Patent ID: 7672262

Claim:
A system for global remote instrument control and feedback, the system comprising: a host communications gateway (HCG) having an interface to a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite data network, wherein access to the satellite data network is established through a service provider hub; a microprocessor-based control system that provides, at a first data rate, on-site control of oil well equipment and monitoring functions of oil well equipment located at an oil well site that is remote relative to the HCG; a transceiver for interfacing the control system with the satellite data network, wherein the satellite data network communicates at a second data rate, the second data rate being lower than the first data rate and being less than or equal to about 19,200 baud; and a protocol translator for interfacing the transceiver with the control system, wherein the HCG receives defined information from the control system using the transceiver via the satellite data network for building a database; wherein the control system updates the defined information in the database using an event-driven communication mode; wherein the HCG permits the database to be constantly polled by an end application at a third data rate, the third data rate being higher than the second data rate and being greater than or equal to about 10BaseT ethernet; wherein a last known good value for the defined information is subsequently delivered to the end application to satisfy the constant polling at the third data rate; and wherein the HCG transmits data to the transceiver via the satellite data network.