Communication system employing space-based and terrestrial telecommunications equipment
First Claim
1. Communication apparatus comprising:
- a telestation comprising;
a transceiver;
a computer coupled to transceiver, which computer provides for command and data handling;
a GPS receiver coupled to the computer, which receiver provides position, attitude and time data to the computer; and
a power supply coupled to the transceiver, the computer, and the GPS receiver to provide power thereto;
data-gathering apparatus coupled to the computer, which apparatus provides a means for gathering data indicative of predetermined events;
a user terminal comprising voice and data transceivers, which user terminal generates instrument commands;
a communication gateway having a gateway transceiver;
a communication link coupled between the user terminal and the communication gateway; and
a satellite-based communications system having a plurality of satellite transceivers for communicating between the transceiver in the user terminal and the transceiver in the telestation;
and wherein instrument commands generated at the user terminal are communicated via the communication link to the communication gateway, which uplinks the commands to the satellite-based communications system, which relays the uplinked commands to the transceiver in the telestation, and wherein the computer interprets the commands to configure and control the data-gathering apparatus;
and wherein data gathered by the data-gathering apparatus is processed by the computer and is transmitted by the transceiver in the telestation by way of the satellite-based communications system to the gateway, which transmits the data to the user terminal by way of the communication link.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A communications system employing a telestation that uses a computer to provide command and data handling, a GPS receiver to provide position, time, and attitude information, and a transceiver to provide two-way wireless digital communications. The computer is coupled to an instrument, measuring device, or payload, and is controlled to relay data generated thereby to a user. Commands and data are uplinked and downlinked to the telestation by way of a satellite network, such as a Globalstar network. The telestation provides a user with real-time command and control of globally distributed instruments. This capability may be used terrestrially for gathering information (e.g., science, environmental, etc.) in remote or inhospitable locations, or where logistical support is inadequate. An in-orbit version may be used for spacecraft or satellite instruments 15, allowing investigators instant access to the instruments during all phases of a mission.
76 Citations
18 Claims
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1. Communication apparatus comprising:
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a telestation comprising; a transceiver; a computer coupled to transceiver, which computer provides for command and data handling; a GPS receiver coupled to the computer, which receiver provides position, attitude and time data to the computer; and a power supply coupled to the transceiver, the computer, and the GPS receiver to provide power thereto; data-gathering apparatus coupled to the computer, which apparatus provides a means for gathering data indicative of predetermined events; a user terminal comprising voice and data transceivers, which user terminal generates instrument commands; a communication gateway having a gateway transceiver; a communication link coupled between the user terminal and the communication gateway; and a satellite-based communications system having a plurality of satellite transceivers for communicating between the transceiver in the user terminal and the transceiver in the telestation; and wherein instrument commands generated at the user terminal are communicated via the communication link to the communication gateway, which uplinks the commands to the satellite-based communications system, which relays the uplinked commands to the transceiver in the telestation, and wherein the computer interprets the commands to configure and control the data-gathering apparatus; and wherein data gathered by the data-gathering apparatus is processed by the computer and is transmitted by the transceiver in the telestation by way of the satellite-based communications system to the gateway, which transmits the data to the user terminal by way of the communication link. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. Communication apparatus comprising:
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a telestation comprising; a transceiver; a computer coupled to transceiver, which computer provides for command and data handling; a GPS receiver coupled to the computer, which receiver provides position, attitude and time data to the computer; and a power supply coupled to the transceiver, the computer, and the GPS receiver to provide power thereto; a user terminal comprising voice and data transceivers, which user terminal generates instrument commands; a communication gateway having a gateway transceiver; a communication link coupled between the user terminal and the communication gateway; and a satellite-based communications system having a plurality of satellite transceivers for communicating between the transceiver in the user terminal and the transceiver in the telestation; and wherein commands generated at the user terminal are communicated via the communication link to the communication gateway, which uplinks the commands to the satellite-based communications system, which relays the uplinked commands to the transceiver in the telestation, and wherein the computer interprets the commands to configure and control the telestation. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification