Method and system for a mobile application (app) that assists with aiming or aligning a satellite dish or antenna

An app running on a communication device determines a current position of an antenna, which is to be aligned with a transmitter. The app determines a direction in which the antenna should be oriented so that the antenna is aligned with the transmitter when the communication device is placed by the antenna. The app may generate, based on the determined direction, one or more cues to enable alignment of the antenna so that the current position or a newly determined current position of the antenna is aligned with the determined position of the transmitter. The cues may include audible, visual and/or vibration cues. The app may acquire information from one or more sensors, which are located within the communication device and/or integrated within the antenna. The acquired information may be utilized to determine the current position and/or a newly determined current position of the antenna.

Each of the above referenced applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention relate to assistance with installation of a satellite dish or antenna. More specifically, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a method and system for a mobile application (app) that assists with aiming or aligning a satellite dish or antenna.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Free-to-air includes a plurality of Satellite channels can be accessed for free without the need for a subscription from a Satellite Service Provider. Most governments broadcast free-to-air as well as a lot of other service providers. There are currently approximately 70 some million free-to-air satellite users around the world—primarily in Europe, Latin America and South America and it's getting more popular in Asia as well.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and/or method is provided for a mobile application (app) that assists with aiming or aligning a satellite dish or antenna, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a method and system for a mobile application (app) that assists with aiming or aligning a satellite dish or antenna. In various embodiments of the invention, an app running on a communication device determines a current position of an antenna, which is to be aligned with a transmitter. The app determines a direction in which the antenna should be oriented so that the antenna is aligned with the transmitter when the communication device is placed on or near the antenna. The app may generate, based on the determined direction, one or more cues to enable alignment of the antenna so that the current position or a newly determined current position of the antenna is aligned with the determined position of the transmitter. The cues may include audible, visual and/or vibration cues. The app may acquire information from one or more sensors, which are located within the communication device and/or integrated within the antenna. The acquired information may be utilized to determine the current position and/or a newly determined current position of the antenna. The sensors may comprise a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a compass and/or an altimeter. The app may be operable to present, on the communication device, a user interface that is operable to receive input from a user of the communication device. The user input may be utilized to determine a location of said transmitter. The interface may comprise a graphical user interface that is operable to display one or more graphical tools that shows the current position, the determined current position and/or an ideal position for the antenna when the antenna is aligned with the transmitter. The app may be operable to determine when the antenna is aligned with the determined position of the transmitter based on one or more signal metrics received from a receiver that receives signals transmitted by the transmitter.

FIG. 1Ais a diagram of an exemplary system in which an app running on a communication device may be utilized for aiming or aligning a satellite dish or antenna, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 1A, there is shown a premises104, a satellite dish106, low noise block downconverter (LNB)108, a communication device110, a satellite television network112, a communication network114and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS)116. The premises104may comprise a set-top box118and a television (TV)120.

The premises104may comprise, for example, a home, a building, an office, and in general, any dwelling.

The satellite dish106may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to receive and process satellite signals that may be received from a broadcast satellite in the satellite television network112. For example, the satellite dish106may typically comprise the low noise block downconverter108, which may be utilized to process the received satellite signals. The satellite dish106may be placed, for example, on a roof of the premises104, at a side of the premises104or in a window of the premises104so long as there is a clear view of the satellite.

The low noise block downconverter (LNB)108may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to downconvert the satellite signals, which are received from the satellite television network112. The received satellite signals may be downconverted to generate one or more corresponding intermediate frequency (IF) analog signals, which may be communicated to the set-top box (STB)118. In this regard, the satellite dish106may communicate the one or more corresponding intermediate frequency (IF) analog signals via one or more cables to the set-top box (STB)118, which is located within the premises104.

The communication device110may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to receive and process signals from the communication network114and/or the GNSS network116. The communication device110may be operable to receive and process communication signals from the communication network114. Exemplary signals may comprise 2.5G, 3G, 4G, LTE, WiMax, WiFi, Bluetooth and ZigBee signals. The communication device110may be operable to receive and process GNSS signals from a plurality of geosynchronous satellites in the GNSS network116. In accordance, with an embodiment of the invention, the communication device110may be operable to utilize the GNSS signals received from GNSS network116and/or the communication signals that are received from the communication network114and determine how the satellite dish106should be aligned in order to optimize the reception of the satellite signals from the satellite television network112. The communication device110may comprise an antenna alignment application (app), which may be operable to guide a user of the communication device110through various steps to align the satellite dish106. The communication device110may comprise a Smartphone, a laptop, a netbook, a tablet, and so on.

The satellite television network112may comprise a plurality of satellites and a ground station, which may be referred to as a satellite headend. The satellites in the satellite network are operable to broadcast satellite signals which may be received by the satellite dish106. The satellite110a,110bmay broadcast satellite signals having a frequency in the range of about 950 MHz to 2150 MHz

The communication network114may comprise suitable devices and/or interfaces that may enable wired and/or wireless communication. In this regard, the communication device110may utilize one or more wired and/or wireless protocols to wired and/or wirelessly communicate with the communication network114. The communication network114may comprise, for example, the Internet, a wide area network, a medium area network, a personal area network.

The GNSS network116may comprise a plurality of geosynchronous satellites that are utilized to provide positions for terrestrial communication devices. For example, the communication device110may be operable to receive and process satellite signals from a plurality of satellites in the satellite television network112. Based on the processing, the communication device110may be operable to determine its position. Exemplary GNSS may comprise GPS, Galileo and GLONASS.

The STB118may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to handle the processing of the intermediate frequency (IF) analog signals from the low noise block downconverter (LNB)108. The integrated satellite and terrestrial TV set-top box (STB)118may be located in the premises104. The STB118may be operable to demodulate the intermediate frequency (IF) analog signals that are received from the low noise block downconverter (LNB)108in order to tune to a particular satellite television channel. Content extracted from the demodulated intermediate frequency (IF) signals may be communicated from the STB118to the television120.

The television (TV)120may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to receive and display satellite television content from the STB118. The television120may be a television or monitor.

In operation, it may be desirable for a user of the communication device110to align the satellite dish with a satellite in the satellite television network112. The user of the communication device110may place the communication device110on the satellite dish106and run the antenna align app. The communication device may be communicatively coupled to the LNB of the satellite dish106via a connector or a cable such as a serial cable. The app running on the communication device110may be operable to acquire signal metrics from the LNB. The antenna alignment app running of the communication device110may be operable to provide the user of the communication device110with guidance on how to orient the satellite dish106during the installation. In this regard, the communication device110may be operable to receive GNSS signals from the GNSS network and/or communication signals from communication network114. Based on the information in the communication device110, and information received from the GNSS signals, the signal metrics from the LNB, and/or the communication signals, the app may determine the location of the premises104and the satellite dish106. Based on the determined location of the premises104and the satellite dish106, the app may determine the satellite to which the satellite dish106should be pointed and also the direction in which the satellite dish106should be properly oriented or positioned to point at the determined satellite. The app may be operable to provide the user with cues on how the satellite dish106should be moved in order to orient or align the satellite dish106in the proper position.

The antenna alignment app may be utilized to orient an antenna in other systems without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, U.S. application Ser. No. 61/623,263, which was filed on Apr. 12, 2012, and U.S. application Ser. No. 13/857,755, which was filed on Apr. 5, 2013, discloses other systems in which an app may be utilized to orient or align an antenna or antenna system without departing from the various embodiments of the invention, and are each hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 1Bis a diagram of an exemplary system in which an app running on a communication device may be utilized for aiming or aligning an antenna in a terrestrial system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 1B, there is shown a terrestrial broadcast tower152, an automobile154, a communication device156and premises158. The terrestrial broadcast tower152may comprise a broadcast antenna152a. The automobile154may comprise an antenna154a. The communication device156may comprise an antenna156a, The premises158may comprise and antenna158a, a set-top box and/or gateway158and a television or monitor162. The premises158may also comprise a distributed millimeter antenna system comprising a plurality of millimeter wave antennas164A, . . . ,164N.

The terrestrial broadcast tower152may comprise an broadcast antenna152a. The terrestrial broadcast tower152may be operable to broadcast microwave signals or other signals from the antenna152.

The automobile154may comprise an antenna154a. The antenna154amay comprise, for example, an array antenna. The antenna154amay be operable to receive signals broadcasted from the terrestrial broadcast tower152via the broadcast antenna152a. Sensors integrated in the antenna154amay be operable to dynamically configure the antenna154A as the automobile moves. The antenna158A may comprise one or more integrated sensors. The sensors may comprise positioning sensors such as, for example, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and/or a compass. Information from the integrated sensors may be utilized by an antenna alignment app to align the antenna154awhen the automobile154may be stationary, for example, at a tailgate party. The antenna alignment app may be running on device such as the communication device156.

The communication device156may comprise an antenna156a. The antenna156amay comprise, for example, an array antenna. The antenna156amay be operable to receive signals broadcasted from the terrestrial broadcast tower152via the broadcast antenna152a. Sensors integrated in the antenna156amay be operable to dynamically configure the antenna156A as the automobile moves. The antenna156A may comprise one or more integrated sensors. The integrated sensors may comprise positioning sensors such as, for example, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and/or a compass. The communication device156may be operable to run or execute an antenna alignment app that may be utilized to align the antennas160A,162A and the millimeter wave antennas164A,164N in the distributed millimeter antenna system within the premises158.

The antenna158aat the premises158may be operable to receive signals broadcasted from the terrestrial broadcast tower152via the broadcast antenna152a. Since the antenna158ais not mounted to a mobile device but is stationary, at installation or realignment, an antenna alignment app running on a communication device may be utilized to align the antenna158with the broadcast antenna152a. The antenna158may comprise a point-to-point antenna. The antenna158A may comprise one or more integrated sensors. The integrated sensors may comprise positioning sensors such as, for example, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and/or a compass.

The set-top box and/or gateway160may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to demodulate and decode signals that are received the antenna158a. The signals may comprise IF signals, which have been downconverted from RF at the antenna158. The set-top box and/or gateway160may also comprise an antenna160A. The antenna160A may comprise an antenna array module, which may be operable to transmit and receive millimeter wave signals such as 60 GHz signals. The antenna160A may comprise one or more sensors such as a gyroscope, accelerometer and/or a compass. The one or more sensors are operable to determine a position and/or orientation of the antenna160A.

The television or monitor162may be operable to present demodulated and decoded content that is received from the set-top box and/or gateway160. The television or monitor162may also comprise an antenna162A. The antenna162A may comprise an antenna array module, which may be operable to transmit and receive millimeter wave signals such as 60 GHz signals. The antenna162A may comprise one or more sensors such as a gyroscope, accelerometer and/or a compass. The one or more sensors are operable to determine a position and/or orientation of the antenna162A.

The plurality of millimeter wave antennas164A,164N in the distributed millimeter antenna system, in the premises158, may be operable to receive and/or transmit millimeter wave signals among the plurality of millimeter wave antennas164A,164N, the antenna160A, and/or the antenna162A. Each of plurality of distributed array antennas164A, . . .164N which are located throughout the premises158comprise one or more antenna array modules. Exemplary millimeter wave signals may comprise 60 GHz signals. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, each of the plurality of millimeter wave antennas164A,164N in the distributed millimeter antenna system may comprise one or more sensors such as a gyroscope, accelerometer and/or a compass. The one or more sensors are operable to determine a position and/or orientation of the corresponding millimeter wave antenna.

In operation, a user of the communication device156may be installing the antenna158A at the premises158. The antenna alignment application running on the communication device156may be utilized to acquire information from one or more of the sensors that are integrated in the antenna158A. In some embodiments of the invention, the antenna alignment application may also be operable to acquire signal metric information from the antenna158A. The signal metric information may correspond to the signals received by the antenna158A from the broadcast antenna152A. The acquired information from one or more of the sensors integrated in the antenna158A and/or the acquired signal metric information from the antenna158A may be utilized by the antenna alignment app to align the antenna158A.

A user of the communication device156may be installing or configuring the antennas160A,162A and the millimeter wave antennas164A,164N in the distributed millimeter antenna system at the premises158. The user may utilize an antenna alignment application running on the communication device156to acquire information from one or more of the sensors that are integrated in the antennas160A,162A and the millimeter wave antennas164A,164N in the distributed millimeter antenna system. In some embodiments of the invention, the antenna alignment application may also be operable to acquire signal metric information from the antennas160A,162A and the millimeter wave antennas164A,164N in the distributed millimeter antenna system. The signal metric information may correspond to the signals received by a particular one of the antennas160A,162A and the millimeter wave antennas164A,164N in the distributed millimeter antenna system. The acquired information from one or more of the sensors integrated in the antennas160A,162A and the millimeter wave antennas164A,164N in the distributed millimeter antenna system and/or the corresponding acquired metrics may be utilized by the antenna alignment app to align the antennas160A,162A and the millimeter wave antennas164A,164N in the distributed millimeter antenna system.

FIG. 1Cis a diagram of an exemplary antenna system, which comprises integrated sensors, in which an app running on a communication device may be utilized for aiming or aligning an antenna in a terrestrial system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 1C, there is shown an antenna array module180, which may be, for example, a phased antenna array module. The antenna array module180may comprise an antenna interface182, a connector184, a plurality of array antennas188a,188b, . . . ,188n. Each of the plurality of array antennas188a,188b, . . . ,188nmay comprise a corresponding plurality of array antenna elements190a,190b, . . . ,190n. The plurality of array antennas188a,188b, . . . ,188nare an exemplary embodiment of a diversity antenna system. An exemplary embodiment of the antennas154A,156A,158A,160A,162A, and164A, . . . ,164N may comprise the antenna array module180. The antenna array module180may also comprise a plurality of sensors192a,192b, . . . ,192n.

The plurality of antenna arrays188a,188b, . . . ,188nmay be integrated on a planar surface such as the substrate186. The planar surface may also comprise a circuit board or package. In some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of antenna arrays188a,188b, . . . ,188nmay be integrated on a planar surface to enable the corresponding antenna elements to capture satellite and/or terrestrial signals from one or more directions.

The connector184may be operable to couple the antenna array module180to other antenna array module, a communication device such as the communication device156. In various exemplary embodiments of the invention, the connector184may comprise a BNC coaxial connector and/or a serial connector. For example, the connector139may comprise a thin coaxial connector and/or a serial connector.

The sensors192a,192b, . . . ,192nmay comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to determine a position and/or orientation of the antenna array module180. The sensors192a,192b, . . . ,192nmay comprise a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a compass and/or an altimeter. Position information from one or more of the sensors192a,192b, . . . ,192nmay be acquired by and utilized by an antenna alignment app, which may be running on a communication device, to determine the current position and/or a newly determined current position of the antenna array module180during alignment of the antenna array module180.

In some embodiments of the invention, two or more of the antenna array modules180may be coupled together via the connector184. For example, the respective connectors on a plurality of the antenna array module180may be utilized to daisy chain or otherwise connect the plurality of the antenna array modules180.

In an embodiment of the invention, one or more antenna array modules such as the antenna array module180may be temporarily placed, for example, on the top of a car or other vehicle at, for example, a tail-gating party and utilized to capture satellite television signals and/or terrestrial signals. In another embodiment of the invention, one or more antenna array modules such as the antenna array module180may integrated as an antenna unit, which may be placed on or integrated with the roof of a vehicle and utilized to capture satellite and/or terrestrial signals. In another embodiment of the invention, one or more antenna array modules such as the antenna array module180may integrated as an antenna unit, which may be part of a device such as a dish or consumer device.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the antenna elements in the antenna array module180may be automatically and/or dynamically configured to optimize reception of satellite signals and/or terrestrial signals. For example, during initial setup of the television, the antenna array module180may be configured to optimize reception of the satellite channels and/or terrestrial signals. The antenna elements in the antenna array module136may also be dynamically configured to optimize reception of the satellite signals and/or terrestrial signals.

In operation, a user of the communication device156may be installing the antenna158A at the premises158. The antenna158A may comprise one or more antenna arrays modules such as the antenna array module180. The antenna alignment application running on the communication device156may be utilized to acquire information from one or more of the sensors192a,192b, . . . ,192n, which are integrated in the antenna array module180in the antenna158A. In some embodiments of the invention, the antenna alignment application may also be operable to acquire signal metric information from the antenna array module180in the antenna158A. The signal metric information may correspond to the signals received by the antenna158A from the broadcast antenna152A. The acquired information from one or more of the sensors integrated in the antenna array module180in the antenna158A and/or the acquired signal metric information from the antenna array module180integrated in the antenna158A may be utilized by the antenna alignment app to align the antenna158A.

FIG. 2Ais a diagram of an exemplary antenna assembly that supports use of an app running on a communication device to align a satellite dish or antenna, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 2A, there is shown a satellite dish assembly200and communication device250. The satellite dish assembly200may comprise a reflector210, a boom212, and a low noise block downconverter220. The low noise block downconverter220may comprise a platform230and an optional connector240.

The reflector210may be a parabolic reflector that captures and concentrates the satellite signals that are received from the satellite television network112. The boom212supports the low noise block downconverter220to the reflector210of the satellite dish assembly200.

The low noise block downconverter220may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to downconvert the satellite signals, which are received from the satellite television network112via the reflector210. The received satellite signals may be downconverted to generate one or more corresponding intermediate frequency (IF) analog signals, which may be communicated from the low noise block downconverter220to the set-top box118. In this regard, the low noise block downconverter220may be operable to communicate the one or more corresponding intermediate frequency (IF) analog signals from the satellite dish assembly200to the set-top box118via one or more cables, which is located within the premises104. The low noise block downconverter220may be substantially similar to the low noise block downconverter108, which is shown in and described with respect toFIG. 1A.

The platform230may comprise a planar surface that may be operable to support the communication device250when it is being utilized to align the satellite dish assembly200.

The optional connector240may comprise a suitable connector or interface that may enable coupling of the communication device250to the low noise block downconverter220. In this regard, the connector may be utilized to power and/or charge the communication device250when the communication device250is communicatively coupled to the connector240. The connector240may also be operable to communicate various receive satellite signal metrics and/or receive satellite signal data to the communication device250. Exemplary connector interfaces may comprise universal serial bus and variants thereof. The combination of the connector240on the platform230may be referred to as a dock. This may enabled to communication device250to be docked to the satellite dish assembly200. Instead of a connector, a cable may be utilized. The cable or connector may allow signal metrics to be communicated from the LNB to the communication device250. The signal metrics may be utilized by an antenna alignment app to align the antenna.

The communication device110may comprise suitable logic, circuitry interfaces and/or code that may be operable to receive and process signals from the communication network114and/or the GNSS network116. The communication device250may be substantially similar to the communication device110. The communication device250may also comprise an antenna alignment app that may be operable to communicate with the low noise block downconverter220and receive satellite signal metrics and/or satellite signal data. The antenna alignment app may be operable to utilize the received satellite signal metrics and/or satellite signal data to determine a proper alignment of the satellite dish assembly200. For example, the antenna alignment app may be operable to analyze the received satellite signal metrics and/or satellite signal data to determine when the satellite dish is properly aligned with a particular satellite (112aor112b) in the satellite television network112. The communication device250may be placed on the platform230and while the communication device250is communicatively coupled to the connector240, the antenna alignment app running on the communication device250may determine the current alignment of the satellite dish assembly200and based on this current alignment and results of the analysis, the communication device250may provide alignment cues to a user of the communication device250.

In instances when there may be no connector, the antenna alignment app may utilize GNNS signals from the GNSS network116, communication data from the communication network114, data from one or more sensors in the communication device250and/or data stored on the communication device250to determine a proper alignment of the satellite dish assembly200.

In operation, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the antenna alignment app may acquire receive satellite signal metrics and/or satellite signal data and/or data from the low noise block downconverter220. The antenna alignment app may analyze received satellite signal metrics and/or satellite signal data, data from one or more sensors within the communication device250, data received from the GNSS network116, data received from the communication network114, and/or data stored on the communication device250to calculate the proper alignment of the satellite dish assembly200. Based on results of the analysis, the antenna alignment app may compare the current position of the satellite dish assembly200with a calculated ideal position when the satellite dish assembly200is aligned and reception of the satellite signals are maximized. The antenna alignment app may determine the current position of the satellite dish assembly200based on information received from one or more position sensors within the communication device250. Based on the difference between the currently determined position of the satellite dish assembly200and the calculated ideal position when the satellite dish assembly200is aligned and the received satellite signals are at a maximum, the antenna alignment app may generate and present cues to the user of the communication device250. The cues may inform the user of the communication device250the direction in which the satellite dish assembly200should be oriented to achieve the calculated ideal position. The data that is received from the communication network114by the antenna alignment app may be received from, for example, one or more servers within the communication network114.

In operation, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention, in instances when there is no connector240for receiving satellite signal metrics and/or satellite signal data from the low noise block downconverter220, the antenna alignment app may operate in a similar manner without utilizing the satellite signal metrics and/or satellite signal data. In this regard, the antenna alignment app may be operable to analyze data from one or more sensors within the communication device250, data received from the GNSS network116, data received from the communication network114, and/or data stored on the communication device250to calculate the proper alignment of the satellite dish assembly200. Based on results of the analysis, the antenna alignment app may compare the current position of the satellite dish assembly200with a calculated ideal position when the satellite dish assembly is aligned with a particular satellite in the satellite television network112. The antenna alignment app may determine the current position of the satellite dish assembly based on information received from one or more position sensors within the communication device250. Based on the difference between the currently determined position of the satellite dish assembly and the calculated ideal position when the satellite dish assembly is aligned with the particular satellite, the antenna alignment app may generate and present cues to the user of the communication device250. The cues may inform the user of the communication device250the direction in which the satellite dish assembly200should be oriented or moved in order to achieve the calculated ideal position.

FIG. 2Bis a diagram of an exemplary antenna system, which comprises integrated sensors, in which an app running on a communication device may be utilized for aiming or aligning an antenna in a terrestrial system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 2A, there is shown an antenna260. The antenna260may comprise a plurality of antenna elements260a, . . . ,260n.

The antenna260may comprise a plurality of sensors262a, . . . ,262n. The sensors262a, . . . ,262nmay comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to determine a position and/or orientation of the antenna260. The sensors262a, . . . ,262nmay comprise a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a compass and/or an altimeter. Position information from one or more of the sensors262a, . . . ,262nmay be acquired by and utilized by an antenna alignment app, which may be running on a communication device, to determine the current position and/or a newly determined current position of the antenna260during alignment of the antenna158.

FIG. 3Ais a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication device, which may be utilized for aiming or aligning a satellite dish or antenna, in accordance with an implementation of the invention. Referring toFIG. 3A, there is shown a communication device300. The communication device300may comprise a processor302, a memory304, a communication subsystem306, an input/output (I/O) subsystem308, position sensor subsystem310, a location module312, an application platform314and a display316.

The processor302may comprise suitable, logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to control operation of the communication device300. In this regard, the processor303may be operable to control operation of the memory304, the communication subsystem306, the input/output (I/O) subsystem308, the location module312, the application platform314and the display316. The processor302may also be operable to execute code for the antenna alignment app that may be running on the communication device300.

The memory304may comprise suitable, logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to store operating and temporary data for the communication device300. For example, the memory304may be enabled to store configurations and operating data for the communication device300. The memory210may be operable to store OS platform information and data, as well as data utilized by the antenna alignment app to align a satellite dish assemble with a satellite in the satellite television network112. The memory304may also be operable to store satellite location information that may be acquired from the GNSS network116, the communication network114and/or one or more modules within the position sensor subsystem310.

The communication subsystem306may comprise suitable, logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to communicate utilizing one or more wired and/or wireless technologies. The communication subsystem306may comprise one or more transceivers that may be operable to handle wireless and/or wired communication. In an example embodiment of the disclosure, the communication device300may communicate wirelessly utilizing various wireless communication technologies for different networks ranging from wireless wide area networks (WWANs), wireless medium area networks (WMANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), and personal area networks (PANs). Exemplary WWAN technologies comprise 2.5G, 3G, 4G, LTE, and WiMax. Exemplary WLAN technologies comprise 802.11 a/b/g/n/e/ac and so on. Exemplary WPAN technologies comprise Bluetooth and ZigBee signals. Exemplary wired technologies may comprise Ethernet.

The input/output (I/O) subsystem308may comprise suitable, logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to control and/or enable interaction with the communication device300. The input/output (I/O) subsystem308may comprise, for example, a physical keyboard, physical buttons, or a touch-screen-display which may present a software keyboard or buttons. In this regard, the input/output (I/O) subsystem308may be utilized to control applications such as the antenna alignment app, which may run on the communication device300. The input/output (I/O) subsystem308may comprise a physical set of keys or buttons, and/or a software generated set of keys that may be utilized to control operation and interfacing with the antenna alignment app. The input/output (I/O) subsystem308may also comprise a speaker that may enable audio output. The antenna alignment app may be operable to generate audio and/or visual cues when the satellite dish assembly is being aligned with a satellite in the satellite television network112.

The input/output (I/O) subsystem308may also comprise a speaker, a vibration circuit and/or other devices that may be utilized to provide an alert or cue to a user of the communication device300. For example, the input/output (I/O) subsystem308may be operable to generate an audio alert and/or a vibration alert to aid the user of the communication device300with alignment of the satellite dish assembly200. An antenna alignment app may be utilized to control the I/O subsystem308to generate the audio alert and/or the vibration alert.

The position sensor subsystem310may comprise suitable, logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to determine an orientation, position, level and/or direction of the communication device300. The position sensor subsystem310may comprise a plurality of modules, which may be utilized to determine the orientation, the position, the level and/or direction of the communication device300.FIG. 3Cillustrates exemplary modules in the position sensor subsystem310.

The location module312may comprise suitable, logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to receive GNSS signals from the GNSS network116. In this regard, the location module312may comprise a GPS, Galileo and/or GLONASS receiver that is operable to receive the GNSS signals from the GNSS network116. The received GNSS signals may be utilized to determine a geographic location of the communication device300. The geographic location of the communication device300may be utilized by the antenna alignment app to, for example, determine the satellite in the satellite television network112to which the satellite dish assembly200should be aligned. The geographic location of the communication device300may be utilized by the antenna alignment app to, for example, calculate the ideal position when the satellite dish assembly is aligned with the particular satellite.

The application platform314may comprise suitable, logic, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to control operation of the communication device300. For example, the application platform314may enable a user of the communication device300to interact with the communication device300via a user interface that is presented on the communication device300. The application platform314may be operable to run or execute applications, and configure settings for the communication device250. The OS platform332may be operable to run the antenna alignment app, which may be utilized to provide alignment cues when aligning an antenna such as the satellite dish assembly200.

The display316may comprise suitable, logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to display one or more user interfaces that may enable a user of the communication device300to interact with the communication device300. The display316may be a touch-screen display that may function as an I/O device. In this regard, the display316may be part of the I/O subsystem308. The display316may comprise a software keyboard that may enable a user to provide input to the communication device300. The display316may comprise a user interface to facilitate input and/or user output interaction. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, an antenna alignment app may be operable to display one or more user interfaces comprising one or more graphical tools that may enable a user of the communication device300to align the satellite dish assembly200.

FIG. 3Bis a diagram that illustrates an exemplary application platform and hardware platform in a communication device that may be utilized for aiming or aligning a satellite dish or antenna, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 3B, there is shown a hardware platform330and an application platform314. The hardware platform330may comprise the processor302, the memory304, the communication subsystem306, the input/output (I/O) subsystem308, the position sensor subsystem310, the location module312and the display316. The application platform314, may comprise an operating system platform332, application programming interfaces334, and an antenna alignment application336.

The processor302, the memory304, the communication subsystem306, the input/output (I/O) subsystem308, the position sensor subsystem310, the location module312and the display316are each substantially similar to the corresponding components that are illustrated and described with respect toFIG. 3A.

The operating system platform332may comprise suitable logic, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to control operation of the communication device300. The operating system platform332may be stored in a non-volatile portion of the memory304. The processor302and the memory304may be operable to facilitate execution of the code for the operating system platform332. For example, the operating system platform332may enable a user to interact with the communication device300and to run or execute applications, and configure settings for the communication device300. The OS platform332may be utilized as an environment to handle execution of the antenna alignment app336in the communication device250.

The application programming interfaces334may comprise suitable logic, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to allow applications running on the communication device300to interface with the hardware platform330via the operating system platform332. In this regard, the application programming interfaces334may enable the applications running on the communication device300to access the processor302, the memory304, the communication subsystem306, the input/output (I/O) subsystem308, the position sensor subsystem310, the location module312and/or the display316in order to control their operation and/or acquire information or data. For example, the application programming interfaces334may enable the antenna alignment application336to acquire position or orientation information for the communication device300from one or more sensors in the position sensor subsystem310. Similarly, the application programming interfaces334may enable the antenna alignment application336to acquire location information of the communication device300from the location module312. The location information of the communication device300and the location information of the satellite dish assembly200are assumed to be similar since the communication device300and the satellite dish assembly200are co-located.

The antenna alignment application336may comprise suitable logic, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to assist with alignment of the satellite dish assembly200to a satellite in the satellite television network112. The antenna alignment application336runs on the operating system platform332and utilizes the application programming interfaces334to interface with the operating system platform332and also with the components in the hardware platform330. In this regard, the antenna alignment application336is operable to communicate with one or more of the components in the hardware platform330to acquire information which may be utilized to determine a current position or orientation of the satellite dish assembly200and an identity and location of a satellite to which the satellite dish assembly200should be oriented. The antenna alignment application336may be operable to communicate with and/or acquire information from the position sensor subsystem310, the memory304, the communication subsystem306, which may be utilized to determine a current position or orientation of the satellite dish assembly200. The antenna alignment application336may be operable to communicate with the location module312in order to acquire GNSS location information which may be utilized to determine the location of the satellite dish assembly200. Based on the determined location of the satellite dish assembly200, the antenna alignment application336may be operable to determine the satellite in the satellite television network112to which the satellite dish assembly200should be aligned.

In some instances, the location module may be present or may not be able to acquire a location of the GNSS location information of the communication device300. In this regard, the antenna alignment application336may be operable to communicate with the communication subsystem306in order to acquire location information from one or more devices in the communication network114. For example, the antenna alignment application336may be operable to communicate with the communication subsystem306in order to acquire location information from a nearby cellular base station, an access point and/or router in the communication network114or from one or more other devices that may be in the vicinity of the communication device300. For example, the location information may be acquired from a device within the premises104.

In operation, the processor302may be operable to initiate execution of the antenna alignment application336based on input from a user of the communication device300. In some embodiments of the invention, execution of the antenna alignment application336may occur when the communication device300is coupled to the connector240on the platform230. The antenna alignment application336may be operable to determine the location of the communication device300based on information received from one or more of the components in the hardware platform330. The antenna alignment application336may utilize the determined location of the communication device300to determine the satellite in the satellite television network112to which the satellite dish assembly200should be aligned.

In some embodiments of the invention, the antenna alignment application336may present a user interface that enables a user of the communication device300to enter the address or location of the satellite dish assembly200. The user interface may be presented on the display316. Based on the address or location of the satellite dish assembly200, the antenna alignment application336may determine the identity and/or location of the satellite to which the satellite dish assembly200should be aligned. This determined location may be referred to as the calculated ideal position.

In some embodiments of the invention, the antenna alignment application336may be operable to display a list of satellites and corresponding satellite information or data on the user interface based on GNSS information received from the location module312and/or information received from, for example, the memory304and/or a server in the communication network114.

The antenna alignment application336may be operable to acquire information from, for example, one or more components in the position sensor subsystem310. The antenna alignment application336may utilize the information acquired from the one or more components in the position sensor subsystem310to determine the current position or orientation of the satellite dish assembly200.

The antenna alignment application336may be operable to determine the difference between the calculated ideal position and the current position or orientation of the satellite dish assembly. If there is no difference between the calculated ideal position and the current position or orientation of the satellite dish assembly, then the satellite dish is aligned with the satellite. If there is a difference between the calculated ideal position and the current position or orientation of the satellite dish assembly, then the satellite dish is not aligned with the satellite. In this regard, the antenna alignment application336may be operable to determine the position or orientation in which the satellite dish antenna should be placed in order to be aligned with the satellite. The antenna alignment application336may be operable to present on the user interface, alignment cues which may enable the user of the communication device300to align the satellite dish assembly200with the satellite. In various embodiments of the invention, the user interface may display one or more graphical alignment tools that are operable to visually assist the user of the communication device300with the alignment. In some embodiments of the invention the antenna alignment application336may be operable to present audio and/or vibration cues which may assist the user of the communication device300with the alignment. The audio cues may comprise spoken prompts, beeps, tones or other audio tools that may assist the user of the communication device300with the alignment. In instances when the antenna alignment application336determine the satellite dish assembly is aligned with the satellite, the antenna alignment application336may be operable to cause an visual, audio and/or vibration alert to notify the user of the alignment.

In instances when the communication device300may be coupled to the low noise block downconverter220via the connector240, the antenna alignment application336may be operable to acquire various receive satellite signal metrics and/or receive satellite signal data from the low noise block downconverter220. The antenna alignment application336may be operable to present some of the receive satellite signal metrics and/or receive satellite signal data on the display316via the user interface. The antenna alignment application336may be operable to utilize the receive satellite signal metrics and/or receive satellite signal data to determine when the satellite dish assembly is aligned with the satellite. For example, the antenna alignment application336may utilize the receive signal strength indicator (RSSI), signal to noise ratio (SNR) and/or other signal metrics to determine when the satellite dish assembly200is aligned.

FIG. 3Cis a diagram that illustrates an exemplary module in the position sensor subsystem, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 3C, there is shown a position sensor subsystem350. The position sensor subsystem350comprises a compass352, an accelerometer354, a gyroscope356and an altimeter358.

The compass352may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to determine direction. The data from the compass352may be utilized by the antenna alignment app336to determine the current position and/or orientation of the satellite dish assembly200

The accelerometer354may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to determine motion and direction of the communication device300. The data from the accelerometer354may be utilized by the antenna alignment app336to determine the current position and/or orientation of the satellite dish assembly200.

The gyroscope356may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to determine and measure orientation of the communication device300. The data from the gyroscope356may be utilized by the antenna alignment app336to determine the current position and/or orientation of the satellite dish assembly200.

The altimeter358may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to determine altitude or height of the communication device300. The data from the altimeter358may be utilized by the antenna alignment app336to determine the current position and/or orientation of the satellite dish assembly200.

In operation, modules in the position sensor subsystem350may be operable to determine orientation, position, level and/or direction of the communication device300. In this regard, the antenna alignment app336may be operable to acquire position or orientation information related to position, altitude and/or direction of the communication device300from the compass352, the accelerometer354, the gyroscope356and/or the altimeter358. The antenna alignment app336may be operable to utilize the position or orientation information for the communication device300to determine a current alignment of the satellite dish assembly200. The antenna alignment app336may provide alignment cues to a user of the communication device300, when aligning the satellite dish assembly200, based on the current alignment of the satellite dish assembly and other information determined by the antenna alignment app336.

FIG. 4Ais a diagram that illustrates an exemplary user interface that may be displayed on a communication device by an antenna alignment app during antenna alignment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 4A, there is shown a communication device400. The communication device400may comprise a display410. The display410may present an installation application graphical user interface (GUI)420. The installation application graphical user interface (GUI)420may comprise a satellite information pane430.

The communication device400may be operable to run an antenna alignment application336that may be operable to assist a user of the communication device400with alignment of the satellite dish assembly200. The antenna alignment application336may be operable to present an installation application graphical user interface420on the display410.

The installation application graphical user interface420may comprise a satellite information pane430, which may be used to display information associated with one or more satellites in the satellite television network112. The information associated with the one or more satellites may be acquired from one or more of the components in the hardware platform330, and/or from the communication network114, for example, a server or other device in the communication network114. The satellite information pane430may comprise a ‘listing of satellites’ section440, which may comprise a plurality of satellite identifier fields4421-442N, which lists N different identifiers corresponding to N identified satellites, where N is an integer. Each satellite identifier field442imay also allow the user to select the corresponding satellite to which the satellite dish assembly200should be aimed or aligned. Each satellite identifier field442iwhich may be presented in the installation application graphical user interface420, may comprise clickable sub-field, which may be checked for selecting (and un-checked for deselecting) a corresponding satellite. A user of the communication device400may click a button on the satellite information pane430to select/de-select the corresponding satellite.

The satellite information pane430may also comprise a satellite details section450. The satellite details section450may comprise detailed information for a particular satellite, which may correspond to one of the satellite identifier fields4421-442N. For example, the satellite details section450may comprise satellite identification information such as satellite name, satellite operator, and/or coordinate information such as orbit and/or position in space. The satellite details section450may also comprise content related information such as broadcast sources and/or channels included in the signals, restrictions such as whether content is paid or free, and so on. The satellite details section450may be displayed for each satellite when the user accesses the corresponding satellite identifier field, or taps the display above the satellite identifier field. In some instances, each satellite identifier field442imay incorporate a sub-field (not shown) for expressly requesting detailed information for a corresponding satellite, with the displaying of the satellite details section450being displayed as result of selection of that sub-field.

FIG. 4Bis a diagram that illustrates an exemplary user interface that may be displayed on a communication device by an antenna alignment app during antenna alignment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 4B, there is shown a communication device400. The communication device400may comprise a display410. The display410may present an installation application graphical user interface (GUI)420. The installation application graphical user interface (GUI)420may comprise a satellite alignment pane460.

The installation application graphical user interface (GUI)420may present the satellite alignment pane460on the display410. The satellite alignment pane460may comprise a visual cue to assist a user of the communication device with alignment of the satellite dish assembly200with a desired or selected satellite. The satellite alignment pane460may present a visual cue comprising a level462with a bubble464to guide a user of the communication device400when aligning the satellite dish assembly200with a desired or selected satellite. In instances when the bubble464is located in the middle of the cross of the level462, the satellite dish assembly200is aligned with the satellite. In instances when the bubble464is not located in the middle or intersection of the cross of the level462, the satellite dish assembly200is not aligned with the satellite.

Although a level with a circular bubble is illustrated, the invention in not limited in this regard. Accordingly, other mechanisms such as a plurality of LEDs, or a plurality of bars may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 4Cis a diagram that illustrates an exemplary user interface that may be displayed on a communication device by an antenna alignment app during antenna alignment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 4C, there is shown a communication device400. The communication device400may comprise a display410. The display410may present an installation application graphical user interface (GUI)420. The installation application graphical user interface (GUI)420may comprise a satellite alignment pane480.

The installation application graphical user interface (GUI)420may comprise a satellite alignment pane480, which may comprise a visual and/or graphical interface for assisting a user of the communication device400with alignment of an antenna such as the satellite dish assembly200to a satellite in the satellite network112. The satellite alignment pane480may be operable to display a current alignment indicator486, which may indicate the current alignment of the satellite dish assembly200relative to a desired alignment position, which may also be referred to as a calculated ideal position. The calculated ideal alignment may be represented in the satellite alignment pane480using alignment axes482, which may comprise two axes (e.g., x and y), such that the intersect point (origin)484may correspond to the calculated ideal position. The satellite alignment pane480may be operable to provide to the user of the communication device400with a dynamic or real-time graphical indication of where the current alignment may be relative to the desired or calculated ideal position.

When the satellite dish assembly200is initially installed, its initial alignment may correspond to the position490, defined by the alignment axes482, within the satellite alignment pane480. The user of the communication device400may move the satellite dish until the current alignment indicator486overlays the intersect point484.

It should be recognized that the invention is not limited to sensors being located within the communication device400. Accordingly, in various embodiments of the invention, one or more positions and/or orientation sensors may be integrated within an antenna or antenna system. For example, one or more of the components in the position sensor subsystem310may be integrated in the antenna or antenna system. Accordingly, the sensors may be operable to communicate position and/or orientation information to the antenna alignment app336in the communication device400. The antenna alignment app336may be operable to provide a user of the communication device400with cues for aligning the antenna or antenna system based on information received at least from one or more sensors integrated in the antenna or antenna system. In this regard, the antenna alignment app336may be utilized to align, for example, terrestrial broadcast and microwave/millimeter wave point-to-point antennas. The antenna alignment app336may also be utilized to align array antennas such as phased array antennas.

FIG. 5is a flow chart that illustrates exemplary steps for utilizing an app running on a communication device to assist with alignment of an antenna, in accordance with an implementation of the invention. Referring toFIG. 5, there is shown exemplary steps504through514. In step502, a communication device is placed on a platform of an antenna and an antenna alignment app is initiated. In step504, the antenna alignment app determines an identity and location of a transmitter to which the antenna should be aligned based on information from user input, memory, the antenna, other communication devices and/or GNSS data. In step506, the antenna alignment app calculates an ideal position and/or orientation for antenna based on the determined location of the transmitter. In step508, the antenna alignment app acquires information from one or more sensors in the communication device and/or within the antenna and/or a receiver that receives (eg. satellite dish LNB) signals from the transmitter. In step510, the antenna alignment app determines a current position and/or orientation of antenna based on the acquired information from the sensors. In step512, the antenna alignment app updates a user interface on display of the communication device and/or provides other cues such as audio indicating how to align the antenna. In step514, a determination is made as to whether the antenna is aligned with the transmitter. If in step514, it is determined that the antenna is aligned with the transmitter, then the exemplary steps end. If in step514, it is determined that the antenna is not aligned with the transmitter, then the exemplary steps proceed to step508, where the antenna alignment app acquires information from one or more sensors in the communication device and/or within the antenna. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the antenna may comprise the satellite dish assembly200, the antennas180,260, and the transmitter may comprise the satellite112ain the satellite television network112.

FIG. 6is a flow chart that illustrates exemplary steps for utilizing an app running on a communication device to assist with alignment of an antenna, in accordance with an implementation of the invention. Referring toFIG. 6, there is shown exemplary steps604through614. In step602, a communication device is placed on a platform of an antenna, connected to receiver circuitry on the antenna and an antenna alignment app is initiated on the communication device. In step604, the antenna alignment app determines an identity and location of a transmitter to which the antenna should be aligned based on information from user input, memory, the antenna, other communication devices and/or GNSS data. In step606, the antenna alignment app calculates an ideal position and/or orientation for antenna based on signal metrics received from a receiver that receives signals from the transmitter and/or the determined location of the transmitter. In step608, the antenna alignment app acquires information from one or more sensors in the communication device and/or within the antenna and/or updated signal metrics from the receiver that receives signals from the transmitter. In step610, the antenna alignment app determines a current position and/or orientation of the antenna based on the acquired information from the sensors and/or the updated signal metrics. In step612, the antenna alignment app updates a user interface on display of the communication device and/or provides other cues such as audio indicating how to align the antenna based on the determined current position and/or orientation of the antenna. In step614, a determination is made as to whether the antenna is aligned with the transmitter. If in step614, it is determined that the antenna is aligned with the transmitter, then the exemplary steps end. If in step614, it is determined that the antenna is not aligned with the transmitter, then the exemplary steps proceed to step608, where the antenna alignment app acquires information from one or more sensors in the communication device and/or within the antenna. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the antenna may comprise the satellite dish assembly200, the antennas180,260, the transmitter may comprise the satellite112ain the satellite television network112and the receiver circuitry may comprise the low noise block downconverter (LNB)108.

FIG. 7is a flow chart that illustrates exemplary steps for utilizing an app running on a communication device without sensors to assist with alignment of an antenna, in accordance with an implementation of the invention. Referring toFIG. 7, there is shown exemplary steps704through716. In step702, a communication device is placed on a platform of an antenna, connected to receiver circuitry on the antenna via a connector or a cable and an antenna alignment app is initiated on the communication device. In step704, the antenna alignment app determines an identity and location of a transmitter to which the antenna should be aligned based on information from user input, memory, the antenna, other communication devices and/or GNSS data. In step706, the antenna alignment app calculates an ideal position and/or orientation for antenna based on signal metrics received from a receiver that receives signals from the transmitter. In step708, the antenna alignment app acquires information from one or more sensors within the antenna. In step710, the antenna alignment app determines a current position and/or orientation of the antenna based on the acquired information from the sensors. In step712, the antenna alignment app updates a user interface on display of the communication device and/or provides other cues such as audio indicating how to align the antenna based on the determined current position and/or orientation of the antenna. In step714, a determination is made as to whether the antenna is aligned with the transmitter. If in step714, it is determined that the antenna is aligned with the transmitter, then the exemplary steps end. If in step714, it is determined that the antenna is not aligned with the transmitter, then the exemplary steps proceed to step716. In step716, antenna alignment app acquires updated signal metrics from the receiver. Step708is executed after step716. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the antenna may comprise the satellite dish assembly200, the antennas180,260, the transmitter may comprise the satellite112ain the satellite television network112and the receiver circuitry may comprise the low noise block downconverter (LNB)108.

In various embodiments of the invention, an app, such as the antenna alignment app336, running on a communication device300may be operable to determine a current position of an antenna such as the satellite dish assembly200, which is to be aligned with a transmitter such as a satellite110b. The antenna alignment app336determines a direction in which the antenna should be oriented so that the antenna is aligned with the transmitter when the communication device is placed by the antenna. The antenna alignment app336may generate, based on the determined direction, one or more cues to enable alignment of the antenna so that the current position or a newly determined current position of the antenna is aligned with the determined position of the transmitter. The cues may include audible, visual and/or vibration cues. The antenna alignment app336may acquire information from one or more sensors, which are located within the communication device300and/or integrated within the antenna. The acquired information may be utilized to determine the current position and/or a newly determined current position of the antenna. The sensors may include a gyroscope356, an accelerometer354, a compass352and/or an altimeter358. The antenna alignment app336may be operable to present, on the communication device300, a user interface that is operable to receive input from a user of the communication device300. The user input may be utilized to determine a location of said transmitter. The interface may comprise a graphical user interface that is operable to display one or more graphical tools that shows the current position, the determined current position and/or an ideal position for the antenna when the antenna is aligned with the transmitter. The antenna alignment app336may be operable to determine when the antenna is aligned with the determined position of the transmitter based on one or more signal metrics received from a receiver that receives signals transmitted by the transmitter.

Other embodiments of the invention may provide a computer readable device and/or a non-transitory computer readable medium, and/or a machine readable device and/or a non-transitory machine readable medium, having stored thereon, a machine code and/or a computer program having at least one code section executable by a machine and/or a computer, thereby causing the machine and/or computer to perform the steps as described herein for mobile application (app) that assists with aiming or aligning a satellite dish or antenna.