Electronically steerable antenna array using user-specified location data for maximum signal reception based on elevation angle
First Claim
1. A method of adjusting an antenna on a radio receiver with respect to a satellite comprising the steps of:
- selecting a first range of elevation angles of said satellite with respect to said radio receiver to correspond to a low elevation angle;
selecting a second range of elevation angles of said satellite with respect to said radio receiver to correspond to a high elevation angle;
selecting at least first and second antenna array patterns for providing different array phasing data to a plurality of antenna elements associated with the antenna depending on which of said first and second antenna array patterns is used to adjust said antenna, said first and second antenna array patterns being selected to optimize reception of said radio receiver when characterized, respectively, as having one of said first range of elevation angles and said second range of elevation angles;
determining if the elevation angle of said satellite with respect to said radio receiver at each of selected geographic areas in the operating area of said satellite is within said first range of elevation angles or said second range of elevation angles; and
storing antenna data in a computer-readable memory device for use by said radio receiver to adjust said antenna, said antenna data relating one of said first and second antenna array patterns to each of said selected geographic areas depending on whether the elevation angle thereof is within one of said first range of elevation angles or said second range of elevation angles.
15 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method are provided for adjusting the gain characteristics of an antenna array in accordance with elevation angle with respect to a satellite for optimum signal reception. The antenna elements of the antenna array are electronically steered in accordance with stored antenna element control data. The antenna element control data is retrieved based on the location of a mobile unit transporting the antenna and a receiver connected thereto, and on stored satellite location data. The mobile unit location data may be provided manually by a user using an input device on the receiver, or automatically by means of a GPS receiver.
176 Citations
6 Claims
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1. A method of adjusting an antenna on a radio receiver with respect to a satellite comprising the steps of:
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selecting a first range of elevation angles of said satellite with respect to said radio receiver to correspond to a low elevation angle;
selecting a second range of elevation angles of said satellite with respect to said radio receiver to correspond to a high elevation angle;
selecting at least first and second antenna array patterns for providing different array phasing data to a plurality of antenna elements associated with the antenna depending on which of said first and second antenna array patterns is used to adjust said antenna, said first and second antenna array patterns being selected to optimize reception of said radio receiver when characterized, respectively, as having one of said first range of elevation angles and said second range of elevation angles;
determining if the elevation angle of said satellite with respect to said radio receiver at each of selected geographic areas in the operating area of said satellite is within said first range of elevation angles or said second range of elevation angles; and
storing antenna data in a computer-readable memory device for use by said radio receiver to adjust said antenna, said antenna data relating one of said first and second antenna array patterns to each of said selected geographic areas depending on whether the elevation angle thereof is within one of said first range of elevation angles or said second range of elevation angles. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method of adjusting an antenna on a radio receiver with respect to a satellite comprising the steps of:
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storing selected radio receiver locations and corresponding elevation angles in a computer-readable memory device if said satellite is in a geosynchronous orbit, and storing selected radio receiver locations, corresponding elevation angles, and ephemeris data in a computer-readable memory device if said satellite is in an elliptical orbit, said ephemeris data being combinable with real-time clock data to locate said satellite with respect to said radio receiver;
storing antenna adjustment data corresponding to said elevation angles;
providing a user with a plurality of codes corresponding to different geographic locations, said plurality of codes being received at said radio receiver via said satellite and stored in said computer-readable memory device;
receiving user location data comprising one of said codes; and
relating said user location data to one of said radio receiver locations to select the corresponding one of said elevation angles and said antenna adjustment data for adjusting said antenna.
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6. A method of adjusting an antenna on a radio receiver with respect to a satellite comprising the steps of:
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storing selected radio receiver locations and corresponding elevation angles in a computer-readable memory device if said satellite is in a geosynchronous orbit, and storing selected radio receiver locations, corresponding elevation angles, and ephemeris data in a computer-readable memory device if said satellite is in an elliptical orbit, said ephemeris data being combinable with real-time clock data to locate said satellite with respect to said radio receiver;
storing antenna adjustment data corresponding to said elevation angles;
providing a user with a plurality of codes corresponding to different geographic locations;
receiving user location data comprising one of said codes; and
relating said user location data to one of said radio receiver locations to select the corresponding one of said elevation angles and said antenna adjustment data for adjusting said antenna;
wherein said satellite is operable to broadcast audio programs and said plurality of codes are transmitted to said radio receiver as ancillary data for display during playback of said audio programs.
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Specification