Burst Optimized Tracking Algorithm for Directional Beam Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing directional and directionally agile communications systems face challenges in maintaining tracking accuracy and spectral efficiency due to interruptions and interferences caused by moving platforms and obstructions, leading to reduced data capacity and increased costs per bit.

Innovation Solution

The system optimizes tracking algorithms by dynamically modifying the scan path to anticipate and minimize the effects of interruptions, using techniques such as spiral apodization and adjusting scan rates to maintain spectral compactness and reduce noise, thereby enhancing beam directionality and data link throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous tracking operations are used with symmetric beams, then tracking stability is maintained, but tracking accuracy deteriorates due to interruptions and interferences from moving platforms and obstructions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking stabilityVSAvoidtracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static continuous tracking to dynamic burst-optimized tracking. The system adapts the tracking algorithm to operate in discrete bursts rather than continuously, modifying the tracking behavior based on the presence of interruptions and interferences. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain stability while improving accuracy by adjusting tracking parameters according to environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key tracking parameters including scan path geometry (from circular to spiral), scan rate, and beam shaping characteristics. These parameter modifications enable the tracking system to optimize performance for burst operations, improving accuracy by adapting to the specific conditions of moving platforms and obstructions rather than relying on fixed continuous tracking parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If narrow beam widths are used to reduce power consumption and prevent signal overlap, then power efficiency and spectral efficiency improve, but tracking robustness deteriorates due to susceptibility to interruptions and interferences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidtracking robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing predictive tracking algorithms that anticipate interruptions and interferences before they occur. The system uses knowledge of platform maneuvers and obstruction patterns to pre-adjust tracking parameters, maintaining robustness while using narrow beams. This proactive approach allows the system to prepare for potential signal disruptions without requiring wider beams or excessive power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuity of useful action through burst-optimized tracking that ensures uninterrupted tracking during data transmission bursts. By optimizing the tracking algorithm to work effectively during active transmission periods and using predictive techniques to maintain beam alignment, the system achieves both narrow beam efficiency and robust tracking performance throughout the communication cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Speed

If scan rate is increased to improve tracking response, then tracking speed improves, but spectral compactness deteriorates leading to increased interference and reduced efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking speedVSAvoidspectral compactness

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the scan rate variable rather than fixed. The system adjusts the scan rate dynamically based on operational conditions, using higher rates when rapid response is needed and lower rates when spectral compactness is prioritized. This dynamic scan rate control allows the system to optimize both tracking speed and spectral efficiency according to the specific operational context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic action through structured scan patterns that alternate between different scan rates and geometries. The spiral scan path with varying angular velocity creates a periodic modulation pattern that maintains spectral compactness while achieving adequate tracking response. This periodic approach allows the system to achieve both fast tracking and spectral efficiency through controlled temporal variations in scan behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8279117B2Burst optimized tracking algorithm

Publication Date: 2012.10.02 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

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