, LANA N
• Application Number:
  US09/379,825
• Time in Patent Office: 1,029 Days
• Field of Search: 455/431, 455/430, 455/427, 455/428, 455/562, 455/456, 455/436, 455/12.1, 455/440, 455/63, 455/447, 455/552, 455/553
• US Class Current: 455/431
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/246 specially adapted for base stations
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/28 Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/32 Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18506 Communications with or from aircraft, i.e. aeronautical mobile service
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/24 Cell structures
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/18 Selecting a network or a communication service
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/06 Airborne or Satellite Networks space-based or airborne stations H04B7/185
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

The ubiquitous mobile subscriber station of the present invention enables the subscriber to receive wireless cellular mobile telecommunication services in a unified manner in both the terrestrial (ground-based) and non-terrestrial regions. The ubiquitous mobile subscriber station extends the usage of existing cellular mobile telecommunication frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular communications to non-terrestrial cellular communications in a manner that avoids the possibility of signal interference between the ground-based and non-terrestrial mobile subscriber stations. In particular, the ubiquitous mobile subscriber station automatically transitions between the communications paradigm used in ground-based cellular communications and the communications paradigm used in non-terrestrial cellular communications as a function of the present location of the ubiquitous mobile subscriber station. The subscriber therefore can use the ubiquitous mobile subscriber station in all locations for uninterrupted wireless communications services. In addition, the non-terrestrial capabilities of the ubiquitous mobile subscriber station can be used to implement data transmission capabilities for use in the aircraft to provide Flight Information Services, real time monitoring of aircraft operation, as well as enhanced data communication services for the passengers in the aircraft.

Claims

1. A cellular radio communication apparatus, operable both as a non-terrestrial cellular mobile subscriber station and a ground-based cellular mobile subscriber station, comprising:

first means for generating a radio frequency communication signal at one of said radio frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations and in a mode compatible with ground-based cellular communications to communicate with a ground-based cell of a cellular communication system;

second means for generating a radio frequency communication signal at one of said radio frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations and in a mode compatible with non-terrestrial cellular communications to communicate with a non-terrestrial cell of a cellular communication system;

means for determining a present location of said cellular radio communication apparatus;

means, responsive to said means for determining, for activating at least one of said first means for generating and said second means for generating to communicate with a corresponding cell of a cellular communication system; and

means, responsive to receipt of subscriber data, for inserting said subscriber data into said radio frequency communication signal to create a composite radio frequency signal.

2. The cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second means for generating comprises:

means for polarizing said composite radio frequency signal in a polarization that is substantially orthogonal to a polarization of radio frequency communication signals generated by said first means for generating.

3. The cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second means for generating comprises:

means for reversing uplink and downlink functions of said generated composite radio frequency signal from radio frequency communication signals generated by said first means for generating.

4. The cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second means for generating comprises:

means for offsetting transmit and receive frequencies of said generated composite radio frequency signal to be interstitial to radio frequency communication signals generated by said first means for generating.

5. The cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second means for generating comprises:

means for outputting said generated composite radio frequency signal at a power that is significantly reduced from a power used by said radio frequency communication signals generated by said first means for generating.

6. The cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for inserting comprises:

means for receiving data transmitted by at least one ground-based telemetry station; and

means for storing received data.

7. The cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 6 wherein said means for inserting further comprises:

means for originating a communication connection to a data collection system via said composite radio frequency signal; and

means for downloading said data from said means for storing to said data collection system.

8. The cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 7 wherein said means for inserting further comprises:

means for periodically activating said means for receiving.

9. The cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for inserting comprises:

means for receiving data transmitted by at least one ground-based telemetry station;

means for originating a communication connection to a data collection system via said composite radio frequency signal; and

means for downloading said data from said means for storing to said data collection system.

10. A cellular radio communication apparatus, operable both as a non-terrestrial cellular mobile subscriber station and a ground-based cellular mobile subscriber station, comprising:

first means for generating a radio frequency communication signal at one of said radio frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations and in a mode compatible with ground-based cellular communications to communicate with a ground-based cell of a cellular communication system;

second means for generating a radio frequency communication signal at one of said radio frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations and in a mode compatible with non-terrestrial cellular communications to communicate with a non-terrestrial cell of a cellular communication system, comprising;

means for generating a channel signal which comprises a communication space, which communication space is divided into control channels and communication channels;

means for determining a present location of said cellular radio communication apparatus;

means, responsive to said means for determining, for activating at least one of said first means for generating and said second means for generating to communicate with a corresponding cell of a cellular communication system.

11. The cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 10 wherein said means for generating a channel signal generates said control channels, which are selected to correspond to communication channels for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations.

12. The cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 10 further comprising:

receiver means operable to fail to decode control signals transmitted by ground-based subscriber stations in control channels for ground-based cells, which control channels for ground-based cells correspond to communication channels generated by said means for generating a channel signal.

13. The cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 10 further comprising:

receiver means operable to fail to decode control signals transmitted by ground-based subscriber stations in control channels for ground-based cells, which control channels for ground-based cells correspond to communication channels used by said non-terrestrial mobile subscriber system to communicate with said non-terrestrial cellular mobile subscriber station.

14. The cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 10 wherein said means for generating a channel signals comprises:

means for selecting said control channels to correspond to control channels for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations.

15. A cellular radio communication apparatus, operable both as a non-terrestrial cellular mobile subscriber station and a ground-based cellular mobile subscriber station, comprising:

first means for generating a radio frequency communication signal at one of said radio frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations and in a mode compatible with ground-based cellular communications to communicate with a ground-based cell of a cellular communication system, comprising;

means for allocating at least one of said multiplexed signal slots exclusively for use by non-terrestrial communication stations;

second means for generating a radio frequency communication signal at one of said radio frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations and in a mode compatible with non-terrestrial cellular communications to communicate with a non-terrestrial cell of a cellular communication system;

means for determining a present location of said cellular radio communication apparatus;

means, responsive to said means for determining, for activating at least one of said first means for generating and said second means for generating to communicate with a corresponding cell of a cellular communication system.

16. A cellular radio communication apparatus, operable both as a non-terrestrial cellular mobile subscriber station and a ground-based cellular mobile subscriber station, comprising:

first means for generating a radio frequency communication signal at one of said radio frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations and in a mode compatible with ground-based cellular communications to communicate with a ground-based cell of a cellular communication system;

second means for generating a radio frequency communication signal at one of said radio frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations and in a mode compatible with non-terrestrial cellular communications to communicate with a non-terrestrial cell of a cellular communication system;

means for determining a present location of said cellular radio communication apparatus;

means, responsive to said means for determining, for activating at least one of said first means for generating and said second means for generating to communicate with a corresponding cell of a cellular communication system, comprising;

means for enabling operation of said second means for generating when an aircraft in which said cellular radio communication apparatus is installed is presently in an in-flight state.

17. The cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 16 wherein said means for determining comprises:

means for determining at least one of a plurality of aircraft in-flight stated including;

pilot'"'"'s activation of the aircraft landing gear, the “

weight on wheels”

condition when the aircraft touches down, and the aircraft'"'"'s altitude above the ground level.

18. A method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus, operable both as a non-terrestrial cellular mobile subscriber station and a ground-based cellular mobile subscriber station, comprising the steps of:

generating a first radio frequency communication signal at one of said radio frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations and in a mode compatible with ground-based cellular communications to communicate with a ground-based cell of a cellular communication system;

generating a second radio frequency communication signal at one of said radio frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations and in a mode compatible with non-terrestrial cellular communications to communicate with a non-terrestrial cell of a cellular communication system, comprising;

inserting, in response to receipt of subscriber data, said subscriber data into said radio frequency communication signal to create a composite radio frequency signal;

determining a present location of said cellular radio communication apparatus; and

activating, in response to said determined location, at least one of said steps of generating to communicate with a corresponding cell of a cellular communication system.

19. The method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 18 wherein said step of generating a second radio frequency signal comprises:

polarizing said composite radio frequency signal in a polarization that is substantially orthogonal to a polarization of radio frequency communication signals generated by said step of generating a first radio frequency signal.

20. The method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 18 wherein said step of generating a second radio frequency signal comprises:

reversing uplink and downlink functions of said generated composite radio frequency signal from radio frequency communication signals generated by said step of generating a first radio frequency signal.

21. The method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 18 wherein said step of generating a second radio frequency signal comprises:

offsetting transmit and receive frequencies of said generated composite radio frequency signal to be interstitial to radio frequency communication signals generated by said step of generating a first radio frequency signal.

22. The method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 18 wherein said step of generating a second radio frequency signal comprises:

outputting said generated composite radio frequency signal at a power that is significantly reduced from a power used by said radio frequency communication signals generated by said step of generating a first radio frequency signal.

23. The method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 18 wherein said step of inserting comprises:

receiving data transmitted by at least one ground-based telemetry station; and

storing said received data in a memory.

24. The method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 23 wherein said step of inserting further comprises:

originating a communication connection to a data collection system via said composite radio frequency signal; and

downloading said data from said memory to said data collection system.

25. The method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 24 wherein said step of inserting further comprises:

periodically activating said step of receiving.

26. The method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 18 wherein said step of inserting comprises:

receiving data transmitted by at least one ground-based telemetry station;

originating a communication connection to a data collection system via said composite radio frequency signal; and

downloading said data from said means for storing to said data collection system.

27. A method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus, operable both as a non-terrestrial cellular mobile subscriber station and a ground-based cellular mobile subscriber station, comprising the steps of:

generating a first radio frequency communication signal at one of said radio frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations and in a mode compatible with ground-based cellular communications to communicate with a ground-based cell of a cellular communication system;

generating a second radio frequency communication signal at one of said radio frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations and in a mode compatible with non-terrestrial cellular communications to communicate with a non-terrestrial cell of a cellular communication system, comprising;

generating a channel signal which comprises a communication space, which communication space is divided into control channels and communication channels;

determining a present location of said cellular radio communication apparatus;

activating, in response to said determined location, at least one of said steps of generating to communicate with a corresponding cell of a cellular communication system.

28. The method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 27 wherein said step of generating a channel signal generates said control channels, which are selected to correspond to communication channels for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations.

29. The method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 27 further comprising:

operating a receiver in a mode to fail to decode control signals transmitted by ground-based subscriber stations in control channels for ground-based cells, which control channels for ground-based cells correspond to communication channels generated by said step of generating a channel signal.

30. The method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 27 further comprising:

operating a receiver in a mode to fail to decode control signals transmitted by ground-based subscriber stations in control channels for ground-based cells, which control channels for ground-based cells correspond to communication channels used by said non-terrestrial mobile subscriber system to communicate with said non-terrestrial cellular mobile subscriber station.

31. The method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 27 wherein said step of generating a channel signals comprises:

selecting said control channels to correspond to control channels for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations.

32. A method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus, operable both as a non-terrestrial cellular mobile subscriber station and a ground-based cellular mobile subscriber station, comprising the steps of:

generating a first radio frequency communication signal at one of said radio frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations and in a mode compatible with ground-based cellular communications to communicate with a ground-based cell of a cellular communication system;

generating a second radio frequency communication signal at one of said radio frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations and in a mode compatible with non-terrestrial cellular communications to communicate with a non-terrestrial cell of a cellular communication system, comprising;

allocating at least one of said multiplexed signal slots exclusively for use by non-terrestrial communication stations;

determining a present location of said cellular radio communication apparatus;

activating, in response to said determined location, at least one of said steps of generating to communicate with a corresponding cell of a cellular communication system.

34. A method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus, operable both as a non-terrestrial cellular mobile subscriber station and a ground-based cellular mobile subscriber station, comprising the steps of:

generating a first radio frequency communication signal at one of said radio frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations and in a mode compatible with ground-based cellular communications to communicate with a ground-based cell of a cellular communication system;

generating a second radio frequency communication signal at one of said radio frequencies allocated for ground-based cellular mobile subscriber stations and in a mode compatible with non-terrestrial cellular communications to communicate with a non-terrestrial cell of a cellular communication system;

determining a present location of said cellular radio communication apparatus;

activating, in response to said determined location, at least one of said steps of

generating to communicate with a corresponding cell of a cellular communication system, comprising;

enabling operation of said step of generating a second radio frequency signal when an aircraft in which said cellular radio communication apparatus is installed is presently in an in-flight state.

33. The method of operating a cellular radio communication apparatus of claim 34, wherein said step of determining comprises;

determining at least one of a plurality of aircraft in-flight states including;

pilot'"'"'s activation of the aircraft landing gear, the “

weight on wheels”

condition when the aircraft touches down, and the aircraft'"'"'s altitude above the ground level.