Channel allocation for burst transmission to a diversity of satellites

A computer program product comprising computer instructions embodied in a computer readable storage medium for a method for allocating transmission channels to a plurality of devices configured to communicate with a diversity of satellites, comprising:

• a) determining the current time and self location via a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS);
• b) determining the current service areas (“footprints”) of said diversity of satellites on earth surface;
• c) defining as a mega-cell each entire area covered by the same footprints;
• d) determining a transmission cycle divided to time slots, synchronized with said GNSS signals;
• e) allocating at least one channel or one time slot to each mega-cell, wherein channels and time slots are reused in different mega-cells, and at least for two mega-cells, fewer time slots are allocated to the mega-cell served by more satellites;
• f) dividing each mega-cell into cells, at least one cell in a mega-cell;
• g) allocating different channels and/or different time slots to different cells in a mega-cell, from those allocated to the corresponding mega-cell;
• h) selecting a specific channel and a specific time slot from those allocated to the corresponding cell, according to at least one of:
• random or pseudo-random selection;
• unique identification data (ID) stored at each device;
• classification data stored and/or acquired at each device;
• the nature of data to be transmitted;
• signal/control input;
• current geographical location;
• coordination with other devices.

A communication system and device for allocating transmission channels to a plurality of such devices configured to communicate with a diversity of satellites, each of said devices comprising at least an RF transmitter coupled to a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, wherein each device is configured to:

• a) determine the current time and self location via said GNSS;
• b) determine the current service areas (“footprints”) of said diversity of satellites on earth surface;
• c) define as a mega-cell each entire area covered by the same footprints;
• d) determine a transmission cycle divided to time slots, synchronized with said GNSS signals;
• e) allocate at least one channel or one time slot to each mega-cell, wherein channels and time slots are reused in different mega-cells, and at least for two mega-cells, fewer time slots are allocated to the mega-cell served by more satellites;
• f) divide each mega-cell into cells, at least one cell in a mega-cell;
• g) allocate different channels and/or different time slots to different cells in a mega-cell, from those allocated to the corresponding mega-cell;
• h) select a specific channel and a specific time slot from those allocated to the corresponding cell, according to at least one of:
• random or pseudo-random selection;
• unique identification data (ID) stored at each device;
• classification data stored and/or acquired at each device;
• the nature of data to be transmitted;
• signal/control input;
• current geographical location;
• coordination with other devices.