Satellite broadcasting system

• US 6,996,077 B1
• Filed: 07/03/1998
• Issued: 02/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/03/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba (Toshiba Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba (Toshiba Corporation)
• Inventors: Kikuchi, Hideo, Oka, Masaru, Suenaga, Masashi, Koishi, Yoichi, Fujimori, Yukiyoshi
• Primary Examiner(s): Pham, Chi
• Assistant Examiner(s): JONES, PRENELL P
• Application Number:
  US09/147,763
• Time in Patent Office: 2,776 Days
• Field of Search: 370/320, 370/324, 370/281, 370/319, 370/203, 370/330, 370/331, 370/310, 370/329, 455 132- 134, 455/12.1, 455/21, 455/20, 455/427, 455/103, 455/63, 455/428, 455/166.1, 455/186.2, 455/272, 455/450, 375130-134, 375200-219, 375/5, 375/63, 375320-322, 375/270, 375/301, 375/364, 375/376, 348732-734, 342/457, 342/352, 704/275
• US Class Current: 370/320
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18526 Arrangements for data linking, networking or transporting, or for controlling an end to end session data switching networks H04L12/00

Abstract

In a broadcasting receiver, to quickly switch channels of the received multiplexed broadcasting signals at a high response speed to improve the convenience for a viewer, when broadcasting signals of a plurality of channels are to be code-division-multiplexed and broadcasted from a ground broadcasting station (BC1, BC2) to a broadcasting receiver (MS) in a service area via a geostationary satellite (SAT), the broadcasting signals are multiplexed and transmitted after matching the spreading code phase between the channels in the ground broadcasting station (BC1, BC2). Alternatively, the spreading code phase difference between the channels of a CDM broadcasting signal arriving from the ground broadcasting station (BC1, BC2) is detected in the geostationary satellite (SAT), and the broadcasting signal is transmitted to the broadcasting receiver (MS) after matching the spreading code phase between the channels on the basis of the detection result.

Claims

1. A satellite broadcasting system for transmitting a plurality of broadcasting signals of a plurality of channels from a ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2), repeating the broadcasting signals with a geostationary satellite (SAT), and broadcasting the broadcasting signals to a broadcasting receiver (MS) in a predetermined service area on the ground,

said ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) comprising multiplex means (111-11n, 121-12n, 131) for spreading spectra of the broadcasting signals using different spreading codes in units of channels and synthesizing the broadcasting channels to code-division-multiplex the broadcasting signals of the plurality of channels, and transmitting the broadcasting signals;

and transmission synchronization means (140) for setting a phase relationship of the spreading codes between the broadcasting signals of the channels code-division-multiplexed by said multiplex means in a predetermined synchronization state.

2. A satellite broadcasting system for transmitting a plurality of broadcasting signals of a plurality of channels from a ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2), repeating the broadcasting signals with a geostationary satellite (SAT), and broadcasting the broadcasting signals to a broadcasting receiver (MS) in a predetermined service area on the ground,

said ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) comprising multiplex means (111-11n, 121-12n, 131) for spreading spectra of the broadcasting signals using different spreading codes in units of channels and synthesizing the broadcasting channels to code-division-multiplex the broadcasting signals of the plurality of channels, and transmitting the broadcasting signals;

and

said geostationary satellite comprising phase difference detection means (161-16k, 180) for receiving the code-division-multiplexed broadcasting signals transmitted from the ground broadcasting station and detecting a phase difference of the spreading codes between the channels of the code-division-multiplexed broadcasting signals, and transmission synchronization means (180, 171-17k) for setting a phase relationship of the spreading codes between the channels of the received code-division-multiplexed broadcasting signals in a predetermined synchronization state on the basis of a detection result from said phase difference detection means and transmitting the broadcasting signals to the predetermined service area.

3. A satellite broadcasting system for transmitting a plurality of broadcasting signals of a plurality of channels from a ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2), repeating the broadcasting signals with a geostationary satellite (SAT), and broadcasting the broadcasting signals to a broadcasting receiver (MS) in a predetermined service area on the ground,

said ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) comprising multiplex means (111-11n, 121-12n, 135) for spreading spectra of the broadcasting signals using different spreading codes in units of channels and synthesizing the broadcasting channels to code-division-multiplex the broadcasting signals of the plurality of channels, and transmitting the broadcasting signals, and phase difference information transmission means (141) for transmitting information representing a phase difference of the spreading codes between the broadcasting signals of the channels, which are multiplexed by said multiplex means, to notify the geostationary satellite of the information;

and

said geostationary satellite (SAT) comprising phase difference information reception means (157, 181) for receiving the information representing the phase difference, and transmission synchronization means (181, 171-17k) for setting a phase relationship of the spreading codes between the channels of the received code-division-multiplexed broadcasting signals in a predetermined synchronization state on the basis of the information representing the phase difference, which is received by said phase difference information reception means, and transmitting the broadcasting signals to the predetermined service area.

4. A satellite broadcasting system for transmitting a plurality of broadcasting signals of a plurality of channels from a ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2), repeating the broadcasting signals with a geostationary satellite (SAT), and broadcasting the broadcasting signals to a broadcasting receiver (MS) in a predetermined service area on the ground,

said ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) comprising multiplex means (111-11n, 121-12n, 135) for spreading spectra of the broadcasting signals using different spreading codes in units of channels and synthesizing the broadcasting channels to code-division-multiplex the broadcasting signals of the plurality of channels, and transmitting the broadcasting signals, and phase difference information transmission means (141) for transmitting information representing a phase difference of the spreading codes between the broadcasting signals of the channels, which are multiplexed by said multiplex means, to notify the broadcasting receiver of the information;

and

the broadcasting receiver comprising phase difference information reception means (194, 196, 190) for receiving the information representing the phase difference, and reception synchronization means (190) for establishing spreading code synchronization for the channels of the code-division-multiplexed broadcasting signals received via the geostationary satellite, on the basis of the information representing the phase difference, which is received by said phase difference information reception means.

5. A satellite broadcasting system for transmitting a plurality of broadcasting signals of a plurality of channels from a ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2), repeating the broadcasting signals with a geostationary satellite (SAT), and broadcasting the broadcasting signals to a broadcasting receiver (MS) in a predetermined service area on the ground,

said ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) comprising multiplex means (111-11n, 121-12n, 131) for spreading spectra of the broadcasting signals using different spreading codes in units of channels and synthesizing the broadcasting channels to code-division-multiplex the broadcasting signals of the plurality of channels, and transmitting the broadcasting signals;

said geostationary satellite (SAT) comprising phase difference detection means (161-16k, 182) for receiving the code-division-multiplexed broadcasting signals transmitted from the ground broadcasting station and detecting a phase difference of the spreading codes between the channels of the code-division-multiplexed broadcasting signals, and phase difference information transmission means (182, 158) for transmitting information representing the phase difference of the spreading codes between the broadcasting signals of the channels, which is detected by said phase difference detection means, to notify the broadcasting receiver of the information; and

said broadcasting receiver (MS) comprising phase difference information reception means (194, 196, 190) for receiving the information representing the phase difference, and reception synchronization means (190) for establishing spreading code synchronization for the channels of the code-division-multiplexed broadcasting signals received via the geostationary satellite, on the basis of the information representing the phase difference, which is received by said phase difference information reception means.

6. A satellite broadcasting system for transmitting a broadcasting signal of at least one channel from each of a plurality of ground broadcasting stations (BC1, BC2), repeating the broadcasting signals with a geostationary satellite (SAT), and broadcasting the broadcasting signals to a broadcasting receiver (MS) in a predetermined service area on the ground,

each of said plurality of ground broadcasting stations (BC1, BC2) comprising transmission means (111-11n, 121-12n, 131) for spreading spectra of broadcasting signals to be transmitted from a self station using different spreading codes in units of channels and transmitting the broadcasting signals;

and

said geostationary satellite (SAT) comprising phase difference detection means (161-16k, 182) for receiving the broadcasting signals of the channels, which are transmitted from the plurality of ground broadcasting stations, and detecting a phase difference of the spreading codes between the broadcasting signals of the channels, and repeat transmission synchronization means (182, 158) for setting a phase relationship of the spreading codes between the channels of the broadcasting signals received from the plurality of ground broadcasting stations in a predetermined synchronization state on the basis of a detection result from said phase difference detection means and transmitting the broadcasting signals to the predetermined service area.

7. A satellite broadcasting system for transmitting a broadcasting signal of at least one channel from each of a plurality of ground broadcasting stations (BC1, BC2), repeating the broadcasting signals with a geostationary satellite (SAT), and broadcasting the broadcasting signals to a broadcasting receiver (MS) in a predetermined service area on the ground,

each of said plurality of ground broadcasting stations (BC1, BC2) comprising transmission means (111-11n, 121-12n, 131) for spreading spectra of broadcasting signals to be transmitted from a self station using different spreading codes in units of channels and transmitting the broadcasting signals, and transmission timing control means (148) for variably controlling a transmission timing of the broadcasting signals to be transmitted by said transmission means in units of channels;

and

said geostationary satellite (SAT) comprising phase difference detection means (1131-113k, 1122) for receiving the broadcasting signals of the channels, which are transmitted from the plurality of ground broadcasting stations, and detecting a phase difference of the spreading codes between the broadcasting signals of the channels, and phase difference information notification means (1141-114k, 1123-1125) for supplying information representing the phase difference detected by said phase difference detection means to each of the ground broadcasting stations as sources, thereby causing said transmission timing control means to variably control the transmission timing such that the phase difference of the spreading codes between the broadcasting signals of the channels transmitted from the ground broadcasting stations is made zero.

8. A satellite broadcasting system comprising:

a satellite (SAT1) for repeating a broadcasting signal transmitted from a ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) and transmitting the broadcasting signal to a predetermined service area on the ground;

a plurality of broadcasting receivers (MS) each having a function of receiving and reconstructing the broadcasting signal repeated by said satellite (SAT1) in the service area; and

a gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) for receiving the broadcasting signal repeated by said satellite (SAT1) and transmitting the received broadcasting signal to an area in the service area, where the broadcasting signal from said satellite (SAT1) cannot be received, wherein

said satellite (SAT1) comprises means for repeating a first broadcasting signal transmitted from the ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) and a second broadcasting signal having the same contents as those of the first broadcasting signal, and

said gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) comprises means for receiving the second broadcasting signal transmitted from said satellite (SAT1) and converting the second broadcasting signal into a third broadcasting signal having the same frequency as that of the first broadcasting signal, and means for radio-transmitting the third broadcasting signal to the area in the service area, where the first broadcasting signal from the satellite (SAT1) cannot be received.

9. A satellite broadcasting system for repeating a broadcasting signal transmitted from a ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) with a satellite (SAT1) and transmitting the broadcasting signal to a predetermined service area on the ground, comprising:

ground network transmission means for transmitting, through a ground network (NM), a second broadcasting signal having the same contents as those of a first broadcasting signal transmitted from the ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) to the satellite (SAT1); and

a gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) for receiving the second broadcasting signal transmitted by said ground network transmission means, converting the received second broadcasting signal into a third broadcasting signal in the same frequency band as that of the broadcasting signal transmitted from the satellite (SAT1), and radio-transmitting the third broadcasting signal to an area in the service area, where the broadcasting signal from the satellite (SAT1) cannot be received.

10. A satellite broadcasting system for repeating a broadcasting signal transmitted from a ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) with a satellite (SAT1) and transmitting the broadcasting signal to a predetermined service area on the ground, said system comprising:

another satellite (SAT′

) for repeating a second broadcasting signal having the same contents as those of a first broadcasting signal transmitted from the ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) to the satellite (SAT1); and

a gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) for receiving the second broadcasting signal repeated by said other satellite (SAT′

), converting the received second broadcasting signal into a third broadcasting signal in the same frequency band as that of the broadcasting signal transmitted from the satellite (SAT1), and radio-transmitting the third broadcasting signal to an area in the service area, where the broadcasting signal from the satellite (SAT1) cannot be received.

11. A satellite broadcasting system for repeating a broadcasting signal transmitted from a ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) with a satellite (SAT1) and transmitting the broadcasting signal to a predetermined service area on the ground, said system comprising:

ground network transmission means for transmitting, through a ground network (NM), a second broadcasting signal having the same contents as those of a first broadcasting signal transmitted from the ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) to the satellite (SAT1);

another satellite (SAT′

) for repeating a second broadcasting signal having the same contents as those of a first broadcasting signal transmitted from the ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) to the satellite (SAT1); and

a gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) for selectively receiving one of the second broadcasting signal transmitted by said ground network transmission means and the second broadcasting signal repeated by said other satellite (SAT′

), converting the received second broadcasting signal into a third broadcasting signal in the same frequency band as that of the broadcasting signal transmitted from the satellite (SAT1), and radio-transmitting the third broadcasting signal to an area in the service area, where the broadcasting signal from the satellite (SAT1) cannot be received.

12. A satellite broadcasting system according to claim 11, wherein said gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) comprises switching means (SW) for switching to receive one of the second broadcasting signal transmitted by said ground network transmission means and the second broadcasting signal repeated by said other satellite (SAT′

).

13. A gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) used in a satellite broadcasting system for repeating a broadcasting signal transmitted from a ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) with a satellite (SAT1) and transmitting the broadcasting signal to a predetermined service area on the ground, said apparatus (GFa-GFi) comprising:

ground network reception means for receiving, from the ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) through a ground network, a second broadcasting signal having the same contents as those of the broadcasting signal transmitted from the ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) to the satellite (SAT1);

conversion means for converting the second broadcasting signal received by said ground network reception means into a third broadcasting signal in the same frequency band as that of the broadcasting signal transmitted from the satellite (SAT1); and

transmission means for radio-transmitting the third broadcasting signal obtained by said conversion means to an area in the service area, where the broadcasting signal from the satellite (SAT1) cannot be received.

14. A gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) used in a satellite broadcasting system for repeating a broadcasting signal transmitted from a ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) with a satellite (SAT1) and transmitting the broadcasting signal to a predetermined service area on the ground, said apparatus (GFa-GFi) comprising:

satellite reception means for receiving the broadcasting signal transmitted from the satellite (SAT1);

ground network reception means for receiving, through a ground network, a second broadcasting signal having the same contents as those of the broadcasting signal transmitted from the ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) to the satellite (SAT1);

conversion means for converting the second broadcasting signal received by said ground network reception means into a third broadcasting signal in the same frequency band as that of the broadcasting signal transmitted from the satellite (SAT1); and

selective transmission means for selecting one of the broadcasting signal received by said satellite reception means and the third broadcasting signal obtained by said conversion means and radio-transmitting the selected signal to an area in the service area, where the broadcasting signal from the satellite (SAT1) cannot be received.

15. A gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) according to claim 14, wherein said selective transmission means determines whether said satellite reception means receives a broadcasting signal of not less than a predetermined level, selects the broadcasting signal received by said satellite reception means and radio-transmits the broadcasting signal to the reception disabled area when it is determined that the broadcasting signal of not less than the predetermined level is received, or radio-transmits the third broadcasting signal obtained by said conversion means to the reception disabled area when it is determined that the broadcasting signal of not less than the predetermined level is not received.

19. A satellite broadcasting system according to claim 15, wherein said monitor information transmission means of said gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) comprises means for monitoring the operation state of the self apparatus, and means for, when said monitor means detects an error in the operation state of the self apparatus, generating message information and transmitting the message information to a broadcasting receiver (MS) in an area covered by the self apparatus.

16. A satellite broadcasting system for repeating a broadcasting signal with a satellite (SAT1) and broadcasting the broadcasting signal to a predetermined service area on the ground, said system comprising:

a gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) for receiving the broadcasting signal repeated by the satellite (SAT1) and radio-transmitting the received broadcasting signal to an area in the service area, wherein the broadcasting signal from the satellite (SAT1) cannot be received; and

a monitor apparatus (MCa-MCc) connected to said gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) through a communication line (NW), wherein

said gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) comprises monitor information transmission means for generating monitor information representing an operation state of a self apparatus and transmitting the monitor information to said monitor apparatus (MCa-MCc) through the communication line (NW), and

said monitor apparatus (MCa-MCc) comprises means for receiving the monitor information transmitted from said gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) through the communication line (NW) and performing predetermined processing of monitoring the operation state of said gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) on the basis of the received monitor information.

17. A satellite broadcasting system according to claim 16, wherein:

said monitor apparatus (MCa-MCc) comprises means for transmitting a monitor information transmission request to said gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) through the communication line (NW) regularly or as needed, and

said monitor information transmission means of said gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) comprises means for storing the monitor information, and means for reading the monitor information and transmitting the monitor information to said monitor apparatus (MCa-MCc) every time the transmission request arrives from said monitor apparatus (MCa-MCc).

18. A satellite broadcasting system according to claim 16, wherein said monitor information transmission means of said gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) comprises means for monitoring the operation state of the self apparatus, and means for, when said means detects an error in the operation state of the self apparatus, transmitting monitor information representing contents of the error to said monitor apparatus (MCa-MCc) through the communication line (NW).

20. A satellite broadcasting system for repeating a broadcasting signal with a satellite (SAT1) and broadcasting the broadcasting signal to a predetermined service area on the ground, said system comprising:

a gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) for receiving the broadcasting signal repeated by the satellite (SAT1) and radio-transmitting the received broadcasting signal to an area in the service area, wherein the broadcasting signal from the satellite (SAT1) cannot be received;

a monitor receiver (MR) set in the reception disabled area and having a function of receiving the received broadcasting signal transmitted from said gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi); and

a monitor apparatus (MCa-MCc) connected to said monitor receiver (MR) through a communication line (INW), wherein

said gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) comprises means for generating monitor information representing an operation state of a self apparatus, inserting the monitor information into the received broadcasting signal, and radio-transmitting the broadcasting signal,

said monitor receiver (MR) comprises means for receiving the received broadcasting signal transmitted from said gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) and extracting the monitor information from the received broadcasting signal, means for detecting a reception state of the received broadcasting signal, and means for transmitting the extracted monitor information and detection information of the reception state to said monitor apparatus (MCa-MCc) through the communication line (INW), and

said monitor apparatus (MCa-MCc) comprises means for receiving the monitor information and the detection information, which are transmitted from said monitor receiver (MR) through the communication line (INW), and performing predetermined processing of monitoring the operation state of said gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) on the basis of the received monitor information and detection information.

21. A satellite broadcasting system in which a plurality of channel signals having different central frequencies are transmitted from a transmission station (410) to a satellite (430) placed in a geostationary orbit, and the channel signals are transmitted from the satellite (430) to a service area and received by a reception terminal (450),

said satellite (430) comprising signal reception means for receiving the plurality of channel signals transmitted from the transmission station (410), classification means for frequency-converting the channel signals received by said reception means and classifying the signals in accordance with frequency positions, polarization setting means for amplifying the channel signals classified by said classification means and then setting, for each channel signal, right circular polarization or left circular polarization in accordance with classification, and signal transmission means for transmitting the channel signals for which polarization is set by said polarization setting means;

and

said reception terminal (450) comprising reception means for receiving the channel signals transmitted from said signal transmission means, polarization processing means for selecting circular polarization corresponding to selected channels of the channel signals received by said reception means, and channel selection means for selecting a desired channel signal from the channel signals for which circular polarization is selected by said polarization processing means.

22. A satellite broadcasting system according to claim 21, wherein the channel signals are multiplexed by code division multiplex in units of channels.

23. A satellite broadcasting system in which a plurality of channel signals having different central frequencies are transmitted from a transmission station (410) to a satellite (430) placed in a geostationary orbit, and the channel signals are transmitted from the satellite (430) to a service area and received by a reception terminal (450),

said satellite (430) comprising signal reception means for receiving the plurality of channel signals transmitted from the transmission station (410), classification means for frequency-converting the channel signals received by said reception means and classifying the signals in accordance with frequency positions, polarization setting means for amplifying the channel signals classified by said classification means and then setting, for each channel signal, vertical polarization or horizontal polarization in accordance with classification, and signal transmission means for transmitting the channel signals for which polarization is set by said polarization setting means;

and

said reception terminal (450) comprising reception means for receiving the channel signals transmitted from said signal transmission means, polarization processing means for selecting linear polarization corresponding to selected channels of the channel signals received by said reception means, and channel selection means for selecting a desired channel signal from the channel signals for which linear polarization is selected by said polarization processing means.

24. A satellite broadcasting system according to claim 23, wherein the channel signals are multiplexed by code division multiplex in units of channels.

25. A satellite broadcasting receiver for receiving digital broadcasting using a geostationary satellite placed in a geostationary orbit above the equator, said apparatus comprising:

fatigue state estimation means (610c) for detecting a fatigue state of a driver of a mobile on the basis of a moving state of the mobile carrying said satellite broadcasting receiver; and

reception means (62) for receiving, from broadcasting signals transmitted from the geostationary satellite, a channel corresponding to the fatigue state detected by said fatigue state estimation means (610c).

26. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a ground transmission apparatus which assigns a plurality of broadcasting signals to a plurality of channels, respectively, spreads spectra of the broadcasting signals of the respective channels using spreading codes which are different for the respective channels and have a phase relationship set in a synchronization state, produces a CDM (Code Division Multiplex) broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals, and sends the CDM broadcasting signal to the satellite;

a satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the satellite to receive the CDM broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus and send the CDM broadcasting signal to a service area on the ground; and

a reception terminal apparatus which receives the CDM broadcasting signal sent to the service area, selectively generates a spreading code corresponding to a designated channel, and separates a broadcasting signal of the designated channel from the CDM broadcasting signal by despreading the spectrum of the CDM broadcasting signal using the spreading code.

27. A ground transmission apparatus included in the system according to claim 26, which comprises:

a generation unit which generates the spreading codes for said plurality of channels;

a control unit which controls to set the phase relationship between the spreading codes in a predetermined synchronization state between the channels;

a multiplex unit which spreads spectra of the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels using the spreading codes synchronization-controlled by the control unit and produces the CDM broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals; and

a sending unit which sends the CDM broadcasting signal output from the multiplex unit to the satellite.

28. A satellite repeat apparatus included in the system according to claim 26, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the CDM broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus; and

a sending unit which sends the CDM broadcasting signal received by the reception unit to the service area on the ground.

29. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 26, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the CDM broadcasting signal sent from the satellite repeat apparatus to the service area on the ground;

a generation unit which selectively generates the spreading code corresponding to the designated channel from the spreading codes for said plurality of channels; and

a separation unit which separates the broadcasting signal of the designated channel from the CDM broadcasting signal by despreading the spectrum of the CDM broadcasting signal received by the reception unit using the spreading code generated by the generation unit.

30. A broadcasting method using a satellite, comprising:

causing a ground transmission apparatus to assign a plurality of broadcasting signals to a plurality of channels, respectively, spread the spectra of the broadcasting signals of the respective channels using spreading codes which are different for the respective channels and have a phase relationship set in a synchronization state, produce a CDM (Code Division Multiplex) broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals, and send the CDM broadcasting signal to the satellite; and

causing the satellite to receive the CDM broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus and send the CDM broadcasting signal to a service area on the ground.

31. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a ground transmission apparatus which spreads spectra of a plurality of broadcasting signals using spreading codes which are different for channels, produces a CDM (Code Division Multiplex) broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals, and sends the CDM broadcasting signal to the satellite;

a satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the satellite to receive the CDM broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus, control to set a phase relationship between the spreading codes in the CDM broadcasting signal in a predetermined synchronization state between the channels, and send the CDM broadcasting signal that has undergone synchronization control of the spreading codes to a service area on the ground; and

a reception terminal apparatus which receives the CDM broadcasting signal sent to the service area, selectively generates a spreading code corresponding to a designated channel, and separates a broadcasting signal of the designated channel from the CDM broadcasting signal by despreading the spectrum of the CDM broadcasting signal using the spreading code.

32. A ground transmission apparatus included in the system according to claim 31, which comprises:

a generation unit which generates the spreading codes for said plurality of channels;

a multiplex unit which spreads spectra of the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels using the spreading codes generated by the generation unit and produces the CDM broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals; and

a sending unit which sends the CDM broadcasting signal output from the multiplex unit to the satellite.

33. A satellite repeat apparatus included in the system according to claim 31, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the CDM broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus;

a control unit which controls to set, in a predetermined synchronization state between the channels, the phase relationship between the spreading codes in the CDM broadcasting signal received by the reception unit; and

a sending unit which sends the CDM broadcasting signal that has undergone synchronization control of the spreading codes by the control unit to the service area on the ground.

34. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 31, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the CDM broadcasting signal sent from the satellite repeat apparatus to the service area on the ground;

a generation unit which selectively generates the spreading code corresponding to the designated channel from the spreading codes for said plurality of channels; and

a separation unit which separates the broadcasting signal of the designated channel from the CDM broadcasting signal by despreading the spectrum of the CDM broadcasting signal received by the reception unit using the spreading code generated by the generation unit.

35. A broadcasting method using a satellite, comprising:

causing a ground transmission apparatus to spread the spectra of a plurality of broadcasting signals using spreading codes which are different for channels, produce a CDM (Code Division Multiplex) broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals, and send the CDM broadcasting signal to the satellite; and

causing the satellite to receive the CDM broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus, control to set a phase relationship between the spreading codes in the CDM broadcasting signal in a predetermined synchronization state between the channels, and send the CDM broadcasting signal that has undergone synchronization control of the spreading codes to a service area on the ground.

36. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a ground transmission apparatus which spreads spectra of a plurality of broadcasting signals using spreading codes which are different for channels, produces a CDM (Code Division Multiplex) broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals, obtains a phase difference information signal between the channels of the spreading codes, and sends the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal to the satellite;

a satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the satellite to receive the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus, control to set a phase relationship between the spreading codes in the CDM broadcasting signal in a predetermined synchronization state between the channels on the basis of the phase difference information signal, and send the CDM broadcasting signal that has undergone synchronization control of the spreading codes to a service area on the ground; and

a reception terminal apparatus which receives the CDM broadcasting signal sent to the service area, selectively generates a spreading code corresponding to a designated channel, and separates a broadcasting signal of the designated channel from the CDM broadcasting signal by despreading the spectrum of the CDM broadcasting signal using the spreading code.

37. A ground transmission apparatus included in the system according to claim 36, which comprises:

a generation unit which generates the spreading codes for said plurality of channels;

a multiplex unit which spreads spectra of the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels using the spreading codes generated by the generation unit and produces the CDM broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals;

a production unit which produces the phase difference information signal by detecting a phase difference between the channels of the spreading codes; and

a sending unit which sends the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal to the satellite.

38. A satellite repeat apparatus included in the system according to claim 36, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus;

a control unit which controls to set the phase relationship between the spreading codes in the CDM broadcasting signal in a predetermined synchronization state between the channels on the basis of the phase difference information signal; and

a sending unit which sends the CDM broadcasting signal that has undergone synchronization control of the spreading codes by the control unit to the service area on the ground.

39. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 36, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the CDM broadcasting signal sent from the satellite repeat apparatus to the service area on the ground;

a generation unit which selectively generates the spreading code corresponding to the designated channel from the spreading codes for said plurality of channels; and

a separation unit which separates the broadcasting signal of the designated channel from the CDM broadcasting signal by despreading the spectrum of the CDM broadcasting signal received by the reception unit using the spreading code generated by the generation unit.

40. A broadcasting method using a satellite, comprising:

causing a ground transmission apparatus to spread the spectra of a plurality of broadcasting signals using spreading codes which are different for channels, produce a CDM (Code Division Multiplex) broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals, produce a phase difference information signal representing a phase difference between the channels of the spreading codes, and send the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal to the satellite; and

causing the satellite to receive the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal, control to set a phase relationship between the spreading codes in the CDM broadcasting signal in a predetermined synchronization state between the channels on the basis of the phase difference information signal, and broadcast the CDM broadcasting signal that has undergone synchronization control of the spreading codes to a service area on the ground.

41. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a ground transmission apparatus which spreads spectra of a plurality of broadcasting signals using spreading codes which are different for channels, produces a CDM (Code Division Multiplex) broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals, obtains a phase difference information signal representing a phase difference between the channels of the spreading codes, and sends the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal to the satellite;

a satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the satellite to receive the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus and send the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal to a service area on the ground; and

a reception terminal apparatus which receives the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal sent to the service area, selectively generates a spreading code corresponding to a designated channel, synchronizes a phase of the spreading code with a spreading code of the designated channel on the basis of the phase difference information signal, and separates a broadcasting signal of the designated channel from the CDM broadcasting signal by despreading the spectrum of the CDM broadcasting signal using the spreading code that has undergone synchronization processing.

42. A ground transmission apparatus included in the system according to claim 41, which comprises:

a generation unit which generates the spreading codes for said plurality of channels;

a multiplex unit which spreads spectra of the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels using the spreading codes generated by the generation unit and produces the CDM broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals;

a production unit which produces the phase difference information signal by detecting a phase difference between the channels of the spreading codes; and

a sending unit which sends the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal to the satellite.

43. A satellite repeat apparatus included in the system according to claim 41, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus; and

a sending unit which sends the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal received by the reception unit to the service area on the ground.

44. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 41, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal sent from the satellite repeat apparatus to the service area on the ground;

a generation unit which selectively generates the spreading code corresponding to the designated channel from the spreading codes for said plurality of channels;

a synchronization unit which synchronizes the phase of the spreading code generated by the generation unit with the spreading code of the designated channel on the basis of the phase difference information signal received by the reception unit; and

a separation unit which separates the broadcasting signal of the designated channel from the CDM broadcasting signal by despreading the spectrum of the CDM broadcasting signal received by the reception unit using the spreading code synchronized by the synchronization unit.

45. A broadcasting method of providing a broadcasting signal to a reception terminal apparatus using a satellite, comprising:

causing a ground transmission apparatus to spread the spectra of a plurality of broadcasting signals using spreading codes which are different for channels, produce a CDM (Code Division Multiplex) broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals, produce a phase difference information signal representing a phase difference between the channels of the spreading codes, and send the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal to the satellite;

causing the satellite to receive the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal and broadcast the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal to a service area on the ground; and

causing the reception terminal apparatus to receive the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal sent to the service area, selectively generate a spreading code corresponding to a designated channel, synchronize a phase of the spreading code with a spreading code of the designated channel on the basis of the phase difference information signal, and separates a broadcasting signal of the designated channel from the CDM broadcasting signal by despreading the spectrum of the CDM broadcasting signal using the spreading code that has undergone synchronization processing.

46. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a ground transmission apparatus which spreads spectra of a plurality of broadcasting signals using spreading codes which are different for channels, produces a CDM (Code Division Multiplex) broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals, and sends the CDM broadcasting signal to the satellite;

a satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the satellite to receive the CDM broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus, produce a phase difference information signal by detecting a phase difference in the spreading codes between the channels of the CDM broadcasting signal, and send the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal to a service area on the ground; and

a reception terminal apparatus which receives the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal sent to the service area, selectively generates a spreading code corresponding to a designated channel, synchronizes a phase of the spreading code with a spreading code of the designated channel on the basis of the phase difference information signal, and separates a broadcasting signal of the designated channel from the CDM broadcasting signal by despreading the spectrum of the CDM broadcasting signal using the spreading code that has undergone synchronization processing.

47. A ground transmission apparatus included in the system according to claim 46, which comprises:

a generation unit which generates the spreading codes for said plurality of channels;

a multiplex unit which spreads spectra of the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels using the spreading codes generated by the generation unit and produces the CDM broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals; and

a sending unit which sends the CDM broadcasting signal to the satellite.

48. A satellite repeat apparatus included in the system according to claim 46, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the CDM broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus;

production means for producing the phase difference information signal by detecting the phase difference in the spreading codes between the channels in the CDM broadcasting signal; and

a sending unit which sends the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal to the service area on the ground.

49. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 46, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal sent from the satellite repeat apparatus to the service area on the ground;

a generation unit which selectively generates the spreading code corresponding to the designated channel from the spreading codes for said plurality of channels;

a synchronization unit which synchronizes the phase of the spreading code generated by the generation unit with the spreading code of the designated channel on the basis of the phase difference information signal received by the reception unit; and

a separation unit which separates the broadcasting signal of the designated channel from the CDM broadcasting signal by despreading the spectrum of the CDM broadcasting signal received by the reception unit using the spreading code synchronized by the synchronization unit.

50. A broadcasting method of providing a broadcasting signal to a reception terminal apparatus using a satellite, comprising:

causing a ground transmission apparatus to spread the spectra of a plurality of broadcasting signals using spreading codes which are different for channels, produce a CDM (Code Division Multiplex) broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals, and send the CDM broadcasting signal to the satellite;

causing the satellite to receive the CDM broadcasting signal, produce a phase difference information signal by detecting a phase difference in the spreading codes between the channels in the CDM broadcasting signal, and broadcast the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal to a service area on the ground; and

causing the reception terminal apparatus to receive the CDM broadcasting signal and the phase difference information signal sent to the service area, selectively generate a spreading code corresponding to a designated channel, synchronize a phase of the spreading code with a spreading code of the designated channel on the basis of the phase difference information signal, and separate a broadcasting signal of the designated channel from the CDM broadcasting signal by despreading the spectrum of the CDM broadcasting signal using the spreading code that has undergone synchronization processing.

51. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a plurality of ground transmission apparatuses each of which spreads spectra of a plurality of broadcasting signals using spreading codes which are different for channels, produces a CDM (Code Division Multiplex) broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals, and sends the CDM broadcasting signal to the satellite;

a satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the satellite to simultaneously receive said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals sent from said plurality of ground transmission apparatuses, control to set a phase relationship of the spreading codes between the channels in each of the CDM broadcasting signals in a predetermined synchronization state, and send said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals that have undergone synchronization control of the spreading codes to a service area on the ground; and

a reception terminal apparatus which receives the CDM broadcasting signals multiplexed and sent to the service area, selectively generates a spreading code corresponding to a designated channel, and separates a broadcasting signal of the designated channel from said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals by despreading the spectrum of the CDM broadcasting signals using the spreading code.

52. A ground transmission apparatus included in the system according to claim 51, which comprises:

a generation unit which generates the spreading codes for said plurality of channels;

a multiplex unit which spreads spectra of the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels using the spreading codes generated by the generation unit and produces the CDM broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals; and

a sending unit which sends the CDM broadcasting signal to the satellite.

53. A satellite repeat apparatus included in the system according to claim 51, which comprises:

a reception unit which simultaneously receives the CDM (Code Division Multiplex) broadcasting signals sent from said plurality of ground transmission stations;

a control unit which controls to set, in a predetermined synchronization state, the phase relationship of the spreading codes between the channels in each of said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals simultaneously received by the reception unit;

a multiplex unit which multiplexes said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals that have undergone synchronization control of the spreading codes; and

a sending unit which sends said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals multiplexed by the multiplex unit to the service area on the ground.

54. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 51, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals multiplexed and sent from the satellite repeat apparatus to the service area on the ground;

a generation unit which selectively generates the spreading code corresponding to the designated channel from the spreading codes for said plurality of channels in each of said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals; and

a separation unit which separates the broadcasting signal of the designated channel from said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals by despreading the spectra of said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals received by the reception unit using the spreading code generated by the generation unit.

55. A broadcasting method using a satellite, comprising:

causing each of a plurality of ground transmission apparatuses to spread the spectra of a plurality of broadcasting signals using spreading codes which are different for channels, produce a CDM (Code Division Multiplex) broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals, and send the CDM broadcasting signal to the satellite; and

causing the satellite to simultaneously receive said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals sent from said plurality of ground transmission apparatuses, control to set a phase relationship of the spreading codes between the channels in each of said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals in a predetermined synchronization state, multiplex said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals that have undergone synchronization control of the spreading codes, and send the CDM broadcasting signals to a service area on the ground.

57. A ground transmission apparatus included in the system according to claim 55, which comprises:

a generation unit which generates the spreading codes for said plurality of channels;

a multiplex unit which spreads spectra of the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels using the spreading codes generated by the generation unit and produces the CDM broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals;

a sending unit which sends the CDM broadcasting signal to the satellite;

a reception unit which receives the phase difference information signal transmitted from the satellite; and

a control unit which controls to set the phase relationship between the spreading codes in a predetermined synchronization state between the channels on the basis of the phase difference information signal.

58. A satellite repeat apparatus included in the system according to claim 55, which comprises:

a reception unit which simultaneously receives the CDM (Code Division Multiplex) broadcasting signals sent from said plurality of ground transmission stations;

a multiplex unit which multiplexes said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals simultaneously received by the reception unit;

a first sending unit which sends said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals multiplexed by the multiplex unit to the service area on the ground;

production unit which produces the phase difference information signal by detecting the phase difference between the channels of the spreading codes in each of said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals; and

a second sending unit which sends the phase difference information signal produced by the production unit to said plurality of ground transmission apparatuses.

59. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 55, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals sent from the satellite repeat apparatus to the service area on the ground;

a generation unit which selectively generates the spreading code corresponding to the designated channel from the spreading codes for said plurality of channels in each of said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals; and

a separation unit which separates the broadcasting signal of the designated channel from said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals by despreading the spectra of said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals received by the reception unit using the spreading code generated by the generation unit.

56. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a plurality of ground transmission apparatuses each of which spreads spectra of a plurality of broadcasting signals using spreading codes which are different for channels, produces a CDM (Code Division Multiplex) broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals, sends the CDM broadcasting signal to the satellite, and controls to set a phase relationship between the spreading codes in a predetermined synchronization state between the channels on the basis of a phase difference information signal transmitted from the satellite;

a satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the satellite to simultaneously receive and multiplex said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals sent from said plurality of ground transmission apparatuses, send the multiplexed CDM broadcasting signals to a service area on the ground, produce the phase difference information signal by detecting a phase difference between the channels of the spreading codes in each of said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals, and transmit the phase difference information signal to said plurality of ground transmission apparatuses; and

a reception terminal apparatus which receives said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals multiplexed and sent to the service area, selectively generates a spreading code corresponding to a designated channel, and separates a broadcasting signal of the designated channel from said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals by despreading the spectra of the CDM broadcasting signals using the spreading code.

60. A broadcasting method of providing a broadcasting signal to a reception terminal apparatus using a satellite, comprising:

causing each of a plurality of ground transmission apparatuses to spread the spectra of a plurality of broadcasting signals using spreading codes which are different for channels, produce a CDM (Code Division Multiplex) broadcasting signal by synthesizing the spread signals, send the CDM broadcasting signal to the satellite, and control to set a phase relationship between the spreading codes in a predetermined synchronization state between the channels on the basis of a phase difference information signal transmitted from the satellite;

causing the satellite to simultaneously receive and multiplex said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals sent from said plurality of ground transmission apparatuses, send the multiplexed CDM broadcasting signals to a service area on the ground, produce the phase difference information signal by detecting a phase difference between the channels of the spreading codes in each of said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals, and transmit the phase difference information signal to said plurality of ground transmission apparatuses; and

causing a reception terminal apparatus to receive said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals multiplexed and sent to the service area, selectively generate a spreading code corresponding to a designated channel, and separate a broadcasting signal of the designated channel from said plurality of CDM broadcasting signals by despreading the spectra of the CDM broadcasting signals using the spreading code.

61. A satellite broadcasting method comprising:

arranging a pair of satellites on a single orbit while being separated by a predetermined distance and sending identical broadcasting signals synchronized with each other to a single service area.

62. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a ground transmission apparatus which sends a broadcasting signal to the satellite;

a satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the satellite to receive the broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus, produce broadcasting signals in first and second frequency bands different from each other from the received broadcasting signal, and send the broadcasting signals to a single service area;

a gap filler apparatus which is arranged in the service area to receive the broadcasting signal sent from the satellite in the second frequency band, convert the received broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in the first frequency band, and radio-transmit the broadcasting signal to an arbitrary area in the service area; and

a reception terminal apparatus which receives the broadcasting signal in the first frequency band in the service area.

63. A system according to claim 62, wherein when both the broadcasting signals in the first frequency band, which are sent from the satellite and the gap filler apparatus, are receivable, the reception terminal apparatus receives and synthesizes the signals.

64. A system according to claim 62, wherein the first frequency band is an S band, and the second frequency band is a frequency band higher than the S band.

65. A satellite repeat apparatus included in the system according to claim 62, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus;

a production unit which produces the broadcasting signals in the first and second frequency bands different from each other from the received broadcasting signal; and

a transmission unit which sends the broadcasting signals in the first and second frequency bands to the single service area.

66. An apparatus according to claim 65, wherein the first frequency band is an S band, and the second frequency band is a frequency band higher than the S band.

67. A gap filler apparatus included in the system according to claim 62, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the broadcasting signal sent from the satellite in the second frequency band;

a conversion unit which converts the received broadcasting signal into the broadcasting signal in the first frequency band; and

a transmission unit which radio-transmits the broadcasting signal in the first frequency band to the arbitrary area in the service area.

68. An apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the first frequency band is an S band, and the second frequency band is a frequency band higher than the S band.

69. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 62, which comprises:

an antenna which receives the signal in the first frequency band in the service area; and

a signal processing unit which extracts and plays back the broadcasting signal from the reception signal of the antenna.

70. An apparatus according to claim 69, wherein when both the broadcasting signals in the first frequency band, which are sent from the satellite and the gap filler apparatus, are receivable, the signal processing unit synthesizes the signals.

71. A broadcasting method using a satellite, comprising:

causing a ground transmission apparatus to send a broadcasting signal to the satellite;

causing the satellite to receive the broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus, produce broadcasting signals in first and second frequency bands different from each other from the received broadcasting signal, and send the broadcasting signals to a single service area;

causing a gap filler apparatus in the service area to receive the broadcasting signal sent from the satellite in the second frequency band, convert the received broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in the first frequency band, and radio-transmit the broadcasting signal to an arbitrary area in the service area; and

causing a reception terminal apparatus in the service area to receive the broadcasting signal in the first frequency band in the service area.

72. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a ground transmission apparatus which produces first and second broadcasting signals having the same contents and sends the first and second broadcasting signals to the satellite;

a satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the satellite to receive the first and second broadcasting signals sent from the ground transmission apparatus, convert the first and second broadcasting signals into broadcasting signals in first and second frequency bands different from each other, and send the broadcasting signals to a single service area;

a gap filler apparatus which is arranged in the service area to receive the broadcasting signal sent from the satellite in the second frequency band, convert the received broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in the first frequency band, and radio-transmit the broadcasting signal to an arbitrary area in the service area; and

a reception terminal apparatus which receives the broadcasting signal in the first frequency band in the service area.

73. A system according to claim 72, wherein when both the broadcasting signals in the first frequency band, which are sent from the satellite and the gap filler apparatus, are receivable, the reception terminal apparatus receives and synthesizes the signals.

74. A system according to claim 72, wherein the first frequency band is an S band, and the second frequency band is a frequency band higher than the S band.

75. A ground transmission apparatus included in the system according to claim 72, which comprises:

a production unit which produces the first and second broadcasting signals having the same contents; and

a transmission unit which discriminatively sends the first and second broadcasting signals to the satellite.

76. A satellite repeat apparatus included in the system according to claim 72, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the first and second broadcasting signals sent from the ground transmission apparatus;

a conversion unit which converts the received first and second broadcasting signals into the broadcasting signals in the first and second frequency bands different from each other; and

a transmission unit which sends the broadcasting signals in the first and second frequency bands to the single service area.

77. An apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the first frequency band is an S band, and the second frequency band is a frequency band higher than the S band.

78. A gap filler apparatus included in the system according to claim 72, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the broadcasting signal sent from the satellite in the second frequency band;

a conversion unit which converts the received broadcasting signal into the broadcasting signal in the first frequency band; and

a transmission unit which radio-transmits the broadcasting signal in the first frequency band to the arbitrary area in the service area.

79. An apparatus according to claim 78, wherein the first frequency band is an S band, and the second frequency band is a frequency band higher than the S band.

80. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 72, which comprises:

an antenna which receives the signal in the first frequency band in the service area; and

a signal processing unit which extracts and plays back the broadcasting signal from the reception signal of the antenna.

81. An apparatus according to claim 80, wherein when both the broadcasting signals in the first frequency band, which are sent from the satellite and the gap filler apparatus, are receivable, the signal processing unit synthesizes the signals.

82. A broadcasting method using a satellite, comprising:

causing a ground transmission apparatus to produce first and second broadcasting signals having the same contents and send the signals to the satellite;

causing the satellite to receive the first and second broadcasting signals sent from the ground transmission apparatus, convert the first and second broadcasting signals into broadcasting signals in first and second frequency bands different from each other, and send the broadcasting signals to a single service area;

causing a gap filler apparatus arranged in the service area to receive the broadcasting signal sent from the satellite in the second frequency band, convert the received broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in the first frequency band, and radio-transmit the broadcasting signal to an arbitrary area in the service area; and

causing a reception terminal apparatus to receive the broadcasting signal in the first frequency band in the service area.

83. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a ground transmission apparatus which produces first and second broadcasting signals having the same contents, sends the first broadcasting signal to the satellite, and sends the second broadcasting signal to a ground communication line;

a satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the satellite to receive the first broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus, convert the received first broadcasting signal into a predetermined frequency band, and send the signal to a service area;

a gap filler apparatus which is arranged in the service area to receive the second broadcasting signal from the ground transmission apparatus through the ground communication line, convert the second broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in the predetermined frequency band, and radio-transmit the broadcasting signal to an arbitrary area in the service area; and

a reception terminal apparatus which receives the broadcasting signal in the predetermined frequency band in the service area.

84. A ground transmission apparatus included in the system according to claim 83, which comprises:

a production unit which produces the first and second broadcasting signals having the same contents;

a first transmission unit which sends the first broadcasting signal to the satellite; and

a second transmission unit which sends the second broadcasting signal to the ground communication line.

85. A gap filler apparatus included in the system according to claim 83, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the second broadcasting signal from the ground transmission apparatus through the ground communication line;

a conversion unit which converts the received second broadcasting signal into the broadcasting signal in the predetermined frequency band; and

a transmission unit which radio-transmits the second broadcasting signal converted to the predetermined frequency band to the arbitrary area in the service area.

86. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 83, which comprises:

an antenna which receives the signal in the predetermined frequency band in the service area; and

a signal processing unit which extracts and plays back the broadcasting signal from the reception signal of the antenna.

87. A broadcasting method using a satellite, comprising:

causing a ground transmission apparatus to produce first and second broadcasting signals having the same contents, send the first broadcasting signal to the satellite, and send the second broadcasting signal to a ground communication line;

causing the satellite to receive the first broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus, convert the received first broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in a predetermined frequency band, and send the broadcasting signal to a service area;

causing a gap filler apparatus arranged in the service area to receive the second broadcasting signal from the ground transmission apparatus through the ground communication line, convert the second broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in the predetermined frequency band, and radio-transmit the broadcasting signal to an arbitrary area in the service area; and

causing a reception terminal apparatus to receive, in the service area, the broadcasting signal in the predetermined frequency band.

88. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a ground transmission apparatus which produces first and second broadcasting signals having the same contents, sends the first broadcasting signal to a first satellite, and sends the second broadcasting signal to a second satellite different from the first satellite;

a first satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the first satellite to receive the first broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus, convert the received first broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in a first frequency band, and send the broadcasting signal to a service area;

a second satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the second satellite to receive the second broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus, convert the received second broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, and send the broadcasting signal to the service area;

a gap filler apparatus which is arranged in the service area to receive the second broadcasting signal in the second frequency band, convert the second broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in the first frequency band, and radio-transmit the broadcasting signal to an arbitrary area in the service area; and

a reception terminal apparatus which receives the broadcasting signal in the first frequency band in the service area.

89. A ground transmission apparatus included in the system according to claim 88, which comprises:

a production unit which produces the first and second broadcasting signals having the same contents;

a first transmission unit which sends the first broadcasting signal to the first satellite; and

a second transmission unit which sends the second broadcasting signal to the second satellite different from the first satellite.

90. A first satellite repeat apparatus included in the system according to claim 88, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the first broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus;

a conversion unit which converts the received first broadcasting signal into the broadcasting signal in the first frequency band; and

a transmission unit which sends the broadcasting signal in the first frequency band to the service area.

91. A second satellite repeat apparatus included in the system according to claim 88, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the second broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus;

a conversion unit which converts the received second broadcasting signal into the broadcasting signal in the second frequency band; and

a transmission unit which sends the broadcasting signal in the second frequency band to the service area.

92. A gap filler apparatus included in the system according to claim 88, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the second broadcasting signal in the second frequency band;

a conversion unit which converts the received second broadcasting signal into the broadcasting signal in the first frequency band; and

a transmission unit which radio-transmits the second broadcasting signal converted to the first frequency band to the arbitrary area in the service area.

93. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 88, which comprises:

an antenna which receives the signal in the first frequency band; and

a signal processing unit which extracts and plays back the broadcasting signal from the reception signal of the antenna.

94. A broadcasting method using a satellite, comprising:

causing a ground transmission apparatus to produce first and second broadcasting signals having the same contents, send the first broadcasting signal to a first satellite, and send the second broadcasting signal to a second satellite different from the first satellite;

causing the first satellite to receive the first broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus, convert the received first broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in a first frequency band, and send the broadcasting signal to a service area;

causing the second satellite to receive the second broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus, convert the received second broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, and send the broadcasting signal to the service area;

causing a gap filler apparatus arranged in the service area to receive the second broadcasting signal in the second frequency band, convert the second broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in the first frequency band, and radio-transmit the broadcasting signal to an arbitrary area in the service area; and

causing a reception terminal apparatus in the service area to receive the broadcasting signal in the first frequency band.

95. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a ground transmission apparatus which produces first and second broadcasting signals having the same contents, sends the first broadcasting signal and the second broadcasting signal to the satellite, and sends the second broadcasting signal to a ground communication line;

a satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the satellite to receive the first and second broadcasting signals sent from the ground transmission apparatus, convert the received first broadcasting signal into a first frequency band, convert the second broadcasting signal into a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, and send the broadcasting signals to a service area;

a gap filler apparatus which is arranged in the service area to receive the second broadcasting signal in the second frequency band sent from the satellite, receive the second broadcasting signal from the ground transmission apparatus through the ground communication line, select one of the second broadcasting signals, convert the selected second broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in the first frequency band, and radio-transmit the broadcasting signal to an arbitrary area in the service area; and

a reception terminal apparatus which receives the broadcasting signal in the first frequency band in the service area.

96. A ground transmission apparatus included in the system according to claim 95, which comprises:

a production unit which produces the first and second broadcasting signals having the same contents;

a first transmission unit which sends the first and second broadcasting signals to the satellite; and

a second transmission unit which sends the second broadcasting signal to the ground communication line.

97. A satellite repeat apparatus included in the system according to claim 95, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the first and second broadcasting signals sent from the ground transmission apparatus;

a conversion unit which converts the received first broadcasting signal into the first frequency band and converts the second broadcasting signal into the second frequency band different from the first frequency band; and

a transmission unit which sends the first broadcasting signal in the first frequency band and the second broadcasting signal in the second frequency band to the service area.

98. A gap filler apparatus included in the system according to claim 95, which comprises:

a first reception unit which receives the second broadcasting signal in the second frequency band sent from the satellite;

a second reception unit which receives the second broadcasting signal from the ground transmission apparatus through the ground communication line;

a selection unit which selects one of the second broadcasting signal received by the first reception unit and the second broadcasting signal received by the second reception unit;

a conversion unit which converts the second broadcasting signal selected by the selection unit into the broadcasting signal in the first frequency band; and

a transmission unit which radio-transmits the second broadcasting signal converted to the first frequency band to the arbitrary area in the service area.

99. An apparatus according to claim 98, wherein the selection unit selects the reception signal of the first reception unit when a reception level of the first reception unit equals an allowable level and selects the reception signal of the second reception unit when the reception level is lower than the allowable level.

100. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 95, which comprises:

an antenna which receives the signal in the first frequency band in the service area; and

a signal processing unit which extracts and plays back the broadcasting signal from the reception signal of the antenna.

101. A broadcasting method using a satellite, comprising:

causing a ground transmission apparatus to produce first and second broadcasting signals having the same contents, send the first broadcasting signal and the second broadcasting signal to the satellite, and send the second broadcasting signal to a ground communication line;

causing the satellite to receive the first broadcasting signal and the second broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus, convert the received first broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in a first frequency band, convert the second broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in the second frequency band, and send the broadcasting signals to a service area;

causing a gap filler apparatus arranged in the service area to receive the second broadcasting signal in the second frequency band sent from the satellite, receive the second broadcasting signal from the ground transmission apparatus through the ground communication line, select one of a reception signal on the satellite side and a reception signal on the ground communication line side, convert the selected second broadcasting signal into a broadcasting signal in the first frequency band, and radio-transmit the broadcasting signal to an arbitrary area in the service area; and

causing a reception terminal apparatus to receive the broadcasting signal in the first frequency band in the service area.

102. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a ground transmission apparatus which sends a broadcasting signal to the satellite;

a satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the satellite to receive the broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus and send the received broadcasting signal to a service area;

a gap filler apparatus which is arranged in the service area to transmit the broadcasting signal sent from the satellite to an arbitrary area in the service area, produce monitor information representing an operation state of the gap filler apparatus, and send the monitor information to a communication line;

a monitor apparatus which is connected to the gap filler apparatus through the communication line to receive the monitor information sent from the gap filler apparatus, monitor the operation state of the gap filler apparatus on the basis of the monitor information, and execute predetermined processing; and

a reception terminal apparatus which receives the broadcasting signal in the service area.

103. A gap filler apparatus included in the system according to claim 102, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the broadcasting signal sent from the satellite;

a first transmission unit which transmits the received broadcasting signal to the arbitrary area;

a production unit which produces the monitor information; and

a second transmission unit which sends the monitor information to the monitor apparatus periodically or in accordance with a request.

104. An apparatus according to claim 103, further comprising:

abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality of the gap filler apparatus,

wherein the production unit produces the monitor information on the basis of a detection result of the abnormality detection means, and

the second transmission unit sends the monitor information to the monitor apparatus when the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means.

105. An apparatus according to claim 103, further comprising:

abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality of the gap filler apparatus; and

generation means for generating abnormality detection message information when the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means,

wherein the first transmission unit transmits, to the area, the abnormality detection message information independently or multiplexed with the received broadcasting signal.

106. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 102, wherein

when the abnormality detection message information is transmitted independently or multiplexed with the broadcasting signal from the gap filler apparatus, the reception terminal apparatus receives the abnormality detection message information and shows the abnormality detection message of the received information.

107. A monitor apparatus included in the system according to claim 102, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the monitor information transmitted from the gap filler apparatus through the communication line; and

a processing unit which monitors the operation state of the gap filler apparatus on the basis of the monitor information and executes the predetermined processing.

108. An apparatus according to claim 107, further comprising

request means for requesting the monitor information of the gap filler apparatus through the communication line.

109. A broadcasting method using a satellite, comprising:

causing a ground transmission apparatus to send a broadcasting signal to the satellite;

causing the satellite to receive the broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus and send the received broadcasting signal to a service area;

causing a gap filler apparatus arranged in the service area to transmit the broadcasting signal sent from the satellite to an arbitrary area in the service area, produce monitor information representing an operation state of the gap filler apparatus, and send the monitor information to a communication line; and

causing a monitor apparatus connected to the gap filler apparatus through the communication line to receive the monitor information sent from the gap filler apparatus, monitor the operation state of the gap filler apparatus on the basis of the monitor information, and execute predetermined processing.

110. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a ground transmission apparatus which sends a broadcasting signal to the satellite;

a satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the satellite to receive the broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus and send the received broadcasting signal to a service area;

a gap filler apparatus which is arranged in the service area to transmit the broadcasting signal sent from the satellite to an arbitrary area in the service area, produce monitor information representing an operation state of the gap filler apparatus, and send the monitor information to the arbitrary area;

an auxiliary apparatus which is arranged in the arbitrary area to receive the monitor information sent from the gap filler apparatus and send the monitor information to a communication line;

a monitor apparatus which is connected to the auxiliary apparatus through the communication line to receive the monitor information sent from the auxiliary apparatus, monitor the operation state of the gap filler apparatus on the basis of the monitor information, and execute predetermined processing; and

a reception terminal apparatus which receives the broadcasting signal in the service area.

111. A gap filler apparatus included in the system according to claim 110, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the broadcasting signal sent from the satellite;

a production unit which produces the monitor information; and

a transmission unit which transmits the received broadcasting signal and the monitor information to the arbitrary area.

112. An apparatus according to claim 111, further comprising:

abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality of the gap filler apparatus,

wherein the production unit produces the monitor information on the basis of a detection result of the abnormality detection means, and

the transmission unit sends the monitor information periodically or when the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means.

113. An apparatus according to claim 111, further comprising:

abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality of the gap filler apparatus; and

generation means for generating abnormality detection message information when the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means,

wherein the transmission unit transmits, to the area, the abnormality detection message information multiplexed with the received broadcasting signal.

114. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 110, wherein

when the abnormality detection message information is transmitted independently or multiplexed with the broadcasting signal from the gap filler apparatus, the reception terminal apparatus receives the abnormality detection message information and shows the abnormality detection message of the received information.

115. An auxiliary apparatus included in the system according to claim 110, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the monitor information sent from the gap filler apparatus; and

a transmission unit which sends the monitor information to the monitor apparatus.

116. An apparatus according to claim 115, wherein the transmission unit sends the monitor information when the monitor information is received, periodically, of in accordance with a request from the monitor apparatus.

117. A monitor apparatus included in the system according to claim 110, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the monitor information sent from the auxiliary apparatus through the communication line; and

a processing unit which monitors the operation state of the gap filler apparatus on the basis of the monitor information and executes the predetermined processing.

118. An apparatus according to claim 117, further comprising

request means for requesting the monitor information of the auxiliary apparatus through the communication line.

119. A broadcasting method using a satellite, comprising:

causing a ground transmission apparatus to send a broadcasting signal to the satellite;

causing the satellite to receive the broadcasting signal sent from the ground transmission apparatus and send the received broadcasting signal to a service area;

causing a gap filler apparatus arranged in the service area to transmit the broadcasting signal sent from the satellite to an arbitrary area in the service area, produce monitor information representing an operation state of the gap filler apparatus, and send the monitor information to the arbitrary area;

causing an auxiliary apparatus arranged in the arbitrary area to receive the monitor information sent from the gap filler apparatus and send the monitor information to a communication line; and

causing a monitor apparatus connected to the auxiliary apparatus through the communication line to receive the monitor information sent from the auxiliary apparatus, monitor the operation state of the gap filler apparatus on the basis of the monitor information, and execute predetermined processing.

120. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a ground transmission apparatus which sends broadcasting signals of a plurality of channels having different frequencies to the satellite;

a satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the satellite to receive the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels sent from the ground transmission apparatus, classify the broadcasting signals into right-circularly polarized waves and left-circularly polarized waves in accordance with the frequency of each channel, and send the broadcasting signal of each channel to a predetermined service area in accordance with the classified circularly polarized wave; and

a reception terminal apparatus which selectively receives, in the service area, one of the broadcasting signal of the right-circularly polarized wave and the broadcasting signal of the left-circularly polarized wave sent from the satellite.

121. A system according to claim 120, wherein the satellite repeat apparatus code-division-multiplexes the classified broadcasting signals and sends the broadcasting signals, and

the reception terminal apparatus receives the code-division-multiplexed broadcasting signals.

122. A ground transmission apparatus included in the system according to claim 120, which comprises:

a production unit which produces classification information to be used to classify the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels into the right-circularly polarized waves and the left-circularly polarized waves; and

a transmission unit which sends the classification information to the satellite together with the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels.

123. A satellite repeat apparatus included in the system according to claim 120, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels sent from the ground transmission apparatus;

a classification unit which classifies the broadcasting signals into the right-circularly polarized waves and the left-circularly polarized waves in accordance with the frequency of each channel; and

a transmission unit which sends the broadcasting signal of each channel to the predetermined service area in accordance with the classified circularly polarized wave.

124. An apparatus according to claim 123, wherein the transmission unit code-division-multiplexes the classified broadcasting signals of the respective channels and sends the broadcasting signals.

125. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 120, which comprises:

an antenna to receive, in the service area, the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels by one of the right-circularly polarized wave and the left-circularly polarized wave sent from the satellite;

a reception unit which receives a broadcasting signal of an arbitrary channel from the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels received by the antenna; and

a playback unit which plays back the broadcasting signal of the received channel.

126. An apparatus according to claim 125, wherein the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels are signals multiplexed by code division multiplex.

127. An apparatus according to claim 125, further comprising a selection unit which selects a type of circularly polarized wave to be received by the antenna.

128. An apparatus according to claim 125, further comprising:

a microphone which converts voice of a user into a speech signal;

a speech recognition unit which recognizes, from the speech signal, operation contents designated by the user; and

a control unit which controls the reception unit and the playback unit in accordance with the recognized operation contents.

129. An apparatus according to claim 128, further comprising:

a storage unit which stores voiceprint data of a specific user;

a voiceprint data extraction unit which extracts the voiceprint data from a speech signal obtained from the microphone; and

an identification unit which compares the extracted voiceprint data with the voiceprint data stored in the storage unit and identifies on the basis of a comparison result whether the user is the specific user,

wherein when the identification unit identifies that the user is not the specific user, the control unit limits control of specific operation.

130. An apparatus according to claim 125, wherein the playback unit hierarchically visually displays contents of the received channel.

131. An apparatus according to claim 125, further comprising:

a date/time acquisition unit which acquires date/time data;

a viewing data production unit which discriminates the channel received by the reception unit, receives date/time data of the reception from the date/time acquisition unit, and produces viewing data from a discrimination result of the channel and the date/time data; and

a recording unit which records the viewing data on a data recording medium.

132. A broadcasting method using a satellite, comprising:

causing a ground transmission apparatus to send broadcasting signals of a plurality of channels having different frequencies to the satellite;

causing the satellite to receive the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels sent from the ground transmission apparatus, classify the broadcasting signals into right-circularly polarized waves and left-circularly polarized waves in accordance with the frequency of each channel, and send the broadcasting signal of each channel to a predetermined service area in accordance with the classified circularly polarized wave; and

causing a reception terminal apparatus arranged in the service area to selectively receive one of the broadcasting signal of the right-circularly polarized wave and the broadcasting signal of the left-circularly polarized wave sent from the satellite.

133. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a ground transmission apparatus which sends broadcasting signals of a plurality of channels having different frequencies to the satellite;

a satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the satellite to receive the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels sent from the ground transmission apparatus, classify the broadcasting signals into vertically polarized waves and horizontally polarized waves in accordance with the frequency of each channel, and send the broadcasting signal of each channel to a predetermined service area in accordance with the classified polarized wave; and

a reception terminal apparatus which selectively receives, in the service area, one of the broadcasting signal of the vertically polarized wave and the broadcasting signal of the horizontally polarized wave sent from the satellite.

134. A system according to claim 133, wherein

the satellite repeat apparatus code-division-multiplexes the classified broadcasting signals and sends the broadcasting signals, and

the reception terminal apparatus receives the code-division-multiplexed broadcasting signals.

135. A ground transmission apparatus included in the system according to claim 133, which comprises:

a production unit which produces classification information to be used to classify the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels into the vertically polarized waves and the horizontally polarized waves; and

a transmission unit which sends the classification information to the satellite together with the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels.

136. A satellite repeat apparatus included in the system according to claim 133, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels sent from the ground transmission apparatus;

a classification unit which classifies the broadcasting signals into the vertically polarized waves and the horizontally polarized waves in accordance with the frequency of each channel; and

a transmission unit which sends the broadcasting signal of each channel to the predetermined service area in accordance with the classified polarized wave.

137. An apparatus according to claim 136, wherein the transmission unit code-division-multiplexes the classified broadcasting signals of the respective channels and sends the broadcasting signals.

138. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 133, which comprises:

an antenna to receive, in the service area, the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels by one of the vertically polarized wave and the horizontally polarized wave sent from the satellite;

a reception unit which receives a broadcasting signal of an arbitrary channel from the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels received by the antenna; and

a playback unit which plays back the broadcasting signal of the received channel.

139. An apparatus according to claim 138, wherein the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels are signals multiplexed by code division multiplex.

140. An apparatus according to claim 138, further comprising a selection unit which selects a type of polarized wave to be received by the antenna.

141. An apparatus according to claim 138, further comprising:

a microphone which converts voice of a user into a speech signal;

a speech recognition unit which recognizes, from the speech signal, operation contents designated by the user; and

a control unit which controls the reception unit and the playback unit in accordance with the recognized operation contents.

142. An apparatus according to claim 138, further comprising:

a storage unit which stores voiceprint data of a specific user;

a voiceprint data extraction unit which extracts the voiceprint data from a speech signal obtained from the microphone; and

an identification unit which compares the extracted voiceprint data with the voiceprint data stored in the storage unit and identifies on the basis of a comparison result whether the user is the specific user,

wherein when the identification unit identifies that the user is not the specific user, the control unit limits control of specific operation.

143. An apparatus according to claim 138, wherein the playback unit hierarchically visually displays contents of the received channel.

144. An apparatus according to claim 138, further comprising:

a date/time acquisition unit which acquires date/time data;

a viewing data production unit which discriminates the channel received by the reception unit, receives date/time data of the reception from the date/time acquisition unit, and produces viewing data from a discrimination result of the channel and the date/time data; and

a recording unit which records the viewing data in a data recording medium.

145. A broadcasting method using a satellite, comprising:

causing a ground transmission apparatus to send broadcasting signals of a plurality of channels having different frequencies to the satellite;

causing the satellite to receive the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels sent from the ground transmission apparatus, classify the broadcasting signals into vertically polarized waves and horizontally polarized waves in accordance with the frequency of each channel, and send the broadcasting signal of each channel to a predetermined service area in accordance with the classified polarized wave; and

causing a reception terminal apparatus arranged in the service area to selectively receive one of the broadcasting signal of the vertically polarized wave and the broadcasting signal of the horizontally polarized wave sent from the satellite.

146. A broadcasting system using a satellite, comprising:

a ground transmission apparatus which sends digital signals of a plurality of channels to the satellite;

a satellite repeat apparatus which is arranged in the satellite to receive the digital signals of said plurality of channels sent from the ground transmission station and send the received digital signals of said plurality of channels totally or divisionally to a plurality of service areas by a plurality of transmission beams; and

a reception terminal apparatus which receives the transmission beams in one of said plurality of service areas and selectively extracts and plays back the digital signals of said plurality of channels.

147. A system according to claim 146, wherein a sent signal from the ground transmission apparatus and a sent signal from the satellite repeat apparatus have different frequency bands.

148. A system according to claim 146, wherein the digital signals of said plurality of channels include a communication channel.

149. A system according to claim 146, wherein the digital signal is content data encoded by MPEG4 (Moving Picture Expert Group 4).

150. A system according to claim 149, wherein the reception terminal apparatus has an MPEG4 decoder.

151. A ground transmission apparatus included in the system according to claim 146, which comprises:

a multiplex unit which multiplexes the digital signals of said plurality of channels to be broadcast to each of said plurality of service areas; and

a transmission unit which sends the multiplexed digital signals to the satellite.

152. An apparatus according to claim 151, wherein the digital signal is content data encoded by MPEG4 (Moving Picture Expert Group 4).

153. A satellite repeat apparatus included in the system according to claim 146, which comprises:

a reception antenna which receives the digital signals of said plurality of channels sent from the ground transmission station;

a reflection transmission antenna which has a plurality of primary radiators each of which radiates a transmission signal and a reflecting mirror which reflects a radio wave radiated by each primary radiator to form a plurality of independent transmission beams, and in which radiation areas of said plurality of transmission beams are assigned to areas obtained by dividing the service area; and

a signal processing unit which executes signal conversion and power amplification for each of the digital signals of said plurality of channels received by the reception antenna, assigns the digital signal of each channel to the arbitrary transmission beam, and outputs the digital signal to a corresponding one of the primary radiators as a transmission signal.

154. An apparatus according to claim 153, wherein the signal processing unit frequency-converts the received digital signals of said plurality of channels and outputs the digital signals.

155. An apparatus according to claim 153, wherein said plurality of channels include a communication channel.

156. An apparatus according to claim 153, wherein the digital signal is content data encoded by MPEG4 (Moving Picture Expert Group 4).

157. A reception terminal apparatus included in the system according to claim 146, which comprises:

a reception unit which receives the signal sent from the satellite and extracts one of the digital signals of said plurality of channels; and

a playback apparatus which plays back the digital signal of the extracted channel.

158. An apparatus according to claim 157, wherein

the digital signal is content data encoded by MPEG4 (Moving Picture Expert Group 4), and

the playback apparatus comprises an MPEG4 decoder to decode the content data.

159. An apparatus according to claim 157, further comprising a reception antenna having a directivity to a direction of the satellite in all-round directions.

160. An apparatus according to claim 159, wherein the reception antenna is a rod antenna.

161. An apparatus according to claim 157, further comprising:

a microphone which converts voice of a user into a speech signal;

a speech recognition unit which recognizes, from the speech signal, operation contents designated by the user; and

a control unit which controls the reception unit and the playback unit in accordance with the recognized operation contents.

162. An apparatus according to claim 161, further comprising:

a storage unit which stores voiceprint data of a specific user;

a voiceprint data extraction unit which extracts the voiceprint data from a speech signal obtained from the microphone; and

an identification unit which compares the extracted voiceprint data with the voiceprint data stored in the storage unit and identifies on the basis of a comparison result whether the user is the specific user,

wherein when the identification unit identifies that the user is not the specific user, the control unit limits control of specific operation.

163. An apparatus according to claim 157, wherein the playback unit hierarchically visually displays contents of the received channel.

164. An apparatus according to claim 157, further comprising:

a date/time acquisition unit which acquires date/time data;

a viewing data production unit which discriminates the channel received by the reception unit, receives date/time data of the reception from the date/time acquisition unit, and produces viewing data from a discrimination result of the channel and the date/time data; and

a recording unit which records the viewing data in a data recording medium.

165. A reception terminal apparatus of a satellite broadcasting system which provides broadcasting signals of a plurality of channels, comprising:

a reception unit which receives the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels;

a playback unit which plays back a broadcasting signal of an arbitrary channel from the received broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels;

an estimation unit which estimates a fatigue state of a driver of a moving body from a moving state of the mobile body on which the reception terminal apparatus is arranged; and

a control unit which controls to select a predetermined channel of the broadcasting signals of said plurality of channels in accordance with the estimated fatigue state.

166. A satellite broadcasting system comprising:

a satellite (SAT1) for repeating a broadcasting signal transmitted from a ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) and transmitting the broadcasting signal to a predetermined service area on the ground;

a plurality of broadcasting receivers (MS) each having a function of receiving and reconstructing the broadcasting signal repeated by said satellite (SAT1) in the service area; and

a gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) for receiving the broadcasting signal repeated by said satellite (SAT1) and transmitting the received broadcasting signal to an area in the service area, where the broadcasting signal from said satellite (SAT1) cannot be received, wherein

said satellite (SAT1) comprises conversion means for converting the broadcasting signal transmitted from the ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) into first and second broadcasting signals having different frequencies and radio-transmitting the first and second broadcasting signals, and

said gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi) comprises means for receiving the second broadcasting signal transmitted from said satellite (SAT1) and converting the second broadcasting signal into a third broadcasting signal having the same frequency as that of the first broadcasting signal, and means for radio-transmitting the third broadcasting signal to the area in the service area, where the first broadcasting signal from the satellite (SAT1) cannot be received.

167. A satellite broadcasting system according to claim 166, wherein said broadcasting receiver (MS) further comprises means for receiving the first broadcasting signal and the third broadcasting signal and synthesizing the first and third broadcasting signals.

168. A satellite broadcasting system according to claim 166, wherein said conversion means of said satellite (SAT1) converts the broadcasting signal transmitted from the ground broadcasting station (BC1 or BC2) into the first broadcasting signal in an S band and the second broadcasting signal in a frequency band higher than the S band, transmits the first broadcasting signal as a signal for said broadcasting receiver (MS), and simultaneously transmits the second broadcasting signal as a signal for said gap filler apparatus (GFa-GFi).