CN112292876B

CN112292876B - Apparatus, method and computer program for facilitating tuning of an antenna

Info

Publication number: CN112292876B
Application number: CN201880094758.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 梁嵘
Original assignee: Nokia Shanghai Bell Co Ltd; Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Shanghai Bell Co Ltd; Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy
Priority date: 2018-04-20
Filing date: 2018-04-20
Publication date: 2023-11-07
Anticipated expiration: 2038-04-20
Also published as: CN112292876A; WO2019200615A1

Abstract

Examples of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus, method, and computer program for tuning an antenna. The apparatus may be configured to obtain information indicative of a location of at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is separate from the apparatus. The apparatus may also be configured to enable capture of an image and determine an alignment between the captured image and a location of at least one antenna. The apparatus may be further configured to provide an indication of alignment between the captured image and the location of the at least one antenna.

Description

Apparatus, method and computer program for facilitating tuning of an antenna

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses, methods and computer programs for facilitating tuning of antennas. Some embodiments relate to apparatus, methods and computer programs for tuning an antenna by controlling the position of the antenna.

Background

Antennas in base stations and other network devices need to be configured so that they provide good coverage for mobile devices within the network.

Disclosure of Invention

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: obtaining information indicative of a location of at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is separate from the apparatus; enabling the capture of an image; determining an alignment between the captured image and a location of at least one antenna; and providing an indication of alignment between the captured image and the location of the at least one antenna.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there may be provided an image capturing apparatus comprising an arrangement as described above.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there may be provided a method comprising: obtaining information indicative of a location of at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is separate from the apparatus; enabling the capture of an image; determining an alignment between the captured image and a location of at least one antenna; and providing an indication of alignment between the captured image and the location of the at least one antenna.

According to various, but not all, embodiments, there may be provided a computer program which, when run on a computer, performs: obtaining information indicative of a location of at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is separate from the apparatus; enabling the capture of an image; determining an alignment between the captured image and a location of at least one antenna; and providing an indication of alignment between the captured image and the location of the at least one antenna.

A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising a computer program as described above.

A computer product comprising a computer program as described above.

A machine readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: obtaining information indicative of a location of at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is separate from the apparatus; enabling the capture of an image; determining an alignment between the captured image and a location of at least one antenna; and providing an indication of alignment between the captured image and the location of the at least one antenna.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there may be provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: obtaining information indicative of a location of at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is separate from the apparatus; enabling the capture of an image; determining an alignment between the captured image and a location of at least one antenna; and providing an indication of alignment between the captured image and the location of the at least one antenna.

The following section of the "summary" section describes various features that may be characteristic of any of the embodiments described in the preceding section of the "summary". Additionally, the description of a function should be construed as disclosing any manner of performing the function as well.

An indication of alignment may be provided at the same time that the image is captured.

The location of the at least one antenna may be a current location of the at least one antenna.

The location of the at least one antenna may be a planned location of the at least one antenna.

The indication of alignment may enable an image to be captured at the same location as the at least one antenna.

The information indicating the location of the at least one antenna may include information indicating at least one of: the angular orientation of the at least one antenna, the downward tilt of the at least one antenna.

The indication of the alignment between the captured image and the location of the at least one antenna may comprise a graphical image configured to be displayed overlaying the captured image.

The captured image may include a panoramic image.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there may be provided an apparatus comprising means for: enabling display of an image captured by an imaging device, wherein the image is captured while the imaging device is positioned in a location corresponding to at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is separated from the imaging device and an overlay of the at least one antenna is determined within an area displayed in the image; and displaying an indication of coverage of the at least one antenna within the displayed image.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there may be provided an antenna control apparatus comprising an arrangement as described above.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there may be provided a method comprising: enabling display of an image captured by an imaging device, wherein the image is captured while the imaging device is positioned in a location corresponding to at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is separate from the imaging device; determining coverage of at least one antenna within an area displayed in the image; and displaying an indication of coverage of the at least one antenna within the displayed image.

According to various, but not all, embodiments, there may be provided a computer program which, when run on a computer, performs: enabling display of an image captured by an imaging device, wherein the image is captured while the imaging device is positioned in a location corresponding to at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is separate from the imaging device; determining coverage of at least one antenna within an area displayed in the image; and displaying an indication of coverage of the at least one antenna within the displayed image.

A computer product comprising a computer program as described above.

A machine readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: enabling display of an image captured by an imaging device, wherein the image is captured while the imaging device is positioned in a location corresponding to at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is separate from the imaging device; determining coverage of at least one antenna within an area displayed in the image; and displaying an indication of coverage of the at least one antenna within the displayed image.

An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: enabling display of an image captured by an imaging device, wherein the image is captured while the imaging device is positioned in a location corresponding to at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is separate from the imaging device; determining coverage of at least one antenna within an area displayed in the image; and displaying an indication of coverage of the at least one antenna within the displayed image.

The indication of coverage of the at least one antenna may enable tuning of the at least one antenna.

The coverage of the at least one antenna may include information indicating a gain of the at least one antenna.

The component may be configured to obtain distance information and provide the distance information within the displayed image.

The distance information may be obtained from a positioning application.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments, examples are provided as claimed in the appended claims.

Drawings

Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of an apparatus;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of an imaging device;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a method;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of an image;

fig. 5 shows an example embodiment of an antenna control device;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of a method;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of an image;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example embodiment of an image; and

fig. 9 shows an example embodiment of an image.

Detailed Description

The figures illustrate an apparatus 101, method and computer program 109 for tuning an antenna 217. In some examples, the apparatus 101 may be configured to obtain information indicative of the location of the antenna 217. Antenna 217 may be separate from device 101. For example, the antenna 217 may be provided in a base station or other network device, and the apparatus 101 may be part of the imaging device 201 or mobile device. The apparatus 101 may be configured to enable capturing of an image and to determine an alignment between the captured image and the position of the antenna 217. The apparatus 101 may also be configured to provide an indication of alignment between the captured image and the position of the antenna 217. Once the images have been stored, they may be used by the antenna control device 501 to enable tuning of the antenna 217.

Thus, examples of the present disclosure enable images to be stored where the images correspond to areas in which antennas 217 are oriented or are planned to be oriented. Thus, this information within the stored image may be used to facilitate tuning of the antenna 217. For example, it may be used to determine the angular orientation of the antenna 217 and/or the downward tilt of the antenna 217 that will provide good network coverage and/or the orientation and downward tilt of the antenna 217 that will provide poor network coverage. In some examples, the antenna 217 may be a beam forming antenna array and tuning may include controlling the direction and shape of the beam formed by the antenna 217. In some examples, this information may be used to control the gain of the antenna 217 or to make any other suitable modifications and/or adjustments to the antenna 217.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an apparatus 101 according to an example of the present disclosure. The apparatus 101 may be provided within the image capturing device 201 as shown in fig. 2, or within the antenna control device 501 as shown in fig. 5, or within any other suitable device. In the example of fig. 1, the apparatus 101 includes a controller 103. In the example of fig. 1, the implementation of controller 103 may be as controller circuitry. In some examples, the controller 103 may be implemented in hardware only, have certain aspects in software only (including firmware), or may be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

As shown in fig. 1, the controller 103 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functions, for example, by using executable instructions of a computer program 109 in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 105, which executable instructions of the computer program 109 may be stored in a computer readable storage medium (disk, memory, etc.) for execution by such processor 105.

The processor 105 is configured to read from the memory 107 and write to the memory 107. The processor 105 may further include: an output interface via which the processor 105 outputs data and/or commands, and an input interface via which data and/or commands are input to the processor 105.

The memory 107 is configured to store a computer program 109, the computer program 109 comprising computer program instructions (computer program code 111), the computer program 109 controlling the operation of the apparatus 101 when loaded into the processor 105. The computer program instructions of the computer program 109 provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus 101 to perform the methods illustrated in fig. 3 and 6. The processor 105 is capable of loading and executing the computer program 109 by reading the memory 107.

As shown in fig. 1, the computer program 109 may arrive at the apparatus 101 via any suitable delivery mechanism 113. The delivery mechanism 113 may be, for example, a machine-readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a recording medium such as a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) or a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) or solid state memory, an article of manufacture that includes or tangibly embodies the computer program 109. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program 109. The apparatus 101 may propagate or transmit the computer program 109 as a computer data signal. In some examples, the computer program 109 may be transmitted to the device 101 using a wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth, bluetooth low power consumption, bluetooth intelligence, 6LoWPan (IPv 6 over low power personal area network) ZigBee, ant+, near Field Communication (NFC), radio frequency identification, wireless local area network (wireless LAN), or any other suitable protocol.

The computer program 109 comprises computer program instructions for causing the apparatus 101 to perform a method such as the method shown in fig. 3 and 6.

The computer program instructions may be included in a computer program 109, a non-transitory computer readable medium, a computer program product, a machine readable medium. In some, but not all examples, the computer program instructions may be distributed over more than one computer program 109.

Although memory 107 is shown as a single component/circuitry, it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry, some or all of which may be integrated/removable and/or may provide permanent/semi-permanent/dynamic/cached storage.

Although processor 105 is shown as a single component/circuitry, it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry, some or all of which may be integrated/removable. Processor 105 may be a single-core or multi-core processor.

References to "computer-readable storage medium", "computer program product", "tangibly embodied computer program", etc., or "controller", "computer", "processor", etc., should be understood to include not only computers having different architectures such as single/multiprocessor architectures and sequential (von neumann)/parallel architectures, but also special-purpose circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices, and other processing circuitry. References to computer programs, instructions, code etc. should be understood to include software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device (whether instructions for a processor or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device etc.).

As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

(a) Pure hardware circuitry implementations (such as implementations in analog and/or digital circuitry only), and

(b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (as applicable):

(i) Combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) and software/firmware, and

(ii) Any portion of hardware processor(s), software, and memory(s) having software (including digital signal processor (s)) that work together to cause a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and

(c) Software (e.g., firmware) is required to operate (hardware circuit(s) and/or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or a portion of microprocessor(s), but may not be present when the software is not required for operation.

This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this disclosure, the term circuitry also encompasses implementations of only hardware circuitry or a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry also encompasses (e.g., and if applicable to the particular claim element) a baseband integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an imaging device 201 according to an example of the present disclosure. The imaging device 201 may be a camera, a mobile phone or any other suitable type of imaging device 201.

The imaging device 201 includes one or more image capture modules 203, one or more positioning modules 205, one or more output devices 207, and the apparatus 101. The imaging device 201 may also include one or more transceivers 209. It should be understood that only the components of the imaging device 201 mentioned in the present specification are shown in fig. 2, and in an implementation of the present disclosure, the imaging device 201 may include components not shown in fig. 2. For example, the imaging device 201 may include a power supply, a user input device, and other suitable components.

The image capture module 203 comprises any component that may be arranged to capture an image. The image capture module 203 may include one or more imaging sensors and any other suitable components that enable images to be captured.

The image capture module 203 may be configured to capture still images and/or video images. In some examples, the image capture module 203 may be configured to capture panoramic images. The panoramic image may include an image covering an angular range that is greater than the angular range of the viewfinder of the image capture module 203. In some examples, the panoramic image may cover an angular range of 180 ° or substantially 180 °. In some examples, the panoramic image may cover an angular range of 360 ° or substantially 360 °. The panoramic image may extend along azimuth and/or elevation and/or along any other suitable angle.

In the example of fig. 2, the image capture module 203 is coupled to the device 101 such that images captured by the image capture module 203 may be stored in the memory 107 of the device 101. The image capture module 203 may also be configured to receive information from the apparatus 101. The information may be positioning information that may be used to facilitate image capture. The positioning information may be information 213 about the position of the imaging device 201 and/or information 215 about the position of the separate antenna 217.

In the example of fig. 2, one image capture module 203 is shown within the imaging device 201. However, it should be appreciated that in other examples, any number of image capture modules 203 may be used. For example, in the case where the imaging device 201 is a mobile phone, the mobile phone may include a front image capturing module 203 and a back image capturing module 203.

The positioning module 205 may include any component that enables determination of information 213 indicative of the position of the imaging device 201. The positioning module 205 may include any one or more of the following: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, or any other suitable device. In some examples, the positioning module 205 may enable communication with a global positioning network, such as a GPS (global positioning system), or any other suitable network.

The positioning module 205 may enable information 213 indicative of the position of the imaging device 201 to be determined while the image capture module 203 captures images. This may enable information 213 indicating the position of the imaging device 201 at the time of capturing an image to be recorded and stored in the memory 107.

The output device 207 may include any component that may be configured to provide a user-perceivable output.

In some examples, the output device 207 may include a display that may be configured to display images captured by the image capture module 203. In some examples, the display may also be configured to display information 213 indicative of the location of the imaging device 201. The information 213 indicating the position of the imaging device 201 may be displayed simultaneously with the image being captured by the image capturing module 203. In some examples, the display may also be configured to display information 215 indicating the location of the antenna 217. Information 215 indicating the location of the antenna 217 may be displayed simultaneously with the image being captured by the image capture module 203 and information 213 indicating the location of the imaging device 201.

In some examples, the output device 207 may include an audio output device, such as a speaker. The audio output device may enable provision of an audio output comprising information indicative of the position of the imaging device 201. For example, a first audible output may be provided if the image capture module 203 is oriented in an angular position aligned with the antenna 217, and a second, different audio output may be provided if the image capture module 203 is oriented in an angular position not aligned with the antenna 217.

The apparatus 101 within the imaging device 201 may be the apparatus 101 as shown in fig. 1. Corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding features.

In the example of fig. 2, the memory 107 of the apparatus 101 is configured to store images that have been captured by the image capture module 203. The stored image 211 may be transferred from the imaging device 207 to another device to enable tuning of the antenna 217.

In the example of fig. 2, the memory 107 of the apparatus 101 is further configured to store positioning information 215 related to the antenna 217. As shown in fig. 2, the antenna 217 is separated from the imaging device 201. The antenna positioning information 215 may include information indicating the location of one antenna 217 or a plurality of separate antennas 217. In some examples, antenna positioning information 215 may include information indicative of an angular orientation of antenna 217 and/or information indicative of a downward tilt of antenna 217. In some examples, antenna positioning information 215 may include information indicative of a height of antennas 217, a lateral and/or longitudinal position of at least one antenna 217, or any other suitable information.

Antenna positioning information 215 may be obtained by memory 107 via any suitable means. The antenna positioning information 215 may be obtained via a communication network comprising at least one antenna 217 or using any other suitable means. Antenna positioning information 215 may be obtained by memory 107 prior to image capture by image capture module 203 so that antenna positioning information 215 may be used while the image is captured.

The memory 107 of the apparatus 101 is further configured to store positioning information 213 related to the imaging device 201. The device location information 213 may include information indicating the location of the image capture module 203. In some examples, device positioning information 213 may include information indicative of an angular orientation of imaging device 201 and/or a downward tilt of imaging device 201. In some examples, the device positioning information 213 may include information indicative of a height of the imaging device 201, a lateral and/or longitudinal position of the imaging device 201, or any other suitable information.

The device location information 213 may be obtained from the location module 205 or any other suitable component. The device location information 213 may be obtained by the memory 107 while the image capture module 203 is capturing an image.

The at least one transceiver 209 may include any suitable components for receiving and/or transmitting information. The transmitted information may include antenna location information 217, device location information 215, stored images 211, or any other suitable information. The at least one transceiver 209 may include one or more transmitters and/or receivers. The at least one transceiver 209 may enable a wireless connection between the imaging device 201 and another entity. The wireless connection may be a wireless connection such as a cellular connection, a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, or any other suitable type of connection.

In the example of fig. 2, an antenna 217 is also shown. The antenna 217 is separate from the imaging device 201 such that the antenna 217 is part of a different device. The antenna 217 is not part of the imaging device 201. The antenna 217 may be part of a communications network. For example, the antenna 217 may be included within a base station or any other suitable network device.

In some examples, the antenna 217 may be in place when the imaging device 201 is in use. In such an example, the antenna positioning information 215 used by the imaging device 205 may include the current location of the antenna 217. In other examples, the antenna 217 may not be in place. For example, the base station may not have been constructed and/or the antenna 217 within the base station may not have been positioned to its intended location. In such an example, antenna positioning information 215 may include information regarding the planned location of antenna 217.

In the example of fig. 2, a single antenna 217 is shown. In other examples, apparatus 101 may obtain antenna positioning information 215 for a plurality of different antennas 217. The different antennas 217 may be part of the same network device or may be part of different network devices.

Fig. 3 shows an example embodiment of a method. The method may be implemented using the apparatus 101 or any other suitable device or devices within the image capturing device 201 as shown in fig. 2.

The method comprises the following steps: at block 301, information 215 is obtained indicating the location of an antenna 217. Antenna positioning information 215 may be obtained by device 101. Antenna 217 is separate from device 101. At least one antenna 217 is separate from the imaging device 201 including the apparatus 101 such that the antenna 217 is not provided within the imaging device 201.

In some examples, antenna 217 may comprise a portion of a communication system. For example, the antenna 217 may be provided within a base station or other network device. In some examples, the antenna 217 may be a directional antenna such that the gain of the antenna is higher in at least one direction than in other directions.

In the example of fig. 3, the obtained antenna positioning information 215 relates to a single antenna 217. In other examples, the obtained antenna positioning information 215 may relate to a plurality of antennas 217. In some examples, multiple antennas 217 may be provided within a single network device. In other examples, multiple antennas may be provided within different network devices.

The obtained antenna positioning information 215 may include information indicative of an angular orientation of the at least one antenna 217. The angular orientation of the antenna 217 may include an azimuth of the antenna 217. In some examples, the antenna positioning information may include information indicating a downward tilt of the antenna 217. The downward tilt may be the elevation angle of the antenna 217. In some examples, the antenna positioning information 215 may include information indicative of a height of the at least one antenna 217, a lateral and/or longitudinal position of the at least one antenna 217, or any other suitable information.

The antenna positioning information 215 may relate to a current location of the antenna 217 and/or a planned location of the antenna 217.

The antenna positioning information 215 may be obtained by any suitable means. For example, antenna positioning information 215 may be received by apparatus 101 via a wireless communication link, or may be manually entered into imaging device 201, or may be received by any other method.

Once the antenna positioning information 215 has been obtained, it may be stored in the memory 107. The antenna positioning information 215 may be stored in memory so that it may be acquired and used while the image capture module 203 is capturing an image.

At block 303, the method includes enabling capture of an image. The device 101 may enable the capture of images by sending control signals to the image capture module 203 to cause one or more images to be captured. The control signal may be sent in response to a user input or any other suitable trigger.

The image captured by the image capture module 203 may be a still image, a video image, a panoramic image, or any other type of image.

The representation of the image may be displayed on a display or other suitable output device while the image is being captured. In some examples, antenna positioning information 215 and/or device positioning information 213 may also be displayed on a display. Antenna positioning information 215 and/or device positioning information 213 may be displayed simultaneously with the image being captured.

Once the image has been captured, it may be stored in memory 107 as stored image 211.

At block 305, the method includes determining an alignment between the captured image and the location of the antenna 217. In some examples, antenna positioning information 215 may be compared to device positioning information 213 to determine an alignment between the captured image and the location of antenna 217.

The location module 205 may be used to determine device location information 213 while an image is captured. The obtained device positioning information 213 may include information indicating the angular orientation of the imaging device 201. The obtained device positioning information 213 may include information indicating a downward inclination of the imaging device 201. In some examples, the device positioning information 213 may include information indicative of a height of the imaging device 201, a lateral and/or longitudinal position of the imaging device 201, or any other suitable information.

Alignment between the captured image and the location of the antenna 217 may be determined by correlating the antenna positioning information 215 with the device positioning information 213 obtained while the image is being captured. In some examples, if the captured image is not aligned with the position of the antenna 217, information indicative of the alignment discrepancy may be estimated. The estimated alignment difference may include a direction in which the orientation of imaging device 201 differs from antenna 217, a size of how much the orientation of imaging device 201 differs from antenna 217, and/or any other suitable information. The estimated alignment difference may include a direction in which the downward tilt of imaging device 201 is different from antenna 217, a size of how much the downward tilt of imaging device 201 is different from antenna 217, and/or any other suitable information.

At block 307, the method includes providing an indication of alignment between the captured image and the position of the antenna 217.

In some examples, the indication of alignment includes a visual indication. The visual indication may be displayed on a display overlaying the image currently being captured by the image capture module 203.

In some examples, the indication of alignment may include an audible indication. The audible indication may be provided via the audio output device 207 at the same time that the image capture module 203 captures an image. This may provide an audible indication to the user to indicate whether the imaging device 201 is aligned with the antenna 217.

The determination of the alignment between the captured image and the position of the antenna 217 may be performed while the image is being captured. This may enable a user of the imaging device 201 to adjust the position of the imaging device 201 while an image is captured. This may enable the position of the imaging device 201 to be adjusted so that the captured image is aligned with the position of the antenna 217.

Once the image has been captured, it may be stored in memory 107. Device location information 213 may also be stored with stored image 211. The device location information 213 may include information 213 indicating the location of the imaging device 201 when the stored image 211 was captured. The device location information 213 may be stored as metadata with the stored image 211 or associated with the stored image 211 in any other suitable manner.

The method shown in fig. 3 may be implemented using the imaging device 201 as shown in fig. 2. Accordingly, the apparatus 101 of the image forming device 201 includes: at least one processor 105; and at least one memory 107, the at least one memory 107 including computer program code 111, the at least one memory 107 and the computer program code 111 configured to, with the at least one processor 105, cause the apparatus 101 to at least perform: obtaining 301 information 215 indicative of a location of at least one antenna 217, wherein the at least one antenna 217 is separate from the device 101; enabling 303 the capture of an image; determining 305 an alignment between the captured image and a position of the at least one antenna 217; and providing 307 an indication of the alignment between the captured image and the position of the at least one antenna 217.

Thus, the computer program 109 shown in fig. 2 comprises computer program instructions for causing the apparatus 101 to perform at least the following: obtaining 301 information 215 indicative of a location of at least one antenna 217, wherein the at least one antenna 217 is separate from the device 101; enabling 303 the capture of an image; determining 305 an alignment between the captured image and a position of the at least one antenna 217; and providing 307 an indication of the alignment between the captured image and the position of the at least one antenna 217.

Fig. 4 shows an example embodiment of a captured image 401 and an indication 403 of alignment between the imaging device 201 and the antenna 217.

The image 401 shown in fig. 4 includes a photograph being captured by the imaging device 201. The user of the imaging device 201 may be located near the antenna 217 or in a planned location of the antenna 217 in order to take a picture. This ensures that the covered area in the image 401 corresponds to the area to be covered by the signal from the antenna 217.

The image 401 may be displayed on a display while the imaging device 201 is used to capture images. The image 401 may be stored in the memory 107 in response to user input. The image 401 may be transferred from the memory 107 to other devices, such as the antenna control device 501.

In the example of fig. 4, an indication 403 indicating the alignment between the imaging device 201 and the antenna 217 is also displayed on the display. In the example of fig. 4, the indication 403 includes a graphical image that is displayed overlaying the captured image 401. Other methods of providing indication 403 may be used in other examples of the present disclosure. For example, the indication 403 may be displayed adjacent to the image 401 and/or may be provided audibly or by some other output device 207.

In the example of fig. 4, the indication 403 includes text 405. The text 405 includes antenna data 407 indicating the position of the antenna 217 and device data 409 including information indicating the current position of the imaging device 201. The position data may include the angular orientation of the antenna 217 and the imaging device 201, the downward tilt of the antenna 217 and the imaging device 201, and any other suitable information. The text also includes some difference data 411 indicating a difference in alignment between the antenna 217 and the imaging device 201.

If the difference is zero or below a threshold level, the user may control the imaging device 201 to cause the image to be stored in the memory 107. If the difference is zero, the indication of alignment enables the image to be captured at the same location as the antenna 217. Since the imaging device 201 is aligned with the antenna 217 when capturing an image, the stored image 211 may correspond to an area to be covered by the antenna 217. This may enable identification of features in the area that will affect network coverage. For example, a large building 413 is shown in image 401. The large building 413 may include a large number of mobile devices and thus may have higher requirements for network coverage than the other areas shown in the image 401. This may enable the antenna 217 to be positioned such that coverage of the antenna 217 is good in the area where the building 413 is located.

In the example of fig. 4, an indication 415 of coverage of the antenna 217 is also shown. The coverage area may be an area in which at least 1/2 of the power is covered. In the example of fig. 4, the coverage of the antenna is a directional antenna, and the coverage is represented by rectangle 417. The shape of the coverage may depend on the type of antenna 217 and/or the configuration of the antenna 217 used. Thus, in other examples of the present disclosure, other shapes for providing an indication of coverage of the antenna 217 may be used. This may enable a user to ensure that the coverage area of the antenna 217 is included in the stored image.

To ensure that all or substantially all of the coverage area is included in image 401, image capture module 203 may be configured to zoom out so that edges of the coverage area may be viewed in indication 415. The zoom may enable indication 415 to view all edges of the coverage area. Once the image capture module 203 has zoomed out so that the edges of the coverage area can be viewed in the indication 415, the zoom of the image capture module 203 can be adjusted as needed. In some examples, scaling of the image capture module 203 may occur automatically without any user input. In other examples, scaling of the image capture module 203 may be controlled manually.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an antenna control apparatus 501 according to an example of the present disclosure. Antenna control device 501 may be any device that enables control of tuning of antenna 217. Antenna control device 501 may be a computing device or any other suitable device. In some examples, antenna control device 501 may enable planning of the location of antenna 217. In some examples, antenna control device 501 may enable determination of an optimal location of antenna 217. In some examples, antenna control device 501 may enable adjustment of the position of antenna 217. In some examples, antenna control device 501 may determine information indicating a new location for antenna 217 and may then provide the information to another device to enable adjustment of the location of antenna 217.

The antenna control device 501 comprises an output device 503, an antenna control module 505 and the apparatus 101. The antenna control device 501 may also include one or more transceivers 507. It should be understood that only the components of the antenna control device 501 referred to in this specification are shown in fig. 5, and in an implementation of the present disclosure, the antenna control device 501 may include components not shown in fig. 5. For example, antenna control device 501 may include a power supply, a user input device, and other suitable components.

The output device 503 may include any component that may be configured to provide a user-perceivable output.

In some examples, the output device 503 may include a display, which may be configured to display the stored image 211. The stored image 211 may be an image that has been captured by the image capturing device 201 and then transmitted to the antenna control device 501. The stored image 211 may be stored in the memory 107 of the apparatus 101 within the antenna control device 501.

In some examples, the display may also be configured to display information 213 indicative of the location of the imaging device 201. The information 213 may include information indicating the position of the imaging device 201 while the displayed image is captured.

In some examples, the display may also be configured to display information 215 indicating the location of the antenna 217. Information 215 indicating the position of the antenna 217 may be displayed simultaneously with information 213 indicating the position of the imaging device 201. Both antenna positioning information 215 and device positioning information 213 may be displayed overlaying the stored image.

The antenna control module 505 may include any component that may be configured to enable tuning of the antenna 217. In some examples, the antenna control module 505 may be implemented via software. In some examples, the antenna control module 505 may be implemented without any hardware. For example, the antenna control module 505 may be configured to generate control signals that may be provided to the antenna 217 to control tuning of the antenna 217.

The antenna control module 505 may be configured to determine an optimal location for the antenna 217 using the device positioning information 213 and the antenna positioning information 215. The antenna control module 505 may be configured to use the device location information 213 and the antenna location information 215 to determine the location of the antenna 217, which provides good network coverage for the covered area in the stored image 211.

The apparatus 101 within the antenna control device 501 may be the apparatus 101 as shown in fig. 1. Corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding features.

In the example of fig. 5, the memory 107 of the apparatus 101 is configured to store images that have been captured by the imaging device 201. In some examples, the image may have been transmitted from the imaging device 201 to the antenna control device 501. In other examples, the antenna control device 501 may also be the imaging device 201.

In the example of fig. 5, the memory 107 of the apparatus 101 is configured to store positioning information 215 related to the antenna 217 and positioning information 213 related to the imaging device 201. Positioning information 213 related to the imaging device 201 may be associated with the stored image 211 such that when the stored image 211 is acquired, positioning information 213 corresponding to the time at which the stored image was captured may be acquired.

The at least one transceiver 507 may include any suitable components for receiving and/or transmitting information. The transmitted information may include antenna location information 217, device location information 215, stored images 211, or any other suitable information. The at least one transceiver 507 may include one or more transmitters and/or receivers. The at least one transceiver 507 may enable a wireless connection between the antenna control device 501 and another entity. The wireless connection may be a wireless connection such as a cellular connection, a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, or any other suitable type of connection.

Fig. 6 shows an example embodiment of a method. The method may be implemented using the apparatus 101 or any other suitable device or devices within the antenna control device 501 as shown in fig. 5.

The method comprises the following steps: at block 601, display of an image obtained by the imaging device 201 is enabled. The displayed image includes an image captured when the imaging device 201 is positioned at a location corresponding to the antenna 217, wherein the antenna 217 is separate from the imaging device 201. The method shown in fig. 3 or any other suitable method may have been used to ensure that an image is captured when the imaging device 201 is positioned in a position corresponding to the antenna 217. The location corresponding to the antenna 217 may be the same location as the antenna 217 or may be a substantially similar location as the antenna 217.

Device location information 213 may also be retrieved from memory 107 when the image is displayed. The device location information 213 may include information indicating the location of the imaging device 201 when the displayed image was captured. In some examples, device location information 213 may be displayed on a display along with the captured image.

At block 603, the method includes determining coverage of the antenna 217 within the area displayed in the image. The coverage of the antenna 217 may be the current coverage of the antenna or a planned coverage of the antenna.

The apparatus 101 may use the device location information 213 to determine coverage of the antenna 217 in the image, the location information 213 being associated with the displayed image and having been retrieved from the memory 107. The apparatus 101 may compare the device location information 213 with the antenna location information 215 to determine coverage of the antenna 217 within the area displayed in the image.

At block 605, the method includes displaying an indication of coverage of at least one antenna 217 within the displayed image. The indication may include a graphical representation that may be displayed in an image. The indication may enable selection of a new location of the antenna 217 and/or selection of other configurations of the antenna.

It should be appreciated that the blocks of the method shown in fig. 6 may be repeated as desired. For example, where there is more than one antenna 217 or where more than one location is being considered for the antenna 217, the blocks of determining 603 the coverage of the antenna 217 and displaying 605 the coverage of the antenna 217 may be repeated for different antenna locations. These blocks may be repeated for each different antenna position.

In some examples, multiple stored images 211 may be available. Different stored images 211 may correspond to different locations in the imaging device 210. In such an example, all of the methods shown in fig. 6 may be repeated as needed for different stored images 211.

The method shown in fig. 6 may be implemented using the antenna control device 501 as shown in fig. 5. Accordingly, the apparatus 101 of the antenna control device 501 includes: at least one processor 105; and at least one memory 107, the at least one memory 107 including computer program code 111, the at least one memory 107 and the computer program code 111 configured to, with the at least one processor 105, cause the apparatus 101 to at least perform: enabling a display of an image captured by the imaging device 201, wherein the image is captured while the imaging device 201 is positioned in a location corresponding to the at least one antenna 217, wherein the at least one antenna 217 is separate from the imaging device 201; determining coverage of at least one antenna 217 within the area displayed in the image; and displaying an indication of coverage of the at least one antenna 217 within the displayed image.

Thus, the computer program 109 shown in fig. 5 comprises computer program instructions for causing the apparatus 101 to perform at least the following: enabling a display of an image captured by the imaging device 201, wherein the image is captured while the imaging device 201 is positioned in a location corresponding to the at least one antenna 217, wherein the at least one antenna 217 is separate from the imaging device 201; determining coverage of at least one antenna 217 within the area displayed in the image; and displaying an indication of coverage of the at least one antenna 217 within the displayed image.

Fig. 7 shows an example embodiment of a displayed image 701 and an indication 703 of coverage of the antenna 217.

The image 701 shown in fig. 7 includes a photograph that has been captured by the imaging apparatus 201 and stored in the memory 107 of the antenna control apparatus 501. The image 701 may be displayed by the output device 503 of the antenna control device 501.

In the example of fig. 7, an indication 703 indicating the coverage of the antenna 217 is displayed with the image 107. In the example of fig. 7, an indication 703 is displayed overlaying the image 701. Other ways of providing the indication 703 may be used in other examples of the present disclosure. For example, the indication 703 may be displayed adjacent to the image 701 and/or provided in some other suitable manner.

In the example of fig. 7, a reference scale 705 is also displayed with the image 701. The reference scale 705 includes information that may enable selection of a new location or configuration of the antenna 217. In the example of fig. 7, the reference scale 705 includes a horizontal scale 707 and a vertical scale 709. Other types of reference ratios may be used in other examples of the present disclosure.

In the example of fig. 7, the horizontal scale 707 is displayed in a true horizontal position or a substantially true horizontal position. This corresponds to a position where the downward or upward tilt of the antenna 217 is zero or where the downward or upward tilt is substantially zero. The location of the horizontal scale 707 and features in the image 701 may help to select a tilt angle for the antenna 217.

Horizontal scale 707 is marked with angular references 130, 140, 150, and 160. These references correspond to the angular orientation of the antenna 217. Horizontal scale 707 may provide an indication of the angular range of coverage of antenna 217.

In the example of fig. 7, the indication 703 is provided in an orientation of 145.4 °. Indication 703 represents the current or planned angular orientation of antenna 217. In the example of fig. 7, the indication 703 includes a bar adjacent to the horizontal scale 707. Other types of indications 703 may be used in other examples of the present disclosure.

In the example of fig. 7, the vertical scale 709 is displayed in a true vertical position or a substantially true vertical position. The vertical scale 709 may enable the tilt angle of the antenna 217 to be selected. The tilt angle may include an angle between the direction of the antenna 217 and a horizontal plane.

Vertical scale 709 is marked with angular references 1, 2, 4, and 6. These references correspond to the tilt angle of the antenna 217.

In the example of fig. 7, indication 703 is provided at a downward tilt angle of 4.6 °. Indication 703 represents the current or planned downward tilt of antenna 217. In the example of fig. 7, the indication 703 includes a bar adjacent to the vertical scale 709. Other types of indications 703 may be used in other examples of the present disclosure.

In some examples of the present disclosure, the different indications 703 and ratios 707, 709 may be different colors. This may make it easier for the user to distinguish between different information provided on the display.

In the example of fig. 7, compass arrow 711 is also shown in image 701. Compass arrows give an indication of the direction in which the antenna 217 is facing. In the example of fig. 7, the compass arrow gives an indication of which direction is north. This information may also help enable tuning of the antenna 217.

Fig. 8 shows another example embodiment of an image 801 and an indication 703 of coverage of the antenna 217.

The image 801 shown in fig. 8 includes a photograph that has been captured by the imaging device 201 and stored in the memory 107 of the antenna control device 501. The image 801 may be displayed by the output device 503 of the antenna control device 501.

The example image shown in fig. 8 includes an indication 703 and reference scales 705, 707, 709, which may be as shown in fig. 7. Corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding features.

In the example of fig. 8, a power indication 803 is also shown. The power indication 803 may include information indicating the gain of the antenna 217. In addition to the positioning indication 703, a power indication 803 is also displayed. In the example of fig. 8, the power indication 803 includes a graph showing an estimate of the power of the antenna signal at different angular positions. The chart is aligned with an indication 703 that represents the angular orientation of the antenna 217. This provides an indication of the area within the image where the antenna coverage is above a given threshold.

In the example of fig. 8, the power indication 803 also provides an indication of the distance from the antenna at which the power level may be obtained. In some examples of the present disclosure, additional distance information may be obtained such that a distance between the antenna 217 and a feature within the image 801 may be determined. In some examples, the distance information may be obtained from a positioning application (such as GPS), from map data, or by using LIDAR (light detection and ranging) measurements, or by any other suitable method.

In some examples, distance information may also be displayed in image 801. For example, the distance between the building in the image and the antenna 217 may be indicated on the image 801 or by any other suitable method.

The displayed power indication 803 may depend on the directionality of the antenna 217. For example, where the antenna 217 comprises a beam forming antenna array, the power radiated by the antenna 217 may be directed primarily within a narrow angular range as compared to a non-beam forming antenna. In some examples, different power indications 803 may be displayed, showing different beam configurations for the beam forming antenna 217. This may enable the user to determine which beam configurations provide better coverage.

Fig. 9 shows another example embodiment of an image 901 that may be displayed on a display. The image 901 shown in fig. 9 includes a photograph that has been captured by the imaging device 201 and stored in the memory 107 of the antenna control device 501. The image 901 may be displayed by the output device 503 of the antenna control device 501.

The image 901 shown in fig. 9 may include a panoramic image. The panoramic image 901 may be obtained by coupling two or more images together. The panoramic image 901 enables viewing of different angular orientations of the antenna 217. Panoramic image 901 enables these different views to be viewed simultaneously.

In the example of fig. 9, a horizontal reference scale 903 is also shown, the horizontal reference scale 903 providing an indication of the angular coverage of the antenna 217. The horizontal reference scale 903 is displayed on all or substantially all of the panoramic image.

In the example of fig. 9, a panoramic image 901 is obtained by positioning the imaging device 201 in different angular orientations. In other examples, panoramic image 901 may be obtained by tilting imaging device 201 about a horizontal axis or by any other movement of imaging device 201.

It should be appreciated that other types of images should be used in other embodiments. For example, in some examples, the stored image 211 may include a video image. This may enable a user to scroll through images or use video images in an augmented or virtual reality application.

Accordingly, examples of the present disclosure provide apparatus, methods, and computer programs that facilitate tuning of the antenna 217. Capturing an image aligned with the antenna 217 and/or including information indicative of the position of the image relative to the antenna 217 enables identification of important features within the range of the antenna. For example, it may enable features such as buildings that would require a higher level of coverage to be distinguished from features such as forests or lakes that contain fewer mobile devices and thus have a lower level of coverage.

The blocks shown in fig. 3 and 6 may represent steps in a method and/or code portions in the computer program 109. The illustration of a particular order of the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks, and the order and arrangement of the blocks may be altered. In addition, some blocks may be omitted.

The recording of data may include only temporary recording, or may include permanent recording, or may include both temporary and permanent recording. Temporary recording means temporarily recording data. This may occur, for example, during sensing or image capture, at dynamic memory, at a buffer, such as a circular buffer, register, cache, or the like. Permanent recording means that the data is in the form of an addressable data structure that is retrievable from an addressable memory space and thus can be stored and retrieved until deleted or overwritten, although long term storage may or may not be performed. The use of the term "capture" in connection with an image relates to the temporary recording of data of the image. The use of the term "store" in connection with an image relates to a permanent recording of data of the image.

The above example finds application as an enabling component for: an automotive system; a telecommunications system; electronic systems, including consumer electronics; a distributed computing system; media systems for generating or rendering media content, including audio, visual and audiovisual content, as well as mixed, intermediate, virtual and/or augmented reality; personal systems, including personal wellness systems or personal fitness systems; a navigation system; a user interface, also known as a human-machine interface; networks, including cellular, non-cellular and optical networks; an ad hoc network; the Internet; the Internet of things; a virtual network; related software and services.

The term "comprising" as used in this document has an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning. That is, any reference to X including Y means that X may include only one Y or may include more than one Y. If an exclusive meaning of "comprising" is to be used, it is made clear in this context by the reference "comprising only one (comprising only one) … …" or by the use of "consisting of … …".

In this specification, various examples have been referred to. The description of features or functions with respect to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in the example. The term "example" or "for example" or "may" is used herein to mean that such feature or function, whether or not described as an example, is present in at least the described examples, and that they may, but need not, be present in some or all other examples, whether or not explicitly stated. Thus, "example", "e.g." for example "," can "or" can "refer to a specific instance in a class of examples. The attributes of an instance may be the attributes of only that instance, the attributes of the class, or the attributes of a subclass of the class that includes some but not all instances in the class. Thus, features described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example are implicitly disclosed, and may be used as part of a combination of operations in the other example where possible, but are not necessarily used in the other example.

Although the embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

The features described in the previous description may be used in combinations other than those explicitly described above.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performed by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

The terms "a" or "an" as used in this document have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning. That is, any reference to X including one (a)/the (the) Y means that X may include only one Y or may include more than one Y, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary. If "a" or "the" is intended to be used in an exclusive sense, it will be clear from the context. In some instances, "at least one (at least one)" or "one or more (one or more)" may be used to emphasize the inclusive meaning, but such terms should not be used to infer and exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature (or combination of features) itself, as well as to features (equivalent features) that achieve substantially the same technical result. Equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and that achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. Equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this specification, characteristics of examples have been described with reference to various examples using adjectives or adjective phrases. This description of the characteristics with respect to the examples indicates that the characteristics are, in some examples, identical to those described, and in other examples are, in other examples, substantially identical to those described.

The term "example" or "for example" or "may" used herein, whether explicitly stated or not, means that such features or functions are present, at least in the examples described, whether or not described as examples, and that they may, but need not, be present in some or all other examples. Thus, "example", "e.g." for example "," can "or" can "refer to a specific instance in a class of examples. The attributes of an instance are the attributes of the instance only, the attributes of the class, or the attributes of a subclass of the class that includes some, but not all, instances of the class. Thus, features described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example are implicitly disclosed and may, where possible, be used as part of a combination of operations in the other example, but are not necessarily used in the other example.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the application believed to be of importance it should be understood that the inventors have sought to be protected by the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. An apparatus for tuning an antenna, comprising means for:

obtaining information indicative of a location of at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is separate from the apparatus;

enabling the capture of an image;

determining an alignment between the captured image and the location of the at least one antenna, wherein a coverage area of the antenna is included in the image; and

an indication of the alignment between the captured image and the location of the at least one antenna is provided.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indication of the alignment is provided while the image is being captured.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the location of the at least one antenna is a current location of the at least one antenna.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the position of the at least one antenna is a planned position of the at least one antenna.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the indication of the alignment enables the image to be captured at the same location as the at least one antenna.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the information indicative of a location of the at least one antenna comprises at least one of: information indicating an angular orientation of the at least one antenna, information indicating a downward tilt of the at least one antenna.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the indication of the alignment between the captured image and the location of the at least one antenna comprises a graphical image configured to be displayed overlaying the captured image.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the captured image comprises a panoramic image.

9. An image capturing device comprising an apparatus according to any preceding claim.

10. A method for operating an apparatus for tuning an antenna, comprising:

enabling the capture of an image;

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the indication of the alignment is provided while the image is being captured.

12. A non-transitory readable medium storing a computer program that when executed on a computer performs:

obtaining information indicative of a location of at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is separate from the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8;

enabling the capture of an image;

determining an alignment between the captured image and the location of the at least one antenna; and

13. The non-transitory readable medium of claim 12, wherein the indication of the alignment is provided while the image is being captured.

14. An apparatus for tuning an antenna, comprising means for:

enabling display of an image captured by an imaging device, wherein the image is captured while the imaging device is positioned in a location corresponding to at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is separate from the imaging device, wherein a coverage area of the at least one antenna is included in the image;

determining coverage of the at least one antenna within an area displayed in the image; and

displaying an indication of the coverage of the at least one antenna within the displayed image.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the indication of the coverage of the at least one antenna enables tuning of the at least one antenna.

16. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 15, wherein the coverage of the at least one antenna comprises information indicative of a gain of the at least one antenna.

17. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 15, wherein the location of the at least one antenna is a current location of the at least one antenna.

18. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 15, wherein the location of the at least one antenna is a planned location of the at least one antenna.

19. The apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 15, wherein the means is configured to obtain distance information and to provide distance information within the displayed image.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the distance information is obtained from a positioning application.

21. An antenna control apparatus comprising the device according to any one of claims 14 to 20.

22. A method for tuning an antenna, comprising:

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the indication of the coverage of the at least one antenna enables tuning of the at least one antenna.

24. A non-transitory readable medium storing a computer program that when executed on a computer performs:

displaying an indication of the coverage of the at least one antenna in the displayed image.

25. The non-transitory readable medium of claim 24, wherein the indication of the coverage of the at least one antenna enables tuning of the at least one antenna.