Antenna systems, methods, and programs

Abstract

To provide an antenna system in which electromagnetic noise does not negatively affect the antenna's directivity pattern. [Solution] The antenna system comprises an antenna unit and an electromagnetic separator. The antenna unit transmits and receives radio waves with a predetermined directional pattern. The electromagnetic separator blocks or reduces electromagnetic noise directed toward the antenna unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna system, method, and program.

Background Art

[0002] There is a technology for controlling the directivity pattern of an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an embodiment of an antenna for a search radar. The antenna for a search radar described in Patent Document 1 includes a configuration for changing the directivity of the antenna. Specifically, in paragraph 0024 of Patent Document 1, "a fixed part and a movable part that is a rotating disk on the upper surface of the fixed part, and a mechanism for rotating the movable part on the plane of the upper surface of the fixed part (rotating around an axis perpendicular to the upper surface of the fixed part)" and "a search radar antenna in which the beam rotates due to the rotation of the movable part" are described. Further, in paragraph 0028 of Patent Document 1, "each antenna 13a, 13b, 13c of the primary radiator 13 is specifically a phased array antenna in which a plurality (N) of antenna elements (radiating elements) such as electromagnetic horns, dipoles, etc. are arranged in a vertical direction at the positions of the respective foci (lines)" is described. Also, in paragraph 0029 of Patent Document 1, "TRM15 is a component incorporating a phase shifter for controlling the directivity of the phased array antennas 13a, 13b, 13c, and in the present embodiment, the phases of the signals of the N rows of radiating elements are simultaneously controlled to perform electronic scanning in the elevation direction" is described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The search radar antenna described in Patent Document 1 has a movable part, and the beam rotation is achieved by rotating the movable part. To rotate the movable part, for example, an electric motor is used. However, electromagnetic noise generated from the electric motor may interfere with the antenna's directional pattern.

[0006] Furthermore, even if there are no electric motors or similar devices present, if other sources of electromagnetic noise are located near the antenna, the electromagnetic noise generated by those sources may interfere with the antenna's directivity pattern.

[0007] In other words, even if the antenna's directional pattern is controlled, electromagnetic noise can prevent that directional pattern from being maintained properly, which can be a problem.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an antenna system, method, and program that solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An antenna system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises an antenna unit that transmits and receives radio waves with a predetermined directional pattern, and an electromagnetic separator that blocks or reduces electromagnetic noise directed toward the antenna unit.

[0010] A method according to one aspect of this disclosure is a method in which an electromagnetic separator is provided near an antenna unit that transmits and receives radio waves with a predetermined directional pattern, and the electromagnetic separator blocks or reduces electromagnetic noise directed toward the antenna unit.

[0011] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for controlling an antenna system comprising: an antenna unit that transmits and receives radio waves with a predetermined directional pattern; an electromagnetic partition that blocks or reduces electromagnetic noise directed toward the antenna unit, the partition being configured to increase or decrease at least one of the thickness or area of ​​the electromagnetic partition; and an electromagnetic plate state sensor that detects the state of the electromagnetic partition, by causing a computer to function as a first control unit that commands at least one of the thickness or area of ​​the electromagnetic partition to increase or decrease according to the state detected by the electromagnetic plate state sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to prevent or reduce electromagnetic noise from interfering with the directional pattern of the antenna. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows the schematic functional configuration of the antenna system related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows the control procedure for the antenna system related to this disclosure to track a remote station. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the directional pattern and communication-unavailable area of ​​the antenna unit relating to this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the antenna system related to this disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the structure of the antenna system related to this disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) showing one form of the structure of the electromagnetic separation plate relating to this disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) illustrating an example of how the electromagnetic separation plate relating to this disclosure blocks or reduces the influence of electromagnetic noise from an electromagnetic noise source on the antenna. [Figure 8] This block diagram shows the schematic functional configuration of the antenna system related to this disclosure. [Figure 9] The flowchart shows the control procedure for the antenna system according to the present disclosure to track a target station. [Figure 10] The schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) shows the configuration of the antenna system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] The block diagram shows the schematic functional configuration of the antenna system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] The flowchart shows the control procedure for the antenna system according to the present disclosure to track a target station. [Figure 13] The block diagram shows the schematic functional configuration of the antenna system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14] The block diagram shows an example of the internal configuration of a computer for realizing the antenna system according to the present disclosure.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and common descriptions are omitted.

[0015] A phased array antenna is a communication system that enables high-gain communication by electrically controlling the direction of electromagnetic waves. That is, in a phased array antenna, high directivity is realized by electrically controlling the arranged phased array elements. Ideally, the phased array antenna can be directed at an arbitrary angle with respect to the reference plane of the antenna, but in reality, there are angles where the gain becomes small. That is, there is a region where the directivity angle of the phased array antenna is significantly reduced with respect to the antenna reference plane and communication becomes impossible. This problem is solved by combining a mechanism for rotating and driving the antenna with the antenna, but it is known as a problem that electromagnetic wave interference is caused between the rotation drive system and the rotation drive system, or the device becomes large due to the combination with the rotation drive system.

[0016] Furthermore, when installing antennas on vehicles or other means of transportation, height restrictions are imposed by the Road Traffic Act for general vehicles that can travel on public roads. When modifying general vehicles or developing shelters, if one tries to secure living space inside the vehicle while also securing space for mounting antennas, there are constraints on the overall dimensions of the vehicle, including the antennas. In other words, it is desirable to realize small antennas.

[0017] For the reasons described above, it is highly desirable to achieve a thin structure by combining a directional antenna and a rotational drive system for changing the antenna's orientation. Even when installing vehicle-mounted antennas on the roof of a vehicle, communication is possible while driving, provided that the system complies with road traffic regulations such as vehicle height restrictions.

[0018] One way to reduce the overall size, including the antenna itself and the rotation drive system, is to make both the antenna and the rotation drive system thinner, and to reduce the distance between the antenna and the rotation drive system.

[0019] However, if the distance between the antenna itself and the rotating drive system is reduced, there is a problem in that the antenna's directivity pattern (beam angle, etc.) cannot be maintained properly due to the influence of electromagnetic waves (electromagnetic noise) generated from the rotating drive system (electric motor).

[0020] Furthermore, if there are any other sources of electromagnetic noise near the antenna, not just those generated by the rotating drive system, there is a problem in that the antenna's directivity pattern (beam angle, etc.) cannot be maintained properly due to the influence of electromagnetic noise generated by those sources.

[0021] The embodiments described below are examples of configurations for solving these problems.

[0022] <First Embodiment> An embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the figures.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general functional configuration of an antenna system according to one embodiment. The antenna system 1 transmits and receives radio waves with the other station 801 and controls the antenna for transmitting and receiving those radio waves. As shown in the figure, the antenna system 1 according to one embodiment includes an integrated control unit 11, an operation unit 12, a capture and tracking control unit 21, a communication control unit 22, an antenna unit 31, a radio wave reflection unit 32, and an electromagnetic separation plate 33. The capture and tracking control unit 21 includes a coordination control unit 211 and an electromagnetic plate state determination unit 212. The communication control unit 22 includes a modulation unit 221 and a demodulation unit 222. The antenna unit 31 includes a phased array element 311. The electromagnetic separation plate 33 includes an electromagnetic plate state sensor 331.

[0024] The antenna system 1 can be implemented using electrical and electronic circuits. Furthermore, as described later, at least some of the functions of the antenna system 1 may be implemented using a computer and programs. The antenna system 1 also includes a storage unit for storing information as needed. The storage unit can be implemented using, for example, semiconductor memory or a magnetic hard disk drive. Details of each function constituting the antenna system 1 are as follows.

[0025] The integrated control unit 11 comprehensively controls the entire antenna system 1. In other words, the integrated control unit 11 controls the antenna system 1 in cooperation with the acquisition and tracking control unit 21 and the communication control unit 22. Specifically, the integrated control unit 11 controls the directivity pattern of the antenna unit 31, the state of the radio wave reflection unit 32, and the state of the electromagnetic separator plate 33 in cooperation with the acquisition and tracking control unit 21 and the communication control unit 22. The integrated control unit 11 also acquires information regarding the position or direction of the remote station 801 from, for example, a higher-level device, and passes this information to the coordination control unit 211 within the acquisition and tracking control unit 21. Furthermore, the integrated control unit 11 may have a function to determine which of the remote stations 801 to select as the target for tracking or communication when there are multiple remote stations 801.

[0026] The control unit 12 provides a user interface that allows the user to operate the entire antenna system 1. Based on the user's operations, the control unit 12 sends commands to the integrated control unit 11, the acquisition and tracking control unit 21, and the communication control unit 22 as needed. The control unit 12 can also receive information to understand the status of each part of the antenna system 1. The control unit 12 can also display information regarding the status of each part of the antenna system 1 on a screen or the like.

[0027] The acquisition and tracking control unit 21 controls the directivity of the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna unit 31 according to the position or direction of the other station 801. If at least one of the local station and the other station 801 is a mobile station, the position or direction of the other station 801 relative to the local station changes over time. In this case, the acquisition and tracking control unit 21 repeats the process of controlling the directivity of the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna unit 31 according to the position or direction of the other station 801 at predetermined control cycles. As a result, the acquisition and tracking control unit 21 can acquire and track the other station 801 even when the relative positional relationship between the local station and the other station 801 changes.

[0028] Furthermore, if both the local station and the other station 801 are fixed stations, the relative positional relationship between the local station and the other station 801 does not change. Therefore, in this case, the acquisition and tracking control unit 21 does not need to control the directivity of the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna unit 31 very frequently.

[0029] As described above, the capture and tracking control unit 21 comprises a cooperative control unit 211 and an electromagnetic plate state determination unit 212. The functions of each of these units are described below.

[0030] The cooperative control unit 211 performs control to track the remote station 801 based on the information it receives from the integrated control unit 11. Specifically, the cooperative control unit 211 receives information on the location and direction of the remote station 801 from the integrated control unit 11. The cooperative control unit 211 tracks the remote station 801 by issuing commands to the antenna unit 31, the radio wave reflection unit 32, and the electromagnetic separation plate 33.

[0031] In the control for tracking the remote station 801, the cooperative control unit 211 determines the relative position based on the position information of the remote station 801 obtained from the integrated control unit 11, and generates a target value for initial acquisition or tracking operation based on that relative position. In other words, the cooperative control unit 211 calculates the directional direction to instruct the antenna unit 31 and the radio wave reflection unit 32 based on the target directional direction obtained from the integrated control unit 11. The cooperative control unit 211 issues commands to the antenna unit 31 and the radio wave reflection unit 32 based on that target value.

[0032] As will be described later, the radio wave reflector 32 can expand and contract the elements of its reflective surface. The cooperative control unit 211 can send commands to the radio wave reflector 32 to expand and contract the elements of the radio wave reflector 32. In other words, the cooperative control unit 211 changes the pattern of radio wave reflection by the radio wave reflector 32. That is, the directivity pattern (beam direction) of the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna unit 31 can be arbitrarily changed by the control of the cooperative control unit 211. The cooperative control unit 211 may know in advance the relationship between the command value for expansion and contraction of the radio wave reflector 32 and the directivity pattern (beam direction) resulting from the expansion and contraction of the radio wave reflector 32, and store this information.

[0033] Furthermore, when the cooperative control unit 211 receives information from the electromagnetic plate state sensor 331 via the electromagnetic plate state determination unit 212, it commands the electromagnetic partition plate 33 to expand or contract its elements in a predetermined direction in order to perform electromagnetic separation correction of the electromagnetic partition plate 33. In other words, when the cooperative control unit 211 obtains information from the electromagnetic plate state sensor 331, it may command the electromagnetic partition plate 33 to increase or decrease its thickness or shape in order to perform electromagnetic separation correction.

[0034] For example, the cooperative control unit 211 receives information about the frequency of electromagnetic noise detected near the electromagnetic partition plate 33 via the electromagnetic plate state determination unit 212, and commands the electromagnetic partition plate 33 to change its thickness based on that frequency information. By adaptively changing the thickness of the electromagnetic partition plate 33 in this way, the electromagnetic partition plate 33 can better cut (block or reduce) electromagnetic noise of specific frequency components according to the environment in which it is placed.

[0035] The electromagnetic plate state determination unit 212 receives a signal from the electromagnetic plate state sensor 331 regarding the state of the electromagnetic partition plate 33. Based on the signal received from the electromagnetic plate state sensor 331, the electromagnetic plate state determination unit 212 makes a determination regarding the state of the electromagnetic partition plate 33. The electromagnetic plate state determination unit 212 transmits the determination result regarding the state of the electromagnetic partition plate 33 to the cooperative control unit 211. More specifically, for example, the electromagnetic plate state determination unit 212 can transmit information about the frequency of electromagnetic noise detected by the electromagnetic plate state sensor 331 as the state of the electromagnetic partition plate 33 to the cooperative control unit 211. Alternatively, the electromagnetic plate state determination unit 212 may also receive information about the shape, length, and thickness (or some of these) of the electromagnetic partition plate 33 at that time from the electromagnetic plate state sensor 331 and transmit this information to the cooperative control unit 211.

[0036] The communication control unit 22 modulates and demodulates the radio waves to be transmitted and received, and controls the directivity of the radio waves in the antenna unit 31. The directivity of the antenna unit 31 is as described below. The communication control unit 22 receives information such as the target angle of the other station 801 from the coordination control unit 211, and adjusts the directivity pattern of the antenna unit 31 based on that information. Specifically, the communication control unit 22 adjusts the directivity of the antenna unit 31 by an electrical signal supplied to the phased array element 311.

[0037] As described above, the communication control unit 22 comprises a modulation unit 221 and a demodulation unit 222. The modulation unit 221 modulates the radio waves to be transmitted. This allows the communication control unit 22 to superimpose information onto the radio waves transmitted by the antenna system 1. The demodulation unit 222 demodulates the radio waves to be received. This allows the communication control unit 22 to extract information from the radio waves received by the antenna system 1.

[0038] The antenna unit 31 transmits and receives radio waves. The antenna unit 31 transmits and receives information by transmitting and receiving radio waves modulated based on predetermined information. The transmission and reception of radio waves by the antenna unit 31 is performed in a predetermined directional pattern. As described above, the antenna unit 31 of this embodiment achieves the predetermined directional pattern by including a phased array element 311. The phased array element 311 is made up of a large number of antenna elements arranged in an array. The phased array element 311 can electrically change the direction of the transmitted and received radio waves through the action of the large number of antenna elements. The technology of achieving a desired directivity using a phased array element is an existing technology. In other words, the antenna unit 31 can transmit and receive radio waves with a controlled predetermined directivity by including a phased array element 311.

[0039] The radio wave reflecting section 32 reflects radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna section 31. In other words, the radio wave reflecting section 32 reflects radio waves emitted from the antenna section 31 and radio waves received by the antenna section 31. The radio wave reflecting section 32 is constructed using, for example, a reflector having a planar or curved reflective surface. At least the reflective surface of this reflector is made of a material that reflects radio waves. In this embodiment, this reflective surface is made of, for example, a metasurface having the characteristic of having a two-dimensional arrangement of structures sufficiently smaller than the wavelength of radio waves. As the metasurface material, for example, an artificial magnetic conductor can be used. This makes it possible to control the reflection characteristics of the reflective surface. In order to obtain the reflection characteristics of the reflective surface, for example, a plane wave is incident on an artificial magnetic conductor and the phase of the reflected wave that is reflected back from the surface is analyzed.

[0040] The radio wave reflector 32 may have a structure that allows its elements to expand and contract. By expanding and contracting the elements, the pattern of radio wave reflection by the radio wave reflector 32 can be changed. In other words, the radio wave reflector 32 has the function of reflecting the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna 31 in any direction by expanding and contracting its elements. That is, by expanding and contracting the elements of the radio wave reflector 32, it becomes possible to direct the beam to areas that are impossible to reach with a phased array antenna alone. The radio wave reflector 32 can expand and contract the elements of its reflective surface based on commands (electrical signals, etc.) from the coordinated control unit 211, for example.

[0041] In other words, the antenna system 1, by having a radio wave reflector 32, eliminates the blind spots in communication areas that are present in related phased array antennas. Furthermore, the radio wave reflector 32 can change the direction of the directional beam without requiring a mechanism to drive the entire antenna.

[0042] The electromagnetic separator 33 isolates electromagnetic noise directed toward the antenna unit 31. In other words, the electromagnetic separator 33 blocks or reduces (reduces) the influence of electromagnetic noise on the antenna unit 31. As a result, the electromagnetic separator 33 stabilizes the grounding level of the antenna unit 31. That is, when the electromagnetic wave noise that the antenna unit 31 receives from the external environment is blocked, the influence that the antenna unit 31 receives via grounding can be avoided or reduced. In addition, by blocking or reducing electromagnetic noise, the electromagnetic separator 33 maintains the directional pattern of the antenna unit 31 normally.

[0043] The electromagnetic separator 33 has a configuration that reflects electromagnetic waves in order to isolate electromagnetic noise. The reflective surface of the electromagnetic separator 33 is made of a metasurface material that has the characteristic of having a two-dimensional arrangement of structures that are sufficiently smaller than the wavelength of radio waves. For example, an artificial magnetic conductor can be used as the metasurface material. This also makes it possible to control the reflection characteristics of the reflective surface.

[0044] For example, while electromagnetic shielding is possible when the electromagnetic separator 33 is constructed using metal plates, shielding is limited to electromagnetic noise of specific properties (such as a specific frequency band). Generally, the frequency of electromagnetic noise varies depending on its source and is not uniform. Therefore, it is practically impossible to construct the electromagnetic separator 33 using only metal plates, or it is necessary to use ingenuity such as combining multiple types of metal plates. When a metasurface is used as the material, the electromagnetic separator 33 can block or reduce electromagnetic noise of various characteristics. Furthermore, by using a metasurface as the material, the electromagnetic separator 33 can block or reduce only frequencies in a specific frequency band, or conversely, allow only frequencies in a specific frequency band to pass through. In other words, for example, the frequency characteristics of the electromagnetic separator 33 can be changed by changing the shape of the electromagnetic separator 33 or changing the length or thickness in a predetermined direction based on a command from the coordinated control unit 211. In other words, based on commands (electrical signals) from the coordinated control unit 211, the electromagnetic separation plate 33 can block or reduce electromagnetic noise in a specific frequency band, or allow electromagnetic waves in a specific frequency band to pass through.

[0045] In other words, when electromagnetic shielding is performed using a simple metal plate, it is impossible to change the frequency characteristics after the design has been made. However, in this embodiment, it is possible to control the noise isolation characteristics of the electromagnetic separation plate 33 to be actively changed according to the conditions detected by, for example, the electromagnetic plate state sensor 331.

[0046] The electromagnetic separator 33 is constructed, for example, using a reflector having a flat or curved reflective surface. The electromagnetic separator 33 may have a structure that allows the element to expand and contract. By expanding and contracting the element, the pattern of radio wave reflection by the radio wave reflector 32 can be changed. The electromagnetic separator 33 can separate electromagnetic waves by reflecting radio waves.

[0047] Furthermore, the electromagnetic separation plate 33 is configured to allow changes in its shape, length, and thickness (or even just a part of these). The electromagnetic separation plate 33 changes its own shape, length, and thickness (or even just a part of these) based on commands from the coordinated control unit 211. For example, the electromagnetic separation plate 33 can be changed to have a thickness suitable for cutting electromagnetic noise in a specific frequency band.

[0048] As mentioned above, the electromagnetic partition plate 33 is equipped with an electromagnetic plate state sensor 331. In other words, the electromagnetic plate state sensor 331 is located near the electromagnetic partition plate 33. The electromagnetic plate state sensor 331 can detect the state of the electromagnetic partition plate 33 and pass a signal representing that state to the electromagnetic plate state determination unit 212. Here, the state of the electromagnetic partition plate 33 detected by the electromagnetic plate state sensor 331 is, for example, the frequency of electromagnetic waves (electromagnetic noise). The electromagnetic plate state sensor 331 can also detect the expansion and contraction state of the electromagnetic partition plate 33 (length in a predetermined direction) and the shape of the electromagnetic partition plate 33 as part of the state of the electromagnetic partition plate 33.

[0049] The other station 801 is the communication partner of the antenna system 1. The antenna system 1 having the above configuration transmits and receives radio waves while tracking the other station 801, thereby achieving communication with the other station 801.

[0050] With the configuration described with reference to Figure 1, antenna system 1 functions as follows:

[0051] The antenna unit 31 transmits and receives radio waves. The directional pattern of the antenna unit 31 is controlled by the cooperative control unit 211. The electromagnetic separator 33 blocks or reduces electromagnetic noise directed toward the antenna unit 31.

[0052] The first control unit is a control function realized by the coordinated control of the integrated control unit 11, the cooperative control unit 211, and the electromagnetic plate state determination unit 212. The electromagnetic plate state sensor 331 detects the state of the electromagnetic partition plate 33. The first control unit commands at least one of the following: increase or decrease the thickness of the electromagnetic partition plate 33 or increase or decrease the area of ​​the electromagnetic partition plate 33, according to the state detected by the electromagnetic plate state sensor 331. Based on the command from the first control unit, the electromagnetic partition plate 33 increases or decreases at least one of the thickness of the electromagnetic partition plate 33 or the area of ​​the electromagnetic partition plate 33.

[0053] The radio wave reflecting section 32 may consist of, for example, two radio wave reflecting sections 32A and 32B. The radio wave reflecting section 32 changes the directional pattern of the antenna section 31 by reflecting the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna section 31.

[0054] The second control unit is a control function realized by the coordinated control of the integrated control unit 11 and the cooperative control unit 211. The second control unit changes the reflection pattern when the reflective surface of the radio wave reflecting unit 32 reflects radio waves by controlling the length of the radio wave reflecting unit 32 in at least one direction.

[0055] The electromagnetic plate state sensor 331 may detect the frequency of electromagnetic noise near the electromagnetic partition plate 33 as the state of the electromagnetic partition plate 33. In this case, the first control unit commands an increase or decrease in the thickness of the electromagnetic partition plate 33 according to the frequency of electromagnetic noise near the electromagnetic partition plate 33 detected by the electromagnetic plate state sensor 331. The electromagnetic partition plate 33 then increases or decreases its thickness based on the command from the first control unit.

[0056] The second control unit may acquire information on at least one of the location or direction of the communication partner station 801, and control the length of the radio wave reflecting section 32 in at least one direction based on the information on at least one of the location or direction of the communication partner station 801, thereby changing the reflection pattern when the reflective surface of the radio wave reflecting section 32 reflects radio waves.

[0057] The integrated control unit 11 integrates the overall control of the antenna system 1.

[0058] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the control procedure for the antenna system 1 to track the remote station 801. Note that in the procedure shown in this flowchart, there are no order constraints between the series of processes from steps S13 to S15 and the series of processes from steps S16 to S17. That is, the series of processes from steps S13 to S15 may be executed before the series of processes from steps S16 to S17, or after the series of processes from steps S16 to S17. Furthermore, at least a portion of the series of processes from steps S13 to S15 and at least a portion of the series of processes from steps S16 to S17 may be executed simultaneously. Note that the processes in step S13 and step S15 are executed after the completion of the process in step S12. Also, the processing procedure shown in this flowchart represents one control cycle. The system may track the relatively moving remote station 801 by repeating this control cycle multiple times. The following explanation will follow this flowchart.

[0059] First, in step S11, the cooperative control unit 211 acquires the location information of the target station 801. For example, it acquires the location information of the target station 801 from the integrated control unit 11. The location information of the target station 801 is, for example, information expressed as relative coordinate values ​​with respect to the local station. Alternatively, the location information of the target station may be, for example, information expressed as a relative direction (angle) value with respect to the local station.

[0060] The location information of the other station 801 may be provided from outside the antenna system 1. Alternatively, the location information of the other station 801 may be obtained or calculated based on the radio waves received by the antenna unit 31.

[0061] Next, in step S12, the coordination control unit 211 calculates a direction vector and a target angle based on the position information of the other station 801 acquired in step S11. In other words, the coordination control unit 211 calculates the direction of the other station 801 relative to its own station.

[0062] In step S13, the coordination control unit 211 instructs the communication control unit 22 on the radio wave directional target based on the direction vector and target angle calculated in step S12. The communication control unit 22 controls the directional characteristics of the antenna unit 31 based on the radio wave directional target instructed by the coordination control unit 211.

[0063] In step S14, the cooperative control unit 211 calculates the amount of expansion or contraction of the elements of the radio wave reflecting unit 32 so that the radio wave reflecting unit 32 reflects radio waves in a desired direction.

[0064] In step S15, the cooperative control unit 211 commands the element of the radio wave reflection unit 32 to expand or contract based on the amount of element expansion or contraction obtained in the calculation in step S14.

[0065] In other words, the directivity pattern of the antenna section 31 is determined based on the instruction for the radio wave directivity target in step S13. Also, the pattern of radio wave reflection in the radio wave reflection section 32 is determined by the command for expansion and contraction of the elements of the radio wave reflection section 32 in step S15. As a result, the coordinated control unit 211 can control the directivity pattern of the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna section 31 and reflected by the radio wave reflection section 32 to take on a desired form.

[0066] On the other hand, independently of the series of processes from steps S13 to S15, in step S16, the cooperative control unit 211 acquires the sensor value detected by the electromagnetic plate state sensor 331 via the electromagnetic plate state determination unit 212.

[0067] Next, in step S17, the coordinated control unit 211 commands the expansion and contraction of the elements of the electromagnetic partition plate 33. This command in step S17 causes the electromagnetic partition plate 33 to change its length in a predetermined direction. For example, the electromagnetic partition plate 33 expands and contracts its elements. This adjusts the characteristics of the electromagnetic partition plate 33.

[0068] In other words, through the processes described in steps S11 to S17 above, the cooperative control unit 211 adjusts the directional pattern of the antenna unit 31. The cooperative control unit 211 also adjusts the pattern of radio wave reflection in the radio wave reflection unit 32. Furthermore, the cooperative control unit 211 adjusts the shape and length of the electromagnetic separator 33. In short, the direction of the directional beams in the antenna unit 31 and the radio wave reflection unit 32 are adjusted to optimize the communication state with the other station 801. The shape and length of the electromagnetic separator 33 are adjusted to block or reduce the influence of electromagnetic noise from electromagnetic noise sources on the antenna unit 31.

[0069] By repeating the control steps S11 to S17, the antenna system 1 can track the other station 801.

[0070] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the directional pattern and communication-unavailable region of the antenna unit in the embodiment. The figure is a cross-sectional view of the phased array element 311 of the antenna unit 31. The antenna beam 312 extends upward from the antenna unit 31. In other words, the radio waves transmitted from the antenna unit 31 are directed upward in this figure. Also, the radio waves received by the antenna unit 31 arrive from the upward direction in this figure. Note that the directional pattern (number and arrangement of antenna beams) shown here is merely an example, and other patterns are possible. As shown in the figure, the antenna unit 31 has a communication-unavailable region. Specifically, the beam does not extend to the region where the angle between the phased array element 311 and the array surface is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and this region becomes a communication-unavailable region. As illustrated in this figure, the phased array antenna itself has a communication-unavailable region. The configuration of this embodiment eliminates such communication-unavailable regions.

[0071] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an antenna system according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the radio wave reflector 32 is composed of an outer radio wave reflector 32A and a radio wave reflector 32B located near the center of the radio wave reflector 32A when viewed from above. The outer radio wave reflector 32A has a cylindrical shape perpendicular to the plane on which the phased array elements 311 of the antenna unit 31 are arranged. In the figure, the antenna unit 31 is provided on the upper part of the fixing frame 41. This antenna unit 31 radiates radio waves upward in the figure and receives radio waves from above. As described above, the antenna unit 31 transmits and receives radio waves in a predetermined directional pattern. In other words, the antenna unit 31 realizes beams in multiple predetermined directions. When viewed from above (plan view) in the figure, a cylindrical radio wave reflector 32A is provided so as to surround the antenna unit 31. Also, when viewed from above (plan view) in the figure, a radio wave reflector 32B is provided near the center of the cylinder. The position of the radio wave reflecting section 32B near the center is fixed by a frame or the like (not shown). Metasurface elements 321 are arranged in a two-dimensional manner on the reflective surfaces of each of the radio wave reflecting sections 32A and 32B. The antenna beam 312 is formed by the reflection of radio waves by these radio wave reflecting sections 32A and 32B.

[0072] In the configuration shown in Figure 4, the elements (reflective surfaces) of the radio wave reflectors 32A and 32B are configured to expand and contract based on a command angle instructed by the coordinated control unit 211. By expanding and contracting these elements, radio waves of a specific wavelength can be reflected in any direction. This makes it possible to direct the beam to areas that are impossible to reach with a phased array antenna alone (the communication-unavailable area shown in Figure 3).

[0073] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the structure of an antenna system according to an embodiment. As shown in the figure, the antenna section 31 and the radio wave reflecting sections 32A and 32B are provided on the base 42. In the illustrated form, the frame 43 has a cylindrical section perpendicular to the antenna section 31 and a cross-shaped section at the top. The positions of the radio wave reflecting sections 32A and 32B are fixed by this frame 43. The frame 43 is made of a non-conductive material. The fixing frame 41 shown in Figure 4 is a part of the base 42 in Figure 5.

[0074] In the example shown in Figure 5, the radio wave reflector 32A (which may also be called the first radio wave reflector) has a cylindrical shape and is positioned perpendicular to the radiation plane of the phased array antenna of the antenna unit 31. The inside of this cylindrical shape of the radio wave reflector 32A is the reflective surface that reflects radio waves. When the entire antenna system 1 is viewed from above, the phased array antenna of the antenna unit 31 is contained within the circle (in plan view) of the radio wave reflector 32A. The radio wave reflector 32B (which may also be called the second radio wave reflector) is positioned approximately above the top of the radio wave reflector 32A in the height direction (it may be higher than that), and is located around the center of the circle of the radio wave reflector 32A when the antenna system 1 is viewed from above. The radio wave reflector 32B may be, for example, a relatively low-height cylinder. The outside of the cylindrical radio wave reflector 32B is the reflective surface that reflects radio waves. Radio waves radiated from the antenna unit 31 can be reflected by either or both of these radio wave reflector 32A and radio wave reflector 32B. A predetermined amount of the radio waves radiated from the antenna section 31 is first reflected by the radio wave reflection section 32A. A portion of the radio waves reflected by the radio wave reflection section 32A is then reflected by the radio wave reflection section 32B. The radio waves received by the antenna section 31 can be reflected via the reverse route of the above-described radiation.

[0075] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) showing one form of the structure of the electromagnetic separator 33 in the embodiment. In this figure, the electromagnetic separator 33 is provided below the antenna section 31. In other words, this electromagnetic separator 33 is provided inside the base 42 in the perspective view of Figure 5. Metasurface elements 332 are arranged on the lower surface of the electromagnetic separator 33. In the arrangement shown in Figure 6, an electromagnetic noise source 71 is located further below the electromagnetic separator 33. The electromagnetic noise source 71 is, for example, a motor, but is not limited to that. The electromagnetic noise source 71 generates electromagnetic wave noise. Since metasurface elements 332 are arranged on the lower surface of the electromagnetic separator 33, when arranged in the configuration shown in Figure 6, the noise generated by the electromagnetic noise source 71 is blocked by the electromagnetic separator 33. In other words, by providing the electromagnetic separator 33, electromagnetic noise from below is blocked by the electromagnetic separator 33. In other words, the electromagnetic noise generated by the electromagnetic noise source 71 does not affect the antenna section 31. Alternatively, the effect of that electromagnetic noise on the antenna section 31 is reduced by the electromagnetic separator 33. Note that in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6, the lateral length of the electromagnetic separator 33 is longer than the lateral length of the antenna section 31. By increasing the length of the electromagnetic separator 33 in this way, the effect of the electromagnetic separator 33 in blocking electromagnetic noise is increased.

[0076] Although Figure 6 shows a single electromagnetic noise source 71, there may be multiple electromagnetic noise sources 71. The electromagnetic separation plate 33 can block or reduce electromagnetic noise from multiple electromagnetic noise sources 71.

[0077] When an antenna has a drive mechanism (for example, a rotary drive), that drive mechanism can become a source of electromagnetic noise, negatively affecting the antenna's directivity. Next, we will explain methods for eliminating or mitigating the impact of such electromagnetic noise on the antenna.

[0078] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) illustrating an example of a situation in which the electromagnetic separator 33 blocks or reduces the influence of electromagnetic noise from the electromagnetic noise source 71 on the antenna section 31 in an embodiment. In the configuration shown in the figure, a rotary drive unit 72 is provided on a fixing frame 41. The orientation of the electromagnetic separator 33 and the antenna section 31 is changed by the rotation of the rotary drive unit 72. The electromagnetic separator 33 and the antenna section 31 are fixed to each other. The rotary drive unit 72 is realized using, for example, an electric motor. An electric motor itself is a well-known technology that generates motion using electromagnetic force. When the rotary drive unit 72 adjusts the orientation of the electromagnetic separator 33 and the antenna section 31 using the force of the electric motor, electromagnetic waves may leak from the electric motor of the rotary drive unit 72. In other words, the rotary drive unit 72 can become the electromagnetic noise source 71 described in Figure 6. Electromagnetic noise generated from the rotary drive unit 72 can cause abnormal directivity patterns of the antenna section 31. In other words, if the antenna unit 31 and the rotary drive unit 72, which is the source of electromagnetic noise, are not electrically isolated, the antenna unit 31 will be affected by electromagnetic noise generated from the source. As a result, the antenna unit 31 will not be able to generate the beam pattern as designed, which can lead to a deterioration in communication gain. However, in the illustrated configuration, the electromagnetic separator 33 blocks or reduces electromagnetic noise. As a result, the directional pattern of the antenna unit 31 is not adversely affected by electromagnetic noise from the rotary drive unit 72. Or, the influence on the directional pattern of the antenna unit 31 is reduced.

[0079] The elements constituting the electromagnetic separation plate 33 are configured to expand and contract. In other words, the cooperative control unit 211 commands the expansion and contraction of the elements based on the electromagnetic state detected by the electromagnetic plate state determination unit 212. Each element of the electromagnetic separation plate expands and contracts according to the command from the cooperative control unit 211.

[0080] Note that in the configuration shown in Figure 7, the radio wave reflecting section 32 is omitted.

[0081] According to the embodiment described above, the electromagnetic separator 33 separates electromagnetic noise directed toward the antenna section 31. Therefore, the directional pattern of the antenna section 31 is not affected by interference from electromagnetic noise, or interference from electromagnetic noise is reduced.

[0082] <Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, another embodiment relating to this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that some matters already described in previous embodiments may be omitted. The following description will focus on matters specific to this embodiment.

[0083] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic functional configuration of an antenna system according to one embodiment. The antenna system 2 transmits and receives radio waves with the other station 801 and controls the antenna for transmitting and receiving those radio waves. As shown in the figure, the antenna system 2 according to one embodiment includes an integrated control unit 11, an operation unit 12, a capture and tracking control unit 21A, a communication control unit 22, an antenna unit 31, a radio wave reflection unit 32, an electromagnetic separation plate 33, and a rotation drive unit 35. A feature of this embodiment is that the antenna system 2 includes a rotation drive unit 35. The rotation drive unit 35 includes a gyro 351. Another feature of this embodiment is that the capture and tracking control unit 21A includes a coordination control unit 211 and an electromagnetic plate state determination unit 212, as well as a rotation drive control unit 213 and a driver for the rotation drive unit 214. Note that the configuration common to Figure 1 will not be explained. Details of the functions of the antenna system 2 are as follows.

[0084] The rotary drive unit 35 drives the antenna unit 31, the electromagnetic separator 33, and the radio wave reflecting units 32A and 32B by rotation. This allows the rotary drive unit 35 to change (correct) the directional axis of the antenna unit 31. The rotary drive unit 35 drives rotation on two or more axes, for example, AZ / EL (Azimuth / Elevation). In other words, the rotary drive unit 35 makes it possible to arbitrarily change both the azimuth angle and the elevation angle of the antenna beam's directional direction.

[0085] The gyro 351 detects the attitude (angle) resulting from the rotation by the rotation drive unit 35. For example, the gyro 351 detects the attitude of the base portion driven by the rotation drive unit 35. The gyro 351 transmits the detected value to the rotation drive control unit 213 via the driver 214 for the rotation drive unit.

[0086] Furthermore, the gyro 351 does not necessarily have to be attached to the rotational drive unit 35 itself. In other words, the gyro 351 may be attached to another part driven by the rotational drive unit 35 (for example, the antenna unit 31). In that case as well, the gyro 351 can detect the attitude of the part driven by the rotational drive unit 35 (for example, the antenna unit 31).

[0087] The rotational drive control unit 213 controls the rotational drive performed by the rotational drive unit 35.

[0088] The rotary drive unit driver 214 functions as an interface between the rotary drive control unit 213 and the rotary drive unit 35. In other words, the rotary drive unit driver 214 transmits information from the rotary drive unit 35 and the gyro 351 to the rotary drive control unit 213. The rotary drive unit driver 214 also transmits control commands and other information from the rotary drive control unit 213 to the rotary drive unit 35 and the gyro 351.

[0089] In the illustrated configuration, the cooperative control unit 211 acquires information from the gyroscope via the rotary drive unit driver 214 and the rotary drive control unit 213. Specifically, the cooperative control unit 211 acquires the attitude (tilt angle, etc.) of the antenna unit 31, etc., which is rotated by the rotary drive unit 35, from the gyroscope 351. The cooperative control unit 211 also outputs commands to the rotary drive unit 35. The commands to the rotary drive unit 35 (commands regarding the target angle when rotating) are transmitted to the rotary drive unit 35 via the rotary drive control unit 213 and the rotary drive unit driver 214. In this embodiment as well, the cooperative control unit 211 passes command angle information calculated from the position or angle of the remote station 801 to the communication control unit 22 and the radio wave reflection unit 32.

[0090] With the configuration described with reference to Figure 8, the antenna system 2 functions as follows:

[0091] The rotary drive unit 35 can act on the antenna unit 31 to change its orientation. The rotary drive unit 35 may be equipped with an electric motor, which can change the orientation of the antenna unit 31. The electromagnetic separator 33 is provided to block or reduce the component of electromagnetic noise generated from the electric motor of the rotary drive unit 35 that is directed toward the antenna unit 31.

[0092] The third control unit is a control function realized by the coordinated control of the integrated control unit 11, the cooperative control unit 211, the rotary drive control unit 213, and the driver 214 for the rotary drive unit. The third control unit acquires information on at least one of the position or direction of the communication partner station 801, and controls the change in the attitude of the antenna unit by the rotary drive unit 35 based on the information on at least one of the position or direction of the communication partner station 801.

[0093] The antenna system 2 may include a gyroscope 351 that detects the attitude of the antenna unit 31 as changed by the rotation drive unit 35. In this case, the third control unit can also control the change in the attitude of the antenna unit 31 by the rotation drive unit 35 based on the attitude of the antenna unit 31 detected by the gyroscope 351.

[0094] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the control procedure for the antenna system 2 to track the remote station 801. Note that in the procedure shown in this flowchart, there are no order constraints between the series of processes from steps S23 to S25 and the series of processes from steps S26 to S27. That is, the series of processes from steps S23 to S25 may be executed before the series of processes from steps S26 to S27, or after the series of processes from steps S26 to S27. Furthermore, at least a portion of the series of processes from steps S23 to S25 and at least a portion of the series of processes from steps S26 to S27 may be executed simultaneously. Note that the processes in step S23 and step S25 are executed after the completion of the process in step S22. Also, the processing procedure shown in this flowchart represents one control cycle. The remote station 801, which is moving relatively, may be tracked by repeating this control cycle multiple times. The following explanation will follow this flowchart.

[0095] First, in step S21, the coordinating control unit 211 obtains information about the position or angle of the target station 801. Specifically, the coordinating control unit 211 obtains information about the position or angle of the target station 801 from the integrated control unit 11.

[0096] Next, in step S22, the coordination control unit 211 calculates a direction vector and a target angle based on the position information of the other station 801 acquired in step S21. The coordination control unit 211 can output a command based on the direction vector and the target angle.

[0097] In step S23, the coordination control unit 211 drives the gimbal based on the direction vector and target angle calculated in step S22. Specifically, the coordination control unit 211 outputs instructions to the rotary drive unit 35 via the rotary drive control unit 213 and the driver 214 for the rotary drive unit. The coordination control unit 211 also instructs the communication control unit 22 on the radio wave pointing target. The communication control unit 22 controls the directional characteristics of the antenna unit 31 based on the radio wave pointing target instructed by the coordination control unit 211.

[0098] In step S24, the cooperative control unit 211 calculates the amount of expansion or contraction of the elements of the radio wave reflecting unit 32 so that the radio wave reflecting unit 32 reflects radio waves in a desired direction.

[0099] In step S25, the cooperative control unit 211 commands the element of the radio wave reflection unit 32 to expand or contract based on the amount of element expansion or contraction determined in the calculation in step S24.

[0100] In other words, the directivity pattern of the antenna section 31 is determined based on the instruction for the radio wave directivity target in step S23. Also, the pattern of radio wave reflection in the radio wave reflection section 32 is determined by the command for expansion and contraction of the elements of the radio wave reflection section 32 in step S25. As a result, the coordinated control unit 211 can control the directivity pattern of the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna section 31 and reflected by the radio wave reflection section 32 to take on a desired form.

[0101] On the other hand, independently of the series of processes from steps S23 to S25, in step S26, the cooperative control unit 211 acquires the sensor value detected by the electromagnetic plate state sensor 331 via the electromagnetic plate state determination unit 212.

[0102] Next, in step S27, the coordinated control unit 211 commands the elements of the electromagnetic separator 33 to expand or contract. This command in step S27 causes the elements of the electromagnetic separator 33 to expand or contract. In this process, the characteristics of the electromagnetic separator 33 are adjusted.

[0103] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram (cross-sectional view) showing the configuration of the antenna system according to the embodiment. As shown in the figure, the antenna system 2 includes a rotary drive base 73, a rotary drive unit 35, an electromagnetic separation plate 33, an electromagnetic plate state sensor 331, an antenna unit 31, a gyroscope 351, and radio wave reflecting units 32A and 32B.

[0104] The rotary drive unit base 73 is a base that supports the rotary drive unit 35, the antenna unit 31, and the radio wave reflecting units 32A and 32B above it from below.

[0105] The rotary drive unit 35 is mounted on the rotary drive unit base 73. The rotary drive unit 72 can change the overall orientation of the electromagnetic partition plate 33, the antenna unit 31, and the radio wave reflecting units 32A and 32B by performing rotational motion on one or more axes. The antenna unit 31 is fixed on the electromagnetic partition plate 33. The radio wave reflecting units 32A and 32B are fixed on the electromagnetic partition plate 33 by a frame. The electromagnetic plate state sensor 331 is fixed to the underside of the electromagnetic partition plate 33. The gyroscope 351 is fixed on top of the antenna unit 31.

[0106] With this structure, the rotary drive unit 35 can change the orientation (angle) of the antenna unit 31 by rotating one or more axes. This allows the direction of the directional beam of the antenna unit 31 to be changed. The rotary drive unit 35 is implemented, for example, using an electric motor. This means that electromagnetic noise may be generated from the rotary drive unit 72. However, in the illustrated configuration, the electromagnetic separator 33 has a predetermined area and blocks electromagnetic noise from the rotary drive unit 35 by reflecting electromagnetic waves from below. Alternatively, the electromagnetic separator 33 reduces that electromagnetic noise.

[0107] This configuration allows the rotary drive unit 35, which is the source of electromagnetic noise, to be placed close to the antenna unit 31. Therefore, a smaller antenna system can be easily realized compared to conventional systems.

[0108] According to the embodiment described above, the rotary drive unit 35 can change the orientation (angle of inclination, etc.) of the antenna unit 31. In addition, the electromagnetic separator plate 33 blocks or reduces electromagnetic noise that may be generated from the rotary drive unit 35. As a result, adverse effects of electromagnetic noise on the antenna unit 31 can be prevented or reduced.

[0109] <Reference example> Next, we will explain the reference aspects.

[0110] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the schematic functional configuration of an antenna system according to a reference embodiment. The antenna system 1901 transmits and receives radio waves with the other station 1801 and controls the antenna for transmitting and receiving those radio waves. As shown in the figure, the antenna system 1901 is composed of an integrated control unit 1911, an operation unit 1912, a capture and tracking control unit 1921, a communication control unit 1922, an antenna unit 1931, and a rotation drive unit 1935. A feature of this embodiment is that the antenna system 2 includes a rotation drive unit 35. The capture and tracking control unit 1921 includes a coordination control unit 19211, a rotation drive control unit 19212, and a driver for the rotation drive unit 19213. The communication control unit 1922 includes a modulation unit 19221 and a demodulation unit 19222. The antenna unit 1931 includes a phased array element 19311. The rotation drive unit 1935 includes a gyroscope 19351.

[0111] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the control procedure for the antenna system 1901 to track the remote station 1801. Note that the processing procedure shown in this flowchart represents one control cycle. The system may also track the relatively moving remote station 801 by repeating this control cycle multiple times. The following explanation will follow this flowchart.

[0112] First, in step S1911, the cooperative control unit 19211 acquires the location information of the target station 1801.

[0113] Next, in step S1912, the coordination control unit 19211 calculates a direction vector and a target angle based on the position information of the other station 1801 acquired in step S1911.

[0114] In step S1913, the coordination control unit 19211 drives the gimbal based on the direction vector and target angle calculated in step S1912, and also instructs the communication control unit 22 on the radio wave pointing target. In other words, the coordination control unit 19211 instructs the rotation drive unit 1935 to rotate via the rotation drive control unit 19212 and the driver for the rotation drive unit 19213, based on the direction vector and target angle. The coordination control unit 19211 also instructs the communication control unit 1922 on the radio wave pointing target. The communication control unit 1922 controls the directional characteristics of the antenna unit 31 based on the radio wave pointing target instructed by the coordination control unit 19211.

[0115] The control unit 19211 performs the control steps S1911 to S1913 described above, thereby adjusting the directivity of the antenna unit 1931 to optimize communication with the other station 1801. By repeating this control, the antenna system 1901 can track the other station 1801.

[0116] Note that the antenna system in the reference configuration described here does not have an electromagnetic separator. In other words, electromagnetic noise generated from the rotary drive unit 1935 may interfere with the directional pattern of the antenna unit 1931.

[0117] <Third Embodiment> Hereinafter, another embodiment relating to this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that some matters already described in previous embodiments may be omitted. The following description will focus on matters specific to this embodiment.

[0118] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the schematic functional configuration of an antenna system according to one embodiment. The antenna system 3 can be used to transmit and receive radio waves with a remote station 801. As shown in the figure, the antenna system 3 comprises an antenna section 31 and an electromagnetic separator 33.

[0119] The communication control unit 22, which is not included in the antenna system 3, comprises a modulation unit 221 and a demodulation unit 222. The modulation unit 221 modulates the signal (radio wave) to be transmitted to the other station 801 using the antenna system 3. The demodulation unit 222 demodulates the signal (radio wave) received from the other station 801 using the antenna system 3.

[0120] The antenna unit 31 of the antenna system 3 transmits and receives radio waves with a predetermined directional pattern.

[0121] The electromagnetic separator plate 33 of the antenna system 3 blocks or reduces electromagnetic noise directed toward the antenna section 31.

[0122] According to this embodiment, since the electromagnetic separation plate 33 blocks or reduces electromagnetic noise, adverse effects of electromagnetic noise on the antenna section 31 can be prevented or reduced.

[0123] <Variation> The technical configuration described in any of the above embodiments is applicable not only to phased array antennas but to all communication devices in which there are limitations on the direction of direction.

[0124] <Variation> The technical configuration described in any of the above embodiments is applicable not only to antenna systems but also to all devices that require high-precision directivity, such as those installed in areas subject to external disturbances.

[0125] <Implementation using computers> At least some of the functions of the capture and tracking control unit 21 and the communication control unit 22 shown in Figure 1, at least some of the functions of the capture and tracking control unit 21A and the communication control unit 22 shown in Figure 8, and at least some of the functions of the communication control unit 22 shown in Figure 13 can be implemented using a computer.

[0126] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a computer for realizing the antenna systems of the first, second, and third embodiments. As shown in the figure, the computer is composed of a central processing unit 901, RAM 902, input / output ports 903, input / output devices 904 and 905, etc., and a bus 906. The computer itself can be realized using existing technology. The central processing unit 901 executes instructions contained in programs read from RAM 902, etc. The central processing unit 901 writes data to RAM 902, reads data from RAM 902, and performs arithmetic and logical operations according to each instruction. RAM 902 stores data and programs. Each element contained in RAM 902 has an address and can be accessed using that address. RAM stands for "Random Access Memory". Input / output ports 903 are ports for the central processing unit 901 to exchange data with external input / output devices, etc. Input / output devices 904 and 905 are input / output devices. Input / output devices 904 and 905 exchange data with the central processing unit 901 via input / output port 903. Bus 906 is a common communication channel used within the computer. For example, the central processing unit 901 reads and writes data to RAM 902 via bus 906. Also, for example, the central processing unit 901 accesses input / output ports via bus 906.

[0127] In the embodiments described above, when a computer is used, the function may be implemented by recording a program for realizing a predetermined function on a computer-readable recording medium, loading the program recorded on this recording medium into a computer system, and executing it. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. "Computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, USB memory, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" may also include those that temporarily and dynamically hold programs, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, and those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside a computer system that acts as a server or client in such cases. The program described above may be for realizing only a part of the functions described above, or it may be a program that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0128] In order to increase the physical distance between electromagnetic noise sources such as drive systems and the antenna, the overall structure of the antenna system inevitably becomes larger. However, as explained above, by using the technology disclosed herein, electromagnetic noise can be separated from the antenna without increasing the size of the structure. In other words, the disclosed technology enables omnidirectional antenna systems without increasing their size.

[0129] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure are possible, as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0130] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0131] (Note 1) An antenna unit that transmits and receives radio waves with a predetermined directional pattern, An electromagnetic separation plate that blocks or reduces electromagnetic noise directed toward the antenna section, An antenna system equipped with [the following features].

[0132] (Note 2) The electromagnetic separation plate is constructed using a metasurface as the material. The antenna system described in Appendix 1.

[0133] (Note 3) An electromagnetic plate state sensor for detecting the state of the electromagnetic partition plate, A first control unit commands at least one of the following: increasing or decreasing the thickness of the electromagnetic partition plate or increasing or decreasing the area of ​​the electromagnetic partition plate, depending on the state detected by the electromagnetic plate state sensor. Furthermore, The electromagnetic separation plate is configured to increase or decrease at least one of the thickness of the electromagnetic separation plate or the area of ​​the electromagnetic separation plate based on the command from the first control unit. The antenna system described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0134] (Note 4) A rotary drive unit that acts on the antenna portion to change the orientation of the antenna portion, An antenna system further comprising any one of the appendices 1 to 3.

[0135] (Note 5) The aforementioned rotational drive unit is equipped with an electric motor, and the orientation of the antenna can be changed by the electric motor. The electromagnetic separation plate is provided to block or reduce the component of electromagnetic noise generated from the electric motor of the rotary drive unit that is directed toward the antenna unit. The antenna system described in Appendix 4.

[0136] (Note 6) A radio wave reflecting unit that changes the directional pattern of the antenna unit by reflecting the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna unit. An antenna system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5, further comprising the features described herein.

[0137] (Note 7) The reflective surface of the aforementioned radio wave reflecting section that reflects radio waves is constructed using a metasurface as the material. The antenna system described in Appendix 6.

[0138] (Note 8) A second control unit controls the length of the radio wave reflecting portion in at least one direction to change the reflection pattern when the reflective surface of the radio wave reflecting portion reflects radio waves. The antenna system described in Appendix 6 or Appendix 7, further comprising the above.

[0139] (Note 9) An electromagnetic separator is provided near an antenna unit that transmits and receives radio waves with a predetermined directional pattern, so that the electromagnetic separator blocks or reduces electromagnetic noise directed toward the antenna unit. method.

[0140] (Note 10) An antenna unit that transmits and receives radio waves with a predetermined directional pattern, An electromagnetic separation plate for blocking or reducing electromagnetic noise directed toward the antenna portion, wherein the electromagnetic separation plate is configured to increase or decrease at least one of the thickness of the electromagnetic separation plate or the area of ​​the electromagnetic separation plate, An electromagnetic plate state sensor for detecting the state of the electromagnetic partition plate, To control an antenna system equipped with, Computers A first control unit commands at least one of the following: increase or decrease the thickness of the electromagnetic partition plate or increase or decrease the area of ​​the electromagnetic partition plate, depending on the state detected by the electromagnetic plate state sensor. A program designed to function as such.

[0141] (Note 11) The aforementioned antenna section is constructed by arranging phased array elements. An antenna system described in any one of the appendices 1 through 8.

[0142] (Note 12) The electromagnetic plate state sensor detects the frequency of electromagnetic noise near the electromagnetic partition plate as the state of the electromagnetic partition plate. The first control unit commands an increase or decrease in the thickness of the electromagnetic partition plate according to the frequency of electromagnetic noise near the electromagnetic partition plate detected by the electromagnetic plate state sensor. The electromagnetic separation plate increases or decreases its thickness based on the command from the first control unit. The antenna system described in Appendix 3.

[0143] (Note 13) A third control unit acquires information on at least one of the location or direction of the communication partner station, and controls the change in the attitude of the antenna unit by the rotary drive unit based on information on at least one of the location or direction of the said communication partner station. The antenna system described in Appendix 4 or Appendix 5, further comprising the above.

[0144] (Note 14) A gyroscope that detects the attitude of the antenna unit as changed by the rotation drive unit. Furthermore, The third control unit controls the change in the attitude of the antenna unit by the rotation drive unit, based on the attitude of the antenna unit detected by the gyro. The antenna system described in Appendix 13.

[0145] (Note 15) The second control unit acquires information on at least one of the location or direction of the communication partner station, and controls the length of at least one of the directions of the radio wave reflecting section based on the information on at least one of the location or direction of the communication partner station, thereby changing the reflection pattern when the reflective surface of the radio wave reflecting section reflects radio waves. The antenna system described in Appendix 8.

[0146] (Note 16) The electromagnetic separation plate is constructed using a metasurface as the material. The method described in Appendix 9.

[0147] (Note 17) The first control unit commands, in accordance with the state detected by the electromagnetic plate state sensor, which detects the state of the electromagnetic partition plate, to increase or decrease the thickness of the electromagnetic partition plate or increase or decrease the area of ​​the electromagnetic partition plate. The electromagnetic separation plate increases or decreases at least one of the thickness of the electromagnetic separation plate or the area of ​​the electromagnetic separation plate based on the command from the first control unit. The method described in Appendix 9 or Appendix 16.

[0148] (Note 18) The rotational drive unit acts on the antenna unit to change the orientation of the antenna unit. The method described in any one of the following appendices: 9, 16, or 17.

[0149] (Note 19) The aforementioned rotational drive unit is capable of changing the orientation of the antenna unit by an electric motor, The electromagnetic separation plate blocks or reduces the component of electromagnetic noise generated from the electric motor of the rotary drive unit that is directed toward the antenna unit. The method described in Appendix 18.

[0150] (Note 20) The radio wave reflecting section changes the directional pattern of the antenna section by reflecting the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna section. The method described in Appendix 9, or any one of the methods described in Appendix 16 to 19.

[0151] (Note 21) The reflective surface of the aforementioned radio wave reflecting section that reflects radio waves is constructed using a metasurface as the material. The method described in Appendix 20.

[0152] (Note 22) The second control unit controls the length of the radio wave reflecting portion in at least one direction, thereby changing the reflection pattern when the reflective surface of the radio wave reflecting portion reflects radio waves. The method described in Appendix 20 or Appendix 21.

[0153] (Note 23) The aforementioned antenna section is configured by arranging phased array elements. The method described in any one of the appendices 16 to 22.

[0154] (Note 24) The electromagnetic plate state sensor detects the frequency of electromagnetic noise near the electromagnetic partition plate as the state of the electromagnetic partition plate. The first control unit commands an increase or decrease in the thickness of the electromagnetic partition plate according to the frequency of electromagnetic noise near the electromagnetic partition plate detected by the electromagnetic plate state sensor. The electromagnetic separation plate increases or decreases its thickness based on the command from the first control unit. The method described in Appendix 17.

[0155] (Note 25) The third control unit acquires information on at least one of the location or direction of the communication partner station, and controls the change in the attitude of the antenna unit by the rotary drive unit based on information on at least one of the location or direction of the communication partner station. The method described in Appendix 18 or Appendix 19.

[0156] (Note 26) The gyroscope detects the attitude of the antenna unit, which has been changed by the rotation drive unit. The third control unit controls the change in the attitude of the antenna unit by the rotation drive unit, based on the attitude of the antenna unit detected by the gyro. The method described in Appendix 25.

[0157] (Note 27) The second control unit acquires information on at least one of the location or direction of the communication partner station, and controls the length of at least one of the directions of the radio wave reflecting section based on the information on at least one of the location or direction of the communication partner station, thereby changing the reflection pattern when the reflective surface of the radio wave reflecting section reflects radio waves. The method described in Appendix 22.

[0158] (Note 28) The aforementioned antenna system is A radio wave reflecting unit that changes the directional pattern of the antenna unit by reflecting the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna unit. Furthermore, The aforementioned program controls the computer, A second control unit controls the length of the radio wave reflecting portion in at least one direction to change the reflection pattern when the reflective surface of the radio wave reflecting portion reflects radio waves. To make it function even better The program described in Appendix 10.

[0159] (Note 29) The electromagnetic plate state sensor detects the frequency of electromagnetic noise near the electromagnetic partition plate as the state of the electromagnetic partition plate. The first control unit commands an increase or decrease in the thickness of the electromagnetic partition plate according to the frequency of electromagnetic noise near the electromagnetic partition plate detected by the electromagnetic plate state sensor. The electromagnetic separation plate increases or decreases its thickness based on the command from the first control unit. The program described in Appendix 10.

[0160] (Note 30) The aforementioned antenna system is A rotary drive unit that acts on the antenna portion to change the orientation of the antenna portion, Furthermore, The aforementioned program controls the computer, A third control unit acquires information on at least one of the location or direction of the communication partner station, and controls the change in the attitude of the antenna unit by the rotary drive unit based on information on at least one of the location or direction of the said communication partner station. To make it function even better The program described in Appendix 10 or Appendix 28.

[0161] (Note 31) The aforementioned antenna system is A gyroscope that detects the attitude of the antenna unit as changed by the rotation drive unit. Furthermore, The third control unit controls the change in the attitude of the antenna unit by the rotation drive unit, based on the attitude of the antenna unit detected by the gyro. The program described in Appendix 30.

[0162] (Note 32) The second control unit acquires information on at least one of the location or direction of the communication partner station, and controls the length of at least one of the directions of the radio wave reflecting section based on the information on at least one of the location or direction of the communication partner station, thereby changing the reflection pattern when the reflective surface of the radio wave reflecting section reflects radio waves. The program described in Appendix 28.

[0163] Furthermore, some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following.

[0164] (Note 33) An antenna unit that transmits and receives radio waves with a predetermined directional pattern, A radio wave reflecting unit that changes the directional pattern of the antenna unit by reflecting the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna unit, An antenna system equipped with [the following features].

[0165] (Note 34) The antenna unit is an antenna unit that transmits and receives radio waves with a predetermined directional pattern, The radio wave reflecting section changes the directional pattern of the antenna section by reflecting the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna section. Communication method. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0166] 1. Antenna System 11 Integrated Control Unit 12 Control section 21,21A Acquisition and Tracking Control Unit 22 Communication Control Unit 31 Antenna section 32,32A,32B Radio wave reflection section 33 Electromagnetic separation plate 35 Rotary drive unit 41 Fixing frame 42 Base 71 Electromagnetic Noise Sources 72 Rotary drive unit 73 Rotary drive unit base 211 Cooperative Control Unit 212 Electromagnetic plate state determination unit 213 Rotary drive control unit 214 Driver for rotary drive unit 221 Modulation section 222 Demodulation Unit 311 Phased Array Element 312 Antenna Beam 321 Metasurface element 331 Electromagnetic Plate State Sensor 332 Metasurface elements 351 Gyro 801 Opposing station 901 Central Processing Unit 902 RAM 903 Input / Output Ports 904,905 Input / Output Devices 906 Bus

Claims

1. An antenna unit that transmits and receives radio waves with a predetermined directional pattern, An electromagnetic separation plate that blocks or reduces electromagnetic noise directed toward the antenna section, An antenna system equipped with [the following features].

2. The electromagnetic separation plate is constructed using a metasurface as the material. The antenna system according to claim 1.

3. An electromagnetic plate state sensor for detecting the state of the electromagnetic partition plate, A first control unit commands at least one of the following: increasing or decreasing the thickness of the electromagnetic partition plate or increasing or decreasing the area of ​​the electromagnetic partition plate, depending on the state detected by the electromagnetic plate state sensor. Furthermore, The electromagnetic separation plate is configured to increase or decrease at least one of the thickness of the electromagnetic separation plate or the area of ​​the electromagnetic separation plate based on the command from the first control unit. The antenna system according to claim 1.

4. A rotary drive unit that acts on the antenna portion to change the orientation of the antenna portion, The antenna system according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. The aforementioned rotational drive unit is equipped with an electric motor, and the orientation of the antenna can be changed by the electric motor. The electromagnetic separation plate is provided to block or reduce the component of electromagnetic noise generated from the electric motor of the rotary drive unit that is directed toward the antenna unit. The antenna system according to claim 4.

6. A radio wave reflecting unit that changes the directional pattern of the antenna unit by reflecting the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna unit. The antenna system according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. The reflective surface of the aforementioned radio wave reflecting section that reflects radio waves is constructed using a metasurface as the material. The antenna system according to claim 6.

8. A second control unit controls the length of the radio wave reflecting portion in at least one direction to change the reflection pattern when the reflective surface of the radio wave reflecting portion reflects radio waves. The antenna system according to claim 6, further comprising:

9. An electromagnetic separator is provided near an antenna unit that transmits and receives radio waves with a predetermined directional pattern, so that the electromagnetic separator blocks or reduces electromagnetic noise directed toward the antenna unit. method.

10. An antenna unit that transmits and receives radio waves with a predetermined directional pattern, An electromagnetic separation plate for blocking or reducing electromagnetic noise directed toward the antenna portion, wherein the electromagnetic separation plate is configured to increase or decrease at least one of the thickness of the electromagnetic separation plate or the area of ​​the electromagnetic separation plate, An electromagnetic plate state sensor for detecting the state of the electromagnetic partition plate, To control an antenna system equipped with, Computers A first control unit commands at least one of the following: increase or decrease the thickness of the electromagnetic partition plate or increase or decrease the area of ​​the electromagnetic partition plate, depending on the state detected by the electromagnetic plate state sensor. A program designed to function as such.

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