Satellite assisted radioterminal communications systems and methods

• US 8,170,474 B2
• Filed: 11/21/2006
• Issued: 05/01/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ATC Technology Corporation (FedEx Corporation)
• Original Assignee: ATC Technology Corporation (FedEx Corporation)
• Inventors: Karabinis, Peter D., Bogatin, Boris, Deobald, Brian M., Dutta, Santanu
• Primary Examiner(s): GESESSE, TILAHUN
• Application Number:
  US11/562,094
• Publication Number:
  US 20070099562A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,988 Days
• Field of Search: 455427-431, 455/12.1, 455/13.1, 455/430, 455/13.3, 455/435, 455/1, 455/12, 455/445, 455/13.2, 455/517
• US Class Current: 455/12.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/026 Co-operative diversity, e.g. using fixed or mobile stations as relays
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0491 using two or more sectors, i.e. sector diversity
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0837 using pre-detection combining H04B7/0868 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0854 using error minimizing algorithms, e.g. minimum mean squared error [MMSE], "cross-correlation" or matrix inversion
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/10 Polarisation diversity; Directional diversity
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18584 Arrangements for data networking, i.e. for data packet routing, for congestion control data switching networks H04L12/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/38 TPC being performed in particular situations
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/42 in systems with time, space, frequency or polarisation diversity

Abstract

Information is transmitted from a radioterminal to a first base station via a first wireless link. A satellite is used to route the information from the first base station to a second base station via second wireless links between the satellite and the first base station and between the satellite and the second base station. At least one of the second wireless links is more spectrally efficient than the first wireless link. Related methods, systems and devices are disclosed.

Claims

1. A radioterminal communications method comprising:

transmitting information from a source radioterminal to a first base station via a first wireless link that is established directly between the source radioterminal and the first base station;

using a satellite to route the information from the first base station to a second base station via second wireless satellite links between the satellite and the first base station and between the satellite and the second base station, wherein at least one of the second wireless satellite links is configured to reduce, relative to the first wireless link, a channel resource that is used to route the information from the first base station to the second base station via the second wireless satellite links; and

transmitting the information from the second base station to a destination radioterminal via a third wireless link that is established directly between the second base station and the destination radioterminal.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein using a satellite to route the information from the first base station to a second base station comprises:

using a satellite to selectively route the information among base stations.

3. A method according to claim 2 wherein using a satellite to selectively route the information among base stations comprises:

determining that the destination radioterminal is not able to communicate with a base station with which the source radioterminal is able to communicate; and

using the satellite to route information from the source radioterminal to the destination radioterminal.

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein determining that a destination radioterminal is not able to communicate with a base station with which a source radioterminal is able to communicate comprises:

accessing a listing of base stations and radioterminals; and

determining from the listing that the destination radioterminal is not able to communicate with the base station with which the source radioterminal is able to communicate.

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein accessing is preceded by:

registering the source radioterminal and the destination radioterminal with the listing.

6. A method according to claim 5 wherein registering is performed after power-on of the source radioterminal, after power-on of the destination radioterminal, after movement of the source radioterminal and/or after movement of the destination radioterminal.

7. A method according to claim 4 wherein the listing is associated with a satellite gateway of the satellite.

8. A method according to claim 4 wherein the listing is associated with a base station.

9. A method according to claim 2 wherein using a satellite to selectively route the information among base stations comprises:

determining whether the source radioterminal and the destination radioterminal are able to communicate with base stations that are proximate one another; and

using the satellite to route information from the source radioterminal to the destination radioterminal if the source radioterminal and the destination radioterminal are not able to communicate with base stations that are proximate one another.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein determining whether the source radioterminal and the destination radioterminal are able to communicate with base stations that are proximate one another comprises:

accessing a listing of base stations and radioterminals; and

determining from the listing whether the source radioterminal and the destination radioterminal are able to communicate with base stations that are proximate one another.

11. A method according to claim 10 wherein accessing is preceded by:

registering the source radioterminal and the destination radioterminal with the listing.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein the listing is associated with a satellite gateway of the satellite.

13. A method according to claim 11 wherein the listing is associated with a base station.

14. A method according to claim 11 wherein registering is performed after power-on of the source radioterminal, after power-on of the destination radioterminal, after movement of the source radioterminal and/or after movement of the destination radioterminal.

15. A method according to claim 2 wherein using a satellite to selectively route the information among base stations comprises:

determining that at least one destination radioterminal is not able to communicate with a base station that is proximate to a base station with which the source radioterminal is able to communicate; and

using the satellite to route a message from the source radioterminal to the at least one destination radioterminal.

16. A method according to claim 1 wherein the first base station and/or the second base station communicate with radioterminals using frequencies of at least one satellite frequency band.

17. A method according to claim 1 wherein using a satellite to route the information from the first base station to a second base station comprises:

sending a message from the source radioterminal to the first base station;

sending the message from the first base station to the satellite;

sending the message from the satellite to a satellite gateway;

determining by the satellite gateway, that the second base station is able to communicate with the destination radioterminal;

sending the message from the satellite gateway to the satellite along with routing information that identifies the second base station;

sending the message from the satellite to the second base station; and

sending the message from the second base station to the destination radioterminal.

18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the following is performed between sending a message from the source radioterminal to the first base station and sending the message from the first base station to the satellite:

determining whether the destination radioterminal is able to communicate with the first base station; and

wherein sending the message from the first base station to the satellite is selectively performed if the destination radioterminal is not able to communicate with the first base station.

19. A method according to claim 17 wherein the following is performed between sending a message from the source radioterminal to the first base station and sending the message from the first base station to the satellite:

determining whether the second base station is proximate the first base station; and

wherein sending the message from the first base station to the satellite is selectively performed if the second base station is not proximate the first base station.

20. A method according to claim 17 wherein determining by the satellite gateway, the second base station that is able to communicate with the destination radioterminal comprises:

accessing a listing of base stations and radioterminals; and

identifying from the listing the second base station that is able to communicate with the destination radioterminal.

21. A method according to claim 17 wherein sending the message from the first base station to the satellite comprises:

concentrating the message with other communications from the first base station to the satellite.

22. A method according to claim 17 wherein sending the message from the second base station to the destination radioterminal comprises:

de-concentrating the message from other communications from the satellite to the second base station.

23. A method according to claim 17 wherein sending the message from the second base station to the destination radioterminal comprises:

sending the message from the second base station to a plurality of destination radioterminals.

24. A method according to claim 17:

wherein sending the message from the satellite to the second base station comprises sending the message from the satellite to a plurality of second base stations; and

wherein sending the message from the second base station to the destination radioterminal comprises sending the message from the plurality of second base stations to a plurality of destination radioterminals.

25. A method according to claim 17 wherein determining by the satellite gateway, that the second base station is able to communicate with the destination radioterminal is selectively performed for a first message from the source radioterminal to the destination radioterminal and is not performed for a subsequent number of messages from the source radioterminal to the destination radioterminal.

26. A method according to claim 17 wherein the following is performed prior to sending the message from the second base station to the destination radioterminal:

interrogating the destination radioterminal to determine whether it is capable of receiving the message.

27. A method according to claim 26 wherein interrogating is selectively performed for a first message and is not performed for a number of subsequent messages.

28. A method according to claim 17 wherein sending the message from the satellite to the second base station comprises sending the message from the satellite to the second base station using a satellite spot beam that covers at least the second base station.

29. A method according to claim 28 further comprising ignoring the message at one or more base stations other than the second base station.

30. A method according to claim 17 wherein sending a message from the source radioterminal to the first base station comprises:

seizing an uplink channel;

receiving a confirmation in response to the seizing; and

sending the message in response to the receiving.

31. A method according to claim 30 wherein the following is performed between the seizing and the receiving:

determining whether at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the message.

32. A method according to claim 31 wherein determining whether the at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the message comprises determining whether a listing of likely destination radioterminals indicates that the at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the message.

33. A method according to claim 31 wherein determining whether the at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the message comprises interrogating the at least one destination radioterminal.

34. A method according to claim 17 wherein sending a message from the source radioterminal to the first base station comprises:

requesting an uplink channel;

receiving an uplink channel in response to the requesting; and

sending the message in response to the receiving an uplink channel.

35. A method according to claim 34 wherein the following is performed by the first base station between the requesting and the receiving:

determining whether at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the message.

36. A method according to claim 35 wherein determining whether the at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the message comprises determining whether a listing of likely destination radioterminals indicates that the at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the message.

37. A method according to claim 35 wherein determining whether the at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the message comprises interrogating the at least one destination radioterminal.

38. A method according to claim 17 wherein sending a message from the source radioterminal to the first base station is performed using a return link alphabet that comprises fewer symbols than a forward link alphabet that is used to transmit information to the source radioterminal.

39. A method according to claim 38 wherein sending a message from the source radioterminal to the first base station is performed co-channel with at least one other message and wherein the first base station is configured to decode the message and the at least one other message.

40. A method according to claim 39 wherein the message comprises signaling information and/or communications information and wherein the first base station is configured to decode the at least one other message, the signaling information and/or the communications information.

41. A method according to claim 1 wherein using a satellite to route the information from the first base station to a second base station comprises:

sending the information from the first base station to the satellite;

determining a satellite spot beam that covers the second base station; and

sending the information from the satellite to the second base station over the spot beam that covers the second base station.

42. A method according to claim 41 wherein the following is performed between transmitting information from a source radioterminal to a first base station and sending the information from the first base station to the satellite:

determining whether the destination radioterminal is able to communicate with the first base station; and

wherein sending the information from the first base station to the satellite is selectively performed if the destination radioterminal is not able to communicate with the first base station.

43. A method according to claim 41 wherein the following is performed between transmitting information from a source radioterminal to a first base station and sending the information from the first base station to the satellite:

determining whether the second base station is proximate the first base station; and

wherein sending the information from the first base station to the satellite is selectively performed if the second base station is not proximate the first base station.

44. A method according to claim 41 wherein determining a satellite spot beam that covers the second base station comprises:

accessing a listing of base stations and spot beams that are associated therewith; and

identifying from the listing the satellite spot beam that covers the second base station.

45. A method according to claim 41 further comprising:

sending the information from the second base station to one or more destination radioterminals.

46. A method according to claim 41 wherein the satellite spot beam covers at least the second base station.

47. A method according to claim 46 further comprising ignoring the information at one or more base stations other than the second base station.

48. A method according to claim 41 wherein transmitting information from a source radioterminal to a first base station comprises:

seizing an uplink channel;

receiving a confirmation in response to the seizing an uplink channel; and

sending the information from the source radioterminal to the first base station over the uplink channel in response to the receiving a confirmation.

49. A method according to claim 48 wherein the following is performed between the seizing and the receiving:

determining whether at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the information.

50. A method according to claim 49 wherein determining whether the at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the information comprises determining whether a listing of likely destination radioterminals indicates that the at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the information.

51. A method according to claim 49 wherein determining whether the at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the information comprises interrogating the at least one destination radioterminal.

52. A method according to claim 41 wherein transmitting information from a source radioterminal to a first base station comprises:

requesting an uplink channel;

receiving an uplink channel in response to the requesting; and

sending the information from the source radioterminal to the first base station in response to the receiving.

53. A method according to claim 52 wherein the following is performed between the requesting and the receiving:

determining whether at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the information; and

assigning an uplink channel upon determining that the at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the information.

54. A method according to claim 53 wherein determining whether the at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the information comprises determining whether a listing of likely destination radioterminals indicates that the at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the information.

55. A method according to claim 53 wherein determining whether the at least one destination radioterminal is able to receive the information comprises interrogating the at least one destination radioterminal.

56. A method according to claim 41 wherein transmitting information from a source radioterminal to a first base station is performed using a return link alphabet that comprises fewer symbols than a forward link alphabet that is used to transmit information to the radioterminal.

57. A method according to claim 56 wherein transmitting information from a source radioterminal to a first base station is performed co-channel with at least one other message and wherein the first base station is configured to decode the information and the at least one other message.

58. A method according to claim 57 wherein the information comprises signaling information and/or communications information and wherein the first base station is configured to decode the at least one other message, the signaling information and/or the communications information.

59. A method according to claim 1 further comprising:

configuring the source radioterminal to use a first communications protocol;

sending a message from the source radioterminal to the first base station;

sending the message from the first base station to the satellite;

sending the message from the satellite to a second base station;

configuring the destination radioterminal to use the first communications protocol; and

sending the message from the second base station to the destination radioterminal using the first communications protocol.

60. A method according to claim 1 further comprising:

configuring the source radioterminal to use a first communications protocol;

sending a message from the source radioterminal to the first base station;

sending the message from the first base station to the satellite;

sending the message from the satellite to a second base station;

configuring the destination radioterminal to use a second communications protocol that is different from the first communications protocol; and

sending the message from the second base station to the destination radioterminal using the second communications protocol.

61. A method according to claim 1, wherein the channel resource comprises a bandwidth

62. A radioterminal communications system comprising:

a base station that is configured to receive first information from a first radioterminal via a first wireless communications link that is established directly between the first radioterminal and the base station, to transmit the first information to a satellite via a first wireless satellite link, to receive second information from the satellite via a second wireless satellite link and to transmit the second information to a second radioterminal via a second wireless communications link that is established directly between the second radioterminal and the base station;

wherein the first wireless satellite link is configured to reduce, relative to the first wireless communications link, a channel resource that is used to route the first information from the base station to the satellite, the second wireless satellite link is configured to reduce, relative to the second wireless communications link, a channel resource that is used to route the second information from the satellite to the second radioterminal, and wherein the satellite is configured to route the first information to a second base station.

63. A system according to claim 62 wherein the base station is further configured to selectively transmit the first information to the satellite responsive to a location associated with a destination radioterminal.

64. A system according to claim 63 wherein the base station is further configured to determine whether the destination radioterminal is able to communicate with the base station and to transmit the first information to the satellite if the destination radioterminal is not able to communicate with the base station.

65. A system according to claim 64 wherein the base station further comprises:

a listing of base stations and radioterminals that are able to communicate therewith; and

wherein the base station is configured to determine from the listing whether the destination radioterminal is able to communicate with the base station.

66. A system according to claim 65 wherein the base station is further configured to register radioterminals that are able to communicate therewith in the listing.

67. A system according to claim 63 wherein the base station is further configured to determine whether the destination radioterminal is able to communicate with another base station that is proximate the base station and to transmit the first information to the satellite if the destination radioterminal is not able to communicate with another base station that is proximate the base station.

68. A system according to claim 67 wherein the base station further comprises:

a listing of base stations and radioterminals that are able to communicate therewith; and

wherein the base station is configured to determine from the listing whether the destination radioterminal is able to communicate with another base station that is proximate the base station.

69. A system according to claim 68 wherein the base station is further configured to register radioterminals that are able to communicate therewith in the listing.

70. A system according to claim 62 wherein the base station communicates with radioterminals using frequencies of a satellite frequency band.

71. A system according to claim 62 wherein the base station is further configured to concentrate the first information with other communications prior to transmitting the first information and the other communications to the satellite via the first wireless satellite link.

72. A system according to claim 62 wherein the base station is configured to receive the second information from the satellite concentrated with other communications from the satellite over the second wireless satellite link, and wherein the base station is further configured to de-concentrate the second information from the other communications.

73. A system according to claim 62 wherein the base station is further configured to transmit the second information to a plurality of destination radioterminals.

74. A system according to claim 62 wherein the first information and/or the second information comprise(s) signaling information and/or communications information.

75. A system according to claim 62 wherein the base station is further configured to ignore information that is received from the satellite but that does not apply to a radioterminal that is able to communicate with the base station.

76. A system according to claim 62 wherein the base station is further configured to determine whether at least one of a plurality of destination radioterminals is not able to communicate with the base station and to transmit a message from a source radioterminal to the satellite if at least one of the plurality of destination radioterminals is not able to communicate with the base station.

77. A system according to claim 62 wherein the base station is further configured to determine whether at least one of a plurality of destination radioterminals is not able to communicate with another base station that is proximate the base station and to transmit a message from a source radioterminal to the satellite if at least one of the plurality of destination radioterminals is not able to communicate with another base station that is proximate the base station.

78. A system according to claim 62 wherein the base station is further configured to receive a message from a radioterminal over a return link using a return link alphabet and to send a message to a radioterminal over a forward link using a forward link alphabet;

wherein the forward link alphabet comprises a number of symbols that exceeds a number of symbols included in the return link alphabet.

79. A system according to claim 78 wherein the base station is further configured to receive the message from the radioterminal over the return link co-channel with at least one other message, and wherein the base station is configured to decode the message and the at least one other message.

80. A system according to claim 62, wherein the channel resource comprises a bandwidth.

81. A radioterminal communications system comprising:

a satellite gateway that is configured to route information between first and second base stations using a first wireless satellite link between the first base station and a satellite and a second wireless satellite link between the second base station and the satellite;

wherein the first and second base stations directly communicate with respective first and second radioterminals using respective first and second wireless communications links that are each configured to reduce, relative to at least one of the first and second wireless satellite links, a channel resource that is used to route the information between the first base station and the second base station via the first and second wireless satellite links.

82. A system according to claim 81 wherein the satellite gateway is configured to selectively route messages among base stations via the satellite.

83. A system according to claim 82 wherein the satellite gateway is configured to selectively route messages among base stations by routing a message from a source base station to a destination base station if the source base station and the destination base station are not the same base station.

84. A system according to claim 82 wherein the satellite gateway further comprises:

a listing of base stations and radioterminals; and

wherein the satellite gateway is configured to determine the destination base station from the listing.

85. A system according to claim 83 wherein the satellite gateway is further configured to register radioterminals with the listing.

86. A system according to claim 85 wherein a radioterminal is registered with the listing following power-on of the radioterminal and/or following a movement of the radioterminal.

87. A system according to claim 86 wherein the satellite gateway is configured to selectively route messages among base stations by routing a message from a source base station to a destination base station if the source base station and the destination base station are not proximate one another.

88. A system according to claim 84 wherein the satellite gateway further comprises:

a listing of base stations and radioterminals; and

wherein the gateway is configured to determine the destination base station from the listing.

89. A system according to claim 88 wherein the satellite gateway is further configured to register radioterminals with the listing.

90. A system according to claim 89 wherein a radioterminal is registered with the listing following power-on of the radioterminal and/or following a movement of the radioterminal.

91. A system according to claim 81 wherein the satellite gateway is configured to route a message among terrestrial base stations by receiving the message from the satellite including an identification of a destination, determining a destination base station that is associated with the identification of the destination and sending the message back to the satellite along with the routing information that identifies the destination base station.

92. A system according to claim 91 wherein the following is performed between determining a destination base station and sending the message back to the satellite along with routing information that identifies the destination base station:

interrogating a destination radioterminal to determine whether it is capable of receiving the message.

93. A system according to claim 92 wherein interrogating is selectively performed for a first message and is not performed for a number of subsequent messages.

94. A system according to claim 81 wherein the satellite gateway is configured to route information among base stations by routing signaling information and/or communications information among base stations.

95. A system according to claim 81, wherein the channel resource comprises a bandwidth.

96. A radioterminal communications system comprising:

a satellite that is configured to route information between first and second base stations via respective first and second wireless satellite links between the satellite and the first and second base stations;

wherein the first and second base stations directly communicate with respective first and second radioterminals using respective first and second wireless communications links that are each configured to reduce, relative to at least one of the first and second wireless satellite links, a channel resource that is used to route the information between the first base station and the second base station via the first and second wireless satellite links.

97. A system according to claim 96 wherein the satellite is configured to selectively route messages among base stations by routing a message from a source base station to a destination base station if the source base station and the destination base station are not the same base station.

98. A system according to claim 97 wherein the satellite further comprises:

a listing of base stations and radioterminals; and

wherein the satellite is configured to determine the destination base station from the listing.

99. A system according to claim 98 wherein the satellite is further configured to register radioterminals with the listing.

100. A system according to claim 99 wherein a radioterminal is registered with the listing following power-on of the radioterminal and/or following a movement of the radioterminal.

101. A system according to claim 96 wherein the satellite is configured to selectively route messages among base stations by routing a message from a source base station to a destination base station if the source base station and the destination base station are not proximate one another.

102. A system according to claim 101 wherein the satellite further comprises:

a listing of base stations and radioterminals; and

wherein the satellite is configured to determine the destination base station from the listing.

103. A system according to claim 102 wherein the satellite is further configured to register radioterminals with the listing.

104. A system according to claim 103 wherein a radioterminal is registered with the listing following power-on of the radioterminal and/or following a movement of the radioterminal.

105. A system according to claim 96 wherein the satellite is further configured to receive a message from a source base station including an identification of a destination and to send the message to a destination base station that is associated with the identification of the destination.

106. A system according to claim 105 wherein the satellite is further configured to receive the message along with other communications from the source base station.

107. A system according to claim 105 wherein the satellite is configured to send the message to the destination base station along with other communications from the satellite.

108. A system according to claim 105 wherein the satellite is further configured to send the message to a plurality of destination base stations.

109. A system according to claim 105 wherein the satellite is further configured to selectively determine a destination base station for a first message but not for a number of subsequent messages.

110. A system according to claim 105 wherein a destination radioterminal is interrogated to determine whether it is capable of receiving the message.

111. A system according to claim 110 wherein the destination radioterminal is selectively interrogated for a first message and is not interrogated for a number of subsequent messages.

112. A system according to claim 105 wherein the satellite is configured to send the message to the destination base station by sending the message over a satellite spot beam that covers at least the destination base station.

113. A system according to claim 96 wherein the satellite is further configured to route signaling information and/or communications information among base stations.

114. A system according to claim 96 wherein the satellite is configured to route messages among base stations by receiving a message from a source base station, determining a satellite spot beam that covers a destination base station and sending the message to the destination base station over the satellite spot beam that was determined.

115. A system according to claim 114 wherein the satellite is configured to determine the satellite spot beam that covers a destination base station by accessing a listing of base stations, radioterminals and satellite spot beams and identifying from the listing the satellite spot beam that covers the destination base station.

116. A system according to claim 114 wherein the satellite spot beam that was determined covers at least the destination base station.

117. A system according to claim 96, wherein the channel resource comprises a bandwidth.