• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:

    公开号:NL1007634A1
    申请号:NL1007634
    申请日:1997-11-27
    公开日:1998-06-03
    发明作者:Kenneth Lee Sowles；Peter Joseph Armbruster；Daniel Richard Tayloe；Raymond Joseph Leopold
    申请人:Motorola Inc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Field of the Invention. Satellite Communications System and Method thereof
    The present invention relates to worldwide mobile communications and in particular a satellite cellular telephone and data communications network.
    Background of the invention
    U.S. Patent Nos. 5,410,728 and 5,509,004, both owned by the owner of the present invention, disclose a communications network that includes both space-based network switching centers and ground-based network switching centers to provide acceptable service quality for both basic communications services as additional communication services. Satellite configurations for satellite cellular telephone communication systems are shown in those patents. In those configurations, a number of satellites in low Earth orbit ("LEO") are used. The satellites are in continuous motion with respect to Earth. The satellite cellular structures are somewhat analogous to current cellular mobile phone systems. In cellular mobile systems, cellular regions are fixed and the users are mobile. When a user travels from one cell area to another, the phone call is transferred from one cellular switching unit to another. In the satellite system of the '728 and' 400 patents, users are relatively stationary at any given time while the satellites that make up the cells are in continuous motion. A portable or mobile-mounted cellular phone connects to one of the satellites directly from the portable mobile, mounted or remotely attached phone to one of the nearest satellite switches. If a satellite, which initially served as a switching unit for a specific user, leaves a cell of that switch, the user's call is "transferred" to the appropriate adjacent cell. Adjacent cells can be cells within a satellite or cells from other satellites placed in a specific orbit plane or an adjacent orbit plane. Users can "roam" but this roaming distance is relatively small compared to the travel distance of the satellite switches.
    In accordance with the cellular cellular telephone systems, the satellite et cell1 communication systems provide spectral efficiency. This means that the same frequency can be used simultaneously by different satellite switches.
    Spectral efficiency is provided by the spatial diversity between satellite switch and users. The users can go anywhere on a landmass. on the water, or in the air, at a height lower than that of the LEO satellites. For example, a person in a place on Earth can summon another person on Earth, a person in a boat, or a person in an airplane.
    The previously described system provides a communications network that includes both space-based network switching centers and ground-based network switching centers to provide acceptable service quality for both basic communication services and additional communication services. Making calls in a system of this type requires the use of ground-based switching networks. Several regulatory authorities may be involved in developing tariffs for services using such a cellular system. In addition, the routing of telephone calls via the Public Switched Telephone Network ("PSTN") results in so-called "tail charges" for each call.
    Brief description of the drawing
    Fig. 1 shows a satellite switching system configuration in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
    Fig. 2 shows a block diagram showing the connection of satellite switching units with associated mobile users according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
    Fig. 3 shows a block diagram showing the connection of satellite switching units with associated users and connection to the public switched telephone network according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
    Fig. 4 shows a first intermediate operational status of the communication network according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
    Fig. 5 shows a second intermediate operational status of the communication network according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
    Fig. 6 shows a third intermediate operational status of the communication network according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
    Fig. 7 shows the final operational status of the communication network during call processing according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and
    Fig. 8 shows a flow chart of a method performed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
    Detailed description of the preferred output form
    With reference to FIG. 1, a satellite configuration is shown for the satellite 1 cell 1 ul telephone communications network. In this configuration, a number of satellites, such as satellites 10, 20 and 30, are shown in low earth orbit (Low Earth Orbit "LEO"). A number of Line satellites placed in each orbital plane. Satellites in orbiting planes 3 through 8 provide link coverage for the entire Earth. Each satellite includes a satellite switching unit (not shown), suitable antennas 11 and an expanding array of solar cells 12 with storage batteries (not shown) connected to the solar panels to provide power for the switching unit. The satellite buses or vehicles themselves are LEO satellites as they are commercially available. The satellites are orbited by a launch vehicle. The solar cell array is opened in the orbit and the switching unit is activated. The satellites are then individually commissioned via standard telemetry tracking and control channels to form the network.
    In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one additional satellite 1000 is added. The additional satellite 1000, in a preferred embodiment, is placed in a high earth orbit ("HEO"), preferably a geosynchronous orbit. In this geosynchronous orbit, it will be able to have direct-vision communication with each of the satellites within at least visibility in a hemisphere of the Earth's surface. The additional satellite 1000 includes a telecommunications switching network which functions as a feed-through switch. A transit station switch provides telephony functions and services, including but not limited to, for example, routing, tracking of user positions and subscriber profile management. It includes antenna 1111 and solar panels 1112. By enabling the satellite 1000 to act as a transit station, the routing of communication signals from one user 15 to a second user 16 can be performed without using a ground-based switching network (provided subscribers 15 and 16 use subscriber units ("SUs")) to communicate directly through one or more associated LEO satellites.
    More specifically, in case user 15 in FIG. 1 has an SU and picks up the hook, its request for a service is received by a particular satellite 10. A frequency channel is assigned to user 15 and the desired caller's number is then routed through the system. Each LEO satellite is a distributed local processor. Satellite 10 switches the call to the correct cell, included in its own cell supplement or in the cell supplement of the f 'correct satellite. Satellite 10 will make a decision that the called user can be accessed through satellite transit station 1000. In that case, a path is established through a connection from satellite 10 to satellite 1000. which in turn acts as a transit station switch and establishes a connection. brings to satellite 20. Satellite 20 in turn establishes a connection with the called user. Therefore, a system in accordance with the invention includes a plurality of LEO or first satellites and at least a second type satellite that is a transit station satellite to establish communication channels between the first satellites in the LEO constellation.
    The two users 15 and 16 shown have portable SUs. Users may be in a boat on the water, in a moving vehicle or in the air, or be part of a public switched telephone network ("PSTN") where the connection is through a transit station. Each LEO satellite is a local processor. The system determines to which suitable satellite or cell the call should be forwarded. Each LEO satellite determines an optimal path from itself to the next suitable satellite. These decisions can be made based on the office code portion of the called user's phone number.
    As shown in Fig. 1, it should be noted that more than one transit station satellite may be provided in the global network. As shown in Fig. 1, a second transit station satellite 2000 is shown. When establishing connections between two users, which are located at a great distance from each other, connections can be established between the transit station satellites. So would. in such a type of arrangement, a user 15 would like to speak to user 17, then a path can be established from user 15 via LEO satellite 10 to transit station satellite 1000, which would have direct-vision communication with transit station satellite 2000 and establish a connection therewith would bring. Transit station satellite 2000, in turn, would establish a path via LEO satellite 30 to user 17.
    Multiple transfer station satellites may be communicating with each other or with the ground-based transfer stations to determine the position of a called subscriber, but the voice path would only flow through the LEO satellites, with the transfer station satellites providing the call handling control of the call (that is, the call set-up. tapering. invocation of additional services, announcements, etc.)
    Placing only a relatively small number of transit station satellites in an HEO, global switching network coverage can be provided, with all switching taking place in space. Depending on the location of the transfer station satellites. three or four transit station switching satellites can cover virtually the entire world.
    Fig. 2 shows the connection between the satellites in providing a telephone connection described in connection with Fig. 1. Satellites 10 and 20 are each LEO satellites while in the illustrated embodiment satellite 1000 is a high Earth orbit ("HEO") satellite, which in the preferred embodiment may be in a geosynchronous orbit. It is to be understood, however, that satellite 1000 may be part of a constellation of HEO satellites, which may or may not be in geosynchronous orbit.
    Mobile user 15 establishes a connection 101 to satellite 10. Satellite 10, in turn, uses the called number received from user 15. to make a decision to use satellite transit station 1000. A connection 1001 is then established between satellite 10 and satellite 1000. Satellite 1000, in turn, decides that the called party, i.e. user 16, can be served via satellite 20. Satellite 1000 establishes a connection 1002 to satellite 20 , which in turn establishes a connection 102 to user 16. The connections between the satellites, connection 1001 and 1002, can be implemented via data transmission on a microwave beam or, for example, via a laser beam.
    Sometimes satellite transit station 1000 is used to make calls; which means that a voice communication link is established between satellites 10 and 20 without passing through satellite transit station 1000. However, if the call path involved additional services such as, for example, multiparty calls, the voice communication would be sent via satellite transit station since satellites 10 and 20 do not include essential central office functions for multiparty calls. which are included in satellite transit station 1000.
    Connection between the satellites and its mobile users is achieved, for example, via bundles 101 and 102. These bundles are achieved via the satellite connection antennas for up and down traffic, which provide communication to users via the user's omnidirectional antennas.
    Each of the LEO satellites such as satellite 20 is capable of transmitting and receiving data from a transit station. The transit station may be located in the satellite, such as satellite 1000, or it may be a ground-based transit station. The through-station connection to ground-based through-stations can be accomplished using packaged data connections similar to satellite and satellite connections.
    Referring to Fig. 3 is a second illustrative. connection between two users is shown. User 15 is again a user with a portable SU phone and wishes to establish a telephone connection with user 16, who in this case does not have a portable SU phone, but a conventional phone connected to PSTN 50. In this case, user 15 back on the hook to request a service. This request for a channel is again received by satellite 10 via connection 101. A frequency channel is assigned to user 15 and the called user's number is routed through the system. In this case, satellite 10 decides that transit station satellite 1000 is to be used again and establishes connection 1001 to satellite 1000. Satellite 1000 performs the required transit station or switching functions, including, for example, registration and / or authentication. Satellite 1000 in turn establishes connection 1002 to satellite 20. Satellite 20, in turn, establishes connection 1003 to ground-based transit station 40. Transit station 40, in turn, includes units that connect to PSTN 50. As a result of satellite 20 being connected to PSTN 50 via transit station 40, user 15 of the satellite cellular system can connect directly to bundle 101 with satellite 10, transmit voice or data via the satellite structure (satellite to satellite via corresponding connections) through transit station 40 and through PSTN 50 to a selected user 17 of PSTN 50. Transfer station satellite 1000 remains in the call control path for call origination, -phasing out or providing additional services if required, but the user data (e.g. the talk path) is transferred between satellites 10 and 20 in low earth orbit.
    Satellite 1000 and transit station 40 are switching centers for the telecommunications network. Each switching center receives incoming signals from a plurality of sources and switches the incoming signals to a plurality of destinations. In the preferred embodiment, these signals may be digital packets that carry signaling or communication data. Signaling data displays messages that control the operation of the switching services provided by the network. Communication data represents the charge information. whose transfer is the target of the network.
    Each ground based transit station 40 includes a ground termination controller ("ETC") that communicates directly with the satellite and a mobile switching center ("MSC") to interface an ETC to the PSTN. Satellite 1000 includes an MSC of the type used in the earth-based global mobile telecommunications system. MSCs use the intelligence needed to make connections between semi-conversations, where a semi-conversation represents one end-user or party in a connected conversation. Such compounds are defined in a conventional manner. In addition, MSCs in the throughput of satellite 1000 provide both basic switching services and additional switching services, again in a conventional manner.
    Figures 4 to 7 show the operational states of the communication network at various points in the dynamic internal switching process. Figures 4 to 7 show the process of establishing a connection between telephone users 15 and 16 of Figs. 2 via LEO satellites 10 and 20 and transit station satellite 1000 which includes an MSC. Although the process has been shown and described with respect to two portable telephone user units. each served by a different satellite, the process is valid throughout the telecommunications network to support all combinations of elements including, but not limited to, two portable SU users 15 and 16 each served by different LEO satellites 10, 20 and by the same satellite passthrough station 1000. The process of establishing links between system users comprises several steps performed by different user units that include both portable telephones and conventional telephones. LEO satellites. satellite-based transit stations, ground-based transit stations, all of which are described above in conjunction with the other figures. Portable user units. LEO satellites and transit station satellites are each controlled by a computer and preferably include one or more processors, microprocessors, controllers and the like which execute program instructions stored in memories thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the dynamic internal switching process used may be implemented through such program instructions in a manner known to those skilled in the art of computer controlled equipment. Experts will also recognize that each of the user units, LEO satellites and transit stations satellites perform other steps that are not relevant to dynamic internal switching. Such other steps may include research tasks and other programming mechanisms that evaluate or otherwise determine various stimuli to change or not change the program flow described here.
    Fig. 8 shows a flow chart of a method performed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. 8 will be discussed in conjunction with FIG. 4 through 7. In FIG. 8, the process of establishing a connection between calling user 15 and called user 16 includes a step 810 in which user 15 obtains a signaling channel 101 from LEO satellite 10. In step 820, initial stages of call origination occur in a conventional manner and involve transmitting different signaling messages via channel 101 between the user unit 15 and satellite 10. Satellite 10 collects the different information from the signaling channel and determines from that information that access to transit station satellite 1000 is required. In step 830, satellite 10 requests access to transit state satellite 1000 over link 1001, as shown in FIG. 5. In step 840, transit station satellite 1000 determines the position of the called party to determine a suitable LEO satellite 20 to access it, as shown in Fig. 5.
    In step 850, transfer station satellite 1000 authenticates and / or registers the user. If the user is previously registered. authenticates transit station satellite 1000 that registration. However, if the user has not previously been registered, the registration information will be included.
    Transfer station satellite 1000 provides call setup information to satellite 20 through link 1002 in step '860. This allows the called party to access satellite 20 in step 870, as shown in FIG. 5. The transfer station satellite 1000 then establishes a connection to the called user 16 in step 880 via satellite 20 and connection 102, as shown in FIG. 5. The next system step 890, as shown in Fig. 8 it is to establish a communication path. Establishing the communication path is shown in FIG. 6 and 7.
    Continuing with Fig. 6, once a signaling path is established between users 15 and 16, a communication path is established between user 15 and satellite 10 via connection 111. A communication path is established from LEO satellite 10 to transit station satellite 1000 via connection 1011.
    Continuing with Fig. 7. The transfer station satellite 1000 establishes a communication path with LEO satellite 20 through connection 1022 and a communication path is established between satellite 20 and user 16 via connection 122. A complete communication path is thereby established between user 15 and user 16 via LEO satellites 10, 20 and transit station satellite 1000. The communication path remains in space due to the internal switching performed by satellites 10, 20 and transit station satellite 1000 and the connections between the satellites. Most of the communication services provided by the satellite network are typical basic services. Therefore, the internal switching in satellites 10, 20 and 1000 greatly improves the quality of service for general communications services. Furthermore, conventional ETC 70 and MSC 72 can provide connections through the PSTN 50 to users who do not have SUs. A clear advantage of providing the switching functions in a satellite-based system is that the so-called "tail charges", which are levied when connections are made via PSTN 50, can be reduced by limiting connections via the PSTN 50 by appropriate choice of LEO satellites based on the location of the called user. A tail charge is a charge levied by an operation of the PSTN through which a call is connected. In the cases described with respect to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 through 7, the tail lift can be completely eliminated when there is a connection between SU user 15 and SU user 16. In those cases, there is no need to use the PSTN.
    The invention provides an improved communication network and method for operating that communication network. The communications network includes a space-based transit station switching center operating in conjunction with LEO satellites to provide acceptable service quality for both basic communications services and supplementary communications services.
    The invention has been described above with respect to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made to these preferred embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, although satellites 10 and 20 have been described as located in low Earth orbits, satellites 10 and 20 may also be located in medium-altitude Earth orbits.
    权利要求:
    Claims (10)
    [1]
    A satellite communication system for providing communication paths between a first user and a second user, the system comprising: satellites placed in orbit, each satellite comprising a switching network; at least one transit station satellite positioned to communicate with the satellites via communication links to perform a call setup; a first connection that couples the first user to a first satellite of the satellites; a second connection that couples the second user to a second satellite of the satellites; a third link that couples the first satellite to the transit station satellite; a fourth link that couples the second satellite to the transit satellite; and wherein the transit station satellite establishes a communication path between the first and second users via the first, second, third and fourth connections.
    [2]
    The satellite communication switching system of claim 1, wherein the first and second satellites are positioned at an elevation corresponding to a low earth orbit.
    [3]
    The satellite communication system of claim 2. wherein the transit station satellite is placed in geosynchronous orbit.
    [4]
    The satellite communication system of claim 2, wherein the transit station satellite is located in a high earth orbit.
    [5]
    The satellite communication switching system of claim 1. wherein the transit station satellite is placed in geosynchronous orbit.
    [6]
    The satellite communication switching system of claim 1, wherein the transit station satellite is located in a high earth orbit.
    [7]
    The satellite communication system of claim 1, wherein the transit station satellite comprises user authorization and recording devices.
    [8]
    A method of operating a space-based network for establishing a communication path between a first user and a second user, comprising the steps of: a) establishing a first signaling path between the first user and a first satellite, the first satellite comprising a switching system; b) accessing a transit station satellite via an inter-satellite communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite; c) establishing a second inter-satellite communication link between the transit station satellite and a second satellite, the second satellite comprising a switching system; d) establishing a second signaling path between the transit station satellite and the second user so that the first user is able to communicate with the second user; and e) using the first and second signaling paths to establish a communication path between the first and second users.
    [9]
    The method of claim 8, wherein step a) comprises the steps: a1) collecting destination information generated by the first user concerning the second user; and a2) collecting identifying information regarding the first user.
    [10]
    The method of claim 9, comprising the step of using the identifying information in the transit station satellite to authenticate and register the first user.
    类似技术:
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    JPH10163948A|1998-06-19|
    FR2756696A1|1998-06-05|
    GB2319929A|1998-06-03|
    RU97119747A|1999-10-27|
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    IL121823D0|1998-02-22|
    IT1295842B1|1999-05-28|
    ITRM970673A1|1999-05-05|
    BR9705707A|1999-03-30|
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    法律状态:
    1998-08-03| AD1A| A request for search or an international type search has been filed|
    2001-12-03| RD2N| Patents in respect of which a decision has been taken or a report has been made (novelty report)|Effective date: 20011023 |
    优先权:
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    US08/753,751|US6047161A|1996-11-29|1996-11-29|Satellite communication system and method thereof|
    US75375196|1996-11-29|
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