Methods and apparatus for augmenting satellite broadcast system
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United States of America Patent
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-
Dec 10, 1996
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
May 25, 1995
filing date -
May 25, 1995
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
The present invention comprises methods and apparatus for providing programming from both satellites (11) and local sources (L) using a single receiving antenna (32). In a preferred embodiment, beams (18) emanating from a geosynchronous satellite (11) are collected using the main lobe (36) of a home receiving antenna (32), while a rebroadcast signal (26) generated by an airplane (20) circling above the home (H) is simultaneously sensed using a side lobe (38) of the receiving antenna (32). The airplane (20) flies along a path (40) which is a closed loop so that it is always positioned in a region where the aircraft antenna (24) can supply signals (26) to the receiving terminal (28) using the side lobe (38). The present invention may be implemented using any form of airborne platform (20), whether it is manned or unmanned. A wide range of methods may be employed to deliberately enhance the sensitivity of the side lobe (38) of the receiving antenna (32). The invention allows immediate and inexpensive enhancement to existing geostationary broadcast services.
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