Automatic reporting of antenna installation
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of confirming alignment of an antenna with at least one satellite, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing an antenna and an indicator located in proximity to the antenna;
securing the antenna on a mounting surface;
distributing signals from the antenna to a receiver/decoder medium using distribution equipment, switches, and wiring;
physically moving the antenna without removing the antenna from the mounting surface until an indicator signals that the antenna is aligned with the at least one satellite by an optimized signal strength;
storing the optimized signal strength on the receiver/decoder medium;
communicating the optimized signal strength to a data processing facility;
using the communicated signal strength to confirm proper alignment of the antenna with the at least one satellite.
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Abstract
A method for validating antenna installation to a broadcast provider to ensure proper alignment of the antenna with the broadcast provider'"'"'s satellite system. The feedback provided by the customer, the installer, and signal strength and quality information communicated from the receiver to the broadcast provider are used to confirm proper installation. Upon confirmation of proper installation, the data can be used to troubleshoot equipment, or issue payment to the installer.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of confirming alignment of an antenna with at least one satellite, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing an antenna and an indicator located in proximity to the antenna;
securing the antenna on a mounting surface;
distributing signals from the antenna to a receiver/decoder medium using distribution equipment, switches, and wiring;
physically moving the antenna without removing the antenna from the mounting surface until an indicator signals that the antenna is aligned with the at least one satellite by an optimized signal strength;
storing the optimized signal strength on the receiver/decoder medium;
communicating the optimized signal strength to a data processing facility;
using the communicated signal strength to confirm proper alignment of the antenna with the at least one satellite. - View Dependent Claims (5)
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2. The method as claimed in claim 2 further comprising the steps of:
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providing data from the receiver/decoder medium input by a customer site to the data processing facility;
providing data from an installer to the data processing facility; and
wherein said step of using the communicated signal strength further comprises using the data provided by the customer and the installer to confirm proper alignment of the antenna with the at least one satellite. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4)
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6. A method of confirming an installation configuration, including antenna type, switches, and quality of distribution components, for reception of signals from at least one satellite, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing an antenna and an indicator located in proximity to the antenna;
securing the antenna to a mounting surface;
distributing signals from the antenna to a receiver/decoder medium;
physically moving the antenna without removing the antenna from the mounting surface until an indicator signals the antenna is aligned with the at least one satellite;
storing an installation configuration on the receiver/decoder medium upon signal from the indicator, the installation configuration including signal strength, antenna type, switches, and quality of distribution components;
communicating the installation configuration to a data processing facility; and
using the communication installation configuration to confirm proper antenna installation. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification