초록 ▼

A satellite communications system (10) has a controller for improving and optimizing the delivery of path diversity in a satellite repeater-based communication system, thereby conserving both FDM channels and satellite power utilization. The reception of communications is improved, when one or more

A satellite communications system (10) has a controller for improving and optimizing the delivery of path diversity in a satellite repeater-based communication system, thereby conserving both FDM channels and satellite power utilization. The reception of communications is improved, when one or more orbiting satellite repeater (12) transmitters is blocked or severely faded, by recognizing the need for satellite path diversity on a real-time or near real-time basis. A user terminal (13) is thus enabled to receive sufficient signal strength to avoid having an ongoing call automatically terminated. The system optimizes satellite path diversity applied to (a) classes (types) of user terminals and/or (b) to individual user terminals as a function of location and also a local RF propagation environment of the user terminal. In addition, a consideration is made of the satellite resources that are available at any given point in time, and may restrict or limit the availability of satellite path diversity, thereby increasing overall system capacity.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A communications system, comprising:a plurality of communication signal repeaters;a communication signal transmitter having a plurality of antennas for selectively transmitting a communication signal to at least one of said plurality of communication signal repeaters;a co

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A communications system, comprising:a plurality of communication signal repeaters;a communication signal transmitter having a plurality of antennas for selectively transmitting a communication signal to at least one of said plurality of communication signal repeaters;a communication signal receiver for receiving a communication signal from said communication signal transmitter through said at least one communication signal repeater; andcontrol means, responsive to information specifying at least a location of said communication signal receiver and further information describing a stored map of a communication signal propagation environment at the location of said communication signal receiver, for specifying a number of said communication signal repeaters to be used in repeating a communication signal that is transmitted from said transmitter to said receiver via said specified number of communication signal repeaters.