AR Obstruction Map for Satellite Antenna Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining a suitable location for installing an antenna for satellite communication is challenging due to the lack of awareness about open sky availability and obstructions, which can hinder continuous communication with a satellite constellation.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device with an augmented reality (AR) application captures a 360-degree representation of an overhead area using a camera, executes a machine-learning model for image segmentation to identify obstructions, and outputs an obstruction map indicating open sky availability for communication with the satellite constellation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods are used to determine antenna location suitability, then installation can proceed, but communication may be hindered due to undetected obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and physical measurement methods with an automated image processing system. The mobile device captures images of the overhead area, and machine learning models automatically analyze these images to detect obstructions, substituting human judgment with computational analysis to improve detection accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the mobile device, AR application, and machine learning models that acts as a mediator between the antenna installation process and obstruction detection. This intermediary provides detailed visual feedback and analysis that neither simple visual inspection nor direct measurement can provide alone.
2Productivity
If antenna installation is performed without proper location assessment, then installation speed increases, but re-installation becomes necessary due to communication issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary obstruction detection and location suitability assessment before antenna installation using mobile device imaging and machine learning analysis. By identifying suitable locations in advance and providing visual feedback through the AR application, the system prevents communication issues before they occur, eliminating the need for time-consuming re-installations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual inspection of overhead area is performed, then equipment cost remains low, but exposure to hazardous environments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the mobile device to perform self-service by capturing images, processing them through machine learning models, and generating obstruction maps without requiring human inspectors to physically access hazardous areas. The system uses the device's own camera and processing capabilities to assess the installation environment remotely.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive obstruction detection is performed, then location suitability accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual analysis with automated machine learning-based image processing. The system rapidly analyzes captured images to identify obstructions and generate obstruction maps, achieving high measurement precision in location suitability assessment without the time penalty of manual inspection methods.
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements for determining location suitability for satellite communication are presented herein. A mobile device can install an augmented reality (AR) application to output, via a display of the mobile device, a user interface depicting a field of view being captured by a camera of the mobile device. The AR application can capture, via the camera, one or more frames of an overhead area that collectively map a 360-degree representation of the overhead area. The one or more frames can be used to determine that continuous communication with a satellite constellation is available. The AR application can output, via the display, an obstruction map based on the one or more frames that indicates open sky available for communication with the satellite constellation.