AU2003203591A1 - A New Method of Delivering Internet Media Streams, Internet Data & Telecommunications - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT A NEW METHOD OF DELIVERING INTERNET MEDIA STREAMS, INTERNET DATA TELECOMMUNICATIONS The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: Page 2 of 68 BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Free-to-Air Radio Broadcasting Most people listen to radio broadcast stations at some time during the day.This may occur il the car, a commuter vehicle, at work, at home on fixed or portable receivers, and in recreational areas.

Although most radio stations originally transmitted in the amplitude modulated (AM) broadcast band, many have migrated to the frequency modulated (FM) broadcast band, due to the better audio quality.

Unfortunately, their wide bandwidth limits the number of FM stations able to be accommodated in any one area. In Australian capital cities one typically finds about 30-35 stations, most of which provide a reasonable quality of service. Although more channels are available, it is difficult to allocate them without reducing the quality of service, unless transmission ranges are strictly limited.

This shortage of channels has pushed the cost of commercial FM licences well beyond the means of most aspirants, and often approaches or exceeds a hundred million dollars. Unfortunately, the need to recover such high costs and remain in business makes it risky to experiment with non-mainstream formats. Consequently there is little variety amongst most commercial FM stations, which have tended to become less diverse through mergers and networking. Although more variety is found amongst community broadcasters and lower power FM stations, licenses are few and rarely traded.

Furthermore, low power FM stations can be difficult to receive, especially on common indoor receivers using whip antennas.

The remaining group comprises low power open narrowcast FM stations, which in metropolitan areas are limited to 1 watt output and a 5 km range. With many such stations scattered around metropolitan areas and a high level of frequency re-use, service areas are limited and interference is often severe.

Except for special stations with a local audience, most of them cannot satisfy more than a fraction of their potential audience at any one time.

Internet Radio Broadcasting Internet radio has grown strongly in recent times, and is poised to become the broadcasting medium of the future. Anyone can set up and operate an Internet radio station, at a much lower cost than a freeto-air radio station. This makes it very democratic, and the heavy financial burdens afflicting most free-to-air radio stations are largely absent. Because licences are not required, there is no limit to the number of such stations which can simultaneously operate.

Unlike free-to-air stations, Internet stations have worldwide range. Those on the far side of the world can be heard just as clearly as those operating locally, which makes available a tremendous variety of stations and types of music. Unfortunately, Internet broadcasting has limitations which unless resolved, will continue to limit its mainstream acceptance, for example: most people still connect to the web using dial up modems, which due to limited speed, cause poor audio quality and buffering. Although cable modems and ADSL connections usually resolve these problems, they are considerably more expensive to install and use; many Internet service providers charge according to the amount of time connected and/or amount of data downloaded, inhibiting long periods of listening to Internet radio. Furthermore, few people want to tie up their telephone line or computer for long periods to listen to radio; unlisted stations are hard to find, URLs are complicated to enter, and it can be difficult to maintain a reliable connection; computers are often located away from living areas, making Internet radio less practical when working or moving around the house; Page 3 of 68 computers lack the ergonomic appeal of traditional radio receivers; Internet radio is not economically available in vehicles, where much listening takes place.

Television Despite general agreement that the existing free-to-air system needs updating, a better system has been slow in coming due to controversies over technical standards, high station upgrade costs, and the reluctance of most consumers to replace their television receiver, which for many is an expensive asset. As for Internet television, it is hard enough to get real-time video in a window on a computer monitor, let alone full quality video on a large television screen. High definition Internet television is not even on the horizon.

Telephony For the mobile telephone service, problems include limited coverage, and community concern over telephone towers, complex charging schemes, and call costs. For the fixed telephone service, concerns are often voiced relating to rural areas, including poor line quality and reliability, low data rates, and limited penetration.

Summary Technological developments in the broadcasting and telecommunications industries are generally decided by what is best for the companies concerned, not the public interest. As company interests differ from one company to the next, there is no clear and compelling direction for the industry as a whole, and without the necessary cooperation between major players, the full potential of existing technology cannot be realised. On the other hand the community has an acute need for an integrated system of broadcasting and telecommunications, which offers greater freedom of choice than currently exists, and which is able to deliver services to any location, fixed and mobile. The invention disclosed herein fulfills that need perfectly.

Page 4 of 68 DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 1 INTRODUCTION The invention disclosed herein delivers Internet radio, Internet television, Internet data and telecommunications to fixed and mobile users in any location. With appropriate scaling of its component parts, it can also deliver high definition television (HDTV) from the outset. It is based on that disclosed in Australian patent 20022301467 titled "A New Delivery System for Internet Radio Broadcasts", which it supersedes, but with increased scope.

This invention also discloses a new technique to enable two-way virtual duplex communication to take place on a single narrowband high frequency (HF) radio channel, without significantly increasing the occupied bandwidth or reducing the communications efficiency.

The diagrams and descriptions herein are functional, and intended to disclose general principles of operation. Detail changes, which may occur during normal development, will not invalidate the overall approach.

2 DESCRIPTION 2.1 System

LOCAL

LINKS (7) LOCAL SERVICE AREA (9) REMOTE AREA LINKS (8)

REMOTE

AREA Figure 1: System (High-Level View) Access to the nodes for the Internet and external telecommunications networks are concentrated into one or more entities called gateways The Internet is defined as including Internet media streams and Internet data Internet media streams are defined as including Internet radio streams, Internet television streams, and combinations thereof. Internet radio streams are defined as including all variations of Internet audio streaming. Internet television streams are defined as including all variations of Internet audio/visual (AN) streaming. Internet data is defined as including the world wide web, email, news, Internet relay chat, and other common Internet services.

Telecommunications is defined as including telephony, facsimile, short message service (SMS), and generalised packet radio service (GPRS). Free-to-air is defined as including all signals transmitted Page 5 of 68 or received on a frequency or channel in a free-to-air radio or television (TV) broadcast band, whether the actual signals are free-to-air or restricted. Portable is defined as something normally carried by hand, and mobile as something normally carried by vehicle. Gateways serve local service areas (9) using local links Gateways also serve remote areas (10) using remote links Gateways may be linked using broadband trunks to share resources and provide redundancy in the event of external link or node failure.

2.2 Gateway INTERNET MEDIA INTERNET TELECOMMUN- TRUNKS TO STREAMS DATA ICATIONS OTHER GATEWAYS Figure 2: Gateway (Functional Block Diagram) Page 6 of 68 Gateways include multiple servers (12, 13) to access Internet media streams and Internet data.

Gateways include additional interfacing (14, 15) to access external telecommunications networks and other gateways. Gateways also include a software server the function of which is to store operating software for devices included in the system, to be sent to them when necessary.

The uniform resource locators (URLs) for the Internet media servers are provided by a URL predictor, register and generator This attempts to anticipate when particular media streams are likely to be requested, based on previous user requests, and issue the corresponding URLs to a spare Internet media stream server (12) before the expected time of request. Its purpose is to ensure that streams are present before users select them, to maximise system responsiveness. The URL predictor, register and generator includes a means of identifying the type of service available from that URL, to ensure that only URLs associated with streaming are stored and predicted.

Each incoming Internet media stream, Internet data service, telecommunications service, or system software module is buffered and re-clocked by according to timing information supplied by the master clock generator The buffered and re-clocked stream or data is then routed to virtual user ports (21) by a non-blocking matrix switch according to information supplied by an address generator Each virtual user port contains high speed serial data, which is multiplexed for all users currently accessing that port. The streams and data for each user is packeted by to add extra bits containing the destination address or routing information, type of data, checksum, and any other necessary information. To ensure correct routing through the matrix switch and packeting by the processing modules mentioned in this paragraph are required to remain perfectly synchronised at all times.

The packets from (23) are then forwarded to a bank of demultiplexers (25) and encrypted by The purpose of the demultiplexers is to divert packets to the particular local or remote link which corresponds to the routing information and destination address in the packet.

Packets entering the gateway from a local or remote link are decrypted by multiplexed by and de-packeted by The type of data in each packet is examined by the service identifier (22) from the packeting information. If the packets contain user-generated traffic such as Internet media streams, Internet data or telecommunications, they are multiplexed by (25) and fed to virtual user ports on the matrix switch. The matrix switch reduces this traffic to individual streams, data or telecommunications channels as applicable, and feeds it to the appropriate buffer (18) according to the address supplied by the address generator. The buffer then feeds this traffic to the corresponding server or other external interface (12, 13, 14, If the packets contain user-generated requests for a different stream or type of service, or if they contain system-generated data (eg status reports, fault reports, change of user location, key validation etc.), they are instead routed to the service identifier which identifies the nature of the data and passes it to the main processor The main processor passes new URLs to the URL predictor, raw routing information to the address generator, and processes other information according to its type.

The supervisor (26) continuously compares the routing information for outgoing packets with the known location of each user, as reported by downstream devices described herein. If the downstream devices report a changed user location, the supervisor updates the routing information for that user to ensure that outgoing packets are always correctly addressed by The functions of home and visitor location registers are provided by (32) and (34) respectively.

The system is monitored and controlled through an engineering interface System diagnostics are provided by A customer website and dial-in service are provided by (35) and (37) respectively, and subscriber records and billing by (36).

Page 7 of 68 To connect users in remote areas, a multi-channel satellite uplink transceiver (31) passes data via one or more satellite transponders, which comprise the first part of each remote link. Further downstream, remote links may employ HF and ultra-high frequency (UHF) wireless links.

2.3 Frequency Management Sub-System To ensure the efficient allocation of HF frequencies used by remote area links, a frequency management sub-system (FMS) (30) continuously seeks to optimise HF channel allocation in terms of quality and availability for re-use. Data from ionospheric sounders installed at various locations around the continent is processed to provide prediction parameters applicable to any part of Australia.

If the gateway receives a request for service on an HF channel, it first instructs the FMS to select the prediction parameters applicable to the user's location, and then calculates the optimum frequency.

The FMS then compiles a list of channels around this frequency, where the chance of interference to or from other users is minimal, and downloads the list to the user. The user's equipment scans these channels, selects the best one, sets the transmitter to the minimum power needed for good communication, and notifies the channel and power to the FMS. To prepare for requests from other users, the FMS then calculates the minimum re-use distance for this channel, and stores the result in its database of current HF links. At the end of a radio or telephone session or after a certain period of inactivity in Internet data mode, the user's equipment notifies the FMS that the channel is free for reallocation. In addition, the FMS periodically interrogates users to see if their channels are still in use, and if it finds one which has been relinquished, sets it aside for reallocation.

To allow for variations in propagation with time of day, the FMS periodically reassesses all HF frequencies in current use. If changes are found to be required, the FMS forward frequency change commands to those users affected. Likewise, if a user experiences poor conditions or interference on a particular channel, he or she is able to manually request a new one from the FMS.

HF is used by the long range vehicle unit, long range handset, long range transceiver and derivatives thereof as described herein. These equipments include a means of recognising commands sent from the FMS, which preferably comprises a sequential or parallel combination of audio tones, together with a handshaking routine to provide a means of confirmation.

2.4 Local Links Local links employ optical fibre, hybrid-fibre-coax (HFC), or similar broadband communications technology to connect users in local service areas to gateways. To enable these links to be shared with other services, for example existing pay TV services, local links employ time and/or wavelength division multiplexing where necessary, to avoid interference between services.

Local links include routers radio modems set-top-box modems and media transponders (43) in a daisy chain formation (see figure Local links are meshed to provide redundancy and improve system reliability. Mobile users are connected by radio modems as described herein, and fixed users are connected by set-top-box modems as described herein. Additional connections to mobile and portable users are provided by the media transponders described herein, which provide Internet radio and TV streams only.

The routers demultiplex the data coming from the gateway, and direct it to the modem or modems which are closest to each user. Each router feeds a certain number of adjacent modems. The routers also multiplex data coming back from users and forward it upstream to the gateway. Most such data comprises telecommunications, requests for different Internet media streams, and Internet data generated by users which is mostly web browsing and email. Other data emanating from the routers and modems comprises status reports, fault reports, user location, key exchange, etc.

Page 8 of 68 TRUNKS (6) TO OTHER

GATEWAYS

MODEMS (41, 42) TRANSPONDERS LOCATED ALONG (43)

STREETS

OTHER LOCAL LINKS (7) R ROUTER Figure 3: Local Link Radio Modem FROM GATEWAY

CONTINUATION

OF LOCAL LINK TO OTHER MODEMS (41,42) TO OTHER

MODEMS

TRANSPONDERS

(41,42,43) RADIO RADIO RADIO RADIO MODEM (41) MODEM (41) MODEM (41) MODEM (41)

SHORT-RANGE

RADIO LINKS MOBILE USERS (44) VEHICLE HANDSET VEHICLE VEHICLE MAX 25-50 PER UNIT UNIT I UNIT MODEM Figure 4: Routers Radio Modems Page 9 of 68 The radio modems are mounted on catenary wires utility poles (48) and other convenient locations along the sides or centre of roads. They are also located in railway tunnels, industrial estates, shopping centres, recreational venues, public buildings, and any other place requiring radio modem coverage. Their spacing and radio frequency output power is adjusted so that during peak usage, they are utilised as fully as possible, while maintaining sufficient margin to accommodate the highest likely number of users. In most metropolitan locations, the spacing of radio modems is typically tens to hundreds of metres. The transmitter output power of each radio modem is remotely adjustable from the gateway.

Data arrives at the modems in the form of packets, and enters through a coaxial or optical baseband interface Circuitry in the modems examines the address of each packet, and if anlly are found which correspond to the address of an actual or potential user, the packet is extracted, buffered and reclocked to reduce the data rate.

In one implementation, each data signal is then modified by a unique spreading code, and modulated onto a radio frequency carrier wave using code division multiple access (CDMA). The spreading codes are chosen for orthogonality. In another implementation, the data signals are modulated onto the radio frequency carrier wave using an alternative technique multiple access technique such as (but not limited to) time division multiple access (TDMA). The modulated carrier wave is then amplified and transmitted to users (44) using a small omnidirectional antenna (46).

In the reverse direction, radio signals from users are received on a small omnidirectional antenna which can be the transmitting antenna, separated.out with a diplexer or switch, and fed to a CDMA or TDMA receiver as appropriate. If CDMA is used, the signal received from each user is de-spread using the code corresponding to that user. After amplification, frequency conversion and demodulation, the signal from each receiver path in the modem is data sliced, buffered, multiplexed and passed to the router associated with that particular radio modem.

It is intended that each radio modem services up to about 25 people, and desirably 50. It is also intended that the system provides blanket radio coverage of all potential listening locations throughout the service area, except inside and around fixed residences and buildings where hardwired or set top box modems (42) may be used instead of radio modems.

Due to the short communications distances, radio modems are not normally mounted very high, except to connect elevated users. Figures 5 6 show catenary and pole mounting respectively.

Radio modems require a frequency allocation which allows the use of short antennas, has limited range, and does not interfere with other services. Suitable frequencies are around 2 GHz or above. To avoid mutual interference, nearby radio modems operate on different centre frequencies, following similar techniques for frequency re-use as employed in cellular telephone networks.

Data is transferred at three main data rates. The slowest is approximately 9.2 kb/s per user, for telecommunications and reverse Internet data (ie user to gateway). The general speed is approximately 100 kb/s per user for Internet radio streams and Internet data in the forwards direction (ie gateway to user). High speed is approximately 10 Mb/s per user, for high definition Internet TV.

Slow and medium speed data is handled by the radio modems, and TV streams are transmitted to mobile and portable users by the TV transponders described herein. Except for telecommunications, data rates are not symmetrical. A slow speed downlink channel may be obtained by subdividing a medium speed downlink channel into approximately ten sub-channels.

If an Internet radio stream is being received by more than one user of a particular radio modem, the same access code may be provided to each of these users, allowing them to access the same stream.

Also, to ensure graceful degradation under overload conditions, radio modems automatically reduce the per user data rate if the total number of users exceeds the nominal modem capacity.

Page 10 of 68 CATENARY WIRE PART OF LOCAL LINK RADIO MODEM (41)

BASEBAND

INTERFACE (47) ANTENNA (46) SHORT RANGE RADIO LINKS SPART OF LOCAL LINK (7)

BASEBAND

INTERFACE (47) HANDSET OR VEHICLE UNIT (44) HANDSET OR VEHICLE UNIT (44) Figure 5: Radio Modem (Catenary Mounting) L SHORT RANGE )J HANDSET OR RADIO LINKS HANDSET OR VEHICLE UNIT (44) VEHICLE UNIT (44) Figure 6: Radio Modem (Pole Mounting) 2.6 Media Transponders 2.6.1 Radio Transponder Many city and country locations experience a highly diurnal or seasonal population, for example beaches, recreational areas, small tourist towns and holiday resorts. If these were to be served only by standard radio modems, a large number of modems could be required to accommodate the peak usage, which are greatly under-utilised the rest of the time. This would be inefficient and expensive.

To overcome this problem, one or more radio modems in such locations can cause excess Internet radio streams, which would otherwise exceed the modem capacity, to be handed off to low power FM transmitters covering that location. These transmitters are herein called radio transponders. The range of these transponders normally exceeds that of a standard radio modem by a significant amount, and may be a km or more, depending on the situation. Therefore to allow the range to be tailored, the transponder power is adjustable from the gateway, typically to between tens and hundreds of rW per channel. Low powers are preferred, to minimise the frequency re-use distance. Most such links are Page 11 of 68 line of sight, minimising the required radio frequency (RF) power. Note that although FM is mentioned here, AM could also be used, subject to its greater susceptibility to interference and the need for a larger antenna. Note also that the transponder does not have a receive capability.

FM EXCITER 1 VH F A N T E NN A FM EXCITER LOCAL INTERFACE MULTIPLE M BROADBAND LINK TO LOCAL STREAM B POWER LINK LINK DECODER I AMPLIFIER

N

E

FM EXCITER n INDIVIDUAL I FREQ CONTROL MULTIPLE

OFREQUENCY

GENERATOR

Figure 7: Radio Transponder In the preferred implementation shown in figure 7, the radio transponder is connected to the local link, from which it receives, decodes and retransmits Internet radio streams for that particular location. If a user in that location requests or changes an Internet radio stream, his or her vehicle unit or handset (described herein) sends a request to the nearest radio modem, which forwards it to the gateway. The gateway responds by sending the requested stream to the modem. Upon receiving the stream, the radio modem checks to see if it has sufficient capacity to transmit it. If it has, it transmits the stream to the vehicle unit or handset making the request. If not, it sends details of the requested stream to the radio transponder serving that area. Upon receiving these details, the transponder checks to see if it is already transmitting the stream, and if so, notifies its transmission frequency to the radio modem. If the transponder is not already transmitting the stream, the transponder decodes it from the local link (because it is already being provided to the modem), allocates a frequency, and commences transmitting it. The transponder also notifies the requesting radio modem of the frequency of the stream. In turn, the modem forwards details of the frequency to the vehicle unit or handset, which activates its internal radio receiver and tunes to the frequency where the stream is being transmitted.

In a modified implementation, the radio modem and transponder may exchange data and commands via the gateway instead of directly as described here.

Since the streams are only for Internet radio, and the transmitted signals cannot be associated with any particular user, there is no need for encryption. This avoids a source of significant audio distortion, and allows each transmitted channel to have more than one user. It also simplifies the receive path of the user's vehicle unit or handset, which is helpful to minimise handset size and weight. Although the absence of encryption allows reception by an ordinary receiver, an eavesdropper has no control over the program he or she might hear on any particular frequency, and in the absence of a station announcement, will not even know what it is. Since streams and frequencies will often change without warning, eavesdropping will be a frustrating experience, which few people are likely to pursue for any length of time. These FM links are also short range, in most cases inaudible beyond a few km.

In an alternative implementation, the transponder does not decode Internet radio streams, but transmits them over the FM channel using a bandwidth-efficient modulation scheme such as generalised minimum shift keying (GMSK).

Although the number of spare FM channels is currently limited, this invention is expected to speed the migration of most existing free-to-air radio stations to the Internet, opening up many spare Page 12 of 68 channels on the FM broadcast band. If all stations were to migrate, the number of channels could exceed 100 for mono or 50 for stereo, assuming full use of 87.6 to 108 MHz, and 200 kHz or 400 kHz channel spacing for mono and stereo respectively. Note that the absence of high power FM stations eliminates receiver intermodulation distortion, which is the main hindrance to the allocation of all FM channels.

To minimise interference between areas served by adjacent transponders, and also the need to change frequency if a vehicle unit or handset moves from one area to another, it is desirable that streams common to these transponders be allocated the same frequency where practical. This requires that streams and frequencies be centrally coordinated, and rearranged from time to time to optimise allocation. The logical place for this coordination is at the gateway.

2.7 TV Transponder TV transponders provide the means of in-vehicle Internet TV. They operate similarly to radio transponders, except that they convert Internet TV streams to radio frequency carriers, with frequencies and bandwidth corresponding to those used for normal UHF TV channels. Also, if a mobile user requests an Internet TV stream, the gateway determines the TV transponder which is closest to the user, commands the transponder to commence transmitting a radio frequency carrier of a nominated frequency, forwards the stream to the transponder for modulating onto this carrier, and also commands the vehicle unit which issued the request to activate its free-to-air TV receiver and tune to the nominated frequency. Another difference to a radio transponder is the need for scrambling or encryption, to prevent casual viewing of restricted material on an ordinary TV receiver by a third party. This implies a separate stream for each user.

TV transponders are likely to have relatively few users, allowing the range to be greater than that of the average radio transponder. This, together with the much wider channel bandwidth, means they are likely to transmit at a higher power than the average radio transponder.

2.8 Vehicle Unit 2.8.1 General Description Signals from radio modems are received in vehicles on vehicle units, preferably mounted within easy reach of the driver. Vehicle units provide a variety of functions, including the ability to: search for a radio modem, establish a wireless connection thereto, and exchange packets containing services described herein with said modem; if the service comprises an Internet radio stream, to decode said stream to audio; activate an internal free-to-air radio receiver or optional TV receiver, tune to AM, FM and TV signals as applicable, and demodulate them to audio or A/V baseband as applicable; forward the audio signals from Internet radio streams and free-to-air radio stations to one or more of an internal audio amplifier, an external audio amplifier, or a low power FM exciter for feeding to the antenna input of an external radio receiver; forward the A/V baseband signal received from a free-to-air TV station to one or more of an internal video display and speaker, the A/V baseband input of an external TV receiver, or a low power TV exciter for feeding to the antenna input of an external TV receiver; Page 13 of 68 connect to a computer via a cable, Bluetooth radio link or infrared link, said computer being able to send and receive Internet data using the system, and also to perform other functions including setting up the vehicle unit and functioning as an extended front panel for said vehicle unit; connect to a handset (66) via a Bluetooth radio link said handset being able to initiate and receive telephone calls, send and receive SMS messages, and provide other applicable telecommunications services; connect to a handset via a Bluetooth radio link, said handset being able to select Internet radio streams and free-to-air radio stations and play them through a speaker or earpiece connected to said handset; be controlled by a remote control unit.

Figure 8 shows a representation of a vehicle unit (50) receiving an Internet radio stream. It includes a station selection knob plasma, dot-matrix or liquid crystal display (LCD) keypad (53), computer port (not shown), and handset (not shown, see figure 11).

14: STATION NAME Soul ED OK Track: Shout To The Top REV NEXT Artist: Fire Island featuring Loleatta Holloway Pgm: Soul Solution IS D O Url: www.station-name.com/streaming.asx

INS

0 y Bnd 3 Stn 2 Usr 1 87.6 MHz Windows Media HE] U Figure 8: Standard Vehicle Unit (Possible Implementation) Figure 9 shows the vehicle unit connections, and figure 10 the functional block diagram. Note that these diagrams show all output options which include low-level audio and high level audio to speakers, and modulated radio frequency (RF) to an external FM or TV receiver, whereas in practice not all of these options may be installed.

Page 14 of 68 VEHICLE 7 7 7 u.

UNIT LOW LEVELANA/V UN! BASEBAND

AN

(RESERVED) c)c (58) DC POWER RF VIA COAX (59) W CABLE (56) DC PWR LEAD (57) BLUETOOTH

BLUETOOTH

OR INFRARED (60) LOW LEVEL E OR SERIAL EIA-232 AUDIO OR USB (62) AUDIO EC COMPUTER HANDSET (66) HIGH LEVEL AUI Figure 9: Vehicle Unit Connections

ANTENNAS

MODEM (54) AM/FM Figure 10: Vehicle Unit including TV Option (Functional Block Diagram) Page 15 of 68 Referring to figure 10, signals from a radio modem are received on a modem antenna routed through a transmit-receive diplexer and downconverted and processed by a receiver The bandwidth control (72) selects wide receiver bandwidth or high data rate for Internet radio streams and Internet data downloads, and narrow receiver bandwidth or reduced data rate for telecommunications. The receiver output signal is digitised by a receive modem (73) and decrypted by a crypto unit The crypto unit provides medium level security, to protect user privacy and prevent unauthorised use of the system. It is not intended to replace the encryption built into the handset.

After passing through a programmable logic device (PLD) (76) which switches the signal paths and provides other functions including glue logic, the stream is decoded and converted to an audio signal by audio codec The audio output of said codec is presented to the switch The vehicle unit also includes an internal AM/FM receiver suitable for receiving signals on freeto-air radio frequencies. The audio output of said receiver is presented to the switch It is preferred that the vehicle unit can also receive signals on free-to-air FM radio frequencies which are modulated by high speed data using a method such as GMSK. The baseband data output of this digital receiver is digitised by the analog to digital convertor (ADC) passed through the PLD and converted to analog audio by codec The audio output of said codec is presented to the switch which selects either the audio signal from the codec or the internal radio receiver (77) as desired.

The selected audio signal is fed either to a low power FM exciter (81 which modulates the audio onto an RF carrier wave for reception by an external FM receiver or to a low-level audio output for unspecified external equipment, or to an audio amplifier (81B) to drive external speakers.

The vehicle unit may also include a TV receiver (77A), suitable for receiving signals on free-to-air TV channels. The analog baseband output of said receiver is presented to the switch (80A). It is preferred that the vehicle unit can also receive signals modulated by high speed data using a method such as GMSK. The baseband output of this digital receiver is digitised by ADC (78A), passed through the PLD and converted to A/V baseband by codec (79A). The A/V output of said codec is presented to the switch (80A), which selects the A/V baseband signal from either the codec (79A) or the internal TV receiver (77A) as desired. The selected A/V signal is fed either to a low power TV exciter (81 A) which modulates said A/V signal onto an RF carrier wave for reception by an external TV receiver (64A), or to a low-level baseband A/V input on unspecified external equipment. To eliminate the need for an external viewing device, the vehicle unit may include a small video display.

In the reverse direction, signals to be transmitted are encrypted by the crypto unit converted to a form suitable for modulation by a transmit modem modulated and amplified by a transmitter and routed through the diplexer (70) to the modem antenna The transmitter bandwidth is not switched, but remains narrow for all services.

The frequency generator (85) controls the receive and transmit frequencies, and the CDMA spreading code (84) is chosen to ensure orthogonality between this vehicle unit and others accessing the same radio modem.

The Bluetooth link (60) provides a short-range wireless connection to a laptop or handheld computer and a handset To avoid signal dropouts due to multipath within a vehicle, this link may include frequency diversity. A hardwired USB or EIA-232 serial data port (62) is included, to allow the use of laptop or handheld computers which do not possess Bluetooth. An infrared interface (61) may also be included for appropriately equipped laptop or handheld computers.

The baseband input/output port (58) provides an alternative 1/O interface to the receiver (71) transmitter (88) and associated radio frequency functions, and is reserved for use by the long range adaptor described herein. It uses a standard high speed bus architecture such as USB or Firewire.

Page 16 of 68 The PLD (76) identifies and processes user requests, gateway commands, incoming telephone calls, and incoming email. It selects the receiver bandwidth according to the type of service, manages the key, applies the CDMA spreading code, switches signal paths, and manages data buffering including (for example) the background downloading of emails.

Memory includes the receive and transmit buffers (82) to maintain a steady data flow, station memory scratchpad memory (not shown), and non-volatile or flash memory for system use (not shown).

The system is locally controlled by the system controller (94) and the user interface comprising keypad, display and beep The vehicle unit includes a DC current sensing circuit which measures the current taken from the DC power source (59) by the external FM receiver If the user switches on said FM receiver, its current drain is detected by the current sensing circuit, which in turn activates the DC power switch (97) and switches the vehicle unit on. This eliminates the need to separately switch the vehicle unit on and off, when used with the existing generation of FM or AM/FM vehicle receivers. This feature is not necessary for vehicle units which possess their own audio amplifier, and are operated as stand-alone items.

Possible utilities include a scheduler, scratchpad memory to enable the user to store information like artist name, song title and other details, and a quick purchase utility.

2.8.2 Radio Mode 2.8.2.1 Internet and Free-To-Air If the vehicle unit drives a speaker directly or is connected to an external amplifier and speaker, no external receiver is needed. Otherwise the vehicle unit requires an external receiver, said receiver being tuned to an unused frequency through which Internet radio streams and signals on free-to-air frequencies are conveyed at RF by said vehicle unit.

Stations are selected on the vehicle unit by turning the knob, pressing a station button, or other means as claimed herein. Stations can be any mix of Internet and free-to-air. Although the layout of the display remains similar when changing between Internet radio and free-to-air radio, the contents may differ. The display may also show radio data service (RDS) or similar piggybacked data when receiving a station which carries this service.

If the user selects an ordinary free-to-air radio station, whether carrying analog or digital modulation, the frequency of the free-to-air radio receiver (77) is under his or her control. If the user selects an Internet radio stream which is handed off to a radio transponder, said transponder using analog or digital modulation, the frequency of said receiver is not under his or her control, but is controlled by commands originated by said transponder or other system device.

The ability to receive digitally modulated FM signals provides a growth capability, both for next generation FM broadcast stations employing digital modulation, and also for digitally modulated signals transmitted by the radio transponders described herein, said digital modulation allowing more stations to be fitted into a given amount of spectrum without sacrificing audio quality.

Due to the small screen size, the software includes a special browser which interprets information from incoming web pages, to enable essential information to be displayed. The browser also interprets the front panel controls to enable the cursor to be moved, hypertext links and other screen controls to be selected, and information to be entered into pop-up windows and forms.

Although a larger computer screen and keyboard would eliminate the need for a special browser, it would make the unit large and cumbersome. Since the vehicle unit's main purpose is to receive Page 17 of 68 Internet media streams, not browse the web, a large screen and keyboard are therefore not preferred.

However users can overcome the limitations of the small screen and keypad by connecting a computer as provided herein, said connection using Bluetooth, USB/serial, or infrared. The computer then displays complete web pages and is able to interact with them, in parallel with whatever is shown on the vehicle unit's display. This parallel operation is automatic, and does not require the user to select one or the other interface means.

2.8.3 TV Mode To be able to view TV signals, the relevant functional blocks must be installed in the vehicle unit, said blocks including items (55A) (77A) (78A) (79A) (80A) and (81A). In addition, either the vehicle unit must include a small internal video display, or else an external TV receiver (64A) must be provided by the user. If an external TV receiver is used, the A/V content from streams and signals are passed to it either through a low-level A/V interface (if the TV possesses one), or else at RF through the TV's antenna connection.

TV stations are selected on the vehicle unit by turning the knob, pressing a station button, or other means as described in the claims. Stations can be any mix of Internet and free-to-air. Although the layout of the display remains similar when changing between Internet TV and free-to-air TV, the contents may differ. The display may also show portions of Teletext or similar piggybacked data when receiving a station which carries this service.

If the user selects an ordinary free-to-air TV station on the vehicle unit, the frequency of the free-toair TV receiver (77A) is under his or her control. If the user selects an Internet TV stream, the frequency of said receiver is not under his or her control, but is tuned to a TV transponder according to commands originated by the gateway or other system device.

2.8.4 Internet Data Mode If the user logs onto a URL which does not contain an Internet radio stream, the FM output signal either disappears or is replaced by a preselected free-to-air station. This allows the user to store normal web URLs as radio channels, even if they are unrelated to streaming. To recall them, the user turns the knob or presses a station select button on the vehicle unit, causing it to request the URL from the gateway which sends the page, and which upon receipt of said page the vehicle unit forwards it to the computer.

The vehicle unit allows email and other low speed data to be sent and received in the background, without interrupting media reception. Email is identified by its unique TCP/IP port address.

By pressing a pre-defined sequence of keys on the vehicle unit, the vehicle unit may send a nominated command to the computer, which is recognised by a user program on said computer, causing it to perform a specific function. The computer may also be used to enter or edit station settings on the vehicle unit, and change certain other parameters.

A web-only version is visualised which includes only the circuit blocks needed to establish a two-way radio connection with a radio modem, and also with a computer using one or more of USB, serial, Bluetooth or infrared. Other circuit blocks which are solely used for Internet media, free-to-air radio or TV reception and telecommunications may be deleted in this version, the objective being to minimise size and cost where only mobile Internet connectivity is required.

2.8.5 Telecommunications Mode Incoming calls are identified by the packet header, which is recognised by the vehicle unit causing an audible alert to be emitted by the handset. When the user answers the call on the handset, the vehicle Page 18 of 68 unit halts its current activity and changes to telecommunicationis mode, to enable two-way telephony to commence. When the call finishes, the vehicle unit switches back to its previous activity, requests the previous stream or service from the gateway, and resumes whatever it was doing before the call arrived. Outgoing calls cause the vehicle unit to change to telecommunications mode when the dialling code is sent. Note that signals received from a radio or TV transponder need not be interrupted by telecommunications traffic, because they follow a different path through the vehicle unit to that used for telecommunications.

For partial compatibility with the Generalised Packet Radio Service (GPRS), the unit may increase the incoming data rate and RF bandwidth up to the limit of the hardware and modem wireless link.

Unless the vehicle unit and radio modem include provision to increase the uplink data rate and RF bandwidth, outgoing calls are limited to the standard low-speed data rate. To avoid disrupting other activities, incoming and outgoing Short Message Service (SMS) messages are handled as background tasks. The small size of most SMS messages makes this relatively easy to achieve.

2.9 Handset In practice, several handset versions are visualised. The simplest and smallest is referred to herein as a communicator, wherein all communication takes place via a Bluetootlh wireless link, meaning it can only be used in the vicinity of a vehicle unit, set top box or group repeater described herein.

Nevertheless this shorter range is adequate for many people, and the small size and light weight makes it ideal to use as a wearable device and remain connected around the house, in a vehicle or while commuting, hence the name "communicator". A particularly attractive feature is the ability of two communicators to establish a connection with each other using Bluetooth, by entering an appropriate code on one of the units, causing the other unit to issue an alert. When the alert is answered, a duplex wireless connection is set up between the two units, allowing them to communicate in intercom mode. If an external telephone call arrives while they are in intercom mode, it is announced by a short background tone on one of the units, similar to the call waiting facility used in the present telephony system. Upon hearing the alert, that user has the option of taking the call, or ignoring it and continuing in intercom mode.

The next version up is a standard handset, similar to those currently used for GSM telephony. In addition to possessing Bluetooth capabilities of the communicator, it can also wirelessly connect to a radio modem in a similar manner to a vehicle unit, making it usable on the street. It is therefore more versatile than the communicator, at the expense of somewhat larger size and weight. The intercom mode remains limited to the Bluetooth link.

Bluetooth is the default method of connection to a vehicle unit, set top box, handset or other device belonging to this system. If a Bluetooth signal of sufficient strength and quality cannot be found, the handset automatically searches for and establishes a wireless link with a radio modem, until such time as a Bluetooth signal appears. The changeover is automatic, and proceeds in unison with the service to that handset being handed off from one modem channel to another, or from one modem to another as applicable, such that the handover is seamless. The type of connection is indicated on the display, and the handset is authenticated by the system before it is allowed access.

The internal functions of the standard handsets are similar to the vehicle units, except that traffic is transferred over Bluetooth link in the opposite direction to the vehicle unit. Also, to minimise size and weight, the audio is not modulated onto an RF carrier to feed to an external FM receiver, but instead amplified to drive a speaker or earpiece. There may be other detail variations according to preference.

The next version up from the standard handset is a portable receiver, which is functionally similar to the standard handset, except for the addition of free-to-air radio reception capability. Because its primary purpose is to receive Internet radio streams, its size, shape and appearance are more akin to a portable radio receiver than a handset. The ability to receive free-to-air stations as well as Internet Page 19 of 68 radio is considered essential, not only to receive stations which are yet to migrate to the Internet, but also radio transponders which in many locations will be the primary means of stream delivery. As figure 11 shows, the speaker (102) and microphone (104) are located diagonally opposite, allowing the device to be held against the cheek when making or receiving telephone calls. A keypad with a standard telephony layout is also included. Even though this version has a speaker and microphone, many users may prefer to use it with a headset, which may include a boom or cord microphone for telephony, allowing the unit to be placed in a pocket, on a belt, or in a nearby bag.

Still larger versions are visualised, such as semi-portable sound units possessing most or all possible functions. Free-to-air radio reception, SMS, GPRS, a computer port and TV capability may be included in any or all of these versions. TV would require a free-to-air TV receiver to be included similarly to the vehicle unit, to enable the reception of free-to-air stations and TV transponders.

Possible viewing options include an inbuilt screen, feeding the baseband A/V signal to an external TV receiver, and modulating the baseband A/V signal onto an RF carrier wave for feeding to the antenna input of an external TV receiver.

Figure 11 shows a handset implemented as a pocket receiver which includes telephony, and figure 12 its functional block diagram. Operation is similar to that of the vehicle units described herein, except that the handset: may include an inbuilt ferrite loop antenna (118) for receiving signals on free-toair AM radio frequencies; may share the modem whip for receiving signals on free-to-air FM radio frequencies; includes an internal speaker (102) and microphone (104); includes a jack (140) for use with an external earpiece and microphone; uses the Bluetooth link (137) to receive services, not deliver them; and allows the user to enter a code which enables the handset to communicate directly with another handset in short-range intercom mode using the Bluetooth link (137).

(102 _0000000 CLEAR 00000000 W ID LfI 0000000

OOOMENUOOO

n~J n CLEAR O OOOOOOO OO st[Ef 7 STATION

NAME

Name: Shout To The Top S0 Art: Fire Island feat. Loleatta Holloway W 8 ID: JBO JNR5001576 RAD STATION Url: station-name.com/streaming.asx TEL DN UP Bluetooth Windows Media 0 TONE Q

MIC

24J 4 JQ aHOLD Figure 11: Handset (Possible Implementation) Page 20 of 68 SFILTER(112) (117) ADC DIGITALAUDIO 1 S R MXE.(15) I8NTEI.A -USBNK8 (102) (1 17A) SI

AUD

IO

AUDIO

AM FERRITE CODEC -PU LIER ANTENN(118) FREQUENCY (135) CONTROL SIGNAL STCH I 134

AUDIO

BANDDT I (I29) M RFR 4- CONITROL (113) (136) KEY(123) IMC D BLUETOOCTH BLUECTH P (114) ME o PQROG L (119) R LOGIC DIVERSITY(130) JACK E DEMCE 140 Figu r( 120 (124) (131) gFOR COVPUTER SRCV XMT FRE QUE NCY ST A T

I

0 N A Note Re SPREADING CODE (121)um (116) RCV&XIMT SYSTEM KEYPAD, BUFFERS(122) CONTROU.ER DISPLAY, BEEP (133) (139) (131,138): SELECTED VERSIONS ONLY.

Figure 12: Handset (Functional Block Diagram) 2.10 A Note Regarding Telephone Numbers For all handsets except the communicator, the ability to transfer seamlessly between Bluetooth and a radio modem means that a telephone call could commence inside a vehicle, and continue while the user alighted, walked down the street, entered his or her home, and came into the vicinity of a set top box (to be described). In this example, the call would commence using the Bluetooth link to the vehicle unit, then be handed off to a radio modem in the street, and finally be handed off to the Bluetooth link belonging to the user's set top box. This blurring of the distinction between fixed and mobile telephony produces significant benefits.

Firstly, it eliminates the need for a separate series of telephone numbers for fixed and mobile telephony. Separate series would in fact be unworkable, because as shown by the above example, the telephone number would have to change part way through the call, which is ridiculous. This system therefore frees up the allocation of telephone numbers, such that eight, ten or any number of digits could be allocated to any user, regardless of whether their telephone is fixed, mobile or portable. In fact the distinction between fixed, mobile and portable telephony is irrelevant as far as the rest of the system is concerned, because the same signal path is used for all three types of usage, right up to the final modem. Numbers could be allocated without reference to location, and do not even need to possess area codes.

Secondly, it eliminates a major security concern for many home dwellers. With the present numbering system, it is easy for strangers to identify when dwellings are unoccupied, by ringing their telephone Page 21 of 68 numbers to see if they are answered. With the system described herein, users would receive telephone calls regardless of their location, meaning third parties would have no way of knowing where the user is at the time of the call, and whether the user's dwelling is occupied.

2.11 Set Top Box Modem Each fixed user in a local service area is connected by a set-top-box (STB) modem which feeds a set top box (170) located inside the user's premises, said feed being through coaxial cable (182). STB modems may be located near the user's premises and serve a single set-top-box, or more distant and serve multiple set-top-boxes using a multiplex technique.

STB modems may include circuitry to enable the user to select services from third party providers sharing the local link, for example cable TV, cable Internet data, and telecommunications. If the user selects one of these third party services, the modem converts it into packets of suitable format to be recognised by the set-top-box, for sending to said set-top-box.

From the viewpoint of upstream hardware such as the gateway and routers, STB modems appear generally similar to radio modems except that they can also deliver Internet TV streams.

2.12 Set Top Box 2.12.1 General The set-top-box (STB) (170) is connected to an STB modem (42) by coaxial cable (182), and functions as a hub for the user's radio receivers (171) (180), TV receivers (172) (181), handsets and other telecommunications equipment (100) (174), computing equipment (173), and external antennas for receiving signals transmitted on free-to-air radio and TV frequencies (183). STB circuit functions are similar to the vehicle unit as described herein, and include the ability to: receive Internet media streams from an STB modem and decode them; activate one or more internal receivers, tune said receivers to signals transmitted on firee-to-air radio and TV frequencies, and demodulate them to audio or A/V as applicable; forward the audio and A/V signals from Internet media streams and signals received on free-to-air radio and TV frequencies to the user's radio and TV receivers, either at RF through the antenna inputs of said receivers, or at baseband through low-level audio and A/V inputs of said receivers or other devices; connect to a computer via a serial or USB cable, said computer being able to send and receive Internet data using the system and also perform other functions including setting up the STB and functioning as an extended front panel for said STB; connect to one or more handsets (100) via a Bluetooth radio link (178), said handsets including the ability to initiate and receive telephone calls, send and receive SMS messages, use other telecommunications services, and select and listen to Internet radio streams and signals received on free-to-air radio frequencies; be connected to fixed telecommunications equipment; be controlled by multiple remote control units.

Figure 13 shows a possible implementation of a set-top-box, and figure 14 its typical connections.

L

Page 22 of 68 SRadio 1: #14 Station Name 1 87.6 MHz O O_ Radio 2: #23 Station Name 2 88.0 MHz PREV NEX TV 1: #31 ACB Ch. 01 S_ ne r TV 2: #32 CMN Ch. 03 Internet: In use USE 1 3 HELP] Phone 1: Available S t Phone 2: In use POWER SHOW ENU Status: Ok 16:27 20-09-02 Figure 13: Set Top Box (Possible Implementation) PART OF LOCAL LINK (7) BOUNDARY OF USER'S PREMISES (182) INTERNET RADIO INTERNET TV INTERNET DATA

TELECOMMS.

OTHER CABLE

RADIO

RECEIVER

(171)

TELEVISION

RECEIVER

(172)

USER'S

ANTENNAS (183) AM/FM TV LOW POWER RADIO LINK (88-108 MHz) (175)

PORTABLE

TELEVISION

RECEIVER

(181) LOW POWER RADIO LINK (UHF TV BAND) (176) EXPANSION BUS (RESERVED) (177)

BLUETOOTH

AUDIONISUAL

BASEBAND OR RF UHF TV BAND (178)

REMOTE

CONTROL

UNITS (179) Figure 14: Set Top Box Connections The set top box (STB) shown in figures 13 and 14 interfaces between the coaxial cable (182) from the STB modem and the user's radio, TV, telecommunications and computer equipment, including antennas. This equipment may be located anywhere in the user's premises. Note that the terms "radio" Page 23 of 68 and "TV" are used in the broadest sense, and include all types of home entertainment equipment incorporating a radio or TV receiver, for example a home sound system or a video cassette recorder.

The STB includes a keypad and display to enable the user to enter or edit URLs frequencies and channels, set up diversions for incoming telephone calls, and set up other applicable parameters. It accommodates multiple remote control units to allow independent selection of the desired URL, frequency or channel for each radio and TV receiver driven by the STB. The remote control units are not needed for Internet data or telecommunications.

The STB preferably accommodates slide-in cards, each card providing an independent service, to enable said STB to be customised to each user's requirements. The STB preferably accommodates up to at least eight cards, allowing two each of Internet radio, Internet TV, Internet data, and telecommunications, or other combinations up to the available number of card slots. Figure 15 shows a simplified functional block diagram of an STB containing two each of Internet radio, Internet TV, Internet data, and telecommunications. In this example, one telecommunications channel is connected to fixed telephone equipment, and the other telecommunications channel is wirelessly connected to a handset using a short range Bluetooth link.

Page 24 of 68 OAUDIO RE TO RADIO RCVR 2 ROUTER RECLOC K CODEC H T EXCITER LOW-LEVEL AUDIO 2 SCARD 3 (TV ADC T 0EXT T AN.

RCVR )X.VN1 PACKET TV1 BUFFER& TV 0 RF TO T/RCVR 1 U ROUTER IRECLOCK EXCITER LOW-LEVEL AIV CARD 4 C ADC TV RCVR OEXT.TVANT.2 SBUFFERTO V RCVR 2 ROUTER RECLOCK CODEC LOW-LEVEL AIV2 ACSERIAUSB 'W8 USB/SERIAL FOR ROUTER RLILOCK rINTERFACE I COMPUTER 1 CARD 6 (NTERNET) PACKET 13 111 1 1: 1 SERIAL/USB I USB(SERIAL FOR -M INTERFACE COMPUTER 2 CARD 7 (ELEOMM IXED) BUFFER LEVEL TO FIXED DAC HYBRID CONVERTOR 8 TELEPHONE IN -IRECLOCK

PACKETEQUIPMENT

ROUTER

CARD 8 (TELECOMM. PORTABLE) LEOT BUFFER BLUETOOTH BLUETOOTH UT RECLOCK TRANSCEIVER ANTENNA(FOR P DEMUX WITH FRED REMOTE DIVERSITY CONTROL UNITS AND TELEPHONE

HANDSETS

PACKET IN- SYSTEM STATION =ROUTER CONTROL MEMORY

SERVICE

REQUESTS

SKEYPAD,

DISPLAY, BEEP Figure 15: Set Top Box (Functional Block Diagram) 2.12.2 Provision for Radio The STB decodes the selected Internet radio stream or streams to baseband audio signals. For each such audio signal, the STB either provides a direct audio output which the user can connect to an external amplifier, or else modulates said audio onto a spare frequency in the FM radio broadcast Page 25 of 68 band using a low power FM exciter. The modulated FM signal thus obtained may be fed either to coaxial connectors for distribution to the user's radio receivers via coaxial cable, or else amplified and transmitted by a small whip or other antenna on or connected to the STB to said receivers. To allow signals on free-to-air radio frequencies to be received using an external antenna, the STB includes a connector for such an antenna.

To listen to an Internet radio stream on an external receiver which is directly connected to the STB, the user first tunes his or her receiver to the STB, and then selects the desired station using the remote control unit described herein. To listen to a signal on a free-to-air radio frequency on said external receiver, the user has the choice of storing said frequency in the STB and recalling it by pressing a station preset button, causing the STB to activate its internal free-to-air radio receiver and tune to said station, or else by pressing a button on the remote control unit causing the STB to transfer the external radio receiver to an external antenna, allowing the user to tune said external receiver to the desired station using controls on said external receiver.

The same procedure applies to portable receivers, except that if desired, the user can also to tune to free-to-air radio stations using the receiver's own tuning control. In this case, the STB would not need to transfer the antenna.

2.12.3 Provision for TV The provision for TV is similar to that for radio, except that the frequency of the low power TV exciter corresponds to a spare channel in the TV broadcast band. To avoid interference to and from other users, it is preferred that the signal is fed to the TV receiver through coaxial cable, instead of transmitted via the short range UHF link.

2.12.4 Provision for Internet Data To provide Internet access (ie Internet data) to a computer or other data equipment, the STB includes a USB and/or E1A-232 serial port, so that the computer sees the STB as a standard computer modem.

Operation is similar to that of the computer path through the vehicle unit described herein.

2.12.5 Provision for Telecommunications To provide telecommunications, the STB includes one or more hardwired ports to allow the connection of fixed telephone and facsimile equipment, and a Bluetooth port to allow the simultaneous use of one or more handsets. The STB allows all telephones to be used simultaneously, which can be any mix of hardwired and portable (ie Bluetooth).

2.13 Remote Control Unit 2.13.1 General Description The remote control units for this system include Bluetooth to control the STB, and infrared to control the user's radio and TV equipment. If the user selects an Internet media stream or sends any other command recognised by the STB, the command is sent via the Bluetooth link to the STB. If the user adjusts anything which is specific to his or her equipment, for example sound volume sound or picture brightness, the command is sent via the infrared link to be received by that equipment. Certain keys may cause commands to be sent simultaneously by Bluetooth and infrared, for example the selection of a free-to-air radio or TV station to be received directly by the external receiver, which requires the STB to select an external antenna.

Since the user's equipment is likely to be in more than one room, the system accommodates multiple remote control units, each of which is customised to suit a particular piece of equipment. These Page 26 of 68 remote control units can be used separately and independently. It is preferred that the remote control units include an LCD screen to display the URL and other information.

2.13.2 Customisation Before first use, the infrared commands for each remote control unit must be customised to the equipment to be controlled. The means of customisation includes the ability to enter a configuration menu on the STB and key in details of the equipment to be controlled, said STB then ibrwarding the details to the gateway, or else logging onto the system website and selecting from a list of equipment brands and type numbers. Upon receiving the equipment details, a server at the gateway looks up the settings for said equipment in a database, and then downloads them to the user's STB. Upon receiving these settings, the STB forwards them to the remote control units via the Bluetooth link.

The user can also transfer commands from his or her existing infrared remote control unit to the new one by pointing them at each other, and pressing keys on each unit. The mapping is then automatically transferred via the Bluetooth link to the other remote control units. This mode is necessary for equipment not listed in the database at the gateway.

To provide a means for a single remote control unit to quickly and easily control more than one item of equipment, remote control units include "hotkeys" to change from one customisation to another.

The display shows the name associated with the current customisation. It is also possible to press a sequences of keys on a remote control unit, and store them as macros for future recall.

2.14 Group Repeater Group repeaters are used to connect handsets belonging to passengers in commuter vehicles, which due to the shielding effect of the vehicle skin and/or the local environment such as railway tunnels, may make it difficult for the handsets to maintain reliable connections with the system described herein. Group repeaters operate by establishing a group of two-way radio connections with radio modems outside the vehicle, said group being sufficient to provide a separate stream or service to each person inside the vehicle who requires a stream or service. The connections to users inside the vehicle are made using a multiplexed Bluetooth signal. Group repeaters may also provide coverage to fixed spaces, such as inside buildings and other communal areas, which are beyond the reach of nearby radio modems and where additional fibres and modems cannot be installed. See figure 16.

RADIO

MODEM

I RA MULTIPLE 2+ GHz

STREAMS

EXTERNAL WHIP

ANTENNA

GROUP

VEHICLE REPEATER PA SSE N G E R LUETOOTH COMPARTMENT LET UE O ET I HNOS DST *DE

Y

PASSENGERS

Figure 16: Group Repeater Page 27 of 68 Group repeaters preferably provide each person in a compartment with a separate full speed Internet radio stream, up to the authorised carrying capacity of that compartment. This means that for a large compartment having a capacity limit of (say) 100 passengers, the Bluetooth link should operate at a minimum of 10 Mb/s plus overheads. To avoid signal dropouts due to multipath inside the compartment, this link uses frequency diversity, which the handsets possess as described herein.

To avoid dropping streams if a heavily loaded compartment moves into an area where there is insufficient modem capacity to supply the full variety of requested streams, it is preferred that the group repeater employs a voting scheme to determine which streams are delivered to the vehicle occupants. It is further preferred that this voting scheme relies upon Internet media streams being allocated to pre-determined categories, and that voting occurs within each category, said categories ensuring that a minimum level of choice exists at all times. It is further preferred that if a user requests a stream which cannot be delivered, due to its relative unpopularity in its allocated category, that said user be offered a choice of alternatives in the same category which can be delivered.

V\IP

ANTEIW

(150)

LOCAL

ANTENNA

(165)

TOOTHER

SECTIONS

TO OTHER

SECTONS

TOOTHER

SECTnONS

L

Figure 17: Group Repeater (Functional Block Diagram) Page 28 of 68 To maximise the number of users, the group repeater preferably identifies channels carrying telecommunications, to allow channels to be subdivided as described herein.

Figure 17 shows a functional block diagram of an eight channel repeater. This is probably the maximum number of channels before the performance of the receiver (154) is unacceptably degraded.

For more than eight channels, separate group repeaters with separate antennas (150) are preferred, said repeaters sharing a common frequency reference, and obtaining the spreading codes from a common pool (168) to ensure that users are granted unique access codes.

Each channel operates similarly to the vehicle unit described herein, with outputs delivered to the Bluetooth link, and redundant functional sections eliminated. Although it is superficially desirable for group repeaters to also connect directly to laptop computers using Bluetooth, the need for secure authentication and key exchange may require laptop users to use a handset or other intervening modem device in order to access the system.

2.15 Remote Links

SATELLITE

TRANSPONDERS

PART OF GATEWAY SEE NOTES 1.2&3

UPLINK

MATRIX TRANSCEIVEF SWITCH (NARROW)

ETC

REMOTE AREA PUBLIC PASSENGER ACCESS -AIRCRAFT RELAY SITE r NOTE 1 UPLINK TRANSCEIVER (NARROW) HANDLES INTERNET RADIO STREAMS. INTERNET DATA.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SYSTEM COMMANDS AND DATA FOR PRIVATE USERS AND RELAY SITES.

NOTE 2: UPLINK TRANSCEIVER (WIDE) HANDLES INTERNET TV FOR PRIVATE USERS.

NOTE 3: UPLINK TRANSCEIVER (AIRCRAFT) HANDLES INTERNET MEDIA STREAMS. INTERNET DATA.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SYSTEM COMMANDS AND DATA FOR AIRCRAFT.

4xHF TO 300 km

NGE

JNIT LON

VEH

ITINERANT

USERS

LONG

RANGE

HANDSET

LONG RANGE VEHICLE UNIT NG RANGE IICLE UNIT

UHF

1 km

EXTENDED

HANDSET

LONG

RANGE

HANDSET

LONG RANGE VEHICLE UNIT l

EXTENDED

HF HANDSET 1 km Figure 18: Remote Links Showing Private Public Access 2.15.1 Satellite Uplink Transceiver Each gateway feeds at least two types of microwave satellite transceiver. One type of transceiver provides bidirectional links for Internet radio, Internet data, telecommunications and system commands, for users in remote areas. Another type of transceiver provides an uplink for Internet TV.

To maximise the number of users without exceeding the capacity of the satellite link, it is preferred that.the bandwidth or data rate per user is flexibly allocated, up to that used in local links.

Page 29 of 68 To alleviate the problem of a remote link being unable to supply the full variety of requested streams, it is preferred that the gateway employs a voting scheme to determine which streams are delivered to said link. It is further preferred that this voting scheme relies upon Internet media streams being allocated to pre-determined categories, and that voting occurs within each category, said categories ensuring that a minimum level of choice exists at all times, across the range of categories. It is further preferred that if a user serviced by said link requests a stream which cannot be delivered, due to its relative unpopularity within its allocated category, that said user be offered a choice of other streams in the same category which can be delivered.

To provide redundancy and maximise flexibility, it is preferred that any or all gateways should be able to send data to the satellite transponder.

2.15.2 Satellite Transponder In the forwards direction, meaning towards users, one type of transponder relays Internet radio, Internet data, telecommunications and system commands, and another type of transponder relays Internet TV. In the reverse direction, meaning towards the gateway, another transponder relays traffic generated by users including requests for service, Internet data and telecommunications, and also data generated by downstream equipment.

2.15.3 Satellite Downlink Transceiver (Version for Private Access) Downlink transceivers for private access include the means to receive a satellite downlink sufficient to accommodate at least one Internet radio stream, telecommunications channel and Internet data channel, together with necessary system commands. Said transceiver may include an additional means of receiving a satellite downlink sufficient to accommodate at least one Internet TV stream. The user's satellite transceiver also includes the means to transmit at least one telecommunications channel and Internet data channel, together with data generated by downstream equipment, to a satellite transponder.

Said transceiver is connected to the high speed data bus of a long range set top box described herein, said bus conveying services, data and commands in both directions.

2.15.4 Satellite Downlink Transceiver (Version for Public Access) The downlink transceiver for public use is similar to that for private use, except that it possesses sufficient capacity to provide a separate Internet radio stream, Internet data channel or telecommunications channel to multiple users, the number of multiple users being equal to that serviced by the relay site described herein. Said transceiver may include an additional means of receiving a satellite downlink sufficient to accommodate one or more Internet TV streams, for relaying to users via locally connected TV transponders, said users being within range of the signal transmitted by said transponders.

Said transceiver is connected to the high speed data bus of a long range set top box described herein, said bus conveying services, data and commands in both directions.

2.15.5 Long Range Set Top Box The long range set top box for private use is similar to a standard set top box, except that the user side communicates over a high speed data bus utilising USB or Firewire. This bus provides a means of peer-to-peer transfer of services, data and commands between all equipment connected to the long range set top box, as managed by said long range set top box.

Page 30 of 68 The long range set top box includes a Bluetooth radio link to wirelessly connect handsets and remote control units. The long range set top box includes a means of assessing signal strength and channel quality, so that if a handset moves out of range of said Bluetooth link, the long range set top box hands communications off from said Bluetooth link to another device connected to the high speed data bus, said device either being a local transceiver or long range transceiver as described herein.

The long range set top box includes a means of being connected to a second long range set top box using a cable or broadband duplex wireless link, to allow two long range set top boxes to share a single satellite downlink transceiver.

PORTABLE LOW POWER PORADIO RADIO LINKS RADIO *EOT F C7

CONTROL

Figure 19: Long Range Set Top Box Connections 2.15.6 Local Transceiver The local transceiver (LT) is a duplex low power UHF transceiver, which provides a means of communication with an extended handset or long range handset which moves outside the range of the Bluetooth radio link included in a long range set top box. The maximum communication range of an Page 31 of 68 LT depends on its transmitter power, but is preferably at least 1 km. The radio link is digitally encrypted. The LT does not communicate with a standard handset, due to the lack of suitable UHF capability in said standard handset.

The LT is connected to the high speed data bus of a long range set top box, said bus conveying services, data and commands in both directions. The LT preferably operates with an omnidirectional UHF whip antenna, which may be mounted on the case of said LT.

2.15.7 Long Range Transceiver 2.15.7.1 General Figure 20: Long Range Transceiver (Functional Block Diagram) The long range transceiver (LRT) is a duplex medium power HF/UHF transceiver, which provides a means of communication with long range vehicle units and long range handsets. The maximum communications range depends on transmitter power, antenna characteristics and propagation, but in good conditions may extend to several hundred km. One LRT is required for each long range vehicle unit or long range handset.

Page 32 of 68 If signals are strong and channel quality is good, the LRT automatically uses UHF. If signals are too weak or channel quality too poor for UHF, the LRT automatically uses HF. The method of establishing an HF or UHF link is described in the section titled "Automatic Link Establishment", and the method of synthesising HF duplex is described in the section titled "Synthesis of HF Duplex".

The LRT is connected to the high speed data bus of a long range set top box, said bus conveying services, data and commands in both directions.

Referring to figure 20, the high speed data bus contains address information, digitised audio, and type of service. The bus interface extracts audio addressed to the LRT, and passes it to the audio switch for routing to either the UHF or HF section of the transceiver as required.

Signals which are routed to the UHF section are processed as follows. Telecommunications signals bypass the digital encryption unit, because they are already encrypted. Internet radio streams and Internet web pages receive low-level encryption, sufficient to protect privacy. Email receives high level encryption. The signal is then shaped and passed to the UHF transceiver for transmission using GMSK modulation.

Signals which are routed to the HF section are processed somewhat differently. Telecommunications signals are decrypted, converted to analog, and encrypted again in the analog domain. This encryption is at a lower level than that normally used for telecommunications, to conserve bandwidth. The encrypted analog signal is then broken into a series of blocks with silence in between, as described herein under "Synthesis of HF Duplex". This function is performed by the block time compandor. The blocks are then applied to the HF transceiver. Internet radio and Internet data bypass the "A5 or equivalent" box, and Internet data also bypasses the block time compandor.

The monitor/controller monitors signal strength and channel quality, processes gateway commands and user requests, calculates the expected signal strength according to frequency, controls the transceivers, presets the antenna tuning unit (ATU), and performs all other necessary supervisory and control functions.

The transmitter power is expected to be around 5 watts for UHF, and 20 watts pep for HF. On HF, the LRT automatically reduces the output power to the lowest level which provides acceptable channel quality, to minimise interference to other users.

The HF section of the LRT preferably operates in conjunction with an outdoor antenna suitable for near-vertical incidence skywave (NVIS), such as a delta or similar antenna. The UHF section of the LRT preferably operates in conjunction with an outdoor elevated omnidirectional whip.

To allow an LRT to be located close to an antenna, to minimise UHF feedline loss, the front panel may be removed and mounted at a convenient location for the user. When used in this manner, the front panel controls the LRT through the high speed data bus which is connected to both units.

2.15.7.2 Group Broadcast and Intercom Modes Where a user has more than one LRT, said LRTs normally operate on different frequencies in order to supply independent services to outlying users. However there may be occasions when outlying users wish to share the same transmission from an LRT, or else communicate directly with each other.

These modes are called group broadcast and intercom respectively.

To achieve group broadcast mode, the receivers of outlying users are automatically tuned to the same frequency, and the transmitters of said users are also tuned to the same frequency, and set to voice operated transmit to allow voice break-in. The broadcast is channelled through a single LRT.

Page 33 of 68 To achieve intercom mode between two outlying users, the HIF receive and transmit frequencies of both users are automatically set to be the same, and the UHF receiver of one user is automatically tuned to the UHF transmitter of the other user and vice versa.

To operate in these modes, the equipment uses a common encryption key and is synchronised as a group.

2.15.8 Bus Extender The bus extender is a low power duplex broadband UHF transceiver, which allows a single satellite transceiver to be shared with another similar site (referred to as "Secondary Site" in figure 19). The bus extender has sufficient bandwidth to convey at least one of each service, which include Internet radio, Internet TV, Internet data, and telecommunications. The link is encrypted. The bus extender preferably operates in conjunction with an outdoor yagi antenna, to minimise the beamwidth and risk of interference to other users.

2.15.9 Extended Handset The extended handset is functionally similar to the standard handset, except that it also includes a duplex UHF transceiver which may comprise a repackaged version of a local transceiver (LT) described herein.

Upon switch-on and occasionally thereafter, the handset initially searches for a Bluetooth signal from a device belonging to this system. If it finds a Bluetooth signal of sufficient strength and quality, it automatically establishes a Bluetooth radio link with said device. If it is unable to find a Bluetooth signal of sufficient strength and quality, it then searches for a signal from a radio modem. If it finds one of sufficient strength and quality, it automatically establishes a wireless link with the modem. If it is unable to find a modem signal of sufficient strength and quality, the handset switches to its internal UHF transceiver and searches for a signal from an LT. If it finds a UHF signal of sufficient strength and quality from an LT, it automatically establishes a UHF link with said LT.

Note that the UHF frequency corresponds to that of an LT, not an LRT. This is to avoid interfering with a UHF link between an LRT and a long range vehicle unit or long range handset.

The extended handset preferably operates in conjunction with a UHF whip antenna, which may be mounted on or in the case of said handset.

2.15.10 Long Range Handset The long range handset is functionally similar to the extended handset described herein, except that it also includes a duplex HF/UHF transceiver which may comprise a repackaged version of an LRT.

Upon switch-on and occasionally thereafter, the handset initially searches for a Bluetooth signal from a device belonging to this system. If it finds a Bluetooth signal of sufficient strength and quality, it automatically establishes a Bluetooth radio link with said device. If it is unable to find a Bluetooth signal of sufficient strength and quality, it then searches for a signal from a radio modem. If it finds one of sufficient strength and quality, it automatically establishes a wireless link with the modem. If it is unable to find a modem signal of sufficient strength and quality, the handset switches to its internal UHF transceiver and searches for a UHF signal from an LRT. If it finds a UHF signal of sufficient strength and quality from an LRT, it automatically establishes a UHF link with said LRT. If it is unable to find a UHF signal of sufficient strength and quality, the handset switches to its internal HF transceiver and searches for an HF signal from an LRT. If it finds an HF signal of sufficient strength and quality from an LRT, it automatically establishes an HF link with said LRT. The establishment Page 34 of 68 and maintenance of the HF link is similar to that described under "Automatic Link Establishment" herein.

Note that the UHF frequency corresponds to that of an LRT, not an LT. For greater flexibility, the long range handset may include a means of changing the UHF frequency between that belonging to an LRT and that belonging to an LT.

To accommodate the additional circuitry, the long range handset is physically larger than an extended handset.

The HF section of the long range handset preferably operates in conjunction with an antenna suitable for near-vertical incidence skywave (NVIS), such as a low horizontal element, delta or other similar antenna. The UHF section of the long range handset preferably operates in conjunction with an omnidirectional whip, or else be combined with the HF antenna.

2.15.11 Long Range Vehicle Unit 2.15.11.1 General The long range vehicle unit comprises a standard vehicle unit, plus ancillary items including a long range adaptor, antenna tuning unit, mobile NVIS antenna, and mobile UHF antenna. The ancillary items add a means of communicating with an LRT on HF or UHF, according to signal strength and channel quality, and also communicating with an extended handset on UHF, said handset being beyond the range of the vehicle unit's Bluetooth link. Figure 21 shows the configuration of a long range vehicle unit.

HF MOBILE UHF ""ANCILLRY. TEMSTO MODEM NOTE: ACCORDING TO USER PREFERENCE, NHF MOBILE UHF NVERT STANCIL DARD ITEMS TO THE FM RECEIVER (64) MAY BE REPLACED BY NVIS MOBILE CONVERTSTANDARD ANTENNA ANTENNA ANTENNA VEHICLE UNIT TO LONG (54 1 EXTERNAL SPEAKERS (64B) OR UNSPECIFIED RANGE VEHICLE UNIT. AUDIO EQUIPMENT (64C) AS PER FIGURE 9.

HF&

SLONG R VEHICLE

SIGNAL

RANGE UNIT ANTENNA HF ADAPTR IBASEBAND ,a f ee TUNING UNIT I I FREE-TO-AIR FM RECEIVER (64) STATIONS (AM/FM) DC POWER DC POWER (5 9 Figure 21: Long Range Vehicle Unit 2.15.11.2 Long Range Adaptor The long range adaptor includes a duplex UHF/HF transceiver (304) (309), which provide the means of communicating with an LRT at medium to long distances. These items are similar to those contained in an LRT, but differently packaged. For a description of operation see the section "Long Range Transceiver".

The long range adaptor also includes a second duplex UHF transceiver (301), which provides the means of communicating with an extended handset up to a km or more from a vehicle. This transceiver is similar to an LT, but differently packaged. For a description of operation see the section titled "Local Transceiver".

Page 35 of 68 The long range adaptor includes antenna diplexers (302, 305, 306) to allow both UHF transceivers to operate simultaneously without interference. The baseband input/output port (307) of the long range adaptor connects to the baseband I/O port (58) of a vehicle unit, said port providing the means of transferring all services, data and commands between the adaptor and the host vehicle unit. The long range adaptor also includes an additional means (308) of controlling an antenna tuning unit described herein. Figure 22 shows the functional block diagram.

UHF ATU HF SIMILAR TO LOCAL TRANSCEIVER (TRANSMIT PATH) DIGITAL UHF DUPLEX DIPLEX ENCRYPTION TRANSCEIVER (3 05 (300) (301) 3 0 2 SIMILAR TO LONG RANGE TRANSCEIVER (TRANSMIT PATH) DIGITAL UHF DUPLEX ENCRYPTION TRANSCEIVER I (303) (304) 0 5 (RECEIVE PATH) SIGNAL STRENGTH DATA CHANNEL REQUESTS SET MODE, CHANNEL, ENCRYPTION LEVEL ETC Figure 22: Long Range Adaptor Upon switch-on and occasionally thereafter, the host vehicle unit searches for a signal from a radio modem. If it finds a modem signal of sufficient strength and quality, it ensures that any long range Page 36 of 68 adaptor which might be connected is deactivated, and automatically establishes a short range radio link with said modem. If it is unable to find a modem signal of sufficient strength and quality, it deactivates its RF front-end and commands the long range adaptor to become active.

When the long range adaptor becomes active, controller (308) causes transceiver (304) to search for a UHF signal from an LRT. If it finds a UHF signal of sufficient strength and quality from an LRT, it performs a handshaking sequence in which each unit attempts to authenticate the other unit, and if authentication is successful, transceiver (304) establishes a UHF radio link with said LRT. If it is unable to find a UHF signal of sufficient strength and quality, or if authentication fails, the adaptor deactivates transceiver (304), activates HF transceiver (309), and searches for an HF signal from an LRT. If it finds an HF signal of sufficient strength and quality from an LRT, it performs a handshaking sequence in which each unit attempts to authenticate the other unit, and if authentication is successful, transceiver (309) establishes an HF radio link with said LRT. The establishment and maintenance of the HF link is further described in the section herein titled "Automatic Link Establishment".

2.15.12 Antenna Tuning Unit

LOW-LOSS

CABLE TO HF MOBILE NVIS

ANTENNA

INPUT

CONNECTOR

Figure 23: Antenna Tuning Unit The automatic antenna tuning unit (ATU) provides the means of tuning and matching the mobile NVIS antenna to the HF transmitter section of the long range adaptor described herein. The means of tuning and matching is provided by series and shunt reactive elements, and may include transformers, which are switched or varied using relays or other means until the impedance presented to the transmitter is brought to 50 ohms non-reactive or other convenient value, as monitored by an internal directional coupler. Figure 23 shows a representation of an ATU.

If the frequency of the HF transmitter is changed, the long range adaptor immediately notifies the ATU of the new frequency, to allow it to pre-tune. When the next transmission commences, the ATU monitors the reflected power and adjusts the tuning and matching elements to reduce this power to zero. It then stores the final settings in non-volatile memory, so that the next time this frequency is selected, the correct ATU tuning settings are recalled prior to transmission. If the frequency has not been used before, the ATU attempts to interpolate the correct settings from those stored during previous sessions.

The ATU also monitors the reflected power during transmit, so that if the antenna characteristics change, retuning immediately occurs. If the ATU detects severe mistuning, it may command the associated HF transmitter to reduce power until correct tuning is restored. The ATU may also includes a means of bypassing the tuning and matching networks using a selective network or diplexer, to enable the reception of signals on free-to-air FM or AM frequencies using the mobile NVIS antenna. Figure 24 shows the functional block diagram.

Page 37 of 68 VEHICLE I HFBANDSTOP SELECTIVE UNIT FREE-TO-AIR FILTER NETWORK HF MOBILE AM/FM SIGNALS NVIS

ANTENNA

HF SIGNALS DIRECTIONAL LC MATCHING COUPLER NETWORK

LOW-LOSS

LONG CABLE

RANGE

ADAPTOR CONTROL ADPOTRL CONTROLLER

NON-VOLATILE

STATUS

MEMORY

Figure 24: Antenna Tuning Unit (Functional Block Diagram) 2.15.13 Mobile NVIS Antenna The HF section of the long range adaptor preferably operates in conjunction with an antenna suitable for near-vertical incidence skywave (NVIS), such as an inclined whip, "towel rail" (a roof-mounted horizontal element) or other antenna with enhanced directivity in the vertical direction over the range of HF frequencies used by this system. The antenna may include frequency selective networks such as lumped or distributed filters or diplexers to allow it to operate efficiently on free-to-air AM and FM broadcast frequencies. The antenna may require a special base insulator with extended surface tracking distance to minimise signal loss when wet.

2.15.14 Mobile UHF Antenna The UHF section of the long range adaptor preferably operates in conjunction with an omnidirectional whip mounted on the vehicle. Suitable locations include the vehicle roof, gutter, and windscreen.

2.16 Remote Links (Public Access) 2.16.1 Sharing of Private Facilities To increase system utilisation and make use of the spare capacity of private systems in remote areas, long range vehicle units and long range handsets may include a means of generating and transmitting an alert signal on a paging channel. If this alert signal is sent within range of a private user in a remote area, and said private user has set his or her long range set top box to recognise alert signals, said long range set top box either notifies said private user of the access request, or else grants it and notifies the gateway. If the long range set top box notifies the user of an external access request, said user can accept or reject the access request. If an access request is granted, said user retains priority and can seize that channel for his or her own use. The gateway includes a means of adjusting user accounts to compensate them for the use of their equipment by third parties. This form of access is limited to spare LRTs, and may use either HF or UHF.

2.16.2 Access via Isolated Modem/s In remote areas, to provide local access where people tend to congregate, a satellite downlink transceiver capable of handling multiple channels of Internet radio, Internet data and telecommunications may feed one or more radio modems, said modems allowing standard vehicle units and handsets to be used in the vicinity. In like manner, a satellite downlink transceiver capable Page 38 of 68 of handling Internet TV streams may feed a TV transponder, said transponder allowing Internet TV streams to be received and viewed by suitably equipped users in the vicinity as described herein.

2.16.3 Access via Relay Site To service travellers and other itinerant users of long range vehicle units and long range handsets in remote areas, a number of relay sites may be installed across these areas in grid formation. Each relay site includes a downlink satellite transceiver capable of delivering up to four channels of Internet radio, Internet data and telecommunications, together with one LRT per channel. Due to cositing considerations, it is not expected that more than four LRTs would be installed at any one site.

Each LRT provides a means of transmitting and receiving services, data and commands using the HF and UHF radio links provided by the LRTs. Relay sites also include a controller, which may be a cutdown version of the controller used in the long range set top box described herein. The satellite downlink transceiver, LRTs, controller and any other equipment deemed necessary communicate over a high speed data bus utilising USB or Firewire. This bus provides a means of peer-to-peer addressing and data transfer between all equipment connected to said bus, under the supervision of the controller, said data including services, data and commands in both directions. Figure 25 shows the general configuration.

The HF section of the relay site preferably operates in conjunction with an antenna suitable for nearvertical incidence skywave (NVIS), such as a low horizontal element, delta or other similar antenna.

Separate antennas may be used for transmit and receive. The UHF section of the relay site preferably operates in conjunction with an elevated omnidirectional whip.

To help alleviate HF cositing problems, a version of the relay site may utilise separate sites for HF transmit and HF receive, which may be wirelessly connected using a bus extender or other similar means. In that particular version, the HF sections of the LRTs transmit at one site and receive at the other, creating the opportunity to eliminate unused HF receive and transmit sections from the LRTs.

Figure 26 shows the general configuration.

Page 39 of 68 S SATELLITE TRANSPONDER LONG RANGE VEHICLE UNIT LONG RANGE VEHICLE UNIT VEHICLE LONG RANGE VEHICLE UNIT LONG RANGE

HANDSET

UPLINK

TRANSCEIVER DOWNLINK TRANSCEIVER UHF HF HF (NOTE 1) RCV XMIT GATEWAY CONTROLLER A (NOTE 2) 'TICAL FIBRE AVAILABLE O ILONG RANGE RELAY SITE)

TRANSCEIVER

S LONG RANGE MODEM TRANSCEIVER UHF HF (NOTE 1) ANTENNA LONG RANGE COMBINERS

TRANSCEIVER

LONG RANGE

TRANSCEIVER

SYSTEM

CONTROLLER

NOTE 1: USE DOWNLINK TRANSCEIVER OR MODEM BUT NOT BOTH.

NOTE 2: PART OF LONG-RANGE SET-TOP-BOX.

Figure 25: Relay Site (Co-located HF Transmitters Receivers) Page 40 of 68

SATELLITE

TRANSPONDER

UHF HF TRANSMIT TRANSMIT RECEIVE ONLY UHF HF

ANTENNA

COMBINERS

LONG RANGE VEHICLE UNIT SLONG RANGE VEHICLE UNIT LONG RANGE VEHICLE UNIT LONG RANGE

HANDSET

HF RECEIVE SITE

BUS

EXTENDER

CONTROLLER

(NOTE 2) LONG RANGE TCVR (NOTE 4) LONG RANGE TCVR (NOTE 4) LONG RANGE TCVR (NOTE 4) LONG RANGE TCVR (NOTE 4) NOTE 1: USE DOWNLINK TRANSCEIVER OR MODEM BUT NOT BOTH.

NOTE 2: PART OF LONG-RANGE SET-TOP-BOX.

NOTE 3: FITTED WITH HF TRANSMITTER AND UHF TRANSCEIVER ONLY.

NOTE 4: FITTED WITH HF RECEIVER ONLY.

Figure 26: Relay Site (Separate HF Transmitters Receivers) Page 41 of 68 2.16.4 Aircraft Passengers To deliver services to aircraft passengers, one or more gateways may feed a satellite uplink transceiver capable of delivering multiple channels of Internet media streams, Internet data and telecommunications to a satellite transponder, said transponder possessing a footprint which covers the flight path of the aircraft.

Aircraft equipped for this system include an omnidirectional antenna suitable for receiving the satellite transponder downlink, said antenna being either omnidirectional or automatically steered.

This antenna drives a satellite downlink transceiver capable of handling multiple channels of Internet media streams, Internet data and telecommunications. Said downlink transceiver is connected to a group repeater, which translates all services, data and commands to a form suitable for transmission to passengers in said aircraft using a Bluetooth wireless link. To use these services, said passengers may use any of the handsets described herein which possess Bluetooth capability, or similar devices provided by the airline. Figure 27 shows the functional block diagram.

HIGH POWER

TRANSPONDER

O7 MNI-DIRECTIONAL SATELLITE ANTENNA PASSENGER COMPARTMENT

UPLINK

TRANSCEIVER

DOWNLINK HANDSET GATEWAY TRANSCEIVER BLUETOOTH I I GROUP PASSENGERS

REPEATER

HANDSET

AIRCRAFT SKIN Figure 27: Aircraft Installation 2.17 Pseudo Duplex This section only applies to HF.

Due to the requirement for frequency agility, it would be very expensive to build duplex transceivers for both ends of the link, where the same antenna is used for transmit and receive. Such transceivers would be complex, power hungry, less reliable, and likely to suffer from noisy and blocked receive channels. The only alternative is to use simplex transceivers, which alternately transmit and receive on the same channel.

Because good analog encryption employs time interleaving, which causes the gaps between words to become filled in, the output signal is (or should be) spectrally similar regardless of whether audio traffic is being passed. This makes it incompatible with voice operated transmit (VOX), because there are no gaps in the modulating signal to allow periodic changeovers from transmit to receive.

Page 42 of 68 Therefore for both Internet radio and telecommunications, the transmitter digitises the encrypted audio signal, forms it into blocks, re-clocks the blocks to speed them up slightly, and converts the blocks back to analog. This has the effect of splitting up the audio into fixed length segments, at a slightly higher pitch and tempo, with short periods of silence between each segment. During these silent periods, the transmitter switches to receive and listens for a special interrupt code from the user.

If none is received, it switches back to transmit and sends the next segment.

At the receiving end, the demodulated audio is similarly processed, except that the blocks are slowed down and rejoined. Providing the transmitter and receiver are properly synchronised, the resulting signal has no audible disruption.

If the user at the receiving end speaks during a telephone conversation, his equipment sends an interrupting code to the transmitting end during one of the silent periods. If the transmitting end receives this code, it stops sending. This allows the person who was speaking to hear the interruption and pause naturally. The effect is similar to normal VOX.

To avoid the possibility of both users speaking continuously at the same time, causing the system to rapidly shuttle back and forth, algorithms at each end monitor the number of break-in attempts, so that if they detect an extended period of contention, they assert the channel in one direction or the other.

If the interrupt is sent because the user selects a different station or service, the interrupting code may be followed by data and checkbits. The transmitting end pauses as before, allowing this lengthier code to be received, which includes details of the required station or service. After validating the request by comparing it against the checkbits, and possibly by performing a handshake routine, the transmitting end forwards the request to the gateway.

Because Internet data is normally sent as TCP/IP packets, it is straightforward to periodically change over to receive for short periods between said TCP/IP packets, to allow the other party to break in. In this case the receiver synchronises itself to the transmitted TCP/IP packets, so that it knows exactly when to break in. The time compression technique referred to above is therefore not necessary in this case.

2.18 Automatic Link Establishment 2.18.1 New Session In the absence of traffic, the long range transceiver (LRT) continuously monitors the allocated UHF channel and scans the HF paging channels. The HF paging channels are shared channels, used for signalling only, which are spaced across the HF operating frequency range.

To commence a new session, a long range vehicle unit or long range handset, herein called an outlying unit, transmits a request on.a UHF paging channel. If the LRT receives this request, it checks its database and performs a handshaking routine to see if the outlying unit is authorised. If it finds the user is authorised, the LRT sends an acknowledgement to the outlying unit, and forwards the request to the gateway. The gateway responds by allocating the required service, which the LRT forwards to the outlying unit.

If the outlying unit does not receive a response, indicating that it is outside the range of the UHF link, it tries again a certain number of times. If there is still no acknowledgement, it then attempts to determine the most likely HF paging channel, and resends the request there. This channel is determined from an algorithm based on the time and frequency of the most recent HF session, current time and date.

Page 43 of 68 If the outlying unit fails to receive an acknowledgement on said HF paging channel, it switches to the next HF paging channel and repeats the process, cycling through each HF paging channel until it receives an acknowledgement. When the LRT receives the request, it proceeds as for UHF, except that the service is transferred to an HF channel nominated by the FMS.

2.18.2 Modify Session If traffic is already being passed, and an outlying user wishes to change station or service, his unit requests the appropriate station or service on the current channel, which may be either UHF or HF.

Upon receiving and verifying this request, the LRT sends an acknowledgement to the user and forwards the request to the gateway. The gateway responds by allocating the required station or service which the LRT forwards to the user.

2.18.3 Check Link If an HF link is open but not passing traffic, the LRT periodically 'pings' the outlying unit and listens for a response, to see if the path is still open. If the LRT fails to receive a response after a specified number of pings, it assumes that the path has closed or interference exists. It then notifies the gateway and reverts to the idle state. To minimise interference to other users, pings may be granted specific time slots by the FMS.

2.19 Software Issues 2.19.1 Packets All signalling and control is performed by packets, which include a header followed by other data and a checksum. Preliminary estimates indicate a typical packet length of 50 to 100 bits. Examples of user generated packets include logon and logoff; user identification; request service (Internet radio, Internet TV, telecommunications or Internet data); request stream; dial telephone number; request fresh software. Other parts of the system may also generate packets, for example modems may notify the number of users, the gateway may initiate modem diagnostics or change the RF power output of a modem, etc.

2.19.2 Royalties The gateway regularly notifies the number of users per stream to the originating server of each stream.

This data provides content providers with the ability to automatically calculate the level of royalties of program material, based on number of listeners or viewers. Since only aggregate data is sent, not the identities of individual users, privacy concerns are avoided.

3 EQUIPMENT OPERATION 3.1 Front Panel This section illustrates the general manner of operation of the vehicle unit, which is broadly representative of the other units. Only the radio mode is discussed, because in Internet data or telecommunications mode, the unit is controlled through the computer or handset respectively. The information in this section is for illustration only, and is likely to evolve further.

Referring to figure 8, the vehicle unit is similar in appearance and operation to an ordinary car radio, except that it is not possible to select Internet media streams unless they have been programmed into the unit. This limitation does not apply to the reception of free-to-air radio stations (and free-to-air TV stations if the vehicle unit is appropriately equipped), because in this case the receiver frequency may be directly controlled by the user.

Page 44 of 68 To receive a station, the user either rotates the tuning knob, or presses a station button, including BND if necessary. The knob provides access to a potentially unlimited number of stations, assuming they have been programmed in, and the buttons provide quick access to a smaller number of favourites. Favourites are assigned to the station buttons in the same manner as most conventional car radios, which is by selecting a station with the knob, and then pressing the desired button and holding it down for about a second. The USR button allows different users to store different sets of stations and other preferences. The SHOW button lists the favourites on screen, together with the numbers corresponding to the knob, band, and button number, and the MENU button provides access to other features such as pin number access, alert signal generation if a long range adaptor is fitted, etc.

Stations are entered or modified by pressing EDIT, causing a cursor appear under a letter, number or field at the last edit position. The letter, number or field is changed by turning the knob, and the cursor is moved by pressing NEXT or PREV. Letters and numbers can be inserted or deleted from strings by pressing INS or DEL, and unwanted stations deleted by pressing DEL. Configuration items are set up by pressing EDIT twice in quick succession.

3.2 Other Setup Methods A website associated with the gateway allows users to log on, and after authentication, to call up their settings, edit them, and have them downloaded to their vehicle unit, set top box or handset as applicable. Users can also dial into an automated telephone service, which allows them to choose stations and equipment options by pressing buttons on their telephone, which are then downloaded to their vehicle unit, set top box or handset as applicable.

Claims (20)

1. 2. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claim 1, which includes gateways which: include high speed computer servers to interface to external communications nodes and networks, said nodes and networks providing the services described herein; include connections to other gateways belonging to this system to share the load and create redundancy; include a means of storing and issuing software used by devices throughout the system, said means herein called a system software server; include a means of buffering and re-clocking to smooth the flow of data to and from the servers and interfaces mentioned in 2(a) to 2(c) inclusive; include a bidirectional matrix switch connected to the means of buffering and re-clocking, the purpose of said matrix switch being to route packets between the means of buffering and re-clocking on one side of said switch and virtual ports on the other side of said switch; Page 47 of 68 include a means of packeting/depacketing, said means converting the raw data coming from the virtual ports of the matrix switch into packets recognised by this systemn, said packets being intended for sending to users; include a means of packeting/depacketing, said means converting the packets received from users into raw data to be fed to the virtual ports of the matrix switch; include a means of multiplexing packets to be sent to users, and demultiplexing packets received from users; include a means of encrypting data to be sent to users, and decrypting data received from users; may employ synchronous clocking and accurate timingto ensure the correct routing and addressing of data passing through the matrix switch; may include a means of storing the history of usage of Internet media streams according to the time of day and the day of the week, said history being used to determine when said streams should be opened, in order to eliminate the time required to open new streams with the originating server, thereby ensuring said streams are available immediately upon request; include a means of identifying the service requested by each user, to enable the selection of the appropriate hardware and software necessary to deliver said service to said user; (mn) include registers to store and update the location of users including visitors; include a means of applying the correct address to packets destined for users, as determined from the location of said users; include a means of ensuring the efficient operation, diagnostics, supervision, and control of the system; are substantially as herein described with reference to figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
2. 3. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-2, which includes a frequency management sub-system which: may be co-located with a gateway; may receive and process ionospheric data received from ionospheric sounders located in or around remote areas, said processing yielding real-time radio propagation parameters for the frequencies and locations of interest; stores details of users who have been allocated a high frequency wireless channel; for each allocated high frequency wireless channel, regularly calculates the minimum distance for channel re-use; processes requests for high frequency wireless channels, said requests originating from users in remote areas who require a high frequency wireless channel; Page 48 of 68 in response to a request for a high frequency wireless channel, may compile a list of available channels and send them to the requester; from time to time may automatically request and receive quality of service data from devices which have been allocated a high frequency wireless channel, said data being used to update the database of said sub-system; may regularly examine the data at its disposal in order to identify the optimum allocation of high frequency wireless channels to users; may send commands to devices which have been allocated a high frequency wireless channel, said commands being recognised by said devices, causing them to automatically change channel and/or power; may periodically request updates on the status of allocated high frequency wireless channels, to determine if they are still being used, and if not, to de-allocate them; is substantially as herein described with reference to figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.
3. 4. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-3, which includes local links which: deliver packets to local areas using one or more of optical fibre, coaxial cable, hybrid-fibre coax, microwave, and technologies not otherwise mentioned herein; may employ frequency, wavelength or time division multiplexing or a combination thereof, to allow data from this system to coexist with data from other current and future services including those of third parties, without mutual interference; include all necessary means of switching routing multiplexing and demultiplexing to ensure packets are efficiently routed and delivered to their intended destination; include a means of establishing short range wireless connections with mobile and portable users, said means herein called radio modems; include a means of establishing hardwired connections with fixed users, said means herein called set top box modems; include a means of converting selected Internet media streams to signals on a frequency in a free-to-air radio or TV broadcast band and transmitting them to portable and mobile users, said means herein called media transponders; are substantially as herein described with reference to figures 2, 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-4, which includes remote links which: deliver packets to remote areas using a combination of satellite links, ultra high frequency wireless links, high frequency wireless links, and Bluetooth short range wireless links according to the required communications range; Page 49 of 68 may include optical fibre, coaxial cable, hybrid-fibre coax, microwave, and other terrestrial technologies if available or suitable; at the gateway end may include a voting scheme which: i. relies upon Internet media streams being allocated to pre-determined categories; ii. examines requests for media streams and determines their category, said requests arriving from the remote link; iii. within each category, sorts the requested streams into order of popularity; iv. within each category, truncates the list of streams such that only the most popular are available for selection, up to the capacity of the remote link; v. for stream requests which fall below the threshold of truncation, offers the user a choice of streams which are available in the same category; vi. is designed to ensure that a minimum level of choice exists at all times across the range of categories; at the gateway end may include a means of allocating and optimising high frequency communications channels used by the system, said means herein called a frequency management sub-system; at the gateway end include satellite uplink transceivers which: i. provide a means of transmitting multiple narrowband channels to a satellite transponder, said channels conveying Internet radio streams, Internet data, telecommunications, other unspecified narrowband traffic, data and commands; ii. include a means of transmitting multiple wideband channels to a satellite transponder, said channels conveying Internet TV streams, other unspecified wideband traffic, data and commands; iii. include a means of receiving multiple narrowband channels from a satellite transponder, said channels conveying Internet radio streams, Internet data, telecommunications, other unspecified narrowband traffic, data and commands; iv. may flexibly allocate bandwidth to maximise channel usage; include one or more satellite transponders which: i. possess a footprint on the user side to illuminate a wide area; ii. may possess a footprint to illuminate aircraft flight paths; at the user end include downlink transceivers which: i. include a means of receiving one or more narrowband or wideband channels from a satellite transponder; ii. include a means of transmitting one or more narrowband channels to a satellite transponder; Page 50 of 68 iii. may flexibly allocate bandwidth to maximise channel usage; iv. may be connected to a means of processing and distributing services, said means herein called a long range set top box; v. may be connected to an isolated cluster of one or more radio modems in a remote area where people are likely to congregate; vi. may be connected to a relay site; are substantially as herein described with reference to figures 2 and 18 of the accompanying drawings.
4. 6. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-5, which includes radio modems which: may be mounted on utility poles, catenary wires and other convenient support structures in streets, roads, tunnels, industrial estates, recreational venues and other locations close to prospective users; are suitably located around the service area and use staggered centre frequencies to achieve cellular coverage; include a means of multi-user access, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access, frequency division multiple access, or a combination of these or other methods; include a coaxial, optical or other interface on the input or non-user side of the modem; include an omnidirectional or other wide area antenna on the output or user side of the modem, said antenna providing short range wireless connections to users; include a means of recognising packets addressed to users served by said modem, and performing all necessary processing on these packets to reduce the data rate, buffer the data, and transmit it to said users through the short range wireless connection; apply a unique spreading or other multi-user code to the packets destined for each user served by the modem; provide a data rate to users which is sufficient for good quality stereo audio; may include a means of sub-dividing one or more data channels in the downlink direction to enable more users to be accommodated, for services which do not require a full-speed channel; may include a means of reducing the data rate of channels in the downlink direction to ensure graceful degradation if the total number of usersfor said modem exceeds its nominal capacity; include a means of handing off Internet radio streams to radio transponders described herein; include a means of receiving stream-related information from or originated by transponders and transmitting it to the users of streams transmitted by said transponders; Page 51 of 68 include a means of receiving packets from users and performing all necessary processing and packeting necessary to ensure their efficient routing and delivery to the gateway; include a means of establishing duplex wireless links with vehicle units and derivatives thereof including long range vehicle units; include a means of establishing duplex wireless links with handsets and derivatives thereof including extended handsets and long range handsets; include a means of establishing multi-channel duplex wireless links with group repeaters and derivatives thereof; include a means of establishing duplex wireless links with devices not otherwise mentioned herein; include a means of adjusting the radio frequency output power or other parameters of the modem according to commands received from the gateway; include a means of generating statistics and sending it to the gateway; include a means of performing self-test and sending the results to the gateway; are substantially as herein described with reference to figures 4, 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings.
5. 7. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-6, which includes media transponders which: provide one-way Internet radio and Internet TV streams to portable and mobile users, said streams being transmitted at low power on a free-to-air radio or TV frequency as applicable; are connected to a local link and may be mounted on convenient support structures in or near roads, recreational areas, resorts, and other outdoor locations close to prospective users; include a means of demultiplexing one or more Internet media streams addressed to said transponder, decoding said streams to analog or digital audio or TV, transmitting each such audio or TV signal as an individual modulated signal in the free-to-air FM broadcast band or UHF TV band as applicable, and notifying the frequencies of these modulated signals to the radio modems from which the stream requests originated, said modems forwarding the frequency information to the user; include a means of adjusting their frequencies, RF power output and other parameters in response to commands received from the gateway; may forward details of streams and frequencies to the gateway, to enable the gateway to supervise the allocation of streams and frequencies so that where possible, streams which are handled by adjacent transponders are assigned the same frequency; in the case of TV transponders, scramble or encrypt transmitted signals to prevent casual viewing by a third party; Page 52 of 68 may be separately referred to herein as radio transponders and TV transponders as applicable; are substantially as herein described with reference to figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.
6. 8. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-7, which includes vehicle units which: are suitable for mounting in a vehicle and being operated from the vehicle's power source; include a means of: i. searching for a radio modem, establishing a wireless connection thereto, and exchanging packets containing services as described herein with said modem; ii. adjusting its radio frequency bandwidth and/or data rate to correspond to that of the radio modem with which it is communicating; iii. identifying the type of service and selecting the appropriate hardware and software to ensure correct packeting, de-packeting, encoding, decoding and other processing; include a means of: i. converting an incoming Internet media stream to an analog or digital media signal as applicable; ii. receiving and processing analog or digital stations on free-to-air radio and TV frequencies, to produce an analog or digital audio or TV signal as applicable; iii. tuning to free-to-air radio and TV stations by varying the receiving frequency, searching for said stations by performing a frequency scan, and manually or automatically storing the frequencies where said stations are found; allow station identifiers to: i. comprise uniform resource locator (URL), frequency, channel number, stream name, station name, or description as applicable; ii. be mixed in any combination; iii. be stored and recalled using one or more of the front panel controls, internal timer calendar or other hardware or software utility, software running on a connected computer, commands received from the gateway or elsewhere, and any means not otherwise mentioned herein; allow the audio from the selected service to be: i. internally amplified and fed to external speakers; or ii. fed at low level to an external amplifier or other audio device; or iii. modulated onto a radio frequency carrier and fed to an external radio receiver tuned to a free-to-air broadcast frequency; Page 53 of 68 include a means of establishing a Bluetooth wireless link which: i. is able to deliver services including an Internet radio stream or a telecommunications channel to any of the handsets described herein; ii. is able to connect to other devices including a Bluetooth-enabled computer and a remote control unit; iii. employs a means of multiple access to allow said link to be shared by multiple devices without mutual interference; iv. employs frequency diversity or other means to reduce the occurrence of blind spots within the area of coverage of said link; include a display to show: i. information pertaining to the selection of Internet media streams and free-to-air radio stations; ii. information pertaining to program content such as program name, artist, song title, and any other relevant information received from the source; iii. information transmitted by a supplementary service such as RDS (radio data service) and Teletext; iv. information showing the type of wireless connection, system and equipment status, time and date, user prompts and warnings, help information, menus, technical parameters, diagnostic results, software version, and information not otherwise mentioned herein; include a means of: i. interpreting web pages and button presses to allow the user to interact meaningfully with said pages; ii. viewing, editing and managing stored information through the front panel facilities, a computer connected to the unit, a website connected to the gateway, or a dial-up telephone service connected to the gateway; iii. entering default parameters, performing simple diagnostics, refreshing or updating stored software, resetting the hardware, and performing any function not otherwise mentioned herein, whether initiated by the user or remotely from the gateway; may include a means for the user to quickly and easily cause: i. information to be stored for later reference, such as URL, song or video title, artist, duration, catalogue number, program name, time, date, user notes, and other information; ii. an order to be sent to a supplier via the system, in order to purchase an item heard or seen while receiving an Internet media stream; Page 54 of 68 include a means of connecting to a computer using a standard interface method including EIA-232 (serial), universal serial bus, Bluetooth as described herein, or infrared; said computer being able to: i. access the Internet; ii. be operated as an extended front panel for the host unit to allow the user to view and interact with ordinary web pages without relying on the host unit to interpret the display or keypad; iii. control or exchange data, parameters or commands with the host unit; iv. run macros or programs in response to a control being activated on the front panel of the host unit, or a command issued by a nearby remote control unit; include a means of processing email, short message service and other low speed data in the background, to avoid interruptions to other services; may monitor the power drain of an external radio receiver or other electronic equipment, such that if it detects that said receiver or other equipment has been switched on or off, said host unit automatically switches on or off in unison; perform all necessary encryption and decryption of its wireless links to ensure privacy and prevent unauthorised use of the system; are substantially as herein described with reference to figures 8, 9 and 10 of the accompanying drawings.
7. 9. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-8, which includes long range vehicle units which: include the attributes of the vehicle units described in claim 8 and its sub-clauses therein, plus additional capabilities described in this claim and its sub-clauses; comprise a vehicle unit herein referred to as the host unit, which is fitted with additional hardware referred to herein as a long range adaptor which: i. includes a means of two-way duplex radio communication with a long range transceiver, long range handset or similar device described herein, using either a high frequency wireless link or an ultra high frequency wireless link as the default, said communications conveying some or all of the services described herein; ii. includes a means wherein if a radio modem signal of sufficient strength and quality cannot be found, the long range adaptor is automatically enabled until such time as a radio modem signal appears; iii. includes a means of automatic link establishment described herein; iv. includes pseudo-duplex described herein on the high frequency wireless link; v. includes the ability to select different radio frequency bandwidths and/or data rate according to type of service; Page 55 of 68 vi. includes the ability to recognise and respond to commands received from the frequency management sub-system, said commands including selection of channel and transmitter power; vii. includes the ability to scan a list of high frequency channels and select the best one according to quality of service; viii. includes the ability to send quality of service data for its high frequency wireless link to the frequency management sub-system when required; ix. includes a means during a telephone conversation to allow either party to select the desired level of encryption for the high frequency wireless link by sending an appropriate dual-tone multi-frequency sequence; x. includes a means during a telephone conversation to periodically add a tone or other annunciation to the audio to remind the parties of the level of encryption currently employed; xi. includes the ability to transmit an alert signal on a high frequency emergency paging channel; xii. includes the ability for two or more users of similar units to share a single high frequency wireless link or ultra high frequency wireless link in group broadcast mode; xiii. includes the ability for two or more users of similar units to communicate directly with each other in intercom mode; xiv. allows the use of a common encryption key in group broadcast and intercom modes; include a means for the handset communications link belonging to the Bluetooth link on the host vehicle unit to be handed off to the ultra high frequency link belonging to the long range adaptor described herein, if said Bluetooth link is lost; also include: i. a high frequency mobile antenna suitable for near-vertical incidence skywave propagation, said antenna herein called a high frequency mobile NVIS antenna; ii. a means of tuning the high frequency mobile NVIS antenna, said means herein called an antenna tuning unit; iii. an ultra high frequency mobile antenna suitable for line-of-sight propagation; are substantially as herein described with reference to figures 21 and 22 of the accompanying drawings. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-9, which includes a handset version herein called a communicator, said communicators which: include their own power source and may be carried in the hand or pocket; Page 56 of 68 include the attributes of the vehicle units described in sub-clauses and of claim 8, except that free-to-air radio reception is not required; include a means of: i. searching for a host device which may be a vehicle unit, set top box, handset or other device belonging to this system, and establishing a Bluetooth wireless connection thereto; ii. exchanging packets containing services as described herein with said host device; iii. identifying the type of service and selecting the appropriate hardware and software to ensure correct packeting, de-packeting, encoding, decoding and other processing; include a means of: i. receiving and initiating telephone calls, short message service (SMS) traffic, and other telecommunications services; ii. setting up common telephony services such as caller ID, call diversion, call waiting, and answering machine; include a means of: i. amplifying the audio from the selected service and feeding it to an internal or external sound transducer; ii. receiving the audio from an internal or external microphone to facilitate two-way telephone communication; include a display to show information pertaining to the selection of Internet media streams, telephone numbers, caller ID; are substantially as herein described.
8. 11. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-10, which includes handsets which: include the attributes of the communicators described in claim 10 and its sub-clauses therein; include the attributes of the vehicle units described in sub-clauses and of claim 8 herein; default to the Bluetooth wireless link; if a Bluetooth signal of sufficient strength and quality cannot be found, to automatically search for and establish a wireless link with a radio modem until such time as a Bluetooth signal appears; are substantially as herein described with reference to figures 11 and 12 of the accompanying drawings. Page 57 of 68
9. 12. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-11, which includes extended handsets which: include the attributes of the handsets described in claim 11 and its sub-clauses therein; provide a means of two-way duplex ultra-high frequency radio communication with a long range set top box or long range vehicle unit described herein, and exchange packets containing services as described herein with said set top box or vehicle unit; default to the Bluetooth wireless link; if a Bluetooth signal of sufficient strength and quality cannot be found, to automatically search for and establish a wireless link with a radio modem until such time as a Bluetooth signal appears; if a radio modem signal of sufficient strength and quality cannot be found, to automatically search for a local transceiver, perform handshaking and mutual verification, and establish a two-way duplex ultra-high frequency wireless link with said transceiver until such time as a radio modem or Bluetooth signal appears; are substantially as herein described.
10. 13. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-12, which includes long range handsets which: include the attributes of the extended handsets described in claim 12 and its sub-clauses therein; include the attributes of the long range adaptor described in sub-clause of claim 9 herein; operate in conjunction with a high frequency portable antenna suitable for near-vertical- incidence-skywave propagation; include or operate in conjunction with an ultra high frequency antenna suitable for line-of- sight propagation; are substantially as herein described.
11. 14. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-13, which includes set top box modems which: may be mounted on utility poles, catenary wires and other convenient support structures close to recipients; include a coaxial or optical interface to the means of distribution; include a means of recognising packets addressed to users served by said modem, and perform all necessary processing on said packets to reduce the data rate, buffer the data, and send it to the user's set top box through a coaxial cable or other hardwired interface; may include additional means to select services from third-party providers, and perform all necessary processing, packeting and multiplexing of said services to enable them to be Page 58 of 68 delivered to the associated set top box as if they originated from within the system described herein, said services including cable TV, cable Internet, telecommunications, and/or traffic not otherwise mentioned herein; receive packets from users and perform all necessary processing required to send them to the gateway; may include a means of adjusting their operating parameters according to commands received from the gateway; may include a means of generating statistics and sending it to the gateway; may include a means of self-test and sending the results to the gateway; are substantially as herein described with reference to figures 4 and 13 of the accompanying drawings. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-14, which includes set top boxes which: are suitable for locating in a place which is accessible to the user; include the attributes of the vehicle unit described in sub-clauses to to (s) and of claim 8 herein, such that more than one of each service may be delivered; include a means of exchanging packets with a set top box modem via a hardwired interface, said packets containing services as described herein; may include provision for selecting external antennas suitable for receiving free-to-air radio and TV stations; allow selected analog or digital baseband signals to be: i. connected to the corresponding analog or digital baseband inputs on external sound or video equipment, or ii. modulated onto a corresponding number of radio frequency carrier waves and fed to external radio or TV receivers tuned to free-to-air radio or TV broadcast frequencies through coaxial cable, or else transmitted to said receivers at low power through an associated antenna; iii. for TV, modulated in a user-selectable format; include a means of delivering telecommunications services: i. to external fixed telecommunications equipment through a cable; ii. to a handset described herein via a Bluetooth wireless link; include a front panel display to show, or cause to be shown on external equipment: i. information pertaining to the selection of Internet media streams, free-to-air radio and TV stations and third party traffic; Page 59 of 68 ii. information pertaining to program content such as program name, artist, song or video title, and any other information received from the source; iii. information transmitted by a supplementary service such as RDS (radio data service) and Teletext; iv. information showing the type of wireless connection, system and equipment status, time and date, user prompts and warnings, help information, menus, technical parameters, diagnostic results, software version, and information not otherwise mentioned herein; allow details of remotely controlled external equipment to be driven from the host unit to be entered through the front panel of said host unit, causing the gateway to download the appropriate command sequences for said external equipment to said remote control unit via the host unit; allow multiple streams channels and services to be simultaneously available; are substantially as herein described with reference to figures 13, 14 and 15 of the accompanying drawings.
12. 16. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-15, which includes long range set top boxes which: include the attributes of the set top boxes described in claim 15 and its sub-clauses, excepting sub-clause therein; include a means of connection to associated equipment using a standard high speed bus such as universal serial bus (USB) orIEEE1394, referred to herein as the main bus, said bus used to convey services, data and commands between devices connected to the bus including the long range set top box as host, downlink transceiver, local transceiver, long range transceiver and bus extender; includes a means of handing off services from the host unit's Bluetooth link to a local transceiver described herein, if said services cannot be delivered by said host unit's Bluetooth link; includes a means of handing off services to a long range transceiver described herein, to enable said services to be relayed to a long range vehicle unit or long range handset; includes a means of handing off services to another long range set top box using a bus extender described herein, to allow a satellite downlink transceiver to be shared by more than one long range set top box; if an alert signal is received by a connected device, the host unit: i. notifies the owner, whether the alert signal was originated by a person normally authorised to use said owner's equipment, or not normally authorised to use said owner's equipment, said person referred to herein as the third party; ii. allows the owner to grant or deny temporary access to the third party; Page 60 of 68 iii. confines a third party who has been granted temporary access to that part of the system from the owner's long range transceiver back to the gateway; iv. includes a means of managing the encryption key for a third party who has been granted temporary access to use said owner's equipment, to ensure mutual privacy between the parties concerned; v. notifies the gateway of the details of third party access, to enable the owner to receive a rebate from the system provider in exchange for providing said access; vi. may provide all services handled by the system described herein except TV; is substantially as herein described with reference to figure 19 of the accompanying drawings.
13. 17. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-16, which includes remote control units which: are handheld and include an internal power source; include a means of searching for a set top box or other device belonging to this system, establishing a wireless connection thereto, and sending commands to said device to access all available functions; include a means of sending infrared commands to external sound or video equipment, said parameters not being controlled by the set top box; include a means of customising the infrared commands by: i. entering the details of the external sound or video equipment through the front panel of the set top box, which requests the appropriate commands for said equipment to be downloaded from the gateway to the set top box, which forwards them to the remote control units; ii. dialling into an automatic telephone service connected to the gateway and entering details of external sound or video equipment to be controlled, causing the gateway to download the appropriate commands for said equipment to the set top box, which forwards them to the remote control units; iii. logging onto a website connected to the gateway and entering details of external sound or video equipment to be controlled, causing the gateway to download the appropriate commands for said equipment to the set top box, which forwards them to the remote control units; iv. selecting learn mode, facing the remote control unit towards another remote control unit such as that provided with the external equipment, and pressing buttons on both remote control units such that commands issued from the source unit are stored by the remote control unit described herein; include a means of storing more than one infrared customisation, and quickly and easily switching between different customisations; Page 61 of 68 allow the user to associate a remote control unit with specific item of external equipment, such that commands sent via the Bluetooth link will affect the programs delivered to that equipment, but no other equipment; include a means of storing sequential commands or macros to perform more complex functions; are substantially as herein described.
14. 18. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-17, which includes local transceivers which: are connected to the main bus of a long range set top box described herein; provide a means of two-way duplex ultra-high frequency radio communication with an extended handset or long range handset described herein, and deliver services as described herein to said handset; perform all necessary encryption and decryption of its wireless link to ensure privacy and prevent unauthorised use of the system; are substantially as herein described.
15. 19. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-18, which includes long range transceivers which: include the attributes of the long range vehicle units described in sub-clauses and of claim 9, excepting sub-clauses 9(b)i and 9(b)xi; are connected to the main bus of a long range set top box described herein; provide a means of two-way duplex radio communication with a long range handset or long range vehicle unit described herein, using either a high frequency wireless link or an ultra high frequency wireless link, and delivering services as described herein to said handset or vehicle unit; may include a means of removing the front panel and connecting it remotely through the main bus or other means, to permit the unit to be more conveniently located; perform all necessary encryption and decryption of its wireless links to ensure privacy and prevent unauthorised use of the system; are substantially as herein described with reference to figure 20 of the accompanying drawings. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-19, which includes bus extenders which: are connected to the main bus of a long range set top box described herein; enable a single satellite terminal to be shared amongst two or more long range set top boxes; Page 62 of 68 provide a wideband duplex ultra-high frequency radio link between the main busses of said long range set top boxes, to enable them to operate as if hardwired together; perform all necessary encryption and decryption of its wireless link to ensure privacy and prevent unauthorised use of the system; are substantially as herein described with reference to figure 19 of the accompanying drawings.
16. 21. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-20, which includes: antenna tuning units which: i. provide a means of tuning and matching a high frequency mobile NVIS antenna to a long range vehicle unit or derivative thereof over the frequency range employed by the high frequency wireless link; ii. can be mounted in a vehicle and operate from a vehicle supply; iii. include a means of storing the tuning and matching settings for each frequency; iv. include a means of obtaining frequency information from an associated transmitter, to enable the antenna tuning unit to pre-tune and pre-match the antenna before transmission begins; v. include a means of continually monitoring the reverse radio frequency power, and making ongoing adjustments to tuning and matching, to minimise the reflected power; vi. include a means of reducing the output power of an associated transmitter if the antenna becomes severely mistuned; vii. include a means ofdiplexing or switching, to enable a mobile NVIS antenna to be used for free-to-air radio reception with reasonable efficiency; viii. are substantially as herein described with reference to figures 23 and 24 of the accompanying drawings; high frequency mobile NVIS antennas which: i. are safe and suitable for vehicle mounting; ii. provide efficient transmission and reception at near-vertical incidence angles over the range of HF frequencies used by this system; iii. may include a means of filtering or diplexing to enable the reception of free-to-air AM and FM radio stations with reasonable efficiency; ultra high frequency mobile antennas which are safe and suitable for vehicle mounting.
17. 22. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-21, which includes group repeaters which: Page 63 of 68 may be mounted in a commuter vehicle and operate from the vehicle power source; include a means of establishing multiple two-way channels with a radio modem via short range wireless connections; include a means of establishing multiple two-way Bluetooth connections with multiple user devices including any of the handsets described herein; for the Bluetooth wireless link, employ frequency diversity or other means to reduce the occurrence of blind spots within the coverage area of said link; provide a means for each user device to communicate with the radio modemn, wherein traffic may include any of the services described herein except Internet TV; for each channel may include a means of adjusting its radio frequency bandwidth and/or data rate to correspond to that of the radio modem with which it is communicating; for each channel, include a means of identifying the type of service and selecting the appropriate hardware and software to ensure correct processing of that channel; may employ a means of voting to limit the variety of Internet media streams which are decoded and sent to user devices, if the vehicle in which it is mounted enters a location where a radio modem possesses insufficient capacity to supply all requested Internet media streams; include a common frequency reference to eliminate frequency beats in the Bluetooth wireless link, if the service areas of said links belonging to two or more group repeaters overlap, said repeaters being mounted in the same vehicle; include a means of obtaining spreading codes from a shared pool, to ensure that all users served by said repeaters are granted unique spreading codes include a means of replacing the wireless connection to a radio modem by a hard-wired connection to a downlink transceiver described herein, said version and combination being suitable for mounting on board an aircraft to provide services to passengers in said aircraft; are substantially as herein described with reference to figures 16, 17 and 27 of the accompanying drawings.
18. 23. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-22, which includes relay sites which: deliver services described herein from a downlink transceiver or other broadband link to multiple long range vehicle units or long range handsets, using either high frequency wireless links or ultra high frequency wireless links; are arranged in a grid formation to provide wide-area coverage of a remote area; -may utilise a version of the long range transceiver described herein to provide the high frequency and ultra-high frequency wireless links; Page 64 of 68 may utilise a version of the long range set top box described herein to interconnect and control the devices, and also to manage the transfer of services data and commands between said devices via the high speed bus; include one or more high frequency antennas suitable for near-vertical incidence skywave propagation, and one or more ultra high frequency antennas suitable for line-of-sight propagation; may use separate transmitting and receiving antennas to minimise self-interference; may use separate transmitting and receiving sites which are wirelessly connected using a version of the bus extender; are substantially as herein described with reference to figures 25 and 26 of the accompanying drawings.
19. 24. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-23, which may use a technique of automatic link establishment wherein: the technique provides a means of automatically establishing a high frequency wireless link or ultra high frequency wireless link between two transceivers to enable services data or commands to be passed through said link, said transceivers including long range vehicle units, long range handsets, long range transceivers or derivatives thereof; the technique allows the requester to establish a link to originate at either end of said link, for any purpose whatsoever; the transceiver requesting a link is herein called the. requester and the transceiver at the other end of the link the provider; in the absence of traffic, each transceiver continuously monitors its allocated ultra high frequency wireless channel; in the absence of traffic, each transceiver scans the high frequency paging channels, said channels being reserved for signalling and spaced across the high frequency operating frequency range; in the absence of traffic, each transceiver simultaneously monitors the high frequency and ultra high frequency channels; when service is required, the requester transmits a request for service on the allocated ultra high frequency channel; if the requester does not receive an acknowledgment from the provider within a reasonable time period, it repeats the request a designated number of times; if the requester has sent a request for service on the allocated ultra high frequency channel the designated number of times without receiving an acknowledgement, it changes to a high frequency paging channel chosen according to an algorithm which attempts to determine the channel with the highest probability of success, based on the frequency and time of the most recent high frequency communication, the current time, current date, blocked channel list, and any other relevant information; Page 65 of 68 if the requester fails to receive an acknowledgement on this channel within a designated period of time, it switches to the next paging channel and repeats the process until it receives an acknowledgement; when the requester receives an acknowledgement, the requester and provider perform a handshaking sequence; after handshaking and at any time thereafter, the requester and provider may test other channels to find the best one or change to another channel; during link establishment, the requester and provider each check the authorisation of the other party; during link establishment, the long range transceiver may contact the frequency management sub-system to obtain a list of channels which can and cannot be used, and any other data or parameters such as maximum authorised power on each channel; during link establishment, the requester and provider may adjust their transmitter power to the minimum needed for reliable communication; if the link has been established in response to a need to send uplink traffic, said traffic is forwarded to the gateway; if the link has been established in response to a need to send downlink traffic, the long range transceiver notifies the gateway that it is ready to receive said traffic, upon which the gateway forwards said traffic to said long range transceiver; ifa high frequency wireless link has been established and a transceiver determines that no traffic has been passed for a designated amount of time, said device pings the other device and wait for a response to determine whether the link is still open; if a transceiver fails to receive a response after a designated number of pings, it reverts to the idle state; if the transceiver which reverts to the idle state is a long range transceiver, said unit notifies the frequency management sub-system that the channel is no longer in use, and can be allocated to other users; to minimise the probability of contention between users, pings may be granted specific time slots by the gateway; the technique is substantially as herein described. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services according to claims 1-24, which may use a technique of pseudo-duplex wherein: transmitter and receiver can operate on the same frequency and pass near-duplex traffic, without mutual interference; station can break in on station at any time, even when station is passing continuous traffic; the break-in delay can be arbitrarily short, for example less than a second; Page 66 of 68 the transmitted signals can be analog encrypted using a variety of techniques; the radio frequency bandwidth of the transmitted signals is not significantly greater than that of equivalent simplex signals; at station during transmission the analog encrypted audio signal is digitised by an analog to digital convertor, said digitised signal being formed into blocks; at station the digitised blocks are re-clocked to slightly speed them up, to produce blocks of slightly shorter duration with gaps in between; at station the re-clocked blocks are converted back to analog and transmitted; at station the transmissions comprise periods of signal interspersed with short periods of silence at regular intervals; during the periods of silence, station switches to receive and listens for an interrupt code from station said code comprising an easily recognised analog burst such as parallel tones; if station wishes to break in, said station transmits an interrupt code during a silent period; if station hears an interrupt code during a silent period, it pauses further transmissions and attempts to perform a handshake with station to confirm the validity of the interrupt code; if handshaking confirms that the interrupt code is valid, station halts transmissions and listens for station to transmit; if handshaking reveals that the interrupt code is false, or if an interrupt code is not received by station during a silent period, said station resumes transmissions and continues with the next block; at station the signals from station are received, demodulated to audio, and digitised; at station the digitised audio signal is re-clocked to slow it down and stored in a serial- in, parallel-out shift register; at station after a designated number of bits have been clocked into the shift register, the shift register bits corresponding to the active periods are batch transferred to a second shift register whereas the bits corresponding to the silent periods are ignored, said second shift register being parallel-in, serial-out; at station the signal is clocked out of the second shift register and converted back to encrypted analog by a digital to analog convertor; at station the encrypted analog signal is decrypted using the same key as at the transmitting end; operation is symmetrical; Page 67 of 68 contention is avoided if stations and are synchronised such that their silent periods alternate and are preferably equally spaced; regardless of the length of transmission, stations and may periodically interrupt each other to confirm that the channel is still open; if synchronisation is good, received signals are not audibly disrupted; the technique is substantially as herein described with reference to figures 20 and 22 of the accompanying drawings.
20. 26. A system to deliver Internet media streams, Internet data, telecommunications and third party services to fixed and mobile users substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. APPLICANT 9 April, 2003