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WO2006112637A1 - System for receiving satellite signal and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

System for receiving satellite signal and controlling method thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006112637A1
WO2006112637A1 PCT/KR2006/001408 KR2006001408W WO2006112637A1 WO 2006112637 A1 WO2006112637 A1 WO 2006112637A1 KR 2006001408 W KR2006001408 W KR 2006001408W WO 2006112637 A1 WO2006112637 A1 WO 2006112637A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
satellite
position information
receiving system
signal receiving
azimuth angle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2006/001408
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Chang-Woo Ro
Choong-Hyun Kim
Chang-Hyun Park
Original Assignee
A & P Technology Co., Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by A & P Technology Co., Ltd. filed Critical A & P Technology Co., Ltd.
Publication of WO2006112637A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006112637A1/en

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Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04HBROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H40/00Arrangements specially adapted for receiving broadcast information
    • H04H40/18Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving
    • H04H40/27Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving specially adapted for broadcast systems covered by groups H04H20/53 - H04H20/95
    • H04H40/90Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving specially adapted for broadcast systems covered by groups H04H20/53 - H04H20/95 specially adapted for satellite broadcast receiving
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01QANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/12Supports; Mounting means
    • H01Q1/125Means for positioning
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04BTRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H04B7/14Relay systems
    • H04B7/15Active relay systems
    • H04B7/185Space-based or airborne stations; Stations for satellite systems

Definitions

  • a satellite signal receiving antenna which is installed on a moving object, such as a vehicle, a ship, etc., must be controlled such that the satellite antenna is oriented toward a satellite even if the moving object moves in various directions.
  • a closed-loop tracking scheme i.e. a feedback control scheme
  • measures a signal level and feedbacks the measured signal level is generally used.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a satellite signal receiving system and a controlling method thereof, which adjusts and continuously maintains the angle of a satellite antenna so as to receive the optimum satellite signal within a short period of time, thereby preventing an initialization failure and thereby receiving a satellite signal of high quality.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a satellite signal receiving system and a controlling method thereof, which can efficiently receive a satellite signal of high quality by adjusting the satellite antenna based on a dual-axis control scheme.
  • Still another object of the present invention is to provide a satellite signal receiving system and a controlling method thereof, which make the best use of a GPS and a satellite broadcasting receiver which are installed in a mobbing object, by integrating the GPS and satellite broadcasting receiver with the satellite signal receiving system.
  • a satellite signal receiving system comprising: a global positioning system (GPS) for providing position information of the satellite signal receiving system by using a satellite; a satellite position information database for storing position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system; a controller for calculating an initial azimuth angle and an initial elevation angle cor- responding to a direction of the satellite by means of the position information of the satellite signal receiving system provided from the GPS and the position information of the satellite provided from the satellite position information database, transmitting a control signal for controlling a satellite antenna based on the calculated initial azimuth angle and initial elevation angle, and transmitting a control signal for re-adjusting an azimuth angle and an elevation angle of the satellite antenna based on a closed-loop tracking scheme so as to receive a satellite signal of a maximum level through the satellite antenna; an azimuth angle control motor connected with the satellite antenna so as to adjust the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna according to the control signals; and an elevation angle
  • the present invention provides a program which can realize the method for controlling the satellite signal receiving system or similar methods through a computer.
  • FIG. 1 is a view schematically illustrating the construction of a satellite signal receiving system employing a single-axis system according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a view schematically illustrating the construction of a satellite signal receiving system employing a dual-axis system according to the second embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a coordinate system for defining an azimuth angle and an elevation angle, which are used to a satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an example of a method for re-adjusting an azimuth angle and an elevation angle, which are used to a satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an example of a method for re-adjusting an azimuth angle and an elevation angle, which are used to a satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention.
  • the present invention provides a satellite signal receiving system, which comprises: a global positioning system (GPS) for providing position information of the satellite signal receiving system by using a satellite; a satellite position information database for storing position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system; a controller for calculating an initial azimuth angle corresponding to a direction of the satellite by means of the position information of the satellite signal receiving system provided from the GPS and the position information of the satellite provided from the satellite position information database, transmitting a control signal for controlling a satellite antenna based on the calculated initial azimuth angle, and transmitting a control signal for re-adjusting an azimuth angle of the satellite antenna based on a closed- loop tracking scheme so as to receive a satellite signal of a maximum level through the satellite antenna; and an azimuth angle control motor connected with the satellite antenna so as to adjust the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna according to the control signals.
  • GPS global positioning system
  • satellite position information database for storing position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite
  • the satellite signal receiving system includes the satellite position information database for storing position information about a satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system, according to time. That is, since a satellite transmitting or emitting a satellite signal has a unique orbit, the positions of the satellite according to time can be recorded in a database, so that it is possible to recognize where the satellite is positioned at a predetermined time by searching the database.
  • the database may be separately constructed in the system, or preferably, may be constructed within the controller for simplification of the system.
  • the controller calculates an azimuth angle corresponding to a direction of the satellite, by means of moving object s position information provided from the GPS and satellite s position information provided from the satellite position information database. Since such a calculation is very simple, the azimuth angle can be easily calculated by a program installed in the controller. Accordingly, an initial azimuth angle can be determined in a system initialization procedure.
  • the controller transmits a control signal to the azimuth angle control motor so as to set the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna to the initial azimuth angle.
  • the satellite signal receiving system includes the azimuth angle control motor which rotates the satellite antenna about a rotation axis. That is, the azimuth angle control motor rotates the satellite antenna such that the direction of the satellite antenna is set to the calculated initial azimuth angle, thereby enabling the satellite antenna to be oriented toward the satellite.
  • the satellite signal receiving system of the present invention measures a current absolute direction of the satellite antenna relative to the North Pole (N) by means of a direction finder, and rotates the satellite antenna by an angle corresponding to the calculated azimuth angle.
  • N North Pole
  • the azimuth angle corresponds to angle " ⁇ ".
  • the satellite antenna is rotated toward a direction corresponding to the initial azimuth angle calculated by the controller, thereby being oriented toward the satellite.
  • the satellite signal receiving system is initially oriented toward the satellite, so that the probability of initialization failure becomes very low, an initial signal level can be stably obtained, and initialization can be accomplished in a short period of time.
  • the controller re-adjusts the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna through a closed-loop tracking scheme so as to receive a satellite signal of the maximum level through the satellite antenna.
  • the controller senses the intensities of satellite signals received by the satellite signal receiving system, while changing the azimuth angle of the satellite signal receiving system in the right and left directions within a predetermined interval on the basis of the initial azimuth angle. Then, the controller re-adjusts the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna to a position, at which the satellite signal of the maximum level has been received, thereby ensuring reception of a maximum-level satellite signal.
  • Such re-adjustment can be accomplished by means of the closed- loop tracking scheme, which is widely used.
  • the azimuth angle control motor includes well-known control motors for antenna, and preferably, includes a linear motor so as to perform a precise control.
  • the above-mentioned satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention can be applied to a dual-axis system to control both azimuth angle ( AZ ) and elevation angle ( ), as shown in FIG. 2, as well as the single-axis system as shown in FIG.l.
  • the present invention proposes the dual-axis system, to which the above-mentioned technology can be applied in a similar manner.
  • FIG. 2 is a view schematically illustrating the construction of the satellite signal receiving system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.
  • the satellite signal receiving system comprises: a global positioning system (GPS) for providing position information of the satellite signal receiving system by using a satellite; a satellite position information database for storing position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system; a controller for calculating an initial azimuth angle and an initial elevation angle corresponding to a direction of the satellite by means of the position information of the satellite signal receiving system provided from the GPS and the position information of the satellite provided from the satellite position information database, transmitting a control signal for controlling a satellite antenna based on the calculated initial azimuth angle and initial elevation angle, transmitting a control signal for changing an azimuth angle and an elevation angle of the satellite antenna within a predetermined range on the basis of the initial azimuth angle and initial elevation angle, and transmitting a control signal for re-adjusting the azimuth angle and elevation angle so as to receive a satellite signal of a maximum level by measuring intensities of satellite signals received through the satellite antenna; an azimuth angle control motor connected with a global positioning system (GPS)
  • a coordinate system as shown in FIG. 3 may be applied to the satellite signal receiving system.
  • schemes as shown in FIGs. 4 and 5 can be used for the closed-loop tracking scheme, when the satellite signal receiving system changes an angle within a predetermined interval. That is, FIG.
  • FIG. 4 shows a case in which the satellite signal receiving system sets " ⁇ " and “ ⁇ “ with respect to an azimuth angle and an elevation angle, respectively, measures the change of the signal level while changing the angle of the satellite antenna according to the set values, thereby setting the angle of the satellite antenna in a direction in which a maximum signal level is received.
  • FIG. 5 shows a case in which the satellite signal receiving system sets only " ⁇ " with respect to an initial direction (that is, a direction determined based on an initial azimuth angle and an initial elevation angle), establishes a change range of a cone configuration about the initial direction, and changes the angle so as to measure the change of the signal level, thereby setting the angle of the satellite antenna in a direction in which a maximum signal level is received.
  • the satellite signal processed in the dual-axis system corresponds to various data or signals transmitted from a satellite, and preferably to a satellite broadcasting signal or digital satellite broadcasting signal.
  • the above-mentioned control may be performed using one of the following three methods. First, it is possible to alternately and repeatedly perform the initial azimuth angle setting procedure and the closed-loop tracking procedure in order to control the position of the satellite antenna. Second, it is possible to perform the initial azimuth angle setting procedure only in a system initialization step, and then to perform only the closed-loop tracking procedure during movement of the moving object.
  • the satellite signal receiving system can be integrated with a navigation system, which is generally installed on a vehicle or the like, so as to construct a more efficient system.
  • the satellite signal may refer to a satellite broadcasting signal
  • the satellite signal receiving system further includes a navigation system connected to the GPS so as to be provided with its own position information, and a monitor for displaying the satellite broadcasting.
  • the monitor displays at least one selected from a group consisting of the satellite broadcasting, its own position information, and navigation information, based on input of the user.
  • the images of the selected items can be displayed on divided screens or picture-in-picture screens.
  • the satellite signal receiving system further includes a monitor in order to display a satellite broadcast.
  • the monitor is utilized as an apparatus for displaying navigation information when a navigation system for vehicle has been installed together with the monitor, thereby alternately displaying the satellite information and the navigation information through the monitor.
  • the satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention may display GPS information, other than the satellite broadcasting information and navigation information, through the monitor.
  • the satellite signal receiving system may divide a monitor screen by using a picture- in-picture (PIP) function, so as to display satellite broadcasting and navigation information, satellite broadcasting and GPS information, or satellite broadcasting, navigation information and GPS information, on the divided screens.
  • PIP picture- in-picture
  • the satellite signal receiving system displays the GPS information in a picture-in-picture scheme at a corner portion of the screen while displaying a satellite broadcast or while displaying navigation information.
  • the satellite signal receiving system may include a low noise block down converter (LNB) and a set-top box therein.
  • LNB low noise block down converter
  • controllers used for the single-axis and the dual-axis systems may include various well-known CPUs, preferably include a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC), or further preferably include a PIC so as to obtain a fast response.
  • RISC Reduced Instruction Set Computer
  • the present invention provides a method for controlling the satellite signal receiving system, as well as the satellite signal receiving system.
  • the present invention provides a controlling method of a satellite signal receiving system including a satellite antenna, wherein the method comprises the steps of: checking position information of the satellite signal receiving system through a satellite by means of a global positioning system (GPS); checking position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system, from a satellite position information database storing the position information of the satellite; calculating an initial azimuth angle corresponding to a direction of the satellite by means of the position information of the satellite signal receiving system provided from the GPS and the position information of the satellite provided from the satellite position information database, transmitting a control signal for controlling the satellite antenna based on the calculated initial azimuth angle, and transmitting, by a controller, a control signal for re-adjusting an azimuth angle of the satellite antenna based on a closed-loop tracking scheme so as to receive a satellite signal of a maximum level through the satellite antenna; and adjusting the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna by means of an azimut
  • the present invention provides a controlling method of a satellite signal receiving system including a satellite antenna, wherein the method comprises the steps of: checking position information of the satellite signal receiving system through a satellite by means of a global positioning system (GPS); checking position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system, from a satellite position information database storing the position information of the satellite; calculating an initial azimuth angle and an initial elevation angle corresponding to a direction of the satellite by means of the position information of the satellite signal receiving system provided from the GPS and the position information of the satellite provided from the satellite position information database, transmitting a control signal for controlling the satellite antenna based on the calculated initial azimuth angle and initial elevation angle, and transmitting, by a controller, a control signal for re-adjusting an azimuth angle and an elevation angle of the satellite antenna based on a closed-loop tracking scheme so as to receive a satellite signal of the maximum level through the satellite antenna; and adjusting the azimut
  • the satellite signal includes a satellite broadcasting signal
  • the method can further include the steps of: receiving the position information of the satellite signal receiving system checked through the GPS, and providing navigation information through a navigation system; and displaying, through a monitor, at least one selected from a group consisting of the satellite broadcasting information, the position information of the satellite signal receiving system, and the navigation information, based on input from a user, in which the selected information is displayed on divided screens or picture-in-picture screens through the monitor when two or more pieces of information are selected.
  • the present invention provides a program to execute the above- mentioned controlling methods. That is, the present invention provides a program, which can execute the controlling method of the satellite signal receiving system through a computer, in which the program may be configured by using various well- known programming languages. [48]
  • the system adjusts and continuously maintains the angle of a satellite antenna so as to receive the optimum satellite signal within a short period of time, and sets an initial position of the satellite antenna to be oriented toward a current position of the satellite, so that it is possible to prevent an initialization failure and to receive a satellite signal of high quality within a short period of time.
  • the satellite signal receiving system uses a dual- axis control scheme which controls both the elevation angle and azimuth angle of a satellite antenna, so that it is possible to efficiently receive a satellite signal of high quality.
  • the satellite broadcasting receiver the satellite broadcasting receiver
  • GPS, and navigation system which have operated separately from the satellite signal receiving system, are integrated with the satellite signal receiving system so as to utilized to improve the reception efficiency of a satellite broadcast, thereby making the best use of the satellite broadcasting receiver, GPS, etc., which are installed in a moving object.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Variable-Direction Aerials And Aerial Arrays (AREA)
  • Position Fixing By Use Of Radio Waves (AREA)

Abstract

Disclosed is a satellite signal receiving system and a controlling method thereof. The satellite signal receiving system comprises: a global positioning system (GPS) for providing position information of the satellite signal receiving system by using a satellite; a satellite position information database for storing position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system; a controller for calculating an initial azimuth angle corresponding to a direction of the satellite by means of the position information of the satellite signal receiving system provided from the GPS and the position information of the satellite provided from the satellite position information database, transmitting a control signal for controlling a satellite antenna based on the calculated initial azimuth angle, and transmitting a control signal for re-adjusting an azimuth angle of the satellite antenna based on a closed-loop tracking scheme so as to receive a satellite signal of a maximum level through the satellite antenna; and an azimuth angle control motor connected with the satellite antenna so as to adjust the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna according to the control signals. Accordingly, it is possible to receive an optimum satellite signal within a short period of time, and to make the best use of a GPS and a satellite broadcasting receiver by integrating them with the satellite signal receiving system.

Description

Description
SYSTEM FOR RECEIVING SATELLITE SIGNAL AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF
Technical Field
[1] The present invention relates to a system for receiving a satellite signal and a controlling method thereof, and more particularly to a satellite signal receiving system, which can receive an optimum satellite signal within a short period of time by adjusting an angle of a satellite antenna so as to receive the optimum satellite signal within a short period of time, can continuously maintain such an optimum reception state, can ensure a better reception state by adjusting the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the satellite antenna, differently from the conventional single-axis control scheme, and can make the best use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) and a satellite broadcasting receiver, which are installed in a moving object such as a vehicle, by integrating the GPS and the satellite broadcasting receiver, and a method for controlling the reception system.
[2]
Background Art
[3] In general, a satellite signal receiving antenna, which is installed on a moving object, such as a vehicle, a ship, etc., must be controlled such that the satellite antenna is oriented toward a satellite even if the moving object moves in various directions. To this end, a closed-loop tracking scheme (i.e. a feedback control scheme), which measures a signal level and feedbacks the measured signal level, is generally used.
[4] However, since such a conventional control scheme cannot recognize the position of the satellite at a system initialization step, a difficulty exists in setting the initial direction of the satellite antenna, so that it takes a long period of time to set an initial direction of the satellite antenna. In some cases, such a conventional scheme may cause a system error by failing to recognize an initial direction of the satellite antenna, which can be shifted to a closed-loop tracking mode, thereby requiring re-performance of initialization.
[5] Meanwhile, recently, a navigation system for a vehicle has been widely used, so that a GPS has been installed in most of vehicles. However, the GPS or navigation system is only individually used without being connected or integrated with a satellite signal receiving system, so that an already-installed high-priced useful system has been insufficiently utilized up to now.
[6]
Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem
[7] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a satellite signal receiving system and a controlling method thereof, which adjusts and continuously maintains the angle of a satellite antenna so as to receive the optimum satellite signal within a short period of time, thereby preventing an initialization failure and thereby receiving a satellite signal of high quality.
[8] Another object of the present invention is to provide a satellite signal receiving system and a controlling method thereof, which can efficiently receive a satellite signal of high quality by adjusting the satellite antenna based on a dual-axis control scheme.
[9] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a satellite signal receiving system and a controlling method thereof, which make the best use of a GPS and a satellite broadcasting receiver which are installed in a mobbing object, by integrating the GPS and satellite broadcasting receiver with the satellite signal receiving system.
[10]
Technical Solution
[11] To accomplish the above objects, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a satellite signal receiving system comprising: a global positioning system (GPS) for providing position information of the satellite signal receiving system by using a satellite; a satellite position information database for storing position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system; a controller for calculating an initial azimuth angle corresponding to a direction of the satellite by means of the position information of the satellite signal receiving system provided from the GPS and the position information of the satellite provided from the satellite position information database, transmitting a control signal for controlling a satellite antenna based on the calculated initial azimuth angle, and transmitting a control signal for re-adjusting an azimuth angle of the satellite antenna based on a closed-loop tracking scheme so as to receive a satellite signal of a maximum level through the satellite antenna; and an azimuth angle control motor connected with the satellite antenna so as to adjust the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna according to the control signals.
[12] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a satellite signal receiving system comprising: a global positioning system (GPS) for providing position information of the satellite signal receiving system by using a satellite; a satellite position information database for storing position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system; a controller for calculating an initial azimuth angle and an initial elevation angle cor- responding to a direction of the satellite by means of the position information of the satellite signal receiving system provided from the GPS and the position information of the satellite provided from the satellite position information database, transmitting a control signal for controlling a satellite antenna based on the calculated initial azimuth angle and initial elevation angle, and transmitting a control signal for re-adjusting an azimuth angle and an elevation angle of the satellite antenna based on a closed-loop tracking scheme so as to receive a satellite signal of a maximum level through the satellite antenna; an azimuth angle control motor connected with the satellite antenna so as to adjust the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna according to the control signals; and an elevation angle control motor connected with the satellite antenna so as to adjust the elevation angle of the satellite antenna according to the control signals.
[13] In addition, the present invention provides a program which can realize the method for controlling the satellite signal receiving system or similar methods through a computer.
[14]
Brief Description of the Drawings
[15] FIG. 1 is a view schematically illustrating the construction of a satellite signal receiving system employing a single-axis system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[16] FIG. 2 is a view schematically illustrating the construction of a satellite signal receiving system employing a dual-axis system according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
[17] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a coordinate system for defining an azimuth angle and an elevation angle, which are used to a satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention;
[18] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an example of a method for re-adjusting an azimuth angle and an elevation angle, which are used to a satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention; and
[19] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an example of a method for re-adjusting an azimuth angle and an elevation angle, which are used to a satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention.
[20]
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[21] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
[22] The present invention provides a satellite signal receiving system, which comprises: a global positioning system (GPS) for providing position information of the satellite signal receiving system by using a satellite; a satellite position information database for storing position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system; a controller for calculating an initial azimuth angle corresponding to a direction of the satellite by means of the position information of the satellite signal receiving system provided from the GPS and the position information of the satellite provided from the satellite position information database, transmitting a control signal for controlling a satellite antenna based on the calculated initial azimuth angle, and transmitting a control signal for re-adjusting an azimuth angle of the satellite antenna based on a closed- loop tracking scheme so as to receive a satellite signal of a maximum level through the satellite antenna; and an azimuth angle control motor connected with the satellite antenna so as to adjust the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna according to the control signals.
[23] FIG. 1 is a view schematically illustrating the construction of a satellite signal receiving system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The satellite signal corresponds to various data or signals transmitted from a satellite, and preferably to a satellite broadcasting signal or digital satellite broadcasting signal. The satellite signal receiving system, which receives such a satellite signal, includes the satellite antenna for receiving the satellite signal. In addition, the satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention includes a Satellite System capable of providing position information of moving objects, such as a vehicle, a ship, etc. The Satellite System refers to the well-known Global Positioning System (GPS), which identifies position information for a moving object itself and provides the position information to a peripheral apparatus. Also, the satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention includes the satellite position information database for storing position information about a satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system, according to time. That is, since a satellite transmitting or emitting a satellite signal has a unique orbit, the positions of the satellite according to time can be recorded in a database, so that it is possible to recognize where the satellite is positioned at a predetermined time by searching the database.
[24] The database may be separately constructed in the system, or preferably, may be constructed within the controller for simplification of the system.
[25] Therefore, when the moving object recognizes its own position through the GPS and identifies the position of the satellite by using the database, the position of the satellite relative to the position of the moving object is determined. To this end, the controller calculates an azimuth angle corresponding to a direction of the satellite, by means of moving object s position information provided from the GPS and satellite s position information provided from the satellite position information database. Since such a calculation is very simple, the azimuth angle can be easily calculated by a program installed in the controller. Accordingly, an initial azimuth angle can be determined in a system initialization procedure.
[26] Based on data of an initial azimuth angle determined by the above method, the controller transmits a control signal to the azimuth angle control motor so as to set the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna to the initial azimuth angle. To this end, the satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention includes the azimuth angle control motor which rotates the satellite antenna about a rotation axis. That is, the azimuth angle control motor rotates the satellite antenna such that the direction of the satellite antenna is set to the calculated initial azimuth angle, thereby enabling the satellite antenna to be oriented toward the satellite.
[27] In detail, similarly to the scheme used a general satellite signal receiving system, the satellite signal receiving system of the present invention measures a current absolute direction of the satellite antenna relative to the North Pole (N) by means of a direction finder, and rotates the satellite antenna by an angle corresponding to the calculated azimuth angle. When a coordinate system shown in FIG. 3 is used, the azimuth angle corresponds to angle "θ ".
[28] Accordingly, the satellite antenna is rotated toward a direction corresponding to the initial azimuth angle calculated by the controller, thereby being oriented toward the satellite. Through such a procedure, the satellite signal receiving system is initially oriented toward the satellite, so that the probability of initialization failure becomes very low, an initial signal level can be stably obtained, and initialization can be accomplished in a short period of time.
[29] Thereafter, the controller re-adjusts the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna through a closed-loop tracking scheme so as to receive a satellite signal of the maximum level through the satellite antenna. In detail, the controller senses the intensities of satellite signals received by the satellite signal receiving system, while changing the azimuth angle of the satellite signal receiving system in the right and left directions within a predetermined interval on the basis of the initial azimuth angle. Then, the controller re-adjusts the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna to a position, at which the satellite signal of the maximum level has been received, thereby ensuring reception of a maximum-level satellite signal. Such re-adjustment can be accomplished by means of the closed- loop tracking scheme, which is widely used.
[30] In addition, similarly to the above description, a control signal for the re-adjustment is transmitted to the azimuth angle control motor, thereby rotating the satellite antenna. The azimuth angle control motor includes well-known control motors for antenna, and preferably, includes a linear motor so as to perform a precise control.
[31] The above-mentioned satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention can be applied to a dual-axis system to control both azimuth angle ( AZ ) and elevation angle ( ), as shown in FIG. 2, as well as the single-axis system as shown in FIG.l.
[32] Generally, most of widely-used satellite antennas for vehicles employ the signal- axis system which adjusts only the azimuth angle, so that it is difficult to precisely adjust the satellite antenna so as to be oriented toward the satellite. In order to solve such a problem, the present invention proposes the dual-axis system, to which the above-mentioned technology can be applied in a similar manner.
[33] That is, a satellite signal receiving system according to a second embodiment of the present invention refers to the dual-axis system. FIG. 2 is a view schematically illustrating the construction of the satellite signal receiving system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the satellite signal receiving system according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises: a global positioning system (GPS) for providing position information of the satellite signal receiving system by using a satellite; a satellite position information database for storing position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system; a controller for calculating an initial azimuth angle and an initial elevation angle corresponding to a direction of the satellite by means of the position information of the satellite signal receiving system provided from the GPS and the position information of the satellite provided from the satellite position information database, transmitting a control signal for controlling a satellite antenna based on the calculated initial azimuth angle and initial elevation angle, transmitting a control signal for changing an azimuth angle and an elevation angle of the satellite antenna within a predetermined range on the basis of the initial azimuth angle and initial elevation angle, and transmitting a control signal for re-adjusting the azimuth angle and elevation angle so as to receive a satellite signal of a maximum level by measuring intensities of satellite signals received through the satellite antenna; an azimuth angle control motor connected with the satellite antenna so as to adjust the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna according to the control signals; and an elevation angle control motor connected with the satellite antenna so as to adjust the elevation angle of the satellite antenna according to the control signals.
[34] The construction and operation of the satellite signal receiving system employing the dual-axis system according to the second embodiment of the preset invention is similar to those of the system employing the single-axis system, except that the satellite signal receiving system according to the second embodiment of the present invention is constructed such that the system can change the elevation angle (θ ) of the antenna as well as the azimuth angle (θ AZ ) thereof, so as to control both azimuth angle and elevation angle. [35] A coordinate system as shown in FIG. 3 may be applied to the satellite signal receiving system. For instance, schemes as shown in FIGs. 4 and 5 can be used for the closed-loop tracking scheme, when the satellite signal receiving system changes an angle within a predetermined interval. That is, FIG. 4 shows a case in which the satellite signal receiving system sets "Δθ " and "Δθ " with respect to an azimuth angle and an elevation angle, respectively, measures the change of the signal level while changing the angle of the satellite antenna according to the set values, thereby setting the angle of the satellite antenna in a direction in which a maximum signal level is received. Also, FIG. 5 shows a case in which the satellite signal receiving system sets only "Δθ" with respect to an initial direction (that is, a direction determined based on an initial azimuth angle and an initial elevation angle), establishes a change range of a cone configuration about the initial direction, and changes the angle so as to measure the change of the signal level, thereby setting the angle of the satellite antenna in a direction in which a maximum signal level is received.
[36] Similarly to that processed in the single-axis system, the satellite signal processed in the dual-axis system corresponds to various data or signals transmitted from a satellite, and preferably to a satellite broadcasting signal or digital satellite broadcasting signal.
[37] For both single-axis the dual-axis systems, the above-mentioned control may be performed using one of the following three methods. First, it is possible to alternately and repeatedly perform the initial azimuth angle setting procedure and the closed-loop tracking procedure in order to control the position of the satellite antenna. Second, it is possible to perform the initial azimuth angle setting procedure only in a system initialization step, and then to perform only the closed-loop tracking procedure during movement of the moving object. Third, it is possible to perform the initial azimuth angle setting procedure in a system initialization step, to perform only the closed-loop tracking procedure during the movement of a relevant moving object, to again perform the initial azimuth angle setting procedure when the moving object changes its course at a predetermined angle per unit time or greater during movement of the moving object, and then to perform the closed-loop tracking procedure until the moving object changes its course at a predetermined angle per unit time or greater.
[38] For both single-axis and dual-axis systems, the satellite signal receiving system can be integrated with a navigation system, which is generally installed on a vehicle or the like, so as to construct a more efficient system. In detail, as shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, the satellite signal may refer to a satellite broadcasting signal, and the satellite signal receiving system further includes a navigation system connected to the GPS so as to be provided with its own position information, and a monitor for displaying the satellite broadcasting. In this case, the monitor displays at least one selected from a group consisting of the satellite broadcasting, its own position information, and navigation information, based on input of the user. Particularly, when two items or more are selected from the group, the images of the selected items can be displayed on divided screens or picture-in-picture screens.
[39] That is, when the satellite antenna refers to a satellite broadcasting signal, the satellite signal receiving system further includes a monitor in order to display a satellite broadcast. In this case, generally, the monitor is utilized as an apparatus for displaying navigation information when a navigation system for vehicle has been installed together with the monitor, thereby alternately displaying the satellite information and the navigation information through the monitor. In addition to such a function, the satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention may display GPS information, other than the satellite broadcasting information and navigation information, through the monitor. Also, the satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention may divide a monitor screen by using a picture- in-picture (PIP) function, so as to display satellite broadcasting and navigation information, satellite broadcasting and GPS information, or satellite broadcasting, navigation information and GPS information, on the divided screens. In addition, the satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention displays the GPS information in a picture-in-picture scheme at a corner portion of the screen while displaying a satellite broadcast or while displaying navigation information.
[40] Also, in order to receive the satellite broadcast, the satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention may include a low noise block down converter (LNB) and a set-top box therein.
[41] In addition, the controllers used for the single-axis and the dual-axis systems may include various well-known CPUs, preferably include a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC), or further preferably include a PIC so as to obtain a fast response.
[42] The present invention provides a method for controlling the satellite signal receiving system, as well as the satellite signal receiving system.
[43] That is, with respect to the single-axis system, the present invention provides a controlling method of a satellite signal receiving system including a satellite antenna, wherein the method comprises the steps of: checking position information of the satellite signal receiving system through a satellite by means of a global positioning system (GPS); checking position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system, from a satellite position information database storing the position information of the satellite; calculating an initial azimuth angle corresponding to a direction of the satellite by means of the position information of the satellite signal receiving system provided from the GPS and the position information of the satellite provided from the satellite position information database, transmitting a control signal for controlling the satellite antenna based on the calculated initial azimuth angle, and transmitting, by a controller, a control signal for re-adjusting an azimuth angle of the satellite antenna based on a closed-loop tracking scheme so as to receive a satellite signal of a maximum level through the satellite antenna; and adjusting the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna by means of an azimuth angle control motor connected with the satellite antenna, based on the transmitted control signal.
[44] In addition, with respect to the dual-axis system, the present invention provides a controlling method of a satellite signal receiving system including a satellite antenna, wherein the method comprises the steps of: checking position information of the satellite signal receiving system through a satellite by means of a global positioning system (GPS); checking position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system, from a satellite position information database storing the position information of the satellite; calculating an initial azimuth angle and an initial elevation angle corresponding to a direction of the satellite by means of the position information of the satellite signal receiving system provided from the GPS and the position information of the satellite provided from the satellite position information database, transmitting a control signal for controlling the satellite antenna based on the calculated initial azimuth angle and initial elevation angle, and transmitting, by a controller, a control signal for re-adjusting an azimuth angle and an elevation angle of the satellite antenna based on a closed-loop tracking scheme so as to receive a satellite signal of the maximum level through the satellite antenna; and adjusting the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the satellite antenna by means of an azimuth angle control motor and an elevation angle control motor, which are connected with the satellite antenna, based on the transmitted control signal.
[45] Detailed description of the above method will be omitted below in order to avoid redundancy.
[46] In addition, when the controlling method of the satellite signal receiving system is executed together with the navigation system, as described above, the satellite signal includes a satellite broadcasting signal, and the method can further include the steps of: receiving the position information of the satellite signal receiving system checked through the GPS, and providing navigation information through a navigation system; and displaying, through a monitor, at least one selected from a group consisting of the satellite broadcasting information, the position information of the satellite signal receiving system, and the navigation information, based on input from a user, in which the selected information is displayed on divided screens or picture-in-picture screens through the monitor when two or more pieces of information are selected.
[47] In addition, the present invention provides a program to execute the above- mentioned controlling methods. That is, the present invention provides a program, which can execute the controlling method of the satellite signal receiving system through a computer, in which the program may be configured by using various well- known programming languages. [48]
Industrial Applicability
[49] According to the satellite signal receiving system and the controlling method thereof, as described above, the system adjusts and continuously maintains the angle of a satellite antenna so as to receive the optimum satellite signal within a short period of time, and sets an initial position of the satellite antenna to be oriented toward a current position of the satellite, so that it is possible to prevent an initialization failure and to receive a satellite signal of high quality within a short period of time.
[50] Also, the satellite signal receiving system according to the present invention uses a dual- axis control scheme which controls both the elevation angle and azimuth angle of a satellite antenna, so that it is possible to efficiently receive a satellite signal of high quality.
[51] In addition, according to the present invention, the satellite broadcasting receiver,
GPS, and navigation system, which have operated separately from the satellite signal receiving system, are integrated with the satellite signal receiving system so as to utilized to improve the reception efficiency of a satellite broadcast, thereby making the best use of the satellite broadcasting receiver, GPS, etc., which are installed in a moving object.
[52] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.
[53]

Claims

Claims
[1] A satellite signal receiving system comprising: a global positioning system (GPS) for providing position information of the satellite signal receiving system by using a satellite; a satellite position information database for storing position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system; a controller for calculating an initial azimuth angle corresponding to a direction of the satellite by means of the position information of the satellite signal receiving system provided from the GPS and the position information of the satellite provided from the satellite position information database, transmitting a control signal for controlling a satellite antenna based on the calculated initial azimuth angle, and transmitting a control signal for re-adjusting an azimuth angle of the satellite antenna based on a closed-loop tracking scheme so as to receive a satellite signal of a maximum level through the satellite antenna; and an azimuth angle control motor connected with the satellite antenna so as to adjust the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna according to the control signals.
[2] A satellite signal receiving system comprising: a global positioning system (GPS) for providing position information of the satellite signal receiving system by using a satellite; a satellite position information database for storing position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system; a controller for calculating an initial azimuth angle and an initial elevation angle corresponding to a direction of the satellite by means of the position information of the satellite signal receiving system provided from the GPS and the position information of the satellite provided from the satellite position information database, transmitting a control signal for controlling a satellite antenna based on the calculated initial azimuth angle and initial elevation angle, and transmitting a control signal for re-adjusting an azimuth angle and an elevation angle of the satellite antenna based on a closed-loop tracking scheme so as to receive a satellite signal of a maximum level through the satellite antenna; an azimuth angle control motor connected with the satellite antenna so as to adjust the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna according to the control signals; and an elevation angle control motor connected with the satellite antenna so as to adjust the elevation angle of the satellite antenna according to the control signals.
[3] The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the satellite signal includes a satellite broadcasting signal.
[4] The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the satellite signal includes a satellite, and the satellite signal receiving system further comprises a navigation system and a monitor for displaying a satellite broadcast, in which the navigation system is connected to the GPS so as to be provided with the position information of the satellite signal receiving system, and the monitor displays at least one selected from a group consisting of satellite broadcasting information, the position information of the satellite signal receiving system, and navigation information, based on input from a user, in which the selected information is displayed on divided screens or picture-in-picture screens when two or more pieces of information are selected.
[5] The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller includes an RISC
(Reduced Instruction Set Computer) -type controller.
[6] A controlling method of a satellite signal receiving system, which includes a satellite antenna, the method comprising the steps of: checking position information of the satellite signal receiving system through a satellite by means of a global positioning system (GPS); checking position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system, from a satellite position information database storing the position information of the satellite; calculating an initial azimuth angle corresponding to a direction of the satellite by means of the position information of the satellite signal receiving system provided from the GPS and the position information of the satellite provided from the satellite position information database, transmitting a control signal for controlling the satellite antenna based on the calculated initial azimuth angle, and transmitting, by a controller, a control signal for re-adjusting an azimuth angle of the satellite antenna based on a closed- loop tracking scheme so as to receive a satellite signal of a maximum level through the satellite antenna; and adjusting the azimuth angle of the satellite antenna by means of an azimuth angle control motor connected with the satellite antenna, based on the transmitted control signal.
[7] A controlling method of a satellite signal receiving system, which includes a satellite antenna, the method comprising the steps of: checking position information of the satellite signal receiving system through a satellite by means of a global positioning system (GPS); checking position information of the satellite, which transmits a satellite signal to be received by the satellite signal receiving system, from a satellite position in- formation database storing the position information of the satellite; calculating an initial azimuth angle and an initial elevation angle corresponding to a direction of the satellite by means of the position information of the satellite signal receiving system provided from the GPS and the position information of the satellite provided from the satellite position information database, transmitting a control signal for controlling the satellite antenna based on the calculated initial azimuth angle and initial elevation angle, and transmitting, by a controller, a control signal for re-adjusting an azimuth angle and an elevation angle of the satellite antenna based on a closed- loop tracking scheme so as to receive a satellite signal of a maximum level through the satellite antenna; and adjusting the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the satellite antenna by means of an azimuth angle control motor and an elevation angle control motor, which are connected with the satellite antenna, based on the transmitted control signal.
[8] The method as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the satellite signal includes a satellite broadcasting signal, and the method further comprises the steps of: receiving the position information of the satellite signal receiving system checked through the GPS, and providing navigation information through a navigation system; and displaying, through a monitor, at least one selected from a group consisting of the satellite broadcasting information, the position information of the satellite signal receiving system, and the navigation information, based on input from a user, in which the selected information is displayed on divided screens or picture-in-picture screens through the monitor when two or more pieces of information are selected.
[9] The method as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the controlling method of the satellite signal receiving system is executed by a computer.
[10] The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the controlling method of the satellite signal receiving system is executed by a computer.
PCT/KR2006/001408 2005-04-18 2006-04-17 System for receiving satellite signal and controlling method thereof WO2006112637A1 (en)

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