초록 ▼

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 dev

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.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [10.] 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 comp

[ What is claimed is:] [10.] 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; anda 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; anda 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.