Leydig, Voit & Mayer, Ltd.
    Two Prudential Plaza, Suite 4900, 180 North Stetson Avenue
    Chicago
    IL
    60601-6731
    US

1. A system for enhancing coverage for a mobile satellite service, the system comprising:a signal threshold comparator module for monitoring a predetermined threshold for a satellite service signal received on a first frequency band;a signal gain block operable to vary amplification of the satellite service signal received on a second frequency band in response to the threshold; anda satellite receiver for decoding the satellite service signal received on the first and second frequency bands.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the mobile satellite service is a satellite radio service.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the first frequency band comprises frequencies for receiving satellite radio signals from one or more terrestrial satellite repeaters.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the second frequency band comprises frequencies for receiving satellite radio signals from one or more satellites.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the threshold is a predetermined bit error rate of the satellite service signal received on the first frequency band.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the signal gain block (a) increases the amplification of the satellite service signal received on the second frequency band when a bit error rate of the satellite service signal received on the first frequency band is greater than the predetermined bit error rate, and (b) decreases the amplification of the satellite service signal received on the second frequency band when the bit error rate of the satellite service signal received on the first frequency band is lower than the predetermined bit error rate.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the threshold is a predetermined signal strength level of the satellite service signal received on the first frequency band.

8. A method for enhancing coverage for a mobile satellite service, the method comprising:monitoring a predetermined threshold for a satellite service signal received on a first frequency band;in response to the threshold, varying amplification of the satellite service signal received on a second frequency band; anddecoding the satellite service signal received on the first and second frequency bands.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the mobile satellite service is a satellite radio service.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the first frequency band comprises frequencies for receiving satellite radio signals from one or more terrestrial satellite repeaters.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein the second frequency band comprises frequencies for receiving satellite radio signals from one or more satellites.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein the threshold is a predetermined bit error rate of the satellite service signal received on the first frequency band.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising (a) increasing the amplification of the satellite service signal received on the second frequency band when a bit error rate of the satellite service signal received on the first frequency band is greater than the predetermined bit error rate, and (b) decreasing the amplification of the satellite service signal received on the second frequency band when the bit error rate of the satellite service signal received on the first frequency band is lower than the predetermined bit error rate.

14. The method of claim 8 wherein the threshold is a predetermined signal strength level of the satellite service signal received on the first frequency band.

15. A computer readable medium having stored thereon computer executable instructions for enhancing coverage for a mobile satellite service, the instructions comprising:monitoring a predetermined threshold for a satellite service signal received on a first frequency band;in response to the threshold, varying amplification of the satellite service signal received on a second frequency band; anddecoding the satellite service signal received on the first and second frequency bands.

16. The computer readable medium of claim 15 wherein the mobile satellite service is a satellite radio service.

17. The computer readable medium of claim 15 wherein the first frequency band comprises frequencies for receiving satellite radio signals from one or more terrestrial satellite repeaters.

18. The computer readable medium of claim 15 wherein the second frequency band comprises frequencies for receiving satellite radio signals from one or more satellites.

19. The computer readable medium of claim 15 wherein the threshold is a predetermined bit error rate of the satellite service signal received on the first frequency band.

20. The computer readable medium of claim 19 wherein the instructions further comprise (a) increasing the amplification of the satellite service signal received on the second frequency band when a bit error rate of the satellite service signal received on the first frequency band is greater than the predetermined bit error rate, and (b) decreasing the amplification of the satellite service signal received on the second frequency band when the bit error rate of the satellite service signal received on the first frequency band is lower than the predetermined bit error rate.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]This invention relates generally to the field of telematics and more specifically to the field of satellite radio reception.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]Mobile satellite services, including satellite radio services, employ a variety of techniques to supplement satellite based signal coverage. For example, since satellite based signal may degrade in high density/high rise building areas, the satellite radio services, such as XM and SIRIUS, employ a network of terrestrial repeaters that operate within the satellite radio service band to supplement satellite based coverage.

[0003]The XM satellite service band, for example, occupies 12.5 MHz of spectrum in the mid-2 GHz frequency range. The XM spectrum is split between satellite and terrestrial repeater operating bands. The frequency bands for the satellite and terrestrial signals are adjacent within the allocated 12.5 MHz of spectrum, thereby raising the need to control the possibility of adjacent channel interference between the satellite and terrestrial based signals at the receiver when the subscriber’s vehicle travels from an area covered only by satellite signals to an area where both satellite and terrestrial coverage is available. The satellite band signal gain may be reduced to reduce the chances of the adjacent channel interference. However, this leads to a decreased service footprint in areas where only satellite coverage is available when satellite reception degrades due to dense foliage, for example. Therefore, a need exists for a mechanism to dynamically control the possibility of adjacent channel interference between satellite and terrestrial based signals while enhancing the satellite reception in areas not covered by the terrestrial repeater network.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004]In one aspect of the invention, a system is provided for enhancing coverage for a mobile satellite service, the system comprising a signal threshold comparator module for monitoring a predetermined threshold for a satellite service signal received on a first frequency band, a signal gain block operable to vary amplification of the satellite service signal received on a second frequency band in response to the threshold, and a satellite receiver for decoding the satellite service signal received on the first and second frequency bands.

[0005]Preferably, the mobile satellite service is a radio satellite service and the threshold is a predetermined bit error rate of the satellite signal received on the first frequency band. In one example, the signal gain block (a) increases the amplification of the satellite service signal received on the second frequency band when a bit error rate of the satellite service signal received on the first frequency band is greater than the predetermined bit error rate, and (b) decreases the amplification of the satellite service signal received on the second frequency band when the bit error rate of the satellite service signal received on the first frequency band is lower than the predetermined bit error rate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for delivery of in-vehicle telematics services, as contemplated by an example of the present invention;

[0007]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of geographical satellite service areas, in accordance with an example of the present invention;

[0008]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a system for dynamically controlling adjacent channel interference between satellite and terrestrial based signals while enhancing the satellite reception in areas not covered by the terrestrial repeater network of FIG. 2, in accordance with an example of the present invention; and

[0009]FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for enhancing satellite coverage using the system of FIG. 3, in accordance with an example of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0010]With reference to FIG. 1 there is shown an example of a communication system 100 that may be used with the present method and generally includes a vehicle 102, a wireless carrier system 104, a land network 106 and a call center 108. It should be appreciated that the overall architecture, setup and operation, as well as the individual components of a system such as that shown here are generally known in the art. Thus, the following paragraphs simply provide a brief overview of one such exemplary information system 100, however, other systems not shown here could employ the present method as well.

[0011]Vehicle 102 is preferably a mobile vehicle such as a motorcycle, car, truck, recreational vehicle (RV), boat, plane, etc., and is equipped with suitable hardware and software that enables it to communicate over system 100. Some of the vehicle hardware 110 is shown generally in FIG. 1 including a telematics unit 114, a microphone 116, a speaker 118 and buttons and/or controls 120 connected to the telematics unit 114. Operatively coupled to the telematics unit 114 is a network connection or vehicle bus 122. Examples of suitable network connections include a controller area network (CAN), a media oriented system transfer (MOST), a local interconnection network (LIN), an Ethernet, and other appropriate connections such as those that conform with known ISO, SAE, and IEEE standards and specifications, to name a few.

[0012]The telematics unit 114 is an onboard device that provides a variety of services through its communication with the call center 108, and generally includes an electronic processing device 128, one or more types of electronic memory 130 having stored thereon software 131, a cellular chipset/component 124, a wireless modem 126, an antenna 160 and a navigation unit containing a GPS chipset/component 132. In one example, the wireless modem 126 is comprised of a computer program and/or set of software routines executing within processing device 128.

[0013]The telematics unit 114 provides too many services to list them all, but several examples include: turn-by-turn directions and other navigation-related services provided in conjunction with the GPS based chipset/component 132; airbag deployment notification and other emergency or roadside assistance-related services provided in connection with various crash and or collision sensor interface modules 156 and sensors 158 located throughout the vehicle. Infotainment-related services where music, Web pages, movies, television programs, videogames and/or other content is downloaded by an infotainment center 136 operatively connected to the telematics unit 114 via vehicle bus 122 and audio bus 112. In one example, downloaded content is stored for current or later playback. The infotainment center 136 further includes a satellite radio receiver 137, such as an XM radio receiver capable of demodulating both satellite and terrestrial XM radio service frequencies.

[0014]Again, the above-listed services are by no means an exhaustive list of all the capabilities of telematics unit 114, as should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, but are simply an illustration of some of the services that the telematics unit is capable of offering. It is anticipated that telematics unit 114 will include a number of known components in addition to those listed above.

[0015]Vehicle communications preferably use radio transmissions to establish a voice channel with wireless carrier system 104 so that both voice and data transmissions can be sent and received over the voice channel. Vehicle communications are enabled via the cellular chipset/component 124 for voice communications and a wireless modem 126 for data transmission. In order to enable successful data transmission over the voice channel, wireless modem 126 applies some type of encoding or modulation to convert the digital data so that it can communicate through a vocoder or speech codec incorporated in the cellular chipset/component 124. Any suitable encoding or modulation technique that provides an acceptable data rate and bit error can be used with the present method. In one example, the antenna 160 is a dual mode antenna that services the GPS chipset/component and the cellular chipset/component. In yet other examples, the antenna 160 further includes a satellite radio antenna in the same or separate enclosure.

[0016]Microphone 116 provides the driver or other vehicle occupant with a means for inputting verbal or other auditory commands, and can be equipped with an embedded voice processing unit utilizing a human/machine interface (HMI) technology known in the art. Conversely, speaker 118 provides verbal output to the vehicle occupants and can be either a stand-alone speaker specifically dedicated for use with the telematics unit 114 or can be part of a vehicle audio component 154. In either event, microphone 116 and speaker 118 enable vehicle hardware 110 and call center 108 to communicate with the occupants through audible speech. The vehicle hardware also includes one or more buttons or controls 120 for enabling a vehicle occupant to activate or engage one or more of the vehicle hardware components 110. For example, one of the buttons 120 can be an electronic pushbutton used to initiate voice communication with call center 108 (whether it be a live advisor 148 or an automated call response system). In another example, one of the buttons 120 can be used to initiate emergency services.

[0017]The audio component 154 is operatively connected to the vehicle bus 122 and the audio bus 112. The audio component 154 receives analog information, rendering it as sound, via the audio bus 112. Digital information is received via the vehicle bus 122. The audio component 154 provides AM and FM radio, CD, DVD, and multimedia functionality independent of the infotainment center 136. Audio component 154 may contain a speaker system, or may utilize speaker 118 via arbitration on vehicle bus 122 and/or audio bus 112.

[0018]The vehicle crash and/or collision detection sensor interface 156 are operatively connected to the vehicle bus 122. The crash sensors 158 provide information to the telematics unit via the crash and/or collision detection sensor interface 156 regarding the severity of a vehicle collision, such as the angle of impact and the amount of force sustained.

[0019]Vehicle sensors 162, connected to various sensor interface modules 134 are operatively connected to the vehicle bus 122. Examples vehicle sensors include but are not limited to gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers, emission detection and/or control sensors, and the like. Example sensor interface modules 134 include powertrain control, climate control, and body control, to name but a few.

[0020]Wireless carrier system 104 is preferably a cellular telephone system or any other suitable wireless system that transmits signals between the vehicle hardware 110 and land network 106. According to an example, wireless carrier system 104 includes one or more cell towers 138, base stations and/or mobile switching centers (MSCs) 140, as well as any other networking components required to connect the wireless system 104 with land network 106. As appreciated by those skilled in the art, various cell tower/base station/MSC arrangements are possible and could be used with wireless system 104. For example, a base station and a cell tower could be co-located at the same site or they could be remotely located, and a single base station could be coupled to various cell towers or various base stations could be coupled with a single MSC, to name but a few of the possible arrangements. Preferably, a speech codec or vocoder is incorporated in one or more of the base stations, but depending on the particular architecture of the wireless network, it could be incorporated within a Mobile Switching Center or some other network components as well.

[0021]Land network 106 can be a conventional land-based telecommunications network that is connected to one or more landline telephones and connects wireless carrier network 104 to call center 108. For example, land network 106 can include a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and/or an Internet protocol (IP) network, as is appreciated by those skilled in the art. Of course, one or more segments of the land network 106 can be implemented in the form of a standard wired network, a fiber of other optical network, a cable network, other wireless networks such as wireless local networks (WLANs) or networks providing broadband wireless access (BWA), or any combination thereof.

[0022]Call center 108 is designed to provide the vehicle hardware 110 with a number of different system back-end functions and, according to the example shown here, generally includes one or more switches 142, servers 144, databases 146, live advisors 148, as well as a variety of other telecommunication and computer equipment 150 that is known to those skilled in the art. These various call center components are preferably coupled to one another via a network connection or bus 152, such as the one previously described in connection with the vehicle hardware 110. Switch 142, which can be a private branch exchange (PBX) switch, routes incoming signals so that voice transmissions are usually sent to either the live advisor 148 or an automated response system, and data transmissions are passed on to a modem or other piece of equipment 150 for demodulation and further signal processing. The modem 150 preferably includes an encoder, as previously explained, and can be connected to various devices such as a server 144 and database 146. For example, database 146 could be designed to store subscriber profile records, subscriber behavioral patterns, or any other pertinent subscriber information. Although the illustrated example has been described as it would be used in conjunction with a manned call center 108, it will be appreciated that the call center 108 can be any central or remote facility, manned or unmanned, mobile or fixed, to or from which it is desirable to exchange voice and data.

[0023]As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the course of receiving the satellite radio transmission, the vehicle 102 moves between a geographical area 200, where the satellite service is delivered only via XM satellite coverage, and an area 202, where the satellite signal is supplemented by terrestrial XM service coverage. To minimize the possibility of adjacent channel interference between terrestrial and satellite based XM signals, the satellite receiver 137 decreases the amplification of XM satellite band frequencies when the vehicle 102 enters or approaches the satellite/terrestrial coverage area 202. Conversely, when the vehicle 102 moves into a satellite only area 200, the satellite receiver 137 increases the amplification of XM satellite band frequencies to effectively extend the satellite only coverage area, thereby also decreasing the need for additional terrestrial XM repeaters 204, as well as reducing the system cost and maintenance expenses.

[0024]Turning to FIG. 3, to implement the variable amplification of XM satellite frequencies, the radio frequency (RF) output of satellite service antenna 160 is connected to an additional XM satellite frequency gain block 300 and a signal threshold comparator module 302. In one example, the additional XM satellite frequency gain block 300 is part of a low noise amplifier (LNA) that enhances the modulated RF output of the XM antenna 160. In another example, the additional XM satellite frequency gain block 300 and/or the signal threshold comparator module 302 are part of the satellite receiver 137. In yet another example, the signal threshold comparator module 302 is implemented via computer executable instructions stored in memory of the satellite receiver 137. The signal threshold comparator module 302 continuously monitors terrestrial XM frequencies to determine whether the vehicle 102 is approaching coverage area 202 where XM satellite signal is supplemented by XM terrestrial repeaters 204 (e.g., in an urban environment where building blockage requires terrestrial repeater coverage). Preferably, the signal threshold comparator module 302 monitors the bit error rate (BER) of the terrestrial XM signal to determine the presence of terrestrial XM coverage. For example, when BER of the terrestrial XM signal begins to drop below one hundred (100) percent and/or reaches a predetermined threshold (e.g., below fifty (50) percent), indicative of potential presence of XM terrestrial coverage, the signal threshold comparator module 302 turns off the additional XM satellite frequency gain block 300 to avoid adjacent channel interference. If, however, XM terrestrial signal BER is at a 100 percent (i.e., XM terrestrial signal is absent) or stays above the predetermined threshold BER (e.g., above 50 percent), indicating a low terrestrial signal level, the signal threshold comparator module 302 applies additional amplification to the XM satellite signal by activating the additional XM satellite frequency gain block 300 to enhance satellite coverage.

[0025]In another example, the signal threshold comparator module 302 monitors received signal strength (RSSI) of XM terrestrial signal against a predetermined terrestrial XM RSSI threshold to control the additional XM satellite gain block 300 based on the presence of XM terrestrial coverage.

[0026]Turning to FIG. 4, an example of a method for enhancing XM satellite coverage is shown. In step 400, the signal threshold comparator module 302 continuously reads or monitors the BER of the terrestrial XM signal. In step 402, when the terrestrial signal BER is greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., greater than 50 percent, thereby indicating an absence of terrestrial signal), the signal threshold comparator module 302 applies the additional XM satellite gain to the RF output of the antenna 160 to enhance and expand the satellite coverage area. However, to reduce the possibility of adjacent channel interference from terrestrial XM repeaters 204 (FIG. 2), the signal threshold comparison module turns off additional XM gain block 300 when the vehicle 102 leaves the satellite only coverage area (e.g. when terrestrial signal BER falls below the predetermined threshold).

[0027]Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description generally applies to enhancing any other satellite service that is supplemented by a terrestrial repeater network having potential for interference with satellite frequencies (e.g., enhancing SIRIUS satellite radio coverage).

[0028]All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0029]The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0030]Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Foreign Patent Documents

Primary Examiner: Srivastava; Vivek
Assistant Examiner: Alam; Mushfikh
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Allen, Dyer, Doppelt, Milbrath & Gilchrist, P.A.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/544,883 filed Apr. 7, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,748,597, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

That which is claimed is:

1. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system comprising: at least one entertainment source for providing entertainment related data; a satellite weather information receiver for receiving at least one weather related programming channel from at least one satellite, the at least one weather related programming channel providing information on different geographic areas; a signal distribution network connecting said at least one entertainment source and said satellite weather information receiver; a plurality of seat electronic boxes (SEBs) spaced throughout the aircraft and connected to said signal distribution network, each SEB comprising at least one processor for comparing information on the different geographic areas provided by the at least one weather related programming channel with selected geographic areas, and determining the weather related information corresponding to the selected geographic areas; a plurality of passenger seatback displays coupled to said plurality of SEBs for displaying the entertainment related data and for displaying the weather related information corresponding to the selected geographic areas; and a plurality of passenger control units coupled to said plurality of SEBs, each passenger control unit associated with a respective passenger seatback display for permitting passenger selection of a geographic area from among a plurality of geographic areas including non-destination geographic areas, and each passenger control unit comprising an alpha-numeric keypad for entry of a city name corresponding to the geographic area being selected.

2. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 1 further comprising a map image device connected to said satellite weather information receiver and to said plurality of passenger seatback displays for storing map images of the selected geographic areas, and wherein the displayed weather related information includes the map images.

3. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 2 wherein said map image device comprises a moving map image generator for generating a moving representation of the aircraft position on the map images.

4. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 1 wherein the selected geographic areas comprise geographic areas along a flight path of the aircraft.

5. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 1 wherein displaying the weather related information comprises scrolling through the weather related information to be displayed for each selected geographic area.

6. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 1 wherein the selected geographic areas comprise a destination of the aircraft.

7. An aircraft in-flight entertainment according to claim 1 wherein the geographic areas are further selected by user entry of at least one of a zip code and an area code.

8. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 1 wherein said satellite weather information receiver operates within a frequency range of about 1 to 3 GHz.

9. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one entertainment source comprises a satellite television (TV) receiver.

10. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 9 wherein said satellite TV receiver comprises a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) receiver.

11. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system comprising: at least one entertainment source for providing entertainment related data; a satellite weather information receiver for receiving at least one weather related programming channel from at least one satellite, the at least one weather related programming channel providing information on different geographic areas; a signal distribution network connecting said at least one entertainment source and said satellite weather information receiver; a plurality of seat electronic boxes (SEBs) spaced throughout the aircraft and connected to said signal distribution network, each SEB comprising a map image device for generating map images of selected geographic areas, and at least one processor for comparing information on the different geographic areas provided by the at least one weather related programming channel with the selected geographic areas, and determining the weather related information corresponding to the selected geographic areas; a plurality of passenger seatback displays coupled to said plurality of SEBs for displaying the entertainment related data and for displaying the weather related information on the map images corresponding to the selected geographic areas; and a plurality of passenger control units coupled to said plurality of SEBs, each passenger control unit associated with a respective passenger seatback display for permitting passenger selection of a geographic area from among a plurality of geographic areas including non-destination geographic areas, and each passenger control unit comprising an alpha-numeric keypad for entry of a city name corresponding to the geographic area being selected.

12. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 11 wherein said map image device comprises a moving map image generator for generating a moving representation of the aircraft position on the map images.

13. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 12 wherein the selected geographic areas comprise geographic areas along a flight path of the aircraft.

14. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 11 wherein displaying the weather related information comprises scrolling through the weather related information to be displayed for each selected geographic area.

15. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 11 wherein the selected geographic areas comprise a destination of the aircraft.

16. An aircraft in-flight entertainment according to claim 11 wherein the geographic areas are further selected by user entry of at least one of a zip code and an area code.

17. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 11 wherein said satellite weather information receiver operates within a frequency range of about 1 to 3 GHz.

18. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 11 wherein said at least one entertainment source comprises a satellite television (TV) receiver.

19. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 18 wherein said satellite TV receiver comprises a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) receiver.

20. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system comprising: a satellite receiver for receiving at least one weather related programming channel and at least one entertainment related programming channel from at least one satellite, the at least one weather related programming channel providing information on different geographic areas; a signal distribution network connected to said satellite receiver; at least one pilot seat electronic box (SEB) connected to said signal distribution network, said at least one pilot SEB comprising at least one processor for comparing information on the different geographic areas provided by the at least one weather related programming channel with selected geographic areas, and determining the weather related information corresponding to the selected geographic areas; at least one pilot display coupled to said at least one pilot SEB for displaying weather related information from said satellite receiver corresponding to the selected geographic areas; at least one pilot control unit connected to said at least one pilot SEB, and comprising an alpha-numeric keypad for entry of a city name corresponding to the geographic area being selected; a plurality of passenger SEBs spaced throughout the aircraft and connected to said signal distribution network; a plurality of passenger seatback displays coupled to said plurality of passenger SEBs for displaying the entertainment related data and for displaying the weather related information corresponding to the selected geographic areas; and a plurality of passenger control units coupled to said plurality of passenger SEBs, each passenger control unit associated with a respective passenger seatback display for permitting passenger selection of the entertainment related data and the weather related information corresponding to the selected geographic areas.

21. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 20 further comprising a map image device connected to said satellite receiver and to said at least one pilot display for storing map images of the selected geographic areas, and wherein the displayed weather related information includes the map images.

22. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 20 wherein the selected geographic areas comprise geographic areas along a flight path of the aircraft.

23. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 20 further comprising a wireless data link for receiving weather related information while the aircraft is on the ground; said at least one pilot display for displaying the weather related information from said wireless data link; and said signal distribution network connecting said wireless data link to said at least one pilot display.

24. An aircraft in-flight entertainment system according to claim 20 wherein said satellite receiver comprises a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) receiver.

25. A method for operating an aircraft in-flight entertainment system comprising at least one entertainment source for providing entertainment related data, a satellite weather information receiver for receiving at least one weather related programming channel from at least one satellite, a signal distribution network connecting the at least one entertainment source and the satellite weather information receiver, a plurality of seat electronic boxes (SEBs) spaced throughout the aircraft and connected to the signal distribution network, each SEB comprising at least one processor; a plurality of passenger seatback displays coupled to the plurality of SEBs for displaying the entertainment related data and for displaying weather related information corresponding to selected geographic areas, a plurality of passenger control units coupled to the plurality of SEBs, each passenger control unit associated with a respective SEB, the method comprising: receiving via the satellite weather information receiver at least one weather related programming channel from at least one satellite, the at least one weather related programming channel providing information on different geographic areas; and permitting passenger selection of weather related information corresponding to a selected geographic area from among a plurality of geographic areas including non-destination geographic areas via a respective passenger control unit, each passenger control unit comprising an alpha-numeric keypad for entry of a city name corresponding to the geographic area being selected comparing within the at least one processor in the SEB associated with the respective passenger control unit information on the different geographic areas provided by the at least one weather related programming channel with selected geographic areas, and determining the weather related information corresponding to the selected geographic areas; and displaying on the associated passenger seatback display the weather related information corresponding to the selected geographic areas.

26. A method according to claim 25 wherein the aircraft in-flight entertainment system further comprises a map image device connected to the satellite weather information receiver and to the plurality of displays for storing map images of the selected geographic areas, and wherein the displayed weather related information includes the map images.

27. A method according to claim 26 wherein the map image device comprises a moving map image generator for generating a moving representation of the aircraft position on the map images.

28. A method according to claim 25 wherein the selected geographic areas comprise geographic areas along a flight path of the aircraft.

29. A method according to claim 25 wherein displaying the weather related information comprises scrolling through the weather related information to be displayed for each selected geographic area.

30. A method according to claim 25 wherein the selected geographic areas comprise a destination of the aircraft.

31. A method according to claim 25 further comprising displaying the entertainment related data from the at least one entertainment source on the plurality of displays.

32. A method according to claim 25 wherein the geographic areas are further selected by user entry of at least one of a zip code and an area code.

33. A method according to claim 25 wherein the satellite weather information receiver operates within a frequency range of about 1 to 3 GHz.

34. A method according to claim 25 wherein the at least one entertainment source comprises a satellite television (TV) receiver.

35. A method according to claim 34 wherein the satellite TV receiver comprises a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) receiver.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of aircraft systems, and more particularly, to an aircraft system providing passenger entertainment and aircraft surveillance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Commercial aircraft carry millions of passengers each year. For relatively long international flights, wide-body aircraft are typically used. These aircraft include multiple passenger aisles and have considerably more space than typical so-called narrow-body aircraft. Narrow-body aircraft carry fewer passengers shorter distances, and include only a single aisle for passenger loading and unloading. Accordingly, the available space for ancillary equipment is somewhat limited on a narrow-body aircraft.

Wide-body aircraft may include full audio and video entertainment systems for passenger enjoyment during relatively long flights. Typical wide-body aircraft entertainment systems may include cabin displays, or individual seatback displays. Movies or other stored video programming is selectable by the passenger, and payment is typically made via a credit card reader at the seat. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,484 to Margis discloses a passenger entertainment system with an integrated telecommunications system. A magnetic stripe credit card reader is provided at the telephone handset, and processing to approve the credit card is performed by a cabin telecommunications unit.

In addition to prerecorded video entertainment, other systems have been disclosed including a satellite receiver for live television broadcasts, such as disclosed in French Patent No. 2,652,701 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,790,175 to Sklar et al. The Sklar et al patent also discloses such a system including an antenna and its associated steering control for receiving both RHCP and LHCP signals from direct broadcast satellite (DBS) services. The video signals for the various channels are then routed to a conventional video and audio distribution system on the aircraft which distributes live television programming to the passengers.

In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,801,751 also to Sklar et al. addresses the problem of an aircraft being outside of the range of satellites, by storing the programming for delayed playback, and additionally discloses two embodiments–a full system for each passenger and a single channel system for the overhead monitors for a group of passengers. The patent also discloses steering the antenna so that it is locked onto RF signals transmitted by the satellite. The antenna steering may be based upon the aircraft navigation system or a GPS receiver along with inertial reference signals.

A typical aircraft entertainment system for displaying TV broadcasts may include one or more satellite antennas, headend electronic equipment at a central location in the aircraft, a cable distribution network extending throughout the passenger cabin, and electronic demodulator and distribution modules spaced within the cabin for different groups of seats. Many systems require signal attenuators or amplifiers at predetermined distances along the cable distribution network. In addition, each passenger seat may include an armrest control and seatback display. In other words, such systems may be relatively heavy and consume valuable space on the aircraft. Space and weight are especially difficult constraints for a narrow-body aircraft.

Published European Patent Application No. 557,058, for example, discloses a video and audio distribution system for an aircraft wherein the analog video signals are modulated upon individual RF carriers in a relatively low frequency range, and digitized audio signals, including digitized data, are modulated upon an RF carrier of a higher frequency to avoid interference with the modulated video RF carriers. All of the video and audio signals are carried by coaxial cables to area distribution boxes. Each area distribution box, in turn, provides individual outputs to its own group of floor distribution boxes. Each output line from a floor distribution box is connected to a single line of video seat electronic boxes (VSEB). The VSEB may service up to five or more individual seats. At each seat there is a passenger control unit and a seat display unit. Each passenger control unit includes a set of channel select buttons and a pair of audio headset jacks. Each display unit includes a video tuner that receives video signals from the VSEB and controls a video display.

A typical cable distribution network within an aircraft may be somewhat similar to a conventional coaxial cable TV system. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,505 to Rabowsky et al. discloses an aircraft video distribution system including amplifiers, taps and splitters positioned at mutually distant stations and with some of the stations being interconnected by relatively long lengths of coaxial cable. A variable equalizer is provided at points in the distribution system to account for different cable losses at different frequencies. The patent also discloses microprocessor-controlled monitoring and adjustment of various amplifiers to control tilt, that is, to provide frequency slope compensation. Several stations communicate with one another by a separate communication cable or service path independent of the RF coaxial cable. The patent further discloses maintenance features including reporting the nature and location of any failure or degradation of signals to a central location for diagnostic purposes.

There are various systems that provide location specific data to a user. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,680 to Johnstone et al. discloses a satellite based digital broadcast system that provides digital maps and other types of data. Each user has a system equipped with a GPS receiver for determining its position. Based on the user’s position, the system converts general data to location specific data tailored to the needs of the user. The general data may include a top level weather map covering a wide geographic region around the user, and the location specific data may include a more detailed weather map covering the geographic region in the immediate vicinity of the user, for example. The system may be carried by a mobile platform, such as an aircraft.

In addition, XM Satellite Radio and Baron Services have teamed together to provide graphical weather services to mobile platforms, including aircraft. Barron Services will provide severe weather detection, storm tracking capability and radar information over XM’s satellite system. Unfortunately, these weather information systems are separate, standalone systems. That is, they do not share any resources with any of the other systems on the aircraft. This type of configuration negatively effects the limited space and weight constraints, particularly for a narrow-body aircraft.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, an object of the present invention is to provide a combined weather information system and an in-flight entertainment system.

This and other objects, advantages and features in accordance with the present invention are provided by an aircraft in-flight entertainment system comprising a satellite receiver receiving at least one weather related programming channel from at least one satellite, and a plurality of passenger displays connected to the satellite receiver for displaying weather related information corresponding to selected geographic areas. The in-flight entertainment system preferably further comprises a plurality of passenger control units. Each passenger control unit may be associated with a respective passenger display for selecting the geographic area.

Each passenger control unit may comprise an input circuit, such as an alpha-numeric keypad, for selecting the geographic area. The selected geographic area may be a final destination of the passenger, and consequently, the passenger is able to obtain current weather related information for this particular area. The geographic area may be selected by entering at least one of a city name, a zip code and an area code. A default position for the selected geographic area may be a current location of the aircraft, for example. The current location of the aircraft may be provided by a positioning determining system, such as a GPS receiver.

At least one processor is preferably associated with the satellite receiver and the plurality of passenger displays. The at least one processor determines the weather related information corresponding to each selected geographic area. The at least one processor preferably compares information identifying the selected geographic area with information provided by the at least one weather related programming channel.

The in-flight entertainment system may further comprise a map image storage device connected to the at least one processor for storing a plurality of maps. The weather related information displayed on each respective passenger display may thus include a map corresponding to the selected geographic area.

The in-flight entertainment system further includes a plurality of signal distribution devices connecting the satellite receiver to the plurality of passenger displays. The at least one processor may comprise a plurality of processors, with each processor preferably being included within a respective signal distribution device.

The satellite receiver may operate within a frequency range of about 1 to 3 GHz, for example. The satellite providing the weather related programming channel may thus be a Sirius Satellite Radio satellite, an XM Satellite Radio satellite, or a WorldSpace satellite.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for operating an aircraft inflight entertainment system comprising a satellite receiver, at least one passenger display connected to the satellite receiver, and at least one passenger control unit associated with the at least one passenger display. The method preferably comprises receiving at least one weather related programming channel from at least one satellite, selecting a geographic area, and displaying weather related information corresponding to the selected geographic area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall components of the aircraft in-flight entertainment system in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are a more detailed schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the in-flight entertainment system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic rear view of a seatgroup of the in-flight entertainment system of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for a first method aspect relating to the in-flight entertainment system of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for a second method aspect relating to the in-flight entertainment system of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of a first embodiment of an antenna-related portion of the in-flight entertainment system of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the antenna mounted on the aircraft for the in-flight entertainment system of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of a second embodiment of an antenna-related portion of the in-flight entertainment system of the invention.

FIGS. 9-11 are simulated control panel displays for the in-flight entertainment system of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the in-flight entertainment system of the invention illustrating a soft-fail feature according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the in-flight entertainment system of the invention illustrating a soft-fail feature according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the in-flight entertainment system of the invention illustrating a moving map feature according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the in-flight entertainment system of the invention illustrating a moving map feature according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for a method aspect of the in-flight entertainment system relating to payment and initiation of service in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of the portion of the in-flight entertainment system relating to initiation and payment in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of another embodiment of an aircraft system in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of an aircraft illustrating components of the aircraft system illustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the aircraft system illustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a partial block diagram of another embodiment of an in-flight entertainment system with a terrestrial TV receiver in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of an aircraft illustrating the adaptive antenna system illustrated in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the in-flight entertainment system illustrating a weather information feature in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the in-flight entertainment system illustrating another embodiment of the weather information feature in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart for a method aspect of the in-flight entertainment system relating to determination of pricing levels thereof based upon passenger profiles in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 26 is a schematic block diagram of components of the in-flight entertainment system relating to determination of pricing levels thereof based upon passenger profiles in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart for a method aspect of the in-flight entertainment system relating to selectively matching advertisements based upon passenger profiles in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 28 is a schematic block diagram of components of the in-flight entertainment system relating to selectively matching advertisements based upon passenger profiles in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternate embodiments.

The major components of an in-flight entertainment system 30 in accordance with the present invention are initially described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 3. The system 30 receives television and/or audio broadcast signals via one or more geostationary satellites 33. The geostationary satellite 33 may be fed programming channels from a terrestrial station 34 as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The in-flight entertainment system 30 includes an antenna system 35 to be mounted on the fuselage 32 of the aircraft 31. In addition, the system 30 also includes one or more multi-channel receiver modulators (MRMs) 40, a cable distribution network 41, a plurality of seat electronic boxes (SEBs) 45 spaced about the aircraft cabin, and video display units (VDUs) 47 for the passengers and which are connected to the SEBs. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 30 receives, distributes, and decodes the DBS transmissions from the DBS satellite 33. In other embodiments, the system 30 may receive video or TV signals from other classes of satellites as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The antenna system 35 delivers DBS signals to the MRMs 40 for processing. For example, each MRM 40 may include twelve DBS receivers and twelve video/audio RF modulators. The twelve receivers recover the digitally encoded multiplexed data for twelve television programs as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

As shown in the more detailed schematic diagram of FIGS. 2A and 2B, an audio video modulator (AVM) 50 is connected to the MRMs 40, as well as a number of other inputs and outputs. The AVM 50 illustratively receives inputs from an external camera 52, as well as one or more other video sources 54, such as videotape sources, and receives signal inputs from one or more audio sources 56 which may also be prerecorded, for example. A PA keyline input and PA audio input are provided for passenger address and video address override. Audio for any receiver along with an associated keyline are provided as outputs from the MRM so that the audio may be broadcast over the cabin speaker system, for example, as will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, a control panel 51 is provided as part of the AVM 50. The control panel 51 not only permits control of the system, but also displays pertinent system information and permits various diagnostic or maintenance activities to be quickly and easily performed.

The AVM 50 is also illustratively coupled to a ground data link radio transceiver 57, such as for permitting downloading or uploading of data or programming information. The AVM 50 is also illustratively interfaced to an air-to-ground telephone system 58 as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The AVM 50 illustratively generates a number of NTSC video outputs which may be fed to one or more retractable monitors 61 spaced throughout the cabin. Power is preferably provided by the aircraft 400 Hz AC power supply as will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Of course, in some embodiments, the retractable monitors may not be needed.

The MRMs 40 may perform system control, and status monitoring. An RF distribution assembly (RDA) 62 can be provided to combine signals from a number of MRMs, such as four, for example. The RDA 62 combines the MRM RF outputs to create a single RF signal comprising up to 48 audio/video channels, for example. The RDA 62 amplifies and distributes the composite RF signal to a predetermined number of zone cable outputs. Eight zones are typical for a typical narrow-body single-aisle aircraft 31. Depending on the aircraft, not all eight outputs may be used. Each cable will serve a zone of seatgroups 65 in the passenger cabin.

Referring now more specifically to the lower portion of FIG. 2B and also to FIG. 3, distribution of the RF signals and display of video to the passengers is now further described. Each zone cable 41 feeds the RF signal to a group of contiguous seatgroups 65 along either the right or left hand side of the passenger aisle. In the illustrated embodiment, the seatgroup 65 includes three side-by-side seats 66, although this number may also be two for other types of conventional narrow-body aircraft.

The distribution cables 41 are connected to the-first SEB 45 in each respective right or left zone. The other SEBs 45 are daisy-chained together with seat-to-seat cables. The zone feed, and seat-to-seat cables preferably comprise an RF audio-video coaxial cable, a 400 cycle power cable, and RS 485 data wiring.

For each seat 66 in the group 65, the SEB 45 tunes to and demodulates one of the RF modulated audio/video channels. The audio and video are output to the passenger video display units (VDUs) 68 and headphones 70, respectively. The tuner channels are under control of the passenger control unit (PCU) 71, typically mounted in the armrest of the seat 66, and which also carries a volume control.

Each VDU 68 may be a flat panel color display mounted in the seatback. The VDU 68 may also be mounted in the aircraft bulkhead in other configurations as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The VDU 68 will also typically include associated therewith a user payment card reader 72. The payment card reader 72 may be a credit card reader, for example, of the type that reads magnetically encoded information from a stripe carried by the card as the user swipes the card through a slot in the reader as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the credit card data may be processed on the aircraft to make certain processing decisions relating to validity, such as whether the card is expired, for example. As described in greater detail below, the payment card reader 72 may also be used as the single input required to activate the system for enhanced user convenience.

Having now generally described the major components of the in-flight entertainment system 30 and their overall operation, the description now is directed to several important features and capabilities of the system in greater detail. One such feature relates to flexibility or upgradability of the system as may be highly desirable for many airline carriers. In particular, the system 30 is relatively compact and relatively inexpensive so that it can be used on narrow-body aircraft 31, that is, single-aisle aircraft. Such narrow-body aircraft 31 are in sharp contrast to wide-body aircraft typically used on longer overseas flights and which can typically carry greater volumes and weight. The narrow-body aircraft 31 are commonly used on shorter domestic flights

The system 30, for example, can be first installed to provide only audio. In addition, the first class passengers may be equipped with seat back VDUs 68, while the coach section includes only aisle mounted video screens. The important aspect that permits upgradability is that the full cable distribution system is installed initially to thereby have the capacity to handle the upgrades. In other words, the present invention permits upgrading and provides reconfiguration options to the air carrier for an in-flight entertainment system and while reducing downtime for such changes.

The cable distribution system is modeled after a conventional ground based cable TV system in terms of signal modulation, cabling, drops, etc. Certain changes are made to allocate the available channels, such as forty-eight, so as not to cause potential interference problems with other equipment aboard the aircraft 31 as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In addition, there are basically no active components along the cable distribution path that may fail, for example. The cable distribution system also includes zones of seatgroups 66. The zones provide greater robustness in the event of a failure. The zones can also be added, such as to provide full service throughout the cabin.

Referring now additionally to the flow chart of FIG. 4, a method for installing and operating an aircraft in-flight entertainment system in accordance with the invention is now described. After the start (Block 80), the method preferably comprises installing at least one entertainment source on the aircraft at Block 82. The entertainment source may include a satellite TV source, such as provided by the DBS antenna system 35 and MRMs 40 described above. The method at Block 84 also preferably includes installing a plurality of spaced apart signal distribution devices, each generating audio signals for at least one passenger in an audio-only mode, and generating audio and video signals to at least one passenger in an audio/video mode. These devices may be the SEBs 45 described above as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. The SEBs 45 include the capability for both audio and video when initially installed to thereby provide the flexibility for upgrading.

At Block 86 the cable network is installed on the aircraft 31 connecting the at least one entertainment source to the signal distribution devices. In other words, the MRMs 40 are connected to the SEBs 45 in the various equipped zones throughout the aircraft 31. Operating the aircraft in-flight entertainment system 30 at Block 88 with at least one predetermined signal distribution device in the audio-only mode, permits initial weight and cost savings since the VDUs 68, for example, may not need to be initially installed for all passengers as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, a carrier may initially decide to equip first class passengers with both video and audio entertainment options, while coach passengers are initially limited to audio only. Hence, the cost of the VDUs 68 for the coach passengers is initially deferred.

Installing the cabling 41 and SEBs 45 at one time will result in substantial time and labor savings as compared to a piecemeal approach to adding these components at a later time as needed. Accordingly, should an upgrade be desired at Block 90, this may be readily accomplished by connecting at least one VDU 68 to the at least one predetermined signal distribution device, or SEB 45, to operate in the audio/video mode and while leaving the cable network unchanged (Block 92). Accordingly, the downtime experienced by an air carrier is greatly reduced over other systems which require significant recabling and other difficult equipment installation operations for upgrading. The method is particularly advantageous for a single-aisle narrow-body aircraft 31 as shown in the illustrated embodiment, where cost effectiveness and low weight are especially important.

As noted above, the entertainment source may preferably comprise a DBS receiver. The step of later upgrading may further comprise leaving the at least one predetermined signal distribution device, such as the SEB 45, unchanged. The step of installing the cable network 41 may comprise installing coaxial cable, power cable and data cable throughout the aircraft as also described above. The step of later upgrading may include installing at least one VDU 68 in the aircraft 31, such as on backs of passenger seats 66.

Of course, the aircraft 31 in some embodiments may include different seating classes as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, another important aspect of the invention relates to offering different entertainment services based upon the different seating classes at Block 94. In addition, the different seating classes may be reconfigurable, and the step of reconfiguring offered entertainment services may then be based upon reconfiguring of the seating classes. The offering of different entertainment services may comprise offering different packages of television channels, for example. In addition, the step of offering different entertainment services may comprise offering audio-only and audio/video modes of operation based upon seating classes.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating an aircraft in-flight entertainment system 30 for an aircraft 31 when seating classes are reconfigured. Continuing down the flowchart of FIG. 4, this aspect of the method preferably comprises determining whether a reconfiguration is desired at Block 96, and reconfiguring offered entertainment services based upon reconfiguring of the seating classes at Block 98 before stopping at Block 100. For example, the step of offering different entertainment services may include offering different packages of television channels. Alternately, the step of offering different entertainment services may comprise offering audio-only and audio/video modes of operation based upon seating classes. In either case, the reconfiguring can be readily accomplished using the existing cable distribution network 41 and distribution devices, that is, SEBs 45 as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The various upgrading and reconfiguring aspects of the in-flight entertainment system 30 can be performed in a reverse sequence than that illustrated in FIG. 4 and described above. of course, the upgrade steps may be practiced without the later reconfiguring steps as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

To further illustrate the method aspects, the flowchart of FIG. 5 is directed to the subset of offering different services and later reconfiguring those services based upon reconfiguring seating. More particularly, from the start (Block 110), the in-flight entertainment system 30 is installed (Block 112) and operated (Block 114) for offering different services based upon seating class, such as offering video to first class passengers, and offering only audio to non-first class passengers. If it is determined that the seating should be reconfigured at Block 116, then the in-flight entertainment system 30 can be readily reconfigured at Block 118 before stopping (Block 120).

Turning now additionally to FIGS. 6 and 7, advantages and features of the antenna system 35 are now described in greater detail. The antenna system 35 includes an antenna 136 which may be positioned or steered by one or more antenna positioners 138 as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In addition, one or more position encoders 141 may also be associated with the antenna 136 to steer the antenna to thereby track the DBS satellite or satellites 33. Of course, a positioning motor and associated encoder may be provided together within a common housing, as will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In accordance with one significant advantage of the present invention, the antenna 136 may be steered using received signals in the relatively wide bandwidth of at least one DBS transponder.

More particularly, the antenna system 35 includes an antenna steering controller 142, which, in turn, comprises the illustrated full transponder bandwidth received signal detector 143. This detector 143 generates a received signal strength feedback signal based upon signals received from the full bandwidth of a DBS transponder rather than a single demodulated programming channel, for example. Of course, in other embodiments the same principles can be employed for other classes or types of satellites than the DBS satellites described herein by way of example.

In the illustrated embodiment, the detector 143 is coupled to the output of the illustrated intermediate frequency interface (IFI) 146 which converts the received signals to one or more intermediate frequencies for further processing by the MRMs 40 as described above and as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, signal processing circuitry, other than that in the IFT 146 may also be used to couple the received signal from one or more full satellite transponders to the received signal strength detector 143 as will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

A processor 145 is illustratively connected to the received signal strength detector 143 for controlling the antenna steering positioners 138 during aircraft flight and based upon the received signal strength feedback signal. Accordingly, tracking of the satellite or satellites 33 is enhanced and signal service reliability is also enhanced.

The antenna steering controller 142 may further comprise at least one inertial rate sensor 148 as shown in the illustrated embodiment, such as for roll, pitch or yaw as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The rate sensor 148 may be provided by one or more solid state gyroscopes, for example. The processor 145 may calibrate the rate sensor 148 based upon the received signal strength feedback signal.

The illustrated antenna system 35 also includes a global positioning system (GPS) antenna 151 to be carried by the aircraft fuselage 32. This may preferably be provided as part of an antenna assembly package to be mounted on the upper portion of the fuselage. The antenna assembly may also include a suitable radome, not shown, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The antenna steering controller 142 also illustratively includes a GPS receiver 152 connected to the processor 145. The processor 145 may further calibrate the rate sensor 148 based upon signals from the GPS receiver as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

As will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the processor 145 may be a commercially available microprocessor operating under stored program control. Alternately, discrete logic and other signal processing circuits may be used for the processor 145. This is also the case for the other portions or circuit components described as a processor herein as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The advantageous feature of this aspect of the invention is that the full or substantially full bandwidth of the satellite transponder signal is processed for determining the received signal strength, and this provides greater reliability and accuracy for steering the antenna 136.

Another advantage of the antenna system 35 is that it may operate independently of the aircraft navigation system 153 which is schematically illustrated in the lower right hand portion of FIG. 6. In other words, the aircraft 31 may include an aircraft navigation system 153, and the antenna steering controller 142 may operate independently of this aircraft navigation system. Thus, the antenna steering may operate faster and without potential unwanted effects on the aircraft navigation system 153 as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In addition, the antenna system 35 is also particularly advantageous for a single-aisle narrow-body aircraft 31 where cost effectiveness and low weight are especially important.

Turning now additionally to FIG. 8, another embodiment of the antenna system 35′ is now described which includes yet further advantageous features. This embodiment is directed to functioning in conjunction with the three essentially collocated geostationary satellites for the DIRECTV.RTM. DBS service, although the invention is applicable in other situations as well. For example, the DIRECTV.RTM. satellites may be positioned above the earth at 101 degrees west longitude and spaced 0.5 degrees from each other. Of course, these DIRECTV.RTM. satellites may also be moved from these example locations, and more than three satellites may be so collocated. Considered in somewhat broader terms, these features of the invention are directed to two or more essentially collocated geostationary satellites. Different circular polarizations are implemented for reused frequencies as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

In this illustrated embodiment, the antenna 136′ is a multi-beam antenna having an antenna boresight (indicated by reference B), and also defining right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) and left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) beams (designated RHCP and LHCP in FIG. which are offset from the antenna boresight. Moreover, the beams RHCP, LHCP are offset from one another by a beam offset angle .alpha. which is greatly exaggerated in the figure for clarity. This beam offset angle .alpha. is less than the angle .beta. defined by the spacing defined by the satellites 33a, 33b. The transponder or satellite spacing angle .beta. is about 0.5 degrees, and the beam offset angle .alpha. is preferably less than 0.5 degrees, and may be about 0.2 degrees, for example.

The beam offset angle provides a squinting effect which allows the antenna 136′ to be made longer and thinner than would otherwise be required, and the resulting shape is highly desirable for aircraft mounting as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The squinting also allows the antenna to be constructed to have additional signal margin when operating in rain, for example, as will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The multi-beam antenna 136′ may be readily constructed in a phased array form or in a mechanical form as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art without requiring further discussion herein. Aspects of similar antennas are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,604,624 to Amitay et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,108 to Silinsky et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,413,263 also to Amitay et al.; the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The processor 145′ preferably steers the antenna 136′ based upon received signals from at least one of the RHCP and LHCP beams which are processed via the IFI 146′ and input into respective received signal strength detectors 143a, 143b of the antenna steering controller 142′. In one embodiment, the processor 145′ steers the multi-beam antenna 136′ based on a selected master one of the RHCP and LHCP beams and slaves the other beam therefrom.

In another embodiment, the processor 145′ steers the multi-beam antenna 136′ based on a predetermined contribution from each of the RHCP and LHCP beams. For example, the contribution may be the same for each beam. In other words, the steering or tracking may such as to average the received signal strengths from each beam as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. As will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other fractions or percentages can also be used. Of course, the advantage of receiving signals from two different satellites 33a, 33b is that more programming channels may then be made available to the passengers.

The antenna system 35′ may also advantageously operate independent of the aircraft navigation system 153′. The other elements of FIG. 8 are indicated by prime notation and are similar to those described above with respect to FIG. 6. Accordingly, these similar elements need no further discussion.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the inclusion of adaptive polarization techniques which may be used to avoid interference from other satellites. In particular, low earth orbit satellites (LEOS) are planned which may periodically be in position to cause interference with the signal reception by the in-flight entertainment system 30. Adaptive polarization techniques would also be desirable should assigned orbital slots for satellites be moved closer together.

Accordingly, the processor 145′ may preferably be configured to perform adaptive polarization techniques to avoid or reduce the impact of such potential interference. Other adaptive polarization techniques may also be used. Suitable adaptive polarization techniques are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,124 to Fitzsimmons et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,318 to Lusignan; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,167 to Cluniat et al. The entire disclosures of each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate the implementation of such adaptive polarization techniques with the in flight entertainment system 30 in accordance with the present invention without further discussion.

Other aspects and advantages of the in-flight entertainment system 30 of the present invention are now explained with reference to FIGS. 9-11. The system 30 advantageously incorporates a number of self-test or maintenance features. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the maintenance costs to operate such a system 30 could be significantly greater than the original purchase price. Accordingly, the system 30 includes test and diagnostic routines to pinpoint defective equipment. In particular, the system 30 provides the graphical representation of the aircraft seating arrangement to indicate class of service, equipment locations, and failures of any of the various components to aid in maintenance.

As shown in FIG. 9, the system 30 includes a control panel display 51, and a processor 160 connected to the control panel display. The control panel display 51 and processor 160 may be part of the AVM 50 (FIG. 1), but could be part of one or more of the MRMs 40 (FIG. 1), or part of another monitoring device as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The control panel display 51 may be touch screen type display including designated touch screen input areas 163a-163d to also accept user inputs as would also be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

More particularly, the processor 160 generates a seating layout image 170 of the aircraft on the control panel display 51 with locations of the signal distribution devices located on the seating layout image. These locations need not be exact, but should be sufficient to direct the service technician to the correct left or right side of the passenger aisle, and locate the seatgroup and/or seat location for the defective or failed component. In addition, the locations need not be constantly displayed; rather, the location of the component may only be displayed when service is required, for example.

The processor 160 also preferably generates information relating to operation of the signal distribution devices on the display. The signal distribution devices, for example, may comprise demodulators (SEBs 45), modulators (MRMs 40), or the video passenger displays (VDUs 68), for example. Accordingly, a user or technician can readily determine a faulty component and identify its location in the aircraft.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, the representative information is a failed power supply module of the #4 SEB of zone 5. In FIG. 10, the information is for a failed #4 MRM. This information is illustratively displayed in text with an indicator pointing to the location of the device. In other embodiments, a flashing icon or change of color could be used to indicate the component or signal distribution device requiring service as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

This component mapping and service needed feature of the invention can be extended to other components of the system 30 as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, the processor 160 may further generate information relating to operation of the entertainment source, such as the DBS receiver, or its antenna as shown in FIG. 11. Again, the technician may be guided to the location of the failed component from the seat image layout 170.

Returning again briefly to FIG. 9, another aspect of the invention relates to display of the correct seating layout 170 for the corresponding aircraft 31. As shown, the display 51 may also include an aircraft-type field 171 which identifies the particular aircraft, such as an MD-80. The corresponding seating layout data can be downloaded to the memory 162 or the processor 160 by a suitable downloading device, such as the illustrated laptop computer 161. In other embodiments, the processor 160 may be connected to a disk drive or other data downloading device to receive the seat layout data.

The seat layout data would also typically include the data for the corresponding locations of the devices installed as part of the in-flight entertainment system 30 on the aircraft as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, upgrades or changes in the system 30 configuration may thus be readily accommodated.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a soft failure mode and is explained with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. A typical DBS system provides a default text message along the lines “searching for satellite” based upon a weak or missing signal from the satellite. of course, an air traveler may become disconcerted by such a message, since this may raise possible questions about the proper operation of the aircraft. In other systems, a weak received signal may cause the displayed image to become broken up, which may also be disconcerting to the air traveler.

The system 30 as shown in FIG. 12 of the present invention includes a processor 175 which may detect the undesired condition in the form of a weak or absent received signal strength, and cause the passenger video display 68 to display a substitute image. More particularly, the processor 175 may be part of the AVM 50 as described above, could be part of another device, such as the MRM 40, or could be a separate device.

The processor 175 illustratively includes a circuit or portion 176 for determining a weak received signal strength as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Suitable circuit constructions for the weak received signal strength determining portion or circuit 176 will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, and require no further discussion herein. The threshold for the weak received signal strength determining portion or circuit 176 can preferably be set so as to trigger the substitute image before substantial degradation occurs, or before a text default message would otherwise be triggered, depending on the satellite service provider, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In addition, the substitute image could be triggered for a single programming channel upon a weakness or loss of only that single programming channel, or may be generated across the board for all programming channels as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

In the illustrated system 30 of FIG. 12, a substitute image storage device 178 is coupled to the processor 175. This device 178 may be a digital storage device or a video tape player, for example, for causing the passenger video display 68 to show a substitute image. For example, the image could be a text message, such as “LiveTV.TM. Service Temporarily Unavailable, Please Stand By”. Of course, other similar messages or images are also contemplated by the invention, and which tend to be helpful to the passenger in understanding a loss of programming service has occurred, but without raising unnecessary concern for the proper operation of the aircraft 31 to the passenger.

This concept of a soft failure mode, may also be carried forward or applied to a component malfunction, for example. As shown in the system 30′ of FIG. 13, a component malfunctioning determining portion or circuit 177′ is added to the processor 175′ and can be used in combination with the weak received signal strength determining portion 176′. Of course, in other embodiments the malfunction determining circuit portion 177′ could be used by itself. Again, rather than have a disconcerting image appear on the passenger’s video display 68′, a substitute image may be provided. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the weak received signal strength and component malfunction are representative of types of undesired conditions that the present system 30 may determine and provide a soft failure mode for. The other elements of FIG. 13 are indicated by prime notation and are similar to those described above with respect to FIG. 12. Accordingly, these similar elements need no further discussion.

Yet another advantageous feature of the invention is now explained with reference to FIG. 14. Some commercial aircraft provide, on a common cabin display or overhead monitor, a simulated image of the aircraft as it moves across a map between its origin and destination. The image may also include superimposed data, such as aircraft position, speed, heading, altitude, etc. as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The in-flight entertainment system 30 of the invention determines or receives the aircraft position during flight and generates a moving map image 195 of the aircraft as a flight information video channel. Various flight parameters 196 can also be displayed along with the moving map image 195. This flight information channel is offered along with the DBS programming channels during aircraft flight. In the illustrated embodiment, the passenger may select the flight information channel to be displayed on the passenger video display 68 using the passenger control unit (PCU) 71 which is typically mounted in the armrest as described above. In other words, the flight information channel is integrated along with the entertainment programming channels from the DBS system.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the moving map image 195 including other related text, such as the flight parameters 196, may be generated by the illustrated AVM 50 and delivered through the signal distribution network 41 to the SEB 45. Since the antenna steering controller 142 (FIG. 6) includes circuitry for determining the aircraft position, etc., these devices may be used in some embodiments for generating the moving map image as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

For example, the GPS receiver 152 and its antenna 151 can be used to determine the aircraft position. The GPS receiver 152 is also used to steer the antenna in this embodiment. In other embodiments a separate GPS receiver may be used as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. As will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the inertial rate sensor(s) 148 of the antenna steering controller 142 may also be used in some embodiments for generating flight information.

The processor 190 illustratively includes a parameter calculator 191 for calculating the various displayed flight parameters 196 from the position signal inputs as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, the parameter calculator 191 of the processor 190 may determine at least one of an aircraft direction, aircraft speed and aircraft altitude for display with the map image. Information may also be acquired from other aircraft systems, such as an altimeter 197, for example, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Also, the illustrated embodiment includes a map image storage device 192 which may include the various geographic maps used for the moving map image 195.

Weather information may also be added for display along with the moving map image 195. Further details on the generation and display of moving map images may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,219 to Curtwright et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,882 to Simpson et al., the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now briefly additionally to FIG. 15, another embodiment of the system 30′ including the capability to display a flight information channel among the offered DBS or satellite TV channels is now described. In this embodiment, a moving map image generator 198′ is added as a separate device. In other words, in this embodiment, the flight channel signal is only carried through the distribution cable network 41′ and delivered via the SEB 45′ to the passenger video display 68′, and there is no interface to the components of the antenna steering controller 142 as in the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 14. In this embodiment, the moving map image generator 198′ may include its own position determining devices, such as a GPS receiver. Alternately, the moving map image generator 198′ may also receive the position data or even the image signal from a satellite or terrestrial transmitter.

Referring now additionally to the flowchart of FIG. 16 and the associated schematic block diagram of FIG. 17, another advantageous aspect of the invention relating to initiation and payment is now described. In particular, from the start (Block 200), the system 30 may be first powered up and it performs its test and maintenance checks at Block 202 as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. If the system components are determined to be operating correctly (Block 204), the payment card readers 72 are monitored at Block 208. If there is a failure, an alarm may be generated (Block 206) so that corrective action may be taken.

The payment card 220 carried and presented by the passenger for payment may be a credit card, for example, and which includes a plastic substrate 221 and a magnetic stripe 222 thereon. The payment card 220 may also be a debit card, an automated teller machine (ATM) card, a frequent flyer card, or a complimentary card provided by the airline or the entertainment service provider for example. Other types of payment cards are also contemplated by the present invention as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The magnetic stripe 222 includes identification information thereon, and may also include expiration data encoded as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the card reader 72 is a swipe-type reader, wherein the passenger simply swipes the correctly oriented card 220 through a receiving channel or slot.

Other types of card readers are also contemplated by the present invention as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, the system 30 can also be readily compatible with smart card technology. A smart card reader 225 is shown in the right hand portion of FIG. 17. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the smart card 226 may include a plastic substrate 227 which carries an integrated circuit 228. The integrated circuit 228 is read or communicated with to arrange for payment. The connection to the integrated circuit 228 may be through contacts 229 carried by the substrate 227, or can be through short range wireless coupling as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

In the illustrated embodiment, the passenger video display 68 is connected to the SEB 45, which in turn is connected, via the cable network 41, to the upstream DBS receiver as explained in detail above. The SEB 45 is also connected to the PCU 71 to permit user channel selection, volume control, etc. as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Passenger headphones 70 are also illustratively connected to the PCU 71.

On a typical narrow-body aircraft 31, the flight attendants are busy serving food and beverages during the relatively short duration of the flight. Accordingly, if the system 30 could only be manually initiated by the flight attendant after handling a cash exchange, such would be very impractical.

In accordance with the present invention, passenger and airline convenience are greatly enhanced based upon using the passenger’s presentation of his payment card 220 to initiate service. In other words, returning again to the flowchart of FIG. 16, if a monitored card reader 72 is determined to have had a card 220 presented thereto (Block 210), the card is read at Block 212.

The processor 230 of the SEB 45 may perform certain basic validity checks on the read data as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, the processor 230 could provide a check of the validity of the expiration date of the payment card 220. Other validity checks could also be performed, although contact with an authorization center would not typically be desired. For example, the payment card type could also be checked against a preprogrammed list of acceptable or authorized card types. For example, the identifying data may indicate whether the card is an American Express, VISA, Delta Airlines, or service provider complimentary card.

In addition, a data validity or numerical sequence test, such as a CRC test, could be performed on the data to determine its validity. For example, the data may include data necessary to the financial transaction, such as the account number, person’s name, expiration date, etc. and additional data which causes the data collectively to pass a certain mathematical function test. In other words, if the card 220 was invalid as determined at Block 214, service could be denied, and/or a certain number of retries could be permitted.

At Block 216, if the optional validity check is successful, the selection and display of the programming channels is enabled before stopping (Block 218). Moreover, in accordance with the invention, the only needed or required initiation input from the passenger is the presentation of a valid payment card 220. The passenger need not enter personalized passwords or hard to remember codes. Accordingly, passenger convenience is greatly enhanced. Risk of revenue loss to the airline is also relatively small since the airline has a record of the assigned passenger for each seat. In addition, the service fee is relatively small.

Although the payment reader 72 has been described for a payment card 220, the invention is also more broadly applicable to any user carried token which includes identifying date thereon for payment. Accordingly many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an aircraft system 300 comprising an in-flight entertainment system and at least one camera, such as passenger cameras 302, for providing aircraft surveillance, as best illustrated in FIGS. 18-19. The illustrated aircraft system 300 comprises an entertainment source 304, at least one passenger display (PDU) 306 for displaying images from the entertainment source, and a signal distribution network 310 connecting the entertainment source to the passenger displays.

Electronic equipment, carried by an equipment rack 320, interfaces between the entertainment source 304 and the signal distribution network 310. The illustrated equipment rack 320 includes an audio/video modulator (AVM) 321, at least one multi-channel receiver/modulator (MRM) 323 and an RF distribution assembly (RDA) 325. Instead of the electronic equipment being collocated in an equipment rack 320, the equipment may installed in different spaced apart locations throughout the aircraft 31 in other embodiments.

The AVM 321 receives inputs from the passenger cameras 302, as well as from the entertainment source 304 which may provide pre-recorded information, for example. If the entertainment source 304 is a satellite television receiver, such as a DBS receiver, for example, then the signals are provided to the MRM 323. There may be more than one MRM 323, such as four, for example. The RDA 325 combines the MRM RF outputs to create a single RF signal comprising up to 48 audio/video channels, for example. The RDA 325 amplifies and distributes the composite RF signal to a predetermined number of zone cable outputs via the signal distribution network 310. The signal distribution network 310 may include a dedicated set of cables interfacing with the various displays 306 and 308, or the cables may also support other functions associated with the in-flight entertainment system. In other embodiments, the signal distribution network 310 may be implemented as a wireless network, or as a combined cable and wireless network.

The aircraft system 300 further includes at least one pilot display (PDU) 308 in the cockpit area 314 of the aircraft 31 for displaying images from the passenger cameras 302. The signal distribution network 310 connects the passenger cameras 302 to the pilot display 308 via a seat electronic box (SEB) 360. As discussed above, the signal distribution network 310 includes a cable network as well as distribution devices, such as the SEBs 360. Since the signal distribution network 310 is typically routed throughout the aircraft 31 for connecting the entertainment source 304 with the passenger displays 306, connection of the passenger cameras 302 and the pilot display 308 may also be provided via the same signal distribution network. This advantageously eliminates hardware redundancy and helps to reduce equipment and installation costs, particularly for retrofits and upgrades.

The aircraft system 300 advantageously allows the pilot to view the images from the passenger cameras 302 while flying the aircraft. In the illustrated embodiment (FIG. 19), four passenger cameras 302 are spaced throughout the passenger area 312 of the aircraft 31. The actual number of passenger cameras 302 is based upon the size and layout of the aircraft, and the desired areas to be monitored. The images from the passenger cameras 302 are displayed on the pilot display 308, and are not typically displayed on the passenger displays 306. That is, the passengers do not view the images from the passenger cameras 302.

Camera control is provided to the pilot via a pilot control unit 316 connected to the pilot display 308 via the SEB 360. Depending on the size of the aircraft 31, there may be two pilot displays 308 in the cockpit area 314, with each display being controlled by a respective pilot control unit 316. For example, one pilot display 308/pilot control unit 316 may be on the left side of the cockpit area 314, and another may be on the right side.

Each pilot control unit 316 may have a camera select mode 350 for selecting a desired passenger camera 302 for viewing. Each pilot control unit 316 may further or alternatively include a scan mode 352 for scanning the images from each passenger camera 302. In other words, the images from a single passenger camera 302 are momentarily displayed before displaying the images from a different passenger camera. This cycle continues through each of the remaining passenger cameras 302, and then repeats. In addition, the pilot display 308 may be configured so that the images from more than one passenger camera 302 may be displayed at one time, i.e., a split screen, as readily understood by one skilled in the art. The pilot may also have the option to view the images from an external camera 324 and a cargo camera 325. These particular cameras will be discussed below.

The pilot may not be limited to viewing images from the various cameras on the pilot display 308. For instance, the pilot may have the option of selecting the weather channel via the pilot control unit 316 so that weather related information may be displayed on the pilot display 308, for example. A weather related programming channel will be discussed in greater detail below.

Another advantageous feature of the aircraft system 300 is based upon the addition of at least one pilot camera 322 in the cockpit area 314 of the aircraft 31 for providing pilot images to the passenger displays 306 via the AVM 321 and the signal distribution network 310. This advantageously allows the pilot to selectively address the passengers, particularly prior to takeoff and landing, for example.

As discussed above, an external camera 324 may also be positioned for providing images from outside the aircraft 31. Images from outside the aircraft 31 may be of flight critical components, such as the tail section 328, for example. Other external cameras 324 may also be placed for providing images of the entry points of the aircraft 31 used by the various aircraft support personnel. A cargo camera 325 may be placed in the cargo bay 315 of the aircraft 31, for example.

The aircraft system 300 further illustratively includes a recording device 330 for recording the images from the various cameras 302, 322, 324 and 325. In addition, the aircraft system 300 further illustratively includes a transmitter 332 for transmitting the images from the various cameras 302, 322, 324 and 325 to a location external the aircraft 31 for remote viewing. The illustrated transmitter 332 has an antenna 333 connected thereto. Interface from the AVM 321 may be provided via an Ethernet connection for providing video snapshots from the different cameras to the transmitter 332, as readily appreciated by one skilled in the art. The remote viewing may be while the aircraft 31 is in flight or on the ground, and is performed at the schematically illustrated monitoring station 370, for example.

In another embodiment of the aircraft system 300′, the entertainment source is a satellite receiver 305 providing only audio channels to the passengers, as illustrated in FIG. 20. The satellite receiver 305 may be compatible with a Sirius Satellite Radio satellite, an XM Satellite Radio satellite, or a WorldSpace satellite, for example, as readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. Since video images are not being displayed to the passengers, passenger control units (PCU) 71 provide the audio channels received by the satellite receiver 305 to the passengers via passenger headphones 70 while the pilot continues to receive images from the various cameras 302′, 324′ and 325′.

As stated above, the signal distribution network may be implemented as a cable network 310′, as a wireless network 310”, or as a combined cable and wireless network 310”. Similarly, the interface between the satellite receiver 305 and the equipment rack 320′ may be a wired 313 or a wireless 313′ interface, or a combination of both. Likewise, the interface between the various cameras 302′, 324′ and 325′ and the equipment rack may be a wired 315 or a wireless 315′ interface, or a combination of both.

Turning now additionally to FIGS. 21 and 22, another feature of the present invention is directed to an in-flight entertainment system 30 receiving terrestrial signals from a plurality of terrestrial transmitters 404, 406. For purposes of discussion, the terrestrial transmitters 404, 406 transmit television (TV) programming channels. However, this aspect of the present invention is not limited to TV programming channels, and is compatible with other types of terrestrial transmitters, such as those associated with voice and data (including e-mail) communications. The partially illustrated in-flight entertainment system 30 further includes an adaptive antenna 400 and a terrestrial receiver 402, such as a terrestrial TV receiver, for receiving the TV programming channels. An antenna 405 is illustratively connected to the terrestrial receiver 402, and at least one display 68 is connected to the terrestrial receiver 402 via the signal distribution network 41.

The illustrated signal distribution network 41 is a cable network. In other embodiments, the signal distribution network may be implemented as a wireless network, or as a combined cable and-wireless network. In addition, if the terrestrial receiver 402 is intended to support voice communications, then the VDU 68 may be supplemented or replaced by a PCU 71. The PCU 71 provides audio channels to a passenger via passenger headphone 70, whereas the VDU 68 provides data (i.e., text and e-mail messages) to the passenger.

A controller 408 is connected to the adaptive antenna 400 for determining a desired terrestrial TV transmitter, and for directing the adaptive antenna 400 for the desired terrestrial TV transmitter. If a new desired terrestrial TV transmitter is determined, then the controller 408 redirects the adaptive antenna for the new desired terrestrial TV transmitter.

Once the aircraft 32 reaches its flying altitude, the adaptive antenna 400 typically has a line of sight path to more than one terrestrial TV transmitter, such as transmitters 404 and 406, for example. Each transmitter 404 and 406 transmits within the same assigned frequency allocation, but the transmitted TV programming channels are not the same. Consequently, this results in the terrestrial TV receiver 402 receiving a corrupted signal that is difficult to process. The controller 408 advantageously determines the desired terrestrial TV transmitter, and directs the adaptive antenna 400 for this transmitter.

As the aircraft 31 travels, it may become out-of-range of the desired terrestrial TV transmitter, and become in-range to a new desired terrestrial TV transmitter. The controller 408 also advantageously determines when to redirect the adaptive antenna 400 for the new desired terrestrial TV transmitter. In one approach for controlling the adaptive antenna 400, the controller 408 determines the desired terrestrial TV transmitter by discriminating among received terrestrial TV signals.

The illustrated controller 408 includes a signal processor 410 for performing the discriminating based upon at least one of a frequency domain analysis and a time domain analysis of the received terrestrial TV signals, as readily understood by one skilled in the art. The signal processor 410 includes an algorithm for weighting the received terrestrial TV signals in the time domain as well as in the frequency domain, with both the amplitude and phase of the signals being weighted. This advantageously allows digital beam steering to be performed in which the received terrestrial TV signals are first digitized and weighted using digital signal processing.

In another approach for controlling the adaptive antenna 400, the controller 408 uses knowledge of the position of the terrestrial TV transmitters 404, 406. That is, the controller 408 -operates in a closed loop configuration. Position of the terrestrial TV transmitters, such as transmitter 404 and 406, for example, are stored in a memory 412 within the controller 408. The memory 412 is connected to the signal processor 410. Alternatively, position of the terrestrial TV transmitters 404, 406 may be stored directly in an embedded memory within the signal processor 410.

To determine position of the aircraft 31, the controller 408 includes a position determining system 414 connected to the signal processor 410. The illustrated position determining system 414 is a GPS receiver, which has an antenna 415 connected thereto. In lieu of using a position determining system 414 within the controller 408, the aircraft navigation system 153 may be used. If the position of the terrestrial TV transmitters 404, 406 are not known, then the controller 408 operates in an open loop configuration and relies on discrimination among the received terrestrial TV signals.

The adaptive antenna 400 will now be discussed in greater detail. In one embodiment, the adaptive antenna 400 comprises a phased array antenna 401 connected to an adaptive processor 411. The adaptive processor 411 interfaces between the signal processor 410 and the phased array antenna 401. The adaptive processor 411 steers an antenna beam from the phased array antenna 401 towards the desired terrestrial TV transmitter, such as transmitter 404, for example, based upon commands from the signal processor 410, as readily appreciate by one skilled in the art. A null from the phased array antenna 400 would then be directed towards the undesired TV transmitter 406. In an alternative embodiment, the function of the adaptive processor 411 and the function of the signal processor 410 are combined into a single processor, which may be within the controller 408 or external the controller, as readily appreciated by one skilled in the art.

The phased array antenna 401 may include several fixed patterns, wherein the adaptive processor 411 selects the desired fixed pattern based upon commands from the signal processor 410, as also readily appreciate by one skilled in the art. Alternatively, the phased array antenna 401 may be a fully adaptive phased array, wherein the adaptive processor 411 selects from an infinite variety of antenna patterns.

As the aircraft 31 travels along its route, the signal processor 410 continues to monitor the received TV programming channels based upon the different relative phases and amplitudes of the received terrestrial TV signals for determining if a different terrestrial TV transmitter is desired. In one embodiment the monitored signals are not passed to the terrestrial TV receiver 402. That is, the monitoring is performed in the controller 408. In particular, if the signal processor 410 determines a new desired terrestrial TV transmitter, then the signal processor redirects the adaptive antenna via the adaptive processor 411 towards the new desired terrestrial TV transmitter, such as transmitter 406, for example. Alternatively, the signal processing function of the controller 408 may be incorporated within the terrestrial TV receiver 402, as readily appreciated by one skilled in the art.

Another feature of the phased array antenna 400 is that multiple beams may be steered or directed so that there is uninterrupted performance when transitioning from the desired terrestrial TV transmitter 404 to the new desired terrestrial TV transmitter 406. In lieu of multiple antenna beams, a time delay may be used to minimize any interruption in the transition from one terrestrial TV transmitter to another.

In another embodiment, the adaptive antenna 400 comprises a plurality of antennas 403 spaced apart on the aircraft 31. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the plurality of antennas 403 include four antennas, for example, with each antenna providing an antenna beam in a respective 90 degree quadrant so that collectively the four antennas provide a 360 degree coverage. The actual number of antennas may vary based upon the desired level of performance, as readily appreciated by one skilled in the art.

In this particular embodiment, the controller 408 selects via the adaptive processor 411 the antenna beam from the quadrant that includes the desired terrestrial TV transmitter 404. To provide a null toward the undesired terrestrial TV transmitters, reception from the remaining antennas are not passed to the terrestrial TV receiver 402. However, the signal processor 410 continues to periodically monitor the received terrestrial TV signals from these antennas for determining if a new desired terrestrial TV transmitter 406 should be selected. If the signal processor 410 determines a new desired terrestrial TV transmitter 406, then the signal processor selects via the adaptive processor 411 a different antenna 403 having its antenna beam covering the quadrant that includes the new desired terrestrial TV transmitter 406.

Referring now to FIG. 23, the weather information feature of the in-flight entertainment system 30 will now be discussed. The in-flight entertainment system 30, only select components of which are illustrated in FIG. 23, comprises at least one entertainment source 304, a satellite weather information receiver 500 for receiving at least one weather related programming channel from at least one satellite, and a plurality of displays 68 for displaying images from the at least one entertainment source and for displaying weather related information corresponding to selected geographic areas. A signal distribution network 310 connects the entertainment source 304 and the satellite weather information receiver 500 to the plurality of displays 68.

The in-flight entertainment system 30 further comprises a map image device 512 connected to the satellite weather information receiver 500 and to the plurality of displays 68 for storing map images of the selected geographic areas. The displayed weather related information includes the map images. The map image device 512 also comprises a moving map image generator for generating a moving representation of the aircraft position on the map images.

At least one processor 506 is connected to the satellite weather information receiver 500 for determining the weather related information corresponding, to the selected geographic areas. The processor 506 compares the information identifying the selected geographic with information provided by the at least one weather related programming channel. In other words, only a subset of the received weather related information is selected to be displayed. Since the received weather related programming channel is a digital signal, the processor 506 compares stored information identifying the selected geographic areas to the received weather related programming channel, as readily understood by one skilled in the art.

The selected geographic areas comprise geographic areas along a flight path of the aircraft, for example. As the aircraft travels along its flight path, the displays 68 scroll through the weather related information for each selected geographic area. The selected geographic areas also include a destination of the aircraft. This aspect of the weather information feature of the in-flight entertainment system 30 does not require any input from the passengers. The selected geographic areas, which are input into the processor 506 before flight or during the flight, are selected based upon the flight path of the aircraft. This entry may be accomplished by the pilot through a pilot control unit, for example.

Another aspect of the weather information feature is that the passengers may input information into the system for obtaining weather related information on a particular geographic area. A plurality of control units 71 are connected to the plurality of displays 68 for selecting the geographic areas. Each control unit 71 is associated with a respective display, and comprises input means or an input device for selecting the geographic areas. The geographic areas are selected by entering at least one of a city name, a zip code and an area code via the input device The input device may be an alpha-numeric keypad, for example.

The selected geographic area may be a final destination of an aircraft passenger, and consequently, any passenger is able to obtain current weather related information for this particular area via the input device 504. The weather related information 508 displayed on the passenger displays 68 includes the high and low temperatures, relative humidity, and the projected weather forecast, for example.

For example, if Orlando, Fla. is the final destination of the passenger, the passenger enters “Orlando, Fla.” via the input device 504. A zip code, area code or other pertinent information may be entered for identifying the selected geographic area. Once “Orlando, Fla.” has been entered, this term is compared with the information provided by the weather related programming channel for a match. Since the weather related programming channel is a digital signal, the PCU 71 converts “Orlando, Fla.” into a digital signal so that a digital comparison can be made.

If the passenger does not select a geographic area, a default position for the selected geographic area may correspond to a current position of the aircraft 31, for example. The current position of the aircraft 31 may be provided by a positioning determining system, such as a GPS receiver.

The in-flight entertainment system further includes a plurality of signal distribution devices 45 connecting the satellite weather information receiver 500 to the passenger displays 68. The at least one processor 506 may comprise a plurality of processors, with each processor being included within a respective signal distribution device 45.

In one embodiment, the satellite weather information receiver 500 operates within a frequency range of about 1 to 3 GHz, for example. The satellite providing the weather related programming channel may thus be a Sirius Satellite Radio satellite, an XM Satellite Radio satellite, or a WorldSpace satellite, as readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. However, operation of the weather information feature as disclosed herein is not limited to this particular frequency range and to transmissions from these satellites.

Another embodiment 30′ of the weather information feature of the in-flight entertainment system will now be discussed with reference to FIG. 24. In this particular embodiment, a satellite receiver 500′ is used for receiving at least one weather related programming channel and at least one entertainment related programming channel. The weather related programming channel is for the pilot’s benefit for receiving accurate weather information that is regularly updated while in flight.

The weather related information may be displayed on a pilot display 308. A pilot control unit 77 is connected to the pilot display 308 for selecting the geographic areas, and includes an input device for selecting these areas, as discussed above for the passenger control units 71. The pilot display 308 and the pilot control unit 77 may be implemented as separate units or as a single integrated device.

In lieu of a pilot display 308, the weather related information may be displayed on an on-board computer 309, which may be mounted within the cockpit or may be a portable laptop computer carried by the pilot. The geographic areas would also be selected by the on-board computer 309. When the aircraft is on the ground, weather information may be provided to the pilot via a wireless data link 57.

If the entertainment related information provided to the passengers by the satellite receiver 500′ is audio only, then passenger control units (PCU) 71 may be used for providing this audio to the passengers via passenger headphones 70. However, in other embodiments, the weather information may also be provided to the passengers (via-the passenger displays 68) as discussed above, along with the weather information being provided to the pilot.

Referring now additionally to the flowchart of FIG. 25 and the associated schematic block diagram of FIG. 26, another advantageous feature of the invention relates to determination of a respective pricing level on the available features of the inflight entertainment system 30 for each passenger. From the start (Block 600), information is collected on passengers of the aircraft at Block 602. The information may be generated based upon frequent flyer profiles and an airline passenger database, for example. The collected information may be stored in a memory 621 connected to a processor 620 within the SEB 45.

The in-flight entertainment system 30 uses the collected information at Block 604 for determining a respective pricing level for each passenger on the available features of the system. The entertainment source 614 provides at least one programming channel, and the available features includes the at least one programming channel. The entertainment source 614 comprises a satellite TV receiver, such as a direct broadcast (DBS) receiver, for example.

The available features of the in-flight entertainment system 30 may also include instant messaging, and may provide connecting gate information and other travel related information. The other travel related information may include hotel and rental car information, for example. In addition, the collected information may affect the pricing levels for the various duty free items offered to each passenger when traveling overseas.

The method further includes determining a seating location of each passenger based upon an assigned passenger seating list at Block 606. A passenger is preferably identified at Block 608 before displaying the respective pricing level. This ensures that the passenger receives the correct pricing level.

The identifying may also be performed using a token reader 72 and a token 210 associated therewith. In the illustrated embodiment, the token reader 72 comprises a card swipe reader, and the token 210 comprises a substrate 211 and a magnetic strip 212 thereon. The processor 620 reads the magnetic strip.

After identification, the respective pricing level 623 is displayed on an associated passenger display at Block 610. The token reader 72 may comprise a payment token reader, and the token 210 comprises a payment token, such as a credit card. Consequently, the method further includes a passenger using the payment token 210 to pay, if necessary, for selected features of the in-flight entertainment system 30 according to the respective pricing level. The method ends at Block 612.

The collected information may be based upon frequent flyer profiles, a separate airline database, and an assigned passenger seating list, for example. The collected information is preferably updated before each flight. Passengers that frequently travel and passengers that fly first class would have a lower pricing level on the available features of the inflight entertainment system 30 as compared to passengers that seldom travel. A respective pricing level would thus vary between passengers in first class and in coach. Premium services would then be provided at little or no cost to a passenger in first class, whereas the same services would be offered to a passenger in coach but at a higher cost.

The illustrated processor 620 generates on the passenger displays 68 a respective pricing level on available features of the in-flight entertainment system 30 for each passenger. As noted above, each respective pricing level is based upon information collected on aircraft passengers. The collected information may be stored in the memory 621. The processor 620 also determines a seating location of each passenger based upon an assigned passenger seating list.

The illustrated processor 620 is included within a respective seat electronics box 45 connecting the entertainment source 614 to the passenger displays 68. A PCU 71 is illustratively connected to the SEB 45, and passenger headphones 70 are connected to the PCU.

Referring now additionally to the flowchart of FIG. 27 and the associated schematic block diagram of FIG. 28, another advantageous feature of the inflight entertainment system 30 relates to selectively matching advertisements based upon passenger profiles. From the start (Block 700), information is collected on passengers of the aircraft at Block 702, and passenger profiles are generated based upon the collected information.

The method according to the present invention advantageously generates a profile for each passenger, and selectively matches advertisements to each passenger based upon the generated profile. This allows the airlines to generate increased advertisement revenue. The collected information may be based upon frequent flyer profiles and airline passenger databases, for example.

Passenger profiles are selectively matched to the passenger profiles at Block 704. The method further includes determining a seating location of each passenger based upon an assigned passenger seating list at Block 706. In addition, at least one flight parameter of the aircraft 31 is monitored at Block 708. The at least one flight parameter may comprise at least one of a geographic location of the aircraft 31, an estimated time of arrival of the aircraft, and destination of the aircraft.

A passenger is identified at Block 710 before displaying the selectively matched passenger advertisements on an associated passenger display 68. This ensures that the correct passenger receives the appropriate advertisements. The verifying may be performed using a token reader 72 and a token 210 associated therewith. After verification, the selectively matched passenger advertisements corresponding to respective passenger profiles are displayed at Block 712 based upon the monitored flight parameter. The method ends at Block 714.

For example, as the aircraft 31 approaches its final destination, the flight control computer 700 reports the position of the aircraft 31 to a processor 702. In lieu of the flight control computer 700, a position determining system, such as a GPS receiver, may be used to provide the position of the aircraft 31 to the processor 702.

The processor 702 is programmed to generate advertisements within a predetermined range of the airport, such as 100 miles, for example. Other aircraft parameters may be used to trigger display of the advertisements, as mentioned above. If a passenger profile indicates that the passenger is an avid fisherman, and the passenger’s destination is Orlando, for example, then the selectively matched advertisements 704 are directed toward deep-sea fishing off the coast of Florida.

A map image storage device 708 connected to the processor 702 provides an image 710 of the coast of Florida. This directly enhances the displayed advertisement 704. The advertisement 704 may include information on chartered fishing boats, and even lodging and restaurant information. A memory 712 is also connected to the processor 702 for storing the selectively matched passenger advertisements, and the passenger profiles. Alternatively, the memory may be embedded within the processor 702.

The in-flight entertainment system 30 also comprises an entertainment source 706, such as a direct broadcast (DBS) receiver. The entertainment source 706 may also be used to provide the pre-recorded advertisements. Alternatively, the passenger advertisements from the entertainment source 706 may be inserted with other programming channels or may appear on its own dedicated channel(s). The illustrated processor 702 may be included within a respective SEB 45 connecting the satellite receiver to the passenger displays 68. A PCU 71 is illustratively connected to the SEB 45, and passenger headphones 70 are connected to the PCU.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

In addition, other features relating to the aircraft in-flight entertainment system are disclosed in copending patent applications filed concurrently herewith and assigned to the assignee of the present invention and are entitled AIRCRAFT SYSTEM PROVIDING PASSENGER ENTERTAINMENT AND SURVEILLANCE FEATURES, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS, Ser. No. 10/428,650; AIRCRAFT IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM RECEIVING TERRESTRIAL TELEVISION BROADCAST SIGNALS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS, Ser. No. 10/428,268; AIRCRAFT IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM GENERATING A PRICING STRUCTURE FOR AVAILABLE FEATURES, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS, Ser. No. 10/428,239; and AIRCRAFT IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM PROVIDING PASSENGER SPECIFIC ADVERTISEMENTS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS, Ser. No. 10/428,234, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

We noticed recently the flood of job openings at the FDIC and have to surmise that they’re expecting the worst with the number of “problem banks” increasing again this year.

The link to the FDIC job listings is here:

https://jobs1.quickhire.com/scripts/fdic.exe/runuserinfo?Haveusedbefore=5

On August 14, 2009, First Mercury Financial Corporation (FMR) reported that they had purchased an
additional 72,246,560 million shares of Sirius/XM Radio representing a 15358.43 % increase
with their SIRI holdings.

You can review all of FMR Corp’s purchases at their latest SEC Edgar filing here:
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/315066/0000315066-09-003476.txt

On August 17, 2009, Morgan Stanley reported that they had purchased an additional 18,043,086 million
shares of Sirius/XM Radio.

You can review all of Morgan Stanley’s purchases at their latest SEC Edgar filing here:
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/895421/0000895421-09-000696.txt

Primary Examiner: Beaulieu; Yonel
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Cantor Colburn LLP

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/022,442, filed Dec. 22, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,289,903, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

1. A method for implementing a locator service, comprising: receiving, at a computer system, object identification information and location identification information from a vehicle, the location identification information indicating the presence of the vehicle at a parking space; creating an occupancy record that includes the object identification information and the location identification information; and collecting fees from an operator of the vehicle during an exiting process based upon information in the occupancy record; wherein the location identification information is received at the computer system via a radio frequency identifier associated with the parking space, the radio frequency identifier detecting the presence of the vehicle at the parking space.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the object identification information includes at least one of: the operator of the vehicle; an identification associated with the operator; and a description of the vehicle.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a request to locate the vehicle during the exiting process, the request including at least a portion of the objection identification information; retrieving the location identification information from the occupancy record associated with the object identification information; and presenting the location identification information of the parking space to the operator.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein collecting fees includes: tracking, in the occupancy record, an amount of time the vehicle occupies the parking space; and associating the amount of time with an occupancy fee.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the location identification information is received at the computer system, over a wireless network, via a global positioning system on the vehicle, the global positioning system receiving the location identification information from the radio frequency identifier.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein collecting fees comprises: flagging the object identification information in the occupancy record to distinguish the vehicle, and a service package provided to the operator of the vehicle, from other vehicles; and implementing payment services for the occupancy based upon terms of the service package.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: assigning a unique code to the location identification information to distinguish the corresponding parking space from other parking spaces; and reserving the parking space having the unique code for preferred customers.

8. A system for implementing a locator service, comprising: a computer system executing a locator application; and a storage device in communication with the computer system, the storage device housing occupancy records generated via the locator application, the locator application performing: receiving, at the computer system, object identification information and location identification information from a vehicle, the location identification information indicating the presence of the vehicle at a parking space; creating an occupancy record that includes the object identification information and the location identification information; and collecting fees from an operator of the vehicle during an exiting process based upon information in the occupancy record; wherein the location identification information is received at the computer system via a radio frequency identifier associated with the parking space, the radio frequency identifier detecting the presence of the vehicle at the parking space.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the object identification information includes at least one of: the operator of the vehicle; an identification associated with the operator; and a description of the vehicle.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the locator application further implements: receiving a request to locate the vehicle during the exiting process, the request including at least a portion of the objection identification information; retrieving the location identification information from the occupancy record associated with the object identification information; and presenting the location identification information of the parking space to the operator.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein collecting fees includes: tracking, in the occupancy record, an amount of time the vehicle occupies the parking space; and associating the amount of time with an occupancy fee.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the location identification information is received at the computer system, over a wireless network, via a global positioning system on the vehicle, the global positioning system receiving the location identification information from the radio frequency identifier.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein collecting fees comprises: flagging the object identification information in the occupancy record to distinguish the vehicle, and a service package provided to the operator of the vehicle, from other vehicles; and implementing payment services for the occupancy based upon terms of the service package.

14. A computer program product for implementing locator services, the computer program product including instructions for causing a computer system to implement a method, comprising: receiving, at the computer system, object identification information and location identification information from a vehicle, the location identification information indicating the presence of the vehicle at a parking space; creating an occupancy record that includes the object identification information and the location identification information; and collecting fees from an operator of the vehicle during an exiting process based upon information in the occupancy record; wherein the location identification information is received at the computer system via a radio frequency identifier associated with the parking space, the radio frequency identifier detecting the presence of the vehicle at the parking space.

15. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the object identification information includes at least one of: the operator of the vehicle; an identification associated with the operator; and a description of the vehicle.

16. The computer program product of claim 14, further comprising instructions for performing: receiving a request to locate the vehicle during the exiting process, the request including at least a portion of the objection identification information; retrieving the location identification information from the occupancy record associated with the object identification information; and presenting the location identification information of the parking space to the operator.

17. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein collecting fees includes: tracking, in the occupancy record, an amount of time the vehicle occupies the parking space; and associating the amount of time with an occupancy fee.

18. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the location identification information is received at the computer system, over a wireless network, via a global positioning system on the vehicle, the global positioning system receiving the location identification information from the radio frequency identifier.

19. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein collecting fees comprises: flagging the object identification information in the occupancy record to distinguish the vehicle, and a service package provided to the operator of the vehicle, from other vehicles; and implementing payment services for the occupancy based upon terms of the service package.

20. The computer program product of claim 14, further comprising instructions for performing: assigning a unique code to the location identification information to distinguish the corresponding parking space from other parking spaces; and reserving the parking space having the unique code for preferred customers.

Exemplary embodiments relate generally to wireless communications, and more particularly, to methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing a locator service.

Wireless technologies have grown in popularity for a variety of applications. For example, in the personal consumer market, wireless home networking devices provide configurable internetworking solutions for various types of home devices such as communications, computing, and entertainment devices.

On a larger scale, wireless technologies such as global satellite communications offer global positioning services for mobile devices. For example, GPS services provide mapping and direction assistance to travelers. Global positioning services are also utilized to track the location of vehicles in an effort to minimize theft. Another popular market relating to global satellite technology is the satellite radio and programming industry. Many vehicles are now equipped with wireless receivers that pick up satellite music and programming from all over the world (e.g., services provided by XM Satellite Radio, Inc. of Washington, D.C. as well as SIRIUS Satellite Radio of New York City, N.Y.). These types of applications typically involve a subscription service to a service provider.

In addition to personal consumer applications, business applications relating to wireless technologies have also enjoyed great advancements (e.g., wireless area networks, cellular communications for field activities, etc.).

As wireless technologies continue to advance, consumers, business entities, government, military, and other organizations will continue to look for ways to exploit them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments relate to methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing a locator service. A method includes receiving, at a computer system, object identification information and location identification information from a vehicle. The location identification information indicates the presence of the vehicle at a parking space. The method also includes creating an occupancy record that includes the object identification information and the location identification information. The method further includes collecting fees from an operator of the vehicle during an exiting process based upon information in the occupancy record. The location identification information is received at the computer system via a radio frequency identifier associated with the parking space.

Systems for implementing a locator service include a computer system executing a locator application and a storage device in communication with the computer system. The storage device houses occupancy records generated via the locator application. The locator application implements a method. The method includes receiving, at the computer system, object identification information and location identification information from a vehicle. The location identification information indicates the presence of the vehicle at a parking space. The method also includes creating an occupancy record that includes the object identification information and the location identification information. The method further includes collecting fees from an operator of the vehicle during an exiting process based upon information in the occupancy record. The location identification information is received at the computer system via a radio frequency identifier associated with the parking space.

Computer program products for implementing a locator service include instructions for causing a computer system to implement a method. The method includes receiving, at the computer system, object identification information and location identification information from a vehicle. The location identification information indicates the presence of the vehicle at a parking space. The method also includes creating an occupancy record that includes the object identification information and the location identification information. The method further includes collecting fees from an operator of the vehicle during an exiting process based upon information in the occupancy record. The location identification information is received at the computer system via a radio frequency identifier associated with the parking space.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according to exemplary embodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or computer program products be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several FIGURES:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environment in which the locator service system functions may be implemented in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process for implementing a locator service in exemplary embodiments; and

FIG. 3 is a sample database of occupancy records generated via the locator service system in exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, locator services are provided. Locator services provide the ability to detect and track the location of objects via wireless communications systems. The locator services also provide the ability to manage identifying information relating to the object being tracked and may enable service fees to be implemented for the locator service. While described herein with respect to an automobile locator service, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions described with respect to the locator service may be applied to any type of object that is mobile for which tracking services are desired.

Turning now to FIG. 1, an environment in which the locator service activities may be implemented will now be described. In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the system 100 of FIG. 1 refers to an area, such as a parking area (e.g., garage, lot, etc.). The parking area of system 100 may be, e.g., a parking facility for an amusement park, an office complex, a shopping mall, a sports area, an airport, or other similar type of complex facility that provides substantial parking services to its clientele. The parking area of system 100 may be an indoor, outdoor, or combination of parking facilities and may further provide value-added services such as valet parking. It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to tracking mobile/portable devices in parking areas but is applicable to tracking occupancy of any type of mobile or portable device within any location.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the entity providing the locator services for parking area of system 100 includes a computer system 102 (processor device) that executes a locator application 104 and a reader 106. The locator services may be managed by a third-party provider system on behalf of the entity managing the parking area 100, which provides the locator services to the parking area entity for a fee. In exemplary embodiments, the locator services are provided directly by the parking area entity of system 100 and, in particular, by the computer system 102. The computer system 102 may handle sending and receiving information to and from other entities in the parking area of system 100 and may perform associated tasks.

In alternative embodiments, the computer system 102 may be in communication with one or more additional computer systems that, together, provide locator service activities over a network 109 to multiple locations (e.g., multiple parking garages owned by a business enterprise in New York City or an airport parking lot providing information regarding location to one or more area hotels). If the locator services are provided jointly by multiple entities, the locator service processing may be shared by their respective computer devices over the network 109 as further described herein.

According to an exemplary embodiment, locator application 104 receives location identification information from mobile or portable objects (e.g., mobile device 116) via, e.g., a wireless fidelity (WiFi) network. While the description that follows refers to mobile devices, in particular vehicles, for illustrative purposes, it will be appreciated that the invention may also be applicable to tracking of other types of portable devices. The WiFi network comprises base stations 114, WiFi card 118, and reader 106. These components are described further herein. The locator application 104 associates location identification information to corresponding mobile object identifiers (identification information) for objects (e.g., 116) that occupy a location 110. The locator application 104 tracks these associations for multiple objects and locations in occupancy records that are stored in storage device 108. The locator application 104 may also include a timing device (e.g., a timestamp function) that tracks occupancy duration and may further provide payment services for an occupancy based upon the duration of the occupancy or other criteria. The functions provided by the locator application 104 are further described in the flow diagram of FIG. 2.

Reader 106 receives transmissions from automatic identifiers 112 via the WiFi network as described further herein. The transmissions comprise a serial number or other identification as described further herein with respect to the automatic identifiers 112. Reader 106 converts the radio waves reflected back from the automatic identifier 112 into digital information that may be used by the locator application 104. The reader 106 may comprise a device that includes signal conditioning, parity error checking, and correction. The reader 106 receives signals from the WiFi network, verifies the signals, and decodes them. An algorithm may also be applied to determine if a signal is a repeat transmission. In this manner, the reader 106 would then send a signal to the appropriate automatic identifier 112 to cease signaling.

In exemplary embodiments, the system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a storage device 108. Storage device 108 is in communication with computer system 102 and may be implemented using a variety of devices for storing electronic information. It is understood that the storage device 108 may be implemented using memory contained in the computer system 102 or it may be a separate physical device. If the locator services are provided over a network (e.g., 109), the storage device 108 may be logically addressable as a consolidated data source across a distributed environment that includes the network. Information stored in the storage device 108 may be retrieved and manipulated via the computer system 102. The storage device 108 houses one or more databases of occupancy information. Sample database information is shown and described in FIG. 3.

Network 109 may be any type of known network including, but not limited to, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a global network (e.g. Internet), a virtual private network (VPN), and an intranet. The network 109 may be implemented using a wireless network or any kind of physical network implementation known in the art. The computer system 102 may be connected to the network 109 in, e.g., a wireless fashion.

Locations 110 refer to a defined area or space for which the presence or occupancy of a mobile object is tracked. For illustrative purposes, locations 110 are referred to in this description as parking spaces in a parking area.

Automatic identifiers 112 may comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder (also referred to as RFID tag) that utilizes radio waves for identifying objects, as one skilled in the art would appreciate. Each of automatic identifiers 112 may include a microchip that stores a serial number or other means of identifying a corresponding location 110. The automatic identifier 112 may also include an antenna attached to the microchip. The antenna enables the microchip to transmit the location identification information to reader 106 and/or mobile object 116.

As shown in FIG. 1, base stations 114 are dispersed throughout the parking area of system 100. Base stations 114 receive and transmit wireless signals between one another as well as between automatic identifiers 112, mobile object 116, and reader 106.

Mobile objects 116 may be, for example, a vehicle such as an automobile, motorcycle, bus, truck, to name a few. For purposes of illustration, the mobile object 116 will be described herein with respect to a WiFi- and GPS-enabled automobile.

According to an exemplary embodiment, mobile object 116, depicted for illustrative purposes in FIG. 1 as an automobile, includes a WiFi card 118 that enables the object 116 to communicate over any type of 802.11 network. The WiFi card 118, base stations 114, and reader 106 are collectively referred to herein as a WiFi network.

Mobile object 116 further includes a GPS card/application 120 that provides tracking and navigation assistance to the operator of automobile 116. The GPS card 120 may comprise a commercial application such as Garmin Quest GPS Navigator.TM. provided by Garmin International of Olathe, Kans.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a flow diagram of a process for implementing locator services will now be described with respect to an automobile. As indicated above, the locator services provide the ability to detect and track the location of objects via wireless communications systems. For example, consider a mobile object 116 that enters the parking area of system 100 and parks in one of locations 110. At step 202, GPS application 120 in the mobile object 116 detects a signal being emitted by the automatic identifier 112. The signal emitted provides the identification of the location 110 that has been accessed by the mobile object 116.

At step 204, the mobile object 116 passes the location identification information, as well as the mobile object identifiers, to the reader 106 via the GPS application 120 and the WiFi network. This may be accomplished by transmitting the location identification information and mobile object identifiers to one of base stations 114 which, in turn, passes the signals in a wireless fashion to either another base station 114 (depending upon the distance between mobile object 116 and the reader 106, or directly to the reader 106. The mobile object identifiers may include the name of an operator of the mobile object, an operator identification (e.g., social security number, drivers license number, etc.), a description of the mobile object (e.g., make, model, color, etc.), or any other type of desired indicia. The reader 106 converts the signals received into a digital form that is understood by the locator application 106.

The locator application 104 receives the converted signals and associates the mobile object identifiers with the automatic identifier information (i.e., location identification information) at step 206 and stores the results in occupancy database of storage device 108. A sample database 300 is shown in FIG. 3.

Database 300 of FIG. 3 includes a record for each of locations 110 as shown in column 302. Database 300 further includes a column 304 for associating the mobile object identifier with a corresponding location 110. If desired, the database 300 may include a column 306 for tracking the duration of time a location 110 is occupied by a mobile device. Column 308 displays any fees charged for the occupation of the location 110. A sample record 310 is shown in database 300 and includes a sampling of mobile object identifiers 312 that may be utilized by the locator application 104, particularly when responding to operator requests to retrieve location information as will be described further herein.

This information is retained in the occupancy database of storage device 108 of FIG. 1 until the operator of the mobile device activates an exit process. At step 208, the operator enters identification information into reader 106 of FIG. 1. The identification information required may include all, or a portion of, the mobile object identifier information transmitted to the locator application 104 in step 204. Utilizing the mobile object identifier information, the locator application 104 retrieves the associated automatic identifier information (i.e., location identification information) from the occupancy database of storage device 108 at step 210. The automatic identification information is presented to the operator at step 212. This information may be displayed to the operator on, e.g., a computer monitor associated with computer device 102, or may be printed out for the operator.

Optionally, any fees that may have accrued may be handled via the locator application 104, if desired, at step 214. For example, the operator may be provided with the option to pay for any parking fees based upon, e.g., the amount of time the mobile device 116 has been parked in the location 110. In further embodiments, the locator application 104 may include a service for preferred customers (e.g., repeat business) or for customers who purchase inclusive packages (e.g., season tickets at an amusement park or ball park include free parking), such that the identifier information transmitted to the locator application 104 may include a special code or flag that distinguishes these types of individuals from the general public. Alternatively, the location 110 itself may be reserved for preferred customers such that the automatic identification information includes a unique code that distinguishes the location’s occupant from others (e.g., the first row of each parking section is reserved for preferred customers).

At step 216, the locator application 104 purges the occupancy record from the database of storage device 108 (FIG. 1) indicating that the location 110 is unoccupied. The process returns to step 202 each time a location 110 becomes occupied.

As indicated above, the locator services provide the ability to detect and track the location of objects via wireless communications systems. The locator services also provide the ability to manage identifying information relating to the object being tracked and may enable service fees to be implemented for the locator service.

As described above, embodiments may be in the form of computer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those processes. In exemplary embodiments, the invention is embodied in computer program code executed by one or more network elements. Embodiments include computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. Embodiments include computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

On July 15, 2009, Goldman Sachs reported that they had purchased an additional 9 million shares of Sirius/XM Radio.

You can review all of Goldman Sach’s purchases at their latest SEC Edgar filing here:

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/886982/0000769993-09-000863.txt

Systems, methods and apparatus are described to interleave LDPC coded data for reception over a mobile communications channel, such as, for example, a satellite channel. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a method for channel interleaving includes segmenting a large LDPC code block into smaller codewords, randomly shuffling the code segments of each codeword and then convolutionally interleaving the randomly shuffled code words. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, such random shuffling can guarantee that no two consecutive input code segments will be closer than a defined minimum number of code segments at the output of the shuffler. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, by keeping data in, for example, manageable sub-sections, accurate SNR estimations, which are needed for the best possible LDPC decoding performance, can be facilitated based on, for example, iterative bit decisions.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said convolutionally interleaving achieves at least a defined minimum time dispersion.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the subsections are some small percentage of the large code block’s size.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said convolutional interleaving includes applying an entire subsection to each arm of a convolutional interleaver.

5. A system, comprising:a transmitter comprising:an LDPC encoder;a random shuffler; anda convolutional interleaver; anda receiver comprising:a de-interleaver;a de-shuffler; andan LDPC decoder.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the convolutional interleaver has one branch for each subsection of data.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the random shuffler is an S-random shuffler.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said S-random shuffler is designed to guarantee that no two consecutive input segments of a subsection will be closer than Y segments at the output of the shuffler, where Y is approximately equal to [Sqrt (X)]/2, where X=total number of segments.

9. A transmitter, comprising:an LDPC encoder;a random shuffler; anda convolutional interleaver.

10. The transmitter of claim 9, wherein the convolutional interleaver has one branch for each segment of data.

11. The transmitter of claim 9, wherein the random shuffler is an S-random shuffler.

12. The transmitter of claim 11, wherein said S-random shuffler is designed to guarantee that no two consecutive input segments will be closer than than Y segments at the output of the shuffler, where Y is approximately equal to [Sqrt (X)]/2, where X=total number of segments.

13. The system of claim 5, wherein the readout order of said random shuffler is at least one of controlled by a lookup table and different for each code block within a transmission frame.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said lookup table can repeat itself after every transmission frame.

15. A receiver comprising:a de-interleaver;a de-shuffler; andan LDPC decoder.

16. The receiver of claim 15, wherein in operation the LDPC decoder first estimates a noise variance for each code segment based on traditional noise variance cluster estimates.

17. The receiver of claim 16, wherein the noise variance for each code segment is re-calculated on every iteration of the LDPC decoder.

18. A program storage device readable by a processing unit, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the processing unit to implement a method of interleaving Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes over mobile satellite channels, said method comprising:segmenting a large LDPC code block into smaller subsections, each subsection having multiple segments;randomly shuffling the segments in each subsection;convolutionally interleaving the subsections; andtransmitting the interleaved subsections over a satellite channel to a mobile receiver.

19. The program storage device of claim 18, wherein said convolutionally interleaving achieves at least a defined minimum time dispersion.

20. The program storage device of claim 18, wherein the subsections are some small percentage of the large code block’s size.

21. The program storage device of claim 18, wherein said convolutional interleaving includes applying an entire subsection to each arm of a convolutional interleaver.

[0001]This application claims the benefit of and hereby incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/963,043, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERLEAVING LOW DENSITY PARITY CHECK (LDPC) CODES OVER MOBILE SATELLITE CHANNELS, and filed on Aug. 1, 2007.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]The present invention relates to satellite broadcast communications, and more particularly to systems and methods for interleaving LDPC coded data over mobile satellite channels.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0003]Mobile receivers of satellite broadcast communications are often faced with signal fades of long duration in particular locations and at particular times. This can be more or less egregious depending upon a given channel’s fading characteristics. It is well known that time interleaving a communication signal can be a very effective method to transform a time fading channel into a memory-less channel.

[0004]What is thus needed in the art are systems and methods to interleave LDPC coded data for better reception over a mobile satellite channel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005]Systems, methods and apparatus are described to interleave LDPC coded data for reception over a mobile communications channel, such as, for example, a satellite channel. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a method for channel interleaving includes segmenting a large LDPC code block into smaller codewords, randomly shuffling the code segments of each codeword and then convolutionally interleaving the randomly shuffled code words. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, such random shuffling can guarantee that no two consecutive input code segments will be closer than a defined minimum number of code segments at the output of the shuffler. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, by keeping data in, for example, manageable sub-sections, accurate SNR estimations, which are needed for the best possible LDPC decoding performance, can be facilitated based on, for example, iterative bit decisions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0007]FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary transmission frame format according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0008]FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary S-Random Physical Frame shuffler according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0009]FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary channel interleaver structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0010]FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary dispersion of coded LDPC data according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary dispersion of faded received data according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0012]FIG. 7 depicts plots of exemplary initial and final adaptive noise estimates according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0013]It is noted that the patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawings will be provided by the U.S. Patent Office upon request and payment of the necessary fees.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014]It is well known that time interleaving a communication signal can be a very effective method for transforming a time fading channel into a memory-less channel. The amount of interleaving that needs to be performed is typically a function of the channel’s fading characteristics and system delay tolerance. In a broadcast channel, delay is generally not of major concern. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention this allows for the dedication of large amounts of hardware memory to interleave over as much time as possible.

[0015]FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary system for implementing a method of interleaving large LDPC code blocks over mobile channels according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method disclosed is independent of the specific details of a given LDPC encoder, and can be applied to any LDPC code block size and code rate. With reference to FIG. 1, on the transmit side 102 at the left of the figure, data 105 is input to LDPC encoder 110. From there it is sent to Random Shuffler 120, and from there to Convolutional Interleaver 130. From the output of Convolutional Interleaver 130 the data is transmitted over a communications channel to a receiver. At the receive side 142, essentially the inverse set of operations are performed. Thus, the received data is input to De-interleaver 140, then to De-shuffler 150, and from there to LDPC decoder 160, which outputs the decoded data 170.

[0016]In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a LDPC code can originate as a large block code (e.g., thousands of bits) using low coding rates. Again with reference to FIG. 1, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention an LDPC encoder 110 can be fed into a shuffler 120 that breaks the large code block into smaller subsections and randomly permutes these subsections within each code block. The random subsections can then, for example, be applied to a convolutional interleaver 130, with an entire subsection applied to each interleaving arm. A convolutional interleaver 130 is the preferred module or component for this task due its ability to achieve large spreading times with minimal memory usage.

[0017]FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary Transmission Frame Format according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For purposes of illustration it will be assumed that there is a transmission frame 210 with 26 codewords (said codewords labeled as “CW” in FIG. 2). It is further assumed that each LDPC codeword 220 is composed of 49 code segments (each said code segment labeled “CS” in FIG. 2), where each code segment 230 has N bits. For an example where N=100 bits, there are thus 49 code segments (CSs) of 100 bits each making 4,900 bits per segment (CS), and 26 total code words (CWs) forming one transmission frame 210, thus comprising 26 CW*49 CS/CW*10 bits/CS=127,400 bits. It is understood that the systems and methods disclosed herein can equally apply to any LDPC code block size, any number of code blocks per transmission frame and any selected sub section size. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, to achieve good time diversity the number of subsections can be on the order of 2% of the code block size, or less.

[0018]As shown in FIG. 1, after encoding, a first task, for example, is to randomize each subsection of a large LDPC code. This process is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 3, by use of, for example, a S-random block interleaver (shuffler). FIG. 3 depicts one of the code words (CWs) 220 of FIG. 2, which has 49 code segments (CSs), as shown therein. In FIG. 3 an exemplary code word is indexed as 310. FIG. 3 illustrates how these 49 code segments can be randomly shuffled, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The S-random shuffler can ensure that any two consecutive code segments (CSs) of a code word (CW) will be randomly permuted to have a defined minimum output time separation. For a code word CW divided into, for example, 49 code segments CS, an S-random shuffler can be designed to guarantee, for example, that no two consecutive input subsections will be closer than 4 subsections at the output of the shuffler. Such a process can be performed, for example, by first loading the entire code word 310 (i.e., all 49 subsections) into a buffer and then reading out each of the 49 code segments of code word 310 in a random order. In general an S-random shuffler can guarantee that given a code word with a total of X subsections or code segments (here 49) to be shuffled, no two consecutive input code segments will be closer than Y subsections, where X is the next integer greater than [sqrt(Y)]/2, here [sqrt(49)]/2=7/2=3.5, and thus X=4.

[0019]The readout order from the S-random shuffler can, for example, be controlled by a lookup table 320 (labeled “Permutation Table” in FIG. 3) and can, for example, be different for each code block (codeword) within a transmission frame (the terms “codeword” and “code block” are synonymous as used in this description, and will both be used herein). Moreover, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the table can repeat itself after every transmission frame 310. Thus, in the example depicted in FIG. 3, there are 26 permutation tables 320 that can be used, one for each code block (codeword CW) in a transmission frame. Codeblock CB Count 325 thus stores the number of which code block (of the available 26 in this example) is being operated upon, and inputs that value to Permutation Table 320.

[0020]Such S-random shuffling operation can, for example, ensure that random portions of each LDPC code are applied to the convolutional interleaver. This can, for example, minimize the possibility of consecutive data or parity bits being erased due to long fading. It is understood, of course, that this functionality depends upon the length of the fade condition. Thus, if a fade is longer than the convolutional interleaver’s time duration, then consecutive data and/or parity bits can be erased by the channel. The output 340 of the S-random shuffler is thus the code block 310 with its various code segments CS now in a very different, randomly permuted order. (It is noted that in FIG. 3 the code segments are labeled as “Physical Frames”, which refers to the same thing as CS in FIG. 2).

[0021]FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary interleaver according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The depicted structure is a well known convolutional interleaver (CI). The CI’s arms move in sync with each other, so as to, for example, each process one whole S-random permuted segment of data, having, as noted, N bits. In the example described above, as noted, N=100. The interleaver can have, one branch for each segment of data in a codeword (here for example, 49 branches), that can be, for example, synchronized to the transmission frame boundary. Hence, the CI arms can perform, for example, exactly 26 revolutions per transmission frame, each lasting one codeword’s time duration per revolution.

[0022]In exemplary embodiments of the present invention each branch of a CI can, for example, be passed an entire code segment of data (100 bits), with each arm of the CI being of varying length. The effect of such a CI operation is to time disperse each of the code segments of data (as noted, in the depicted example of FIGS. 3-4, there are 49 such code segments, each having 100 bits). Naturally, the time dispersion achieved is a function of CI size, and is a system defined value, with a preferred minimum time dispersion on the order of, for example, 2.5 seconds or more.

[0023]FIG. 5 depicts how a single codeword can be randomly dispersed over, for example, a time duration of 2.5 seconds, after shuffling. Thus, consistent with the descriptive example used above, FIG. 5 depicts 49 codeword segments 510 of N bits each in various LDPC Codewords 520. The Codewords 520 are randomly shuffled, as described above, thus becoming Shuffled Codeword Segments 530. Then, after interleaving, the various Interleaved Codeword Segments codewords are spread out in time well beyond one transmission frame’s temporal duration (FIG. 2 indictaes a Transmission Frame 220 duration of 347 msec, and FIG. 5 indictaes that CW1 has been spread over 2.5 seconds, with code segments from CW2 interspersed between the various code segments of CW1.

[0024]Similarly, FIG. 6 is a depiction of an isolated signal fade of fairly long duration (typically, for example, greater than 75 milliseconds). The received data experiences the fade by contiguous data subsections being attenuated into the noise floor (erased). After de-interleaving according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the same faded subsections can be dispersed over a much longer time duration. FIG. 6 shows how an exemplary de-interleaver has dispersed a single isolated fade so that each LDPC code block never contains more than two (2) subsections affected by the fade, as is seen for CW4 and CW5, for example.

[0025]In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a LDPC decoder requires knowledge of the received noise variance in order to properly form log likelihood ratios. Log likelihood ratios are, as known, a measure of how likely a soft decision for a given received symbol is. It can be understood as an indication as to how far away a given received symbol is from the x-y axis in an I,Q plot. In general, a slicer can make a hard decision or can give a log likelihood ratio as to the quadrant a particular received symbol is in.

[0026]As a received signal is de-interleaved, each segment of that signal will generally have a different noise variance. Thus, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a noise variance for each segment can, for example, first be estimated based on traditional noise variance cluster estimates. If the LDPC code contains N segments, then N independent noise variances can, for example, be estimated (one representing the average for each subsection of data samples). It is this metric that allows an LDPC decoder to essentially soft weight the merit of each segment for an iterative decoding process. To simplify the noise estimate, each segment can, for example, be aligned with a physical frame transmission, with one noise variance estimate for each physical frame. The initial noise estimate can, for example, be based on raw sliced decisions, averaging the squared distance of the received signal to the targeted hard decision symbol.

[0027]Unfortunately, under low SNR conditions, initial decisions can have large numbers of errors, leading to inaccurate noise estimates. This can be especially true in COFDM reception where the subsection of a signal that is decoded is based on an entire physical frame. This approach does not take into account the fact that some symbols within a COFDM physical frame are in deep nulls or the fact that the COFDM sliced errors are weighted by the channel state information. To improve on the noise variance estimate (which improves the LDPC decoding ability via correct soft weighting of the LDPC codes subsections), in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the noise variance of each segment can be, for example, re-calculated on every iteration of the LDPC decoder. The idea behind re-calculating at each iteration is that the LDPC decoder comes closer and closer to estimating the correct bit decisions, hence providing a new target hard bit decision for the noise power estimate. After each iteration, the noise estimate improves and the weighting for each segment can correspondingly be subsequently improved. This function allows for improvement in the decoder, particularly under COFDM reception where the initial noise estimates can be highly incorrect, as noted.

[0028]In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, if data is interleaved in a manageable fashion, then adaptive estimation of the noise variance can be implemented. Thus, for example, the performance of an exemplary adaptive noise estimator for an exemplary COFDM received signal is shown in FIG. 7. The top curve shown in FIG. 7 (the blue trace in the color version) is an initial exemplary noise variance estimate into an LDPC decoder, and the bottom curve of FIG. 7 (the red trace in the color version) is the final estimate of the noise variance after sixty (60) LDPC iterations. In general, under noisy conditions, the initial noise variance estimate can be off by 2-3 dB. This inaccuracy can be caused by incorrect sliced bit decisions, which can mask the true noise variance. It is thus noted that the noise variance estimate for code segment number 46 (seen at the far right of FIG. 7) is initially optimistically off by more than 7 dB. The plot of FIG. 7 shows the benefit of adaptively estimating the noise variance, which can only be performed if the data is interleaved in a manageable fashion.

[0029]The inventive method of interleaving described above has been seen to be every effective in combating severe satellite fading channels. Additionally, such method provides a manageable procedure to accurately obtain noise variance estimates under fading conditions, from either a satellite channel, for example, or from a terrestrial channel.

[0030]While the present invention has been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.

[0031]Therefore, it is understood that the invention not be limited to any particular embodiment, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Primary Examiner: Appiah; Charles N
Assistant Examiner: Doan; Kiet

1. A method for providing supplemental satellite radio content, comprising the steps of: pursuant to the formation of an agreement between at least a first satellite radio service provider that provides a first satellite radio service and a second satellite radio service provider that provides a second satellite radio service that serves at least substantially the same area served by the first satellite service, wherein at least one content-item that is available as part of a subscription package to subscribers of the second satellite radio service provider but not generally available as part of a subscription package to the subscribers of the first service, is made available to subscribers of the first service on a supplemental basis at their option, receiving an order from a subscriber having a new or preexisting subscription to the first satellite radio service whereby access to subscription content of the first satellite radio service is provided, the order being for at least one supplemental content item that is not generally available as part of a subscription to subscribers of the first satellite radio service, but which is available on a subscription package basis to subscribers the second satellite radio service that serves at least substantially the same area served by the first satellite radio service, the subscriber being associated with a satellite radio receiver unit authorized to access the subscription content of the subscription to the first satellite service; and in response to the order, providing access to the at least one supplemental content item via the receiver unit, wherein the receiver unit is a non-interoperable receiver unit with respect to the first and the second satellite radio services, wherein the step of providing access to the at least one supplemental content item comprises providing the supplemental content item to the receiver unit via a broadcast system of the first satellite radio service, and wherein the at least one supplemental content item comprises a plurality of supplemental content items that is orderable in a group and that comprises channels.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: charging a fee to the subscriber for providing access to the supplemental content item.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of in response to the order, providing access to the at least one supplemental content item via the receiver unit comprises configuring the receiver unit in response to the order for the at least one supplemental content item.

4. A method for obtaining supplemental satellite radio content, comprising the steps of: pursuant to the formation of an agreement between at least a first satellite radio service provider that provides a first satellite radio service and a second satellite radio service provider that provides a second satellite radio service that serves at least substantially the same area served by the first satellite service, wherein at least one content-item that is available as part of a subscription package to subscribers of the second satellite radio service provider but not generally available as part of a subscription package to the subscribers of the first service, is made available to subscribers of the first service on a supplemental basis at their option, ordering at least one supplemental content item that is not included in the content of a new or existing subscription package to the first satellite service by which subscription package content is received, but which is available as part of a subscription package to subscribers the second satellite service that serves at least substantially the same area served by the first satellite service; and in response to the order, receiving access to the at least one supplemental content item on a receiver unit on which the subscription package content of the first satellite radio service is received via a broadcast system of the first satellite radio service, wherein the receiver unit is a non-interoperable receiver unit with respect to the first and the second satellite services, and wherein the at least one supplemental content item comprises a plurality of supplemental content items that is orderable in a group and that comprises channels.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of: the subscriber paying an additional fee to receive access to the at least one supplemental content item over a fee paid for the subscription to the first satellite radio service.

The invention relates generally to the field of satellite digital audio radio broadcasting.

BACKGROUND

Consumer satellite digital audio radio service providers include, in the United States of America (U.S.), XM Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio. The XM Radio and Sirius digital radio broadcast systems utilize different radio spectrum allocations. Specifically, XM Radio utilizes the 2,332.5 to 2,345 MHz range and Sirius utilizes the 2,320 to 2,332.5 MHz range. Further, the configuration of broadcast satellites and ground repeating stations, as well as the data encoding of signals, differs between the two services. There are two types of receiver units used by consumers. Dedicated receiver units are only capable of receiving, in the U.S., one of the two services and were introduced first. Interoperable receiver units are capable of receiving broadcasts of either of the two services. In the U.S., the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has mandated that the interoperability of receivers between the XM Radio and Sirius systems be adopted as a standard. The concept and implementation of dedicated and interoperable satellite radio receiver units can also be generalized for any jurisdiction or area in which at least two satellite radio service providers operate.

XM Radio and Sirius each provide a subscription-based service whereby subscribers receive a package of various channels and broadcasts (shows). Although some content may overlap between XM Radio and Sirius, each is characterized by content that is exclusively available from its satellite radio subscription service with respect to U.S. satellite radio broadcasting. For example, the syndicated radio show “Coast to Coast AM” is only satellite broadcast to subscribers of XM Radio. Similarly, it has been reported that “The Howard Stern Radio Program” will be exclusively available to subscribers of the Sirius service. The total audience for each of these programs numbers in the millions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, subscribers to one satellite radio service, such as XM Radio or Sirius, have been deprived of receiving, by satellite, particular exclusive content of one or more other satellite radio services, which they may desire to receive. As a result, advertisers for particular programs have also been deprived of a segment of potential satellite listener audience and those holding rights to the content may also have been deprived of further advertising revenue. Prior to the instant invention, to receive the exclusive subscription content of more than one satellite radio service, for a given area or jurisdiction served, a person had to fully subscribe to more than one such service.

One aspect of the invention provides a method for providing supplemental satellite radio content that include the steps of: receiving an order from a new or preexisting subscriber to a first satellite service for at least one supplemental content item (such as a program or a channel, etc.) that is not available as part of a subscription, such as a basic or general subscription, to subscribers of the first satellite service, but which is available on a subscription package basis, for example, as part of a basic subscription package, to subscribers of at least one other satellite service that serves at least part of the area served by the first satellite service the subscriber being associated with a receiver unit over which the subscriber receives access to the subscription content of the first satellite service provider; and in response to the order, providing the supplemental content item via the receiver unit.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method for obtaining supplemental satellite radio content, that include the steps of: ordering at least one selected supplemental content that is not available as part of a new or existing subscription package to a first satellite service by which subscription package content is received, but which is available as part of a subscription package to subscribers of at least one other satellite service that serves at least part of the area served by the first satellite service; and in response to the order, receiving access to the supplemental content item on a receiver unit on which the subscription content of the first satellite service is received.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method for providing supplemental content items to a satellite radio service subscriber, that includes the step of configuring a satellite digital audio receiver unit associated with a subscription package of a first satellite radio service (for a new or preexisting subscription) so that it receives: (i.) subscription content of the subscription package of the first satellite radio service; and (ii.) at least one supplemental content item that is not available as part of a subscription package to the first satellite radio service, but which is available as part of a subscription package, for example, a basic or general subscription package, to a second satellite radio service that serves at least part, for example, at least a substantial part, of the area served by the first satellite radio service provider.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive content item associated with a subscription to a first satellite radio service provider is provided as a supplemental content item that may be ordered by subscribers to a second satellite radio service provider.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to the invention, a subscriber to a first satellite radio service can be provided with an option to receive, over their current receiver system, particular content (such as a particular show or channel) that is otherwise only available, within a relevant jurisdiction, as part of a subscription package to subscribers of a second or still other satellite radio service. Thus, the subscriber to the first satellite radio service may arrange to receive desired, supplemental content, for example, on an “a la carte” basis, which is otherwise only available as part of a subscription package, such as a basic or general subscription package, to subscription holders of at least one other service.

FIG. 1 shows the operation of an embodiment of the invention in which exclusive content items associated with a subscription to a first satellite radio service provider are provided as supplemental content items that may be ordered by subscribers to a second satellite radio service provider. A first satellite radio provider (SRP-A) has a content catalog 100 that is associated with a subscription to SRP-A and includes exclusive content items A.sub.1 through A.sub.n and non-exclusive (common) content items C.sub.1 through C.sub.n, which are uplinked 102 to a transmission satellite 103 of the SRP-A and then transmitted to cover a span defined by 104a and 104b, which includes 104c which indicates the transmission being received by a receiver unit (Unit-A) 105 that is associated with a subscription holder of SRP-A. As shown in the FIGURE, in this example, receiver unit 105 only receives content from the SRP-A content catalog that is associated with a subscription to SRP-A. A second satellite radio provider (SRP-B) has a content catalog 110 that is associated with a subscription to SRP-B and includes exclusive content items B.sub.1 through B.sub.n and non-exclusive content items C.sub.1 through C.sub.n, (C.sub.1 through C.sub.n, being the same as for SRP-A) which are uplinked 112 to a transmission satellite 113 of the SRP-B and then transmitted to over a span defined by 114a and 114b, which includes 114c which indicates the transmission being received by a receiver unit (Unit-B) 115 that is associated with a subscription holder of SRP-B. It can be seen from the FIGURE that the services of SRP-A and SRP-B are overlapping, with receiver units 105 and 115 each being within the overlapping area. According to this embodiment of the invention, the subscription holder of SRP-B associated with receiver unit 115 (Unit-B) has ordered as a supplemental content item (e.g., a show or channel) to be received by receiver unit 115 (Unit-B) over the SRP-B transmission system exclusive content item A.sub.1 of the SRP-A subscription content catalog, and pursuant to said order receives content A.sub.1 as described, in addition to the regular SRP-B content catalog. Arrow 111 indicates the transfer of content item A.sub.1 from SRP-A to SRP-B so that it may be broadcast to SRP-B subscribers who have ordered it as a content item supplemental to their SRP-B satellite radio subscription.

An extra fee may be charged to the subscriber for the supplemental content. Optionally, the extra fee can be billed through the first service provider along with the billing for the regular subscription to the first service. In one embodiment, part of the fees paid for supplemental programs of another service is apportioned to the service for which the general subscription is held (by the subscriber who orders the supplemental service) and part is apportioned to the service(s) that offers the content on a general subscription basis (i.e., as part of a multi-content, multi-channel subscription package) to its own subscribers. Part of the extra fee may also be apportioned to other parties having rights in connection with the supplemental content. In this manner a “win-win” situation comprising extra revenue generation for all involved satellite radio service providers can be manifested.

Another advantage of the invention is that it allows the satellite radio service provider that offers the content as part of a basic or general subscription package to continue to market itself as the exclusive provider of that content as part of a basic or general subscription plan, while continuing to make that content available to subscribers of other satellite service providers in a manner that generates additional revenue for each of the involved satellite radio service providers.

In one embodiment, satellite radio content that is ordinarily only available as part of a subscription to subscribers to a first satellite radio service is offered on a supplementary basis to subscribers of a second satellite radio service, over the broadcast system of the second satellite radio service. The supplemental content can be provided to or picked up by the subscriber’s service provider by any means and then broadcast over the subscriber’s service provider’s satellite broadcast system. When a subscriber orders a supplemental program, as described, the system of the subscriber’s satellite service provider, including the subscriber’s receiver if necessary, will be configured to permit the supplemental programs to be played by the subscriber. This can be performed in any manner. For example, the supplemental content can be broadcast over the subscriber’s provider’s system in an encrypted form and the receiver of a subscriber who orders the supplemental content can be provided with or otherwise enabled with one or more keys and/or algorithms necessary to decrypt the encrypted supplemental content. In this manner, access to the supplemental content can be limited to authorized subscribers, i.e., those who have legitimately ordered the supplemental content.

In another embodiment, at least one satellite radio content item that is ordinarily only available as part of a subscription to subscribers to a first satellite radio service is provided on a supplementary basis to subscribers of a second satellite radio service, at their option, via a single interoperable satellite radio receiver unit, the supplemental content being received over the broadcast system of the first satellite radio service and the subscription content of the second satellite radio service being received over the broadcast system of the second satellite radio service.

A satellite digital audio radio system (SDARS) receiver unit includes an antenna or is connected to an antenna for receiving the broadcasts of one or more satellite radio broadcasts systems, either directly from a satellite or from a terrestrial repeating station. A receiver unit also includes integrated circuits, for example, in the form of an integrated circuit chip set, for decrypting, decompressing and/or otherwise processing the broadcast, and for controlling other functions of the receiver unit. The integrated circuits generally include at least one processor. The receiver unit may further include permanent memory and/or rewritable memory. Thus, to the extent desired, it is within the skill of the art to provide an SDARS receiver unit that is programmable to carry out various functions. The integrated circuits may, for example, also include a hardware-based cryptographic key (or partial key) in permanent memory that is used alone or in conjunction with another key and at least one algorithm to decrypt encrypted information in a satellite radio signal. A unique identifier of the particular receiver unit, which is the same as the key (or partial key) or which is separate from the key (or partial key) can also be provided in the memory of the receiver unit. The integrated circuit system of an SDARS receiver unit may also be configured to receive information and/or instructions broadcast over the satellite broadcast system itself and to store the information and/or perform the instructions. By virtue of the unique identifier, information and instructions can be selectively provided over the satellite broadcast system to a particular receiver unit.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are many ways to control, with varying degrees of security, the dissemination of satellite radio content, including supplemental satellite radio content provided according to the invention, so that only authorized parties can play the broadcasts that they are entitled to receive using their SDARS receiver units.

In one method, a receiver unit is configured to receive instructions from a satellite broadcast system to only play content, including subscription package content and/or supplemental content, which the particular SDARS receiver unit is authorized to receive. Since each channel and broadcast (program) can be uniquely identified and distinguished from the next, an SDARS unit can be programmed to play only that content which is authorized for the particular unit, irrespective of encryption.

In another method, a receiver unit is provided with the necessary key(s) and/or algorithm(s) to decrypt the encrypted signal of each broadcast that a party has been authorized to receive. For example, a first key (or first set of keys) may be required and sufficient to receive a basic subscription to a satellite broadcast service and a separate second key (or second set of keys) may be required and sufficient when provided to the receiver unit to receive one or more supplemental content items that the subscriber purchased in addition to their subscription package. Thus, in order to restrict content to only authorized parties, a register of appropriate keys and/or algorithms can be provided to a particular receiver unit and stored in its memory along with any necessary instructions.

In another method, nested encryption is used. For example, in the case where the supplemental content is broadcast over the same satellite broadcast system for which a basic or general subscription is held, a supplemental content item is first encrypted, for example, using a computationally fast cryptographic technique, for example, using a symmetrical key algorithm, such as those known in the art. The subscription package content and the first-encrypted supplemental content item is encrypted or further encrypted, respectively, using the same encryption technique with the same key(s) and algorithm(s), the technique and/or the key(s) and/or the algorithm(s) being different than that employed in the first encryption of the supplemental content item(s). For example, a strong encryption technique, such as a public key encryption technique, for example, elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) or an RSA encryption algorithm technique can be used in this second-described encryption. A subscriber’s receiver unit is provided with the necessary keys and/or algorithms required to decrypt the second-described encryption (i.e., the outer layer of encryption), which allows the subscription package content to be played by the receiver. When a subscriber orders supplemental content, the necessary additional key(s) and/or algorithm(s) required to decrypt the first level of encryption (i.e., the inner layer of encryption) for the ordered supplemental content item is provided to the subscriber’s receiver unit so that authorized supplemental content can be played.

Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention provides a method for broadcasting subscription package satellite radio content and supplemental radio satellite content over a satellite radio broadcast system that includes the steps of: encrypting the supplemental satellite radio content with a first encryption; encrypting the subscription package satellite radio content and the first-encrypted supplemental radio satellite content with the same second encryption that is different than the first encryption; and broadcasting the subscription package satellite radio content encrypted with the second encryption and the supplemental satellite radio content encrypted with the first and second encryption over the satellite radio broadcast system. In one variation, the first encryption utilizes an encryption algorithm that allows a computationally faster and/or less computationally intensive decryption process than can the encryption algorithm employed in the second encryption.

One embodiment of the invention provides a method for providing supplemental satellite radio content that includes the steps of: receiving an order from a new or preexisting subscriber to a first satellite radio service for at least one selected supplemental content item (such as a show or a channel, etc.) that is not available as part of a subscription package, such as a basic or general subscription package, to subscribers of the first satellite service provider, but which is available on a subscription package basis, for example, as part of a basic or general subscription package, to subscribers of at least one other satellite service provider that serves at least part of the area, for example, at least substantially the same area, served by the first satellite service provider; and in response to the order, providing the supplemental content item to a receiver unit associated with the subscriber.

In one variation, the step of providing the supplemental content item includes providing the supplemental content item over the first satellite service’s broadcast system to the receiver unit. In a subvariation, the receiver unit is a non-interoperable receiver unit with respect to the broadcast systems of the first and the second satellite services. In a different subvariation, the receiver unit is interoperable between the broadcast systems of the first and the second satellite services. In still another variation of the embodiment, the receiver unit is interoperable between the broadcast systems of the first and the second satellite services, subscription content of the first satellite service is provided over the first satellite service’s broadcast system to the receiver unit, and the step of providing the supplemental content item to the receiver unit includes providing the item to the receiver unit over the second satellite service’s broadcast system.

Another embodiment provides a method of doing business in connection with providing satellite radio content to consumers that includes the step of: offering to a new or preexisting subscriber of a first satellite radio service the option of receiving, on the same receiver unit used to receive (or to be used for receiving) the content associated with the subscription to the first satellite radio service, at least one supplemental content item (such as a show or a channel, etc.) that (i.) is not included in the content associated with the subscription to the first satellite radio service and/or (ii.) is at least not generally available as part of a subscription package, for example, not available as part of a basic or general subscription package, to the subscribers of the first service–but which is available on a subscription package basis, for example, as part of a basic or general subscription package, to subscribers of a second satellite radio service that serves at least part, for example, at least a substantial part, of the area served by the first satellite radio service. The step of offering may, for example, be made pursuant to forming an agreement that allows such offers to be made, the agreement being formed between at least a first satellite radio service provider that provides the first satellite radio service and a second satellite radio service provider that provides the second satellite radio service that serves at least part of the area served by the first satellite service.

Another embodiment provides a method for providing supplemental satellite radio content that includes the steps of: by agreement between at least a first satellite radio service provider providing a first satellite radio service and a second satellite radio service provider providing a second satellite radio service that serves at least part of the area served by the first satellite service, making at least one content-item (such as a show or a channel, etc.) that is available on a subscription package basis, for example, as part of a basic or general subscription package, to subscribers of the second satellite radio service but not available as part of a subscription package, such as a basic or general subscription package, to the subscribers of the first service, available to subscribers of the first service on a supplemental basis at their option; receiving an order from a new or preexisting subscriber to the first satellite radio service for at least one supplemental content item (such as a show or a channel, etc.) that is not available as part of a subscription package, for example, as part of a basic or general subscription package, to subscribers of the first satellite service, but which is available as part of a subscription package, such as a basic or general subscription package, to subscribers of the/a second satellite radio service that serves at least part of the area served by the first satellite service; and, in response to the order, providing access to the supplemental content item on a receiver unit associated with the subscriber. The step of providing access to the supplemental content item may, for example, include configuring the receiver unit so that it will play the supplemental content item.

In one variation of the embodiment, the step of providing the supplemental content item includes: providing the supplemental content item over the first satellite service’s broadcast system to the receiver unit. In a subvariation, the receiver unit is a non-interoperable receiver unit with respect to the broadcast systems of the first and the second satellite service provider. In a different subvariation, the receiver unit is interoperable between the broadcast systems of the first and the second satellite services. In another variation of the embodiment, the receiver unit is interoperable between the broadcast systems of the first and the second satellite services, the subscription content of the first satellite service provider is provided over the first satellite service’s broadcast system to the receiver unit, and the step of providing access to the supplemental content item on the receiver unit includes providing the item to the receiver unit via the second satellite service’s broadcast system.

A further embodiment provides a method for providing supplemental satellite radio content that includes the steps of: forming an agreement between at least a first satellite radio service provider providing a first satellite radio service and a second satellite radio service provider providing a second satellite radio service that serves at least part of the area served by the first satellite service, wherein at least one content-item (such as a show or a channel, etc.) that is available as part of a subscription package, for example, as part of a basic or general subscription package, to subscribers of the second satellite radio service but not available as part of a subscription package, for example, as part of a basic or general subscription package, to the subscribers of the first service, is made available to subscribers of the first service on a supplemental basis at their option; receiving an order from a new or preexisting subscriber to the first satellite radio service for at least one supplemental content item (such as a show or a channel, etc.) that is not available as part of a subscription package, such as a basic or general subscription package, to subscribers of the first satellite service, but which is available on a subscription package basis, for example, as part of a basic or general subscription package, to subscribers of the second satellite service; and, in response to the order, providing the subscriber of the first satellite radio service with access to the supplemental content item on a receiver unit associated with the subscriber. The step of providing access to the supplemental content item may, for example, include configuring the receiver unit so that it will play the supplemental content item.

In one variation, the step of providing access to the supplemental content item includes providing the supplemental content item over the first satellite service’s broadcast system to the receiver unit. In a subvariation, the receiver unit is a non-interoperable receiver unit with respect to the broadcast systems of the first and the second satellite services. In a different subvariation, the receiver unit is interoperable between the broadcast systems of the first and the second satellite services. In another variation of the embodiment, the receiver unit is interoperable between the broadcast systems of the first and the second satellite services, the subscription content of the first satellite service is provided over the first satellite service’s broadcast system to the receiver unit, and the step of providing access to the supplemental content item via the receiver unit includes providing the item to the receiver unit via the second satellite service’s broadcast system.

Any of the method embodiments and variations thereof can include a further step of charging a fee to the subscriber for receiving access to the supplemental content item. In one variation of embodiments in which the subscriber is charged a fee for the supplemental content item, each of the first service provider and the second service provider is accorded or credited a part of the fee.

Another embodiment provides a method for obtaining supplemental satellite radio content that includes the steps of: ordering at least one supplemental content item (such as a show or a channel, etc.) that is not available as part of a new or existing subscription package, for example, a basic or general subscription package, to a first satellite service by which subscription package content is received, but which is available as part of a subscription package, such as a basic or general subscription package, to subscribers of at least one other satellite service that serves at least part of the area served by the first satellite service provider; and, in response to the order, receiving access to the supplemental content item on a receiver unit on which the subscription content of the first satellite radio service is received.

In one variation, the step of receiving access to the supplemental content item includes receiving the supplemental content item over the first satellite service’s broadcast system on the receiver unit. In a subvariation, the receiver unit is a non-interoperable receiver unit with respect to the broadcast systems of the first and the second satellite services. In a different subvariation, the receiver unit is interoperable between the broadcast systems of the first and the second satellite services. In another variation of the embodiment, the receiver unit is interoperable between the broadcast systems of the first and the second satellite services, the subscription content of the first satellite service is received over the first satellite service’s broadcast system on the receiver unit, and the step of receiving access to the supplemental content item includes receiving the supplemental content item via the second satellite service’s broadcast system on the receiver unit.

Still another embodiment provides a method for obtaining supplemental satellite radio content that includes the steps of: obtaining a subscription to a first satellite radio service that serves a desired area so that access to the subscription content of the first satellite radio service on a receiver unit is obtained; ordering at least one supplemental content item (such as a show or a channel, etc.) that is (i.) not included in the subscription content of the subscription to the first satellite radio service and/or (ii.) not available as part of a subscription, for example, not available as part of a basic or general subscription, to the first radio satellite service–but which is available on a subscription basis, for example, as part of a basic or general subscription, to subscribers of at least one other satellite radio service that serves at least part of the desired area; and, in response to the order, receiving access to the supplemental content item on the receiver unit.

In one variation, the step of receiving access to the supplemental content item includes receiving the supplemental content item over the first satellite service’s broadcast system on the receiver unit. In a subvariation, the receiver unit is a non-interoperable receiver unit with respect to the broadcast systems of the first and the other satellite radio service. In a different subvariation, the receiver unit is interoperable between the broadcast systems of the first and the other satellite radio service. In another variation of the embodiment, the receiver unit is interoperable between the broadcast systems of the first and the other satellite service, the subscription content of the first satellite service provider is received over the first satellite service’s broadcast system on the receiver unit, and the step of receiving access to the supplemental content item includes receiving the supplemental content item via the other satellite radio service’s broadcast system on the receiver.

A further embodiment provides a method for obtaining supplemental satellite radio content that includes the steps of: obtaining a satellite radio receiver unit (an SDARS receiver unit); obtaining a subscription to a first satellite radio service that serves a desired area to receive access to the subscription content of the first satellite radio service on the receiver unit; ordering at least one supplemental content item (such as a show or a channel, etc.) that is (i.) not included in the subscription content of the subscription and/or (ii.) not available as part of a subscription, such as a basic or general subscription, to the first radio satellite service–but which is available as part of a subscription package, for example, a basic or general subscription package, to a second satellite radio service that serves at least part of the desired area; and in response to the order, receiving access to the supplemental content item on the receiver unit.

In one variation, the step of receiving access to the supplemental content item includes receiving the supplemental content item over the first satellite service’s broadcast system on the receiver unit. In a subvariation, the receiver unit is a non-interoperable receiver unit with respect to the broadcast systems of the first and the second satellite services. In a different subvariation, the receiver unit is interoperable between the broadcast systems of the first and the second satellite services. In another variation of the embodiment, the receiver unit is interoperable between the broadcast systems of the first and the second satellite services, the subscription content of the first satellite service is received over the first satellite service’s broadcast system on the receiver unit, and the step of receiving access to the supplemental content item includes receiving the supplemental content item via the second satellite service’s broadcast system on the receiver.

Any of the method embodiments and their variations may further include a step of the subscriber paying an additional fee to receive access to the supplemental content item(s) over the fee paid for the subscription to the first satellite radio service.

Another embodiment provides a method for providing supplemental satellite radio content that includes the steps of: receiving an order from a new or preexisting subscriber to a first satellite service for at least one supplemental content item (such as a program or a channel, etc.) that is (i.) not included in the content of the subscription of the subscriber to the first satellite radio service and/or (ii.) at least not generally available as part of a subscription, such as a basic or general subscription, to subscribers of the first satellite service–but which is available as part of a subscription package, for example, a basic or general subscription package, to a second satellite radio service that serves at least part of the desired area, the subscriber being associated with a receiver unit over which the subscriber receives access to the subscription content of the first satellite service; and in response to the order, providing the supplemental content item via the receiver unit. The step of providing the supplemental content item may, for example, include configuring the receiver unit so that it will play the supplemental content item.

A further embodiment provides a satellite digital audio radio receiver unit that is configured to receive subscription content associated with a subscription to a first satellite radio service over a broadcast system of the first satellite radio service and configured to receive at least one supplemental content item not available as part of the subscription to the first satellite radio service, but which is available as part of a subscription, such as a basic or general subscription, to a second satellite radio service that serves an at least partially overlapping area as the first satellite radio service. The supplemental content item may, for example, be a subscriber-ordered and/or subscriber-selected supplemental content item.

In one variation, the receiver unit is configured to receive the supplemental content item over the broadcast system of the first satellite service provider. In a subvariation, the receiver unit is a dedicated receiver unit with respect to the broadcast system of the first satellite radio service. In a different subvariation, the receiver unit is an interoperable receiver unit with respect to the broadcast systems of the first and second satellite radio services.

Another embodiment provides a satellite digital audio radio receiver unit that (i.) is configured to receive subscription content associated with a subscription to a first satellite radio service over a broadcast system of the first satellite radio service and (ii.) is configured to receive at least one supplemental content item not available as part of the subscription to the first satellite radio service, wherein the content item not available as part of the subscription to the first satellite radio service is available as part of a subscription, such as a basic or general subscription, to a second satellite radio service that serves an at least partially overlapping area as the first satellite radio service, (iii.) is an interoperable receiver unit with respect to the broadcast systems of the first and second satellite radio services, (iv.) is configured to receive the at least one supplemental content item over the broadcast system of the second satellite radio service, and (v.) is not configured to receive a subscription package, such as a basic or general subscription package, of the second satellite service that includes the supplemental content item. The supplemental content item may, for example, be a subscriber-ordered and/or subscriber-selected supplemental content item.

In one variation, the receiver unit is not configured to receive any subscription package of the second satellite radio service. This refers to the state of configuration of the receiver unit and not necessarily to its ability to be configured to receive access to such a subscription package.

A further embodiment provides a satellite digital audio radio receiver unit that is configured to receive (i.) subscription content associated with a subscription to a first satellite radio service and (ii.) at least one supplemental content item not available as part the subscription to the first satellite radio service but which is available as part of a subscription package, such as a basic or general subscription package, to a second satellite radio service that serves an at least partially overlapping area as the first satellite radio service. The receiver unit is not configured to receive content of a subscription package of the second satellite radio service provider that includes the supplemental content item. The supplemental content item may, for example, be a subscriber-ordered and/or subscriber-selected supplemental content item. In one variation, the receiver unit is not configured to receive any subscription package of the second satellite radio service. This refers to the state of configuration of the receiver unit and not necessarily its ability to be configured to receive access to such a subscription package.

Still another embodiment provides a method for providing supplemental content items to a satellite radio service subscriber that includes configuring an SDARS receiver unit associated with the subscriber that is configured to receive a subscription to a first satellite radio service to also receive at least one supplemental content item that is (i.) not included in the content of the subscription of the subscriber to the first satellite radio service and/or (ii.) at least not generally available as part of a subscription, such as a basic or general subscription, to subscribers of the first satellite service–but which is available as part of a subscription package, for example, a basic or general subscription package, to a second satellite radio service that serves at least part of the same area as the first satellite radio service provider. In one variation of the embodiment, configuring the receiver unit is performed in response to an order for the supplemental content, for example, an order placed by the subscriber.

A further embodiment provides a method for providing supplemental content items to a satellite radio service subscriber that includes configuring a satellite digital audio receiver unit associated with a subscription package of a first satellite radio service (for a new or preexisting subscription) so that it receives: (i.) subscription content of the subscription package of the first satellite radio service; and (ii.) at least one supplemental content item that is (a.) not included in the content of the subscription package of the subscriber to the first satellite radio service and/or (b.) at least not generally available as part of a subscription, such as a basic or general subscription, to subscribers of the first satellite service–but which is available as part of a subscription package, for example, a basic or general subscription package, to a second satellite radio service that serves at least part, for example, at least a substantial part, of the area served by the first satellite radio service provider. In one variation, the receiver unit is already configured to receive the subscription content of the subscription package of the first satellite radio service and the step of configuring includes, or consists essentially of, configuring the receiver unit to receive the at least one supplemental content item described. In a different variation of the embodiment, the step of configuring includes configuring the receiver unit to receive the subscription content of the subscription package of the first satellite radio service and configuring the receiver unit to receive the at least one supplemental content item described.

A related embodiment provides a method for providing satellite radio content to an SDARS unit authorized to receive the content that includes the steps of: configuring an SDARS receiver unit to receive subscription content associated with a subscription, for example, a basic or general subscription, to a first satellite radio service; and configuring the SDARS receiver unit to receive at least one supplemental content item that is (i.) not included in the content of the subscription and/or (ii.) at least not generally available as part of a subscription, such as a basic or general subscription, to subscribers of the first satellite service–but which is available as part of a subscription package, for example, a basic or general subscription package, to a second satellite radio service that serves at least part of the area, for example, at least a substantial part of the area or at least substantially the same area, served by the first satellite radio service provider. In one variation of the embodiment, the step of configuring the receiver unit to receive the supplemental content is performed in response to an order placed for the supplemental content, for example, an order placed by the subscriber.

In the above embodiments, the steps of configuring an SDARS receiver unit to receive subscription content associated with a subscription and/or to receive at least one supplemental satellite radio content item may, for example, include providing the receiver unit with instructions that can be carried out by one or more processors of the receiver unit and/or providing the receiver unit with one or more necessary keys and/or algorithms for decryption of encrypted audio information. Satellite digital audio radio service receiver units that are configured according to any of the above embodiments or the variations thereof are also provided by the invention.

In any of the embodiments of the invention and the variations thereof, a supplemental content item may, for example, be a subscriber-ordered supplemental content item for which authorized access is provided (or will be provided) in response to an order placed by the subscriber or by a third-party, such as a gift-giver who orders the supplemental content item for the subscriber as a gift. In any of the embodiments of the invention and the variations thereof, a supplemental content item may, for example, be a subscriber-selected supplemental content item that is selected by the subscriber or by a third-party acting for the subscriber from a plurality of supplemental content items that can be ordered individually and/or in groups.

The periodicity and duration of providing access to supplemental content items and/or billing for the same can be the same as or similar to the regular subscription that is held by a subscriber who receives the supplemental content item(s) or it can be different. For example, if the supplemental content item is a channel or show that recurs with regularity, the supplemental content item could be provided and/or billed on a month-to-month basis that coincides with a month-to-month provision of and/or billing for a subscriber’s regular subscription. In another scenario, the supplemental content item could be a one-time, non-recurring broadcast, such as a live concert broadcast, that is not included in the subscription content of a first satellite radio service, but which is included in a subscription to a second satellite radio service that serves at least part of the same area as the first service. In this case, a subscriber to the first service would order the supplemental content item and be billed for it, on a one-time, non-recurring basis.

It should be understood that the above embodiments and examples are meant to illustrate various aspects of the invention. Other embodiments and variations within the scope and spirit of the invention may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

2. The receiver of claim 1, further comprising:an antenna (e.g., 402), adapted to receive an RF signal containing the plurality of sets of local content;an RF tuner circuit (e.g., 406), adapted to downconvert the received signal; anda baseband processor (e.g. 410), adapted to demodulate the downconverted signal to obtain a preprocessed signal, wherein:the preprocessed signal includes the regional identifier; andthe detector is adapted to recover the regional identifier from the preprocessed signal.

3. The receiver of claim 2, wherein:the RF signal is based on Orthogonal Frequency Domain Multiplex (OFDM) modulation; andthe regional identifier is contained in a subcarrier frequency channel in the OFDM signal.

4. The receiver of claim 1, wherein:the broadcast radio system comprises a plurality of terrestrial transmitter, each transmitting the plurality of sets of local content; andeach terrestrial transmitter has a unique regional identifier.

5. The receiver of claim 1, wherein:the broadcast radio system includes a plurality of terrestrial transmitters, each transmitting the plurality of sets of local content; andthe receiver further comprises:a memory (e.g., 426), comprising a regional identifier table (e.g., 430) that maps each region identifier to a corresponding geographic region; anda controller (e.g., 416), adapted to:receive the determined regional identifier from the detector;identify a current geographic region for the receiver corresponding to the detected regional identifier, using the regional identifier table; andproduce a control signal causing the channel selector to obtain the selected set of local content, based on the current geographic region.

6. The receiver of claim 5, wherein:the detector is further adapted to detect an updated regional identifier table in a signal received from a terrestrial transmitter; andthe controller is adapted to store the updated regional identifier table in the memory.

7. The receiver of claim 1, wherein:the broadcast radio system transmits the plurality of sets of local content in two or more channels, each channel comprising one or more sets of local content; andthe channel selector selects one of the channels based on the determined regional identifier and obtains the selected set of local content from the selected channel.

8. The receiver of claim 1, wherein:the broadcast radio system transmits the plurality of sets of local content in one or more channels, a first channel comprising two or more different sets of local content corresponding to two or more different geographic regions; andwhen the channel selector selects the first channel, the channel selector obtains the selected set of local content from the two or more different sets of local content in the first channel based on the corresponding determined regional identifier.

9. The receiver of claim 8, wherein:the first channel comprises a first set of local content for a first geographic region during a first period of time followed by one or more other sets of local content for one or more other geographic regions during one or more other periods of time; andwhen the selected set of local content is the first set of local content, the selected set of local content is repeated in the virtual local channel one or more times corresponding to the one or more other periods of time in the first channel.

10. The receiver of claim 1, wherein, in another mode of operation, the channel selector is adapted to obtain the selected set of local content based on (i) a user-inputted parameter or (ii) a parameter inputted from an external source (e.g., 422).

11. In a receiver, a method for providing a virtual local channel in a broadcast radio system that transmits a plurality of sets of local content corresponding to a plurality of different geographic regions, the method comprising:determining a regional identifier for the receiver; andobtaining a selected set of local content from among the plurality of sets of local content, based on the determined regional identifier, for inclusion in the virtual local channel, wherein the determined regional identifier identifies the geographic region associated with the selected set of local content.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:receiving an RF signal containing the plurality of sets of local content;downconverting the received signal; anddemodulating the downconverted signal to obtain a preprocessed signal, wherein:the preprocessed signal includes the regional identifier; andthe detector is adapted to recover the regional identifier from the preprocessed signal.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein:the broadcast radio system comprises a plurality of terrestrial transmitter, each transmitting the plurality of sets of local content; andeach terrestrial transmitter has a unique regional identifier.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein:the broadcast radio system includes a plurality of terrestrial transmitters, each transmitting the plurality of sets of local content; andthe method further comprises:identifying a current geographic region for the receiver corresponding to the detected regional identifier, using a regional identifier table (e.g., 430) that maps each region identifier to a corresponding geographic region; andproducing a control signal causing a channel selector to obtain the selected set of local content, based on the current geographic region.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:detecting an updated regional identifier table in a signal received from a terrestrial transmitter; andstoring the updated regional identifier table in a memory.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein:the broadcast radio system transmits the plurality of sets of local content in two or more channels, each channel comprising one or more sets of local content; andthe method further comprises selecting one of the channels based on the determined regional identifier and obtaining the selected set of local content from the selected channel.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein:the broadcast radio system transmits the plurality of sets of local content in one or more channels, a first channel comprising two or more different sets of local content corresponding to two or more different geographic regions; andthe method further comprises, when selecting the first channel, obtaining the selected set of local content from the two or more different sets of local content in the first channel based on the corresponding determined regional identifier.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein:the first channel comprises a first set of local content for a first geographic region during a first period of time followed by one or more other sets of local content for one or more other geographic regions during one or more other periods of time; andthe method further comprises, when the selected set of local content is the first set of local content, repeating the selected set of local content in the virtual local channel one or more times corresponding to the one or more other periods of time in the first channel.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising, in another mode of operation, obtaining the selected set of local content based on (i) a user-inputted parameter or (ii) a parameter inputted from an external source (e.g., 422).

20. A terrestrial transmitter for a broadcast radio system comprising a plurality of terrestrial transmitters, the terrestrial transmitter adapted to:(a) receive a plurality of sets of local content corresponding to a plurality of different geographic regions;(b) generate a transmit signal comprising (i) the plurality of sets of local content and (ii) a regional identifier corresponding to the geographic region of the terrestrial transmitter; and(c) broadcast the transmit signal to a receiver adapted to generate a virtual local channel based on a set of local content selected from the plurality of sets of local content using the regional identifier.

[0001]This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application No. 61/000,352, filed on Oct. 25, 2007, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]1. Field of the Invention

[0003]The present invention relates to digital broadcast radio systems, and, in particular, to the provision of local information to a user in a digital broadcast radio system.

[0004]2. Description of the Related Art

[0005]In recent years, satellite-based digital radio has grown in popularity among both urban and rural listeners. FIG. 1 depicts a conventional digital satellite broadcast radio system 100. System 100 typically includes not only one or more satellite transmitters 106 and receivers 104, 108 but also terrestrial transmitters 102, 110, which complement the satellite signals in areas where they may be blocked. For example, terrestrial transmitters 102, 110 may be deployed in major metropolitan areas to fill the gaps created by blockage of satellite signals by tall buildings.

[0006]FIG. 2 illustrates the manner in which conventional digital satellite broadcast radio system 100 transmits local information, such as local news, traffic, and weather, to a user via N metropolitan channels. For regulatory compliance, each of terrestrial transmitters 102, 110 broadcasts each of the N metropolitan channels to every receiver 104, 108 in the system, regardless of where the receiver is located. As such, a user in a particular region must find and tune his receiver to the particular channel that carries the local traffic information for his region. For example, a satellite radio user located in New York City receives not only the New York City traffic channel but also numerous other channels containing traffic information for other metropolitan areas, and the user must find the specific metropolitan channel that carries the New York City traffic information. Locating and tuning to one specific metropolitan channel from among the many other metropolitan channels is cumbersome and time-consuming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007]Problems in the prior art are addressed in accordance with the principles of the present invention by providing a virtual local channel in a receiver, to which channel a user may tune the receiver and obtain locally relevant information, without having to locate and tune to a specific one of numerous regional information channels.

[0008]Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention is a receiver for providing a virtual local channel in a broadcast radio system that transmits a plurality of sets of local content corresponding to a plurality of different geographic regions. The receiver includes a detector (e.g., 432), adapted to determine a regional identifier for the receiver. The receiver also includes a channel selector (e.g., 412), adapted to obtain a selected set of local content from among the plurality of sets of local content, based on the determined regional identifier, for inclusion in the virtual local channel. The determined regional identifier identifies the geographic region associated with the selected set of local content.

[0009]In another embodiment, the present invention is a method for providing a virtual local channel in a receiver in a broadcast radio system that transmits a plurality of sets of local content corresponding to a plurality of different geographic regions. A regional identifier for the receiver is determined, and a selected set of local content is obtained from among the plurality of sets of local content, based on the determined regional identifier, for inclusion in the virtual local channel. The determined regional identifier identifies the geographic region associated with the selected set of local content.

[0010]In still another embodiment, the present invention is a terrestrial transmitter for a broadcast radio system comprising a plurality of terrestrial transmitters. The terrestrial transmitter is adapted to (a) receive a plurality of sets of local content corresponding to a plurality of different geographic regions; (b) generate a transmit signal comprising (i) the plurality of sets of local content and (ii) a regional identifier corresponding to the geographic region of the terrestrial transmitter; and (c) broadcast the transmit signal to a receiver adapted to generate a virtual local channel based on a set of local content selected from the plurality of sets of local content using the regional identifier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements.

[0012]FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a conventional digital satellite broadcast radio system.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a block diagram further depicting the manner of broadcasting local content in the broadcast system of FIG. 1.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting a broadcast radio system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a broadcast radio system receiver in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the broadcast radio system receiver shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017]FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a broadcast radio system 300 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 3, terrestrial transmitters 302, 306 broadcast a plurality of local channels, including information such as news, traffic, and weather, as one or more broadcast data streams transmitted to each receiver 304, 308 in broadcast radio system 300. For example, a dedicated traffic channel may be provided for each major metropolitan area, such as New York City or Los Angeles. Assuming that broadcast radio system 300 is a satellite-based system, terrestrial transmitters 302, 306 receive the local channels from satellite transmitters (not shown), and each terrestrial transmitter 302, 306 broadcasts the same local channels, in accordance with federal regulations.

[0018]Each of transmitters 302, 306 includes an encoder circuit (not shown) that inserts into the one or more broadcast data streams a regional identifier corresponding to the geographical region or subregion in which the transmitter is located. In one embodiment, each of transmitters 302, 306 is assigned a unique station identifier (”SID”), and the regional identifier transmitted by each of transmitters 302, 306 comprises the respective transmitter’s station identifier.

[0019]The regional identifier is preferably periodically transmitted (e.g., every 10 minutes) by transmitters 302, 306 to the receivers within their respective geographic areas. In one embodiment, transmitters 302, 306 insert the regional identifier into a dedicated field within the broadcast data stream. In another embodiment, where the broadcast radio signal is based on Orthogonal Frequency Domain Multiplex (OFDM) modulation, the regional identifier may be inserted into the broadcast signal using an unused subcarrier frequency in the OFDM signal.

[0020]FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of receiver 304 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 4, receiver 304 includes an antenna 402; an RF tuner module 404 including an RF tuner circuit 406 and one or more RF filters (not shown); a processor module 408 including a baseband processor 410, a channel selector 412, a post-processor 414, and a controller 416; a digital-to-analog converter 418; a speaker 428; a user interface 424; and a memory 426.

[0021]RF tuner circuit 406 receives the RF broadcast radio signal from antenna 402, converts it to an intermediate-frequency (IF) signal, and outputs the resulting IF signal to baseband processor 410. RF tuner circuit 406 is preferably a dual-downconversion, single-path satellite digital audio RF receiver IC suitable for use in satellite radio systems, such as the “Carina” RF receiver integrated circuit (IC) produced by LSI Corporation of Milpitas, California.

[0022]In processor module 408, baseband processor 410 digitally samples the IF signal from RF tuner circuit 406 and demodulates it to obtain the broadcast data stream. Channel selector 412 then extracts a desired channel of digital data from the broadcast data stream, and post-processor 414 decodes the channel digital data stream and outputs audio samples that may be played through digital-to-analog converter 418 and speaker 428. Alternatively, post-processor 414 may output the channel digital data stream to a separate application system 422, such as a GPS-based navigational system (e.g., for displaying traffic information contained within the channel digital data stream). Post-processor 414 may be implemented, e.g., as a digital signal processor (DSP) operating at 120 MHz and adapted to provide variable-rate perceptual-audio-codec (PAC) audio-compression decoding. Controller 416 initializes, manages, and coordinates the operation of receiver 304. For example, controller 416 is responsible for controlling channel selector 412 based on input from user interface 424 and for interfacing with memory 426. Controller 416 may be implemented, e.g., as an ARM7TDMI microprocessor operating at 60 MHz. Processor module 408, including baseband processor 410, channel selector 412, post-processor 414, and controller 416, may be implemented, e.g., via the “Cygnus” Generation 3.6 Baseband IC produced by LSI Corporation. Memory 426 is preferably a nonvolatile external flash memory but may be other suitable memory devices.

[0023]Baseband processor 410 in receiver 304 preferably includes a regional identifier detector 432, adapted to receive the regional identifier associated with one or more transmitters and provide the received regional identifier to controller 416. Controller 416, in turn, stores the regional identifier in a Current SID field 428 in memory 426. Because the regional identifier indicates the geographical region or subregion in which the specific transmitter that broadcast a signal is located, controller 416 may use the regional identifier to cause channel selector 412 to select the channel having local information (e.g., news, traffic, and/or weather). Post-processor 414 may then output the content of the selected channel, either audibly through the digital-to-analog converter 418 to speaker 420 or electronically as digital data to application system 422. In this manner, a “virtual local channel” can be provided in a receiver, such that a user may tune his radio to receive locally relevant information, without having to locate and tune to a specific one of numerous regional information channels. Thus, when a New York City user tunes to the virtual local channel, the New York City traffic information is presented, while a Los Angeles user tuned to the same channel is presented with the Los Angeles traffic information.

[0024]In a further embodiment, where the regional identifier comprises the station identifier (”SID”), broadcast radio system 300 preferably maintains a SID table 430 of terrestrial transmitters. SID table 430 identifies the geographic location (e.g., region or subregion) of each transmitter that corresponds to each SID, thus making it possible to identify the geographic location of a transmitter when its SID is known. SID table 430 may be updated periodically (e.g., each day) by a system-wide broadcast of a revised table. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, each receiver 304 in system 300 includes a SID table update circuit (e.g., within baseband processor 410) adapted to receive SID table 430 and provide it to controller 416. Controller 416, in turn, stores a local copy of SID table 430 in memory 426. The local copy of SID table 430 in memory 426 may be updated each time a SID table is received. Similarly, Current SID field 428 in memory 426 may be updated each time a new regional identifier is received from a transmitter.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting a method for receiving a virtual local channel in accordance with the invention. The method begins in block 502. In block 504, a broadcast radio signal including a current SID and an SID update table is received at the antenna and input to the RF tuner module 404. In block 506, RF tuner module 404 and baseband processor respectively downconvert and demodulate the received signal. In block 508, SID detector 432 in baseband processor 410 extracts the current SID (and the SID update table, if present) and provides it (or them) to controller 416. In block 510, controller 416 stores the current SID (and the SID update table, if present) in memory in block 510.

[0026]When the user tunes the radio to the virtual channel, in block 512, controller 416 in receiver 304 compares the SID stored in Current SID field 428 in memory 426 with SID table 430 to determine the geographic location of the transmitter. For example, determining the geographic location of the transmitter may be performed, e.g., via a lookup operation. When a determination can be made (e.g., when the SID matches an entry in the SID table), in block 514, controller 416 (i) selects, as the virtual local channel, the channel that carries local content for the determined geographic location and (ii) directs channel selector 412 to tune to the identified local channel. If a determination cannot be made (e.g., because the SID in the receiver’s memory is invalid or does not match any entry in the SID table in the receiver’s memory), a default channel setting for the virtual channel may be used. The default channel setting may be preset by the receiver manufacturer, or, alternatively, may be manually set by the user to a local channel of his choice. In block 516, after channel selector 412 tunes to the identified local channel, post-processor 414 outputs the geographically relevant content of the selected channel, either audibly through speaker 420 or electronically as digital data to application system 422.

[0027]The virtual channel described above may also be used to provide greater flexibility to broadcasters in providing local information to users. At present, Sirius Satellite Radio.RTM. transmits traffic and weather data for 18 metropolitan regions on 11 channels. As a result, certain channels carry local information for more than one metropolitan region. For example, a single channel gives information for both the Philadelphia region and the Boston region, whereas the New York metropolitan area has its own dedicated channel. The Sirius Satellite Radio.RTM. system thus saves channel bandwidth by providing less information for smaller metropolitan areas. This technique also reduces the channel-selection burden and confusion on the part of the user, because fewer channels (e.g., 11 rather than 18 channels) are dedicated to traffic and weather for local regions. Unfortunately, a user tuning to a channel carrying local information for two regions must then listen to information that is likely of little interest to the user.

[0028]Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, a data stream filter is provided within channel selector 412 in receiver 304 shown in FIG. 4. After a channel is selected, the data stream filter may filter the data in the channel to extract the local information relevant only to the region in which receiver 304 is located, based on the regional identifier. The local information may then be played or displayed directly to the user, or, alternatively, it may be stored (e.g., in memory 426) for later playback or display. In one embodiment, the local information is played or displayed in a repeating loop, based on how much local information is available and how often it is updated. If the local information is displayed, it may be presented to the user via user interface 424 through icons or scrolling words.

[0029]The use of a data stream filter is very advantageous, because it enables broadcasters to transmit information relevant to multiple regions on a single channel, without forcing a user to listen to information that is not relevant to the user. Moreover, because smaller regions require correspondingly small amounts of bandwidth, local information for numerous regions may be combined into a single channel, and the data stream filter will extract only the information relevant to the region of interest. Indeed, a broadcaster may provide local information relevant to as many regions as there are terrestrial transmitters, as long as sufficient bandwidth was available in the transmitted signal.

[0030]In another embodiment, a user may be provided with the option of inputting a specific geographic region (or a parameter from which the geographic region may be identified, such as a zip code) for which local information is desired. In this embodiment, receiver 304 may use the geographic region or other parameter to tune to the channel (and data stream) corresponding to the user-selected region. In this manner, a user who is traveling may obtain local information (including news, traffic, and/or weather) for his destination (e.g., Lake George, N.Y.), rather than for the region in which he is located (e.g., New York City).

[0031]Alternatively, the specific geographic region or parameter from which the region may be identified may be received from an external source, such as application system 422. In one embodiment, for example, controller 416 in FIG. 4 may be connected to application system 422, and application system 422 may input to controller 416 the geographic region or other parameter from which the region may be identified to controller 416. For example, if application system 422 is a GPS-based navigational system, application system 422 may input to controller 416 the GPS coordinates (i) of the current location of the user or (ii) of a desired location, and controller 416 may determine the geographic region based on those coordinates.

[0032]The present invention may be implemented as analog, digital, or a hybrid of both analog and digital circuit-based processes, including possible implementation as a single integrated circuit (such as an ASIC or an FPGA), a multi-chip module, a single card, or a multi-card circuit pack. As would be apparent to one skilled in the art, various functions of circuit elements may also be implemented as processing blocks in a software program. Such software may be employed in, for example, a digital signal processor, micro-controller, or general-purpose computer.

[0033]Also for purposes of this description, the terms “couple,” “coupling,” “coupled,” “connect,” “connecting,” or “connected” refer to any manner known in the art or later developed in which energy is allowed to be transferred between two or more elements, and the interposition of one or more additional elements is contemplated, although not required. Conversely, the terms “directly coupled,” “directly connected,” etc., imply the absence of such additional elements.

[0034]Signals and corresponding nodes or ports may be referred to by the same name and are interchangeable for purposes here.

[0035]The present invention can be embodied in the form of methods and apparatuses for practicing those methods. The present invention can also be embodied in the form of program code embodied in tangible media, such as magnetic recording media, optical recording media, solid state memory, floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other machine-readable storage medium, wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. The present invention can also be embodied in the form of program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a machine, or transmitted over some transmission medium or carrier, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. When implemented on a general-purpose processor, the program code segments combine with the processor to provide a unique device that operates analogously to specific logic circuits.

[0036]The present invention can also be embodied in the form of a bitstream or other sequence of signal values electrically or optically transmitted through a medium, stored magnetic-field variations in a magnetic recording medium, etc., generated using a method and/or an apparatus of the present invention.

[0037]Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate as if the word “about” or “approximately” preceded the value of the value or range.

[0038]It will be further understood that various changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the following claims.

[0039]The use of figure numbers and/or figure reference labels in the claims is intended to identify one or more possible embodiments of the claimed subject matter in order to facilitate the interpretation of the claims. Such use is not to be construed as necessarily limiting the scope of those claims to the embodiments shown in the corresponding figures.

[0040]It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods set forth herein are not necessarily required to be performed in the order described, and the order of the steps of such methods should be understood to be merely exemplary. Likewise, additional steps may be included in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined, in methods consistent with various embodiments of the present invention.

[0041]Although the elements in the following method claims, if any, are recited in a particular sequence with corresponding labeling, unless the claim recitations otherwise imply a particular sequence for implementing some or all of those elements, those elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that particular sequence.

[0042]Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive of other embodiments. The same applies to the term “implementation.”