Patent ID: 6477152
Filing Date: 2002-11-05
Classification: H04B,H04W

Abstract:
A data communications system for retrieving data information, said data communications system comprising:a data source comprising a network system for the storage and delivery of the data information; an information request system comprising a transmission unit coupled to said data source and adapted to request the data information from said data source wherein said transmission unit comprises a satellite data unit and a radio frequency unit; a first communication medium configured for transmission of requests for the data information from the information request system to said data source, said first communication medium comprising: an aeronautical satellite system and a ground station, wherein said aeronautical satellite system is adapted to transmit data information requests from said satellite data unit to said ground station, said ground station being coupled to said network system to facilitate the transferring of said data information requests to said network system; and a radio ground station adapted to receive information request signals from said radio frequency unit, wherein said radio ground station is adapted to transmit data information requests from said radio frequency unit to said network system; a second communication medium comprising a direct broadcast satellite adapted to receive data information from said data source and to broadcast said data information to said receiver; a receiver coupled to said data source by said second communication medium and adapted to receive the. data information requested by said information request system from said data source; and wherein said information request system is configured to select one of said aeronautical satellite system and said radio ground station from said first communication medium for transmission of data information requests.