| 摘要 |
<p>This invention is directed to a method and apparatus to track a target and enable high data transfer rates between the target, such as an aircraft, and a base station by electromagnetic radiation means. The position of the aircraft is calculated using navigational aids, such as the global positioning satellite system, and that position is then relayed to the base station by a low speed radio data link. That information is then used to calculate the relative position between the aircraft and the base station and enables an antenna to be pointed towards the aircraft thus setting up an effective high data rate transfer path. The positional information is constantly updated allowing the antenna to track the aircraft and maintain the capability for high data transfer rates. The method and apparatus can be adapted for a moving base station, such as a vehicle, whose position can also be calculated using navigational aids as well and whose motion can also be taken into account in the target tracking. A further improvement may include the use of modelling algorithms to predict the relative position of the aircraft and thus control the antenna pointing direction.</p> |
