Steerable Satellite Antenna Pointing via Power-Distribution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite antenna pointing errors in spot beam systems can significantly affect communication quality due to misalignment, and existing methods for determining and correcting these errors are complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A computationally-efficient image-processing technique that converts received-signal power measurements into a power-distribution image to determine the center location of an illuminated region, allowing for accurate calculation of pointing corrections based on the difference between the center and a reference location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pointing error determination methods are used, then pointing accuracy can be maintained, but the procedure complexity and duration increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical alignment procedures with a computational image-processing approach. By converting received-signal power measurements into a power-distribution image and analyzing the illuminated region center, the system substitutes complex manual pointing procedures with automated digital image analysis, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a power-distribution image that is a computational copy of the signal power distribution across the antenna array. This image serves as a simplified representation that can be analyzed to determine pointing errors without requiring direct physical measurement or complex alignment procedures, thereby reducing procedure complexity.
2Measurement precision
If traditional pointing error determination methods are used, then pointing accuracy can be maintained, but the time required for determination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual alignment and measurement procedures with automated image-processing algorithms. The system quickly converts signal power measurements into a power-distribution image and calculates the illuminated region center computationally, dramatically reducing the time required for pointing error determination while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary conversion of signal power measurements into a power-distribution image format that is optimized for rapid analysis. By preparing the data in this image format beforehand, the system enables quick determination of the illuminated region center and pointing corrections, reducing overall determination time.
3Reliability
If spot beams are used to improve data throughput, then signal-to-noise ratio increases, but the system becomes more susceptible to pointing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the power-distribution image and calculating pointing corrections based on the illuminated region center. This feedback loop detects pointing deviations caused by antenna movement and provides real-time corrections, compensating for the increased susceptibility to pointing errors inherent in narrow spot beams while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods disclosed herein for pointing a steerable antenna system (22) onboard a satellite (10) exploit advantageous image-processing techniques that provide a computationally-efficient and accurate way of determining the pointing error of the steerable antenna system (22) and determining corresponding pointing corrections. Received-signal power measurements for individual array elements in an antenna array of the steerable antenna system provide the basis for forming a power-distribution image (70) that reveals where an uplink signal (42) falls on the array (50), which in turn provides a basis for determining the appropriate pointing correction.