Methods and apparatuses for aligning an antenna

Abstract

A method for enabling alignment of a first antenna (120) and a control unit for enabling alignment of a first antenna. The method comprises: obtaining first data comprising a three-dimensional, 3D, coordinate of the first antenna in a reference system and a 3D coordinate of a reference point (153) in the reference system; obtaining second data, from an optical sensor (170) oriented in the reference system, comprising a representation of the first antenna; and determining a difference between a current 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system and a desired 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system, the current 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system being based on the second data, and the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system being based on the first data.

Description

[0001] METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR ALIGNING AN ANTENNA

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of wireless communication. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method for enabling alignment of an antenna, a control unit for enabling alignment of an antenna, a computer program product, and a computer program carrier.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Point-to-point links at high frequencies, e.g., at E-band, W-band or D-band, rely on high-directivity antennas (e.g., >50 d Bi) to get sufficient link gain to be able to reach large distances, high capacities, and / or high availability. High-directivity antennas have very narrow main beams (e.g. 0.5 degrees half-power beam width for a 60-cm 50-dBi E-band antenna). The narrow main beam makes a wireless communication channel between two directive antennas sensitive to antenna misalignment of one or both of the directive antennas.

[0006] The antenna alignment part of installing a microwave point-to-point link is often time and resource consuming. The hops can often be too long to see the far end with the naked eye, and it is not until you have both sides aligned closely enough to get signal through that you get feedback from reading signal strength over the hop.

[0007] Antenna alignment may rely on having personnel at both sites or having a single person travel back and forth until alignment is obtained at both ends. This is often brought up as being costly by mobile operators. It also only possible to do the alignment when you have both ends of the hop installed.

[0008] WO 2017 / 063681 A1 discloses an alignment tool and a method for alignment of a reflector arrangement. The reflector arrangement comprises a flat reflective surface which is configured to reflect an electromagnetic wave signal between a first antenna site and a second antenna site. The alignment tool comprises a camera module for capturing images of a field-of-view, an input module configured to receive a user input comprising the field-of-view coordinates of the first antenna site, a processing module configured to compute alignment information from the user input, and a display module configured to display the field-of-view and the alignment information.

[0009] There is a need for improved ways of aligning antennas.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies and disadvantages in the prior art and solve at least the above-mentioned problem. In particular, an object is to provide improved ways of enabling alignment of an antenna.

[0012] This object is obtained at least in part by a method for enabling alignment of a first antenna. The method comprises obtaining first data comprising a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate of the first antenna in a reference system and a 3D coordinate of a reference point in the reference system. The method also comprises obtaining second data, from an optical sensor oriented in the reference system, comprising a representation of the first antenna. The method further comprises determining a difference between a current 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system and a desired 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system. The current 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system is based on the second data, and the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system is based on the first data.

[0013] The disclosed method enables a quicker and more resource efficient way of obtaining antenna alignment compared to known methods since the disclosed method does not require any feedback from the location of the reference point. The disclosed method does not require personal at both the first antenna and at the reference point, which is associated with a high cost. There is also no need for having a single person to travel back and forth between the first antenna and the reference point until alignment is obtained.

[0014] The disclosed method enables alignment of the first antenna without requiring any physical contact with the first antenna. In other words, the disclosed method enables contact-free alignment of the first antenna, which is advantageous since contact-free alignment is quick and easy for a technician.

[0015] The disclosed method may be used during installment of the first antenna and / or after installment to identify if the first antenna has been moved out of position, e.g. due to wind or ice load.

[0016] The disclosed method does not require a first radio unit associated with the first antenna to be installed. If the first radio unit is installed, the disclosed method does not require the first radio unit to be in operation.

[0017] The determined difference between a current 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system and a desired 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system may increase understanding of the system associated with the first antenna for a technician compared to, e.g., only using a one-dimensional received strength signal indicator (RSSI) value for aligning the first antenna.

[0018] The desired 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system may be based on the 3D coordinate of the first antenna in the reference system and the 3D coordinate of the reference point in the reference system. As an example, the desired 3D orientation may be represented by a vector in the reference system. The desired 3D orientation may be an orientation where the first antenna is directed towards the reference point. The direction of the first antenna may, e.g., be the boresight of the first antenna.

[0019] The current 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system is a first orientation of the first antenna in the reference system. The desired 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system is a second orientation of the first antenna in the reference system. The second orientation may be different from the first orientation. With the determined difference between the current 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system and the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system, it is possible to reorient the first antenna such that the first orientation overlaps with the second orientation. In other words, it is possible to align the first antenna with respect to the reference point in the reference system. For example, it is possible to align the first antenna to be directed (e.g. with respect to the boresight of the first antenna) towards the reference point in the reference system.

[0020] The 3D coordinate of the reference point in the reference system may be indicative of a second antenna at a second site. The disclosed method enables a quicker and more resource efficient way of obtaining antenna alignment compared to known methods since the disclosed method does not require a connection between the first and the second antennas. Being able to align an antenna without need of feedback from the far end simplifies installation significantly, especially if there are several links between different antennas of the first site in the same frequency bands (such as in MIMO).

[0021] Although feedback from the second antenna is not needed in the disclosed method, feedback from the second antenna may be used in combination with the disclosed method, or after the disclosed method has been performed. In an example, RSSI measurements are not used initially when performing the disclosed method, and RSSI measurements are used subsequently for fine-tuning the alignment of the first antenna.

[0022] There is also disclosed herein a control unit for enabling alignment of a first antenna. The control unit is associated with the above-discussed advantages. The control unit comprises a processing circuitry and a memory. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain first data comprising a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate of the first antenna in a reference system and a 3D coordinate of a reference point in the reference system. The processing circuitry is also configured to obtain second data, from an optical sensor oriented in the reference system, comprising a representation of the first antenna. The processing circuitry is further configured to determine a difference between a current 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system and a desired 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system. The current 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system is based on the second data, and the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna in the reference system is based on the first data.

[0023] There is also disclosed herein a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on at least one processing circuitry, cause the at least one processing circuitry to carry out the method according to the discussion above. The computer program is associated with the above-discussed advantages.

[0024] There is also disclosed herein a computer program carrier carrying a computer program product according to the discussion above, wherein the computer program carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer-readable storage medium. The computer program carrier is associated with the above-discussed advantages.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure cited as examples. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a wireless communications network;

[0028] Figure 2 shows an antenna, an optical sensor, and objects oriented in a reference system;

[0029] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method; and

[0030] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a control unit.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present disclosure is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain aspects of the present disclosure are shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments and aspects set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0033] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0034] Figure 1 depicts a wireless communications network 100 in which embodiments herein may operate. In some embodiments, the wireless communications network 100 may be a radio communications network, such as, 6G, NR or NR+ telecommunications network. However, the wireless communications network 100 may also employ technology of any one of 3 / 4 / 5G, LTE, LTE-Advanced, WCDMA, GSM / EDGE, WIMax, UMB, GSM, or any other similar network or system. The wireless communications network 100 may also employ technology transmitting on millimeter-waves (mmW), such as, e.g. an Ultra Dense Network, UDN. In some embodiments, the wireless communications network 100 may also employ transmissions supporting WiFi transmissions, e.g. the wireless communications standard IEEE 802.11 ad or similar, or other non-cellul ar wireless transmissions.

[0035] The wireless communications network 100 comprises a first radio unit 125 associated with a first antenna 120. The first antenna 120 may be a directive antenna. A directive antenna is an antenna that radiates or receives a larger amount of radio wave power in a specific direction compared to other directions. A directive antenna may also be called a directional antenna, a beam antenna, or a high-gain antenna. In contrast to a low-gain antenna, which is an antenna with a broad beam width, a directive antenna has a relatively narrow beam width. As an example, a directive antenna may have a 0.1 to 10 degrees half-power beam width. Other beam widths are also possible.

[0036] In Figure 1 , the first antenna 120 is configured to communicate with a second antenna 150 in the wireless communications network 100 via a wireless communication channel. The second antenna 150 is associated with a second radio unit 155. The first radio unit 125 is capable of communicating with the second radio unit 155 over a wireless communications channel (which may also be called a radio link). The first radio unit 125 may transmit and receive data over an air or radio interface to / from the second radio unit 155. Similarly, the second radio unit 155 may transmit and receive data over the air or radio interface to / from the first radio unit 125. A radio unit may comprise a receiver, a transmitter, and / or a transceiver.

[0037] In Figure 1 , the second antenna 150 is a directive antenna. However, in embodiments disclosed herein, the second antenna 150 may be any type of antenna. Alignment of the first antenna 120 may be desired irrespective whether the second antenna 150 is directive or omnidirectional. More generally, it may be desired to align the first antenna 120 with respect to any determined reference point (not necessarily only another antenna).

[0038] As is further shown in Figure 1, a beam direction 121 of the first antenna 120 is misaligned with a beam direction 151 of the second antenna 150. The beam direction of a directive antenna is the axis of maximum gain (i.e. the axis of maximum radiated power) of the directive antenna. The beam direction may also be called the antenna boresight. The beam direction 121 of the first antenna 120 is tilted by an angle <p relative to a desired beam direction 122 of the first antenna 120. In other words, due to the tilt, the beam direction 121 of the first antenna 120 is not aligned with the beam direction 151 of the second antenna 150. The desired beam direction is the direction where the beam direction of the first antenna 120 is aligned with the beam direction of the second antenna 150. The first antenna 120 is mounted on a first antenna structure 110. The second antenna 150 is mounted on a second antenna structure 140. An antenna structure is a structure designed to support antennas for telecommunications. An antenna structure may e.g. be guyed or self-supporting structure. An antenna structure may e.g. be in the form of a mast or a tower.

[0039] The first antenna 120 is associated with a first site 123. In other words, the first antenna 120 and the first antenna structure 110 are arranged on the first site 123. The second antenna 150 is associated with a second site 153. In other words, the second antenna 150 and the second antenna structure 140 are arranged on the second site 153. A site is a geographical area.

[0040] In Figure 1 , the first radio unit 125 is attached to the first antenna 120 and the second radio unit 155 is attached to the second antenna 150. In general, however, the first radio unit 125 may be attached anywhere on the first antenna structure 110 or be arranged separately from the first antenna structure 110. In any case, the first radio unit 125 is arranged to transmit and receive radio signals via the first antenna 120, e.g., by means of cables. Similarly, the second radio unit 155 may be attached anywhere on the second antenna structure 140 or be arranged separately from the second antenna structure 140. In any case, the second radio unit 155 is arranged to transmit and receive radio signals via the second antenna 150, e.g., by means of cables.

[0041] As a part of developing the embodiments disclosed herein, it has been realized that first antenna 120 may be aligned with respect to a reference point (such as the second antenna 150) using an optical sensor 170 oriented in a reference system. In Figure 1 , the optical sensor 170 is obtaining a capture 171 of the first antenna 120. If the optical sensor 170, the first antenna 120, and the reference point are oriented in the same reference system, the capture 171 of the first antenna 120 can be used to align the first antenna 120 with respect to the reference point.

[0042] Figure 2 illustrates an example scenario with the optical sensor 170 oriented in a reference system. In particular, Figure 2 shows the first antenna 120 (together with the first radio unit 125 and the first antenna structure 110), the optical sensor 170, a first object 211 , and a second object 212 oriented in the same reference system.

[0043] A reference system may also be called a spatial reference system (SRS) or coordinate reference system (CRS), and is a framework for measuring locations on the surface of Earth as coordinates. A reference system can be seen as an application of the abstract mathematics of coordinate systems to geographic space.

[0044] Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system in the reference system. Each of the first antenna 120, the optical sensor 170, the first object 211 , and the second object 212 are associated with respective 3D coordinates in the coordinate system, which are associated with respective physical locations on the surface of the Earth via the reference system. Each 3D coordinate has an x coordinate, a y coordinate, and a z coordinate.

[0045] The first antenna 120 is a 3D object associated with a volume, and the 3D coordinate may represent a point anywhere within the volume of the first antenna 120. It also possible that the 3D coordinate represents a point outside the volume of the first antenna 120, as long as the relation between the 3D coordinate and the volume is known. The same applies to the 3D coordinate of any object.

[0046] Any object (e.g. the first antenna 120, the optical sensor 170, the first object 211 , or the second object 212) in the reference system has a 3D orientation. The 3D orientation may e.g. be represented by a unit vector in the Cartesian coordinate system. Such unit vector may have an origin at the 3D coordinate of said object. For the first antenna 120, the unit vector may, e.g., represent the boresight of the first antenna 120. However, the unit vector may represent any predetermined direction of an object in the reference system.

[0047] The optical sensor 170 is configured to obtain a capture 171 of the first antenna 120, a capture 172 of the first object 211 , and a capture 173 of the second object 212. The optical sensor 170 may be configured to obtain the captures 171-173 simultaneously in one shot or by moving the optical sensor 170 around.

[0048] The captures 172, 173 of the first and the second objects 211 , 212 may be used to orient the optical sensor 170 in the reference system. The first and the second objects 211 , 212 may also be called ground control points (GCPs). The optical sensor 170 is typically positioned in proximity to the first antenna 120. A GCP may be an object relative far away from the first antenna 120, such as a building. A GCP is preferably a stationary object (with respect to the surroundings of the first antenna 120).

[0049] Figure 3 illustrates a method 300 for enabling alignment of a first antenna 120. The method 300 may, e.g., be performed by control unit 400 (which is discussed in more detail below). The first antenna 120 may be the first antenna depicted in Figure 1 and / or Figure 2. The method 300 may comprise a number of actions listed below.

[0050] Action 310. The method 300 comprises obtaining first data comprising a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate of the first antenna 120 in a reference system and a 3D coordinate of a reference point (such as the second antenna 150 or the second site 153) in the reference system. The 3D coordinate of the first antenna 120 and the 3D coordinate of the reference point may be the type of 3D coordinates discussed above in connection to Figure 2.

[0051] The 3D coordinate of the first antenna 120 and / or the 3D coordinate of the reference point may, e.g., be obtained from a database. As an alternative, the 3D coordinate of the first antenna 120 and / or the 3D coordinate of the reference point may be manually inputted by a technician via a human machine interface (HMI). The 3D coordinates may also be obtained using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). In particular, one or more coordinates of a 3D coordinate may be obtained using GNSS receiver. Furthermore, a 3D coordinate can be precisely determined in all dimensions using real time kinematic (RTK).

[0052] The first antenna 120 may be at a first site 123, and the 3D coordinate of the reference point in the reference system may be indicative of a second antenna 150 at a second site 153. As mentioned, it may in general be desired to align the first antenna 120 with respect to any determined reference point (not necessarily only another antenna).

[0053] The first data may comprise a 3D map of at least a part of first site 123, at least a part of the second site 153, and preferably also at least a part of an area between the first site 123 and the second site 153. Such a 3D map may be part of a so-called digital twin, which is a digital representation of objects contextualized in a digital version of its environment. The 3D map is within the reference system. The 3D map may, e.g., be obtained from a computer program that renders a 3D representation of Earth based primarily on satellite imagery. As an alternative, or a complement, the 3D map may be obtained using image data captured by an aerial vehicle, such as an aerial drone. The accuracy of the 3D map may be selected based on, e.g., the distance between the first and the second antennas 120, 150 and / or the beam width of the first antenna 120. If a relatively high precision is required, any 3D map can be improved by using ground control points for additional calibration. Action 320. The method 300 may comprise orienting an optical sensor 170 in the reference system by obtaining a 3D coordinate of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system and a 3D orientation of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system.

[0054] The optical sensor 170 may be oriented in the reference system in several different ways, with different levels of accuracy. Furthermore, sensor fusion may be used to increase accuracy of orienting the optical sensor 170 in the reference system.

[0055] The optical sensor 170 may comprise a camera and / or a lidar. The camera may comprise a single image sensor or comprise multiple image sensors (such as in a stereo camera). The camera may additionally, or alternatively, comprise a time-of-flight (ToF) camera. The lidar may operate in a fixed direction or be scanned multiple directions (known as LIDAR scanning or 3D laser scanning). In any case, the optical sensor 170 may provide data comprising a representation of an object. The data may, e.g., be in the form a 2D image, a stereoscopic image, and / or a 3D point cloud.

[0056] The optical sensor 170 may be comprised in a wireless communications device such as a cell phone. Alternatively, the optical sensor 170 may be comprised in a dedicated unit.

[0057] The optical sensor 170 may be stationarily arranged with respect to the first antenna 120. In that case, the 3D coordinate of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system may be constant over time, and may be obtained from a database. Alternatively, the optical sensor 170 is mobile with respect to the first antenna 120.

[0058] The 3D coordinate of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system may be manually inputted by a technician via a HMI.

[0059] Action 321. The method 300 may comprise determining the 3D coordinate of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system based on a satellite navigation device. In particular, one or more coordinates of a 3D coordinate may be obtained using GNSS receiver. Furthermore, a 3D coordinate can be precisely determined in all dimensions using RTK.

[0060] The 3D orientation of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system may be determined from data from the optical sensor 170 (e.g. image data from a camera comprised in the optical sensor 170).

[0061] Action 322. The method 300 may comprise determining the 3D coordinate of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system and / or the 3D orientation of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system by comparing a representation of one or more objects 211 , 212 of data from the optical sensor 170 with the first data, wherein the first data comprises 3D coordinates of the one or more objects 211 , 212 in the reference system.

[0062] The one or more objects may be the first and the second objects 211 , 212 shown in Figure 2.

[0063] An object (e.g. the first or the second object 211 , 212) may be identified using an object detection model. The 3D coordinate of an identified object may, e.g., obtained from a database.

[0064] In an example, two objects 211 , 212 are detected by the optical sensor 170. Upon identifying the objects, the data stream from the optical sensor 170 (comprising a representation of said two objects) is synchronized with respect to the 3D coordinates of said two objects 211 , 212 (as comprised in the first data) and with respect to the 3D coordinate of the optical sensor 170. In this way, the 3D orientation of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system may be obtained.

[0065] The optical sensor 170 may be configured to obtain respective captures of the first antenna 120 and the one or more objects 211 , 212 simultaneously in one shot or by moving the optical sensor 170 around. The optical sensor 170 may be provided with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to maintain track of the orientation of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system when the optical sensor 170 is moved around.

[0066] Actions 323 and 324. The method 300 may comprise obtaining 323, via the optical sensor 170, respective optical reference signals from one or more optical beacons. In that case, the method 300 may further comprise determining 324 the 3D coordinate the optical sensor 170 in the reference system and / or the 3D orientation of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system by comparing the obtained respective optical reference signals with the first data, wherein the first data comprises 3D coordinates of the one or more optical beacons in the reference system.

[0067] An optical beacon is a unit that transmits an optical reference signal. The optical reference signal as received by the optical sensor 170, together with the 3D coordinate of the optical beacon that transmitted the optical reference signal, may be used to determine the 3D coordinate and / or the 3D orientation of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system. Typically, the more optical beacons that are used, the more accurately the 3D coordinate and / or the 3D orientation of the optical sensor 170 may be determined.

[0068] Actions 325 and 326. The method 300 may comprise obtaining 325, via a radio receiver arranged in connection to the optical sensor 170, respective radio reference signals from one or more radio beacons. In that case, the method 300 may further comprise determining 326 the 3D coordinate the optical sensor 170 in the reference system and / or the 3D orientation of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system by comparing the obtained respective radio reference signals with the first data, wherein the first data comprises 3D coordinates of the one or more radio beacons in the reference system.

[0069] A radio beacon is a unit that transmits a radio reference signal. The radio reference signal as received by the radio receiver, together with the 3D coordinate of the radio beacon that transmitted the radio reference signal, may be used to determine the 3D coordinate and / or the 3D orientation of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system. Typically, the more radio beacons that are used, the more accurately the 3D coordinate and / or the 3D orientation of the optical sensor 170 may be determined. The radio receiver may be arranged in the same packaging as the optical sensor 170. It also possible that radio receiver is arranged separately from optical sensor 170, as long as the position of the radio receiver relative to the optical sensor 170 is known.

[0070] With the optical sensor 170 oriented in the reference system, it is possible to derive a 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system. As mentioned above, the 3D coordinate of the first antenna 120 in the reference system is comprised in the first data.

[0071] Action 330. The method 300 comprises obtaining second data, from the optical sensor 170 oriented in the reference system, comprising a representation of the first antenna 120.

[0072] The optical sensor 170 being oriented in the reference system means that data outputted by the optical sensor 170 may be interpreted with respect to the reference system. For example, a 3D coordinate and / or 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system may be determined from the representation of the first antenna 120. The optical sensor 170 being oriented in the reference system may also be referred to as the optical sensor 170 being synchronized or calibrated with respect to the reference system.

[0073] The second data may be referred to image data in combination with information that enables interpreting the image data with respect to the reference system.

[0074] Action 340. The method 300 comprises determining 340 a difference between a current 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system and a desired 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system.

[0075] The current 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system is based on the second data, and the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system is based on the first data.

[0076] In particular, the current 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system may be based on an object orientation model. Such an object orientation model is configured to provide a 3D orientation of an antenna in a reference system based on data, from an optical sensor oriented in said reference system, comprising a representation of said antenna. The object orientation model may be called a 3D object orientation model. The object orientation model is preferably configured beforehand. In particular, the object orientation model may be configured specifically for the type of antenna the method 300 is aiming to align. The object orientation model may be configured for different types of antennas as well.

[0077] The object orientation model may be based on a machine learning model trained to provide a 3D orientation of an antenna in a reference system based on data, from an optical sensor oriented in said reference system, comprising a representation of said antenna.

[0078] The object orientation model may be based on a database comprising several images of the first antenna 120 with different 3D orientations. In that case, a current data stream from the optical sensor 170 may be compared to the database to identify an image that matches the data stream the best, and the 3D orientation associated with the identified image may thereafter be obtained.

[0079] The desired 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system may be based on the 3D coordinate of the first antenna 120 in the reference system and the 3D coordinate of the reference point (such as the second antenna 150) in the reference system.

[0080] As an example, the desired 3D orientation may be represented by a vector in the reference system. The desired 3D orientation may be an orientation where the first antenna 120 is directed towards the reference point. The direction of the first antenna 120 may, e.g., be the boresight of the first antenna 120.

[0081] The current 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system is a first orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system. The desired 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system is a second orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system. The second orientation may be different from the first orientation. With the determined difference between the current 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system and the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system, it is possible to reorient the first antenna 120 such that the first orientation overlaps with the second orientation. In other words, it is possible to align the first antenna 120 with respect to the reference point in the reference system. For example, it is possible to align the first antenna 120 to be directed (e.g. with respect to the boresight of the first antenna 120) towards the reference point in the reference system. Action 350. The method 300 may comprise providing third data for alignment of the first antenna 120 based on the determined difference between the current 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system and the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system.

[0082] The third data may be for aligning the first antenna 120 in an automatic fashion. In other words, the third data may be configured to cause an orientation shifting mechanism associated with the first antenna 120 to shift the orientation of the first antenna 120. Alternatively, or additionally, the third data may be for aligning the first antenna 120 in a manual fashion.

[0083] The third data may comprise an azimuth angle and an elevation angle representing the determined difference. Such data may be used by a technician to align the first antenna 120 or by the orientation shifting mechanism to align the first antenna 120.

[0084] The third data may comprise control instructions for aligning the first antenna 120. For example, the control instructions may comprise how many turns to turn one or more adjustment screw for adjusting the first antenna 120 such that it becomes aligned with respect to the reference point. Such data may be used by a technician to align the first antenna 120 or by the orientation shifting mechanism to align the first antenna 120.

[0085] Action 360. The method 300 may comprise providing fourth data for displaying, on a display, the current 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system and / or the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system.

[0086] The display may, e.g., be the display of a wireless device, such as a cellphone. The display may alternatively be a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) headset. Other types of displays are also possible.

[0087] The current 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system and / or the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system, as displayed on the display may help a technician understand the misalignment of the first antenna 120, as compared to, e.g., only using a one-dimensional received strength signal indicator (RSSI) value for aligning the first antenna 120.

[0088] The display may further display the third data. For example, an azimuth angle and or elevation angle between the current 3D orientation and the desired 3D orientation may displayed in degrees. In another example, the number of turns to turn one or more adjustment screw for adjusting the first antenna 120 is displayed.

[0089] If the display is a VR / AR headset, a number of turns associated with a particular adjustment screw may displayed overlaid with the image / video of that particular adjustment screw.

[0090] If the display is a VR / AR headset, the reference point may be indicated in the display.

[0091] The fourth data may be configured to display at least a part of the radiation pattern of the first antenna 120 with respect to the current 3D orientation in the reference system and / or to the desired 3D orientation in the reference system.

[0092] The at least a part of the radiation pattern may e.g. comprise the 3-dB main beam of the first antenna 120. The at least a part of the radiation pattern may alternatively, or additionally, comprise one or more side lobes. In another example, the full radiation pattern is displayed. The at least a part of the radiation pattern may displayed when the first antenna 120 is oriented in its current 3D orientation. Alternatively, or in combination of, the at least a part of the radiation pattern may displayed when the first antenna 120 is oriented the desired 3D orientation.

[0093] Displaying the at least a part of the radiation pattern may help a technician understand the misalignment of the first antenna 120. Displaying the side lobes may help avoid radiating or receiving energy in particularly undesired directions.

[0094] The method 300 enables a quicker and more resource efficient way of obtaining antenna alignment compared to known methods since the method 300 does not require any feedback from the reference point. In particular, the method 300 does not require a connection between the first antenna 120 and the second antenna 150. The method 300 does not require personal at both the first antenna 120 and at the reference point, which is associated with a high cost. There is also no need for having a single person to travel back and forth between the first antenna 120 and the reference point until alignment is obtained.

[0095] Although feedback from the second antenna 150 is not needed in the method 300, feedback from the second antenna 150 may be used in combination with the method 300, or after the method 300 has been performed. In an example, RSSI measurements are not used initially when performing the method 300, and RSSI measurements are used subsequently for fine-tuning the alignment of the first antenna 120.

[0096] The method 300 enables alignment of the first antenna 120 without requiring any physical contact with the first antenna 120. In other words, the method 300 enables contact-free alignment of the first antenna 120, which is advantageous since contact-free alignment is quick and easy for a technician.

[0097] The method 300 may be used during installment of the first antenna 120 and / or after installment to identify if the first antenna 120 has been moved out of position, e.g. due to wind or ice load.

[0098] The method 300 does not require the first radio unit 125 associated with the first antenna 120 to be mounted. If the first radio unit 125 is mounted, the method 300 does not require the first radio unit 125 to be in operation.

[0099] In an example of the method 300, the first antenna 120 is aligned using a 3D digital twin representation of the environment surrounding of the first antenna 120. In the example, the following data is needed from start: a. A 3D digital twin of the environment. Such data may, e.g., be obtained from photogrammetry from drone pictures. b. Network / Node inventory data, comprising, e.g. site positions, link configuration, antennas. c. A machine learning model for identifying the antenna to be installed and aligned (i.e. the first antenna 120). The machine learning model can be trained from computer-aided design (CAD) 3D drawings with added background noise.

[0100] Thereafter, a technician synchronizes his position with respect to the 3D digital twin by: a. Identifying one or several known objects (such as 211, 212) within view from the site associated with the first antenna 120, and that is also part of the 3D digital twin. b. Obtain a geolocation of the site. For example, a GPS position of the technician will in most cases provide accurate enough positioning. A simple GPS typically provides an accuracy of about 1 .8, and a high-end GPS typically provides an accuracy of a few centimeters. By using RTK, system accuracy in positioning will be within few cm, typical ±2cm. c. Now with at least two known points in the terrain can the digital map be accurately aligned / synchronized with the technician's view.

[0101] Thereafter, other sites, existing antenna beams and other information from the digital twin is added to the augmented reality view as requested by technician.

[0102] The geolocation and the orientation of the technician is now known, and when the first antenna 120 is within view (of the AR glasses cameras or alternatively other installed cameras) the 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 may be determined.

[0103] Since the alignment is done in the digital twin environment it will be possible to create any kind of helpful view and present for the technician, such as a zoomed-in view on the far end.

[0104] If side lobes are known and part of the antenna radiation pattern then also interference risks to other sites could be detected during alignment.

[0105] There is also disclosed herein a control unit 400 for enabling alignment of a first antenna 120. The control unit 400 may be comprised in a wireless communications device, such as a cellphone. The control unit 400 may be comprised in a VR / AR headset.

[0106] Figure 4 shows a schematic block diagram of embodiments of the control unit 400. The embodiments of the control unit 400 may be considered as independent embodiments or may be considered in any combination with each other. It should also be noted that, although not shown in Figure 4, the control unit 400 may comprise known conventional features for such devices, such as a power source like a battery or mains connection.

[0107] The control unit 400 may comprise processing circuitry 410 and a memory 420. The processing circuitry 410 may comprise a receiving module 411 and a transmitting module 412. The receiving module 411 and the transmitting module 412 may comprise radio frequency circuitry and baseband processing circuitry capable of transmitting and receiving a radio signal (e.g. in the wireless communications network 100). The receiving module 411 and the transmitting module 412 may also form part of a single transceiver. It should also be noted that some or all of the functionality described in the embodiments above as being performed by the control unit 400 may be provided by the processing circuitry 410 executing instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, such as, e.g. the memory 420 shown in Figure 4. Alternative embodiments of the control unit 400 may comprise additional components, such as, an obtaining module 413, a determining module 414, an orienting module 415, and / or a providing module 416 responsible for providing functionality to support the embodiments of the control unit 400 described herein.

[0108] The control unit 400, the processing circuitry 410, or the obtaining module 413 is configured to obtain first data comprising a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate of the first antenna 120 in a reference system and a 3D coordinate of a reference point (such as the second antenna 150 or the second site 153) in the reference system. The control unit 400, the processing circuitry 410, or the obtaining module 413 is configured to obtain second data, from an optical sensor 170 oriented in the reference system, comprising a representation of the first antenna 120.

[0109] The control unit 400, the processing circuitry 410, or the determining module 414 is configured to determine a difference between a current 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system and a desired 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system, the current 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system being based on the second data, and the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system being based on the first data.

[0110] The control unit 400, the processing circuitry 410, or the orienting module 415 may be configured to orient the optical sensor 170 in the reference system by obtaining a 3D coordinate of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system and a 3D orientation of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system.

[0111] The control unit 400, the processing circuitry 410, or the determining module 414 may be configured to determine the 3D coordinate of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system based on a satellite navigation device.

[0112] The control unit 400, the processing circuitry 410, or the determining module 414 may be configured to determine the 3D coordinate of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system and / or the 3D orientation of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system by comparing a representation of one or more objects 211 , 212 of data from the optical sensor 170 with the first data, wherein the first data comprises 3D coordinates of the one or more objects 211 , 212 in the reference system.

[0113] The control unit 400, the processing circuitry 410, or the obtaining module 413 may be configured to obtain, via the optical sensor 170, respective optical reference signals from one or more optical beacons. In that case, the control unit 400, the processing circuitry 410, or the determining module 414 may be configured to determine the 3D coordinate the optical sensor 170 in the reference system and / or the 3D orientation of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system by comparing the obtained respective optical reference signals with the first data, wherein the first data comprises 3D coordinates of the one or more optical beacons in the reference system.

[0114] The control unit 400, the processing circuitry 410, or the obtaining module 413 may be configured to obtain, via a radio receiver arranged in connection to the optical sensor 170, respective radio reference signals from one or more radio beacons. In that case, the control unit 400, the processing circuitry 410, or the determining module 414 may be configured to determine the 3D coordinate the optical sensor 170 in the reference system and / or the 3D orientation of the optical sensor 170 in the reference system by comparing the obtained respective radio reference signals with the first data, wherein the first data comprises 3D coordinates of the one or more radio beacons in the reference system.

[0115] The current 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system may be based on an object orientation model, where the object orientation model is configured to provide a 3D orientation of an antenna in a reference system based on data, from an optical sensor oriented in said reference system, comprising a representation of said antenna.

[0116] The control unit 400, the processing circuitry 410, or the providing module 416 may be configured provide third data for alignment of the first antenna 120 based on the determined difference between the current 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system and the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system. The third data may be configured to cause an orientation shifting mechanism associated with the first antenna 120 to shift the orientation of the first antenna 120.

[0117] The control unit 400, the processing circuitry 410, or the providing module 416 may be configured provide fourth data for displaying, on a display, the current 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system and / or the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system.

[0118] The fourth data may be configured to display at least a part of the radiation pattern of the first antenna 120 with respect to the current 3D orientation in the reference system and / or to the desired 3D orientation in the reference system.

[0119] The desired 3D orientation of the first antenna 120 in the reference system may be based on the 3D coordinate of the first antenna 120 in the reference system and the 3D coordinate of the reference point 150, 153 in the reference system.

[0120] The optical sensor 170 may comprise a camera and / or a lidar.

[0121] The first antenna 120 may be at a first site 123, and the 3D coordinate of the reference point in the reference system may be indicative of a second antenna 150 at a second site 153.

[0122] The first data may comprise a 3D map of at least a part of first site 123, at least a part of the second site 153, and preferably also at least a part of an area between the first site 123 and the second site 153.

[0123] The methods disclosed herein may be implemented through one or more processors, such as the processing circuitry 410 in the control unit 400 depicted in Figure 4, together with computer program code for performing the functions and actions of the embodiments herein. The program code may also be provided as a computer program product, for instance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code or code means for performing the embodiments herein when being loaded into the processing circuitry 410 in the control unit 400. The computer program code may e.g. be provided as pure program code in the control unit 400 or on a server and downloaded to the control unit 400. Thus, it should be noted that the modules of the control unit 400 may in some embodiments be implemented as computer programs stored in memory, e.g. in the memory 420 in Figure 4, for execution by processors or processing modules, e.g. the processing circuitry 410 of Figure 4. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the processing circuitry 410 and the memory 420 described above may refer to a combination of analog and digital circuits, and / or one or more processors configured with software and / or firmware, e.g. stored in a memory, that when executed by the one or more processors such as the processing circuitry 410 perform as described above. One or more of these processors, as well as the other digital hardware, may be included in a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or several processors and various digital hardware may be distributed among several separate components, whether individually packaged or assembled into a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0124] The description of the example embodiments provided herein have been presented for purposes of illustration. The description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit example embodiments to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various alternatives to the provided embodiments. The examples discussed herein were chosen and described in order to explain the principles and the nature of various example embodiments and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the example embodiments in various manners and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The features of the embodiments described herein may be combined in all possible combinations of methods, apparatus, modules, systems, and computer program products. It should be appreciated that the example embodiments presented herein may be practiced in any combination with each other.

[0125] It should be noted that the word "comprising” does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed and the words "a” or "an” preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that the example embodiments may be implemented at least in part by means of both hardware and software, and that several "means”, "units” or "devices” may be represented by the same item of hardware.

[0126] It should also be noted that the various example embodiments described herein are described in the general context of method steps or processes, which may be implemented in one aspect by a computer program product, embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computer-executable instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in networked environments. A computer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage devices including, but not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVD), etc. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computerexecutable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0127] The embodiments herein are not limited to the above-described preferred embodiments. Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above embodiments should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method (300) for enabling alignment of a first antenna (120), the method (300) comprising: obtaining (310) first data comprising a three-dimensional, 3D, coordinate of the first antenna (120) in a reference system and a 3D coordinate of a reference point (150, 153) in the reference system; obtaining (330) second data, from an optical sensor (170) oriented in the reference system, comprising a representation of the first antenna (120); and determining (340) a difference between a current 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system and a desired 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system, the current 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system being based on the second data, and the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system being based on the first data.

2. The method (300) according to claim 1 , comprising orienting (320) the optical sensor (170) in the reference system by obtaining a 3D coordinate of the optical sensor (170) in the reference system and a 3D orientation of the optical sensor (170) in the reference system.

3. The method (300) according to claim 2, comprising determining (321) the 3D coordinate of the optical sensor (170) in the reference system based on a satellite navigation device.

4. The method (300) according to any of claims 2-3, comprising determining (322) the 3D coordinate of the optical sensor (170) in the reference system and / or the 3D orientation of the optical sensor (170) in the reference system by comparing a representation of one or more objects (211 , 212) of data from the optical sensor (170) with the first data, wherein the first data comprises 3D coordinates of the one or more objects (211 , 212) in the reference system.

5. The method (300) according to any of claims 2-4, comprising obtaining (323), via the optical sensor (170), respective optical reference signals from one or more optical beacons; and determining (324) the 3D coordinate the optical sensor (170) in the reference system and / or the 3D orientation of the optical sensor (170) in the reference system by comparing the obtained respective optical reference signals with the first data, wherein the first data comprises 3D coordinates of the one or more optical beacons in the reference system.

6. The method (300) according to any of claims 2-5, comprising obtaining (325), via a radio receiver arranged in connection to the optical sensor (170), respective radio reference signals from one or more radio beacons; and determining (326) the 3D coordinate the optical sensor (170) in the reference system and / or the 3D orientation of the optical sensor (170) in the reference system by comparing the obtained respective radio reference signals with the first data, wherein the first data comprises 3D coordinates of the one or more radio beacons in the reference system.

7. The method (300) according to any previous claim, wherein the current 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system is based on an object orientation model, the object orientation model being configured to provide a 3D orientation of an antenna in a reference system based on data, from an optical sensor oriented in said reference system, comprising a representation of said antenna.

8. The method (300) according to any previous claim, further comprising providing (350) third data for alignment of the first antenna (120) based on the determined difference between the current 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system and the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system.

9. The method (300) according to claim 8, wherein the third data is configured to cause an orientation shifting mechanism associated with the first antenna (120) to shift the orientation of the first antenna (120).

10. The method (300) according to any previous claim, comprising providing (360) fourth data for displaying, on a display, the current 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system and / or the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system.11 . The method (300) according to claim 10, wherein the fourth data is configured to display at least a part of the radiation pattern of the first antenna (120) with respect to the current 3D orientation in the reference system and / or to the desired 3D orientation in the reference system.

12. The method (300) according to any previous claim, wherein the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system is based on the 3D coordinate of the first antenna (120) in the reference system and the 3D coordinate of the reference point (150, 153) in the reference system.

13. The method (300) according to any previous claim, wherein the optical sensor (170) comprises a camera and / or a lidar.

14. The method (300) according to any previous claim, wherein the first antenna (120) is at a first site (123), and the 3D coordinate of the reference point in the reference system is indicative of a second antenna (150) at a second site (153).

15. The method (300) according to claim 14, wherein the first data comprises a 3D map of at least a part of first site (123), at least a part of the second site (153), and preferably also at least a part of an area between the first site (123) and the second site (153).

16. A control unit (400) for enabling alignment of a first antenna (120), the control unit (400) comprising a processing circuitry (410) and a memory (420), wherein the processing circuitry (410) is configured to: obtain first data comprising a three-dimensional, 3D, coordinate of the first antenna (120) in a reference system and a 3D coordinate of a reference point (150, 153) in the reference system; obtain second data, from an optical sensor (170) oriented in the reference system, comprising a representation of the first antenna (120); and determine a difference between a current 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system and a desired 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system, the current 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) inthe reference system being based on the second data, and the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system being based on the first data.

17. The control unit (400) according to claim 16, wherein the processing circuitry (410) is configured to orient the optical sensor (170) in the reference system by obtaining a 3D coordinate of the optical sensor (170) in the reference system and a 3D orientation of the optical sensor (170) in the reference system.

18. The control unit (400) according to claim 17, wherein the processing circuitry (410) is configured to determine the 3D coordinate of the optical sensor (170) in the reference system based on a satellite navigation device.

19. The control unit (400) according to any of claims 17-18, wherein the processing circuitry (410) is configured to determine the 3D coordinate of the optical sensor (170) in the reference system and / or the 3D orientation of the optical sensor (170) in the reference system by comparing a representation of one or more objects (211 , 212) of data from the optical sensor (170) with the first data, wherein the first data comprises 3D coordinates of the one or more objects (211 , 212) in the reference system.

20. The control unit (400) according to any of claims 17-19, wherein the processing circuitry (410) is configured to obtain, via the optical sensor (170), respective optical reference signals from one or more optical beacons; and determine the 3D coordinate the optical sensor (170) in the reference system and / or the 3D orientation of the optical sensor (170) in the reference system by comparing the obtained respective optical reference signals with the first data, wherein the first data comprises 3D coordinates of the one or more optical beacons in the reference system.

21. The control unit (400) according to any of claims 17-20, wherein the processing circuitry (410) is configured to obtain, via a radio receiver arranged in connection to the optical sensor (170), respective radio reference signals from one or more radio beacons; and determine the 3D coordinate the optical sensor (170) in the reference system and / or the 3D orientation of the optical sensor (170) in the reference system by comparing the obtained respective radio reference signals with the first data, wherein the first data comprises 3D coordinates of the one or more radio beacons in the reference system.

22. The control unit (400) according to any of claims 16-21 , wherein the current 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system is based on an object orientation model, the object orientation model being configured to provide a 3D orientation of an antenna in a reference system based on data, from an optical sensor oriented in said reference system, comprising a representation of said antenna.

23. The control unit (400) according to any of claims 16-22, wherein the processing circuitry (410) is configured to provide third data for alignment of the first antenna (120) based on the determined difference between the current 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system and the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system.

24. The control unit (400) according to claim 23, wherein the third data is configured to cause an orientation shifting mechanism associated with the first antenna (120) to shift the orientation of the first antenna (120).

25. The control unit (400) according to any of claims 16-24, wherein the processing circuitry (410) is configured to provide fourth data for displaying, on a display, the current 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system and / or the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system.

26. The control unit (400) according to claim 25, wherein the fourth data is configured to display at least a part of the radiation pattern of the first antenna (120) with respect to the current 3D orientation in the reference system and / or to the desired 3D orientation in the reference system.

27. The control unit (400) according to any of claims 16-26, wherein the desired 3D orientation of the first antenna (120) in the reference system is based on the 3D coordinate of the first antenna (120) in the reference system and the 3D coordinate of the reference point (150, 153) in the reference system.

28. The control unit (400) according to any of claims 16-27, wherein the optical sensor (170) comprises a camera and / or a lidar.

29. The control unit (400) according to any of claims 16-28, wherein the first antenna (120) is at a first site (123), and the 3D coordinate of the reference point in the reference system is indicative of a second antenna (150) at a second site (153).

30. The control unit (400) according to claim 29, wherein the first data comprises a 3D map of at least a part of first site (123), at least a part of the second site (153), and preferably also at least a part of an area between the first site (123) and the second site (153).31 . A wireless device comprising the control unit (400) according to any of claims 16-30.

32. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on at least one processing circuitry (410), cause the at least one processing circuitry (410) to carry out the method (300) according to any of claims 1-15.

33. A computer program carrier carrying a computer program product according to claim 32, wherein the computer program carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer-readable storage medium.

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