Transmitting Station Antenna Orientation Control for Satellite Signal Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite communication systems face challenges in maintaining desired signal quality due to varying satellite positions and interference from other radio communication systems, particularly when using higher frequency bands, which can lead to signal attenuation and interference.

Innovation Solution

A transmitting station with a changeable antenna orientation, controlled by a control unit that adjusts the antenna direction based on estimated signal quality and interference levels at receiving stations, ensuring optimal signal reception and minimizing interference to other radio communication systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the transmitting station uses a fixed beam orientation to simplify control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the received signal quality deteriorates when satellite position changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidreceived signal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic beam orientation control where the transmitting station's beam direction is continuously adjusted according to the satellite's changing position. The control unit receives satellite position information and dynamically updates the beam orientation to maintain optimal signal quality throughout the satellite's orbital pass, transforming the system from static to adaptive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the control unit monitors satellite position data and uses this information to adjust the beam orientation in real-time. This closed-loop control ensures the beam consistently points toward the receiving station despite satellite movement, maintaining reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the transmitting station maintains a wide beam to cover multiple receiving stations, then the adaptability increases, but the interference to other radio communication systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of receiving stationsVSAvoidinterference to other radio communication systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the beam energy precisely at the receiving station's location rather than dispersing it broadly. The control unit calculates the specific orientation needed to target each receiving station individually, creating a focused beam that provides adequate coverage for multiple stations sequentially while minimizing interference to surrounding areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the transmitting station adjusts beam orientation frequently to track satellite position, then the received signal quality is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal quality consistencyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculations of the required beam orientation based on predicted satellite positions. The control unit pre-computes the sequence of beam directions needed throughout the satellite pass, allowing smooth transitions without requiring complex real-time recalculations, thereby maintaining signal quality while simplifying the control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3439196B1Transmission station, control station, reception station, data transport system and data transport method
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3439196B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3439196B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3439196B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A transmitting station (1) according to the present invention includes a transmitting antenna (16) capable of changing an orientation direction thereof and a control unit (171) to control the orientation direction of the transmitting antenna (16) in accordance with the orientation direction of the transmitting antenna (16), the orientation direction of the transmitting antenna and a receiving station for receiving data transmitted from the transmitting antenna (16) being determined on the basis of an estimated value of a received signal quality at a receiving station that is a candidate of the receiving station for receiving the data transmitted from the transmitting antenna (16) and an estimated value of an interference amount caused by reception of the data in another radio communication system.