Antenna control method and antenna system

Abstract

An antenna control method and an antenna system are provided. [Solution] The antenna control method includes loading initial transmission and reception direction data, receiving signals toward multiple satellites based on the initial transmission and reception direction data and acquiring multiple signal strength data, constructing a candidate list from the multiple signal strength data using a minimum strength threshold, selecting a satellite with the maximum signal strength data from the candidate list and defining it as the target, acquiring base frequency signal data of the target if the signal strength data of the target exceeds a predetermined strength threshold, substituting the base frequency signal data into a subspace tracking method to acquire principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data, substituting the principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data into the ESPRIT method to acquire the direction of arrival data of the target, and adjusting the beam based on the direction of arrival data to track the target.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control method, and particularly to an antenna control method and an antenna system.

Background Art

[0002] Mobile bodies often need satellite communication during movement (e.g., satellite positioning, satellite network). Therefore, mobile bodies are equipped with an antenna system capable of tracking satellite signals. However, existing antenna systems may not have sufficient computing efficiency when calculating satellite positions. In particular, in marine mobile bodies where horizontal and vertical fluctuations exist simultaneously, it has been confirmed that the beam of the antenna system is not accurately directed at the satellite, resulting in a problem of reduced communication efficiency.

[0003] The inventor, who considered that such defects could be improved, focused on research in this area and finally proposed the present invention that has a reasonable design by applying scientific principles and effectively improves the aforementioned defects.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an antenna control method and an antenna system that eliminate the deficiencies of the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, an antenna control method applied to an antenna system is disclosed. The control method includes the steps of loading initial transmission and reception direction data, using an array antenna to receive signals toward multiple satellites based on the initial transmission and reception direction data and acquiring multiple signal strength data, constructing a candidate list from the multiple signal strength data using a minimum strength threshold, selecting the satellite having the maximum signal strength data from the candidate list and defining it as a target, if the signal strength data of the target falls below a predetermined strength threshold, switching to another satellite from the candidate list as the target, if the signal strength data of the target exceeds the predetermined strength threshold, using the array antenna to acquire base frequency signal data of the target, substituting the base frequency signal data into a subspace tracking method to acquire principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data, substituting the principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data into an Estimation of Signal Parameters via Rotational Invariance Techniques (ESPRIT) and obtaining the direction of arrival data of the target. The process includes the steps of obtaining an Arrival (DOA) and adjusting the beam based on the Direction of Arrival data to track the target object.

[0006] A specific embodiment of the present invention discloses an antenna control method applicable to an antenna system. The control method includes the steps of loading initial transmission and reception direction data, using an array antenna to receive signals toward multiple satellites based on the initial transmission and reception direction data and acquiring multiple signal strength data, constructing a candidate list from the multiple signal strength data using a minimum intensity threshold, selecting the satellite having the maximum signal strength data from the candidate list and defining it as a target, if the signal strength data of the target falls below a predetermined intensity threshold, switching to another satellite from the candidate list as the target, if the signal strength data of the target exceeds the predetermined intensity threshold, dividing the multiple antennas of the array antenna into working sub-arrays and acquiring multiple base frequency signal data of the target using the multiple working sub-arrays, substituting each of the base frequency signal data into a subspace tracking method to acquire principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data, substituting the principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data into a signal parameter estimation method via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) and acquiring the direction of arrival data of the target. The process includes the steps of obtaining an Arrival (DOA) and adjusting the beam based on a plurality of the aforementioned Direction of Arrival data to track the target object.

[0007] A particular embodiment of the present invention includes an array antenna capable of receiving signals from multiple satellites and acquiring multiple signal strength data, and a device connected to the array antenna that provides initial transmission / reception direction data and direction of arrival data. An antenna system comprising: a dynamic adjustment module that controls an array antenna based on Arrival (DOA) and directs it toward any satellite; a tracking module connected to the array antenna and the dynamic adjustment module, which, when the initial transmit / receive direction data is loaded into the dynamic adjustment module, constructs a candidate list from multiple signal strength data using a minimum intensity threshold, selects the satellite with the maximum signal strength data from the candidate list and defines it as the target, and if the signal strength data of the target falls below a predetermined intensity threshold, switches to another satellite from the candidate list and makes it the target, and issues a calculation command if the signal strength data of the target exceeds the predetermined intensity threshold; and a calculation module connected to the array antenna, the tracking module and the dynamic adjustment module, which, upon receiving a calculation command, uses the array antenna to acquire the base frequency signal data of the target, and substitutes the base frequency signal data into a subspace tracking method to acquire principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data, wherein the calculation module uses a signal parameter estimation method (Estimation of Signal Parameters via Rotational Invariance) to estimate the principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data. This invention reveals an antenna system in which the direction of arrival data of the target object is obtained by substituting it into Techniques (ESPRIT), the calculation module replaces the initial transmission and reception direction data with the direction of arrival data, and the dynamic adjustment module controls the array antenna based on the direction of arrival data to point it towards the target object.

[0008] A particular embodiment of the present invention is capable of receiving from multiple satellites and acquiring multiple signal strength data, and includes multiple working subarrays, each of which is an array antenna having multiple antennas, and connected to the array antenna, initial transmission / reception direction data and direction of arrival data (Direction of An antenna system comprising: a dynamic adjustment module capable of controlling the array antenna based on Arrival (DOA) and directing it toward any of the satellites; a tracking module connected to the array antenna and the dynamic adjustment module, which, when the initial transmit / receive direction data is loaded into the dynamic adjustment module, constructs a candidate list from multiple signal strength data using a minimum intensity threshold, selects the satellite with the maximum signal strength data from the candidate list, and defines it as the target, and if the signal strength data of the target falls below a predetermined intensity threshold, switches to another satellite from the candidate list and makes it the target, and issues a calculation command if the signal strength data of the target exceeds the predetermined intensity threshold; and a calculation module connected to the array antenna, the tracking module and the dynamic adjustment module, which, upon receiving a calculation command, acquires multiple base frequency signal data of the target using multiple working sub-arrays, and substitutes the multiple base frequency signal data into a subspace tracking method to acquire principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data, wherein the calculation module uses a signal parameter estimation method (Estimation of Signal Parameters via Rotational Invariance) to estimate the principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data. This invention reveals an antenna system in which the direction of arrival data of the target object is obtained by substituting it into Techniques (ESPRIT), the calculation module replaces the initial transmission / reception direction data with the direction of arrival data, and the dynamic adjustment module controls the array antenna based on the direction of arrival data to point it towards the target object.

[0009] In summary, the antenna control method and antenna system disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention are designed to "substitute each of the base frequency signal data into a subspace tracking method to obtain principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data" and "substitute the principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data into ESPRIT to obtain the direction of arrival data of the target object," thereby enabling the antenna control method and antenna system to calculate the current satellite position and track signals more quickly.

[0010] To further illustrate the features and technical details of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings provided are for reference and illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic step flowchart of an antenna control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic flowchart of another step in the antenna control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic circuit block diagram of an antenna system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic step flowchart of an antenna control method according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic circuit block diagram of an antenna system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] This is a schematic step flowchart of an antenna system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] This is a schematic step flowchart of an antenna system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the "antenna control method and antenna system" disclosed in this invention will be described below. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the merits and effects of this invention from the published content herein. This invention can be carried out or applied by other different embodiments. Each detail herein can also be modified and changed equally, based on various viewpoints or applications, without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the drawings of this invention are for simple and schematic purposes only and do not represent actual dimensions. The following embodiments will further describe technical matters according to the invention, but the published content does not limit this invention.

[0013] Throughout this specification, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used to describe various components and signals, but it should be understood that these components and signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are primarily used to distinguish one component from another, or one signal from another. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein may, as appropriate, include any one or a combination of the relevant enumerated items.

[0014] Furthermore, any references to specific drawings or drawings in the following description are solely to emphasize that the aforementioned relevant content appears frequently in those specific drawings, and do not restrict the following description to refer only to those specific drawings.

[0015] [First Embodiment] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, this embodiment provides an antenna control method. The antenna control method is applicable to an antenna system 100 and improves the efficiency of the antenna system 100 in calculating and tracking the optimal satellite (position). The antenna control method includes steps S101 to S123. Any of the above steps can be omitted or replaced in a reasonable manner according to the designer's needs. The steps of the antenna control method will now be described.

[0016] Step S101: Load the initial transmission and reception direction data. In practice, the initial transmission and reception direction data can be constructed based on stellar history data. Specifically, the antenna system 100 reads the stellar history data, searches for the position of at least one satellite in the vicinity of the antenna system 100, and constructs the initial transmission and reception direction data. Of course, the method of constructing the initial transmission and reception direction data is not limited to this. For example, the initial transmission and reception direction data can also be pre-set to include the zenith azimuth of the current position of the antenna system 100.

[0017] Step S103: Using the array antenna 1 of the antenna system 100, reception is performed toward multiple satellites (not shown) based on the initial transmission / reception direction data, and multiple signal strength data are acquired. The signal strength data may be signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR), carrier-to-interference noise ratio (CINR), received signal strength index (RSSI), or signal-to-interference noise ratio (SINR).

[0018] In practice, multiple signal intensity data can be obtained using eigenvalue decomposition.

[0019] Step S105: Using the minimum intensity threshold, construct a candidate list from the plurality of said signal intensity data. Specifically, since the antenna system 100 disposed on the moving body is constantly changing its position relative to the satellite, the minimum intensity threshold is the minimum allowable value that the antenna system 100 can effectively use. That is, the minimum intensity threshold can be adjusted according to different situations (for example, the hardware specifications of the antenna system 100). More specifically, when the signal intensity is extremely low, the direction of arrival data (DOA) for determining the satellite direction cannot be accurately estimated. Therefore, the minimum intensity threshold means the minimum standard sufficient to derive the direction of arrival data when the antenna system 100 calculates through the subspace tracking method and the signal parameter estimation method based on rotational invariance technology (details will be described later).

[0020] Based on this, the plurality of said satellites having "ideal signal intensity relative to the position of the antenna system 100" are recorded in the candidate list.

[0021] Step S107: Select the satellite having the maximum of said signal intensity data from the candidate list and define this as the target object. In other words, the antenna system 100 selects the satellite with the strongest signal from the candidate list and executes subsequent operations.

[0022] Step S108: Detect whether the signal intensity data of the target object exceeds a predetermined intensity threshold. Specifically, the predetermined intensity threshold is a reasonable value set for the effective functioning of the antenna system 100, and the predetermined intensity threshold is higher than the minimum intensity threshold.

[0023] Here, if the signal intensity data of the target object is below the predetermined intensity threshold, execute Step S109. On the other hand, if the signal intensity data of the target object exceeds the predetermined intensity threshold, execute Step S111.

[0024] Step S109: Switch to another satellite from the candidate list and make it the target. In detail, because the antenna system 100 may change relative to the satellite position at any given time, the satellite selected as the target from the candidate list may not have the optimal signal strength. For this reason, the antenna system 100 needs to switch to another satellite from the candidate list again and make it the new target.

[0025] Step S111: The base frequency signal data of the target object is acquired using the array antenna 1, and the base frequency signal data is substituted into the subspace tracking method to acquire principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data. Notably, in this embodiment, the subspace tracking method employs Fast Approximate Power Iteration (FAPI). Hereinafter, the subspace tracking method will be described as FAPI, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the Fast Approximate Power Iteration method can be replaced with other subspace tracking methods (e.g., MFAPI, FDPM, PAST).

[0026] In practice, the baseband signal data is obtained by down-converting the received narrowband digitally modulated signal. That is, the baseband signal data is obtained by performing frequency conversion, filtering, and analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) on the original satellite signal data (e.g., a narrowband digitally modulated signal) received via a signal processing unit.

[0027] Step S113: The principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data are substituted into the Estimation of Signal Parameters via Rotational Invariance Techniques (ESPRIT) to obtain the Direction of Arrival (DOA) data for the target object. The Direction of Arrival data is either azimuth, elevation, or boresight.

[0028] Step S115: Adjust the beam based on the incoming direction data and track the target object.

[0029] Preferably, the antenna control method further includes the following steps.

[0030] Step S117: Detect whether the incoming direction data exceeds the error range. The error range indicates whether the difference between the actual satellite orientation and the incoming direction data obtained by calculation is within the half-power beam width (HPBW). However, since this cannot be obtained in actual operation, the above error range is addressed by another method. For example, projection is performed using the orthogonal array and derived array output by FAPI, and the energy of the projected array is calculated. Then, the accuracy of the incoming direction data is ensured by setting a threshold for the energy of the projected array.

[0031] Furthermore, if the incoming direction data exceeds the error range, the system switches to another satellite from the candidate list and sets it as the target (i.e., steps S109 are executed again). On the other hand, if the incoming direction data is within the error range, the base frequency signal data of the target is updated, the incoming direction data is calculated to adjust the beam, and the target is tracked. In other words, steps S111 to S115 are executed again. It is particularly important to note that in the ESPRIT algorithm, the incoming direction data is estimated through the received base frequency signal data. However, when the antenna system 100 substitutes the main eigenvector data into ESPRIT, the computational complexity is large and time-consuming (especially in the case of multiple signal sources), which leads to an increase in computation time and computational resources.

[0032] In contrast, FAPI is an effective algorithm used to quickly estimate the eigenvalues ​​and eigenvectors of an array. Therefore, applying FAPI can significantly improve the efficiency of eigenvalue decomposition. In such cases, FAPI can estimate the principal eigenvalues ​​and eigenvectors of an array by fast approximation, thereby reducing computation time.

[0033] Generally, in the process of applying FAPI to ESPRIT, the main eigenvalues ​​and corresponding eigenvectors of the base frequency signal data are first found using FAPI, and then the signal parameter estimation method using rotational invariance (ESPRIT) is applied using these eigenvectors to obtain the direction of arrival data.

[0034] Table 1 shows the time results based on an actual calculation example to compare the time for "calculations using ESPRIT only" with the time for "calculations applying FAPI to ESPRIT". Here, O is Big O notation, N is the number of rows in the antenna array, M is the number of columns in the antenna array, and r is the number of satellite signals.

[0035] [Table 1]

[0036] As can be seen from Table 1, the root mean square error of the "calculation using ESPRIT only" is smaller than the root mean square error of the "calculation applying FAPI to ESPRIT", but the "calculation applying FAPI to ESPRIT" results in an average loss. However, these results do not significantly affect the accuracy of the antenna system 100 in tracking satellites. On the other hand, the average execution time of the "calculation applying FAPI to ESPRIT" is much shorter than the average execution time of the "calculation using ESPRIT only" (especially as the number of antennas increases), so the update frequency of the antenna system 100 tracking satellites can be further increased, resulting in more immediate and accurate satellite tracking.

[0037] Furthermore, it is worth noting that if the antenna system 100 is in a rapidly changing environment, frequent switching may occur during the process of tracking a target. For example, in a marine environment, the movement of a ship affects the antenna system, causing changes in the signal strength data (e.g., SNR) to be more drastic than in a land-based antenna system, leading to switching problems due to back-and-forth phenomena. For this reason, the antenna control method may include the following step S110.

[0038] Step S110: Detect whether the satellite to be switched satisfies the switching conditions. If the satellite to be switched satisfies the switching conditions, the satellite to be switched is switched as the target (i.e., step S108 is executed again to perform the detection). On the other hand, if the satellite to be switched does not satisfy the switching conditions, the satellite to be switched is not set as the target (i.e., step S109 is executed again to select another satellite). Here, the switching conditions are that the signal strength data of the other satellite exceeds the signal strength data of the target before the switch at each point in time within a predetermined time interval.

[0039] For example, during the process of the antenna system 100 performing a switch, the switch is performed only if the signal strength data of the satellite to be switched (i.e., the other satellite) exceeds the signal strength data of the current satellite (i.e., the target) for 5 seconds (i.e., the predetermined time interval).

[0040] Furthermore, once the antenna system 100 has identified the target object, the antenna system 100 can prioritize either speed or accuracy by selecting certain steps of the antenna control method. Specifically, the antenna control method includes steps S121 to S123.

[0041] Step S121: Detect whether the signal intensity data of the target object exceeds the adjustment threshold. If the signal intensity data of the target object exceeds the adjustment threshold, execute step S122. If the signal intensity data of the target object falls below the adjustment threshold, execute step S123.

[0042] Step S122: The signal is received using the N×N antenna of the array antenna, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. In other words, because the signal received by the antenna system 100 is sufficiently prominent, the antenna system 100 requires a faster tracking speed (i.e., a faster calculation speed) and enables more frequent satellite tracking updates.

[0043] Step S123: The signal is received using the M×M antenna of the array antenna, where M is a positive integer greater than or equal to N. In other words, because the signal received by the antenna system 100 is too weak, the antenna system 100 needs to more accurately pinpoint the location of the target object.

[0044] For example, the array antenna has 16 × 16 antennas. When the signal strength data of the target exceeds the adjustment threshold, the 8 × 8 antennas of the array antenna 1 are used. In this case, the antenna system 100 can achieve a faster calculation speed by using the 8 × 8 antennas compared to using the 16 × 16 antennas, but the beam width at half maximum (HPBW) of the antenna system 100 increases.

[0045] Conversely, if the signal strength data of the target falls below the adjustment threshold, the 16x16 antenna of the array antenna 1 is used. By using the 16x16 antenna of the antenna system 100, more accurate direction of arrival data can be obtained compared to using the 8x8 antenna, but the computation time required for the antenna system 100 increases.

[0046] [Second Embodiment] Referring to Figure 3, this embodiment provides an antenna system 100. This antenna system 100 can be used to implement the antenna control method described in the first embodiment. That is, the operational relationships of each component of the antenna system 100 can be adapted to the description of the first embodiment as appropriate. The components of the antenna system 100 and their connection relationships will be described below.

[0047] The antenna system 100 includes an array antenna 1, a dynamic adjustment module 2 connected to the array antenna 1, a tracking module 3 connected to the array antenna 1 and the dynamic adjustment module 2, and a computing module 4 connected to the array antenna 1, the tracking module 3 and the dynamic adjustment module 2.

[0048] The array antenna 1 can receive signals from multiple satellites and acquire multiple signal strength data. The signal strength data may be signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR), carrier-to-interference noise ratio (CINR), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), or signal-to-interference noise ratio (SINR).

[0049] The dynamic adjustment module 2 controls the array antenna 1 to orient itself towards one of the multiple satellites based on initial transmission / reception direction data and direction of arrival (DOA) data. In practice, the dynamic adjustment module 2 constructs the initial transmission / reception direction data using stellar history data, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the initial transmission / reception direction data can also be preset as the current zenith direction of the array antenna 1.

[0050] When the dynamic adjustment module 2 loads the initial transmission and reception direction data, the tracking module 3 can use the minimum intensity threshold to construct a candidate list from a plurality of signal intensity data, select the satellite with the maximum signal intensity data from the candidate list, and define it as the target.

[0051] When the tracking module 3 detects the signal strength data of the target, if the signal strength data falls below a predetermined intensity threshold, the tracking module 3 switches to another satellite from the candidate list and sets it as the target. On the other hand, if the tracking module 3 detects the signal strength data of the target and the signal strength data exceeds the predetermined intensity threshold, the tracking module 3 issues a calculation command.

[0052] When the calculation module 4 receives the calculation command, the calculation module 4 uses the array antenna 1 to acquire the base frequency signal data of the target object, and substitutes the base frequency signal data into the subspace tracking method to acquire the principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data.

[0053] Furthermore, the calculation module 4 can obtain the direction of arrival data of the target object by substituting the principal eigenvector data and the principal eigenvalue data into the Estimation of Signal Parameters via Rotational Invariance Techniques (ESPRIT).

[0054] As a result, the calculation module 4 replaces the initial transmission / reception direction data with the direction of arrival data, and the dynamic adjustment module 2 controls the array antenna 1 to orient itself toward the target object based on the direction of arrival data.

[0055] Furthermore, if the antenna system 100 is in a rapidly changing environment, frequent switching may occur during the process of tracking the target. For this reason, the tracking module 3 switches to another satellite and sets it as the target after the switching conditions are met. Here, the switching conditions are that the other satellite has signal strength data that exceeds the signal strength data of the target before the switch at each point in a predetermined time interval.

[0056] Furthermore, the antenna system 100 may include a modification module 5 electrically connected to the computing module 4 and the dynamic adjustment module 2 to ensure that the tracking mission is continuously performed using the optimal satellite.

[0057] Specifically, the correction module 5 can detect whether the incoming direction data exceeds the error range. If the correction module 5 detects that the incoming direction data exceeds the error range, the correction module 5 issues a correction command to the dynamic adjustment module 2, which then switches to another satellite from the candidate list and sets it as the target. On the other hand, if the correction module 5 detects that the incoming direction data is within the error range, the correction module 5 issues a continue command to the calculation module 4, which then updates the base frequency signal data of the target, calculates the incoming direction data to adjust the beam, and tracks the target.

[0058] Preferably, depending on the current status of the antenna system 100, either speed or accuracy is subject to optimization.

[0059] The calculation module 4 can issue a first adjustment command to the array antenna 1 if the signal strength data of the target exceeds an adjustment threshold, and a second adjustment command to the array antenna 1 if it falls below the adjustment threshold. As a result, when the array antenna 1 receives the first adjustment command, it performs reception using an N×N antenna (where N is a positive integer of 2 or more). When the array antenna 1 receives the second adjustment command, it performs reception using an M×M antenna (where M is a positive integer of N or more). In other words, the array antenna 1 performs reception using a small or large array based on the first and second adjustment commands.

[0060] [Third Embodiment] As shown in Figure 4, this is another embodiment of the present invention, and since the antenna control method of this embodiment is similar to the antenna control method of the first embodiment, a detailed explanation other than the differences between the two will be omitted. The antenna control method of this embodiment includes steps S201 to S217. Steps S201 to S210 of this embodiment are generally similar to steps S101 to S110 of the first embodiment, but a characteristic difference of this embodiment is that the array antenna 1 is divided into a plurality of working sub-arrays 11, thereby enabling the acquisition of a plurality of the base frequency signal data of the target object. The plurality of base frequency signal data are used to obtain a plurality of the direction of arrival data and to perform a tracking operation. A specific explanation of steps S208 and S211 to S217 is as follows.

[0061] Step S208: Detect whether the signal intensity data of the target object exceeds a predetermined intensity threshold. If the signal intensity data of the target object falls below the predetermined intensity threshold, step S209 is executed. On the other hand, if the signal intensity data of the target object exceeds the predetermined intensity threshold, step S211 is executed.

[0062] Step S211: If the signal intensity data of the target object exceeds the predetermined intensity threshold, the array antenna 1 is divided to construct multiple working sub-arrays, and multiple base frequency signal data of the target object are acquired using the multiple working sub-arrays.

[0063] Step S213: Each of the aforementioned base frequency signal data is substituted into the subspace tracking method to obtain the principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data.

[0064] Step S215: The principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data are substituted into the signal parameter estimation method via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) to obtain the direction of arrival data (DOA) of the target object.

[0065] Step S217: Adjust the beam based on the multiple incoming direction data and track the target object.

[0066] Here, the antenna control method selects and loads one of the multiple incoming direction data based on the work order to adjust the beam. In practice, the work order can be constructed based on the relative values ​​of the multiple signal intensity data. For example, the incoming direction data corresponding to the signal intensity data with the highest value is given first priority and used to adjust the beam. The incoming direction data corresponding to the next highest value is given second priority and used to adjust the beam. This process proceeds sequentially. Furthermore, the work order can be adjusted depending on the situation. For example, the work order can be constructed so that the numerical values ​​of the multiple signal intensity data are arranged alternately. As a specific example, if the numerical values ​​of the four signal intensity data are 5, 7, 9, and 3, the work order would be 9, 3, 7, and 5. In detail, array antennas have many factors such as tolerances, material non-uniformity, and assembly errors, which affect the accuracy of the incoming direction data when the ESPRIT algorithm calculates it. Therefore, errors may occur in adjusting the beam direction. The antenna control method of this embodiment reduces the effect of the overall phase deviation to a certain extent by dividing the array antenna, thereby shortening the overall time required for beam adjustment.

[0067] [Fourth Embodiment] Referring to Figure 5, this embodiment provides an antenna system 100'. The antenna system 100' is used to implement the antenna control method in the third embodiment. The antenna system 100' in this embodiment is similar to the antenna system 100 in the second embodiment. That is, the operational relationships of each component of the antenna system 100' can be adapted as appropriate to the descriptions of the second and third embodiments. The components of the antenna system 100' and their connection relationships will be described below.

[0068] The antenna system 100' includes an array antenna 1, a dynamic adjustment module 2 connected to the array antenna 1, a tracking module 3 connected to the array antenna 1 and the dynamic adjustment module 2, and a computing module 4 connected to the array antenna 1, the tracking module 3 and the dynamic adjustment module 2.

[0069] The array antenna 1 can receive signals from multiple satellites and acquire multiple signal strength data. The signal strength data may be signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR), carrier-to-interference noise ratio (CINR), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), or signal-to-interference noise ratio (SINR). The array antenna 1 includes multiple working sub-arrays 11, each of which has multiple antennas.

[0070] The dynamic adjustment module 2 controls the array antenna 1 to point towards one of the multiple satellites based on the initial transmission / reception direction data and the direction of arrival (DOA) data.

[0071] When the initial transmission and reception direction data is loaded into the dynamic adjustment module 2, the tracking module 3 can construct a candidate list from a plurality of signal intensity data using a minimum intensity threshold, select the satellite with the largest signal intensity data from the candidate list, and define it as the target.

[0072] If the tracking module 3 detects the signal strength data of the target and the data falls below a predetermined intensity threshold, the tracking module 3 switches to another satellite from the candidate list and sets it as the target. On the other hand, if the tracking module 3 detects the signal strength data of the target and the data exceeds the predetermined intensity threshold, the tracking module 3 issues a calculation command.

[0073] When the calculation module 4 receives the calculation command, it uses the multiple working subarrays 11 to acquire multiple base frequency signal data for the target object, and then substitutes the multiple base frequency signal data into the subspace tracking method to acquire principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data. Furthermore, the calculation module 4 substitutes the principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data into the Estimation of Signal Parameters via Rotational Invariance Techniques (ESPRIT) to acquire the direction of arrival data for the target object.

[0074] As a result, the calculation module 4 replaces the initial transmission / reception direction data with each of the incoming direction data, and the dynamic adjustment module 2 controls the array antenna 1 to orient itself toward the target object based on the incoming direction data.

[0075] Preferably, the calculation module 4 compares a plurality of signal intensity data to construct a work sequence, and based on the work sequence, inputs the corresponding incoming direction data to replace the initial transmission / reception direction data.

[0076] [Fifth Embodiment] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, this is another embodiment of the present invention, and the antenna control method of this embodiment is similar to the antenna control method of the first embodiment.

[0077] Step S301: Load initial transmit / receive direction data.

[0078] Step S303: Using an array antenna, receive signals toward multiple satellites based on the initial transmission / reception direction data and acquire multiple signal strength data.

[0079] Step S305: Using the minimum intensity threshold, construct a candidate list from multiple signal intensity data.

[0080] Step S307: From the candidate list, two satellites having the largest and second largest signal strength data are selected and defined as the first target and the second target, respectively. In this embodiment, the first target is the one having the largest signal strength data and the second target is the one having the second largest signal strength data, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0081] Step S308: It is detected whether the signal intensity data of the first target object and the second target object exceeds a predetermined intensity threshold.

[0082] If the signal intensity data of the first target and the second target falls below the predetermined intensity threshold (i.e., both the signal intensity data of the first target and the signal intensity data of the second target fall below the predetermined intensity threshold), step S309 is executed. On the other hand, if the signal intensity data of the first target or the second target exceeds the predetermined intensity threshold (i.e., either the signal intensity data of the first target or the signal intensity data of the second target falls below the predetermined intensity threshold), step S311 is executed.

[0083] Step S309: Switch to another satellite from the candidate list and set it as the first target or the second target. For example, if the signal strength data of the first target exceeds the predetermined strength threshold, switch to another satellite from the candidate list and set it as the first target. It is also possible to follow step S309 with step S310, which is similar to step S110 of the first embodiment. That is, step S310 detects whether the satellite to be switched to satisfies the switching conditions.

[0084] Step S311: Using the array antenna, two base frequency signal data for the first target and the second target are acquired, and the respective base frequency signal data are substituted into the subspace tracking method to acquire principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data.

[0085] Step S313: The principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data of the first target object and the principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data of the second target object are substituted into the Estimation of Signal Parameters via Rotational Invariance Techniques (ESPRIT) to obtain the first direction of arrival data of the first target object and the second direction of arrival data of the second target object.

[0086] Step S314: It is detected whether the angular difference between the first incoming direction data and the second incoming direction data exceeds a predetermined angular threshold. Here, "the angular difference is below the predetermined angular threshold" means that the signals emitted from the first target object and the second target object almost overlap, and interference occurs. On the other hand, "the angular difference exceeds the predetermined angular threshold" means that the signals emitted from the first target object and the second target object almost do not overlap, and therefore do not interfere.

[0087] In other words, the predetermined angle threshold is an important criterion for effectively classifying targets. The predetermined angle threshold can be set based on the beam half-width (HPBW). That is, it is the angular range covered when the beam gain is reduced to half of its maximum value. Rationally, setting the predetermined angle threshold in the range of 1 to 1.5 times the full width at half-width satisfies the balance between the accuracy of classifying targets during beam switching and the coverage range.

[0088] Furthermore, beam full width at half maximum (FMAX) is an important indicator describing beam directivity, and it determines the beam gain effect for signals within a specific angle. If the angular difference between the first target and the second target exceeds the beam FMAX, the beam is precisely tuned in a specific direction and does not affect other targets. However, if the angular difference is less than the beam FMAX, the first and second targets are simultaneously within or near the boundary of the beam FMAX, resulting in signal overlap, and the antenna system 100 becomes unable to distinguish between different signal sources.

[0089] In other words, if the angle difference is less than the beam's full width at half maximum, the beam's directivity cannot be effectively focused on a single target, resulting in insufficient gain in a particular direction. At the same time, overlapping signals cause interference, degrading performance. Therefore, by moderately expanding the predetermined angle threshold to 1.5 times the beam's full width at half maximum, not only can the beam's ability to distinguish between different targets be improved, but signal interference between targets can be reduced, thereby increasing the system's stability and reliability in multi-target scenarios.

[0090] In practice, the aforementioned predetermined angular threshold must be constructed based on the azimuth and elevation angles. For this purpose, the 3GPP standard description "TR38.820" can be consulted.

[0091] If the angle difference exceeds the predetermined angle threshold, step S315A (and subsequent related steps) is executed. On the other hand, if the angle difference falls below the predetermined angle threshold, step S315B is executed.

[0092] Step S315A: The two beams are aligned based on the first and second direction of arrival data to track the first and second target objects.

[0093] Step S315B: Adjust one beam based on the first direction of arrival data, track the first target object, and perform step S316A.

[0094] Step S316A: Select a satellite smaller than the second target from the candidate list based on the order of the signal strength data, and define it as the third target.

[0095] Step S316B: Between steps S308 and S314, the third target replaces the second target and the process is repeated. That is, if the angular difference between the first direction of arrival data of the first target and the third direction of arrival data of the third target falls below the predetermined angular threshold, the antenna control method again selects a satellite smaller than the third target from the candidate list based on the order of the signal strength data, defines it as the fourth target, and repeats the same steps (and so on).

[0096] Preferably, the candidate list can be updated simultaneously as the antenna system 100 performs each step. For example, the antenna system 100 may add a thread to perform steps related to building and updating the candidate list. This allows the candidate list to provide an immediate and up-to-date list of satellite candidates in the process of "searching for new targets."

[0097] [Technical Effects of Embodiments of the Present Invention] As described above, the antenna control method and antenna system disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention are designed to "substitute each of the base frequency signal data into a subspace tracking method to obtain principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data" and "substitute the principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data into ESPRIT to obtain the direction of arrival data of the target object," thereby enabling the antenna control method and antenna system to calculate the current satellite position more immediately and perform signal tracking.

[0098] The information disclosed above represents only preferred embodiments of the present invention and does not limit the scope of the claims. Therefore, all equivalent technical modifications made based on the specifications and accompanying drawings of the present invention are included within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] Steps S101-S123, S201-S217, S301-S314, S315A, S315B, S316A, S316B 100, 100' antenna system 1. Array antenna 11 Working sub-arrays 2 Dynamic adjustment module 3. Tracking Module 4. Computation Module 5. Correction Modules

Claims

1. An antenna control method applied to an antenna system, A step to load initial transmission and reception direction data, The steps include using an array antenna to receive signals toward multiple satellites based on the initial transmission / reception direction data and to acquire multiple signal strength data, A step of constructing a candidate list from multiple signal intensity data using a minimum intensity threshold, The steps include selecting the satellite having the largest signal strength data from the candidate list and defining it as the target, If the signal intensity data of the target object falls below a predetermined intensity threshold, the step of switching to another satellite from the candidate list and setting it as the target object, If the signal intensity data of the target object exceeds the predetermined intensity threshold, the array antenna is used to acquire the base frequency signal data of the target object, and the base frequency signal data is substituted into the subspace tracking method to acquire principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data. The steps include: substituting the principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data into a signal parameter estimation method using rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) to obtain the direction of arrival data (DOA) of the target object; The steps include adjusting the beam based on the aforementioned direction of arrival data and tracking the target object, An antenna control method characterized by including

2. The antenna control method according to claim 1, wherein the initial transmission and reception direction data is constructed using astronomical data.

3. The antenna control method according to claim 1, wherein if the signal strength data of the target object exceeds an adjustment threshold, reception is performed using the N×N antenna of the array antenna, where N is a positive integer of 2 or more, and if the signal strength data of the target object falls below the adjustment threshold, reception is performed using the M×M antenna of the array antenna, where M is a positive integer of N or more.

4. The antenna control method according to claim 1, wherein in the process of tracking the target object, the method detects whether the direction of arrival data exceeds the error range, and if the direction of arrival data exceeds the error range, switches to another satellite from the candidate list and sets it as the target object, and if the direction of arrival data is within the error range, updates the base frequency signal data of the target object, calculates the direction of arrival data to adjust the beam, and tracks the target object.

5. The antenna control method according to claim 1, wherein, after the switching condition is met, the method switches to another satellite and sets it as the target, and the switching condition is that the other satellite has signal strength data that exceeds the signal strength data of the target before the switch at each point in time within a predetermined time interval.

6. This is an antenna control method applied to an antenna system. A step to load initial transmission and reception direction data, The steps include using an array antenna to receive signals toward multiple satellites based on the initial transmission / reception direction data and to acquire multiple signal strength data, A step of constructing a candidate list from multiple signal intensity data using a minimum intensity threshold, The steps include selecting the satellite having the largest signal strength data from the candidate list and defining it as the target, If the signal intensity data of the target object falls below a predetermined intensity threshold, the step of switching to another satellite from the candidate list and setting it as the target object, If the signal intensity data of the target exceeds the predetermined intensity threshold, the steps include dividing the array antenna to construct multiple working sub-arrays, and using the multiple working sub-arrays to acquire multiple base frequency signal data of the target, respectively. The steps include: substituting each of the aforementioned base frequency signal data into the subspace tracking method to obtain principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data; The steps include: substituting the principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data into a signal parameter estimation method using rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) to obtain the direction of arrival data (DOA) of the target object; The steps include adjusting the beam based on multiple arrival direction data and tracking the target object, An antenna control method characterized by including

7. The antenna control method according to claim 6, comprising: comparing a plurality of base frequency signal data to construct a work sequence; loading a plurality of arrival direction data based on the work sequence; and adjusting the beam.

8. An array antenna capable of receiving signals from multiple satellites and acquiring multiple signal strength data, A dynamic adjustment module connected to the array antenna controls the array antenna to orient itself towards one of the multiple satellites based on initial transmission / reception direction data and Direction of Arrival (DOA) data. A tracking module connected to the array antenna and the dynamic adjustment module, wherein when the initial transmission / reception direction data is loaded into the dynamic adjustment module, it constructs a candidate list from a plurality of signal strength data using a minimum intensity threshold, selects the satellite having the maximum signal strength data from the candidate list, and defines it as a target, wherein the tracking module detects the signal strength data of the target, and if the signal strength data falls below a predetermined intensity threshold, it switches to another satellite from the candidate list and sets it as the target, and if the signal strength data exceeds the predetermined intensity threshold, it issues a calculation command, A calculation module connected to the array antenna, the tracking module, and the dynamic adjustment module, which, upon receiving a calculation command, uses the array antenna to acquire the base frequency signal data of the target object, and substitutes the base frequency signal data into the subspace tracking method to acquire principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data, An antenna system comprising, The calculation module inputs the principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data into the signal parameter estimation method via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) to obtain the direction of arrival data of the target object. The calculation module replaces the initial transmission / reception direction data with the direction of arrival data, and the dynamic adjustment module controls the array antenna to orient itself toward the target object based on the direction of arrival data. An antenna system characterized by the following features.

9. The antenna system according to claim 8, wherein the dynamic adjustment module uses astronomical data to construct the initial transmission and reception direction data.

10. The antenna system according to claim 8, wherein the calculation module issues a first adjustment command to the array antenna when the signal strength data of the target exceeds an adjustment threshold, issues a second adjustment command to the array antenna when the signal strength data of the target falls below the adjustment threshold, and when the array antenna receives the first adjustment command, it performs reception using an N×N antenna, where N is a positive integer of 2 or more, and when the array antenna receives the second adjustment command, it performs reception using an M×M antenna, where M is a positive integer of N or more.

11. The antenna system further includes a correction module, which is electrically connected to the calculation module and the dynamic adjustment module, and can detect whether the direction of arrival data exceeds an error range. If the correction module detects that the incoming direction data exceeds the error range, the correction module issues a correction command to the dynamic adjustment module, and the dynamic adjustment module switches to another satellite from the candidate list and sets it as the target. The antenna system according to claim 8, wherein if the correction module detects that the direction of arrival data is within the error range, the correction module issues a continue command to the calculation module, which updates the base frequency signal data of the target object, calculates the direction of arrival data to adjust the beam, and tracks the target object.

12. The antenna system according to claim 8, wherein the tracking module, after satisfying a switching condition, switches to another satellite and sets it as the target, the switching condition being that the other satellite has signal strength data that exceeds the signal strength data of the target before the switch at each point in time within a predetermined time interval.

13. An array antenna capable of receiving signals from multiple satellites and acquiring multiple signal strength data, comprising multiple working sub-arrays, each of which has multiple antennas, A dynamic adjustment module connected to the array antenna controls the array antenna to orient itself toward one of the multiple satellites based on initial transmission / reception direction data and Direction of Arrival (DOA) data. A tracking module connected to the array antenna and the dynamic adjustment module, wherein when the initial transmission / reception direction data is loaded into the dynamic adjustment module, it constructs a candidate list from a plurality of signal strength data using a minimum intensity threshold, selects the satellite having the maximum signal strength data from the candidate list, and defines it as a target, wherein the tracking module detects the signal strength data of the target, and if the signal strength data falls below a predetermined intensity threshold, it switches to another satellite from the candidate list and sets it as the target, and if the signal strength data exceeds the predetermined intensity threshold, it issues a calculation command, A calculation module connected to the array antenna, the tracking module, and the dynamic adjustment module, which, upon receiving a calculation command, uses multiple working sub-arrays to acquire multiple base frequency signal data of the target object, and substitutes the multiple base frequency signal data into a subspace tracking method to acquire principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data, respectively. An antenna system comprising, The calculation module inputs the principal eigenvector data and principal eigenvalue data into the signal parameter estimation method via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) to obtain the direction of arrival data of the target object. The calculation module replaces the initial transmission / reception direction data with each of the incoming direction data, and the dynamic adjustment module controls the array antenna to orient itself toward the target object based on the incoming direction data. An antenna system characterized by the following features.

14. The antenna system according to claim 13, wherein the calculation module compares a plurality of signal strength data to construct a work sequence, inputs the corresponding incoming direction data based on the work sequence, and replaces the initial transmission / reception direction data.

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