Patent ID: 6771608
Filing Date: 2004-08-03
Classification: G01S,H01Q

Abstract:
A method for closed-loop pointing of a beam transmitted by an antenna, wherein the beam is required to be scanned from one to another of a plurality of targets each defining a node of a communication network, and in accordance with a multiplexing sequence, the method comprising the steps of:a) assigning each node to specific slots of said multiplexing sequence; b) defining a number of scan points to be used in determining a center of a designated one of said nodes; c) aiming said antenna at one of a predetermined plurality of angularly offset locations relative to an initially recorded position of said designated node; e) recording a signal strength value of a signal received from said designated node; f) repeating steps c) through e) until a plurality of signal strength values have been recorded corresponding to each of said angularly offset locations relating to said designated node; g) extrapolating from said plurality of signal strength values and said initially recorded position of said designated node an updated location of a center of said designated node; and h) aiming said antenna at a new position, relative to said designated node, in accordance with said updated location determined in step g).