Direction control device and method for electronic equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a direction control device and method for electronic equipment, configured such that when an operator inputs a target rotation angle for the electronic equipment to a controller, the electronic equipment automatically rotates to the target rotation angle. [Solution] The direction control device for electronic equipment includes a motor that adjusts the rotation angle of the electronic equipment, a sensor that detects the current rotation angle of the electronic equipment, and a control unit that, when a target rotation angle of the electronic equipment is input, operates the motor to rotate the electronic equipment from the current rotation angle to the target rotation angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling the direction of an electronic device, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for controlling the direction of an electronic device by inputting a target rotation angle of the electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] The position and angle of an electronic device such as an antenna installed in a mobile communication base station and a lighting device installed in a sports stadium must be determined by precise design.

[0003] For example, the installation position of the antenna is determined by the result of network design considering coverage and traffic. Also, since the communication intensity with a mobile communication terminal can vary depending on the direction of the antenna, the base station antenna is optimized to suit the radio wave environment of the site where the antenna is installed by tilting or steering the antenna to eliminate dead zones. Here, the steering angle of the antenna is determined considering the sector pointing angle of the horizontal component of the beam, and the tilting angle of the antenna is determined considering the tilting angle of the vertical component of the beam.

[0004] On the other hand, the tilt and steering angles of pre-installed antennas may need to be readjusted in response to changes in the wireless environment. For example, external forces such as strong winds may cause the tilt of the support pole for the antenna to change, or the clamp connecting the antenna to the pole may shift, causing the antenna's tilt or steering angle to shift. In this case, workers have to perform direction measurement and alignment work on-site using expensive measuring instruments, or climb up to the height where the antenna is installed to adjust the antenna's direction of view.

[0005] Furthermore, even if an operator adjusts the antenna's direction of view by operating an external controller without climbing up to the antenna's installation location, there is a problem in that the antenna's direction of view cannot be accurately readjusted because the adjustment is made by roughly estimating the direction of view.

[0006] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0079788 (June 14, 2022) (hereinafter referred to as "prior art") discloses a "method and system for managing the direction of a mobile communication base station antenna," which is a technology that allows an operator to accurately readjust the direction of an antenna without having to climb up to the location where the antenna is installed. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Korean Published Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0079788 The prior art is an antenna management system including a direction control device for controlling the directional direction of a mobile communication base station antenna, the direction control device including a data receiving unit that receives spatial direction information of an antenna device or video data capturing the panoramic view pointed to by the antenna device from a measuring device, and a control unit that uses at least one of the spatial direction information and the video data to control the tilting and steering means of the antenna device so that the antenna device has a preset target spatial direction.

[0008] However, the aforementioned conventional technology has the problem of increased costs because it requires the use of multiple optical sensors to measure the direction of the antenna device using the angle of incidence of sunlight. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a direction control device and method for electronic equipment that can reduce costs by configuring the electronic equipment to automatically rotate to a target rotation angle when an operator inputs the target rotation angle of the electronic equipment to the controller.

[0010] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the direction control device for electronic equipment according to the present invention comprises a motor, a sensor, and a control unit. The motor adjusts the rotation angle of the electronic equipment, the sensor detects the current rotation angle of the electronic equipment, and when a target rotation angle of the electronic equipment is input to the control unit, the motor operates to rotate the electronic equipment from the current rotation angle to the target rotation angle.

[0012] The electronic device may be mounted on a support pole erected in the ground and positioned above the ground. The sensor may be a photosensor that detects the current rotation angle of the electronic device relative to the support pole.

[0013] The sensor may be an accelerometer or gyroscope that detects the current rotation angle of the electronic device relative to the ground.

[0014] The direction control device for electronic equipment according to the present invention may further include a memory. The memory can store a set rotation angle for the electronic equipment. When the target rotation angle for the electronic equipment is input to the control unit, before operating the motor, the control unit can compare the target rotation angle with the set rotation angle to check whether the target rotation angle is within the allowable range of the set rotation angle, and if the target rotation angle is within the allowable range of the set rotation angle, it can operate the motor.

[0015] When the control unit receives a target rotation angle for the electronic device, it can, before operating the motor, decide to rotate the motor's rotation axis in one direction if the target rotation angle is greater than the current rotation angle, or to rotate the motor's rotation axis in the other direction if the target rotation angle is smaller than the current rotation angle.

[0016] When the control unit operates the motor, if the difference between the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle is greater than or equal to a set angle, the control unit can operate the motor at its maximum speed. When the control unit operates the motor, if the difference between the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle is less than the set angle, the control unit can operate the motor at a speed slower than the maximum speed.

[0017] If, after operating the motor, the motor's rotation shaft stops rotating before the current rotation angle reaches the target rotation angle, the control unit can save the current rotation angle in the memory as the set rotation angle.

[0018] The control unit can stop the motor after operating it if the current rotation angle reaches the target rotation angle, and can save the current rotation angle in the memory as the set rotation angle.

[0019] To achieve the above objectives, the method for controlling the direction of an electronic device according to the present invention controls the direction of the electronic device by operating a motor that adjusts the rotation angle of the electronic device. The method for controlling the direction of an electronic device according to the present invention comprises a detection step and a motor operation step. In the detection step, a sensor detects the current rotation angle of the electronic device. In the motor operation step, when a target rotation angle of the electronic device is input, the motor is operated to rotate the electronic device from the current rotation angle to the target rotation angle.

[0020] Prior to the motor operation step, a validity check step may be performed. In the validity check step, when a target rotation angle of the electronic device is input, the target rotation angle can be compared with a set rotation angle of the electronic device stored in memory to check whether the target rotation angle is within the allowable range of the set rotation angle. The motor operation step may be performed if, in the validity check step, the target rotation angle is within the allowable range of the set rotation angle.

[0021] A rotation direction determination step may be performed before the motor operation step. In the rotation direction determination step, when a target rotation angle of the electronic device is input, the rotation direction of the electronic device can be determined by comparing the target rotation angle with the current rotation angle. In the rotation direction determination step, if the target rotation angle is greater than the current rotation angle, it can be determined that the rotation axis of the motor rotates in one direction. In the rotation direction determination step, if the target rotation angle is smaller than the current rotation angle, it can be determined that the rotation axis of the motor rotates in the other direction.

[0022] The motor operation step may include a motor speed adjustment step. In the motor speed adjustment step, the operating speed of the motor can be controlled by comparing the difference between the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle with a set angle. In the motor speed adjustment step, if the difference between the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle is greater than or equal to the set angle, the motor can be operated at the maximum speed. In the motor speed adjustment step, if the difference between the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle is less than the set angle, the motor can be operated at a speed slower than the maximum speed.

[0023] After the motor operation step, a motor abnormality processing step may be performed. In the motor abnormality processing step, if the rotation axis of the motor stops rotating before the electronic device rotates to the target rotation angle, the current rotation angle can be saved in the memory as the set rotation angle.

[0024] After the motor operation step, a motor stop step may be performed. In the motor stop step, when the electronic device rotates to the target rotation angle, the motor can be stopped. In the motor stop step, when the electronic device rotates to the target rotation angle, the current rotation angle can be saved in the memory as the set rotation angle.

[0025] In addition, specific matters of the embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the electronic device direction control apparatus and method of the present invention, when an operator inputs the target rotation angle of the electronic device to the controller, the electronic device automatically rotates to the target rotation angle.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the electronic device orientation control device and method of the present invention, if the rotation angle of the electronic device set using a photosensor is lost, the orientation of the electronic device can be controlled using an acceleration sensor or gyro sensor, which are less expensive than the photosensor.

[0028] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing an antenna device that includes a direction control device for electronic equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the tilting drive unit in a tilted position. [Figure 3] This figure shows another embodiment of Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a control block diagram showing an antenna direction control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating an antenna direction control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a specific flowchart of the first embodiment of the antenna direction control method according to the embodiment of the present invention, which uses an acceleration sensor. [Figure 7] This is a specific flowchart of the first embodiment of the antenna direction control method according to the embodiment of the present invention, which uses an acceleration sensor. [Figure 8] This is a specific flowchart of the first embodiment of the antenna direction control method according to the embodiment of the present invention, which uses an acceleration sensor. [Figure 9] This is a specific flowchart of a second embodiment of the antenna direction control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, which uses an acceleration sensor. [Figure 10]This is a specific flowchart of a second embodiment of the antenna direction control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, which uses an acceleration sensor. [Figure 11] This is a specific flowchart of a second embodiment of the antenna direction control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, which uses an acceleration sensor. [Figure 12] This is a specific flowchart illustrating a method using a photosensor in an embodiment of the present invention for controlling the direction of an antenna. [Figure 13] This is a specific flowchart illustrating a method using a photosensor in an embodiment of the present invention for controlling the direction of an antenna. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention, including a direction control device for electronic equipment and a direction control method for electronic equipment, will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] However, electronic equipment may include antennas and lighting devices, and together with them, all electronic equipment that can be directed. In the following description, electronic equipment will be described using antennas as an example, and antennas may mean electronic equipment.

[0032] In the following explanation, "tilting" means "rotation in the vertical direction with respect to a horizontally positioned center of rotation," and tilting can mean adjusting the vertical rotation angle of the antenna. Similarly, "steering" means "rotation in the horizontal direction with respect to a vertically positioned center of rotation," and steering can mean adjusting the horizontal rotation angle of the antenna.

[0033] Figure 1 is a side view showing an antenna device including an electronic device direction control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a diagram showing the state in which the tilting drive unit shown in Figure 1 tilts the antenna unit.

[0034] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the antenna device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a support pole (100), an antenna (200), a lower link unit (300), and a tilting drive unit (400).

[0035] However, if the vertical length of the antenna 200 is shorter than that of this embodiment, the lower link unit 300 may not be provided.

[0036] In other words, when the vertical length of the antenna 200 is formed to be relatively long, a lower link unit 300 and a tilting drive unit 400 are provided, the tilting drive unit 400 connects the upper part of the antenna 200 to the support column 100, and the lower link unit 300 connects the lower part of the antenna 200 to the support column 100, so that the antenna 200 can be firmly connected to the support column 100 to withstand external forces such as wind.

[0037] Furthermore, if the vertical length of the antenna 200 is formed to be relatively short, the lower link unit 300 is not provided, and only the tilting drive unit 400 is provided, and the tilting drive unit 400 can connect the antenna 200 to the support column 100.

[0038] The support column 100 can be erected and installed in the ground 5. The support column 100 can be erected vertically in the ground 5. The support column 100 may be formed in the shape of a long bar. The support column 100 may be formed in the shape of a bar having a circular cross-section. The support column 100 can support the configuration of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention excluding itself.

[0039] The antenna 200 may be mounted on the support pole 100 and positioned above the ground 5. The antenna 200 may be formed in a roughly rectangular cylindrical shape. Inside the antenna 200, a substrate on which antenna elements are mounted may be provided.

[0040] The lower link unit 300 can connect the lower part of the antenna 200 to the support column 100 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction. The lower link unit 300 is positioned below the tilting drive unit 400 and can connect the antenna 200 to the support column so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction.

[0041] The lower link unit 300 may include a first bracket connected to the support column 100 and positioned in front of the support column 100, a second bracket connected to the rear surface of the antenna 200 and positioned behind the antenna 200, and a rotating shaft that is long from left to right and positioned horizontally, rotatably connecting the first bracket and the second bracket.

[0042] The tilting drive unit 400 can connect the antenna 200 to the support column 100. The tilting drive unit 400 can tilt the antenna 200. The tilting drive unit 400 can connect the upper part of the antenna 200 to the support column 100. The tilting drive unit 400 can tilt the upper part of the antenna 200 by rotating it with respect to the rotation center of the lower link unit 300.

[0043] In other words, the tilting drive unit 400 may be an antenna 200 direction control device that adjusts the direction of the antenna 200 by adjusting the vertical rotation angle of the antenna 200.

[0044] The support column 100 may be positioned at a distance rearward from the antenna 200. The antenna 200 may be positioned at a distance forward from the support column 100. The lower link unit 300 may be positioned at a distance below the tilting drive unit 400. The lower link unit 300 can connect the support column 100 and the antenna 200. The tilting drive unit 400 may be positioned at a distance above the lower link unit 300. The tilting drive unit 400 can connect the support column 100 and the antenna 200.

[0045] The tilting drive unit 400 may include a plurality of tilting members 420, a screw bar 440, and a tilting motor 450.

[0046] However, in order to control the vertical rotation angle of the antenna 200, the structure of the tilting drive unit 400 can be varied in various ways, within the scope of including the tilting motor 450.

[0047] Each of the multiple tilting members 420 can be rotatably connected to one another via a joint bar. The multiple tilting members 420 may be rotatably connected to one another to form a substantially rhomboid shape.

[0048] The screw bar 440 may be arranged to be long vertically. A nut member can be attached to the lowest joint bar among the multiple joint bars that rotatably connect both ends of the multiple tilting members 420, and the screw bar 440 can pass through the nut member vertically. The outer circumferential surface of the screw bar 440 may have threads formed thereon that fasten with the threads formed on the inner circumferential surface of the nut member.

[0049] The tilting motor 450 can adjust the vertical direction of the antenna 200 by adjusting the vertical rotation angle of the antenna 200 during operation. The rotation axis of the tilting motor 450 can be coupled to the upper end of the screw bar 440. The rotation axis of the tilting motor 450 can rotate during operation, and the screw bar 440 can rotate together with the rotation axis of the tilting motor 450. The screw bar 440 can move the nut member upward or downward during rotation, thereby rotating multiple tilting members 420, and thus the vertical rotation angle of the antenna 200 can be adjusted.

[0050] On the other hand, in the above description, the direction control device for the antenna 200 is illustrated only by a tilting drive unit 400 that adjusts the vertical rotation angle of the antenna 200. However, the direction control device for the antenna 200 may also include a steering drive unit (500, see Figure 3) that adjusts the horizontal rotation angle of the antenna 200.

[0051] This will be explained below with reference to Figure 3. However, components identical to those shown in Figures 1 and 2 will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0052] Figure 3 shows another embodiment of Figure 1.

[0053] Referring to Figure 3, another embodiment of the present invention, the antenna device 2, may include a tilting drive unit 400 for adjusting the vertical rotation angle of the antenna 200, and a steering drive unit 500 for adjusting the horizontal rotation angle of the antenna 200.

[0054] In this case, the direction control device for the antenna 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention can control at least one of the vertical rotation angle and the horizontal rotation angle of the antenna 200. For this purpose, the antenna device 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include at least one of a tilting drive unit 400 and a steering drive unit 500.

[0055] The specific configuration of the steering drive unit 500 may be similar to that of the tilting drive unit 400. However, the specific structures of the tilting drive unit 400 and the steering drive unit 500 can be varied in many ways, within the scope of including a motor.

[0056] In other words, the steering drive unit 500 may also include a motor for adjusting the left and right rotation angle of the antenna 200.

[0057] In other words, antenna direction control devices and methods according to other embodiments of the present invention can adjust at least one of the vertical rotation angle and the horizontal rotation angle of the antenna 200. That is, the drive source for adjusting the direction of the antenna 200 may include at least one of a tilting motor 450 located in a tilting drive unit 400 and a motor located in a steering drive unit 500.

[0058] Hereinafter, the motor 450 may include at least one of the following: a tilting motor 450 located in a tilting drive unit 400 for adjusting the vertical rotation angle of the antenna 200, and a steering motor which is the same motor located in a steering drive unit 500 for adjusting the horizontal rotation angle of the antenna 200.

[0059] When the rotation axis of motor 450 rotates in one direction, antenna 200 can rotate in that direction, and when the rotation axis of motor 450 rotates in another direction, antenna 200 can rotate in the other direction.

[0060] For example, if motor 450 is a tilting motor for tilting antenna 200, when the rotation axis of the tilting motor rotates in one direction, antenna 200 can rotate upward, and when the rotation axis of the tilting motor rotates in the other direction, antenna 200 can rotate downward. Also, if motor 450 is a steering motor for steering antenna 200, when the rotation axis of the steering motor rotates in one direction, antenna 200 can rotate to the left, and when the rotation axis of the steering motor rotates in the other direction, antenna 200 can rotate to the right.

[0061] Figure 4 is a control block diagram showing an antenna direction control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Referring to Figure 4, the antenna direction control device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a controller 471, a sensor 472, a control unit 473, and a memory (EEPROM, 474).

[0063] The controller 471 may be configured to operate the motor 450 by communicating wirelessly or via a wired connection with the control unit 473. In this embodiment, the electronic equipment is exemplified by the antenna 200, so the controller 471 may be an AISG (Antenna Interface Standards Group) controller 471 that operates the motor 450 by communicating via a wired connection with the control unit 473.

[0064] The AISG controller 471 may be configured to operate the motor 450 by being connected to the control unit 473 via a control cable. That is, the operator can change the direction of the antenna 200 from the ground 5 without having to climb onto the support column 100 by connecting the port on one end of the control cable to the AISG controller 471, and the port on the other end of the control cable to the control unit 473, and then inputting the target rotation angle of the antenna 200 to the AISG controller 471 to change the direction of the antenna 200.

[0065] The AISG controller 471 can provide a user interface for operating the motor 450 to adjust the direction of the antenna 200, and can function as an input unit to which the target rotation angle of the antenna 200 is input to the control unit 473 by the user.

[0066] Sensor 472 may be a sensor that detects the current rotation angle of the antenna 200. When the control unit 473 receives the target rotation angle from the AISG controller 471, it can operate the motor 450 to rotate the antenna 200 from the current rotation angle to the target rotation angle.

[0067] The control unit 473 and the memory 474 can be mounted on a printed circuit board located inside the tilting drive unit 400 and at least one of the steering drive unit.

[0068] Sensor 472 may include at least one of an accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope sensor (hereinafter referred to as a gyro sensor), and a photo (photo interrupter) sensor. Here, the accelerometer is available when the antenna 200 is tilted, and the gyro sensor and the photo sensor are available when the antenna 200 is operated in at least one of tilting and steering movements.

[0069] The acceleration sensor or gyro sensor can detect the current rotation angle of the antenna 200 relative to the ground 5. The control unit 473 can use the measurement value from the acceleration sensor to tilt the antenna 200.

[0070] The acceleration sensor may be a three-axis acceleration sensor having three mutually orthogonal axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis). The three-axis acceleration sensor can measure the acceleration values ​​of the three axes.

[0071] For example, when the 3-axis acceleration sensor is positioned parallel to the ground 5 with its X and Y axes, the X and Y axis values ​​can be measured as 0, and the Z axis value is 1G (=9.8 m / s²). 2 It is possible to measure with ). Furthermore, when the Y and Z axes of the 3-axis acceleration sensor are placed parallel to the ground 5, the Y and Z axis values ​​can be measured as 0, and the X axis value can be measured as 1G.

[0072] The acceleration sensor can use the three axes described above to measure how much the sensor 472 is currently tilted relative to the ground 5.

[0073] In the case of the steering described above, since the rotation is horizontal with respect to the ground 5, the angle between the ground 5 and the sensor 472 does not change, and therefore the value of the sensor 472 does not change. For this reason, in the case of the steering described above, the gyro sensor capable of detecting horizontal rotation may be used instead of the acceleration sensor.

[0074] The acceleration sensor is very sensitive, and its measurement values ​​can change even when the motor is stopped. Therefore, when the motor 450 is operating, the measurement values ​​may not be constant. In this case, the measurement values ​​of the acceleration sensor can be corrected using a Kalman filter (implemented in software).

[0075] After the support column 100 and antenna 200 are initially installed in the field with their angles aligned parallel at the factory, the angle of the acceleration sensor relative to the ground 5 must be set to 0° in order to determine the offset of the acceleration sensor. After the antenna 200 is installed so that it faces a predetermined direction, the angle of the acceleration sensor relative to the ground 5 can be set to 0° in memory 474.

[0076] For example, when the antenna 200 is first installed, the angle of the acceleration sensor relative to the ground 5 can be set to 0° in the memory 474, and in this case, no matter how the support column 100 changes later, the control unit 473 can determine that +2° is 0°.

[0077] The acceleration sensor or gyro sensor may be provided on the motor 450.

[0078] When the operator inputs the target rotation angle of the antenna 200 to the AISG controller 471, the control unit 473 can repeat the set control logic until the difference between the current rotation angle of the antenna 200 detected by the acceleration sensor and the target rotation angle is within 0.5°.

[0079] The photosensor can detect the current rotation angle of the antenna 200 relative to the support column 100. The control unit 473 can use the measurement value from the photosensor to operate the antenna 200 in at least one of a tilting motion and a steering motion.

[0080] The photosensor may include a photointerrupter. The photointerrupter may consist of a light-emitting section (IR infrared) and a light-receiving section (Photo TR). The photointerrupter may be an element that outputs a high value when light is detected and a low value when no light is detected.

[0081] The photointerrupter can be connected to the external interrupt terminal of the control unit 473. The photosensor has an optical encoder positioned between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, and the OEC (Optical Encoder Count) can increase when the rotation axis of the motor 450 rotates.

[0082] When the motor 450 is driven, two external interrupts can be sensed for each protrusion of the encoder between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. For example, if there are 18 protrusions of the encoder for one rotation of the motor 450's axis, then 36 OECs can be generated for one rotation of the motor 450's axis.

[0083] When the motor 450 is driven, an Optic Encoder, located at the end of the motor 450's rotating shaft, can rotate and pass between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit in order to measure the rotation angle of the motor 450's rotating shaft.

[0084] The photointerrupter can output a low value when the blocked portion of the Optic Encoder passes through the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion, and can output a high value when the open portion of the Optic Encoder passes through the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion.

[0085] The control unit 473 can use the external interrupt to calculate the increase in OEC in the case of a rising edge where the photosensor output changes from a low value to a high value, and in the case of a falling edge where it changes from a high value to a low value.

[0086] The control unit 473 can calculate the current rotation angle of the antenna 200 based on the increasing number of OECs.

[0087] The OEC values ​​for each minimum control unit (e.g., 0.5°) interval to control the rotation angle of the antenna 200 are constructed using a look-up table, allowing the user to control the antenna 200 to their desired target rotation angle.

[0088] On the other hand, the acceleration sensor is a sensor that measures motion due to the effect of gravitational acceleration, and measures gravitational acceleration on the weight of the rotating antenna 200, so only the tilting of the antenna 200 can be measured, and the steering of the antenna 200 cannot be measured.

[0089] Since the acceleration sensor cannot measure the steering of the antenna 200, the gyro sensor is used to measure the steering of the antenna 200. However, since the gyro sensor measures the movement of the antenna 200 relative to its velocity, a measurement error range occurs due to external forces (wind, the action of external forces, etc.), and if this error range accumulates, it becomes impossible to measure an accurate position value. In this case, it is preferable to use the photosensor to establish a reference point for the zero point of the antenna 200.

[0090] The motor 450 may be a DC motor and can be controlled using the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) method. The control unit 473 can control the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft by generating pulses with a PWM duty ratio of 0 to 100%. The control unit 473 can control the rotational direction and rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft by applying a signal to the motor 450 with a variable average voltage using PWM pulses.

[0091] The AISG controller 471 and the control unit 473 can communicate using the AISG protocol and RS485 (Recommended Standard 485) serial communication. The motor 450 can be controlled and monitored by the AISG controller 471 issuing commands to the control unit 473 and receiving responses.

[0092] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the antenna direction control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, it will be explained in conjunction with the operation of the antenna direction control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the antenna direction control method according to an embodiment of the present invention can control the direction of the antenna 200 by operating a motor 450 that adjusts the rotation angle of the antenna 200.

[0094] In other words, after the operator connects the AISG controller 471 to the motor 450 via a control cable, when the operator inputs a target rotation angle, which is the angle required to rotate the antenna 200 to the target position, to the AISG controller 471, the control unit 473 can start the control logic.

[0095] An antenna direction control method according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an effectiveness check step S1, a detection step S2, a rotation direction determination step S3, a motor operation step S4, a motor speed adjustment step S5, a motor abnormality processing step S6, and a motor stop step S7.

[0096] The effectiveness check step S1, the detection step S2, the rotation direction determination step S3, the motor operation step S4, the motor speed adjustment step S5, the motor abnormality processing step S6, and the motor stop step S7 may be control logic performed by the control unit 473.

[0097] The effectiveness check step S1, the detection step S2, the rotation direction determination step S3, the motor operation step S4, the motor speed adjustment step S5, the motor abnormality processing step S6, and the motor stop step S7 may be performed in order. However, the order of the effectiveness check step S1 and the detection step S2 may be changed, and the order of the motor speed adjustment step S5 and the motor abnormality processing step S6 may also be changed.

[0098] In the effectiveness check step S1, when the target rotation angle of the antenna 200 is input to the control unit 473 from the AISG controller 471, the control unit 473 can compare the target rotation angle with the set rotation angle of the antenna 200 stored in the memory 474 to check (determine) whether the target rotation angle is within the allowable range of the set rotation angle.

[0099] Here, the set rotation angle may be the current rotation angle of the antenna 200 that the control unit 473 has stored in memory 474, which was detected by the sensor 472 when the antenna 200 was previously installed in a predetermined direction, or it may be the correct angle that the antenna 200 should point to.

[0100] In detection step S2, the sensor 472 can detect the current rotation angle of the antenna 200.

[0101] In the rotation direction determination step S3, when the target rotation angle of the antenna 200 is input, the control unit 473 can compare the target rotation angle with the current rotation angle to determine the rotation direction of the antenna 200. In the rotation direction determination step S3, if the target rotation angle is greater than the current rotation angle, it can be determined to rotate the rotation axis of the motor 450 in one direction. In the rotation direction determination step S3, if the target rotation angle is smaller than the current rotation angle, it can be determined to rotate the rotation axis of the motor 450 in another direction. Here, the one direction and the other direction may be the up-and-down direction or the left-and-right direction.

[0102] The motor operation step S4 may be performed if, in the effectiveness check step S1, the target rotation angle is within the allowable range of the set rotation angle.

[0103] In motor operation step S4, when the control unit 473 receives input for the target rotation angle of the antenna 200, it operates the motor 450 to rotate the antenna 200 from the current rotation angle to the target rotation angle.

[0104] The motor speed adjustment step S5 may be configured as a motor operation step S4. In the motor speed adjustment step S5, the control unit 473 can control the operating speed of the motor 450 by comparing the difference between the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle with a set angle. In the motor speed adjustment step S5, if the difference between the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle is greater than or equal to the set angle, the control unit 473 can operate the motor 450 at maximum speed. In the motor speed adjustment step S5, if the difference between the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle is less than the set angle, the control unit 473 can operate the motor 450 at a speed slower than the maximum speed.

[0105] In the motor abnormality processing step S6, the control unit 473 can process an abnormality in the motor 450. Here, the abnormality in the motor 450 may include a JAM (Jump-Action Merge), which is a state in which the motor 450's rotation shaft does not rotate even when the control unit 473 inputs a control command or power to the motor 450 to rotate its rotation shaft. In the motor abnormality processing step S6, if the rotation shaft of the motor 450 stops rotating before the antenna 200 rotates to the target rotation angle, the control unit 473 can save the current rotation angle in the memory 474 as the set rotation angle. This allows the control unit 473 to quickly perform subsequent control logic to adjust the rotation angle of the antenna 200 to the target rotation angle.

[0106] In the motor stop step S7, the control unit 473 can stop the motor 450 when the antenna 200 has rotated to the target rotation angle. In the motor stop step S7, when the antenna 200 has rotated to the target rotation angle, the current rotation angle can be saved in the memory 474 as the set rotation angle.

[0107] The antenna direction control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 6 to 13. However, in the following, the current rotation angle of antenna 200 will be abbreviated as "Current Degree", the target rotation angle of antenna 200 will be abbreviated as "Target Degree", and the set rotation angle of antenna 200 will be abbreviated as "Set Angle".

[0108] Figures 6 to 8 are specific flowcharts of the first embodiment of the antenna direction control method according to the present invention, which uses an acceleration sensor.

[0109] Referring to Figures 6 to 8, in the first embodiment of the antenna direction control method according to the embodiment of the present invention, which uses an acceleration sensor, in step S111, when the operator inputs a target angle to the AISG controller 471, the control unit 473 can set the target angle and recall the current angle (previously set angle) stored in memory (EEPROM, 474) to specify the starting angle as the current angle. Here, the current angle stored in memory 474 may be the angle of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472 when the angle of the antenna 200 was previously set correctly, and which the control unit 473 has stored in memory 474. In other words, the control unit 473 can recall the previously stored set angle of the antenna 200 in memory 474 and specify it as the starting angle.

[0110] In step S112, the control unit 473 can determine whether the target angle is the same as the starting angle. That is, if the target angle is the same as the starting angle, the control unit 473 does not need to adjust the angle of the antenna 200, but it can check for any abnormalities in the case where the angle of the antenna 200 has shifted due to external factors. For example, if the angle of the antenna 200 was previously set to 5°, and the operator inputs 5° as the target angle, there is no need to adjust the angle of the antenna 200. Therefore, when the target angle is input, the control unit 473 performs a validity check to see if the target angle is within the range of the set angle.

[0111] If the determination result in step S112 indicates that the target angle is the same as the starting angle, then in step S113, the control unit 473 can measure the current angle via the sensor 472.

[0112] In step S114, the control unit 473 can determine whether the difference between the current angle and the target angle is 1° or more. Because the acceleration sensor operates very sensitively, the value detected by the acceleration sensor may have some error. Here, 1° may be an angle set in memory 474, and can be changed to various angles as needed and set in memory 474.

[0113] If the result of the S114 step shows that the difference between the current angle and the target angle is not 1° or more, the control unit 473 can determine that the antenna 200 has not deviated from the previously installed directional direction and terminate the control logic system. In other words, if the difference between the current angle and the target angle is not 1° or more, the control unit 473 can determine that the antenna 200 is at the correct angle previously set, taking into account the error of the acceleration sensor, and terminate the control logic system.

[0114] Furthermore, if the determination result in step S114 shows that the difference between the current angle and the target angle is 1° or more, the control unit 473 can determine that the antenna 200 is not at the correct angle due to external impact or wind, and that it is necessary to adjust the angle of the antenna 200 to the target angle. Therefore, if the determination result in step S114 shows that the difference between the current angle and the target angle is 1° or more, in step S115 the control unit 473 can determine whether the target angle is greater than the current angle. Also, if the determination result in step S112 shows that the target angle is not the same as the starting angle, in step S115 the control unit 473 can determine whether the target angle is greater than the current angle.

[0115] If, as a result of the determination in step S115, the target angle is not greater than the current angle, then in step S116, the control unit 473 can determine the rotation direction of the motor 450's rotation axis to be unidirectional, which is downward (Down). Here, the downward direction may be such that the rotation angle of the antenna 200 is gradually adjusted so that the front surface of the antenna 200 faces downward.

[0116] Furthermore, if the determination result in step S115 indicates that the target angle is greater than the current angle, in step S117, the control unit 473 can determine the rotation direction of the motor 450's rotation axis to be the opposite direction, which is upward (Up). Here, the upward direction may be such that the rotation angle of the antenna 200 is gradually adjusted so that the front surface of the antenna 200 faces upward.

[0117] After determining the rotation direction of the motor 450's rotation axis, the control unit 473 can, in step S118, specify the current state of the control logic system as TASK, and accelerate the rotation speed of the motor 450's rotation axis starting from 10% of the maximum speed. The control unit 473 can repeat the control logic that operates the motor 450 until the antenna 200 is oriented to the target angle.

[0118] In step S119, the control unit 473 can check the current state of the control logic system while the control logic is repeated.

[0119] If the check in step S119 confirms that the antenna 200 has been oriented to the target angle, the control unit 473 can stop the motor 450, set the state of the control logic system to FALSE, and proceed to step S120.

[0120] In step S120, the control unit 473 can store the current angle of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472 in the memory 474 and terminate the control logic system.

[0121] If the check in step S119 shows that the antenna 200 has not been oriented to the target angle, the control unit 473 can continue the operation of the motor 450, maintain the state of the control logic system as TASK, and perform step S121.

[0122] In step S121, the control unit 473 can check the state of the motor 450. Here, the state of the motor 450 can include a jammed state, which is a state in which the rotation axis of the motor 450 does not rotate even when a control command or power is input to the motor 450. The jammed state of the motor 450 may also occur when there is no change in the angle of the antenna 200 during a set time, or when the amount of change is less than or equal to a set range. For example, if the angle of the antenna 200 remains the same for 5 seconds, the control unit 473 can determine that the motor 450 is in a jammed state.

[0123] If the check in step S121 indicates that motor 450 is in a jammed state, the control unit 473 can proceed to step S122.

[0124] In step S122, the control unit 473 can stop the motor 450 and set the state of the control logic system to FALSE, informing the operator that the motor 450 is in a JAM state. The control unit 473 can also inform the operator that the motor 450 is in a JAM state via the AISG controller 471 and can set a JAM notification in the message sent to the AISG controller 471.

[0125] If the check in step S121 indicates that the motor 450 is not in a jammed state, the control unit 473 can proceed with step S123.

[0126] In step S123, the control unit 473 can determine whether the difference between the current angle and the target angle is 1° or more. Here, 1° may be an angle set in memory 474, and can be changed to various angles as needed and set in memory 474.

[0127] If the result of the S123 step indicates that the difference between the current angle and the target angle is not 1° or more, then in the S124 step, the control unit 473 can set the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft to accelerate to 70% of the maximum rotational speed. Here, the 70% rotational speed may be a rotational speed stored in the memory 474, and can be changed to various rotational speeds as needed.

[0128] Furthermore, if the determination result in step S123 indicates that the difference between the current angle and the target angle is 1° or more, in step S125, the control unit 473 can set the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft to accelerate to 100% of the maximum rotational speed. Here, the 100% rotational speed may be a rotational speed stored in memory 474, and can be changed to various rotational speeds as needed.

[0129] In step S126, the control unit 473 can determine whether the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft is approaching the maximum acceleration speed set in step S124 or S125.

[0130] If, as a result of the determination in step S126, the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft is approaching the maximum acceleration speed, then in step S127, the control unit 473 can change the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft to gradually decrease.

[0131] Furthermore, if the determination result in step S126 indicates that the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft is not approaching the maximum acceleration speed, then in step S128, the control unit 473 can measure the current angle of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472. The control unit 473 can continuously measure the current angle of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472 while repeating the control logic.

[0132] In step S129, the control unit 473 can determine whether the current angle of the antenna 200, measured in step S128, has nearly reached the target angle.

[0133] If the result of the S129 step indicates that the current angle has nearly reached the target angle, then in the S130 step, the control unit 473 can set the current state of the control logic system to FALSE, decelerate and stop the motor 450, and calculate the current angle of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472 after waiting for 1 second after the motor 450 stops. The reason for waiting for 1 second after the motor 450 stops is to accurately measure the current angle of the antenna 200 after the acceleration sensor has stabilized to some extent. The 1 second wait after the motor 450 stops may be a set time stored in the memory 474 and can be changed in various ways as needed.

[0134] After step S130, in step S131, the control unit 473 can store the current angle of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472 in the memory 474.

[0135] Furthermore, if the determination result in step S129 indicates that the current angle has not yet reached the target angle, in step S131, the control unit 473 can save the current angle of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472 to the memory 474. This ensures that even if the power is cut off or the operation of the control logic system is stopped for any other reason, the current angle of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472 is saved to the memory 474 each time in order to know the current angle.

[0136] After step S131, the control unit 473 can return the control logic system to step S119.

[0137] Figures 9 to 11 are specific flowcharts of a second embodiment of the antenna direction control method according to the embodiment of the present invention, which uses an acceleration sensor.

[0138] Referring to Figures 9 to 11, in the second embodiment of the antenna direction control method according to the embodiment of the present invention, which uses an acceleration sensor, in step S211, when the operator inputs a target angle to the AISG controller 471, the control unit 473 can set the target angle and recall the current angle (previously set angle) stored in memory (EEPROM, 474) to specify the starting angle as the current angle. Here, the current angle stored in memory 474 may be the angle of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472 when the angle of the antenna 200 was previously aligned correctly, and which the control unit 473 has stored in memory 474. In other words, the control unit 473 can recall the previously stored set angle of the antenna 200 in memory 474 and specify it as the starting angle.

[0139] In step S212, the control unit 473 can determine whether the starting angle is greater than the target angle. That is, if the starting angle is the same as the target angle, the control unit 473 does not need to adjust the angle of the antenna 200, but it can check for any abnormalities if the angle of the antenna 200 is shifted due to external factors. For example, if the angle of the antenna 200 was previously set to 5°, and the operator inputs 5° as the target angle, there is no need to adjust the angle of the antenna 200. Therefore, when the target angle is input, the control unit 473 performs a validity check to see if the target angle is within the range of the set angle.

[0140] If, as a result of the determination in step S212, the starting angle is not greater than the target angle, then in step S213, the control unit 473 can determine whether the starting angle is smaller than the target angle.

[0141] If, as a result of the determination in step S213, the starting angle is not smaller than the target angle, then in step S214, the control unit 473 can measure the current angle via the sensor 472.

[0142] Furthermore, if the result of the S213 step indicates that the starting angle is smaller than the target angle, the control unit can determine the rotation direction of the motor 450's rotation axis to be unidirectional, specifically upward. Here, the upward direction may be such that the rotation angle of the antenna 200 is gradually adjusted so that the front surface of the antenna 200 faces upward.

[0143] Furthermore, if the result of the S212 step indicates that the starting angle is greater than the target angle, the control unit 473 can determine the rotation direction of the motor 450's rotation axis to be the other direction, which is the downward direction. Here, the downward direction may be such that the rotation angle of the antenna 200 is gradually adjusted so that the front surface of the antenna 200 faces downwards.

[0144] In step S217, the control unit 473 can determine whether the difference between the current angle and the target angle is 1° or more. Because the acceleration sensor operates very sensitively, the value detected by the acceleration sensor may have some error. Here, 1° may be an angle set in memory 474, and can be changed to various angles as needed and set in memory 474.

[0145] If the result of step S217 is that the difference between the current angle and the target angle is not 1° or more, the control unit 473 can determine that the antenna 200 has not deviated from the previously installed directional direction and terminate the control logic system. Alternatively, if the difference between the current angle and the target angle is not 1° or more, the control unit 473 can determine that the antenna 200 is at the correct angle previously set, taking into account the error of the acceleration sensor, and terminate the control logic system.

[0146] Furthermore, if the result of the S217 step determines that the difference between the current angle and the target angle is 1° or more, the control unit 473 can determine that the antenna 200 is not at the correct angle due to external impact or wind, and that it is necessary to adjust the angle of the antenna 200 to the target angle. Therefore, if the result of the S217 step determines that the difference between the current angle and the target angle is 1° or more, in the S218 step the control unit 473 can determine whether the current angle is greater than the target angle.

[0147] If, as a result of the determination in step S218, the current angle is not greater than the target angle, then in step S219, the control unit 473 can determine the rotation direction of the motor 450's rotation axis to be unidirectional, which is upward (Up).

[0148] Furthermore, if the result of the determination in step S218 indicates that the current angle is greater than the target angle, then in step S220, the control unit 473 can determine the rotation direction of the motor 450's rotation axis to be the opposite direction, which is the downward direction.

[0149] After determining the rotation direction of the motor 450's rotation axis, the control unit 473 can, in step S221, specify the current state of the control logic system as TASK, and accelerate the rotation speed of the motor 450's rotation axis starting from 10% of the maximum speed. The control unit 473 can repeat the control logic that operates the motor 450 until the antenna 200 is oriented to the target angle.

[0150] In step S222, the control unit 473 can check the current state of the control logic system while the control logic is being repeated. That is, in step S222, the control unit 473 can determine whether the current state of the control logic system is TASK.

[0151] If, as a result of the determination in step S222, the current state of the control logic system is not TASK, then in step S223, the control unit 473 can save the current angle of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472 to the memory 474 and terminate the control logic system.

[0152] If the result of the S222 step indicates that the current state of the control logic system is TASK, then in step S224, the control unit 473 can check the state of the motor 450. Here, the state of the motor 450 can include a jammed state, which is a state in which the rotation axis of the motor 450 does not rotate even when a control command or power is input to the motor 450. That is, in step S224, the control unit 473 can determine whether the motor 450 is in a jammed state. For example, the control unit 473 can determine that the motor 450 is in a jammed state if there is no change in the angle of the antenna 200 during a set time, or if the amount of change is less than or equal to a set range. If the motor 450 is in a jammed state, the control unit 473 can determine that the motor 450 is in a jammed state. For example, if the angle of the antenna 200 remains the same for 5 seconds, the control unit 473 can determine that the motor 450 is in a jammed state.

[0153] If the determination result in step S224 indicates that motor 450 is in a JAM timeout state, in step S225, the control unit 473 can stop motor 450 and set the state of the control logic system to FALSE, thereby informing the operator that motor 450 is in a JAM state. The control unit 473 can also inform the operator that motor 450 is in a JAM state via the AISG controller 471 and can set a JAM notification in the message sent to the AISG controller 471.

[0154] If the result of the S224 step indicates that the motor 450 is not in a JAM timeout state, then in the S226 step, the control unit 473 can determine whether the difference between the current angle and the target angle is 1° or more. Here, 1° may be an angle set in memory 474, and can be changed to various angles as needed and set in memory 474.

[0155] If the result of the S226 step indicates that the difference between the current angle and the target angle is not 1° or more, then in the S227 step, the control unit 473 can set the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft to accelerate to 70% of the maximum rotational speed. Here, the 70% rotational speed may be a rotational speed stored in the memory 474, and can be changed to various rotational speeds as needed.

[0156] Furthermore, if the result of the S226 step indicates that the difference between the current angle and the target angle is 1° or more, the control unit 473 may set the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft to accelerate to 100% of the maximum rotational speed in the S228 step. Here, the 100% rotational speed may be a rotational speed stored in the memory 474, and can be changed to various rotational speeds as needed.

[0157] In step S229, the control unit 473 can determine whether the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft is less than the maximum acceleration speed set in step S227 or S228.

[0158] If, as a result of the determination in step S229, the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft is not less than the maximum acceleration speed, then in step S230, the control unit 473 can determine whether the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft is greater than the maximum acceleration speed set in step S227 or S228.

[0159] If, as a result of the determination in step S230, the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft is greater than the maximum acceleration speed set in step S227 or S228, then in step S231, the control unit 473 can change the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft to gradually decrease.

[0160] Furthermore, if the determination result in step S229 indicates that the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft is less than the maximum acceleration speed, then in step S232, the control unit 473 can change the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft to gradually accelerate.

[0161] In step S233, the control unit 473 can determine whether the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft is different from the maximum acceleration speed set in step S227 or S228.

[0162] If, as a result of the determination in step S233, the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft differs from the maximum acceleration speed set in step S227 or S228, then in step S234, the control unit 473 can measure the current angle of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472. The control unit 473 can continuously measure the current angle of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472 while repeating the control logic.

[0163] Furthermore, if the determination result in step S233 indicates that the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft is different from the maximum acceleration speed set in step S227 or S228, then in step S235, the control unit 473 can change the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft to gradually decrease.

[0164] In step S236, the control unit 473 can determine whether the starting angle is smaller than the target angle.

[0165] If, as a result of the determination in step S236, the starting angle is not smaller than the target angle, then in step S237, the control unit 473 can determine whether the starting angle is greater than or equal to the target angle.

[0166] If the result of the S237 step is that the starting angle is equal to or greater than the target angle, then in the S238 step, the control unit 473 can determine whether the current angle measured in the S234 step is equal to or greater than the target angle.

[0167] If the result of the S238 step indicates that the current angle is greater than or equal to the target angle, in the S239 step, the control unit 473 can set the current state of the control logic system to FALSE, decelerate and stop the motor 450, and calculate the current angle of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472 after waiting for 1 second after the motor 450 stops. The reason for waiting for 1 second after the motor 450 stops is to accurately measure the current angle of the antenna 200 after the acceleration sensor has stabilized to some extent. The 1 second wait after the motor 450 stops may be a set time stored in the memory 474 and can be changed in various ways as needed.

[0168] If the result of the S236 step is that the starting angle is smaller than the target angle, then in the S240 step, the control unit 473 can determine whether the current angle measured in the S234 step is greater than or equal to the target angle.

[0169] If the result of the S240 step determines that the current angle is greater than or equal to the target angle, in the S241 step, the control unit 473 can set the current state of the control logic system to FALSE, decelerate and stop the motor 450, and calculate the current angle of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472 after waiting for 1 second after the motor 450 stops. The reason for waiting for 1 second after the motor 450 stops is to accurately measure the current angle of the antenna 200 after the acceleration sensor has stabilized to some extent. The 1 second wait after the motor 450 stops may be a set time stored in the memory 474 and can be changed in various ways as needed.

[0170] On the other hand, if the determination result in step S237 is that the starting angle is smaller than the target angle, or if the determination result in step S238 is that the current angle is smaller than the target angle, or if the determination result in step S240 is that the current angle is smaller than the target angle, or after the execution of step S239 or S241, in step S242, the control unit 473 can save the current angle of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472 to the memory 474.

[0171] After step S242, the control unit 473 can return the control logic system to step S222.

[0172] Figures 12 and 13 are specific flowcharts of an antenna direction control method using a photosensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0173] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, in the antenna direction control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the method using a photosensor, in step S311, when the operator inputs a target angle to the AISG controller 471, the control unit 473 can acquire the target angle. Here, the target angle may include at least one of the angles for tilting the antenna 200 and the angles for steering the antenna 200.

[0174] In step S312, the control unit 473 can determine whether the target angle is within the acceptable range. That is, in step S312, the control unit 473 can determine whether the target angle is within the set angle range stored in memory 474. This is because, when the antenna 200 was previously installed correctly, the operator must input the angle of the antenna 200 to the AISG controller 471 as the target angle. However, if the operator does not know the target angle, the target angle input to the AISG controller 471 may be an angle outside the acceptable range. Therefore, in order to operate the control logic system only when the target angle is within the acceptable range, the control unit 473 determines in step S312 whether the target angle is within the acceptable range.

[0175] If, as a result of the determination in step S312, the target angle is not within the allowable range, in step S313, the control unit 473 can output an error response and terminate the operation of the control logic system. In other words, the control unit 473 can inform the operator via the AISG controller 471 that the target angle is not within the allowable range, and can set an error notification in the message sent to the AISG controller 471.

[0176] If the result of the S312 step indicates that the target angle is within the allowable range, then in the S314 step, the control unit 473 can determine whether the current angle of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472 is the same as the target angle. In other words, if the current angle and the target angle are the same, the control unit 473 does not need to adjust the angle of the antenna 200, but it can check for any abnormalities in the case where the angle of the antenna 200 has shifted due to external factors. For example, if the angle of the antenna 200 was previously set to 5°, and the operator inputs 5° as the target angle, then there is no need to adjust the angle of the antenna 200. Therefore, when the target angle is input, the control unit 473 performs a validity check to see if the current angle and the target angle are the same.

[0177] If the result of the S314 step determines that the current angle and the target angle are the same, then in the S315 step, the control unit 473 can output an OK response and terminate the operation of the control logic system. In other words, if the current angle and the target angle are the same, the control unit 473 determines that there is no need to adjust the angle of the antenna 200 and can inform the operator via the AISG controller 471 that there is no need to adjust the angle of the antenna 200 with an OK response.

[0178] Furthermore, if the result of the S314 step indicates that the current angle and the target angle are not the same, in the S316 step, the control unit 473 can extract the number of OECs (Optic Encoder Counts) for the target angle based on the current angle using the angle interval lookup table stored in the memory 474.

[0179] In step S317, the control unit 473 can determine the control direction of the motor 450 by comparing the current angle and the target angle. That is, in step S317, the control unit 473 can determine the rotation direction of the motor 450's rotation axis by comparing the current angle and the target angle. The control direction during tilting control may be down or up, and the control direction during steering control may be left or right.

[0180] In step S318, the control unit 473 can operate (turn on) the motor 450. The current OEC value can be increased by the External ISR (Interrupt Service Routine) as the rotation axis of the motor 450 rotates. The motor 450 can be gradually accelerated at time intervals set using a timer. The operation of the motor 450 can be controlled by PWM control. The inrush current can be reduced by gradually accelerating the motor 450.

[0181] In step S319, the control unit 473 can determine whether the number of OECs remaining up to the target angle (Target Degree) is less than the number set in the memory 474. Here, the set number may be the number of OECs set as the basis for deceleration of the motor 450. For example, the control unit 473 can decelerate the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft from the point when N OECs remain as set in the memory 474.

[0182] If, as a result of the determination in step S319, the number of OECs remaining to reach the target angle is less than the set number, then in step S320, the control unit 473 can reduce the rotational speed of the motor 450's rotating shaft. This allows for precise adjustment of the rotation angle of the antenna 200.

[0183] If, as a result of the S319 step, the number of OECs remaining until the target angle is not less than the set number, then in the S321 step, the control unit 473 can determine whether a JAM has occurred in the motor 450. Here, the criteria for determining whether a JAM has occurred in the motor 450 is to check the OEC value at time intervals set in the memory 474, and if the OEC does not increase at a rate equal to or greater than the PWM duty ratio set in the memory 474, then a JAM can be determined.

[0184] If the determination in step S321 indicates that a jam has occurred in the motor 450, in step S322, the control unit 473 can stop the motor 450 and output a motor jam error response to the AISG controller 471 to notify the operator, thereby terminating the operation of the control logic system.

[0185] Furthermore, if the determination in step S321 does not indicate a jam in the motor 450, in step S323, the control unit 473 can save the current angle value of the antenna 200 detected by the sensor 472 in the inactive memory 474 for each step angle unit set in the memory 474. Here, the step angle can be set in the memory 474 from 0.1° to 0.5°, and can be changed to a variety of step angles as needed.

[0186] In step S324, the control unit 473 can determine whether the current angle and the target angle are the same. The control unit 473 can calculate the current angle based on the increasing current OEC.

[0187] If the result of the S324 step indicates that the current angle and the target angle are not the same, the control unit 473 can return the control logic system to step S319.

[0188] If the result of the S324 step indicates that the current angle and the target angle are the same, then in the S325 step, the control unit 473 can determine that the target angle adjustment of the antenna 200 is complete, stop the motor 450, output an OK response to the AISG controller 471 to notify the operator, and terminate the operation of the control logic system.

[0189] As described above, according to the electronic device direction control device and method according to the embodiment of the present invention, when an operator inputs a target rotation angle for the electronic device 200 to the controller 471, the electronic device 200 can automatically rotate to the target rotation angle.

[0190] Furthermore, according to the electronic device orientation control device and method according to the embodiment of the present invention, if the rotation angle of the electronic device 200 set using a photosensor is lost, the orientation of the electronic device 200 can be controlled using an acceleration sensor or gyro sensor, which are less expensive than the photosensor.

[0191] A person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical idea or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, which are set forth below, and all modifications or altered forms derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and the concept of equivalents thereto should be interpreted as being within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0192] The present invention provides a direction control device and method for electronic equipment, which can reduce costs by configuring the electronic equipment to automatically rotate to a target rotation angle when an operator inputs the target rotation angle of the electronic equipment to the controller. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0193] 100: Support, 200: Electronic equipment 450: Motor, 472: Sensor 473: Control Unit, 474: Memory

Claims

1. A motor that adjusts the rotation angle of electronic equipment, A sensor for detecting the current rotation angle of the electronic device, A direction control device for electronic equipment, which includes a control unit that, when a target rotation angle for the electronic equipment is input, operates the motor to rotate the electronic equipment from the current rotation angle to the target rotation angle.

2. The aforementioned electronic device is mounted on a support pole erected in the ground and positioned above the ground. The direction control device for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a photosensor that detects the current rotation angle of the electronic device with respect to the support column.

3. The electronic device is mounted on a support pole erected in the ground and positioned above the ground. The orientation control device for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope sensor that detects the current rotation angle of the electronic device with respect to the ground.

4. The aforementioned electronic device further includes a memory for storing the set rotation angle, The control unit, upon receiving a target rotation angle for the electronic device, checks whether the target rotation angle is within the allowable range of the set rotation angle before operating the motor by comparing the target rotation angle with the set rotation angle, and then operates the motor if the target rotation angle is within the allowable range of the set rotation angle, according to claim 1.

5. The control unit, upon receiving a target rotation angle for the electronic device, determines, before operating the motor, to rotate the electronic device in one direction if the target rotation angle is greater than the current rotation angle, and to rotate the electronic device in the other direction if the target rotation angle is smaller than the current rotation angle, as described in claim 1.

6. The control unit, when operating the motor, operates the motor at maximum speed if the difference between the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle is greater than or equal to a set angle, and operates the motor at a speed slower than the maximum speed if the difference between the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle is less than the set angle, as described in claim 1.

7. The direction control device for an electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, after operating the motor, if the rotation shaft of the motor stops rotating before the electronic device rotates to the target rotation angle, the control unit stores the current rotation angle in the memory as the set rotation angle.

8. The direction control device for an electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit, after operating the motor, stops the motor when the electronic device has rotated to the target rotation angle and stores the current rotation angle in the memory as the set rotation angle.

9. In a method for controlling the direction of electronic equipment by operating a motor that adjusts the rotation angle of the electronic equipment, A detection step in which the sensor detects the current rotation angle of the electronic device, A method for controlling the direction of an electronic device, comprising: a motor operation step of operating the motor to rotate the electronic device from the current rotation angle to the target rotation angle when a target rotation angle of the electronic device is input.

10. The electronic device is mounted on a support pole erected in the ground and positioned above the ground. The method for controlling the direction of an electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the sensor is a photosensor that detects the current rotation angle of the electronic device with respect to the support column.

11. The electronic device is mounted on a support pole erected in the ground and positioned above the ground. The method for controlling the orientation of an electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the sensor is an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope sensor that detects the current rotation angle of the electronic device with respect to the ground.

12. Prior to the motor operation step, if a target rotation angle of the electronic device is input, the method further includes a validity check step which compares the target rotation angle with a set rotation angle of the electronic device stored in memory to check whether the target rotation angle is within the allowable range of the set rotation angle, The method for controlling the direction of an electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the motor operation step is performed when the target rotation angle is within the allowable range of the set rotation angle in the effectiveness check step.

13. Prior to the motor operation step, if a target rotation angle of the electronic device is input, the method further includes a rotation direction determination step, which compares the target rotation angle with the current rotation angle to determine the rotation direction of the electronic device, The method for controlling the direction of an electronic device according to claim 9, wherein in the rotation direction determination step, if the target rotation angle is greater than the current rotation angle, it is determined to rotate the electronic device in one direction, and if the target rotation angle is smaller than the current rotation angle, it is determined to rotate the electronic device in the other direction.

14. The motor operation step includes a motor speed adjustment step that controls the operating speed of the motor by comparing the difference between the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle with a set angle, The method for controlling the direction of an electronic device according to claim 9, wherein in the motor speed adjustment step, if the difference between the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle is greater than or equal to the set angle, the motor is operated at the maximum speed, and if the difference between the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle is less than the set angle, the motor is operated at a speed slower than the maximum speed.

15. A method for controlling the direction of an electronic device according to claim 12, further comprising a motor abnormality processing step, which, after the motor operation step, if the rotation axis of the motor stops rotating before the electronic device rotates to the target rotation angle, stores the current rotation angle in the memory as the set rotation angle.

16. A method for controlling the direction of an electronic device according to claim 12, further comprising a motor stop step, which, after the motor operation step, when the electronic device has rotated to the target rotation angle, stops the motor and stores the current rotation angle in the memory as the set rotation angle.

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