Antenna Alignment via Magnetic Declination and Optical Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna alignment systems, such as those using GPS and field of view methods, are cumbersome, costly, power-intensive, and prone to errors due to environmental factors and imprecise orientation determination.
Innovation Solution
An antenna alignment apparatus employing magnetic field sensors and a processor to calculate azimuth, combined with a camera and reference object for optical alignment, allowing for precise and hybrid alignment methods using stored declinations between magnetic and geographic azimuths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based alignment systems are used, then antenna alignment can be achieved, but the system becomes large, costly, and power-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple alignment methods (GPS-based alignment and visual field-of-view alignment) into a single hybrid system. The GPS receiver and camera work together to provide complementary alignment capabilities, where GPS provides precise geographical orientation and the camera provides visual confirmation and alternative alignment capability when GPS is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can align antennas using GPS satellite signals for geographical azimuth determination, and simultaneously or alternatively use the camera's field of view to visually identify and align with reference structures. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate alignment devices.
2Measurement precision
If GPS sensors with high precision are used, then alignment accuracy improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple alignment methods (GPS-based alignment and visual field-of-view alignment) into a single hybrid system. The GPS receiver and camera work together to provide complementary alignment capabilities, where GPS provides precise geographical orientation and the camera provides visual confirmation and alternative alignment capability when GPS is unavailable.
3Measurement precision
If GPS-based alignment is used, then antenna alignment can be achieved, but alignment time increases due to GPS lock wait
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment using the camera's visual field of view to identify reference structures and estimate antenna orientation. This preliminary action provides an initial alignment that can be refined later using GPS data, or serves as a backup alignment method if GPS lock is not achieved within the expected time frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback through the camera display showing the current field of view and identified reference structures. This feedback allows operators to make immediate adjustments to antenna orientation based on visual cues, reducing the waiting time for GPS lock while maintaining alignment precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If field of view alignment method is used, then alignment can be performed without GPS, but the margin of error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple alignment methods (GPS-based alignment and visual field-of-view alignment) into a single hybrid system. The GPS receiver and camera work together to provide complementary alignment capabilities, where GPS provides precise geographical orientation and the camera provides visual confirmation and alternative alignment capability when GPS is unavailable.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables faster, more reliable, and precise antenna alignment, reducing manual effort and costs while maintaining accuracy even in conditions where GPS signals are unavailable.
Implementation Method 1
one or more magnetic field sensors configured to measure the earth's magnetic fields at corresponding locations of the one or more magnetic field sensors
Implementation Method 2
one or more global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antennas configured to receive signals from GNSS satellites
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna alignment apparatus may include magnetic field sensors as an alternative to or in addition to GNSS sensors. The magnetic field sensors may measure the earth's magnetic fields at corresponding locations, and a processor may use the measurements to calculate at least one of a roll, tilt, or azimuth of an antenna. A declination based on GNSS based alignment and magnetic field sensor alignment may be stored for an adjustment of magnetic field sensor based azimuth calculations. For an optical alignment, the antenna alignment apparatus may, additionally or alternately, include a reference object (e.g., a printed mark or a physical stud) located within a field of view of a camera. A location of the reference object may indicate the alignment of the antenna vis-à-vis the structures within the field of view.