Augmented Reality Antenna Alignment via Visual Overlay
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna alignment methods, especially in military settings, require sending signals to the target antenna, potentially revealing the position of the antennas involved, which can be a disadvantage in covert operations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a processor and positioning system to generate an augmented reality graphical user interface showing the relative position and orientation of local and target antennas, allowing alignment without transmitting signals, by superimposing graphical elements representing the radiation patterns over a real-time terrain view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signal transmission method is used for antenna alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but operational security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third-party server as an intermediary that receives signal characteristics from the target antenna and provides alignment guidance to the local antenna without requiring direct signal transmission between them. This mediator enables accurate alignment while maintaining operational security by preventing direct communication that would reveal positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electromagnetic signal transmission method with an optical visualization method using augmented reality. Instead of transmitting radio signals for alignment, the system uses visual overlays showing the main lobe direction and target antenna position, eliminating the need for signal transmission while maintaining alignment accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If traditional signal-based alignment method is used, then alignment precision is improved, but information leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an information intermediary that processes alignment data without revealing sensitive position information. The server receives signal characteristics from the target antenna, calculates alignment parameters, and provides guidance to the local antenna, preventing direct information exchange that would lead to position disclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the alignment process through augmented reality visualization. Instead of directly transmitting signal information that reveals position, the system generates visual representations (graphics showing main lobe direction and target position) that guide alignment without exposing actual position data.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for aligning two ground-based antennae (100, 110) or a ground-based antenna (100) and a satellite antenna (110), for use in military and civilian settings, in which a visual display is generated showing a graphical representation of the antennae including graphical representations indicating both the axis of the main lobe (102) and the approximate radiation pattern (414) of the antennae, superimposed over a live imaging of the local terrain. The alignment is achieved when the graphical representations of the main axis and radiation patterns of the two antennae align with each other.