초록 ▼

A local broadcast mode operation is implemented in a point-to-point satellite communications system (10) by utilizing a terrestrial reference terminal or phone (20) that is located within a desired zone of broadcast operation (24). A broadcast service provider (16) places a call to this reference ph

A local broadcast mode operation is implemented in a point-to-point satellite communications system (10) by utilizing a terrestrial reference terminal or phone (20) that is located within a desired zone of broadcast operation (24). A broadcast service provider (16) places a call to this reference phone through a terrestrial gateway (12) and at least one satellite (18, 19), and then transmits desired broadcast data to the reference phone. The reference phone receives the broadcast data and functions in a conventional manner to provide power control and related satellite handoff feedback information to the gateway. Authorized user terminals (22) within the zone of broadcast operation are enabled to receive the same signal transmitted to the reference phone by placing a call through the gateway to the broadcast service provider. The broadcast service provider verifies the calling user terminal, and the calling user terminal is then directed to switch to the same frequency, spreading code (for a CDMA embodiment), and encryption key (if employed) that is assigned to the reference phone. Preferably only the reference phone closes the power control link with the gateway through the satellite.

대표청구항 ▼

[What is claimed is:] [1.]initiating a call between a reference phone and a broadcast service provider, the reference phone being located at a terrestrial location;assigning call parameters to the reference phone with a terrestrial satellite communication controller for completing the call between t

[What is claimed is:] [1.]initiating a call between a reference phone and a broadcast service provider, the reference phone being located at a terrestrial location;assigning call parameters to the reference phone with a terrestrial satellite communication controller for completing the call between the broadcast service provider and the reference phone;transmitting information from the broadcast service provider to the reference phone, the information being transmitted through a terrestrial gateway and at least one earth orbiting satellite over a forward RF link;calling a predetermined telephone number associated with the broadcast service provider from a user terminal in the vicinity of the terrestrial location of the reference phone;assigning call parameters with the terrestrial satellite communication controller to the user terminal for enabling the user terminal to receive the same information as the reference phone, the same information being transmitted through the terrestrial gateway and the at least one earth orbiting satellite over the forward RF link; andreceiving the transmitted information with the user terminal, the transmitted information being received simultaneously by the reference phone; whereinthe step of transmitting information from the broadcast service provider to the reference phone includes a step of determining, in the reference phone, signal quality information for the forward RF link, and a step of transmitting the determined signal quality information from the reference phone to the terrestrial gateway through the at least one earth orbiting satellite for enabling the terrestrial gateway to control at least the transmitted power of the forward RF link to the reference Phone and to the user terminal in accordance with the forward RF link signal quality information that is determined by the reference phone.