Satellite Antenna Azimuth Adjustment via Pattern Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and cost associated with setting up and maintaining satellite broadcast reception antennas due to the need for precise aiming at multiple geostationary satellite positions, which often requires professional installation and decoding of satellite identification data, are significant challenges.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allows a satellite broadcast reception antenna to locate and lock onto desired satellite positions without decoding satellite identification data, using a pattern matching algorithm to determine the necessary azimuth and skew adjustments based on the antenna's location, enabling easy setup and re-aiming by the user without external assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional automated antenna systems include decoding electronics to identify satellite orbital slots, then the antenna can make positive identification of each satellite, but the device complexity, potential for obsolescence and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesatellite identification accuracyVSAvoidantenna electronics complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the decoding electronics from the antenna system, removing the complex satellite identification hardware and its associated data streams. The antenna now operates without these decoding components, achieving simpler design while maintaining operational capability through alternative means of satellite localization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system is designed to work with multiple service providers and satellite configurations without requiring provider-specific decoding electronics. By removing the specialized decoding hardware, the antenna becomes universally compatible with different broadcast schemes and service providers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If professional installers are used to mount and aim satellite antennas, then proper alignment with target satellite positions is achieved, but installation and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna alignment precisionVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service capabilities through automated satellite finding and localization algorithms that enable users to install and aim the antenna themselves without professional assistance. The system automatically identifies satellite positions and guides the aiming process, eliminating the need for paid installers while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If satellite programming is spread across multiple orbital slots, then broadcasters can provide diverse content, but the user must aim and lock onto multiple satellite positions to receive full programming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebroadcasting flexibilityVSAvoidantenna setup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the antenna system automatically detects which satellite orbital slots contain the user's subscribed programming and autonomously positions itself to receive those signals. This feedback-driven approach eliminates the need for users to manually configure multiple satellite positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary satellite identification and orbital slot detection automatically during the initial setup phase, preparing the antenna to receive programming from multiple satellites without requiring user intervention during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution simplifies the installation and maintenance of satellite antennas, reduces manufacturing and operational costs, and enhances reliability by eliminating the need for decoding electronics and communication with external control boxes, allowing universal compatibility with different service providers and broadcast schemes.

Implementation Method 1

The incoming signals broadcast by the satellite are collected by the reflector dish and focused or concentrated into the inlet of the LNB

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10320074B2Satellite broadcast reception antenna, method and apparatus for searching and identification of broadcast satellites in geostationary orbit

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 ELECTRONICS CONTROLLED SYST

AI summary

Finding and recognizing geostationary satellite orbital slots includes acquiring a location estimate for a satellite broadcast receiving antenna. A set of satellite look angles is captured in the antenna's reference frame coordinate space. A pattern of expected look angles is generated from the antenna location estimate. A pattern matching algorithm is executed to determine azimuth axis rotation to transform antenna reference frame into world reference frame. The validity of the reference frame transform is then checked for correctness by looking for a satellite position outside the set of satellite positions used for the pattern matching.