Patent ID: 6384779
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
A method for improving a tracking speed of a satellite antenna comprising the steps of:receiving image signals and external light signals of a vehicle; determining if a value of the image signals is greater than a predetermined image signal value; re-positioning a satellite antenna if the value of the image signals is less than the predetermined image signal value such that the value of the image signals is increased; maintaining a present position of the satellite antenna if the value of the image signals is greater than the predetermined image signal value; determining if an absolute value of a previous external light signal value subtracted from a value of the present external light signals is less than a predetermined external light signal value or if a tail light is illuminated, or if an automatic illumination system is operating; determining that the vehicle is travelling through a tunnel or a similarly obstructed location if any of the three conditions of the above step are met, and maintaining a position value of the antenna corresponding to that used directly before one of the three conditions of the above step was satisfied (i.e., a pre-tunnel position value); determining whether the absolute value of the previous external light signal value subtracted from the value of the present external light signals is greater than the predetermined external light signal value; continuously maintaining the pre-tunnel position value if the absolute value of the previous external light signal value subtracted from the value of the present external light signals is less than the predetermined external light signal value; and controlling the antenna as needed if the absolute value of the previous external light signal value subtracted from the value of the present external light signals is greater than the predetermined external light signal value.