JP2003514409A - Method and apparatus for optimally directing a satellite dish - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimally orienting a satellite dish to receive signals from one or more satellites in a satellite television system. A satellite television system includes a satellite dish, a plurality of low noise block converters (LNBs), a receiver and a television device. The device generates an on-screen display having a signal strength display for one or more satellites. In operation, a user runs dish tuning software on a satellite receiver, which displays a graphic interface on a television screen. The interface has multiple radio buttons, one per satellite. Further, in another embodiment of the present invention, a third radio button is provided to facilitate the fine adjustment process.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to satellite television systems. The invention particularly relates to a method and apparatus for optimally orienting a satellite dish to receive each signal from multiple satellites.

(Description of Background Art) A satellite television receiver system includes a satellite dish (antenna dish) and a low noise block converter (Low Noise Block conve).
rter: LNB), a receiver and a television device. The satellite dish and LNB are located away from the receiver, for example the satellite dish and LNB are located on the rooftop and the receiver is located indoors. To orient the dish to point to the proper satellite (orient the dish), the receiver produces some on-screen display. This on-screen display shows the received signal strength and produces a tone whose pitch changes according to the magnitude of the signal strength so that one person can position and orient the dish. . Thus, the user orients the dish and physically moves the dish until a high pitch tone is heard. The user then looks at the relative signal strength indications, for example looking at a number between 0 and 100, to identify the magnitude of the received signal. Thus, the dish is properly positioned and oriented with respect to the satellite.

One drawback of first generation satellite television receiver systems was that the satellite dish received signals from a single satellite. Recent advances in satellite television systems allow multiple L's to simultaneously receive each signal from multiple satellites.
An elliptical dish antenna with NB is used. However, orienting the dish to receive each signal from multiple satellites is rather complicated. To date, no method has been developed for the consumer to properly orient the elliptical satellite dish to receive each signal from multiple satellites.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a method and apparatus for properly orienting a satellite dish to receive each signal from multiple satellites.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The drawbacks associated with the prior art are overcome by a method and apparatus for properly orienting a satellite dish in a satellite television system to receive each signal from one or more satellites. . This satellite television system consists of a satellite dish, low noise block converters (Low Noise Block co).
LNB), a receiver and a television device. The device produces an on-screen display having signal strength displays for one or more satellites. In operation, a user runs dish-orientation software on a satellite receiver that displays an interactive display of graphics on the screen of a television device. The display includes a plurality of radio buttons, one for each satellite. Moreover, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, a third radio button is provided which facilitates the "fine tuning" process.

When the satellite radio button is selected, a first signal strength indication (eg 0 to 1)
A bar graph with a range of 00) displays the relative signal strength of the first satellite. Elevation (elevation, altitude, height) and tilt (tilt,
The tilt, tilt) is adjusted to increase the signal strength. The signal strength is
Forward Error Correction (FEC)
) Once you reach a level that allows you to lock a process
The text "Signal is locked" is displayed on the display device. The user then selects the second radio button for the second satellite and then the second radio button. Readjust the elevation and tilt of the dish until the signal strength indicator associated with the button reaches the level that causes the text "Signal is locked" to appear.The first radio button is then selected and the satellite signal is selected. It is guaranteed that the strength is still locked.
If the signal is not locked, the user must reset the locked state by adjusting the dish. Once both signals are locked, the receiver receives and decodes satellite signals from both satellites.

In an alternative embodiment, another radio button is added to facilitate fine tuning of the satellite signal strength to balance the two signals, ie to equalize the strength of each of the satellite signals. It In the fine tuning mode, the receiver automatically alternates (switches) the selection between both satellites. As such, the receiver periodically switches between both satellites (eg, every 4 seconds). The user "tweaks" the elevation and tilt in each period to achieve maximum signal strength for each satellite.

Further, to help the user adjust the dish, each signal strength indication is accompanied by a tone whose pitch / frequency increases as the signal strength increases.

[0009]   The contents of the present invention can be easily understood from the following detailed description together with the drawings.

For ease of understanding, wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used to indicate the same elements that are common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a satellite television system 100. System 10
0 includes a plurality of satellites 102A and 102B, a satellite dish 104, a plurality of low noise block converters 106A and 106B, a receiver 108 and a television device 110. To orient the satellite dish 104, the receiver 108 detects the signal strength received by the dish 108 and displays the signal strength in the graphic display 120 of the television device 110. By adjusting the azimuth and elevation of the dish, while monitoring the display device 120, the user optimally orients the dish 104 to receive respective signals from multiple satellites. Can be attached.

The receiver 108 comprises systems and subsystems for receiving and displaying programs from those satellites. However, those parts of the receiver are not critical to the invention and they are not shown in FIG.
Each component of the receiver that realizes the present invention includes a signal detector 124, a central processing unit (C
PU) 112, memory 114, I / O circuit 116, support circuit 118
And a display generator 122. Signal detector 124 (eg, tuner)
Is the signal-to-noise ratio (Signal-to-No) of the signal received from each of the satellites.
is Ratio (SNR) and produces a digital value representing the SNR of the signal received by the dish 104. SNR is assumed to be proportional to the signal power received by the dish. The detected signal strength is coupled to CPU 112 to facilitate display generation.

The CPU 112 is supported by the memory 114, the I / O circuit 116, and the support circuit 118. The memory 114 may be any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), removable storage, and mass storage. Memory 114 stores software routines executed by CPU 112 to generate the on-screen display used to facilitate satellite dish orientation. The I / O circuit 116 provides a well-known interface for a user to enter information into the receiver 108 via a remote control. The support circuit 118 comprises well-known circuits such as, for example, a cache, a clock circuit, a power supply and the like. The receiver 108 also includes a display generator 122 that produces graphics for on-screen display to help the user orient the satellite dish 104.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary on-screen display 120 (in FIG. 1) used to help a user direct a satellite dish in a two satellite system. The display 120 includes an operation selection area 208, a first satellite information area 200, a second satellite information area 202, a fine adjustment (tuning) information area 204, and a satellite position information area 206.

The action selection area 208 includes a sequence of selectable buttons (a series of buttons) that facilitates entering information into a receiver. Button selection is accomplished via controls such as infrared remote controls, front panel buttons, wireless keyboards, mice and the like. Button 210 launches an input screen requesting the user to select the type of satellite dish in use, i.e. the dish is a multi-satellite dish or a single satellite dish. If the user selects a dish that can receive signals from only a single satellite, the prior art tuning display for the single satellite is displayed to the user. Multiple satellite selection enables display 120.

To identify the approximate position of the satellite in the sky, the user must enter his position. The location can be entered by entering the user's zip code (zip code), city (city name), or longitude and latitude. This information is entered by selecting one of buttons 212, 214, and 216 and entering the requested information.

Once all the information has been entered, the user selects the signal meter (measurer) button 218 to return to the display 120. The receiver uses the user's position information to look up in the table the approximate position of the centerline between the two satellites in the sky with respect to the user's position. The position information of the center line is displayed in the satellite position information area 206. The user can use that information to initially orient the dish in the approximate direction of the satellite. To assist the user, the satellite dish has tilt (tilt to horizontal) and elevation scales located on the mounting bracket for the dish.

In order to achieve accurate dish orientation, the user must use satellite information area 200
Or select the satellite radio button 220 or 222 associated with 202. The satellite information area 200 or 202 is a signal strength meter, a current signal strength numerical value,
It comprises a peak (maximum) signal strength value, a transponder identification number, and signal lock indicator text. The operation of those parts of the display is described below with reference to FIG. Suffice it to say that signal locking is achieved with each region while adjusting the elevation and tilt of the satellite dish.

Once the signal lock is achieved, the user may optionally select the fine tuning radio button 224 to activate the fine tuning process. This fine adjustment processing is performed by automatically switching (switching) between the selection of each satellite. This alternation occurs, for example, every 4 seconds. While the information area of each satellite is active, the user can tweak the dish's heading to optimize the signal strength for the "active" satellites. By iteratively tweaking the dish's azimuth, the signal strength can be optimized for both satellites.

FIG. 3 illustrates a process 300 for optimally orienting a satellite dish in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. The process 300 begins at step 302 and proceeds to step 304. In step 304, the user selects the type of satellite dish being used, either a single satellite dish or a multiple satellite dish. If the dish is a single satellite dish, the process proceeds to the prior art single satellite dish directing process 306. If the dish is a multi-satellite dish, the process proceeds from step 304 to step 308. In step 308, the user is prompted to enter his or her location information, namely the zip code (
You will be prompted to enter the zip code), city or longitude / latitude. Step 3
At 10, the user selects the signal meter button. At step 312, the user selects a satellite radio button associated with one of the plurality of satellites. At step 314, the user adjusts the orientation of the dish to cause an increase in signal strength in the signal strength display. Adjustments continue until the satellite information area indicates that the signal is locked. To aid in adjusting the dish by one user, the receiver produces tones with a frequency or pitch that increases as the signal strength increases. In this way, the user can adjust the dish without looking directly at the display.

At step 316, process 300 queries whether the dish has been directed to all satellites so that all signals from the satellites are locked. If the dish needs to be adjusted for another satellite, the routine proceeds to step 312 where the user selects a radio button for another satellite and the dish is adjusted until lock is achieved.

Once all satellite signals have been locked, the user may proceed to steps 312, 31.
The process of 4 and 316 is used to continue adjusting the dish in an attempt to maximize the signal strength received from each satellite and then terminate the process along path 326. Basically (really), the user has a “best compromise” between the signals.
compromise) ". However, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, this" fine tune "process is performed automatically. To initiate the fine tune process, the user clicks the fine tune radio button in step 318. If so, the process 300 proceeds to step 320. The process periodically switches between each satellite information region in step 320 and the user adjusts the dish in step 322. This process involves multiple satellites. Switching is performed every 4 seconds, for example,
The user will need to optimize the signal strength received from all satellites until the user has
Adjust the dish to maximize the signal strength from one satellite in a certain 4 seconds, adjust the dish to maximize the signal strength of the next satellite in the next 4 seconds, and so on. Continue to. The process ends at step 324.

In summary, the present invention provides a satellite dish in a satellite television system that is capable of receiving respective signals from multiple satellites.
A method and apparatus for orienting a dish) is provided.

While various embodiments incorporating the teachings of the present invention have been shown and described in detail above, a person of ordinary skill in the art will be able to contemplate many other alternative embodiments incorporating the teachings. .

[Brief description of drawings]

[Figure 1]   FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a satellite television system.

2 shows an on-screen display used to optimally orient the satellite dish for the system of FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of a method for optimally orienting a satellite dish according to the present invention.

[Procedure for Amendment] Submission for translation of Article 34 Amendment of Patent Cooperation Treaty

[Submission date] September 13, 2001 (2001.9.13)

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of correction]

[Claims]

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (31) Priority claim number 09 / 475,445 (32) Priority date December 30, 1999 (December 30, 1999) (33) Priority claiming countries United States (US) (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ , CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, K E, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG , ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, C A, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM , DZ, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, K E, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS , LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, R U, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM , TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Randall, Darrell Wayne             United States Indea, Indiana             Ianapolis Chierry Hill Drive               7485 (72) Inventor Carteis, Jiyoung Jioseph III             Nove, Indiana, United States             Luzville Scarborough Circle 121 (72) Inventor Wetzel, Daniel Thomas             United States Indea, Indiana             Ianapolis Jiyoshiya Tree Pre             Chair 6312 (72) Inventor Chierry, Paul Charles             United States Indea, Indiana             Ianapolis Suffolk Lane 2125 (72) Inventor Mears, Mark Gilmore             Zaio, Indiana, United States             Nundsville Hyde Park Drive             6514 F-term (reference) 5J021 AA01 BA01 CA06 DA02 DA04                       DA05 DA07 EA04 FA13 FA14                       FA15 FA16 FA17 FA20 FA29                       FA30 GA02 HA05 HA07 JA01

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A method of directing a satellite dish to receive signals from a plurality of satellites, the method comprising: generating an on-screen display including a signal strength meter for each of the satellites; While selecting the satellites of the selected satellite, while monitoring the signal strength meter of the selected satellite, adjusting the elevation angle and tilt of the satellite dish, and monitoring the signal strength meter of the selected satellite. Adjusting the satellite dish by selecting another satellite. 2. Determining when the dish has been directed so that a receiver can achieve signal lock on signals from all satellites; and during further directing of the satellite dish, satellites The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of automatically switching between. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of automatically switching between satellites comprises switching periodically. 4. A device for directing a satellite dish to receive signals from a plurality of satellites, said means for generating an on-screen display including a signal strength meter for each of said satellites, identified from a menu of satellites. Means for selecting a satellite of the satellite, while monitoring the signal strength meter of the selected satellite, means for adjusting the elevation angle and tilt of the satellite dish, and while monitoring the signal strength meter of the selected satellite. Means for selecting another satellite to adjust the satellite dish. 5. Means for determining when a dish is directed so that a receiver can achieve signal lock on signals from all satellites, and satellites while further directing the satellite dish. The device of claim 4, further comprising switching means for automatically switching between. 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said switching means for automatically switching between satellites performs switching periodically. 7. An on-screen display device comprising a plurality of selectable satellite information areas, each area including a signal strength meter. 8. The area of each further comprises a signal lock indicator.
The on-screen display device described in 1. 9. The on-screen display device of claim 7, further comprising a selectable fine tuning area. 10. The on-screen display device according to claim 7, further comprising a satellite position information area displaying a centerline direction between available satellites. 11. The on-screen display device according to claim 7, further comprising an information input area.