Patent ID: 6173156
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
A method for broadcasting message s to a plurality of ground stations in a wide area using a Geosynchronous (GEO) satellite, a plurality of Non-GEO satellites, and a control center, said method comprising the steps of:a) processing in formation, received by said control center, into message data and delivery data, wherein step a) further comprises the steps of:a1) identifying a group of said plurality of ground stations, said group having a number N of said plurality of ground stations; anda2) determining locations for said number N of said plurality of ground stations in said group;b) broadcasting said message data to a first set of said plurality of ground stations using said GEO satellite, wherein step b) further comprises the steps of:b1) determining loading of said GEO satellite;b2) determining if capacity is available on said GEO satellite;b3) when capacity is available on said GEO satellite, identifying a number K of said plurality of ground stations in a first set in said group, said number K being within a broadcast coverage area of said GEO satellite;b4) determining if said number K should be maximized;b5) sending said message data to said GEO satellite when said number K should not be maximized; andb6) comparing said number K to a threshold, when said number K should be maximized; andc) broadcasting said message data to a second set of said plurality of ground stations using at least one of said plurality of Non-GEO satellites, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:c1) determining loading of said at least one of said plurality of Non-GEO satellites;c2) determining if capacity is available on said at least one of said plurality of Non-GEO satellites; andc3) when capacity is available on said at least one of said plurality of Non-GEO satellites, identifying a number L of said plurality of ground stations in a second set in said group, said number L being within a broadcast coverage area of said at least one of said plurality of Non-GEO satellites.