CN101099305A - Satellite communications systems and methods using radiotelephone location-based beamforming - Google Patents

Abstract

A processor for use in a satellite communications system includes a selector that is configured to select a subset of a plurality of spatially diverse satellite signals based upon a location of a radioterminal. The processor further includes a signal processor that is configured to detect a return-link transmission from the radioterminal responsive to the selected subset of the spatially diverse satellite signals. The respective spatially diverse satellite signals may include respective signals corresponding to respective antenna elements of a satellite. The selector and the signal processor may be ground based.

Description

Use is based on the satellite communication system and the method for the beam shaping of radiotelephone location

Related application

The application requires the rights and interests of the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/572164 of submission on May 18th, 2004, by reference it intactly is incorporated into this.

Technical field

The present invention relates to wireless communication system and method, more particularly, relate to satellite communication system and method.

Background technology

Satellite communication system and method are widely used in voice and/or data communication.Satellite communication system and method generally adopt at least one parts based on the space, one or more satellites for example, it/they are configured to communicate with wireless mode and a plurality of wireless terminal.

Satellite communication system or method can utilize covering that the individual antenna wave beam (antenna pattern) of the whole service area of service is provided by system.As an alternative, in cellular satellite communications systems and method, provide a plurality of antenna beam/sub-districts (antenna pattern), wherein each can be served the completely different geographic area in the whole coverage, so that common service is in whole satellite service district.Therefore, to traditional land honeycomb radio telephone system and method in employed similar honeycomb ceramics architecture can in satellite-based cellular system and method, realize.Satellite communicates by two-way communication path and wireless terminal usually, and signal of communication wherein passes to wireless terminal by down link or forward link from satellite, and passes to satellite by up link or reverse link from wireless terminal.Down link from the satellite to the radio terminal (forward link) and/or the up link from the radio terminal to the satellite (reverse link) can be called service link.

The global design of cellular satellite system and method and operation are that those skilled in the art is well-known, so this paper does not need to be described again.In addition, term as used herein " wireless terminal " comprising: have or not with the honeycomb and/or the satellite radio telephone of multirow display; PCS Personal Communications System (PCS) terminal that radio telephone can be combined with data processing, fax and/or data communication function; The PDA(Personal Digital Assistant) that can comprise radio-frequency (RF) transceiver and/or beep-pager, the Internet/intranet access, Web-browser, manager, calendar and/or global positioning system (GPS) receiver; And/or comprise conventional laptop computer and/or the palmtop PC or the miscellaneous equipment of radio-frequency (RF) transceiver.Wireless terminal also can be called " terminal ", " radio telephone ", " subscriber equipment " and/or " radio terminal " in this article.Term as used herein " radio terminal " or above-mentioned any its equivalent terms also comprise in the time of may having and to become or fixing geographical coordinate; and may be portable, portable, be installed in the vehicle (aviation, navigation or based on ground) or any other radiation user unit/source of being arranged to and/or being configured to local operation and/or operating with distribution mode in any other position in the earth and/or space.

Cellular satellite communications systems and method can be in they hundreds of sub-districts of satellite coverage deploy (antenna pattern or some bundle) corresponding to the coverage.The frequency reuse of cellular satellite communications systems or method and capacity will appreciate that, may generally wish a large amount of sub-districts, because all may increase with number of cells with being directly proportional.In addition, for given satellite coverage or coverage, the quantity that increases the sub-district also may provide the more high-gain of each sub-district, and it can increase the link robustness and improve service quality.

Up link between wireless terminal and satellite and down link can utilize one or more air interfaces, comprise proprietary air interface and/or such as traditional ground cellular interface of time division multiple access (TDMA) and/or code division multiple access (CDMA) air interface.Single air interface can run through in the cellular satellite system to be used.As an alternative, a plurality of air interfaces can be used by satellite communication system.Referring on April 18th, 2000 for example be the United States Patent (USP) 6052560 of " utilizing the identical a plurality of air-interface standards of employing and the satellite system of method " by the title of inventor Karabinis issue.Usually, do not consider the air interface or a plurality of interface that use, each satellite cell generally uses at least one carrier wave/channel that service is provided.Therefore, reverse traffic link and forward service link respectively use one or more carrier wave/channels that service is provided.

Top description focuses on the communication between satellite and the wireless terminal.Yet cellular satellite communications systems and method also adopt the bidirectional feeder link of communicating by letter usually between satellite gateway and satellite.Two-way feeder link comprises forward feeder link from the gateway to the satellite and the reverse feeding device link from the satellite to the gateway.Forward feeder link and reverse feeding device link respectively use one or more carrier wave/channels.

Known as those skilled in the art institute, the quantity of satellite cell that is used and air interface thereof or a plurality of air interfaces can influence the bandwidth that is used in the feeder link from the satellite gateway to the satellite and from the satellite to the satellite gateway.For example, if cellular satellite system and method adopt 400 service link sub-districts and use the narrowband CDMA air interface to come to provide communication between satellite and wireless terminal, then be transferred to the feeder link spectrum that each CDMA carrier wave of satellite can consume 1.25MHz from satellite gateway.Suppose that traffic carrying capacity makes each sub-district only use a carrier wave, then may use the forward feeder link bandwidth of 400 * 1.25MHz or 500MHz.In addition, if some sub-district is used an above carrier wave and/or used wideband CDMA (W-CDMA) air-interface standard, then the bandwidth of feeder link can further increase.

The United States Patent (USP) 6317583 of authorizing people such as Wolcott has been described based on preset frequency planning, has been used for shining upon the telecommunication satellite channel device (channelizer) of radio frequency (RF) signal between feeder link and mobile link wave beam.The overlay area of mobile link wave beam regulation satellite.Each feeder link and mobile link wave beam comprise that a plurality of feeder line sub-bands and mover wave band are grouped to form feeder link channel and mobile link channel.The channel device comprises the feeder line lead-in wire of the feeder link signal that at least one carrying is associated with ground station.The feeder link distribution of net is connected to the feeder line lead-in wire and the RF signal in feeder link is mapped to a plurality of distribution lead-in wires as the feeder signals of separating.Channel multiplexer is connected to the lead-in wire that distributes.Each channel multiplexer comprises one group of band pass filter, the RF signal in the child group of presenting sub-band that each band pass filter transmission is corresponding with single feeder channel in case based on preset frequency planning with mobile link channel and feeder link channel Mapping on another.The channel device with signal from the grouping of a plurality of feeder lines or be multiplexed into each wave beam.Fixedly the local oscillator upconverter is transformed into each compound mobile channel the public wave band of distributing to all wave beams.Stipulated frequency planning so as wave beam to switch and the switching of ground station need not telecommunication satellite and portable terminal at least one exchange, retune and just can carry out synchronously again.Referring to people such as Wolcott summary.

Authorize people's such as von der Embse United States Patent (USP) 5903549 and described the method for a kind of permission at ground station's beam shaping, be used for by quadrature synchronization code division multiplexing sign indicating number and pseudorandom spread spectrum sign indicating number are combined with information signal, the satellite system that relevant and stable uplink signal is offered the employing multidrop beam is to realize the satellite feeder uplink.

At last, the published U.S. Patent application US2003/0224785A1 that authorizes inventor Karabinis has described the information content and has been shone upon between the service link carrier wave of cellular satellite and feeder link carrier wave by non-identically.So total bandwidth that can obtain to compare the satellite feeder link carrier number of minimizing with satellite business link carrier wave and/or compare the satellite feeder link carrier wave of minimizing with satellite business link carrier wave.

Summary of the invention

In some embodiments of the invention, the reverse link processor that is used in the satellite communication system comprises the selector that is configured to based on the child group of a plurality of space diversity satellite-signals of the choice of location of radio terminal (signal that promptly has different space content).The reverse link processor comprises that also the child group that is configured to respond selected space diversity satellite-signal detects the signal processor from the rl transmission of radio terminal.Each space diversity satellite-signal can comprise and corresponding each feed signal of each antenna element of satellite business link antennas.Selector and signal processor can be based on ground.

In certain embodiments, selector be configured to response terminal forward link association, terminal registration and/or select the child group of a plurality of space diversity satellite-signals by the positional information that terminal sends.For example, in certain embodiments, selector can be configured to the registration of response terminal and/or the first sub-group that a plurality of space diversity satellite-signals are selected in the association of forwards/reverse link wave beam, and signal processor is configured to respond the positional information of the first son group detection of a plurality of satellite-signals by the terminal transmission.Selector also can be configured to respond the positional information that is detected, and selects the second son group of a plurality of space diversity satellite-signals, and processor also can be configured to respond the second sub subsequent transmission that detects self terminal of organizing of a plurality of space diversity satellite-signals.

In other embodiment of the present invention, signal processor is used for producing correspondent frequency diversity signal group (promptly with the corresponding signal of different carrier frequencies scope) from the child group of selected space diversity satellite-signal.Signal processor also is used for detecting the rl transmission from radio terminal from least one of the sets of signals of frequency diversity.For example, signal processor can comprise channelizing and the frequency translation assembly that is configured to produce the frequency diverse signals group, and is configured to detect from least one of frequency diverse signals group the rl transmission from radio terminal.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, satellite communication system comprises and is configured to receive from the satellite of the wireless radio transmission of service area and the device that produces a plurality of space diversity signals from the radio terminal transmission that is received.This system also comprises and is configured to detect reverse link processor from the rl transmission of radio terminal based on the child group of a plurality of space diversity signals of the choice of location of radio terminal and the child group that responds selected space diversity signal.The device that produces a plurality of space diversity signals from the radio terminal signal that is received can comprise the antenna of satellite, and each signal of space diversity signal can comprise and corresponding each feed signal in each unit of antenna.The device that produces a plurality of space diversity signals from the radio terminal signal that is received can comprise also being configured to receive from the first space diversity signal of satellite antenna and responding and produce the satellite-based reverse link processor of the feeder link signal that contains the second space diversity signal that wherein satellite-based reverse link processor carries out spectrum allocation may according to its space correlation with the second space diversity signal in the feeder link signal.The reverse link processor can be configured to respond the child group that the feeder link signal is selected a plurality of space diversity signals.

In certain embodiments, the reverse link processor can be configured to the forward link association of response terminal, the registration of terminal and/or the positional information that is sent by terminal, selects the child group of a plurality of space diversity signals.For example, the reverse link processor can be configured to the registration and/or the association of forwards/reverse link wave beam of response terminal, select the first son group of a plurality of space diversity signals, the first son group that responds a plurality of space diversity signals detects the positional information that is sent by terminal, the positional information that response is detected is selected the second son group of a plurality of space diversity signals, and the second sub subsequent transmission that detects self terminal of organizing that responds a plurality of space diversity signals.

In further embodiments, the reverse link processor is used for from the child group of selected space diversity signal producing correspondent frequency diversity signal group, and detects the rl transmission from radio terminal from least one of frequency diverse signals group.The reverse link processor can comprise the selector of the child group that is configured to select the space diversity signal, be configured to from the child group of space diversity signal to produce the channelizing and the frequency translation assembly of frequency diverse signals group, and be configured to from least one of the sets of signals of frequency diversity, to detect the signal processor that the performance from the rl transmission of radio terminal strengthens.

In other embodiment of the present invention, satellite communication system comprises being configured to receive from the first space diversity signal of satellite antenna and responding and produces the satellite-based reverse link processor of feeder link signal.Satellite-based reverse link processor carries out spectrum allocation may according to its space correlation with the second space diversity signal in the feeder link signal.This system also comprises and is configured to detect the reverse link processor based on ground from the rl transmission of radio terminal based on the child group of the choice of location second space diversity signal of radio terminal and the child group that responds the selected second space diversity signal.

According to another embodiment of the invention, satellite communication method comprises that response produces a plurality of space diversity signals from the radio terminal transmission of the service area of satellite service.The child group of a plurality of space diversity signals is based on the position of radio terminal and selected, and responds the child group of selected space diversity signal and detected from the rl transmission of radio terminal.Each signal of space diversity signal can comprise with satellite on corresponding each feed signal in each unit of antenna.Based on selecting the step of the child group of a plurality of space diversity signals can comprise the registration of forward link association based on terminal, terminal and/or select the child group of a plurality of space diversity signals by the positional information that terminal sends in the position of radio terminal.

Based on the position of radio terminal and can be with after a plurality of space diversity signals are from the satellite transmission to the ground station to the step of the selection of the child group of a plurality of space diversity signals.The step that always produces a plurality of space diversity signals in the radio terminal transmission of the coverage of satellite service can comprise the first space diversity signal of generation from satellite antenna, and respond the feeder link signal that the generation of the first space diversity signal contains the second space diversity signal, comprise according to its space correlation the second space diversity signal in the feeder link signal is carried out spectrum allocation may.Step based on the child group of a plurality of space diversity signals of the choice of location of radio terminal can comprise based on the child group in the choice of location second space diversity signal of radio terminal.The child group that responds selected space diversity signal detects step from the rl transmission of radio terminal can comprise the child group detection that respond the selected second space diversity signal rl transmission from radio terminal.

In another embodiment, the step based on the child group in a plurality of space diversity signals of the choice of location of radio terminal comprises the registration of response terminal and/or the first son group that a plurality of space diversity signals are selected in the association of forwards/reverse link wave beam.The child group detection that responds selected space diversity signal comprises the first sub positional information that detects by the terminal transmission of organizing of a plurality of space diversity signals of response from the step of the rl transmission of radio terminal.Select of second in a plurality of space diversity signals group based on the positional information that the step of the child group of a plurality of space diversity signals of the choice of location of radio terminal also comprises response and detected.The child group detection that responds selected space diversity signal also comprises the second sub subsequent transmission that detects self terminal of organizing of a plurality of space diversity signals of response from the step of the rl transmission of radio terminal.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 has illustrated exemplary forward and the reverse link beam pattern in the satellite communication system.

Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram of explanation according to the reverse link processor of some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is the schematic diagram of explanation according to the reverse link processor of other embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 a-c is according to the spectrum allocation may figure of some embodiments of the present invention explanation about the selectivity frequency spectrum reallocation distributed operation of spatial diversity antennas feed signal.

Fig. 5 is the schematic diagram according to some embodiments of the present invention explanation satellite communication system.

Fig. 6 is the flow chart that other embodiment according to the present invention illustrates the example operation in the satellite communication system.

Fig. 7 is the schematic diagram that other embodiment according to the present invention illustrates satellite communication system.

Embodiment

With reference to description of drawings particular exemplary embodiment of the present invention.But, the present invention can be according to many multi-form realizations, and not will be understood that it is to be limited to embodiment as herein described.On the contrary, provide these embodiment, feasible thorough and comprehensive to description of the present disclosure, and will be to the comprehensive reception and registration of those skilled in the art scope of the present invention.Among the figure, similar label is represented similar units.Will appreciate that when the unit is known as be " connected ", during " coupling " or " response " another unit, it can be connected directly, is coupled or responds other unit or may have insertion unit wherein.And " connection " used herein, " coupling " or " response " can comprise wireless connections, coupling or response.

Term used herein is not to be intended to limit the present invention in order to describe specific embodiment just.Singulative used herein " one " also is intended to comprise plural form, unless specifically stated otherwise.Will appreciate that also that term " comprises " and/or " comprising ", in the time of in being used in this specification, the feature, integral body, step, operation, unit and/or the parts that have statement are described, but do not get rid of the existence of one or more further features, integral body, step, operation, unit, parts and/or its combination or additional.

Unless stipulate that in addition all terms used herein (comprising technology and scientific terminology) have with those skilled in the art generally understands identical meaning.Also will appreciate that should be interpreted into to have the implication consistent with the meaning of correlation technique and present disclosure as those terms that in the dictionary that generally uses, defines, unless and this paper special provision, they will not be interpreted as Utopian or excessive formal meaning.

Will appreciate that though term first and second can be used for describing various unit in this article, these unit should not be subject to these terms.These terms only are used for distinguishing a unit and another unit.Therefore, first radio telephone hereinafter can be called second radio telephone, and similarly, second radio telephone can be called first radio telephone, and can not deviate from the content that the present invention lectures.Term as used herein " and/or " comprise related all one or more combinations of being listd.Symbol "/" also as " and/or " contracted notation.

Some embodiments of the present invention can produce from following understanding: with one group of reverse traffic link antennas feed unit signal via satellite the reverse feeding link be sent to position from the satellite business link antennas away from satellite, so that further handle away from the position of satellite this group reverse traffic link antennas feed unit signal and thereby allow reverse traffic link beam shaping, to reverse traffic link antennas feed unit signal, do not need to keep specific dependency relation from satellite transmission in this group away from the position of satellite.And, for allowing forward service link beam shaping, the antenna feed elements of the forward service link antennas that one group of forward service link antennas feed unit signal is sent to one group of satellite by forward satellite feeder link, from the position away from satellite, do not need to keep specific dependency relation.When reverse and/or forward service link antennas feed unit signal are propagated by one or more system units, between the respective sets of reverse and/or forward service link antennas cell signal, do not need to keep specific oppositely and/or forward link signals relevant because be used for forming oppositely and/or the algorithm of forward service link wave beam is adaptive and can be to processed to form oppositely or relative phase and/or changes in amplitude between the antenna feed elements signal of the satellite business link wave beam (sub-district) of forward type are carried out basic correction at two or more.Therefore, can provide the reverse and/or forward service link beam shaping that reduces complexity according to some embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments of the invention, for example can be based on the reverse traffic link beam-shaper (for example be arranged in satellite gateway and/or other system unit or be associated) of the reverse traffic link beam-shaper on ground with them, can be used in one group of unrelated signal, reduce or eliminate and disturb, this unrelated signal receives from one group of satellite antenna reverse traffic link antennas feed unit in beam-shaper, and beam-shaper can form basic best reverse traffic link wave beam (sub-district) on the geographic area related with the signal source of expectation, the signal source of above-mentioned expectation is included in that group reverse traffic link antennas feed unit signal that offers reverse traffic link beam-shaper, therefore the signal performance that has maximized expectation is substantially measured, for example, signal is to the ratio (S/I+N) and/or the bit error rate (BER) (BER) of interference plus noise.Will appreciate that, the irrelevant reverse traffic link signal group that receives from the respective sets of satellite antenna reverse traffic link feed unit in the reverse link beam-shaper comprises the content that can be correlated with and/or rely between at least two of reverse traffic link antennas feed unit sets of signals, and the unrelated signal group that receives from the respective sets of satellite antenna reverse traffic link feed unit in beam-shaper can comprise the group fully or sub group of reverse traffic link antennas feed unit of the reverse traffic link antennas of satellite.And, will appreciate that in certain embodiments reverse and/or forward unrelated signal group can be one group of reverse and/or forward coherent signal.According to some embodiments of the present invention, reverse and/or forward service link beam shaping can be based on the sign of the geographic area that is associated with signal source, for example the geographic area that is associated with the position of radio terminal is used for handling with the child group reverse and/or forward service link antennas feed unit signal of selecting satellite.

Fig. 1 has illustrated one group of forward and reverse traffic link wave beam (sub-district) 110,120 that can correspondingly pass through for example formation of the satellite on the satellite service area of coverage 100.Each forward service link wave beam 110 can be configured at least one forward service link channel such as forward service link Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) of radiation.Each reverse traffic link wave beam 120 can be configured to receive at least one reverse traffic link channel such as reverse traffic link RACH (RACH), it can by one or more radio terminals at least one reverse traffic link wave beam 120 by radiation.This group forward service link wave beam 110 can be identical, basic identical or inequality substantially with respect to this group reverse traffic link wave beam 120, and this group forward and/or reverse traffic link wave beam (sub-district) 110,120 can have overlapping areas between them, perhaps can be nonoverlapping.Whole satellite coverage 100 or whole basically satellite coverage 100, or the part of satellite coverage 100 can organize forward and/or reverse traffic link wave beam (sub-district) 110,120 by this and cover, and the geographic area that can be respectively be associated by the forward and the reverse traffic link antennas feed unit of satellite of this group forward and/or reverse traffic link wave beam (sub-district) 110,120 and/or form corresponding to above-mentioned geographic area.In certain embodiments, for example given forward service link wave beam (sub-district) 110 can be formed by the exciting of single corresponding forward service link antennas feed unit that offers satellite, and given reverse traffic link wave beam (sub-district) 120 can be formed and/or stipulate the geographical visual field regulation of the single respective opposed service link antennas feed unit of satellite (promptly by) by the corresponding single reverse traffic link antennas feed unit of satellite.In other embodiments, given forward service link wave beam (sub-district) 110 can be formed by a plurality of the exciting of the corresponding a plurality of forward service link antennas feed units that offer satellite, and given reverse traffic link wave beam (sub-district) 120 can form by the signal of processing by a plurality of reverse traffic link antennas feed units receptions of satellite.In certain embodiments, forward service link wave beam (sub-district) 110 has related geographic area, the geographic area that this geographic area is associated with reverse traffic link wave beam (sub-district) 120, the geographic area that is associated with forward service link antennas feed unit and/or compare big, less or basic identical with the geographic area that reverse traffic link antennas feed unit is associated.

Many forward service link wave beams 110 can be with many reverse traffic link wave beam 120 differences.In certain embodiments, in order to reduce or the power that provides in forward service link channel or a plurality of channel (as forward service link control channel and/or forward service link broadcast channel) and expended by satellite to be provided, compare with many reverse traffic link wave beams 120, on the satellite coverage 100 of expectation, can form and reduce or minimized number forward service link wave beam 110.In certain embodiments, can produce only one (geographical broadness) forward link wave beam 110 by the satellite that forward service link channel or a plurality of channels are provided, such as overall forward link wave beam.

In other embodiments, satellite can be configured to produce a plurality of forward service link frequencies and uses a bunch group again, wherein each forward service link frequencies uses at least one frequency of Landsat band that at least one forward service link channel is provided with a bunch group again, and wherein a plurality of forward service link frequencies uses other frequency reuses bunch group of bunch group different in the following areas with at least one frequency reuse bunch group of bunch group with a plurality of forward service link frequencies more again: (a) assigned frequency is used many satellite beams (sub-district of the frequency reuse bunch of bunch group again; (b) with the frequency reuse bunch geographic area that is associated of frequency reuse bunch group; (c) at least one frequency of the frequency reuse bunch use by frequency reuse bunch group; (d) the many frequency reuses on the satellite coverage of frequency reuse bunch group; (e) communication service that provides by frequency reuse bunch group; (f) by the frequency reuse bunch maximum system bandwidth that group is utilized; And/or (g) by the frequency reuse bunch maximum EIRP that group is utilized.For example satellite can be configured to form the first and second forward service link frequencies and uses a bunch group again, for example, wherein the first forward service link frequencies is included in three sub-districts of repeating on the satellite coverage 100 with bunch group again and uses a bunch size again, for example 65 times, to form the first forward service link frequencies again with a bunch group (comprising 65 unit), and wherein the second forward service link frequencies comprises with a bunch group again, for example the seven cell that repeats on satellite coverage 100 is used a bunch size again, for example 36 times, to form the second forward service link frequencies again with a bunch group (comprising 36 unit).And, but the first forward service link frequencies again with bunch group frequency of utilization F1 so that at least one forward service link channel to be provided, but and the second forward service link frequencies again with bunch group frequency of utilization F2 so that at least one forward service link channel to be provided, its medium frequency F1 can be different with frequency F2 basically.Be similar to the forward service link frequencies and use a bunch group again, in certain embodiments, satellite can be configured to form a plurality of reverse traffic link frequency reuse bunch groups.

Forward among Fig. 1 and/or reverse traffic link wave beam (sub-district) 110,120 can be that priori is determined and/or with respect to one or more Geographic Reference position basic fixed, and/or can be reconfigurable with respect to one or more Geographic Reference positions.For example, forward and/or reverse traffic link wave beam 110,120 can respond the transmitter that can be positioned at known/predetermined geographical position by satellite from least one and/or at least one signal that transceiver receives, by disposing and/or reshuffle at satellite and/or satellite and/or beam-shaper in the position of satellite outside.Forward and/or reverse traffic link wave beam 110,120 can be configured to send and/or receive at least one forward link channels and at least one reverse chain channel, as forward link control channel and/or The function of backward power control channel, they can be by at least one radio terminal and/or system unit (as the infrastructure element of system gateway), to initiate the communication between system and this at least one radio terminal.

Be arranged in the satellite service area of coverage 100 or approach it and can receive and handle forward service link channel at given forward link wave beam 110 of Fig. 1 or the radio terminal that approaches it, as the forward link control channel that provides by given forward service link wave beam 110, and, according to some embodiment, also can receive and handle other forward service link channels that at least one is provided by another forward service link wave beam 110 of the approaching and/or contiguous given forward service link wave beam of possibility.The reception and the processing of response forward service link channel, radio terminal can send a message to system via one or more reverse chain channels, for example for to system's registration and/or in order to ask the initiation of communication service.The message that is sent to system by radio terminal can be received via the reverse traffic link channel by system, its geographical comprises and has maximum signal strength signal intensity and/or first water on the reverse traffic link wave beam 120 of this radio terminal, and this system thereby can respond intensity, quality and/or the information content of the message that is received, the information content that receives the message of reverse link wave beam 120 related of radio terminal message and/or the apparent position by can indicating radio terminal by radio terminal and system is determined the apparent position of radio terminal.Such as the other technologies that comprise by GPS auxiliary network and/or independent (global positioning system) in registration request or other message from the radio terminal to the system, also can use to discern and/or to estimate the position of wireless tape terminal by system.

The message that sends to system by radio terminal also can by system by near and/or contiguous its geographical other reverse traffic link wave beams 120 that comprise the reverse traffic link wave beam of this radio terminal receive, and the contribution that can merge the message that is received from a plurality of wave beams and/or satellite antenna feed unit of this system is with the detection performance that improves radio terminal message and/or the estimated accuracy of radio terminal position.Apparent position by the definite radio terminal of system, can use to form this paper is called the gain with gain, maximum gain or approaching maximum of increasing on the geographical position at radio terminal place " the best " reverse traffic link wave beam by this system, and, comprise signaling by the communication information of this optimal reverse service link wave beam reception from radio terminal.In some embodiments of the invention, this system can be used to form optimal reverse service link wave beam from the antenna feed elements of the geographic area received signal that comprises this radio terminal by handling one group.The signal of this group antenna feed elements does not need to be sent to ground relatively, as is sent to the satellite gateway (promptly with constant substantially relative phase) according to some embodiments of the present invention, and is as will be described in further detail below.

Fig. 2 illustrated can be on the ground of satellite gateway or at other local works of satellite communication system so that form at least one reverse link processor 200 with respect to the optimal reverse service link wave beam of one or more radio terminal.The described n-signal of Fig. 2, it can obtain from the reverse traffic link antennas feed unit of N corresponding satellite antenna, this n-signal can be sent to ground by reverse via satellite feeder link, and the input that can be used as selector 210, this selector 210 can be used to select at least one input to be used for further processing.In Fig. 2, will appreciate that general, each in the n-signal can comprise the signal from a plurality of radio terminals, but in many different carrier frequencies that this radio terminal using system can be used any one.Also will appreciate that, the synthetic feed unit that n-signal can obtain with the antenna feed elements of actual (physics) and/or from the antenna feed elements output that uses Wave-packet shaping network for example to merge actual (physics) is corresponding, and, generally, n-signal input among Fig. 2 comprises different space content, promptly comprise the signal energy from diverse location, they can be non-intersect and/or overlapping in space, time and/or frequency.

Still,, can produce indication selector 210 so that in N signal input part, select and export the control signal of M1, wherein M1≤N based on the position of one or more radio terminals with reference to figure 2.In channelizing and frequency translation assembly 220, selecteed M1 signal can be further processed so that extract signal corresponding to the R carrier frequency, this R selector 210 can be used with transmission information on reverse link by one or more radio terminals.The signal that obtains from each selected M1 reverse traffic link antennas feed unit signal can be frequency translated to public or public substantially intermediate frequency or base band.

Therefore, can receive from the M1 reverse traffic link antennas feed unit of the satellite business link antennas of the regional received signal that comprises radio terminal by being configured to by the M1 version of the reverse traffic link carrier wave of radio terminal radiation.As described in Figure 2, the M1 version that may be frequency translated to the reverse traffic link carrier wave of public substantially IF or base band provides the signal of optimizing the input of signal processor 230 as performance index, this processor 230 can be used to optimize (fundamental optimum) performance index, for example makes the mean square deviation minimum in the recovering information of each radio terminal.Known as those skilled in the art institute, the given data sequence of priori can be inserted in the reverse link waveform by the radio terminal radiation, and the given data sequence of this priori (being pilot signal) can be used to realize the performance index optimization of expectation by signal processor 230.As an alternative and/or except that the given data sequence of using priori optimizing the communication performance about performance index, this signal processor 230 can be realized the performance index optimization expected via the technology of the known decision-directed of those skilled in the art.

Embodiments of the invention can use with independent satelline radio terminal system and method and/or with the ground/satelline radio terminal system that merges.Known as those skilled in the art institute, ground network can be by strengthening availability, validity and/or the economic vaibility of cellular satellite radio terminal system on the ground again with at least some frequency bands of distributing to cellular satellite radio terminal system.The ground that can the adopt satellite frequency satelline radio Terminal communication system and the method for usefulness is again described in following document: authorize the United States Patent (USP) 6684057 of Karabinis title for " ground of cellular satellite frequency spectrum is the system and method for usefulness again "; and the published U.S. Patent application US2003/0054760 of the title of Karabinis that authorize for " ground of cellular satellite frequency spectrum is the system and method for usefulness again "; authorize the US2003/0054761 of the title of Karabinis for " ground of satellite frequency is the space protection band of usefulness again "; the title of authorizing people such as Karabinis is the US2003/0054814 of " monitoring ground the satellite frequency of usefulness to reduce the system and method that may disturb " again; authorize the US2003/0073436 of people's such as Karabinis title for " spare system and method that monitoring ground may disturb with minimizing with satellite frequency again "; authorize the US2003/0054762 of the title of Karabinis for " multiband/multi-mode satellite radiotelephone communications systems and method "; authorize the US2003/0153267 of the title of Karabinis for " using the wireless communication system and the method for the remote terminal interface subsystem of satellite link "; authorize the US2003/0224785 of the title of Karabinis for " in cellular satellite system, reducing the system and method for satellite feeder link bandwidth/carrier wave "; authorize the US2002/0041575 of people's such as Karabinis title for " collaborative satellite-ground frequency is used again "; authorize the United States Patent (USP) 6859652 of people's such as Karabinis title for " using signal attenuation and/or obstruction; the dynamic assignment of frequency and/or the satellite-ground frequency of hysteresis be comprehensive or the autonomous system and the method for usefulness again "; authorize the United States Patent (USP) 6785543 of people's such as Karabinis title for " network architecture based on the space of satellite radiotelephone system "; authorize the US2003/0143949 of the title of Karabinis for " filter of the radio telephone of merging/GPS terminal "; authorize the US2003/0153308 of the title of Karabinis for " ground of satellite frequency is the staggered subregion of usefulness again "; and the title of authorizing Karabinis is the US2003/0054815 of " ground of response satellite frequency is again with the method and system of revising satellite antenna sub-district directional diagram "; all these is transferred to of the present invention awarding and allows the people; all these disclosures all intactly are incorporated into this by reference thus, and the Buddhist of walking back and forth is illustrated the same in this article fully.

In optimizing performance index, all reverse link processors 200 as shown in Figure 2 oppositely-link handler can be configured to form reverse traffic link satellite beams (antenna pattern) jointly and in one-level simultaneously or reduce interference and/or other interference substantially simultaneously from ancillary terrestrial network.As an alternative, can use multi-stage receiver, the same as those skilled in the art understanding, they can be configured to each grade optimization performance index, and wherein these performance index by the multi-stage receiver use can be all identical, basic identical or in the inter-stage difference.For example the two-stage receiver for example can be configured to based on making in the mean square deviation of receiver observation frequency minimumly and form the optimal reverse link wave beam in the first order, and for example forces (zero-forcing) performance index based on zero and reduce the interference that ATN introduces and/or the level of other interference in the second level.Will appreciate that multi-stage receiver can be configured to while, basic while and sequentially optimize a plurality of performance index.

In addition, as described in Figure 2, with handle the corresponding reverse link processor unit of signal that receives from radio terminal 1 and can be configured to and other receiver unit exchange messages, this receiver unit can be configured to from can be on the frequency of one group of frequency public (public) to small part with radio terminal 1 radiation radiation signal other radio terminals 2,3 ..., the signal of L reception handles.The Multiuser Detection aspect of the reverse link processor of describing among Fig. 2 200 can be used in certain embodiments, further to cause by other users (radio terminal 2 is to L) of the frequency of radio terminal 1 radiation that common frequency disturbs by also radiation (partial radiation at least) and improve communication performance by alleviating at least in part.Multiuser detection is that those skilled in the art is known, thereby need not to illustrate in this article.

Still with reference to figure 2, the number Q of " selector " can greater than, be equal to or less than the number N of reverse traffic link antennas feed unit.The number R of each selector " channel device and frequency changer " can be depending on the number by the set of carrier frequencies of the radio terminal radiation of system.This number R also can be depending on the available service link frequency spectrum of system and depends on the air interface protocol that the radio terminal by system is used for communicating by letter.

Fig. 3 has illustrated the reverse link signal processor 300 that can be configured to handle the signal that N reverse traffic link antennas feed unit by the reverse traffic link antennas of satellite receive on satellite.Illustrative embodiment hypothesis satellite shown in Figure 3 is operated in two wave bands; Such as first wave band of L-band and such as second wave band of S-band.Equally, gathering signal such as the reverse traffic link antennas feed unit of reverse traffic link antennas feed unit 1 can come filtering by the front-end block filter, and the example of this front end filter can be to allow some frequency at least (promptly some L and S-band frequency) at least in two wave bands not appear at the L/S wave band blocking filter 301 of its output such as being configured to of describing among Fig. 3 with not being attenuated substantially.Low noise amplifier (LNA) 302 can be used to be connected to the output of front end L/S wave band blocking filter 301 so that the signal amplification to be provided.The output of LNA302 can be used to be connected to first band pass filter, as L-band band pass filter 303, and second band pass filter, as S-band band pass filter 304.

As describing among Fig. 3, the output signal of first (L-band) band pass filter 303 can be represented to be converted to discrete time from continuous time by for example modulus (A/D) transducer 305 and represent, and can be converted into frequency domain representation by for example fast Fourier transform (FFT) 306 then.Therefore, for example first wave band (L-band) frequency domain representation of the signal of antenna feed elements (as the signal of antenna feed elements 1) can have the amplitude characteristic as frequency function shown in Fig. 4 a.But the A-K of the frequency characteristic of describing among Fig. 4 a part representative system may need the signal further handled, and other signals of describing among Fig. 4 a (as not marking signal) but representative system need not the signal of further handling and can therefore be separated substantially and abandon.

Therefore, channelizing of describing among Fig. 3 and filtering stage (" CFS ") 307 output that can be used to be connected to FFT306 with basic identification, separately and/or the system that abandons need not the signal further handled.Equally, at the output of CFS307, have only the signal A-K among Fig. 4 a to occur.All signal A-K can appear at the output of CFS307, arrange as the function of frequency by any desired order, as the function of frequency and continuous or discontinuous, perhaps they can be according to as any desired grouping of frequency function and/or lay out the output of the difference (two or more) of present CFS307.

For example, Fig. 3 has illustrated that configuration has the CFS307 of two output 2a, the 2b that can occur the signal packets described among Fig. 4 b and the 4c on it.The signal packets of Fig. 4 b representative " small-signal grouping " (SSG) and the signal packets of Fig. 4 c represent " large-signal grouping " (LSG), term wherein used herein " little " and " greatly " are used for illustrating relative signal intensity.In certain embodiments, CFS307 configuration has at least two outputs, wherein can appear at the first output 2a than small-signal (SSG) and can appear on the second output 2b than large-signal (LSG).In other embodiments, the 3rd output can be configured to provide have less and than large-signal between the signal of relative measurement.As mentioned above and in Fig. 3, describe, according to the division of the signal of relative intensity measure can use in certain embodiments with separately and amplify variety classes signal separately can be so that therefore reduce by the influence of the intermodulation product that produces such as the amplifier nonlinearity device.

Appear at the signal on output 2a, the 2b of CFS307 additional frequency translation can by frequency changer 308a, 308b introduce in case with signal allocation on the appropriate frequency sub-band of reverse feeder link wave band.As an alternative, perhaps combine with the outside frequency translation of carrying out of CFS307, CFS307 is also configurable to have the function of the frequency translation of the required degree of position signalling in the assigned frequency sub-band of reverse feeder link wave band.

Still with reference to figure 3, the reverse traffic link antennas feed unit signal of processed (as mentioned above) satellite business link antennas subsystem can be incorporated in the adder (∑) 309, be converted to the discrete time domain representation by for example contrary FFT (IFFT) 310, the D/A converter 311 by as shown in Figure 3 is converted to domain representation continuous time then.Will appreciate that in certain embodiments the different frequency converter 308a, the 308b that are operated on the different antenna feed elements signals can introduce different frequency translations so that therefore locate different signals on different non-overlapped substantially frequency intervals.And, will appreciate that in certain embodiments, merge and the operation that is converted to the discrete time territory can be change so that at first be converted to the discrete time territory and merge then.In other other embodiment, the signal of the processed and frequency translation of the reverse link antenna feed elements of satellite antenna subsystem can at first be converted into the discrete time territory and similar with other then processed reverse link antenna feed elements signal combines.

Still with reference to figure 3, first and second band pass filter 312,313 is used for being connected to the output of D/A converter 311 so that select and separately appear at first and second part of the gathering signal on the output of D/A converter 311 basically respectively.This first and second part SSG and LSG signal (Fig. 4 b and 4c) with one or more reverse traffic link antennas feed unit respectively is corresponding.First and second part of the gathering signal of the output that appears at D/A converter 311 of being selected substantially and separating is amplified respectively by first and second power amplifier 314,315, and after the additional filtering that applies on can be by the output signal of respective filter 316,317 (as shown in Figure 3) at power amplifier, the extra cell that this signal can be sent to the feeder link subsystem of satellite (is combiner, antenna feed elements, antenna; Not shown among Fig. 3) be used for the one or more satellite gateways of further adjustment/handle and be sent to.Will appreciate that, the output that is sent to the filter 316,317 of satellite gateway by reverse feeder link can respectively comprise the signal packets with the corresponding spectrum allocation may of each signal of N antenna feed elements signal, wherein, after suitable frequency translation, the input that can be the reverse link processor (as the processor among Fig. 2 200) based on ground provides a plurality of antenna feed elements signals.About the placement/location of the adder among Fig. 3 309, will appreciate that adder 309 is located at before the IFFT310 so that reduce IFFT function and/or other numbers such as D/A, PA and/or filter function required when adder 309 is provided with (as after filter 316,317) by any other alternative.

As previously mentioned, illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 3 hypothesis satellite is operated on the frequency of two wave bands, such as first wave band of L frequency range and such as second wave band of S frequency range.Equally, the output of LNA302 is connected to first band pass filter, as L-band band pass filter 303, and second band pass filter, as S-band band pass filter 304.Second wave band of frequency, for example can be allowed to appear at least a portion of the S-band of the frequency on the output of S-band filter 304 substantially unattenuatedly, can be the basic wave band continuously of the signal frequency of expectation, and can not comprise and to need to be identified and removed substantially signal (in not the signal of mark) before second wave band with frequency signal is sent to satellite gateway as Fig. 4 a.Equally, can be reduced and/or simplify with respect to the signal processing of describing in conjunction with first wave band of signal frequently the signal processing of second wave band of frequency signal.Fig. 3 has illustrated simulation (continuous time) signal processing of second wave band of frequency signal, comprises filtering stage 319,321, uses at least one frequency transformation stage of local oscillator (LO) and frequency mixer 318 and power amplifier (PA) level 320.Though the embodiment among Fig. 3 has only described the analog of second wave band of frequency signal.Will appreciate that at least some analog levels that illustrate can partly or entirely be substituted by numeral (discrete time) equivalent.And in other embodiments, satellite may only be operated in the frequency of a wave band, thereby the L-band of the processor of Fig. 3 or S-band need not to exist.

In some embodiments of the invention, can be configured to a plurality of signals that offer the reverse link receiver by the corresponding a plurality of reverse traffic link antennas feed units based on the parts based on the space (as satellite) of the network in space are handled based on the reverse link receiver of the network in space.The reverse link receiver, configurable in distance based on a distance of the parts in space (promptly on the ground installation based on the satellite gateway of the network in space), and according to some embodiments of the present invention, also can be configured to a plurality of signals that offer the reverse link receiver by the corresponding a plurality of reverse traffic link antennas feed units based on the parts in space based on the network in space are handled, search for identification message in time substantially continuously from one or more radio terminals.This identification message can be such as registration message and/or request service (as the foundation of request call) message.Response is by the information that can be provided by the forward service link message/channel (as broadcast control message/channel) based on the parts radiation in space, one or more radio terminals can be configured to this identification message of radiation on predetermined reverse traffic link frequency or a plurality of frequency, and the reverse link receiver can be configured to handle a plurality of signals of supplying with the reverse link receiver on predetermined reverse traffic link frequency or a plurality of frequency, therefore search and/or detection identification message.In certain embodiments, can be by the radiation of single forward service link antennas feed unit by forward service link message/channel based on the parts radiation in space.In other embodiments, can come radiation by a plurality of forward service link antennas feed units by forward service link message/channel based on the parts radiation in space.In further embodiments, can can come radiation by single forward service link antennas feed unit by some forward service link message/channels, and can come radiation by a plurality of forward service link antennas feed units by some forward service link message/channels based on the parts radiation in space based on the parts radiation in space.

In certain embodiments, a plurality of reverse link receivers can be configured to being handled by corresponding a plurality of signals of supplying with based on the reverse traffic link antennas feed unit based on the parts in space of the network in space.In certain embodiments, the sets of signals that offers each reverse link receiver comprises the one group of reverse traffic link antennas feed unit signal that joins with predetermined reverse traffic link frequency or a plurality of frequency dependence, and above-mentioned one group of reverse traffic link feed unit signal is to be associated with one group of physically approaching and/or contiguous reverse traffic link antennas feed unit.In certain embodiments, at least two different sets of signals that offer two different reverse link receivers comprise the reverse traffic link antennas feed unit signal that at least one is public.In certain embodiments, the number of reverse link receiver equals the number of reverse traffic link antennas feed unit, and each reverse link receiver can be configured to handling at a plurality of reverse traffic link antennas feed unit signals that are associated based on the corresponding a plurality of reverse traffic link antennas feed units on the parts in space with approaching physically and/or neighbor configuration.In other embodiments, each reverse link receiver can be configured to handle single reverse traffic link antennas feed unit signal.In further embodiments, some reverse link receivers can be configured to handle a plurality of reverse traffic link antennas feed unit signals, and some reverse traffic link receivers can be configured to handle single reverse traffic link antennas feed unit signal.

Response reverse link receiver, identification message (as the identification message of the radio terminal of request communication channel foundation between this radio terminal and purpose terminal) to radio terminal detects, therefore network based on the space can be distributed to radio terminal with forward and/or reverse link radio resource, allows this radio terminal to set up communication channel and communicate.Radio terminal can be apprised of the radio resource of being given radio terminal by network allocation by the information that receives automatic network via forward link channels.Use reverse link radio resource, wireless terminal can send to the purpose terminal via the network based on the space with information (communication waveforms), and the purpose terminal uses the forward link radio resource information (communication waveforms) can be sent to radio terminal via the network based on the space.Can be configured to use based on the space and/or based on the receiver/processor of the unit of the embodiment of the embodiment that comprises Fig. 2 and/or Fig. 3 on ground or Fig. 2 and/or Fig. 3 based on the network in space, receive and handle information (communication waveforms) from radio terminal, as mentioned above, therefore do not need with the signal correction of many (N) individual reverse traffic link antennas feed unit be sent to receiver (as the receiver among Fig. 2), just can allow best or near the non-satellite-based reverse link beam shaping of the best the beam shaping of ground (promptly based on), thus keep the best or near optimum performance in simplified the processing requirements of reverse link, complexity and/or cost.Equally, frequency division multiplexing can be used to be sent to based on satellite or non-satellite-based beam shaping receiver from the parts based on the space with the corresponding waveform of each a plurality of reverse traffic link antennas feed unit a plurality of.Other multiplex techniques such as time division multiplexing and/or code division multiplexing are also in certain embodiments available.

About by based on the utilization of the forward link radio resource of the network allocation in space so that enable communication from the purpose terminal to radio terminal, according to some embodiment, can use the forward link radio resource that distributed comprising on the geographic area of this radio terminal the parts based on the space (promptly sending to satellite) that one or more communication waveforms sent to by based on the parts radiation in space based on the network in space based on the network in space.In certain embodiments, being sent to one or more communication waveforms based on the parts in space contains on the information content similar substantially and can differ a plurality of communication waveforms of one or more complex values (constant).In such embodiments, a forward service link antennas feed unit that the communication waveforms use is associated with the geographic area of containing this radio terminal that has amplitude peak in a plurality of communication waveforms than other communication waveforms, by parts radiation based on the space, and the approaching and/or contiguous forward service link antennas feed unit radiation that is associated with the geographic area that does not comprise this radio terminal by other of other communication waveforms in a plurality of communication waveforms.

In other embodiment of the present invention, radio terminal receives waveform from the parts based on the space, and it is the known information of priori that this waveform contains radio terminal, such as the information that contains in preamble, midamble, pilot channel etc.Can be when in certain embodiments, the known information of above-mentioned priori can be damaged by the radio terminal use so that at the waveform state that is just being received by radio terminal with without any channel/system by the error measure that obtains between the ideal waveform state of radio terminal reception at the radio terminal place.According to these embodiment, radio terminal can send to the measurement of error determine the network based on the space, but and revise the forward link characteristic based on the measurement that the network use error in space is measured, as forward service link antennas directional diagram, therefore provide the error measure that reduces at radio terminal.Forward service link antennas directional diagram can be stated complex value and revises by revising one or more.Can stand the increase of error measure with this radio terminal owing to this wireless work meeting at other radio terminals of basic cochannel and/or same frequency work.Equally, in certain embodiments, radio terminal by one or more other cochannels and/or same frequency sends to can be combining with the measurement that sends to by this radio terminal based on the error determine of the network in space based on the network in space, to form the overall measurement of error determine based on the measurement of the error determine of the radio terminal of one or more other cochannels of the network in space and/or same frequency.The overall measurement of error determine can be used the forward service link antennas directional diagram with the radio terminal of the forward service link antennas directional diagram of revising this radio terminal and/or one or more other cochannels and/or same frequency to make the overall error that is associated with the overall measurement of error determine measure minimum by the network based on the space.Will appreciate that, in conjunction with a plurality of measurements of the error determine that receives from the radio terminal of each a plurality of cochannel and/or same frequency based on the network in space so that form the overall measurement of error determine, can be before this combination basic identical or differently estimate measurement with the corresponding error determine of different radio electric terminals based on spatial network.

As previously mentioned, in certain embodiments, be sent to based on the parts in space so that set up one or more communication waveforms of the forward service link antennas directional diagram of radio terminal and be included in a plurality of communication waveforms that basic phase Sihe on the information content may differ one or more complex values.One or more complex values can be in the time cycle substantially constant or accurate constant, but can respond one or more variations in forward link and change, usually make variation in the overall measurement of error determine, therefore make the variation of at least one complex value of at least one waveform of a plurality of waveforms usually.Will appreciate that, important advantage of the present invention comes from forward service link antennas directional diagram wherein and need not the relevant closed loop characteristic that just can set up between being sent to based on a plurality of waveforms of the parts in space, and uses therein so that excite forward service link antennas feed unit with formation forward service link antennas directional diagram.Equally, frequency division multiplexing can be used to be used in a plurality of waveforms based on the parts in space and is sent to parts based on the space to excite each forward service link antennas feed unit.Other multiplex techniques such as time division multiplexing and/or code division multiplexing also can be used.Can be via by using the measurement that sends to based on the error determine of the network in space by one or more cochannels and/or same frequency radio terminal to reach relevant based on the network in space, with the complex value (gain) that obtains being associated with a plurality of communication waveforms that are sent to based on the parts in space to excite the forward service link antennas feed unit of satellite.Can obtain the complex value (gain) that is associated with a plurality of communication waveforms that are sent to based on the parts in space repeatedly based on the network in space, so that overall measurement by making error measuring and the relevant forward service link antennas feed unit that excites satellite of version that is sent to based on the suitable storage (delay) of a plurality of waveforms of the parts in space.

According to some embodiment, can be configured to estimate about before the forward of cochannel that will be additional and/or same frequency and/or reverse link radio resource are distributed to new radio terminal, giving one or more new radio terminals based on the network in space, to the influence of the forward and/or the reverse traffic link of one or more cochannels and/or same frequency radio terminal with the forward and/or the reverse traffic channel resource allocation of additional cochannel and/or same frequency.Can be configured by the estimation of the position of using the cochannel that combines with the estimation of the position of radio terminal newly and/or same frequency radio terminal based on the network in space, and the estimation of use and other system parameter correlation, as with based on the forward of the parts in space and/or the estimation of the complex gain that reverse traffic link antennas feed unit is associated, come by Computer Simulation/simulation and or other means obtain estimation to forward and/or reverse link influence.Based on the estimation of forward and/or reverse link influence, based on the network in space can be configured to the distribution of the radio resource of cochannel and/or same frequency for one, several or all new radio terminals distribute or refuse.

Fig. 5 has illustrated the satellite communication system 500 according to other embodiment of the present invention.System 500 is included as the satellite 510 of service area 520 service, contains a plurality of sub-districts (service link antennas directional diagram) 525 shown in the figure.Response is from the wireless radio transmission of service area 520, and satellite produces a plurality of reverse link signal 515 that offer based on ground installation, shown in the figure contain antenna 530 and based on the reverse link processor 540 on ground.Reverse link signal 515 can be and the corresponding a plurality of antenna feed elements signals of being supported by the antenna on the satellite 510 of each antenna beam (directional diagram).Will appreciate that, usually each antenna beam can be to one or more sub-districts 525 services of service area 520, and reverse link signal 515 can be with corresponding from the signal of each antenna feed elements and/or can be synthetic signal from the signal combination of antenna feed elements.Reverse link signal 515 can also be the composite signal component of (as using such as above-mentioned with reference to the synthetic feeder link signal of the technology of figure 3).

Be configured to child group based on the reverse link processor 540 on ground, and from the child group of selected a plurality of reverse link signal 515, detect transmission from radio terminal 10 based on the choice of location reverse link signal of the terminal 10 in the service area 520.For example, can be used in similarly in the reverse link processor 200 among Fig. 2 based on the reverse link processor 540 on ground.As shown in the figure, can work explicitly with the device of the position that is used for determining radio terminal 10 (shown in the figure is location register 550) based on the reverse link processor 540 on ground.The positional information 555 of location register 550 storage radio terminals 10, it can be used in the signal selection course that realizes by reverse link processor 540.Will appreciate that, positional information 555 can comprise such as with the sub-district of service area 520, wave beam and or antenna pattern in the relevant information of registration of radio terminal 10.Such as, radio terminal 10 can with registration message via satellite 510 and reverse link processor 540 send, and the response registration message, mobile switching centre's (MSC) (not shown) or other infrastructure element can be stored the positional information that sub-district, wave beam and/or antenna pattern be associated of radio terminal 10 with service area 520.

According to other embodiment of the present invention, reverse link is handled and can be taken place in multistage.For example, Fig. 6 illustrated as the example operation in the satellite communication system of the system among Fig. 5 500, comprise use gradually more accurate and/or accurately positional information to select reverse link signal repeatedly.This system receives the registration message (square 610) from radio terminal.This system responds and radio terminal is registered to sub-district, wave beam and/or the antenna pattern (square 620) of the service area of system.Be configured to select and handle the child group of a plurality of reverse link signal such as the reverse link processor of the reverse link processor among Fig. 5, so that recover the transmission (square 630) of self terminal based on registration.The information of Hui Fuing can comprise the more accurate information (square 640) such as the gps data that sends from radio terminal like this.This new location information can be used to reconfigure the reverse link processor so that select and handle the child group (square 650) of reverse link signal based on new location information.

In other embodiment of the present invention, use to use such as above-mentioned those based on the choice of location of radio terminal and the reverse link processor of handling reverse link signal to combine with the satellite-based reverse link processor that signal is carried out frequency spectrum processing with reference to technology that figure 3 describes based on ground such as those technology of describing with reference to figure 2.For example, with reference to figure 7, satellite communication system 700 comprises the satellite 710 to service area 720 services.Response is from the wireless radio transmission of service area 720, and antenna 712 produces first reverse link signal 713.Respond first reverse link signal 713, satellite-based reverse link processor 714 produces second reverse link signal 715, and for example the component of its compound feeder link signal that can produce the above-mentioned technology of using with reference to figure 3 carries out spectrum allocation may.Second reverse link signal 715 offers reverse link processor 740 based on ground via antenna 730.Be configured to child group based on the reverse link processor 740 on ground, and from the child group of selected a plurality of reverse link signal 715, detect transmission from radio terminal 10 based on choice of location second reverse link signal of the terminal in service area 720 10.For example, can work similarly with the reverse link processor 200 among Fig. 2 based on the reverse link processor 740 on ground.

Though each reverse link antenna feed elements has only a signal to be identified and to handle in the specification in the above, the reverse link feed unit can provide can be from two or more signals that the reverse link antenna feed element of received signal obtains in two or more orthogonal intersection spaces and/or time-domain that disposed." reverse link antenna feed elements " used herein representative is configured to receive electromagnetic field radiation by one or more space-time-frequencies-phase place dimension, and keep separately each the corresponding electromagnetic field radiation that receives in the space-time-frequency-phase place dimension with one or more quadratures or basic quadrature substantially, and the measurement of such electromagnetic field radiation that receives is provided at its output.

In certain embodiments, network based based on the space that contains at least one satellite such as the United States Patent (USP) 5903549 configurable beam shapings that the forward service link is arranged based on ground of authorizing people such as von der Embse, and according to the configurable beam shaping device that the reverse traffic link is arranged based on ground of embodiments of the invention.In other embodiments, contain at least one satellite based on the network in space can be respectively according to (on-board) satellite-based forward service link beam shaping device on the plate that disposes numeral or simulation such as Thuraya or ACeS system, and according to the beam shaping device of embodiments of the invention configuration reverse traffic link based on ground.

In further embodiments, contain at least one and have N1 reverse traffic link antennas feed unit and N2 the forward service link antennas feed unit (network based on the space of the satellite of N1＞N2) wherein, according to such as Thuraya or ACeS system, dispose satellite-based forward service link beam shaping device on the plate of analog or digital respectively, and dispose the beam shaping device of reverse traffic link based on ground according to embodiments of the invention.Still in other embodiments, contain the network that at least one has the satellite of the forward service link antennas that reverse traffic link antennas that radius is R1 and radius be R2 based on the space, according to such as Thuraya or ACeS system, dispose satellite-based forward service link beam shaping device on the plate of numeral or simulation respectively, and dispose the beam shaping device of reverse traffic link based on ground according to the present invention.These other embodiment of the present invention both can be used in forward and also can be used on the reverse traffic link.

At last, will appreciate that though the explanation of embodiments of the invention main reference satellite radio systems, similarly the method aspect also can provide according to other embodiments of the invention.In addition, independent processor based on ground, as the reverse link processor 200 among Fig. 2 based on ground, independent satellite-based processor, as the satellite-based reverse link processor 300 among Fig. 3 and the operation associated method also can provide according to other embodiments of the invention.

One exemplary embodiment of the present invention is disclosed in drawing and description.Though adopted specific term, they only are used on general and the descriptive meaning, are not the purpose of restriction, and scope of the present invention is stipulated by appended claims.

Claims (46)

1. processor that is used in the satellite communication system, described processor comprises:

Selector is configured to the child group based on a plurality of satellite-signals of choice of location of radio terminal;

Signal processor is configured to respond the rl transmission of the child group detection of selected satellite-signal from described radio terminal.

2. processor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said a plurality of satellite-signals are corresponding with the antenna feed elements signal of satellite business link antennas.

3. processor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said selector and/or described signal processor are not provided in a side of on the satellite of described satellite communication system.

4. processor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said selector are configured to respond the registration of the forward of described terminal and/or the association of reverse link wave beam, described terminal and/or are selected the child group of described a plurality of satellite-signals by the positional information that described terminal sends.

5. processor as claimed in claim 4, the first son group of described a plurality of satellite-signals is selected in the registration that wherein said selector is configured to respond described terminal, wherein said signal processor is configured to respond the first sub positional information that detects by described terminal transmission of organizing of described a plurality of satellite-signals, wherein said selector also is configured to respond the second son group that the positional information that is detected is selected described a plurality of satellite-signals, and described signal processor also is configured to respond the described second sub subsequent transmission that detects from described terminal of organizing of described a plurality of satellite-signals.

6. processor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said signal processor is used for from the child group of selected satellite-signal producing the sets of signals of a plurality of frequency diversities, and detects the rl transmission from described radio terminal from least one of the sets of signals of described a plurality of frequency diversities.

7. processor as claimed in claim 6, wherein said signal processor comprises:

Channelizing and frequency translation assembly are configured to produce the sets of signals of described a plurality of frequency diversities; And

The signal processor that performance strengthens is configured to from the sets of signals of described a plurality of frequency diversities at least one and detects rl transmission from described radio terminal.

8. satellite communication system comprises:

Be configured to receive satellite from the radio signal of radio terminal in the service area of described satellite;

From the radio signal that is received, produce the device of the signal of a plurality of space diversitys; And

The reverse link processor is configured to detect rl transmission from described radio terminal based on the child group of the signal of the described a plurality of space diversitys of choice of location of described radio terminal and the child group that responds the signal of selected described space diversity.

9. system as claimed in claim 8, the wherein said device that produces the signal of a plurality of space diversitys from the radio signal that is received comprises the antenna of described satellite.

10. system as claimed in claim 9, each signal of the signal of wherein said space diversity comprises and corresponding each feed signal in each unit of described antenna.

11. system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said reverse link processor is based on ground.

12. system as claimed in claim 11, the wherein said device that produces the signal of a plurality of space diversitys from the radio signal that receives also comprises satellite-based reverse link processor, be configured to receive from the signal of first space diversity of satellite antenna and respond and produce the feeder link signal of the signal that contains second space diversity, the signal of wherein said second space diversity is corresponding with the selected frequency component of the signal of described first space diversity.

13. system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said reverse link processor is configured to respond the registration of the forward of described terminal and/or the association of reverse link antenna pattern, described terminal and/or is selected the child group of the signal of described a plurality of space diversitys by the positional information that described terminal sends.

14. require described system as right 13, the first son group of the signal of described a plurality of space diversitys is selected in the registration that wherein said reverse link processor is configured to respond described terminal, the first son group that responds the signal of described a plurality of space diversitys detects the positional information that is sent by described terminal, the positional information that response is detected is selected the second son group of the signal of described a plurality of space diversitys, and the second sub subsequent transmission that detects from described terminal of organizing that responds the signal of described a plurality of space diversitys.

15. system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said reverse link processor is used for from the child group of the signal of selected space diversity producing the respective sets of the signal of frequency diversity, and detects the rl transmission from described radio terminal from least one of the sets of signals of described frequency diversity.

16. system as claimed in claim 15, wherein said reverse link processor comprises:

Selector is configured to select the child group of the signal of described space diversity;

Channelizing and frequency translation assembly are configured to produce the sets of signals of described frequency diversity from the child group of the signal of described space diversity; And

The signal processor that performance strengthens is configured to from the sets of signals of described frequency diversity at least one and detects rl transmission from described radio terminal.

17. a satellite communication system comprises:

Satellite-based reverse link processor, be configured to receive from the signal of first space diversity of satellite antenna and respond and produce the feeder link signal, wherein said satellite-based reverse link processor come to described feeder link signal in the signal of corresponding second space diversity of selected frequency component of signal of first space diversity carry out spectrum allocation may; And

Based on the reverse link processor on ground, be configured to select the child group of signal of described second space diversity and the selected son group that responds the signal of described second space diversity to detect rl transmission from described radio terminal based on the position of radio terminal.

18. system as claimed in claim 17 also comprises the satellite antenna of the signal that produces described first space diversity.

19. system as claimed in claim 17, each signal of the signal of wherein said first space diversity comprises and corresponding each feed signal in each unit of satellite antenna.

20. system as claimed in claim 17, the child group that wherein said reverse link processor based on ground is configured to respond the registration of the forward link association of described terminal, described terminal and/or is selected the signal of described a plurality of space diversitys by the positional information that described terminal sends.

21. system as claimed in claim 20, the first son group of the signal of described a plurality of space diversitys is selected in the registration that wherein said reverse link processor based on ground is configured to respond described terminal, the first son group that responds the signal of described a plurality of space diversitys detects the positional information that is sent by described terminal, the positional information that response is detected is selected the second son group of the signal of described a plurality of space diversitys, and responds the second sub subsequent transmission that detects from described terminal of organizing of the signal of described a plurality of space diversitys.

22. system as claimed in claim 17, wherein said reverse link processor based on ground is used for producing the respective sets of the signal of frequency diversity from the child group of the signal of selected space diversity, and at least one detection from the sets of signals of described frequency diversity is from the rl transmission of described radio terminal.

23. the system as claimed in claim 22, wherein said reverse link processor based on ground comprises:

Selector is configured to select the described son group of the signal of space diversity;

Channelizing and frequency translation assembly are configured to produce the sets of signals of described frequency diversity from the described son group of the signal of space diversity; And

The signal processor that performance strengthens is configured to from the sets of signals of described frequency diversity at least one and detects rl transmission from described radio terminal.

24. a satellite communication method comprises:

Always in the wireless radio transmission of the service area that satellite is served, produce the signal of a plurality of space diversitys;

Child group based on the signal of the described a plurality of space diversitys of choice of location of radio terminal; And

The child group that responds the signal of selected described space diversity detects the rl transmission from described radio terminal.

25. method as claimed in claim 24, each signal of the signal of wherein said space diversity comprise with described satellite on corresponding each feed signal in each unit of antenna.

26. method as claimed in claim 24, wherein based on the step of the child group of the signal of the described a plurality of space diversitys of choice of location of radio terminal be with the signal of described a plurality of space diversitys from described satellite transmission after ground station.

27. method as claimed in claim 24, the step that wherein always produces the signal of a plurality of space diversitys in the wireless radio transmission of the service area of satellite service comprises:

From satellite antenna, produce the signal of first space diversity; And

The signal that responds described first space diversity produces the feeder link signal of the signal that contains second space diversity, comprises that the signal to described second space diversity in the described feeder link signal carries out spectrum allocation may;

Wherein comprise child group based on the signal of described second space diversity of the choice of location of described radio terminal based on the step of the child group of the signal of the described a plurality of space diversitys of choice of location of radio terminal; And

The step that the child group that wherein responds the signal of selected described space diversity detects from the rl transmission of described radio terminal comprises the rl transmission of the child group detection of the signal that respond selected described second space diversity from described radio terminal.

28. method as claimed in claim 24 wherein comprises based on the registration of the forward link association of described radio terminal, described radio terminal based on the step of the child group of the signal of the described a plurality of space diversitys of choice of location of radio terminal and/or is selected the described son group of the signal of described a plurality of space diversitys by the positional information that described radio terminal sends.

29. method as claimed in claim 24 wherein comprises that based on the step of the child group of the signal of the described a plurality of space diversitys of choice of location of radio terminal the registration that responds described terminal selects the first son group of the signal of described a plurality of space diversitys;

The child group detection that wherein responds the signal of selected described space diversity comprises the first sub positional information that detects by described terminal transmission of organizing of the signal that responds described a plurality of space diversitys from the step of the rl transmission of described radio terminal;

Wherein the positional information that also comprises response and detected based on the step of the child group of the signal of the described a plurality of space diversitys of choice of location of radio terminal is selected the second son group of the signal of described a plurality of space diversitys, and

The child group detection that wherein responds the signal of selected described space diversity also comprises the second sub subsequent transmission that detects from described terminal of organizing of the signal that responds described a plurality of space diversitys from the step of the rl transmission of described radio terminal.

30. method as claimed in claim 24, the step that the child group that wherein responds the signal of selected described space diversity detects from the rl transmission of described radio terminal comprises:

From the child group of the signal of selected space diversity, produce the respective sets of the signal of frequency diversity; And

From at least one of the sets of signals of described frequency diversity, detect rl transmission from described radio terminal.

31. beam-shaper that in wireless communication system, uses with the antenna that contains a plurality of antenna elements, described beam-shaper is configured to respond the one group of antenna element signal formation antenna pattern that offers described beam-shaper from one group of antenna element, and wherein said beam-shaper is during any two or more antenna element signal transmission from described antenna to described beam-shaper, change for any relative phase between described any two or more antenna element signals of described antenna element sets of signals, it is constant substantially to keep described antenna pattern.

32. beam-shaper as claimed in claim 31, wherein said wireless communication system are the satellite antennas that radio satellite communication system and wherein said antenna comprise the satellite of described radio satellite communication system.

33. beam-shaper as claimed in claim 32, wherein said beam-shaper is arranged on the position away from described satellite.

34. as beam-shaper as described in the claim 31, wherein said sets of signals uses frequency division multiplexing to transmit to described beam-shaper from described antenna element group.

35. beam-shaper that in wireless communication system, uses with the antenna that contains a plurality of antenna elements, described antenna configurations becomes response to form antenna pattern from described beam-shaper to one group of antenna element signal that one group of described antenna element transmits, and wherein said beam-shaper is during any two or more antenna element signal transmission from described beam-shaper to described antenna, for any relative variation of introducing between described any two or more aerial signals of described antenna element sets of signals, it is constant substantially to keep described antenna pattern.

36. being radio satellite communication system and wherein said antenna, beam-shaper as claimed in claim 35, wherein said wireless communication system comprise the satellite antenna on the satellite that is located at described radio satellite communication system.

37. beam-shaper as claimed in claim 36, wherein said beam-shaper is located at the position away from described satellite.

38. beam-shaper as claimed in claim 35, wherein said antenna element sets of signals use frequency division multiplexing to transmit to described antenna from described beam-shaper.

39. a beam-forming method comprises:

One group of antenna element signal is sent to beam-shaper from one group of antenna element; And

Respond described antenna element sets of signals and form antenna pattern, being included in two or more antenna element signals arrives during the transmission of described beam-shaper, change for any relative phase between any described two or more antenna element signals of described antenna element sets of signals, it is constant substantially to keep described antenna pattern.

40. method as claimed in claim 39, wherein said antenna element comprises the antenna element of the satellite antenna on the satellite that is located at the radio satellite communication system.

41. method as claimed in claim 40, wherein said beam-shaper is located at the position away from described satellite.

42. method as claimed in claim 39, wherein said antenna element sets of signals use frequency division multiplexing to transmit to described beam-shaper from described antenna.

43. a beam-forming method comprises:

Antenna element with one group of antenna element signal from beam-shaper to one group of antenna transmits; And

Respond described antenna element sets of signals and form antenna pattern, be included in during any two or more antenna element signal transmission from described beam-shaper to described antenna, change for any relative phase of introducing between described any two or more antenna element signals of described antenna element sets of signals, it is constant substantially to keep described antenna pattern.

44. method as claimed in claim 43, wherein said antenna comprises the satellite antenna on the satellite that is located at the radio satellite communication system.

45. method as claimed in claim 44, wherein said beam-shaper is located at the position away from described satellite.

46. method as claimed in claim 43, wherein said antenna element sets of signals use frequency division multiplexing to transmit to described antenna from described beam-shaper.

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