US5592176A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tracking system for tracking a moving signal source
Assignee: Viasat Inc
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Filing: 1995-03-30
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Granted: 1997-01-07
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Expires: 2015-03-30
Abstract
Abstract An antenna tracking controller for generating signals used to position an antenna for tracking a moving signal source includes a first Kalman filter for estimating parameters of a first model of the motion of the moving signal source a second Kalman filter for estimating parameters of a second model of the motion of the moving signal source. The second Kalman filter uses the parameters estimated by the first Kalman filter as initial values. A model quality charge/discharge is also provided to monitor the status of the data base.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward H. Vickers
- 👤 Philip C. Lewis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 12:55
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S3/00; G01S3/02; G01S3/14; G01S3/38; G01S3/42; H; H01; H01Q; H01Q3/00; H01Q3/02; H01Q3/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
An antenna tracking controller for generating signals used to position an antenna for tracking a moving signal source, said antenna tracking controller comprising: a first Kalman filter for estimating parameters of a first model of the motion of said moving signal source; and a second Kalman filter for estimating parameters of a second model of the motion of said moving signal source, wherein said second Kalman filter uses the parameters estimated by said first Kalman filter as initial values.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
79 words
An antenna tracking controller for generating signals used to position an antenna for tracking a moving signal source, said antenna tracking controller comprising: a first Kalman filter for estimating parameters of a first model of the motion of said moving signal source; and a second Kalman filter for estimating parameters of a second model of the motion of said moving signal source, wherein said second Kalman filter uses the parameters estimated by said first Kalman filter as initial values.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
66 words
The antenna tracking controller according to claim 1, further comprising: a counter for counting in a first direction while said first and second Kalman filters estimate parameters based on measurements and for counting in a second direction while said antenna is positioned based on said model and no measurements are made, wherein the count of said counter constitutes a measure of the quality of the data.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The antenna tracking controller according to claim 2, wherein said counter counts in the first direction at a first rate and in the second direction at a second rate slower than the first rate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
118 words
A tracking system for tracking a moving signal source, comprising: an antenna; a motor for moving said antenna; an antenna tracking controller for generating antenna tracking signals, said antenna tracking controller including a first Kalman filter for estimating parameters of a first model of the motion of said moving signal source and a second Kalman filter for estimating parameters of a second model of the motion of said moving signal source, wherein said second Kalman filter uses the parameters estimated by said first Kalman filter as initial values; and an antenna position controller responsive to said antenna tracking signals for generating motor driving signals which are supplied to said motor for driving said motor to position said antenna.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
118 words
A tracking system for tracking a moving signal source, comprising: an antenna; a motor for moving said antenna; an antenna tracking controller for generating antenna tracking signals, said antenna tracking controller including a first Kalman filter for estimating parameters of a first model of the motion of said moving signal source and a second Kalman filter for estimating parameters of a second model of the motion of said moving signal source, wherein said second Kalman filter uses the parameters estimated by said first Kalman filter as initial values; and an antenna position controller responsive to said antenna tracking signals for generating motor driving signals which are supplied to said motor for driving said motor to position said antenna.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-01-07 | 2000-07-08 | 2001-01-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-01-07 | 2004-07-08 | 2005-01-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-01-07 | 2008-07-08 | 2009-01-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |