A microwave prism is used to repoint an operational Direct-to-Home (DTH) or Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) reflector antenna as part of a ground terminal to receive (or transmit) signals from a different satellite or orbital position without physically moving the reflector or the feed horn antenna. The microwave prism operates by shifting the radiated fields from the horn antenna generally perpendicular to the focal axis of the parabolic reflector in order to cause the main beam of the reflector to scan in response. For an existing reflector antenna receiving signals from an incumbent satellite, a prism has been designed to be snapped into place over the feed horn and shift the fields laterally by a calibrated distance. The structure of the prism is designed to be positioned and oriented correctly without the use of skilled labor. This system allows a satellite service provider to repoint their subscribers to a new satellite by shipping a self-install kit of the prism that is pre-configured to have the correct orientation and position on the feed antenna to correctly re-point the beam at a different satellite once the prism is applied. One benefit of the system is that unskilled labor, i.e., the subscribers themselves, can be used to repoint a large number of subscriber antennas in a satellite network rather than requiring the cost of a truck roll and a technician to visit every site. The microwave prisms to implement this functionality can be constructed in different ways, with homogeneous slabs or blocks, Gradient-Index (GRIN), multi-layered dielectric, geometric or graded-index Fresnel-zone, metasurface, or metamaterial prisms. The geometric and electrical constraints of the design are determined by the incumbent and target satellites, and the ground terminal location.

A microwave prism is used to repoint an operational Direct-to-Home (DTH) or Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) reflector antenna as part of a ground terminal to receive (or transmit) signals from a different satellite or orbital position without physically moving the reflector or the feed horn antenna. The microwave prism operates by shifting the radiated fields from the horn antenna generally perpendicular to the focal axis of the parabolic reflector in order to cause the main beam of the reflector to scan in response. For an existing reflector antenna receiving signals from an incumbent satellite, a prism has been designed to be snapped into place over the feed horn and shift the fields laterally by a calibrated distance. The structure of the prism is designed to be positioned and oriented correctly without the use of skilled labor. This system allows a satellite service provider to repoint their subscribers to a new satellite by shipping a self-install kit of the prism that is pre-configured to have the correct orientation and position on the feed antenna to correctly re-point the beam at a different satellite once the prism is applied. One benefit of the system is that unskilled labor, i.e., the subscribers themselves, can be used to repoint a large number of subscriber antennas in a satellite network rather than requiring the cost of a truck roll and a technician to visit every site. The microwave prisms to implement this functionality can be constructed in different ways, with homogeneous slabs or blocks, Gradient-Index (GRIN), multi-layered dielectric, geometric or graded-index Fresnel-zone, metasurface, or metamaterial prisms. The geometric and electrical constraints of the design are determined by the incumbent and target satellites, and the ground terminal location.

A method of communicating between an aerial vehicle and a cellular radio access network is described. In some cases, the method includes determining a current location of the aerial vehicle; determining, in response to the current location, a location of a nearest cell of the cellular radio access network; and processing communications between the aerial vehicle and the cellular radio access network, using the nearest cell as a serving cell. When the method is performed on-board an aerial vehicle, the method further includes orienting a directional antenna of the aerial vehicle toward the location of the nearest cell.

A method of communicating between an aerial vehicle and a cellular radio access network is described. In some cases, the method includes determining a current location of the aerial vehicle; determining, in response to the current location, a location of a nearest cell of the cellular radio access network; and processing communications between the aerial vehicle and the cellular radio access network, using the nearest cell as a serving cell. When the method is performed on-board an aerial vehicle, the method further includes orienting a directional antenna of the aerial vehicle toward the location of the nearest cell.

This disclosure relates generally to Millimeter Wave (MMW) frequency antenna scanning system. Conventional approaches available for scanning an antenna beam over a large angular swath with high directivity are unable to address concerns of size and cost involved. The technical problem of providing an MMW frequency antenna scanning system using a single small size antenna capable of scanning as desired at a desired precision is addressed in the present disclosure. The antenna scanning system provided is an electromechanical system that makes the system cost effective. Computer control provides precision control in beam steering from remote. Use of a metasurface and configuration of a radiating patch and a shorting pin in a microstrip antenna addresses the concern with regards to the size of the antenna scanning system.

This disclosure relates generally to Millimeter Wave (MMW) frequency antenna scanning system. Conventional approaches available for scanning an antenna beam over a large angular swath with high directivity are unable to address concerns of size and cost involved. The technical problem of providing an MMW frequency antenna scanning system using a single small size antenna capable of scanning as desired at a desired precision is addressed in the present disclosure. The antenna scanning system provided is an electromechanical system that makes the system cost effective. Computer control provides precision control in beam steering from remote. Use of a metasurface and configuration of a radiating patch and a shorting pin in a microstrip antenna addresses the concern with regards to the size of the antenna scanning system.

A method for forming 3D image data representative of the subsurface of infrastructure located in the vicinity of a moving vehicle. The method includes: rotating a directional antenna, mounted to the moving vehicle, about an antenna rotation axis; performing, using the directional antenna whilst it is rotated about the antenna rotation axis, a plurality of collection cycles in which the directional antenna emits RF energy and receives reflected RF energy; collecting, during each of the plurality of collection cycles performed by the directional antenna.

A method for forming 3D image data representative of the subsurface of infrastructure located in the vicinity of a moving vehicle. The method includes: rotating a directional antenna, mounted to the moving vehicle, about an antenna rotation axis; performing, using the directional antenna whilst it is rotated about the antenna rotation axis, a plurality of collection cycles in which the directional antenna emits RF energy and receives reflected RF energy; collecting, during each of the plurality of collection cycles performed by the directional antenna.

A radar sensor having a frame, a housing arranged at the frame, a transmission and reception unit for high frequency signals arranged within the housing, wherein a radiation direction of the high frequency signals irradiated by the transmission and reception unit is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The radiation direction of the high frequency signals irradiated by the transmission and reception unit is substantially orthogonally oriented toward the axis of rotation, and the housing is supported at the frame rotatably about a pivot axis.

A weather radar system initiates a horizontal scan at a first tilt angle, then adjusts the tilt angle down during an intermediate phase of the horizontal scan, and finally adjust the tilt angle back to the first tilt angle for an end phase of the horizontal scan. The intermediate phase may comprise a fifteen-to-twenty-degree arc centered about a centerline of the weather radar antenna. The radar system may perform test horizontal scans at intervals within a predefined range, each having a different fixed tilt angle to identify tilt angles having desirable signal-to-noise ratio and signal-to-clutter ratio at different phases of the scan. Alternatively, the system may execute a vertical scan and at one or more horizontal positions to identify desirable tilt angles at various phases.