초록 ▼

A method for use in a satellite communications system (20) of a type that has at least one satellite (22) having forward and reverse beams each comprised of sub-beams for relaying user communications between a ground station (24) and user terminals (30). In a first embodiment forward and reverse ant

A method for use in a satellite communications system (20) of a type that has at least one satellite (22) having forward and reverse beams each comprised of sub-beams for relaying user communications between a ground station (24) and user terminals (30). In a first embodiment forward and reverse antenna systems are separately optimized for their intended applications without regard for maintaining congruence between antenna beam sub-beams at the surface of the earth. In a second embodiment a method optimizes signal flow between the ground station and the user terminals and includes the steps of: (a) determining user terminal RF signal conditions within the sub-beams of at least one of the forward and reverse beams; and (b) in response to the determined RF signal conditions, re-allocating sub-beams of at least one of the forward and reverse beams such that the totality of the sub-beams of the forward beam are non-congruent with the totality of the sub-beams of the reverse beam, at the surface of the earth, while maintaining the forward beam substantially congruent with the reverse beam, at the surface of the earth. The step of determining includes a step of maintaining a database that stores a map of the sub-beams. In one embodiment of this invention the steps of determining and maintaining are executed at the ground station, while in another embodiment the steps of determining and maintaining are executed on-board the satellite.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A satellite communications system of a type having at least one satellite that projects forward and reverse beams that move across the surface of the earth, each of said beams being comprised of sub-beams for relaying user communications between a ground station and user

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A satellite communications system of a type having at least one satellite that projects forward and reverse beams that move across the surface of the earth, each of said beams being comprised of sub-beams for relaying user communications between a ground station and user terminals, said system further comprising a data processor for determining user terminal RF signal conditions within said sub-beams of at least one of said forward and reverse beams, said data processor being responsive to said determined RF signal conditions for re-allocating sub-beams of at least one of said forward and reverse beams such that the totality of the sub-beams of the forward beam are non-congruent with the totality of the sub-beams of the reverse beam, at the surface of the earth, while maintaining the forward beam substantially congruent with the reverse beam, at the surface of the earth.