Moving antenna phase array systems related to multipath signals in global positioning applications, and methods of using

• US 20040066335A1
• Filed: 05/02/2003
• Published: 04/08/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Topcon GPS, LLC
• Original Assignee: Topcon GPS, LLC
• Inventors: Ashjaee, Javad
• Application Number:
  US10/428,978
• Publication Number:
  US 20040066335A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 343/700MS
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/38 formed by a conductive layer on an insulating support patch antennas H01Q9/0407; microstrip dipole antennas H01Q9/065; microstrip slot antennas H01Q13/106; transmission line microstrip antennas H01Q13/206; manufacturing reflecting surfaces using insulating material for supporting the reflecting surface H01Q15/142
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/02 using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/04 for varying one co-ordinate of the orientation

Abstract

Antenna systems and methods are disclosed for receiving the signals of navigation satellites, such as global positioning satellites. The systems may be useful in reducing the effects of multipath signals on global positioning satellite signals.

Claims

1. An antenna system comprising:

a reference point;

an antenna element; and

a positioning unit disposed between the reference point and the antenna element which moves the antenna element through a plurality of positions.

2. The antenna system of claim 1 wherein the antenna element is moved along a vector which is substantially fixed with respect to the reference point.

3. The antenna system of claim 2 wherein the satellite signal received by the antenna element has a wavelength, and wherein the antenna element is moved over a range of one-half wavelength or less along the vector.

4. The antenna system of claim 2 wherein the satellite signal received by the antenna element has a wavelength, and wherein the antenna element is moved over a range of one-fourth wavelength or less along the vector.

5. The antenna system of claim 2 wherein the satellite signal received by the antenna element has a wavelength, and wherein the antenna element is moved over a range of three-eighths wavelength or less along the vector.

6. The antenna system of claim 1 further comprising a ground plane, wherein the antenna element is disposed above the ground plane, and wherein the reference point is located on the ground plane.

7. The antenna system of claim 1 further comprising a housing, wherein the antenna element is disposed above the housing, and wherein the reference point is located on the housing.

8. The antenna system of claim 1 further comprising a sensor that measures the position of the antenna element relative to the reference point without the use of information conveyed by the satellite signal.

9. The antenna system of claim 1 further comprising a servo-motor mechanically coupled to the antenna element, and wherein the position of the antenna element is inferred from control signals sent to the servo motor.

10. An antenna system comprising:

a ground plane;

an antenna element mounted on the ground plane;

a housing having a bottom and a top; and

a connecting rod disposed within the housing and having a first end moveably extending from the top of the housing, the first end being mechanically coupled to the ground plane.

11. The antenna system of claim 10 wherein the connecting rod further comprises a second end disposed within the housing, and wherein the antenna system further comprises a positioning unit mechanically coupled to the rod'"'"'s second end which is capable of moving the rod'"'"'s second end through a plurality of positions.

12. The antenna system of claim 11 wherein the second end of the connecting rod comprises a first thread, and wherein the positioning unit comprises a threaded member with a second thread coupling to the first thread and a servo motor driving the threaded member.

13. An antenna system comprising:

a ground plane having a top surface, an bottom surface, and a first aperture formed through the ground plane between the top and bottom surfaces;

an antenna element located above the top surface of the ground plane; and

a rod disposed through the first aperture of the ground plane and moveably extending therethrough, the rod being capable of moving the antenna element.

14. The antenna system of claim 13 wherein the rod comprises a circular thread disposed on the rod'"'"'s surface along the rod'"'"'s axial direction;

and wherein the antenna element comprises a threaded aperture which interfits with the thread of the rod.

15. The antenna system of claim 14 further comprising a motor which rotates the rod.

16. The antenna system of claim 15 wherein the motor is disposed below the ground plane.

17. The antenna system of claim 15 wherein the motor is disposed above the ground plane.

18. The antenna system of claim 13 wherein the rod comprises a thread disposed on the rod'"'"'s surface along the rod'"'"'s axial direction;

and wherein the antenna system further comprises a drive element which interfits with the rod'"'"'s thread.

19. The antenna system of claim 18 wherein the drive element comprises a wheel with a thread disposed on a surface thereof, and wherein the antenna system further comprises a motor which drive the wheel.

20. The antenna system of claim 19 wherein the motor is disposed below the ground plane.

21. The antenna system of claim 13 further comprising a guide which limits the rotational motion of the antenna element.

22. The antenna system of claim 21 wherein the ground plane further comprises a second aperture, and wherein the guide is mechanically attached to the antenna element and is disposed within the second aperture of the ground plane in order to move up and down within the second aperture.

23. The antenna system of claim 13 further comprising a housing disposed at the bottom surface of the ground plane, the housing comprising a pole receiving socket.

24. A method of receiving a global positioning satellite signals at an antenna element comprising moving the antenna through a plurality of positions relative to a reference point while receiving the satellite signal.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein the antenna element is moved along a vector which is substantially fixed with respect to the reference point.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein the satellite signal received by the antenna element has a wavelength, and wherein the antenna element is moved over a range of one-half wavelength or less along the vector.

27. The method of claim 25 wherein the satellite signal received by the antenna element has a wavelength, and wherein the antenna element is moved over a range of one-fourth wavelength or less along the vector.

28. The method of claim 24 wherein the antenna element is disposed above a ground plane, and wherein the reference point is located on the ground plane.

29. The method of claim 24 wherein the antenna element is disposed above a housing, and wherein the reference point is located on the housing.

30. The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of determining the position of the antenna element relative to the reference point without the use of information conveyed by the satellite signal.