초록 ▼

A cellular system for distributing a plurality of television programs in a desired service area. A plurality of groups of spaced transmitting antennas are disposed substantially on the peripheries of adjacent cells disposed in the service area. The antennas are directional and directed to propagate

A cellular system for distributing a plurality of television programs in a desired service area. A plurality of groups of spaced transmitting antennas are disposed substantially on the peripheries of adjacent cells disposed in the service area. The antennas are directional and directed to propagate substantially simulcast signals into the cell with which the antenna is associated so that the propagation patterns of the transmitting antennas associated with the cell overlaps over substantially a major portion of the area enclosed within the cell. Antennas disposed substantially on the peripheries of adjacent cells propagate directional signals into each of the adjacent cells. In a broadcast version the frequencies of the signals transmitted by all of the antennas are the same. In a dedicated service version the frequencies of the signals transmitted into adjacent cells are different. In the broadcast version an omni-directional antenna may be utilized in a centrally located disposition in the overall service area. The signals are broadcast as spread spectrum signals and the receivers include despreaders with Rake capabilities. Provision may be made for increasing the transmitted power of selected antennas to counteract adverse atmospheric conditions such as rain. The system may be used to provide video-on-demand and other interactive video services.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A system comprising:a plurality of groups of spaced transmitting antennas disposed substantially on the peripheries of adjacent cells within a service area;each of said transmitting antennas being directional and directed to propagate substantially simulcast broadband signals in a

[ We claim:] [1.] A system comprising:a plurality of groups of spaced transmitting antennas disposed substantially on the peripheries of adjacent cells within a service area;each of said transmitting antennas being directional and directed to propagate substantially simulcast broadband signals in a first directional pattern into at least the cell bounded by the periphery with which the antenna is associated;the propagation patterns of the transmitting antennas of a cell with whose periphery they are associated being of a shape and extent so as to overlap over substantially a major portion of the area enclosed within said periphery;plural receivers in each of multiple cells receiving multiple time separated versions of said broadband signals and having a signal processing device processing said versions of said broadband signals to provide a substantially single output signal; anddisplay devices connected to receive said substantially single output signal and provide a sensorially perceptible display corresponding to at least a portion of said substantially single output signal.