Smartphone-Based Satellite Dish Alignment Using Celestial Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite receiver dish (SRD) alignment requires specialized training and tools, making it difficult for customers to achieve peak reception without professional assistance, leading to unsatisfied customers and increased installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a smartphone or tablet device with an accelerometer, gyroscope, and camera to determine the adjustment location, date, and time of the SRD, comparing actual and expected celestial object locations to provide alignment adjustments, allowing users to peak align the SRD without professional help.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a specially-trained technician is used to align the SRD, then the alignment precision and reception quality are improved, but the installation cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables customers to perform SRD alignment themselves using a smartphone or tablet device with built-in sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) and a camera. The device automatically determines its orientation and calculates the required alignment adjustments, eliminating the need for professional technicians and reducing installation time while maintaining precision through automated computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment process performed by technicians with an automated electronic system using smartphone sensors and computational algorithms. The accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer replace traditional mechanical alignment tools, and the processor automatically calculates alignment parameters, substituting human expertise with electronic measurement and computation.
2Measurement precision
If a specially-trained technician is used to align the SRD, then the alignment precision and reception quality are improved, but the installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables customers to perform SRD alignment themselves using a smartphone or tablet device with built-in sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) and a camera. The device automatically determines its orientation and calculates the required alignment adjustments, eliminating the need for professional technicians and reducing installation time while maintaining precision through automated computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a smartphone or tablet device that the customer already possesses as the alignment tool, eliminating the need for expensive specialized equipment. The device's existing sensors and camera are leveraged for alignment, and the system provides instructions through the device's display, making the alignment process cost-effective without requiring additional expensive tools or professional services.
3Measurement precision
If traditional alignment tools and techniques are used, then the alignment precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the smartphone or tablet device serve multiple functions: it acts as the alignment tool using its built-in sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer), captures images of celestial objects using its camera, provides visual guidance through its display, and outputs alignment instructions through its interface. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized tools, making the alignment process as easy as using a familiar device while maintaining precision through automated sensor-based measurement.
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 customers to align their SRDs efficiently and cost-effectively, reducing the need for professional installers and providing easier installation options for both customers and service providers.
Implementation Method 1
A method and system using a smartphone or tablet device with an accelerometer, gyroscope, and camera to determine the adjustment location, date, and time of the SRD
Implementation Method 2
A method and system using a smartphone or tablet device with an accelerometer, gyroscope, and camera to determine the adjustment location, date, and time of the SRD
Implementation Method 3
determining an actual capture location pertaining to a representation of a first celestial object
Data Source
AI summary
In disclosed examples, a satellite receiver dish (SRD) is peak aligned with a satellite in a geostationary orbit through use of guidance provided by a smartphone or tablet device fixedly attached to the SRD. A camera within the smartphone attached to the SRD can capture an image of a celestial object such as the sun. Celestial object data can be used to determine a predicted location of the sun at the time the image is captured. The predicted location of the sun can be used to determine an expected capture location of the sun within the captured image if the SRD was peak aligned with the satellite. A difference between the actual capture location of the sun and expected capture location of the sun within the capture image can be translated into at least one alignment adjustment for adjusting an azimuth position or an elevation position of the SRD.