Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for controlling a radiation direction. The apparatus includes parasitic elements disposed in proximity to the antenna, wherein each of the parasitic elements comprises an antenna; a first portion that is inclined with respect to a prepared ground surface at a first angle and a second portion that is inclined with respect to the first portion at a second angle; a lumped element having a variable reactance, which is disposed on each of the first and second portions; and a determination unit controlling the reactance of the lumped element so as to determine the radiation direction of the antenna. By using the apparatus and the method, the antenna has various radiation directions.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods that reduce the amount of time for recovering multiple beam-formed links in a wireless network are disclosed. An embodiment may, e.g., be a mobile computing device with wireless beamforming communications capabilities. Upon establishing links with multiple stations, the mobile computing device may sense that the link quality or strength is degrading for several of the links. The laptop may transmit a single forward-transmission sector sweep (FWD-TXSS) to initiate recovery of the links. The other stations previously linked to the laptop may detect the degradation the links and start monitoring for the single FWD-TXSS. The receiving devices may each perform reverse-transmission sector sweeps (REV-TXSS), in sequence, to reestablish beam-formed links with the laptop without requiring multiple forward-transmission sector sweeps.

Abstract: A satellite tracking antenna system with improved tracking characteristics and operating method thereof are disclosed. The system independently controls an elevation angle and an azimuth angle of an antenna according to the movement of a vehicle, controls the elevation angle of the antenna only when a satellite elevation-angle variation is equal to or higher than a reference value, so that it can improve the tracking speed and performance of the satellite. The system includes an antenna unit, a GPS receiver, an azimuth-angle gyro-sensor, a control board, a motor unit. The control board includes an elevation-angle controller and a main controller. The motor unit includes an elevation-angle motor and an azimuth-angle motor.

Abstract: A system and method is for orientating and monitoring orientation of telecommunications antennas. The system includes an AISG compliant tilt sensor system mounted in-line between a telecommunications antenna enclosure and a communications cable, and positioned to measure the elevation tilt and slant of a telecommunications antenna enclosure relative to a reference axis. The tilt sensor system measures the angle of tilt and angle of slant of the enclosure with respect to a reference axis, and communicates the values through the communications cable using the AISG protocol for analysis by a telecommunications system operator. A printed circuit board with suitable microprocessor and circuitry receives and processes the tilt sensor data and reports directional alignment information to the user via a user interface.

Abstract: A directional antenna is disclosed. The directional antenna may include a support structure for defining a support surface; a first antenna stack positioned on the support surface, the first antenna stack having multiple antenna elements oriented in a first orientation, allowing the first antenna stack to concentrate radiations in a first direction; a second antenna stack positioned on the support surface, the second antenna stack having multiple antenna elements oriented in a second orientation, the second orientation being rotated a predetermined angle with respect to the first orientation, allowing the second antenna stack to concentrate radiations in a second direction different from the first direction; and a controller configured to selectively activate at least one of the first antenna stack or the second antenna stack to steer the radiations of the directional antenna in different directions without physical/mechanical movement of the antenna stacks.

Abstract: An antenna system and a corresponding method for satellite lock-on applied to vehicles automatically lock on at least one satellite in the space by means of a lock-on signal. The technique features on a scan driving signal that initiates a space scan of the antenna system so as to obtain a scan data. According to peak values of the scan data, coordinates of a plurality of satellites in the space are realized and individually recorded. Then, after receiving a lock-on signal, the satellite coordinate of the satellite to be locked is retrieved so as to drive the antenna to point at the satellite to be locked.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for positioning a directional antenna coupled to a radio towards a satellite. The method includes: receiving an input to the radio from an operator of the radio, where the input indicates a desired time period for positioning the antenna; transmitting, during the desired time period, a plurality of burst data transmissions from the radio over a channel associated with the satellite; receiving a plurality of reply data transmissions from the satellite which correspond to the plurality of burst data transmissions sent by the radio; determining a metric indicative of signal quality for each of the reply data transmissions; and outputting from the radio an indicator for each metric. The operator of the radio can use the indicator output by the radio to better position the antenna towards the satellite.

Abstract: A system for correcting angular velocity measurements from a gyroscope and using the corrected angular velocity measurements to position an antenna used with a vehicle. The system determines an approximate null point voltage of a gyroscope of the type that produces a voltage related to an angular velocity to be measured by the gyroscope. The approximate null point is determined by sampling the output voltage to obtain a plurality of sampled voltages and choosing an approximate mode of the plurality of sampled voltages as the approximate null point voltage.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a spectrally compact modulation of a tracking signal for directional beam scanning systems is presented. The system and method scans a tracking signal to produce a modulation of the tracking signal. When an impairment is anticipated, the system and method modifies the scan path to avoid the impairment and maintains the spectral compactness of the modulation of the tracking signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment a communications system includes an unmanned vehicle and a communications station located remote from the unmanned vehicle. The unmanned vehicle has a first wireless communications system and a first directional antenna for wirelessly communicating with the remote communications station. A first antenna control system tracks the remote communications station and aims the first directional antenna, in real time, at the remote communications station during wireless communications with the remote communications station. The remote communications station has a second wireless communications system having a second directional antenna for wirelessly communicating with the unmanned vehicle. A second antenna control system of the remote communications station tracks the unmanned vehicle and aims the second directional antenna at the unmanned vehicle, in real time, during wireless communications with the unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: An antenna system for satellite communication, mounted on a moving platform, includes an antenna assembly, a control and display unit, and an antenna steering unit. The antenna assembly includes a dipole driven element assembly and at least one director element mounted on an antenna mast. The antenna steering unit includes a support housing, a rotary joint comprising a BNC connector, an electronic magnetic compass. an angular velocity-sensing gyroscope, a global positioning system receiver, a signal processor and a motor. The direction of the antenna's azimuth axis is determined based on the heading of the moving platform determined by the signal processor. In one embodiment, the director elements, the antenna mast and the azimuth mast are all articulated on flexible joints comprising a cable and spring mechanism allowing the director elements to fold toward the antenna mast and allowing the antenna assembly to fold toward the azimuth mast for stowing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for establishing a non-line of sight millimeter wave connection that include a transmitter unit having beam-steering capability, a receiver unit having beam-steering capability, and a reflecting unit in a position having a line-of-sight path to the transmitter unit and the receiver unit. The reflecting unit includes an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a mounting point on an object or surface, a reflecting surface that is reflective to millimeter-wave radiation, and an adjustable pivot connected between the attachment mechanism and the reflecting surface configured to permit directional positioning of the reflecting surface relative to the attachment mechanism.

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 method for tracking a moving platform (MP) wherein the MP uses an on-board navigation system (NS). Data provided by the navigation system on board the moving platform (MP) is merged with data obtained using a tracking system that tracks the MP from another location. A typical navigation system on board the moving platforms is an inertial navigation system (INS). State data of one or more MP is sent to a processing facility and state data of one or more electromagnetic tracking (EMT) is collected by one or more processing facility. The collected states data from the sources are processed, using the one or more processing facilities for calculating tracking data are used to direct one or more antennas for MP tracking. The state data from one or more MP's are sent using a communications channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining alignment of a first subsystem relative to a second subsystem. The apparatus includes a first antenna system for simultaneously transmitting a delta pattern radiation beam at a first frequency and a sum pattern radiation beam at a second frequency. The apparatus also includes a second antenna system for receiving the delta pattern radiation beam at the first frequency and the sum pattern radiation beam at the second frequency. The apparatus also includes a processor to process the received delta pattern radiation beam and sum pattern radiation beam to determine if a predetermined alignment criterion between the first antenna system and the second antenna system is satisfied.

Abstract: An antenna alignment and monitoring system is provided for telecom antennas and includes a pair of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antennas mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) for installation in a telecom antenna enclosure. Multiple telecom antennas are configured in an antenna array for mounting on a transmission tower or other elevated structure. A common GNSS receiver cycles among the GNSS antenna pairs for initially aligning and subsequently monitoring the azimuth alignment of the telecom antennas relative to a reference azimuth using GNSS triangulation.

Abstract: Estimation of a desired antenna tracking profile is provided for a radio frequency autotracked (RFAT) antenna in the absence of a ground reference. A first RFAT antenna subsystem has a first antenna and a first antenna positioning mechanism (APM), each mounted on a vehicle, and a first ground-based RF beacon; a second RFAT antenna subsystem has a second antenna and a second APM, each mounted on the vehicle, and a second ground-based RF beacon. A controller stores an accumulated record of actuations of the second APM as a function of time under normal operation, calculates a desired antenna tracking profile for the second antenna, from a first ground-based RF beacon and from the accumulated record, excluding any real-time data from the second ground-based RF beacon, and transmits actuation commands to the second APM so as to cause the second antenna to track the desired antenna tracking profile.

Abstract: A radio-frequency device includes a PAA processing portion configured to control a directivity of reception of a receiver antenna device, a received-signal-strength detecting portion configured to detect a strength of the received signal received by the receiver antenna device, and a direction detecting portion configured to detect the direction toward the communication object, on the basis of a direction in which a higher one of two strength values of the received signal respectively detected in first and second maximum-reception-directivity directions of a predetermined angular difference established by the PAA processing portion is minimal. Accordingly, the direction toward the radio-frequency tag can be suitably detected.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention are shown and described, each of which has stand alone utility in a navigated medical environment. A receiver position calibration system and method facilitates calibration of a reference frame prior to each navigated procedure. A concept and application of confidence weights is introduced. Confidence weights can be applied to distance calculations to mitigate the effects of interference and increase the tolerance of the navigated medical system. Multi-path interference is minimized through the transmission of a signal having a pattern of unique frequencies and filtering of the distance calculations for each frequency to identify the ‘best’ distance in the presence of multi-path interference. A position determination method and system that transmits a signal having multiple frequency components permits positions to be identified with high resolution over a large area.

Abstract: A Master Antenna Controller is provided comprising a RET Master which may replace several devices, provide full RET control based on the AISG 1.1 and 2.0 standards, provide extensive, screen-guided, intuitive RET diagnostics functionality, and provide an alignment tool free from the problems of magnetic deviation and cumbersome differential GPS antennae. The RET diagnostics functionality may include measurements of voltage, current, and AISG protocol commands. The RET Master may also include multiple different pre-defined tests (e.g. test one actuator, test one RET cable, test AISG signal from TMA) and also some standard electrical tests, e.g. measuring voltage, current etc. Users will be guided on the screen about how to test and what steps to do and the software will guide the user through several steps for an easy and quick trouble-shooting process.

Abstract: A gyroscope monitoring system operates with an antenna system that has a gyroscope that controls the position of multiple antennas. The monitoring system receives data indicating reference signal strengths and test signal strengths for the antennas. The monitoring system determines differences between the reference signal strengths and the test signal strengths. The monitoring system processes the differences to determine if the gyroscope has lost reference point accuracy, and if so, then the monitoring system generates an indication that the gyroscope has lost reference point accuracy. In some examples, the monitoring system also determines reference point offsets for the gyroscope and provides the offsets to the gyroscope for use in motion measurements.

Abstract: A smart antenna system may exploit space diversity by employing an array of antennas whose radiation pattern can be aligned in a direction of arrival (DoA) of a specific signal to be decoded. Smart antennas can be installed on a base station side and/or on a user terminal side. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods for computationally efficient and accurate searching of the DoA of a specific transmitted signal. The proposed methods utilize Assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS) coordinates to determine the DoA.

Abstract: A portable satellite tracking antenna utilizes a tiltable reflector surface, and a parabolic reflector surface to direct a satellite signal to a feed horn. A fixed flat reflector surface is utilized in conjunction with the parabolic reflector surface to increase the strength of a signal that is transmitted from the parabolic reflector surface to the feed horn. In one preferred embodiment the parabolic reflector surface is fixed, and the feed horn and tiltable reflector surface are rotatable to selected azimuth settings. The cant of the tiltable reflector surface is adjusted by pivoting the tiltable reflector surface.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a communication antenna automatic orientation apparatus and method, wherein the apparatus comprises: a target base station geographical storage for storing the corresponding relation between the spatial location information on the air lane and the identifier of a target base station; a sensor for confirming current spatial location information of the aircraft; an aircraft spatial orientation sensor for confirming a current spatial orientation of the aircraft; a master controller for confirming a target direction of a directional antenna according to the current spatial location information, the corresponding relation and the current spatial orientation and sending an instruction carrying the target direction; an automatic antenna directional system for receiving the instruction and driving the directional antenna according to the target direction so as to enable the directional antenna to receive a signal from a ground base station in the target direction; a wide aperture anten

Abstract: An antenna assembly for receiving the GPS signals in a global positioning system (GPS) receiver module automatically orients the antenna to better receive the GPS signals. The antenna is oriented by a positioner (e.g., a counterweight) that automatically rotates a frame on which the antenna is mounted. The GPS receiver module may also include multiple antennas oriented in different directions to maintain good reception of the GPS signals in any position. The multiple antennas are oriented in a manner so that the poor reception range an antenna is covered by other antennas. Signals from multiple antennas may be combined or chosen for processing by a GPS processor. Also, multiple GPS receiver modules may be deployed in close proximity so that wireless communication between the GPS receiver modules may be established.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration.

Abstract: A satellite communication ground station configured for communicating over an inclined orbit geostationary satellite may include a tracking antenna having three fixed axis and one moving axis, a motor for swinging the antenna along the moving axis, a controller for controlling the motor, a receiver configured to receive a signal arriving from the satellite via the tracking antenna and an estimator configured to estimate reception quality of a signal received by the receiver. The invention described herein presents a method for tracking an inclined orbit geostationary satellite, the method comprising a learning step and a tracking step, wherein the learning step includes use of a filter for reducing alignment errors and reducing the amount of peaking required for aligning the antenna with the satellite and tracking its movement.

Abstract: A controller for a directional antenna, the controller configured to receive input signalling representative of a user's gaze direction. The controller is configured to generate output signalling for controlling the directionality of the directional antenna in accordance with the input signalling.

Abstract: A method and an antenna array system are provided for estimating parameters of radio signals impinging on antenna arrays, for estimating angular parameters, for estimating angular distribution types, and for selecting types of antenna array processing. Models of angular distribution types are used to populate look-up tables. Correlation magnitudes and correlation phases of signals impinging on antenna elements of antenna arrays are used as pointers to obtain values of parameters from the look up tables. The obtained values may be compared to some value ranges in order to select appropriate antenna array processing types. Where the angular distribution type is unknown, several values representing angular parameters may be obtained from look-up tables representing various models, and a variance of the angular parameter values for each model may be calculated.

Abstract: A system and method to normalize a tracking control signal in a directional antenna system to reduce interference from an interfering adjacent transponder is presented. The system and method scans for the tracking signal along a scan path to produce a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) signal, coherently detects an RSSI image from the RSSI signal, and performs a morphologic feature estimation of the RSSI signal image to produce and output a normalized tracking correction.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal includes a terminal body portion, a display portion mounted on the terminal body portion to be rotatable to a first display position and a second display position while being substantially parallel to a surface of the terminal body portion and a single satellite radio receiving antenna provided on the display portion to be integrally rotatable with the display portion and formed to be located on a first rotational position when the display portion is located on the first display position and to be located on a second rotational position when the display portion is located on the second display position, wherein a direction of directivity of the satellite radio receiving antenna is set to a direction inclined upward with respect to a display surface of the display portion by a prescribed angle.

Abstract: Method for obtaining a predetermined position for a satellite antenna, whereby a controller (9) is made to transfer information to a velocity controller (3), in turn being made to transfer information to a current regulator (4), being made to transfer current to a motor which is intended for setting the desired position of the satellite antenna. The electrical motor (5) is made to receive current from the current regulator so that the electrical motor is made to turn a predetermined angle during a predetermined time interval. An angle sensor (6) is positioned on the satellite antenna and is made to read an absolute angle or an angular displacement of the satellite antenna, and the angle sensor is connected to the controller so as to create a feedback loop. An automatic control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a smart antenna system including an antenna body with changeable directivity, and a control device that optimizes receiving conditions of the antenna body by changing the directivity of the antenna body with a control signal based on a selected channel. The antenna body has a reception confirming section that, when a control signal is output from the control device, outputs to the control device a cognitive signal indicating the receipt of the control signal; and the control device has a failure determination section to determine that the antenna body fails when a cognitive signal is not received, and a failure reporting section to notify that the antenna body fails based on a result from the failure determination section.

Abstract: A system and method for providing wireless high-speed data services for an aircraft. Wireless data signals can be received and transmitted by one or more directional antennae on the aircraft which can be dynamically directed to track one or more terrestrial-based antennae. The terrestrial-based antennae, for receiving and transmitting wireless data signals, are directional and can also be dynamically directed in order to track the aircraft.

Abstract: An effective marine stabilized antenna system, in terms of antenna to radome size and antenna/RF performance complies with all relevant worldwide SatCom regulations. The combination of a dual offset Gregorian antenna (DOGA) with a stabilized polarization over elevation over tilt over azimuth pedestal, and a control/stabilization algorithm, ensures antenna orientation restrictions guarantee compliance with side-lobe intensity regulations. Operating a dual offset Gregorian antenna substantially within a pre-determined antenna cut range of a 45 degree angle relative to a configuration of the antenna and a relative position of a target provides antenna performance that complies with applicable SatCom regulations, despite having to flip the antenna 90 degrees to continue tracking the satellite.

Abstract: In a base station device (10), a reference installation direction storage unit (54) stores at least one reference installation direction serving as a reference installation direction. An acceleration sensor (52) measures an installation direction of the base station device. An inclination judgment unit (56) calculates inclination angles each defined by each reference installation direction stored in the reference installation direction storage unit (54) and the installation direction measured by the acceleration sensor (52). Moreover, the inclination judgment unit (56) judges whether each of the inclination angles exceeds a predetermined value. Then, an installation error alarm unit (58) issues a predetermined alarm when the inclination judgment unit (56) judges that some or all of the inclination angles exceed the predetermined angle.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for positioning a directional antenna coupled to a radio towards a satellite. The method includes: receiving an input to the radio from an operator of the radio, where the input indicates a desired time period for positioning the antenna; transmitting, during the desired time period, a plurality of burst data transmissions from the radio over a channel associated with the satellite; receiving a plurality of reply data transmissions from the satellite which correspond to the plurality of burst data transmissions sent by the radio; determining a metric indicative of signal quality for each of the reply data transmissions; and outputting from the radio an indicator for each metric. The operator of the radio can use the indicator output by the radio to better position the antenna towards the satellite.

Abstract: An actuator providing improved torque, control, and reduced motor and actuator size is provided. An actuator according to one example may include a base plate, a stationary ring gear on the base plate, the ring gear having an arc of substantially less than a conventional full circle ring gear, a pivot assembly and a drive shaft. In one example, the ring gear is approximately half a circle. The pivot assembly may be pivotally mounted on the base plate. The pivot assembly may also have a control board, a stepper motor and a drive gear coupled to an output shaft of the stepper motor, the drive gear mounted on the pivot assembly such that the drive gear engages the stationary ring gear. In one example, the stepper motor is coupled to the drive gear via a worm gear, spur gear, and a shaft. In another example, the drive gear is mounted directly on the output shaft of the stepper motor. The actuator also includes a drive shaft having an axis parallel to a pivot of the pivot assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to embodiment of the present invention prevent or otherwise mitigate data corruption and interference that may result when a communications on-the-move transmission is blocked by a radio relay link antenna transmitting on a shared frequency band. Harmful radiation that could affect persons blocking the line-of-sight of a COTM transmission is also prevented or mitigated. According to one embodiment of the present invention, if a building or other obstruction blocks the line-of-sight between a COTM antenna and a target satellite, the transmission will automatically cease, preventing or minimizing any potential interference that can occur, such as the interference to a radio relay link antenna operating atop a building. Similarly, persons who may have been in the line-of-sight will not be subjected to harmful radiation. COTM transmission remains offline until free line-of-sight is re-established.

Abstract: A radio-based position location system for determining a relative position of a first object with respect to a second object may include a first radio operatively associated with the first object. A first directional antenna having at least a high gain region is mounted to the second object so that the high gain region is directed generally outwardly from the second object and defines a first detection zone. A second directional antenna having at least a high gain region is also mounted to the second object and is oriented so that the high gain region is also directed generally outwardly and defines a second detection zone. A second radio connected to the first and second directional antennas exchanges radio signals with at least the first radio to determine the relative position of the first object with respect to the second object at least in part by determining a time-of-flight of a radio signal.

Abstract: The housing of a portable radar unit includes features for providing positioning of auxiliary handles between a first position and a second position, in which: the first position places the auxiliary handles in a position to act as handgrips in conjunction with integral handles and the second position places the auxiliary handles at an angle to the integral handles, so that the radar unit can be held with one hand and supported by a forearm of the same hand. Rotation of each auxiliary handle about a pivot moves the auxiliary handle between the first position and the second position; and a friction mechanism resists the rotation so that the auxiliary handle tends to stay in position until purposefully moved. The housing also includes internal space for housing a radar antenna, a reflector, and a mechanism for adjusting distance between the reflector and the antenna for tuning performance of the antenna.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for minimizing antenna backside signal response and ambiguity in low frequency applications, particularly low frequency synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Various time delay elements are selectably switched into the signal path so as to cause a null to be placed in the antenna response pattern in the direction of undesired radar returns. The means for selectably switching may be dithered so as to introduce modulation onto the undesired radar return to aid in the discrimination and removal of the undesired radar return from the SAR image during post processing.

Abstract: A communication device is described comprising an antenna arrangement, an orientation determining device configured to determine the orientation of the antenna arrangement, and a controller configured to control the directivity of the antenna arrangement based on the determined orientation of the antenna arrangement.

Abstract: A multiple frequency antenna array includes a first antenna circuit and a second antenna circuit. The first antenna circuit has a first radiation pattern and is tuned to a first carrier frequency. The first antenna circuit transmits a first representation of a radio frequency (RF) signal at the first carrier frequency, where the first carrier frequency corresponds to a carrier frequency of the RF signal and a first frequency offset. The second antenna circuit has a second radiation pattern and is tuned to a second carrier frequency. The second antenna circuit transmits a second representation of the RF signal at the second carrier frequency, where the second carrier frequency corresponds to the carrier frequency of the RF signal and a second frequency offset.

Abstract: A low power, lightweight, collapsible and rugged antenna positioner for use in communicating with geostationary, geosynchronous and low earth orbit satellite. By collapsing, invention may be easily carried or shipped in a compact container. May be used in remote locations with simple or automated setup and orientation. Azimuth is adjusted by rotating an antenna in relation to a positioner base and elevation is adjusted by rotating an elevation motor coupled with the antenna. Manual orientation of antenna for linear polarized satellites yields lower weight and power usage. Updates ephemeris or TLE data via satellite. Algorithms used for search including Clarke Belt fallback, transponder/beacon searching switch, azimuth priority searching and tracking including uneven re-peak scheduling yield lower power usage. Orientation aid via user interface allows for smaller azimuth motor, simplifies wiring and lowers weight. Tilt compensation, bump detection and failure contingency provide robustness.

Abstract: Disclosed are a sensor, the vertical alignment of which can be adjusted, and a vertical sensor-alignment adjustment apparatus using the same. In particular, in order to allow the vertical alignment to be adjusted, the sensor has a construction including a plurality of switchable transmitting antennas or a plurality of switchable receiving antennas or a construction including a tilting motor for adjusting an transmitting angle or a receiving angle. The vertical sensor-alignment adjustment apparatus employing such a sensor determines whether the sensor is misaligned in terms of its vertical alignment, and corrects the vertical misalignment of the sensor by executing variable switching to one of the transmitting antennas, by executing variable switching to one of the receiving antennas, or by controlling the tilting motor, so that the transmitting angle of sensor signals or the receiving angle of reflected waves for the sensor signals can be adjusted.

Abstract: This invention concerns a system (1) for electronically aligning the polarisation of an antenna (2;2b) with the polarisation of a signal received therein or transmitted therefrom, said signal having two mutually orthogonal components, namely a vertical component (Cv) and a horizontal component (Co).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for orienting an antenna in a communications system on a mobile platform to orient a peak of the antenna pattern in a direction associated with a signal source. A signal from a signal source is received at the antenna. A signal strength is measured from the received signal. A signal strength and a misalignment of the antenna along at least one axis are predicted according to a previous estimate of the signal strength, a previous estimate of the misalignment of the antenna, an estimated change in the signal strength, and a known change in the antenna orientation. The predicted signal strength and misalignment of the antenna are updated according to the measured signal strength to provide an estimate of a current misalignment of the antenna. The orientation of the peak of the antenna pattern is adjusted according to the estimated current misalignment of the antenna.

Abstract: A method for main beam alignment verification includes providing data pertaining to one or more patterns associated with an antenna, measuring power levels of a signal acquired by the antenna, and comparing the measured power levels with the data to determine whether a direction of the signal is incident upon a main beam of the antenna.