Patent ID: 7472409
Filing Date: 2008-12-30
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
1. A system for receiving broadcast satellite transmissions in one of an air-based, a land-based, and a sea-based vehicle, said system comprising: an orientation system for determining at least a first orientation of the vehicle in three dimensions; a controller in communication with said orientation system, said controller adapted to receive first orientation data corresponding to said first orientation of the vehicle and to receive first location data corresponding to a first location of the vehicle relative to a predetermined positioning system, wherein said controller utilizes said first orientation data and said first location data to determine first position control data; a one dimensionally electronically-pointable antenna mounted upon a motorized turntable to provide two-dimensional pointing and adapted to receive said first position control data from said controller, wherein said motorized turntable is substantially flat and said one dimensionally electronically-pointable antenna is conformally mounted to said motorized turntable, wherein said motorized turntable is operable to be conformally mounted to a substantially flat surface of said vehicle, wherein said one-dimensionally electronically-pointable antenna is pointable in two-dimensions in open-loop operation in accordance with said first position control data to receive a first direct broadcast satellite signal from a first satellite having a known location relative to said predetermined positioning system; a direct broadcast satellite receiver adapted to process a first radio frequency signal corresponding to said first direct broadcast satellite signal received by said electronically-pointable antenna to produce at least one of the first audio output, a first video output, and a first data output; a closed-loop feedback system adapted to provide at least one output signal wherein said one dimensionally electronically pointable antenna is pointable in two-dimensions utilizing said at least one output signal in closed-loop operation to receive said first direct broadcast satellite signal; and, a signal lock for automatically activating and deactivating said closed-loop feedback system in response to said first direct broadcast satellite signal received by said one dimensionally electronically-pointable antenna, wherein said system is in open-loop operation when said closed-loop feedback system is deactivated and in closed-loop operation when said closed-loop feedback system is activated.