Azimuth Determination Using Satellite Phase Differences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining antenna alignment, such as using magnetometers and GPS, lack sufficient accuracy due to factors like local distortions in the Earth's magnetic field and require labor-intensive physical inspections, which can be time-consuming and dangerous, especially after natural disasters.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising at least two antennas and a controller that calculates the actual azimuth angle by comparing detected phase differences with calculated phase difference values using satellite signals, resolving integer ambiguities within 10 seconds or less, and incorporating sensor data from magnetometers and accelerometers to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetometers and GPS receivers are used to determine antenna alignment, then the measurement process can be performed remotely without physical inspection, but the measurement precision is insufficient due to local distortions in the Earth's magnetic field and lack of geolocation accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces satellite signals as an intermediary medium to transfer precise positional and temporal information from space to the ground-based antenna system. By using satellite signals as a mediator, the system achieves accurate azimuth determination without direct physical inspection, resolving the contradiction between remote operation and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from magnetic field-based parameters to satellite signal-based parameters (phase differences, time delays). This parameter change enables precise geolocation and azimuth determination while maintaining remote operation capability, as satellite signals are not affected by local magnetic distortions.
2Measurement precision
If physical inspections are conducted to accurately measure antenna alignment, then measurement precision can be improved, but the loss of time increases due to labor-intensive one-by-one inspection of multiple towers
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service alignment determination by automatically processing satellite signals received at the antenna. The apparatus autonomously calculates azimuth angles without requiring external physical inspection, thereby achieving both high precision and rapid measurement across multiple towers simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical inspection process with an electronic signal processing system. By substituting manual measurement tools and human inspectors with automated satellite signal processing, the system achieves rapid parallel measurement of multiple antennas while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If conventional GPS and magnetometer methods are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of alignment determination deteriorates due to susceptibility to magnetic field distortions and insufficient accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal sources and processing methods into a composite measurement system. By integrating satellite signal phase difference measurements with traditional magnetometer and GPS data, the system creates a composite alignment determination approach that leverages the strengths of each method while compensating for their individual weaknesses, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity increase.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides rapid and accurate antenna alignment determination, reducing the need for physical inspections and improving network performance by ensuring precise antenna orientation with minimal delay, even in challenging environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, for respective satellites, respective detected phase differences between satellite signals received therefrom at the at least two antennas
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a controller coupled to at least two antennas and one or more sensors. An initial azimuth value for the apparatus is determined based on output of the one or more sensors. Respective phase differences between satellite signals received from respective satellites at the at least two antennas are detected, and respective phase difference values for the respective satellites are calculated based on the initial azimuth value, a distance between the at least two antennas in the apparatus, and positions of the respective satellites. An actual azimuth angle of the apparatus is identified based on the initial azimuth value from the output of the one or more sensors and variations between the respective detected phase differences and the respective calculated phase difference values for the respective satellites.