Satellite Antenna Motion Profile Control for Accurate Pointing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of flat-panel antennas, such as metasurface antennas, on moving vehicles or maritime vessels is challenging due to the difficulty in accurately determining the antenna's orientation, especially with changing terrain.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining the motion state of the antenna, deriving a motion profile based on this state, and controlling the antenna accordingly to optimize its performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If flat-panel antennas are used on moving vehicles, then the antenna provides lightweight and low-cost satellite communication capability, but the antenna orientation determination becomes inaccurate due to changing terrain and motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna cost and weightVSAvoidantenna orientation determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static orientation determination to dynamic motion profile-based control. The system detects motion states (stationary, moving, transitioning) and dynamically adjusts antenna parameters including orientation determination methods, beamforming weights, and tracking algorithms to maintain accuracy during vehicle motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters based on motion state. When motion is detected, the system switches from relying solely on inertial sensors to using motion profile-corrected orientation determination, adjusts beamforming parameters, and modifies tracking algorithms to compensate for vehicle movement and terrain changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the antenna operates during vehicle motion, then the satellite communication solution remains flexible and adaptable, but the pointing accuracy and cross-polarization performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in designVSAvoidpointing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring motion state through sensors and using this information to adjust antenna operation. The system detects vehicle motion, determines motion profiles, and feeds this information back to control the antenna's beamforming and orientation determination, maintaining pointing accuracy despite vehicle movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting motion state changes before they significantly impact antenna performance. The system proactively switches to motion-compensated operation modes, adjusting parameters in advance to prevent degradation of pointing accuracy and cross-polarization performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12306311B2Automatic detection of motion profiles

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 KYMETA CORP

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses for controlling a satellite antenna based on its motion are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method comprises determining a motion state of an antenna for communication with a satellite, determining a motion profile for the antenna based on the motion state, and controlling the antenna based on the motion profile.