Communication Unit Alignment Calibration Using the Moon
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of communication units on mobile carrier platforms with remote stations, particularly in optical communication, is time-consuming due to manufacturing and assembly tolerances, leading to large scanning areas and imprecise initial alignments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using the moon as a beacon to determine the offset between the communication unit and the carrier platform, employing a detection unit, drive unit, and control unit to trace a search pattern and align the communication unit with high precision, reducing the need for extensive fine acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the communication unit performs fine acquisition by scanning a large area to compensate for alignment uncertainty, then the alignment precision is improved, but the alignment time is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the moon as a beacon to perform preliminary alignment before fine acquisition. The detection unit detects the moon's position to determine an initial alignment direction, which pre-position s the communication unit closer to the target remote station. This preliminary action reduces the scanning area required during fine acquisition, thereby decreasing alignment time while maintaining precision.
2Reliability
If the optical signal is emitted with a narrow beam angle to improve transmission quality, then the communication quality is improved, but the alignment precision requirement is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The moon serves as an intermediary object for alignment calibration. By detecting the moon's known position, the system establishes a reference direction that helps align the communication unit with the remote station. This intermediary approach provides a reliable reference point to achieve precise alignment without requiring complex direct alignment procedures, thus supporting narrow beam angles while maintaining alignment precision.
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 approach significantly reduces the time required for alignment by accurately determining and compensating for manufacturing and assembly tolerances, enabling precise and efficient alignment of communication units with remote stations.
Implementation Method 1
The detection unit is designed to detect an electromagnetic signal which is used, in particular, for the course alignment and/or fine acquisition of the communication unit
Data Source
AI summary
A communication unit and a method for calibrating the alignment of a communication unit in a mobile carrier platform are described. The method incudes the following steps: determining an initial alignment of the communication unit with the moon on the basis of a position and bearing of the mobile carrier platform; moving the communication unit so that it adopts the initial alignment; tracing a search pattern with the communication unit starting from the initial alignment until a detection unit detects the moon; determining a real alignment of the communication unit when the detection unit detects the moon; determining a difference between the initial alignment and the real alignment of the communication unit; using this difference when performing a target alignment with the communication unit.