Patent ID: 6223019
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: H04B,H04H

Abstract:
A method of providing audio satellite broadcast transmissions to fixed and mobile receivers in a defined geographical service area that is, at least in part, in a latitude above about 30.degree. N or in a latitude below about 30.degree. S comprising providing a constellation of satellites, with each satellite in its own orbital plane, each orbital plane having orbital parameters that provide elevation angles of more than 35.degree. in said defined geographical service area, each satellite with a period of revolution around the earth substantially the same as the period of rotation of the earth on its axis;transmitting, from two or more of said satellites, audio broadcast signals that are substantially identical in content;transmitting at least two radio broadcast signals having frequencies in the range of about 1 to about 4 GHz from at least two satellites in said constellation substantially simultaneously, said radio broadcast signals having substantially the same content, to a plurality of mobile receivers for said signals in said area and at or near the earth's surface, including the steps of: broadcasting a first radio broadcast signal to said plurality of mobile receivers; after a time delay of sufficient length to substantially eliminate outages in said area, said delay being at least about 0.5 seconds, following the broadcast of said first radio broadcast signal, broadcasting a second radio broadcast signal containing substantially the same program content as said first radio broadcast to said plurality of mobile receivers; storing, in each of said mobile receivers, said first radio broadcast signal for a time period substantially the same as the time of said time delay; and outputting from each of said plurality of mobile receivers, the program contents of first and said second radio broadcast signals by combining said first and said second radio broadcast signals for output or by selecting for output, in correct time-order progression, portions of said first radio broadcast signal and portions of said second radio broadcast signal.