Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the intelligent lighting of large areas and structures such as parking garages. Ultrasonic distance measuring sensors can be used to obtain occupancy data for the area or structure, such as a parking garage, and to control the intensities of the individual lights in the system for energy conservation. Persons in the area, e.g. parking their cars, can be shown the path to the exit by specific preset intensity level and/or color of light. In parking garage embodiments, persons in the process of parking their cars are shown the empty spots by lights of a specific intensity and/or color. The addition of passive infrared motion detectors enables the system to illuminate the area around a moving person, and alarm if a person is behaving unexpectedly. A controller can communicate with sensors and/or lighting elements by wireless or wire (cable) communication.

Abstract: A traffic environment recognition system includes units for image-processing and information-merging, a radar unit. A network is connected to the image-processing unit. The radar, information-merging, and a vehicle control unit control the traveling operation of the vehicle. The image-processing unit recognizes headway distance, the azimuth, relative speed and width of a preceding vehicle, and the lane position of the host vehicle. The radar unit recognizes headway distance, the azimuth and relative speed of the preceding vehicle. The information-merging unit receives recognition results provided by the image-processing unit. The radar unit through the network, merges and identifies those results. When the recognition results provided by the image-processing unit and the radar unit relate to the same vehicle, output information is produced by the information-merging unit to identify the vehicles as one and the same vehicle and sends the output information through the network to the vehicle control unit.

Abstract: A combination vehicle alarm and locator device. The device includes a housing, a vehicle alarm activator positioned within the housing including a transmitter for activating an alarm system on a vehicle and an infrared transmitting device located in the housing for communicating with a Global Positioning Satellite system for determining a location of the device. A key ring selectively extends from a side of the housing. The vehicle alarm activator includes an alarm activation button extending from the housing for activating the vehicle alarm activator to transmit the infrared signal. The transmitter device includes a processor, a memory device for storing identification information concerning the device and an activation button for activating the processor to retrieve the identification information from the memory for transmission to the Global Positioning Satellite system.

Abstract: A method and a device for planning a path when parking a vehicle (02) are described, in which a path (01) which comprises a first and second path arc (03; 04) is calculated on the basis of the geometry of a parking space (05) and a vehicle position relative to this parking space (05). According to the invention, at first a minimum appropriate first path arc (08) of the path (01) is calculated in order to reach a starting position as early as possible, and subsequently a possible larger first path arc (09) of the path (01) is preferably calculated as a function of an actual stopping position (13) of the vehicle (02). Furthermore, a driving assistance device for carrying out the method is described, as well as a computer program product which causes a microprocessor with associated storage means to carry out the method.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring and traffic enforcement system in which a wireless communication device is associated with motor vehicles. The device will transmit vehicle identification data which is relayed to a database which maintains current information concerning insurance law compliance, motor vehicle registration and licensing compliance, traffic citations and other information. If a violation or compliance failure is noted, this is transmitted to a law enforcement agency and a nearby law enforcement vehicle. A law enforcement officer may be required to pursue the vehicle depending on the violation and traffic conditions. The system uses GPS and GIS technology to provide law enforcement with a real time display which will not only show the vehicle being tracked but also a map of the area showing roads, traffic conditions and even the location of other law enforcement or emergency vehicles so that officials may make a safe and fast response to situations.

Abstract: There is a problem in a dual emission device emitting light out of both surfaces that an image on the surface and an image on the rear surface are different from each other (either image is mirror-reversed). A dual emission device is disclosed in which either light emitted from the light-emitting device is reflected by glass including a semi-transmissive film to display on glass an image same as another image obtained also from the light-emitting device, and simultaneously, external information can be viewed through the glass. A mirror can be arranged between the dual emission device and the glass including a semitransparent film.

Abstract: A light-emitting device and an electronic device using the same are provided. The light-emitting device includes a light-guiding plate, a circuit board, at lease one light source unit and a reflective layer. The circuit board is disposed under the light-guiding plate. The reflective layer is disposed above the light-guiding plate. The light-guiding plate has at lease one hole. The light source unit is disposed on the circuit board and within the hole. The reflective layer is disposed above the hole. The light-emitting device is disposed on one side of a part, such as a keypad, of the electronic device for providing light to the keypad.

Abstract: Methods and systems for self-description of an adaptive input device to a host computing device are herein provided. One exemplary adaptive keyboard includes one or more depressible keys and one or more touch regions, where each touch region is configured to positionally recognize a touch directed to that touch region. The adaptive keyboard may also include an adaptive imager to dynamically change a visual appearance of the one or more depressible keys and the one or more touch regions. Further, the adaptive keyboard may include firmware holding an adaptive descriptor to self-describe to the host computing device a renderable location of each of the one or more depressible keys and each of the one or more touch regions. The adaptive keyboard may further include a data link for communicating the adaptive descriptor to the host computing device.

Abstract: A key assembly includes a touching portion, and a detecting unit. The detecting unit includes a power source, a first detector, a second detector, a processor, a first resistor layer, and a second resistor layer parallel spaced from the first resistor layer. The first resistor layer includes a first end and a second end. The second resistor layer includes a third end and a fourth end. The first end is connected to a first electrode of the power source via the first detector, and the fourth end is connected to the first electrode of the power source via the second detector. The second and the third ends are connected to a second electrode of the power source. The processor electrically connected to the first detector and the second detector performs a predetermined function of the electronic device in response to electrical signals from the first and second detectors.

Abstract: An encoder encodes data into parallel codewords. Each codeword is expressed as a set of logic 0s and a set of logic 1s on two sets of output nodes. The encoder selects a current codeword which differs from the immediately preceding codeword by a fixed number of zero-to-one transitions on the first set of nodes and a fixed number of one-to-zero transitions on the second set of nodes. The current codeword is selected such that the first and second sets of nodes are different than additional nodes that contain transitions between the immediately preceding codeword and a bi-preceding codeword, and that logic values on additional nodes are unchanged between immediately preceding codeword and current codeword. A decoder decodes the codewords by comparing symbols on node pairs other than those for which transitions were expressed in the preceding code word, and decoding the results of those comparisons.

Abstract: Various embodiments are provided to reduce a processing time taken when plural bit lengths each assigned to plural strings are converted into plural codes. In one exemplary embodiment, in response to input of the plurality of bit lengths, a number of strings assigned each of the bit lengths, a bit length assigned to each of the strings, and a sequence number of each string in a group of strings assigned each of the bit lengths are recorded. A plurality of base codes are generated on the basis of the numbers of the strings recorded by the recording unit, the base codes each being a code used as a base for codes having the same one of the bit lengths. A plurality of codes is generated by performing in parallel a plurality of processes respectively for the plurality of strings.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to achieve high coding efficiency for a companded signal sequence and reduce the amount of codes. A coding method according to the present invention includes an analysis step and a signal sequence transformation step. The analysis step is to check whether or not there is a number that is included in a particular range but does not occur in a second signal sequence (a number sequence that indicates the magnitude (magnitude relationship) of original signals) and output information that indicates the number that does not occur.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog conversion circuit includes a first digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a second DAC, and a control circuit to select which DAC to use for digital-to-analog conversion of a digital signal. Concerned with the noise level produced at a given out-of-band frequency, the control circuit bases its selection of DACs, at least in part, on a frequency distance between the given out-of-band frequency and the digital signal's frequency. The control circuit, for example, may select the DAC producing the lowest noise level at that frequency distance, or, if both DACs are able to reduce noise to a level below a noise tolerance specified for the frequency distance, the DAC consuming the least power. To reduce the chip area required for the digital-to-analog conversion circuit, the first and second DACs advantageously have topologies that permit them to share common components (e.g., DAC unit elements).

Abstract: A D/A converter includes plus-side and minus-side input terminals; plus-side and minus-side D/A converters each including plural plus-side or minus-side capacitors having capacitance values weighted by the powers of two, a plus-side or minus-side output terminals connected to first electrodes of the plus-side or minus-side capacitors, and plural plus-side or minus-side switches for connecting each second electrode of the plus-side or minus-side capacitors to either the plus-side or minus-side input terminal, a plus-side reference voltage terminal or a minus-side reference voltage terminal according to plus-side or minus-side control digital signals; and plural short-circuit switches provided between identically weighted plus-side and minus-side capacitors respectively.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) includes a comparator and a supply circuit. The comparator is configured to compare an input signal to a reference signal. The supply circuit is configured to supply the reference signal. The supply circuit is configured to provide different circuit configurations for supplying the reference signal during different stages of analog-to-digital conversion such that the reference signal is scaled in substantially a same manner during at least two of the stages.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an AD converter, including, a reference voltage generator, a plurality of amplifiers, a plurality of averaging resistance elements, and a plurality of first averaging auxiliary circuits each including a first amplifier and a first resistance element.

Abstract: Anti jamming system comprising a tunable negative jamming signal feedback loop for feedback suppression of a received jamming signal, including an receiver receiving an jamming signal followed by a replica jamming signal generator for generating an replica jamming signal. The receiver comprising a zero IF PLL receiver having a synchronous demodulator and a phase detector, signal inputs thereof being coupled to said input means and carrier inputs coupled to in-phase and phase quadrature oscillator outputs, respectively, of a local voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), said VCO receiving a tuning control signal for tuning the zero IF PLL receiver at the carrier frequency of the jamming signal. The VCO is included in a phase locked loop (PLL) comprising subsequent to the VCO, said phase detector and a loop filter.

Abstract: An active imaging system for imaging a target is described. The system includes a transmitting unit, a receiving unit, an antenna arrangement coupled to the transmitting unit and/or the receiving unit via a front end unit, and an image processing unit coupled to the receiving unit. The system also includes a control system coupled to the transmitting unit, the receiving unit and/or the image processing unit for controlling operation thereof. The antenna arrangement includes at least one rotating antenna synthetically forming a circular antenna. The image processing unit is configured for creating an image of the object by employing a synthetic aperture radar imaging algorithm.

Abstract: A proximity sensor for a parking area designed to detect the presence of an obstacle constituted by a parked vehicle, comprises a transmitting radar, designed to send electromagnetic pulses towards the obstacle, a receiving radar, designed to receive the pulses reflected by the obstacle, and a processing circuit, designed to compare samples detected in a certain condition of absence of an obstacle in a calibration step with those detected in a condition of detection of an obstacle to determine the presence/absence of the obstacle.

Abstract: A specific emitter identification (SEI) method and apparatus is capable of identifying and tracking objects within a geographical area of interest wherein the system and method has not been preprogrammed to look for particular signals. The system and method receives all of the emitted electromagnetic signals emitted from area of interest. The system and method next performs high order statistical analysis on the received signals and determines which signals emanate from possible targets of interest and which likely emanate from background clutter/noise by comparing the relative degrees of Gaussianness of the signals (for example using entropy measurements). The least Gaussian signals are deemed to likely be signals from potential targets of interest while those which are more Gaussian are deemed to be likely from background clutter or noise.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a first radar; identifying a blind spot in coverage of the first radar; providing a second radar to illuminate the blind spot, and merging data from the first and second radars using target classification prior to tracking to reduce false targets. In one embodiment, polarimetric data is used to classify targets.

Abstract: Pulsed radar detects the presence and range of very short-range objects via small perturbations in phase and/or amplitude of relatively long duration coherently related transmit pulses. In one embodiment, echoes forming a received signal waveform from a sampling baseband radar receiver are processed at audio frequency to look for perturbations of the phase of the time-stretched received radar signal while the radar is still transmitting a long-duration pulse. In a second embodiment, the time-stretched received signal is processed to look for perturbations in the amplitude of the received radar signal. Small amplitude perturbations due to constructive and destructive interference of the transmitted and reflected signals occur in the receiver when objects are very close to the radar if the receiver is not heavily saturated. These same techniques can also be used to achieve highly accurate ranging of long-distance objects and detection of overlapping echoes from multiple objects.

Abstract: A radar system comprising a transmitter to transmit radar signals into a region, a receiver to receive return signals of said radar signals reflected from within the region wherein the transmitter and receiver are adapted for location on a structure at a wind farm, and a processor to process the return signals to extract wind farm associated data for said region.

Abstract: A radar system is disclosed for forming a scanning receive beam from signals received by a phased array having a plurality of sub arrays. An exemplary radar system includes a plurality of phase units each configured to receive a signal from one or more sub arrays. Each phase unit includes a waveform generator configured to generate an analog waveform having a frequency corresponding to a time-varying phase shift. Each waveform generator is arranged to digitally generate the analog waveform, and output a comparison of the received signal with the waveform, incorporating the time-varying phase shift. The system further includes a combining unit configured to combine the outputs from the plurality of phase units to form a scanning receive beam.

Abstract: A method of imaging a moving object, including the steps of acquiring radar data reflected by the moving object, determining a motion state of the moving object; and generating a three-dimensional representation of the moving object based on the determined motion state, is disclosed. The motion state may be a complete solution of translational and rotational motion determined based on at least one of the inertia tensor components of the moving object, or solutions of Euler's torque-free equations of motions. The three-dimensional representation may be generated by reconstructing static patterns of the moving object based on estimated initial translational and rotational conditions of the object. A system for imaging the moving object according to this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting wind speed information in a manner so as to be easily understood and appreciated by viewers of televised weather report presentations and the like. Wind speed information is presented as a planar representation of three-dimensional wind speed data using contour lines, delineating areas with a planar location in the three dimensional data, overlaid on a geographic map display either alone, or in combination with radar reflectivity information. Wind velocity information received from a weather radar system, such as NEXRAD, relative to the weather radar is converted to absolute wind speed information for display.

Abstract: The invention provides a positioning system. In one embodiment, the positioning system comprises a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) module, a dead reckoning module, a Geographic Information System (GIS) module, and an calculating module. The GNSS module generates a first positioning data according to satellite communication. The dead reckoning module estimates a second positioning data according to a sensor's measurement data, the first positioning data, and a feedback positioning data of a previous epoch. The GIS module fits the first positioning data to a map to generate a third positioning data taken as a final output of the positioning system. The calculating module integrates the third positioning data and the second positioning data according to predetermined weights to obtain the feedback positioning data of a current epoch, which is recursively fed back to the dead reckoning module for a next estimation.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for time management in a position-location system is described. The method may include (i) obtaining, at a global-navigation-satellite-system receiver while being served by a first node of a wireless network a first time base, a relative-time difference, and a third time base; and forming a time relation as a function of the first time base, relative-time difference (“RTD”) and third time base. The first time base is associated with the first node, and may be, for example, a time base associated with an air interface for communicating with the first node. The RTD may be a difference between the first time base and a second time base associated with a second node of the wireless network. The third time base is associated with a constellation of satellites, and may be, for example, an absolute time associated with the constellation of satellites. The method may include using knowledge of a GNSS time to enhance sensitivity or time to first position of a GNSS receiver.

Abstract: The disclosed method and system is used to determine the position of a user device. The user device can receive data signals and/or carrier signals from orbiting space vehicles. These data signals can be used for positioning calculation and/or track maintenance of the user device. The disclosed method and system can account for time and frequency biases of the user device. For the track maintenance, a Kalman filter state estimator can be extended to include a velocity of the user device.

Abstract: A portable satellite antenna terminal, comprising a body and a unit within the body for controlling the terminal and terminal functions. Also provided is an antenna mounted to the body for movement relative thereto. The antenna is able to be stowed within the body when not in use. The antenna may be a flat panel antenna and is moveable relative to the body from a stowed position to an in-use position.

Abstract: The invention provides a positioning system. In one embodiment, the positioning system comprises a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) module, a dead reckoning module, a Geographic Information System (GIS) module, and an calculating module. The GNSS module generates a first positioning data according to satellite communication. The dead reckoning module estimates a second positioning data according to a sensor's measurement data, the first positioning data, and a feedback positioning data of a previous epoch. The GIS module fits the first positioning data to a map to generate a third positioning data taken as a final output of the positioning system. The calculating module integrates the third positioning data and the second positioning data according to predetermined weights to obtain the feedback positioning data of a current epoch, which is recursively fed back to the dead reckoning module for a next estimation.

Abstract: A device tracking system for tracking location coordinates of a portable device in real time is provided. The system includes a microprocessor chip in which a GPS transceiver is embedded. The microprocessor chip is installed in the portable device. The system also includes at least one GPS satellite capable of communicating with the GPS transceiver for obtaining location coordinates of the portable device, at least a second GPS transceiver coupled with the GPS satellite via a satellite antenna for receiving the obtained location coordinates; and a computer server coupled with the second GPS transceiver for communicating the obtained location coordinates to an authorized user via a web-enabled program.

Abstract: In a method for reducing the adverse effect of clock frequency jumps on a user-position determination device in a global navigation system, a plurality of space vehicles each having a clock, transmit position determination information to the position determining device. If a sufficient number of such navigation signals from a first group of space vehicles having clocks in which no jump occurs are available for this purpose, and if a calculated integrity risk is acceptable, position determination is performed using those navigation signals. If not, however, the position determination device receives navigation signals from space vehicles of a second group with clocks in which jumps can occur. The latter signals are combined with signals from the first group in a manner which takes into account possible jumps, and the process is repeated.

Abstract: A method of multipath error suppression in a satellite navigation receiver, including steps of navigation satellites signals searching, receiving and processing complex signals from each satellite, tracking found signals with a following-up open loop and determining coordinates, receiver velocity and exact time based on measurements of direct and reflected signal delay and Doppler frequency, the method including: forming, on the basis of navigation parameters, a two-dimensional accumulated power grid, calculating single-path signal corrections using the centered accumulated power grid determining, whether a multipath is presented, and performing, in case of positive result of this determination, improvement of corrections using weights, wherein, performing improvement of corrections using weights is carried out by forming a likelihood function on the basis of a centered accumulated powers vector, and correction is performed according to the found likelihood function global maximum.

Abstract: A position calculating method includes: estimating a reception frequency and a code phase related to reception of a positioning signal from a positioning satellite as an estimated measurement; acquiring a reception frequency and a code phase on the basis of the positioning signal received from the positioning satellite; setting a value of an error parameter as an observed measurement, which is used in position calculation using a Kalman filter, on the basis of a difference between the observed measurement and the estimated measurement; and calculating a position by performing the position calculation using the error parameter value.

Abstract: A global positioning system (GPS) logger includes a GPS module, a storage unit, a slot, a communication interface and a processing unit. The GPS module is configured for receiving a satellite signal and generating a log data including a position coordinate and a log time. The storage unit is configured for storing the log data. The slot is configured for an external storage media which stores a file including a time stamp to connect with the GPS logger. The communication interface is configured for an electronic device to electrically connect with the GPS logger so that the electronic device can exchange data with the GPS logger through the communication interface. The processing unit is electrically connected to the foresaid elements and configured for embedding the position coordinate in the file according to the log time and the time stamp while the file stored in the external storage media is accessed.

Abstract: A method for transmitting additional information in a satellite navigation system includes providing a navigation message including a continuous data stream having a prescribed bit rate and structuring the navigation message in a plurality of pages generated according to a prescribed page definition so as to transmit information, wherein each of the plurality of pages includes a checksum calculated as a function of information contained in the page. The method further includes generating at least one new page containing the additional information so as to form a changed, navigation message according to a further page definition that differs from the prescribed page definition such that the checksum calculated as a function of information contained on the page generated according to the prescribed page definition is false; and transmitting the at least one new page.

Abstract: The antenna unit 100 includes a first antenna 10 positioned so as to face in the direction of gravity when the unit is oriented transversely, and a second antenna 20 positioned so as to face in the direction of gravity when the unit is oriented longitudinally. Based on the output of a sensor 50 that detects whether the antenna unit 100 is oriented transversely or oriented longitudinally, a switch controller 42 performs switching of an RF switch 30 so that the first antenna is used for reception or transmission of vertically polarized waves when the antenna unit 100 is oriented transversely, and the second antenna is used for reception or transmission of vertically polarized waves when the antenna unit 100 is oriented longitudinally.

Abstract: A system to determine a direction of arrival of each of a plurality of constituent signals of a superimposed wave includes a tripole radio antenna, a sampling unit, a frequency determining unit, an amplitude and phase determining unit, and a direction determining unit. The sampling unit is configured to periodically sample an output of the tripole radio antenna to generate at least two samples. The frequency determining unit is configured to determine frequencies for each dimension of the constituent signals by performing a unitary matrix pencil method on the at least two samples. The amplitude and phase determining unit is configured to determine x, y, z amplitudes and x, y, z phases for each constituent signal using the determined frequencies. The direction determining unit is configured to determine a direction of arrival for each of the constituent signals from the determined frequencies, amplitudes, and phases.

Abstract: A transmitted signal's higher order statistics of temporally dependent waveforms are exploited to geolocate low power signals. The geolocation is independent of the characteristics or encoded data of the transmitted waveform. The method uses spatial fourth order cumulants or spatial second order moments in a Blind Source Separation and generalized eigenvalue decomposition to determine unique matrix pencil eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The eigenvectors provide are orthogonal to the steering vector of the transmitted signal save one, which represents the steering vector. This property is used to determine Steering vectors, AoA or geolocation. The receiver includes a multi-element array and does not need a priori knowledge of the transmitted signal source to geolocate the target transmitter. The methods and apparatus for geolocation does not require typical demodulation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calculating a current position of a portable terminal not supporting a function of obtaining position information, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) function, by receiving position information from neighbor terminals of the portable terminal are disclosed. The apparatus includes a controller for calculating the current position of the portable terminal from received position information from neighbor terminals and processing the received position to determine the current position.

Abstract: An antenna and a wireless transceiver are provided. The antenna includes: a substrate having first and second surfaces with circuits thereon; and two shield boxes located on the first and second surfaces for covering the circuits thereon. The shield boxes each comprise an antenna section and a shield section. The antenna sections are disposed at one side of the shield section and aligned with a margin of the substrate, and include signal ends electrically connected to the circuits and grounding ends electrically connected to the shield sections. The first antenna section is disposed on a diagonal opposite of the second antenna section flush with substrate margin or aligned with the substrate margin, thereby maximizing the distance between the two antennas disposed on the substrate, and preventing the two antennas from electromagnetic interference. The antennas are disposed on sides of the shield sections flush with substrate margins and thereby are space-saving.

Abstract: A dual-band antenna includes a feed portion, a ground portion, a radiating portion and a fine-tuning portion. The feed portion is operable to feed electromagnetic signals. The radiating portion includes a first radiator, a second radiator and a connecting portion. The first radiator is elongated and has a first end electrically connected to the ground portion, and a second end of the first radiator is floating. The second radiator is U shaped, with two open ends floating. The connecting portion is connected to the first radiator, the second radiator and the feed portion. The feed portion feeds electromagnetic signal to the first radiator and the second radiator via the connecting portion. The fine-tuning portion is arranged around the second radiator, operable to control operating frequency bands of the second radiator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic antenna that comprises a radiating element composed of a first, electrically conducting, fluid substance (F1) sitting on a first element (S1) and of a second fluid substance (F2) sitting on a second element (S2), the first fluid substance (F1) being in contact with the second fluid substance (F2), said fluid substances being immiscible and said first and second elements being electrically conducting and electrically isolated from one another.

Abstract: An antenna array for a motor vehicle includes at least one AM antenna for receiving long wave, medium wave and/or short wave signals as well as at least one additional electrically conductive structural part that is arranged so as to be adjacent to the AM antenna. The additional structural part is connected to a ground potential and/or supply potential of the motor vehicle by at least one filter element, by which the signal frequencies in at least one frequency range that is to be received by the AM antenna are suppressed.

Abstract: An integrated antenna system for a car and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The system includes: a base in which a first antenna and an antenna reception circuit installed; and a support which is installed in an upper portion of the base and implemented in a form of cylinder or polygonal barrel in such a manner that the antenna reception circuit and the first antenna are located in the inside thereof, wherein a second antenna is wound up in a spiral form on an inner and/or outer circumference of the support. The system provides a greater degree of freedom of design without reducing performance of the antenna system.

Abstract: A multimode antenna structure is provided for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals in a communications device. The communications device includes circuitry for processing signals communicated to and from the antenna structure. The antenna structure includes a plurality of antenna ports for coupling to the circuitry; a plurality of antenna elements, each operatively coupled to a different one of the antenna ports; and a plurality of connecting elements. The connecting elements each electrically connect neighboring antenna elements such that the antenna elements and the connecting elements are arranged about the periphery of the antenna structure and form a single radiating structure.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus that can suppress sensitivity degradation as much as possible to receive AM broadcasts and FM broadcasts even if an antenna height is decreased to 70 mm or less. An antenna board is vertically mounted on a planar antenna base, and a top portion is disposed to stride over the antenna board. An antenna element includes the top portion and an antenna pattern formed on the antenna board. A distance between the antenna base and a lower edge of the top portion is not less than 10 mm, and the lower edge of the top portion is bent downward. The top portion is configured such that an antenna capacitance of the antenna element becomes about 3 pF or more. A received signal from the antenna element is guided to an amplifier board through a connecting wire and amplified. An antenna case is fitted in the antenna base.

Abstract: An apparatus including a radiator having an electrical length; a first conductive element; an interconnector, connected to the radiator and to the first conductive element, having a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the radiator has a first electrical length when the interconnector is in the first configuration and a second electrical length, different to the first electrical length, when the interconnector is in the second configuration.

Abstract: An antenna pointing control apparatus and method that reduce a pointing error of an antenna having a two-axis gimbal structure. An antenna installed on a ship hull is controlled to point toward a satellite by an antenna pointing control apparatus having a two-axis mechanism. Movement of the ship hull are recognized every prescribed cycle time, a satellite bearing is measured, and a pointing error of a directional antenna with respect to a satellite is detected. If it is determined that the satellite will not pass within a prescribed region A about an extension line of an azimuth angle (AZ) axis of the ship's hull, then a two-axis control is executed. However, if the satellite will pass within the prescribed region A, then a virtual three-axis control is executed.