A satellite television antenna system can include a self-pointing satellite antenna and a power inserter coupled to the self-pointing satellite antenna. The power inserter can include an enclosure body and a circuit board disposed inside of the enclosure body. The circuit board includes a microprocessor. The microprocessor can be configured via software code to determine whether a first type of communication protocol is being received from a set top box (STB) coupled to the power inserter, determine a configuration for a first constellation of spacecraft if the first type of communication protocol is being received from the STB, and determine a configuration for a second constellation of spacecraft if the first type of communication protocol is not being received from the STB. The first constellation of spacecraft is different than the second constellation of spacecraft.
H04N 21/2665 - Gathering content from different sources, e.g. Internet and satellite
H01Q 3/08 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation
H01Q 3/00 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
A self-aiming directional Wi-Fi antenna system includes a directional antenna that is motorized. A motion controller operates the motors to move the antenna position to sources of Wi-Fi radio frequency (RF) transmissions, determines an SSID for each source that satisfies a selection criterion and stores a position data corresponding to each SSID. The directional Wi-Fi antenna is moved to a final position corresponding to the antenna position data for one of the SSIDs stored in memory.
H01Q 3/00 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
H01Q 1/42 - Housings not intimately mechanically associated with radiating elements, e.g. radome
H01Q 3/04 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying one co-ordinate of the orientation
H01Q 1/22 - SupportsMounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
H01Q 3/10 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation to produce a conical or spiral scan
A satellite television antenna apparatus is connectable to a remotely-located set top box (STB). The satellite television antenna apparatus can include a motorized reflector dish movable in at least one of an azimuth orientation and an elevation orientation, and an antenna control system. The antenna control system can be configured to conduct two-way communication through a physical connection or a wireless connection between the satellite television antenna apparatus and the STB.
H01Q 3/08 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation
H01Q 1/42 - Housings not intimately mechanically associated with radiating elements, e.g. radome
H01Q 19/19 - Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces having two or more spaced reflecting surfaces comprising one main concave reflecting surface associated with an auxiliary reflecting surface
A self-aiming directional Wi-Fi antenna system includes a directional antenna that is motorized. A motion controller operates the motors to move the antenna position to sources of Wi-Fi radio frequency (RF) transmissions, determines an SSID for each source that satisfies a selection criterion and stores a position data corresponding to each SSID. The directional Wi-Fi antenna is moved to a final position corresponding to the antenna position data for one of the SSIDs stored in memory.
H01Q 3/00 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
H01Q 1/22 - SupportsMounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
H01Q 3/10 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation to produce a conical or spiral scan
H01Q 1/42 - Housings not intimately mechanically associated with radiating elements, e.g. radome
H01Q 3/04 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying one co-ordinate of the orientation
A self-aiming directional Wi-Fi antenna system includes a directional antenna that is motorized. A motion controller operates the motors to move the antenna position to sources of Wi-Fi radio frequency (RF) transmissions, determines an SSID for each source that satisfies a selection criterion and stores a position data corresponding to each SSID. The directional Wi-Fi antenna is moved to a final position corresponding to the antenna position data for one of the SSIDs stored in memory.
H01Q 3/02 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole
H04W 4/00 - Services specially adapted for wireless communication networksFacilities therefor
A satellite television antenna apparatus is connectable to a remotely-located set top box (STB). The satellite television antenna apparatus can include a motorized reflector dish movable in at least one of an azimuth orientation and an elevation orientation, and an antenna control system. The antenna control system can be configured to conduct two-way communication through a physical connection or a wireless connection between the satellite television antenna apparatus and the STB. The antenna control system is responsive to an indication from the STB via the communication connection that a satellite location candidate locked onto by the satellite television antenna apparatus corresponds to a subscriber's television programming package.
H01Q 3/08 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation
H01Q 1/42 - Housings not intimately mechanically associated with radiating elements, e.g. radome
H01Q 19/19 - Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces having two or more spaced reflecting surfaces comprising one main concave reflecting surface associated with an auxiliary reflecting surface
Finding and recognizing geostationary satellite orbital slots includes acquiring a location estimate for a satellite broadcast receiving antenna. A set of satellite look angles is captured in the antenna's reference frame coordinate space. A pattern of expected look angles is generated from the antenna location estimate. A pattern matching algorithm is executed to determine azimuth axis rotation to transform antenna reference frame into world reference frame. The validity of the reference frame transform is then checked for correctness by looking for a satellite position outside the set of satellite positions used for the pattern matching.
H02J 50/90 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment
H04B 7/04 - Diversity systemsMulti-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas
12.
Satellite broadcast reception antenna, method and apparatus for searching and identification of broadcast satellites in geostationary orbit
Finding and recognizing geostationary satellite orbital slots includes acquiring a location estimate for a satellite broadcast receiving antenna. A set of satellite look angles is captured in the antenna's reference frame coordinate space. A pattern of expected look angles is generated from the antenna location estimate. A pattern matching algorithm is executed to determine azimuth axis rotation to transform antenna reference frame into world reference frame. The validity of the reference frame transform is then checked for correctness by looking for a satellite position outside the set of satellite positions used for the pattern matching.
H01Q 3/08 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation
H01Q 1/28 - Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons
An antenna system with network awareness includes a control system that points the antenna to a compatible network. The user provides the antenna with a n input of a particular wireless service carrier and the control system begins searching for radio frequency signals that indicate the antenna is pointed at a compatible tower. Once a tower is located, the control system reads the carrier identification data transmitted from that tower to determine if the wireless carrier is compatible with the user's service. If an appropriate signal is not found, the control system will continue moving the antenna until another tower is found and the carrier identification information will again be checked. This process is repeated until a compatible tower is identified. Additional iterations can locate additional compatible towers. The antenna can be moved to a final position where the desired network signal is at the highest detected RF power.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
G06F 21/00 - Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
H01Q 3/02 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole
H04B 5/00 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems
The satellite television antenna device scans the sky and locks onto a first satellite candidate by measuring microwave radiation. The antenna acquires identification (ID) of a first satellite candidate from a set top box (STB), if possible. Then, the antenna moves to a second satellite candidate and acquires the corresponding ID from the STB, if possible. Antenna dish orientation information is stored in memory for at least all satellites that were identified as corresponding to a user's television programming package. The antenna can switch directly between two or more stored dish positions in response to the user changing channels on the STB. The antenna can be powered solely by the STB. A two-way communication conduit can be established between the STB and the antenna via a single cable. The communications conduit can also be used to transmit power to the antenna.
H01Q 3/08 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation
H01Q 1/42 - Housings not intimately mechanically associated with radiating elements, e.g. radome
H01Q 19/19 - Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces having two or more spaced reflecting surfaces comprising one main concave reflecting surface associated with an auxiliary reflecting surface
The satellite antenna device, system and methods according to certain embodiments of the present invention can receive broadcast information on both of two different frequency bands by selectively switching an alignment position of the low noise block converter (LNB) with respect to a fixed wave guide assembly so that the inlets to the respective frequency band inlets to the LNB align with the wave guide according to the selected target satellite broadcast signal.
H04N 7/20 - Adaptations for transmission via a GHz frequency band, e.g. via satellite
H01Q 3/04 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying one co-ordinate of the orientation
The satellite television antenna device scans the sky and locks onto a first satellite candidate by measuring microwave radiation. The antenna acquires identification (ID) of a first satellite candidate from a set top box (STB), if possible. Then, the antenna moves to a second satellite candidate and acquires the corresponding ID from the STB, if possible. Antenna dish orientation information is stored in memory for at least all satellites that were identified as corresponding to a user's television programming package. The antenna can switch directly between two or more stored dish positions in response to the user changing channels on the STB. The antenna can be powered solely by the STB. A two-way communication conduit can be established between the STB and the antenna via a single cable. The communications conduit can also be used to transmit power to the antenna.
H01Q 3/08 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation
H01Q 1/42 - Housings not intimately mechanically associated with radiating elements, e.g. radome
H01Q 19/19 - Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces having two or more spaced reflecting surfaces comprising one main concave reflecting surface associated with an auxiliary reflecting surface
17.
Portable motorized satellite television antenna system
A portable motorized satellite television antenna system is connectable to a separate receiver. The satellite television antenna system can include an enclosure with at least a portion thereof comprising an electromagnetic wave permeable material. A reflector dish can be disposed inside of the enclosure. A low noise block converter can be disposed inside of the enclosure and configured to receive incoming satellite television signals. A first drive motor can be coupled to the satellite television antenna system such that at least one of an azimuth orientation and an elevation orientation of the dish can be adjusted. An electronic control system disposed inside of the enclosure and connected to the first drive motor to control automated aiming of the dish. The electronic control system and first drive motor can be powered solely by the separate receiver though a single conduit that spans between the satellite antenna system and the receiver.
H01Q 3/12 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical relative movement between primary active elements and secondary devices of antennas or antenna systems
H01Q 3/00 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
H01Q 3/16 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical relative movement between primary active elements and secondary devices of antennas or antenna systems for varying relative position of primary active element and a reflecting device
H01Q 1/08 - Means for collapsing antennas or parts thereof
H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
H01Q 3/08 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation
H01Q 19/12 - Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces wherein the surfaces are concave
The satellite television antenna device receives a set of desired satellite identifications (IDs) from a set top box (STB). The antenna device scans the sky and locks onto a satellite candidate by measuring microwave radiation. The antenna acquires identification of the satellite candidate from a set top box (STB), if ID is possible. Then, if the candidate was identifiable, the antenna system compares the candidate's ID to the set of desired satellite IDs. If the candidate ID is a member of the set, then the satellite antenna's dish orientation is stored in memory. The antenna then attempts to acquire the remaining members of the set of desired satellite IDs until all members are acquired or no further candidates remain. If the candidate is not identifiable, or not a member of the set, then the antenna proceeds to the next satellite candidate.
H01Q 3/08 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation
H01Q 1/42 - Housings not intimately mechanically associated with radiating elements, e.g. radome
H01Q 19/19 - Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces having two or more spaced reflecting surfaces comprising one main concave reflecting surface associated with an auxiliary reflecting surface
19.
Mobile television antenna with integral signal meter display
The present disclosure is directed to a rooftop-mounted off-air television antenna system, device and method including an integrated signal meter. The antenna portion of the device is mounted to the roof of a vehicle. An antenna adjustment mechanism is located inside of the vehicle cabin. The adjustment mechanism enables the user to adjust a position of the antenna on the roof, such as by rotating a dial that is coupled to the antenna. A signal meter is disposed in the adjustment mechanism and electrically connected to the antenna. A display of the signal meter readout is disposed in the adjustment mechanism in a location that can be easily viewed by a user during an aiming operation. The display allows the user to determine when the antenna has been positioned in order to obtain the approximate maximum signal strength possible given the vehicle's current location.
H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
H01Q 1/06 - Means for the lighting or illuminating of antennas, e.g. for purpose of warning
G01R 29/08 - Measuring electromagnetic field characteristics
H01Q 3/02 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole
The present disclosure is directed to a rooftop-mounted off-air television antenna system, device and method including an integrated signal meter. The antenna portion of the device is mounted to the roof of a vehicle. An antenna adjustment mechanism is located inside of the vehicle cabin. The adjustment mechanism enables the user to adjust a position of the antenna on the roof, such as by rotating a dial that is coupled to the antenna. A signal meter is disposed in the adjustment mechanism and electrically connected to the antenna. A display of the signal meter readout is disposed in the adjustment mechanism in a location that can be easily viewed by a user during an aiming operation. The display allows the user to determine when the antenna has been positioned in order to obtain the approximate maximum signal strength possible given the vehicle's current location.
The present disclosure is directed to enclosed antenna systems for receiving multiple different broadcast types. In one aspect of the disclosure, the enclosed antenna system comprises an enclosure including a satellite television antenna assembly, an off-air television antenna assembly and control electronics disposed on a motorized turntable. In another aspect, the off-air television antenna assembly comprises both UHF and VHF antenna assemblies. In a further aspect, the UHF and VHF television signals received by the off-air antenna assembly are combined, amplified and diplexed with the television signal received by the satellite television antenna assembly. A method of watching television broadcasts from satellite and off-air sources using a multi-antenna system contained within a single enclosure is also disclosed.
H01Q 3/02 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole
H01Q 5/00 - Arrangements for simultaneous operation of antennas on two or more different wavebands, e.g. dual-band or multi-band arrangements
A bracket for releasably mounting an enclosed mobile/transportable motorized antenna system on a vehicle may include a support arm and a mounting assembly. The support arm can include a first end portion configured to secure to a vertically extending member of a vehicle and a second end portion configured to secure a mounting plate assembly. The mounting assembly can be secured to the second end portion of the support arm. The mounting assembly may comprise a generally planar mounting plate having a plurality of apertures defined therein. The apertures may be located within the periphery of the mounting plate and have a size and shape configured to secure a motorized antenna enclosure disposed on the mounting plate assembly. A releasably mountable enclosed mobile/transportable motorized antenna system on a vehicle may include an enclosed mobile/transportable motorized antenna system and a corresponding mounting bracket.
H01Q 3/00 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
23.
Enclosed mobile/transportable satellite antenna system
An enclosed satellite antenna system can include a generally rigid enclosure defining a volume that is configured to enable both manual transportability of the satellite antenna system and automated operation of the satellite antenna system without a substantial change in the volume of the enclosure or manual repositioning of the satellite antenna system. The enclosure can have disposed therein a satellite dish, a feedhorn configured to collect incoming signals concentrated by the satellite dish, and a low noise block converter configured to receive incoming signals from the feedhorn, amplify and convert the incoming signals to received signals, and transmit the received signals to at least one receiver. A motorized elevation dravie system can be configured to selectively adjust an elevation of the satellite dish and a motorized azimuth drive system can be configured to selectively rotate the satellite dish. A control system can be connected to the elevation drive system and the azimuth drive system to control automated operation of the satellite antenna system.
H01Q 3/00 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
patents
