WO2000062370A2

WO2000062370A2 - Integrated communication facility

Info

Publication number: WO2000062370A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/006449
Authority: WO
Inventors: George G. Chadwick
Original assignee: Leo One Ip, L.L.C.
Priority date: 1999-04-14
Filing date: 2000-04-06
Publication date: 2000-10-19
Also published as: AU4325400A; WO2000062370A3

Abstract

An Integrated Communication Facility (10) for processing signals received and/or transmitted through a plurality of planar or contoured antenna arrays is disclosed. The building structure (18) and antenna walls house communication electronics and provide a protected work space for persons operating the facility (10).

Description

Integrated Communication Facility

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of communication facilities, and, more specifically, to message handling facilities associated with terrestrial terminals, relay stations and gateways used in conjunction with satellite services.

BACKGROUND ART The Increasing Demand for Telecommunications Services

Over the past few decades, the demand for access to information has increased dramatically. Although conventional wire and fiber landlines, cellular networks and geostationary satellite systems have continued to expand in an attempt to meet this relentless growth in demand, the existing capacity is still not sufficient to meet the burgeoning global appetite for telecommunications services. Through technology advances and regulatory changes, wireless communication services were offered on a commercial basis and grew to meet city, regional, national and even international coverage needs through interconnection to public networks. As part of this evolution, wireless network standards have developed, on both a national and international basis, although there are still no truly international seamless wireless networks. The decline in the price of wireless services is one of the most important forces helping communications reach broad based markets and demonstrate rapid subscriber growth. The forces driving development of terrestrial wireless communications include advances in technology, with resultant declining prices and digital technology.

The resulting reductions in service and equipment cost attributable to the factors described above have allowed wireless communications to penetrate both business and consumer markets. The ultimate goal of wireless services is to provide two way, ubiquitous and affordable communications services. It was only very recently, with the introduction of wireless satellite services, that this has been made possible. Indeed, satellite services are the final step in the evolution of wireless communications service and are the only services which can provide this ultimate goal of ubiquitous wireless communication. Terrestrial-Based Mobile Communications Services

Currently, there are five major types of public wireless communications services used throughout the world: Cellular, Paging, Private Radio/Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR), Mobile Data networks and Personal Communications Services (PCS).

The growth and evolution of wireless services show that subscribers migrate from basic limited services to more advanced services over time. The growth of terrestrial-based wireless services will increase the awareness and demand for enhanced satellite services. Moreover, wireless satellite services will be able to provide service in areas that cannot be economically served using terrestrial networks. Wireless Communications

As a result of the advances in technology, privatization and decreasing prices on a worldwide basis, wireless communications have undergone a rapid increase in subscriber growth in the past several years. The result is that new enhanced wireless services tend to gain market acceptance more rapidly than did earlier wireless technologies. This phenomenon is attributable to the increasing functionality, value relative to price, and awareness among the population of each successive technology. Paging was introduced with only one way, non-voice communications at a relatively high price. SMR provided two way communications, but only within a closed user group. Finally, cellular offered two way interconnected voice with increasingly wide area coverage. The result of the rapid growth in wireless services worldwide builds an awareness and future demand for the benefits of advanced wireless communications. Satellite Services

Wireless satellite services are uniquely positioned to advance the evolution of telecommunications. These services offer ubiquitous coverage, interconnection with other networks and a variety of services. New satellites will be able to support both voice and data terminals, depending upon the particular need of the user. In general, however, voice service will be expensive relative to data, due to the greater infrastructure required for voice communications and the generally greater efficiency of data communications.

Several previous efforts to enhance worldwide communications capabilities are briefly described below. Robert R. Newton discloses a Multipurpose Satellite System in his U.S. Patent No. 3,497,807.

Newton describes a system in which any point on Earth is always within the line of sight of some satellite and any satellite is always within the line of sight of an adjacent satellite in the same orbital plane. See

Newton, Column 2, Lines 4-7.

U.S. Patent No. 4, 135,156 by Sanders et al., entitled Satellite Communications System Incorporating Ground Relay Station Through Which Messages Between Terminal Stations Are Routed, contains a description of a satellite relay communications system that includes a ground relay station arranged so that each message from one subscriber to another is relayed by the satellite relay to the ground relay, processed by the ground relay and then transmitted to the second subscriber by way of the satellite relay. See Sanders et al., Abstract, Lines 1-6. Paul S. Visher discloses a Satellite Arrangement Providing Effective Use of the Geostationary

Orbit in his U.S. Patent No. 4,375,697. His Patent describes a satellite squadron or cluster formation which i^'s disposed in a predetermined location in geostationary orbit. See Visher, Abstract, Lines 1-2.

U.S. Patent No. 5,666,648, issued to James R. Stuart, describes a telecommunications system that includes twelve satellites which are deployed in polar low Earth orbits. A preferred embodiment provides a system for transmitting a message between two terminals on the ground through a store-and-forward network. The store-and-forward relay method takes advantage of the geometry of a system which allows the satellites to fly over different parts of the globe frequently. A first satellite traveling in a first orbit receives and stores a message from a sending terminal or gateway on the surface of the Earth. As it passes near a relay station near a Pole of the Earth, it transmits the stored message from the sending terminal to the relay station. The message is stored at this relay station until a second satellite moving within a second orbit flies within range. The relay station then sends the stored message up to the second satellite which stores the message and finally transmits it to another receiving terminal or a gateway elsewhere on the Earth. The receiving terminal then forwards the message to the addressee. A satellite can send its stored message directly to a receiving terminal without the using the polar relay station if that path is faster.

In a related U.S. Patent No. 5,678,175, Stuart et al. disclose a satellite system which uses a combination of inclined, polar and Equatorial orbits to increase the capacity and speed of the message handling. To provide communication services to virtually every point on the globe, the system requires a substantial number of terrestrial relay stations, terminals and gateways. Such a system has an objective of supplying a worldwide low cost system. It would be beneficial if such a system did not require expensive, complex, large and aesthetically displeasing ground stations. Mobile satellite systems (MSS) which operate in the non-voice, non-geostationary (NVNG) modes are allocated radio frequencies in the VHF and UHF bands. Unfortunately, current Earth-satellite communication terminals which operate in these bands and which have sufficient gain, multiple satellite tracking ability and message handling capacities suffer from the complexity, size, cost and aesthetically displeasing characteristics which the low cost messaging systems wish to avoid. Very large, mechanically driven dish antennas would be required. More than one would be needed to simultaneously track spaceborne objects in all quadrants. To place the antenna beam at very low mask angles, a large amount of open space must be available to surround the antennas. Alternatively, the antennas must be placed on tall towers. To protect people operating the communication facility from emitted radiation, according to federal standards, sufficient distance to protect them must be provided between the antennas and the operations workplace. The concern about aesthetics has prompted a large number of communities in the

U.S. to enact restrictive ordinances on the size, volume, placement and appearance of antennas.

A communication and message handling facility featuring an antenna system which offers low cost maintenance, which is technically easy to design and build, and which is readily scalable to enhance service capacity would overcome several obstacles currently confronting the communications business. Such a system would have few or no moving parts, protect its operators, and be disguised to furnish an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Such a system could not only be employed to provide wireless satellite service, but could also be used for geostationary satellites and airborne objects. This system could also be adapted to furnish a cellular telephone link involving low power transceivers. The development of such a system would constitute a major technological advance, and would satisfy a long felt need in the electronics and telecommunications industries. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the Integrated Communication Facility comprises a building that includes a first antenna array assembly and a second antenna array assembly. To disguise the antenna, the array assemblies form the exterior, curtain walls of the building. The building frame and the antenna walls create a shelter which houses associated electronics, and which provides a protected work space for persons operating the message processing facility. The antenna arrays have no moving parts. In one embodiment of the invention, array assemblies are fabricated as planar panels. The panels may also be contoured so that the edges abut to form a more or less continuous surface. The contoured panels offer alternatives to a planar structure for aesthetic purposes, and also reduce the amount of electrical deflection of the beams needed to cover the hemisphere over the building. Conventional high gain antennas that are currently used for space communication include very large, mechanically driven dish antennas or multi-element Yagi arrays. The dish may be 30 feet or more in diameter. To place the antenna beam at very low mask angles, a large amount of open space must be available around these conventional antennas to prevent interference with the powerful beam, and to protect persons and property nearby. Alternatively, these conventional antennas must be placed on tall towers.

In the present invention, the antenna array panels form a part of a building to create exterior curtain walls. The antenna array panels are each oriented in a slanted plane. The direction that is perpendicular to this slanted plane is elevated at an angle above the horizon. In one embodiment, this elevation angle is 30 degrees. The panels are slanted at an angle of 30 degrees from the Zenith. In one embodiment, the structure of the upper edges of planar antenna panels is arranged in a generally square platform. In one alternative embodiment, the upper edges of curved antenna panels are arranged in a generally oval platform. The antenna panels are contoured and are abutted to form a generally continuous surface.

The antenna beams radiated from all of the antenna panels are steerabic trom about ' 0 degrees to 90 degrees elevation above the horizon. Each beam is steerable ±45 cegrees in azimuth. The full complement of beams, when steered, are able to cover the entire hemisphere over the building.

In an alternative embodiment, the upper edges of the planar antenna panels are arranged in a generally hexagonal platform. More antenna panels may be added as desired, and the platform may be modified to suit any particular design requirement. The antenna electronics are contained in modules mounted on the rear of the antenna panels.

These modules contain beam phasing networks for the antennas, receivers, transmitters and switching equipment to couple received and transmitted messages to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and/or cellular radio equipment.

The electronics modules are coupled to the planar antenna arrays, and provide means for steering each of the antenna beams through phasing networks, receivers and transmitters for communicating with airborne or objects or satellites. In one preferred embodiment, each panel of the first and second planar antenna arrays projects three separate beams which are independently steered. However, many more steerable beams may be implemented simply by adding more phasing networks as well as additional receiving and transmitting electronics.

Each one of the antenna array panels supports a plurality of printed or stamped conductive antenna elements on a dielectric surface. These elements are driven against a metallic ground plane located approximately 0.25λ behind the elements. The conductive antenna elements are arranged in a six-by-six or seven-by-seven element pattern. Each conductive antenna element is placed 0.6 wavelength (λ) apart from neighboring antenna elements. These elements face outward from the building structure. A non- conductive, weather-resistant cover is placed over the outward facing surface and antenna elements to complete a non-structural wall. Each element is driven by phasing feeds coupled to the conductive elements. Each array scans ± 45 degrees in azimuth and from -20 degrees to +60 degrees in elevation relative to the normal to the array. The Integrated Communication Facility may be used to house a network operations control center

(NOCC) for a satellite communication system. The Integrated Communication Facility is particularly adapted to serve as a gateway or relay station in the NVNG mobile satellite service. The present invention will provide message processing for low orbiting satellites in a number of services and demand segments.

In a preferred embodiment, the first antenna array assembly operates in a first band of frequencies, while the said second antenna array assembly operates in a second band of frequencies. In this embodiment, the first frequency band is the Very High Frequency (VHF) band, and the second frequency band is the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band. In an embodiment configured for providing message processing for satellites in the non-voice non-geosynchronous, mobile satellite system (NVNG MSS), the first frequency band ranges from 137 MHz to 150 MHz and the second frequency band ranges from 398 MHz to 460 MHz.

An appreciation of other aims and objectives of the present invention and a more complete and comprehensive understanding of this invention may be achieved by studying the following description of preferred and alternative embodiments and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the Integrated Communication Facility, showing a large planar antenna array and a smaller planar antenna array disposed as curtain walls upon a building.

Figure 1A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is pictorial view of a typical VHF antenna dish currently used at terrestrial stations for communication with orbiting satellites. Figure 3 is perspective view of the Integrated Communication Facility showing one preferred embodiment employing VHF planar antenna arrays, and smaller UHF planar antenna arrays disposed as curtain walls on a building structure. A weather-resistant covering ordinarily placed over the face of the planar antenna arrays is not shown to reveal the arrays of conductive antenna elements. Figure 4 is a plan view of the Integrated Communication Facility showing the VHF planar antenna array and the UHF planar antenna array, each having four antenna panels and arranged in a generally square configuration.

Figure 5 depicts an elevation view of the Integrated Communication Facility showing antenna array panels, each disposed in a slanted plane, the normal to which is elevated at an angle above the horizon.

Figure 5 A is a partial view of Section A-A of Figure 4 showing one side of the building and the antenna panels mounted on the building in a cross-section. The cross-sections of the antenna panels are not drawn to scale.

Figure 6 is a block diagram of an antenna panel and the transmitter and receiver feeds to the antenna elements.

Figure 7 is a chart of the antenna pattern for one VHF planar antenna panel in which gain versus elevation angle, θ, are plotted for a scan angle of zero degrees in elevation relative to the array normal and a frequency of 137 MHz. The 3 dB beamwidth is 16.9 degrees and the first sidelobe level is -22.2 dB.

Figure 8 is a chart of the antenna pattern for one VHF planar antenna panel in which gain versus elevation angle, θ, are plotted for a scan angle of -20 degrees in elevation relative to the array normal and a frequency of 137 MHz. The 3 dB beamwidth is 20.6 degrees and the first sidelobe level is -20.3 dB.

Figure 9 is a chart of the antenna pattern for one VHF planar antenna panel in which gain versus elevation angle, θ, are plotted for a scan angle of +60 degrees relative to the array normal and a frequency of 137 MHz. The 3 dB beamwidth is 25.0 degrees and the first sidelobe level is -16.2 dB. Figure 10 is a chart of the antenna pattern for one VHF planar antenna panel in which gain versus azimuth angle, φ, are plotted for a scan angle of +45 degrees in azimuth, zero degrees in elevation and a frequency of 137 MHz. The 3 dB beamwidth is 23.9 degrees and the first sidelobe level is -18.0 dB.

Figure 1 1 is a chart of the antenna pattern for one UHF planar antenna panel in which gain versus elevation angle, θ, are plotted for a scan angle of 0 degrees relative to the array normal and a frequency of 400 MHz. The 3 dB beamwidth is 20.3 degrees and the first sidelobe level is -22.3 dB.

Figure 12 is a chart of the antenna pattern for one UHF planar antenna panel in which gain versus elevation angle, θ, plotted for a scan angle of -20 degrees relative to the array normal and a frequency of 400 MHz. The 3 dB beamwidth is 21.3 degrees and the first sidelobe level is -20.4 dB.

Figure 13 is a chart of the antenna pattern for one UHF planar antenna panel in which gain versus elevation angle, θ, are plotted for a scan angle of +60 degrees relative to the array normal and a frequency of 400 MHz. The 3 dB beamwidth is 25.5 degrees and the first sidelobe level is -16.2dB. Figure 14 is a chart of the antenna pattern for one UHF planar antenna panel in which gain versus azimuth angle, φ, are plotted for a scan angle of +45 degrees in azimuth, zero degrees in elevation and a frequency of 400 MHz. The 3 dB beamwidth is 24.6 degrees and the first sidelobe level is -18.0 dB.

Figure 15 depicts one embodiment of a VHF array element.

Figure 16 depicts one embodiment of a UHF 32-element array.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An Integrated Message Processing Facility

A perspective view of one embodiment of the Integrated Communication Facility 10 is presented in Figure 1, which shows a first planar antenna array assembly 12 and a second planar antenna array assembly 14 mounted on a building 18. To present an aesthetically pleasing structure and to disguise the arrays, the antenna array assemblies 12 & 14 are fabricated in a configuration to form the exterior curtain walls of the building 18. The building frame structure 18, the antenna walls and window glass panels 18a create a shelter which house associated electronics, and which provide a protected work space for persons operating a message processing facility. The antenna array assemblies 12 & 14 have no moving parts. In a preferred embodiment 10, the antenna array assemblies 12 & 14 are fabricated as planar panels. Figure 1A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment 1 1 of the Integrated Message

Processing Facility, showing alternative, contoured antenna array assemblies 12a & 14a which abut their vertical edges to form a more or less continuous external surface. In an alternative embodiment, the array assemblies are fabricated as curved panels. The panels may be contoured so as to be joined at the edges to form a more or less continuous surface. The contoured panels offer alternatives to a planar structure for aesthetic purposes.

In this Specification and in the Claims which follow, the term "antenna" refers to conductive elements which may be used to transmit, to receive or provide both functions. The use of various reference characters such as 12 & 14 is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention, not to limit the scope of the Claims. The invention may be practiced using any combination of antenna elements which are designed to serve different frequencies, including VHF, UHF and other radio bands. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the structure 18 may comprise an integrated shell that incorporates the antenna panels. The structure may be fabricated from a metal or wood frame, or may employ plastics, fabrics or composite materials.

Figure 2 is pictorial view 30 of a conventional antenna. It reveals a typical VHF antenna dish 34 used at a terrestrial station 36 for communication with orbiting satellites. Such antennas are of the order of 30 feet in diameter. Typically, the antenna is mounted on a base structure and features a motor driven mechanism 32 which is used to point the antenna 34 towards a satellite 40. For the antenna to be confined to low mask angles, about 8 to 10 degrees, a large open space is required. This prevents interference with the antenna beam and protects persons and property from the emitted radiation. Such an antenna tracks only those satellites that are moving within its narrow beam. Simultaneous communication with other satellites in diverse parts of the sky requires more than one antenna. The mean time between failure (MTBF) is much lower than the proposed embodiment. For such a conventional antenna, the mean time between failure (MTBF) is much less favorable than it is for the current invention.

The Integrated Communication Facility 10 may be used to house a network operations control center (NOCC) for a satellite communication system. The building can be used for offices, maintenance shops, billing and accounting and other services. Persons inside and outside of the building 18 are protected from injury because the power density of emitted radiation from the spread out beams is low. At the usual transmitter power, antenna gain and patterns, a separation distance of only six feet is required to keep radiation levels within U.S. Government standards. Metal objects, such as automobiles, should be at least 50 feet from the building 18. Other objects such as tall trees should be about 250 feet distant.

The Integrated Communication Facility 10 is particularly adapted to serve as a gateway or a relay station in the NVNG mobile satellite service. The present invention will offer message processing for low orbiting satellites in a number of services and demand segments including those listed in Table One:

Table One Services and Demand Se ments

Figure 3 is another perspective view of one embodiment of the Integrated Communication Facility 10. This figure depicts one preferred embodiment, which employs VHF planar antenna arrays 12 and smaller UHF planar antenna arrays 14 disposed as curtain walls upon an industrial structure 18. A weather-resistant covering which is ordinarily placed over the face of the planar antenna arrays 12 & 14 is not shown. Conductive antenna elements 20 & 22 are coupled to the antenna electronics which form the antenna beams. The antenna elements 20 & 22 are printed or stamped on a dielectric panel 24 & 26. Figure 4 is a plan view of one preferred embodiment of the Integrated Communication Facility 10, showing a first planar antenna array 12 and a second planar antenna array 14. Each array has four antenna panels that are arranged in a generally square configuration. The overall length, L of the building and antenna combination is about 53 feet for one preferred embodiment, which employs VHF and UHF antenna arrays.

Figure 5 is an elevation view of an Integrated Communication Facility 10, showing one side of the structure 18 and the antenna arrays 12&14 mounted on the structure 18. Glass window panels 18a and an entrance doorway 16 are depicted. The glass window panels 18a fill the gaps between the planar antenna curtain walls 12 & 14 and complete the building enclosure. In the preferred VHF/UHF embodiment, the overall width W of the building and antenna combination is about 53 feet. The overall building height H is approximately 36 feet. The VHF antenna panel dimensions are approximately 25 feet x 25 feet. The UHF panel dimensions are approximately 8.6 feet x 8.6 feet. In this embodiment, the vertical height h, of the VHF array is approximately 22 feet, and vertical height h₂ of the UHF array is about 7.5 feet.

Figure 5 reveals that the antenna array panels 12 & 14 are each disposed in a slanted plane. The normal to this plane is elevated at an angle θ above the horizon 28. In a preferred embodiment, the normal to the slanted plane is 30 degrees above the horizon 28. The panels 12 & 14 therefore slant at an angle of 60 degrees from the Zenith 17. The antenna beams 15 & 19 are depicted in Figure 5 as departing along the normal from all of the antenna panels 12 & 14. The antenna beams 15 & 19 are steerable from -20 degrees elevation to 60 degrees elevation, measured from normal 15 to the slanted plane. The antenna array panels are operated cooperatively so that all the beams together are able to cover 360 degrees in azimuth. The elevation range of the steered beams extends from a mask angle of about 10 degrees or less above the horizon 28 to the Zenith 17.

In one preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 4, the upper edges of the planar antenna panels 12 & 14 are arranged in a generally square platform. An alternative embodiment can be selected in which each planar array 12 & 14 comprises six antenna panels arranged in a generally hexagonal planform. More antenna panels may be added by supplying supporting electronics. The planform may be modified to suit particular design requirements. Glass window panels 18a fill the spaces between the planar antenna panels

12 & 14 to complete the building enclosure. Appropriate entry and exit doorways 16 are provided.

Figure 5A is a partial view of Section A-A of Figure 4. One side of the building and the antenna panels 12 & 14 mounted on the frame are seen in a cross-section. The cross-sections of the antenna panels 12 & 14 are not drawn to scale. The dielectric substrate 24 on which the VHF antenna elements are mounted has a weather-resistant surface 21 which covers the antenna elements 20 and makes the building snug. The antenna elements are driven against a reflective ground plane 25 & 27 which is parallel to the dielectric substrate 24 &. 26 that holds the antenna elements. This ground plane 25 &. 27 is approximately 0.2 wavelengths from the dielectric substrate 24 & 26 or 17.2 inches at VHF and 5.9 inches at UHF. The electronic modules 29 are mounted on the rear of the reflective surface 25 & 27 and house beam steering networks, receive amplifiers, transmit amplifiers and switching equipment. The electronics modules 29 are accessible for maintenance and replacement from inside the building 18.

The present invention makes efficient use of the scarce spectrum available for the mobile satellite service. Table Two summarizes the total spectrum available in the U.S. for this type of service, resulting from the allocations made at WARC-92 and in the Federal Communications Commission's Order allocating spectrum for the NVNG Mobile Satellite System.

Table Two - MSS Frequency Allocations Below 1 GHz

Table Two shows a total of 2.2 MHz available for the Earth-to-Space links (uplink) and 1.85 MHz for the Space-to-Earth links (downlink). However, parts of this available spectrum are only allocated on a secondary basis to the MSS service, and even the primary MSS allocations are allocated on a co-primary basis to other services, such as Fixed, Mobile, Meteorological-Satellite, Space Operation, Space Research and Meteorological Aids. Relay Station Technical Parameters and Operation The reader is invited to refer to U.S. Patent Numbers 5,666,648 and 5,678, 175 listed in the

Background Section for a further description of relay terminals used in one NVMG mobile satellite system. A public switched telephone interface connects the Integrated Communication Facility 10 to other networks, destination addresses or other relay stations. Cellular telephone system antennas may be located on the building 18. The technical parameters of the beam steering transmit and receive electronics 29 vary according to the frequency bands and services in which the Integrated Communication Facility 10 is operated. The first planar antenna array 12 and the second antenna planar array 14 emit or receive a plurality of beams. These beams are electronically steerable through a range of elevation angles, θ, measured from the normal 15 to the slanted plane of the antenna panel, and a range of azimuth angles φ, measured relative to the normal 15 to the slanted plane. Each of the beams is capable of being steered in elevation from -20 degrees from the normal to +60 degrees from the normal. This represents a range of 10 degrees to 90 degrees above the horizon 28. Each of the beams is capable of being steered from +45 degrees to -45 degrees in azimuth from the normal 15 to the slanted plane. The combination of the electronics modules 29 and the planar antenna arrays provide means for steering each of the antenna beams through phasing networks, receive amplifiers and transmit amplifiers. In one preferred embodiment, each panel of the first and second planar antenna array assemblies 12 & 14 projects three separate beams which are independently steered. However, many more steerable beams may be implemented simply by adding more electronics.

Figure 6 presents a block diagram 40 of one antenna panel having an array of conductive elements 42. The diagram illustrates tracking communications with three objects requiring three antenna beams. Each antenna element 42 is coupled to a receive amplifier 54 and a transmit amplifier 52. Each receive amplifier 54 has an input to three trackers 44, one tracker 44 for each antenna beam. For a 6 by 6 array of 36 elements, one hundred eight separate transmission lines 46 from receiver amplifiers 54 deliver received and amplified signals to the three trackers 44. One transmitter module 48 feeds one antenna element through a final amplifier 52. For three beams, three transmitter modules 48 are required for each antenna element 42. Received signals are right hand, circularly polarized 51 and transmitted signals are left hand, circularly polarized 50. Figures 7 through 14 show various antenna patterns for the present invention. Charts of the antenna gain versus elevation angle θ for various scan angles in elevation are shown in Figures 7-9 and 1 1-13. Plots of antenna gain versus azimuth angle φ for various scan angles in azimuth are shown in Figures 10 and 14. Scan angles in elevation and azimuth are measured from the normal 15 to the antenna panel, face as seen in the elevation view of Figure 5. Zero degrees elevation and azimuth correspond to the antenna beam projected along the normal 15 to the antenna panel surface. Positive elevation scan angles +θ are measured up from the normal 15. Positive azimuth angles +φ are measured to the right of the normal 15 as seen in the plan view of Figure 4. The antenna patterns are shown for a VHF antenna panel 12 at a frequency of 137 MHz. The antenna patterns are shown for a UHF antenna panel 14 at a frequency of 400 MHz. Beamwidth BW and the first level side lobe SL are shown for each pattern. Figure 15 provides a view of one embodiment of a VHF array element or dipole, which comprises four array faces oriented at 90 degrees in azimuth to each other. Each faces comprises 32 dipole elements. Figure 15 illustrates a single element of the array.

Figure 16 furnishes a view of one embodiment of a 32-element UHF array. The array comprises four array faces oriented at 90 degrees in azimuth to each other. Each face comprises 32 dipole elements. The UHF array is mounted on top of the VHF array. Figure 16 illustrates a 32-element array face, one of the four required for a complete UHF system.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The Integrated Communication Facility will provide a communication and message handling facility featuring an antenna system which offers low cost maintenance, which is technically easy to design and build, and which is readily scalable to enhance service capacity. The present invention has virtually no moving parts, protects its operators, and may be disguised to furnish an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The invention may be employed to provide wireless satellite service, and may also be used for geostationary satellites and airborne objects.

CONCLUSION

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to a particular, preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments, persons possessing ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains will appreciate that various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the Claims that follow. The various number of antenna panels, antenna beams, scan angles, operational frequencies and uses of the Integrated Communications Facility that have been disclosed above are intended to educate the reader about particular embodiments, and are not intended to constrain the limits of the invention or the scope of the Claims. The List of Reference Characters which follows is intended to provide the reader with a convenient means of identifying elements of the invention in the Specification and Drawings. This list is not intended to delineate or narrow the scope of the Claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, 5a & 6

10 Integrated Communication Facility

11 Integrated Communication Facility, alternative embodiment

12 Band 1 (Bl) planar antenna array assembly 12a Band 1 (Bl) contoured antenna array assembly

14 Band 2 (B2) planar antenna array assembly

14a Band 2 (B2) contoured antenna array assembly

15 Bl antenna beam

16 Facility entrance

17 B 1 beam steered to maximum elevation (Zenith)

18 Structure

18a Glass panels

19 B2 antenna beam

20 Bl conductive antenna elements

21 Non-conductive weatherproof cover

22 B2 conductive antenna elements

24 Bl planar dielectric surface

25 B 1 reflective ground plane 6 B2 planar dielectric surface

27 B2 reflective ground plane 8 Horizon

29 Electronics modules

40 Block diagram of antenna feeds for three scanning beams 42 Antenna element 44 Tracker receiver 46 Receiver input line 48 Transmitter

50 Signals having left hand circular polarization

51 Signals having right hand circular polarization

52 Transmitter final amplifier 54 Receiver amplifier

B 1 First operating band

B2 second operating band

H Structure height h, Bl antenna height in elevation h₂ B2 antenna height in elevation

L Structure length

1 B 1 antenna width

W Structure width w B2 antenna width θ Beam elevation angle φ Beam azimuth angle

Figure 3

30 Satellite tracking dish antenna facility 32 Antenna support and drive mechanisms 34 Antenna dish

36 Operations facility

40 Satellite

Figures 6 through 18

G Antenna gain θ Beam elevation angle φ Beam azimuth angle

Claims

1. A building (18) characterized in that outer walls of the building are formed of antenna members (12,14) and in that the building is arranged to accommodate both electronics means (29) associated with the antenna members and operating personnel.

2. A building as claimed in Claim 1, in which said antenna members comprise a first plurality of antenna array assemblies (12, 12a) operating in a first frequency band (Bl) and a second plurality of antenna array assemblies (14, 14a) operating in a second, higher frequency band (B2).

3. A building as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said first frequency band (Bl) is a very high frequency (VHF) band and said second frequency band is an ultra high frequency (UHF) band.

4. A building as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said first frequency band (Bl ) ranges from approximately 137 MHz to approximately 150 MHz and said second frequency band ranges from approximately 398 MHz to approximately 460 MHz.

5. A building as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the antenna members (12, 14) are inclined to the vertical.

6. A building as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein said antenna members are planar panels (12, 14).

7. A building as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said first plurality of panlar antenna array assemblies includes four planar antenna arrays (12), and said second plurality of planar antenna array assemblies includes four planar antenna arrays (14).

8. A building as claimed in Claim 7, wherein upper edges of said plurality of said planar antenna (12, 14) are arranged generally in a square.

9. A building as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said first plurality of planar antenna array assemblies includes six planar arrays (12), and said second plurality of planar antenna array assemblies (14, 14a) includes six planar arrays (14).

10. A building as claimed in Claim 9, wherein upper edges of said plurality of said planar antennas (12, 14) are arranged generally in a hexagon.

11. A building as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein said antenna members are contoured panels (12a, 14a).

12. A building as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 11, wherein said second plurality of antenna array assemblies (14, 14a) are located above said first plurality of antenna array assemblies (12, 12a).

13. A building as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein said electronics means (29) includes steering means for determining the directions of beams (15, 19) received and/or transmitted by said antenna members (12, 14).

14. A building as claimed in Claim 13, wherein each said antenna member (12, 14) is associated with at least three steerable beams (15, 19), each of said beams (15, 19) being independently steerable in elevation (θ) and in azimuth (φ) for maintaining a communication path to an airborne object and/or to an object (40) in space.

15. A building as claimed in Claim 13 or 14, wherein each of said beams (15, 19) is capable of being steered through a range of elevation angles (θ) from approximately horizontal (28) to approximately 90 degrees above horizontal (17) and a range of azimuth angles (φ) from +45 degrees to -45 degrees from a normal to the surface of the associated antenna member (12, 14), said antenna members being operated cooperatively to provide steerable beams (15, 19) covering 360 degrees in azimuth.

16. An apparatus comprising:

a ground-based structure (18);

a plurality of antenna array assemblies (12, 12a, 14, 14a); each of said plurality of antenna array assemblies (12, 12a, 14, 14a) having a plurality of antenna elements (20, 22) emitting a plurality of electronically steerable beams (15, 19);

electronics means (29) for processing messages conveyed through said plurality of planar antennas (12,14);

said electronics means (29) coupled to said plurality of antenna array assemblies (12, 12a, 14, 14a);

each one of said plurality of antenna array assemblies (12, 12a, 14, 14a) being incorporated on to said structure (18) to form an outer wall thereof; each one of said plurality of antenna array assemblies (12, 12a, 14, 14a) having a dielectric surface (24, 26) supporting said antenna elements (20, 22) outwardly facing from said structure (18); and

said structure (18) providing a shelter and housing said electronics means (29).

17. An apparatus comprising:

a ground-based structure (18);

a first antenna array (12, 12a);

a second antenna array (14, 14a);

electronics means (29) coupled to said first antenna array (12) and to said second antenna array (14) for processing signals conveyed by said first antenna array (12) and said second antenna array (14);

said first antenna array (12) and said second antenna array (14) being disposed on said structure (18) to form an outer wall thereof;

said first antenna array (12) having a planar face (24) supporting antenna elements (20) outwardly facing from said structure (18);

said first antenna array (12) having a plurality of antenna elements emitting first steerable beams (15), electronically steerable in elevation (θ) and azimuth (φ) directions;

said second antenna array (14) having a planar face (26) supporting antenna elements (22) outwardly facing from said structure (18);

said second antenna array (14) having a plurality of antenna elements emitting second steerable beams (19), electronically steerable in elevation (θ) and azimuth (φ) directions; said first antenna array (12) and said second antenna array (14) each being disposed in a slanted plane; a normal to said slanted plane being elevated at an angle (θ) above the horizon (28);

said structure (18), said first antenna array (12) and said second antenna array (14) forming a shelter to house said electronics means (29) and work space for persons; and each of said first and said second plurality of steerable beams (15, 19) being independently steered for maintaining a communication path to an airborne object and a spaceborne (40) object.

18. A method of operating a message processing facility comprising the steps of:

providing a ground-based structure (18);

providing a plurality of antenna array assemblies (12, 12a, 14, 14a); each of said plurality of antenna array assemblies (12, 12a, 14, 14a) having a plurality of electronically steerable beams (15, 19); providing electronics means (29) coupled to said plurality of antenna array assemblies (12, 12a, 14, 14a) for processing signals conveyed and transmitted through said antenna array assemblies (12, 12a, 14, 14a);

disposing each one of said plurality of antenna array assemblies (12, 12a, 14, 14a) on said structure (18) to form an outer wall thereof; each one of said plurality of antenna arrays assemblies (12, 12a, 14, 14a) having a dielectric surface (24, 26) supporting antenna elements (20, 22) outwardly facing from said structure (18); and

housing said electronics means (29), and providing work space for persons, within said structure (18).

19. A method as claimed in Claim 18, further including the steps of:

steering each of said plurality of steerable beams (15, 19) through a range of elevation angles (θ) from approximately horizontal (28) to approximately 90 degrees above horizontal (17) and a range of azimuth angles (φ) from approximately +45 degrees to approximately -45 degrees from said normal to said slanted plane; and

operating said antenna array assemblies cooperatively to provide steerable beams (15, 19) covering 360 degrees in azimuth.

20. An integrated communication facility apparatus comprising:

radiation means (12, 12a, 14, 14a) for transmitting and receiving communication signals;

said radiation means (12, 12a, 14, 14a) having a plurality of antenna means (20, 22) for emitting and/or receiving a plurality of beams (15, 19), electronically steerable in azimuth (θ) and elevation (φ); electronics means (29) for processing messages conveyed through said radiation means (12, 12a, 14, 14a);

said electronics means (29) coupled to said radiation means (12, 12a, 14, 14a);

ground-based structure means (18) for supporting said radiation means (12, 12a, 14, 14a), for housing said electronics means (29) and providing a work space for persons;

said radiation means (12, 12a, 14, 14a) being incorporated on to said structure means (18) to form outer walls thereof; and

said radiation means (12, 12a, 14, 14a) having a dielectric surface (24, 26) supporting said antenna means (20, 22) outwardly facing from said structure means (18).