Antenna and millimeter-wave sensor

Abstract

The antenna (1) according to the present disclosure is provided with a plate-shaped transparent dielectric body (10), a patch antenna (20), a ground plane (30), and a transparent conductive film (40). The patch antenna (20) is disposed on the front surface (11) of the transparent dielectric body (10) and has a hole portion (22) inside the patch antenna. The ground plane (30) is disposed on the back surface (12) of the transparent dielectric body (10) and has a hole portion (32) inside the ground plane. The transparent conductive film (40) is disposed in the hole portion (22) of the patch antenna (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna and a millimeter-wave sensor. Background Art

[0002] For an antenna attached to a window of a building or a vehicle, techniques for enhancing the transparency of such an antenna by configuring each of a patch antenna and a ground plane as a sparse grid pattern have been developed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] [Prior Art Documents]

[0004] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1]

[0006] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-303846 Summary of the Invention

[0007] [Technical Problem]

[0008] However, in the above conventional technique, since each of the patch antenna and the ground plane is configured as a sparse grid pattern, it is more difficult to match with a feeder than in the case where each of the patch antenna and the ground plane is configured with a uniform metal film.

[0009] In view of this, in the present disclosure, an antenna and a millimeter-wave sensor having high transparency and capable of facilitating matching with a feeder are proposed.

[0010] [Solution to Problem]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, an antenna is provided. The antenna includes a plate-shaped transparent dielectric member, a patch antenna, a ground plane, and a transparent conductive film. The patch antenna is disposed on the front surface of the transparent dielectric member and includes a hole portion inside the patch antenna. The ground plane is disposed on the back surface of the transparent dielectric member and includes a hole portion inside the ground plane. The transparent conductive film is disposed in the hole portion of the patch antenna.

[0012] In addition, the antenna according to an aspect of the present disclosure further includes a transparent conductive film disposed at the hole portion of the ground plane.

[0013] [Advantageous Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present disclosure, an antenna and a millimeter-wave sensor having high transparency and capable of facilitating matching with a feeder can be provided. Note that the effects of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited to the above effects and may include any effects described in the present disclosure. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Figure 1 ​is a top perspective view showing the configuration of an antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view showing the configuration of an antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3 is a top perspective view showing the configuration of the antenna in Reference Example 1.

[0018] Figure 4 is a top perspective view showing the configuration of the antenna in Reference Example 2.

[0019] Figure 5A is a graph showing the reflection characteristics with respect to the frequency of the antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 5B is a graph showing the radiation pattern of the antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 6A is a graph showing the reflection characteristics with respect to the frequency of the antenna in Reference Example 1.

[0022] Figure 6B is a graph showing the radiation pattern of the antenna in Reference Example 1.

[0023] Figure 7A is a graph showing the reflection characteristics with respect to the frequency of the antenna in Reference Example 2.

[0024] Figure 7B is a graph showing the radiation pattern of the antenna in Reference Example 2.

[0025] Figure 8 is a top perspective view showing the configuration of the antenna of Variant Example 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 9 is a top perspective view showing the configuration of the antenna of Variant Example 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 10 is a top perspective view showing the configuration of the antenna of Variant Example 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a millimeter-wave sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0029] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. Note that in the embodiments described below, the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant descriptions.

[0030] For an antenna attached to a window of a building or a vehicle, techniques for enhancing the transparency of such an antenna by configuring each of a patch antenna and a ground plane as a sparse grid pattern have been developed.

[0031] However, in the above conventional techniques, since each of the patch antenna and the ground plane is configured as a sparse grid pattern, it is more difficult to match with a feeder than in the case where each of the patch antenna and the ground plane is configured with a uniform metal film.

[0032] This is because each of the patch antenna and the ground plane is configured with a sparse grid pattern, and this configuration increases the impedance of the antenna. In addition, another reason is that each of the patch antenna and the ground plane is formed of a sparse grid pattern, and changing the array pattern of the grid pattern causes a large change in the matching condition.

[0033] Therefore, it is desirable to implement an antenna having high transparency and capable of facilitating matching with a feeder.

[0034] [Embodiment]

[0035] First, reference will be made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 to describe the configuration of antenna 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 1 is a top perspective view showing the configuration of antenna 1 according to this embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view showing the configuration of antenna 1 according to this embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1 and the like, antenna 1 according to this embodiment includes a transparent dielectric member 10, a patch antenna 20, a ground plane 30, a transparent conductive film 40, and a transparent conductive film 50 (see Figure 2 ). Note that, for easy understanding, Figure 1 the illustration of the transparent conductive film 50 is omitted, and in Figure 2 the illustrations of the patch antenna 20 and the transparent conductive film 40 are omitted.

[0037] The transparent dielectric member 10 includes a transparent dielectric material such as glass, resin (e.g., polyimide), or plexiglass. The transparent dielectric member 10 has a plate shape and has a front surface 11 and a back surface 12 that are approximately parallel to each other. For example, in a top view, the transparent dielectric member 10 has a rectangular shape. However, note that the shape of the transparent dielectric member 10 is not limited to a rectangular shape.

[0038] The patch antenna 20 is arranged on the front surface 11 of the transparent dielectric member 10. The patch antenna 20 includes a microstrip line 21, a hole portion 22, and a feeding point 23.

[0039] The microstrip line 21 includes a metal thin film having high conductivity, such as copper, aluminum, or gold. The microstrip line 21 includes a collection of lines having a predetermined pattern (e.g., a grid pattern) and having a predetermined shape (e.g., an approximate T - letter shape) as an overall shape.

[0040] Note that the pattern and the overall shape of the microstrip line 12 are not limited to Figure 1 the example shown, and can be appropriately changed according to the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave transmitted / received by the antenna 1. For example, in Figure 1 the example, a case is shown where the end of each microstrip line 21 located at the center of the transparent dielectric member 10 has a rectangular shape, but the end can have a circular shape or any other shape.

[0041] Inside the patch antenna 20, a plurality of hole portions 22 are formed in each portion surrounded by a plurality of microstrip lines 21. For example, in a top view, the hole portion 22 has a rectangular shape. In the present embodiment, such a plurality of hole portions 22 can enhance the transparency of the patch antenna 20.

[0042] The feeding point 23 is a portion that is electrically coupled to a feeder line (not shown). The patch antenna 20 is fed from an external device (e.g., a millimeter - wave band RF circuit 3 (see Figure 11 )) via the feeder line and the feeding point 23.

[0043] As Figure 2 shown, a ground plane 30 is arranged on the back surface 12 of the transparent dielectric member 10. That is, the patch antenna 20 and the ground plane 30 are arranged approximately parallel to each other. In addition, in the antenna 1 according to the present embodiment, the feeding point 23 for feeding the patch antenna 20 forms a predetermined electric field between the patch antenna 20 and the ground plane 30 that face each other.

[0044] The ground plane 30 includes a conductive member 31 and a hole portion 32. The conductive member 31 includes a metal thin film having high conductivity, such as copper, aluminum, or gold.

[0045] Inside the ground plane 30, a plurality of hole portions 32 are formed in each portion surrounded by a plurality of conductive members 31. For example, in a top view, the hole portion 32 has a rectangular shape. In the present embodiment, such a plurality of hole portions 32 can enhance the transparency of the ground plane 30.

[0046] By Figure 1The transparent conductive film 40 represented by dot shading in [[]] is a conductive thin film with transparency. The transparent conductive film 40 includes, for example, ITO (indium tin oxide), FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide), ATO (antimony tin oxide), AZO (antimony zinc oxide), GZO (gallium zinc oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), etc.

[0047] On the front surface 11 of the transparent dielectric member 10, the transparent conductive film 40 is disposed in the hole portions 22 of the patch antenna 20. For example, the transparent conductive film 40 is disposed to cover all of the plurality of hole portions 22.

[0048] By Figure 2 The transparent conductive film 50 represented by dot shading in [[]] is a conductive thin film with transparency. The transparent conductive film 50 includes, for example, ITO, FTO, ATO, AZO, GZO, IZO, etc. Note that the transparent conductive film 40 and the transparent conductive film 50 may be formed by using the same material as each other, or may be formed by using different materials from each other.

[0049] On the back surface 12 of the transparent dielectric member 10, the transparent conductive film 50 is disposed in the hole portions 32 of the ground plane 30. For example, the transparent conductive film 50 is disposed to cover all of the plurality of hole portions 32.

[0050] Subsequently, each feature of the antenna 1 according to the present embodiment and described so far will be described by comparing Reference Example 1 and Reference Example 2. First, reference will be made to Figure 3 And Figure 4 To describe Reference Examples 1 and 2.

[0051] Figure 3 Is a top perspective view showing the configuration of the antenna 100 in Reference Example 1. As Figure 3 Shown, the antenna 100 of Reference Example 1 includes a transparent dielectric member 10, a patch antenna 20, and a ground plane 30.

[0052] Note here that the transparent dielectric member 10, the patch antenna 20, and the ground plane 30 of the antenna 100 have configurations similar to those of the present embodiment. That is, the antenna 100 of Reference Example 1 has a configuration obtained by removing the transparent conductive film 40 and the transparent conductive film 50 from the antenna 1 of the present embodiment. Therefore, similar to the present embodiment, the antenna 100 of Reference Example 1 has high transparency.

[0053] Figure 4 Is a top view showing the configuration of the antenna 101 in Reference Example 2. As Figure 4 Shown, the antenna 101 of Reference Example 2 includes a transparent dielectric member 10, a patch antenna 20, and a ground plane 30.

[0054] Here, the patch antenna 20 of the antenna 101 has an overall shape similar to that of the patch antenna 20 of the present embodiment. On the other hand, no hole portion 22 is formed in the patch antenna 20 of the antenna 101, and all regions of the patch antenna 20 include a uniform metal thin film.

[0055] Similarly, the ground plane 30 of the antenna 101 has an overall shape similar to that of the ground plane 30 of the present embodiment. On the other hand, no hole portion 22 is formed in the ground plane 30 of the antenna 101, and all regions of the ground plane 30 include a uniform metal thin film.

[0056] As described above, in the antenna 101 of Reference Example 2, no hole portion 22 and hole portion 32 are respectively formed in the patch antenna 20 and the ground plane 30, and thus the transparency of the antenna 101 is low.

[0057] Subsequently, various antenna characteristics of the above-described antennas 1, 100, and 101 will be described. Figure 5A It is a graph showing the reflection characteristics with respect to the frequency of the antenna 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that each of the various antenna reflection characteristics described below describes the reflection characteristics of an input of 50 (Ω) used in a general feeder.

[0058] As Figure 5A shown, the antenna 1 according to the present embodiment has a minimum reflection point near a frequency of 77 (GHz), and thus has good characteristics as an antenna for transmitting / receiving millimeter-wave signals.

[0059] Figure 5B It is a graph showing the radiation direction of the antenna 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that for the radiation directions of the various antennas described below, the radiation direction of the H-plane and the radiation direction of the E-plane are shown in one graph.

[0060] As Figure 5B shown, for the antenna 1 according to the present embodiment, the radiation direction of the H-plane decreases in the region from 90° to 270°, and thus the backward radiation level is suppressed.

[0061] Figure 6A It is a graph showing the reflection characteristics with respect to the frequency of the antenna 100 in Reference Example 1. As Figure 6A shown, the antenna 100 in Reference Example 1 does not have a minimum reflection point near a frequency of 77 (GHz), and thus has a large reflection loss as an antenna for transmitting / receiving millimeter-wave signals.

[0062] Note that the antenna 100 is in addition to Figure 6AThere is no minimum reflection point in the frequency band outside the shown frequency band. Therefore, even as an antenna for transmitting / receiving signals other than millimeter-wave signals, it has a large reflection loss.

[0063] Figure 6B is a graph showing the radiation pattern of antenna 100 in Reference Example 1. As Figure 6B shown, for antenna 100 in Reference Level 1, the radiation patterns in the H-plane and E-plane have relatively large levels in the region from 90° to 270°. Therefore, the backward radiation level is not suppressed.

[0064] That is, antenna 100 in Reference Example 1 is an antenna with high transparency but low antenna efficiency.

[0065] Figure 7A is a graph showing the reflection characteristics with respect to the frequency of antenna 101 in Reference Example 2. As Figure 7A shown, antenna 101 in Reference Example 2 has a minimum reflection point near the frequency of 77 (GHz). Therefore, it has good characteristics as an antenna for transmitting / receiving millimeter-wave signals.

[0066] Figure 7B is a graph showing the radiation pattern of antenna 101 in Reference Example 2. As Figure 7B shown, for antenna 101 in Reference Example 2, the radiation pattern in the H-plane decreases in the region from 90° to 270°. Therefore, the backward radiation level is suppressed.

[0067] That is, antenna 101 in Reference Example 2 is an antenna with high antenna efficiency but low transparency. In addition, as Figure 5A and Figure 7A shown, antenna 1 according to the present embodiment and antenna 101 in Reference Example 2 have similar reflection characteristics to each other.

[0068] That is, in the present embodiment, the transparent conductive film 40 is disposed in the hole portion 22 of the patch antenna 20, which is formed to ensure high transparency, so that antenna 1 can be provided with reflection characteristics similar to those of antenna 101 having a patch antenna 20 including a uniform metal thin film.

[0069] Here, for antenna 101 having a patch antenna 20 including a uniform metal thin film, it is relatively easy to design according to the frequency of transmitting / receiving electromagnetic waves and other factors to match the feeder.

[0070] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the matching with the feeder can be promoted by first designing antenna 101 having a patch antenna 20 including a uniform metal thin film, then disposing the hole portion 22 in the designed patch antenna 20, and finally disposing the transparent conductive film 40 at the hole portion 22.

[0071] In addition, in the present embodiment, a transparent conductive film 40 is disposed at the hole portion 22 of the patch antenna 20. Therefore, subsequently, high transparency of the antenna 1 can be ensured. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the antenna 1 having high transparency and capable of facilitating matching with a feeder can be realized.

[0072] In addition, in the present embodiment, disposing the transparent conductive film 40 at the hole portion 22 of the patch antenna 20 can suppress the backward radiation level. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when there is an object behind the antenna 1, the influence of electromagnetic waves on the object can be reduced, and the influence of the electromagnetic waves reflected by the object on the antenna 1 can be reduced.

[0073] In addition, in the present embodiment, a transparent conductive film 50 having conductivity is preferably disposed at the hole portion 32 of the ground plane 30, which is formed to ensure high transparency. Such a configuration enables the antenna 1 to have reflection characteristics similar to those of the antenna 101 having a patch antenna 20 including a uniform metal thin film.

[0074] In addition, in the present embodiment, preferably, the transparent conductive film 40 is disposed to cover the hole portion 22 of the patch antenna 20. Such a configuration enables the antenna 1 to have further reflection characteristics similar to those of the antenna 101 having a patch antenna 20 including a uniform metal thin film.

[0075] Similarly, in the present embodiment, preferably, the transparent conductive film 50 is disposed to cover the hole portion 32 of the patch ground plane 30. Such a configuration enables the antenna 1 to have further reflection characteristics similar to those of the antenna 101 having a ground plane 30 including a uniform metal thin film.

[0076] Note that, in the present embodiment, an example in which the hole portion 22 of the patch antenna 20 and the hole portion 32 of the ground plane 30 are respectively provided with the transparent conductive film 40 and the transparent conductive film 50 is described, but the antenna 1 of the present embodiment is not limited to this example.

[0077] For example, only the hole portion 22 of the patch antenna 20 may be provided with the transparent conductive film 40, or only the hole portion 32 of the ground plane 30 may be provided with the transparent conductive film 50.

[0078] In addition, in the present embodiment, preferably, the hole portion 22 is disposed inside the patch antenna 20 so as to be arranged in multiple rows. In other words, the patch antenna 20 preferably includes a first conductive path and a second conductive path. The first conductive path is formed along the periphery of the patch antenna 20, and the second conductive path is formed inside the patch antenna 20 along the hole portion 22, and the hole portion 22 is arranged in multiple rows.

[0079] This configuration enables the antenna 1 to have sufficient antenna characteristics even when a transparent conductive film 40 having a lower conductivity than that of metal is disposed inside the patch antenna 20.

[0080] Similarly, in the present embodiment, preferably, the hole portions 32 are disposed inside the ground plane 30 so as to be arranged in multiple rows. In other words, the ground plane 30 preferably includes a first conductive path formed along the periphery of the ground plane 30 and a second conductive path formed inside the ground plane 30 along the hole portions 32, and the hole portions 22 are arranged in multiple rows.

[0081] This configuration enables the antenna 1 to have sufficient antenna characteristics even when a transparent conductive film 50 having a lower conductivity than that of metal is disposed inside the ground plane 30.

[0082] Note that, in the present embodiment, the transparent conductive film 40 may be configured to be disposed not only at the hole portions 22 of the patch antenna 20 but also on the surface of the microstrip line 21. On the contrary, in the present embodiment, preferably, the transparent conductive film 40 is disposed so as not to extend at the edge of the region surrounded by the microstrip line 21.

[0083] This is because the current fed from the feeding point 23 flows along the periphery of the assembly of the microstrip line 21 and the transparent conductive film 40, but when the transparent conductive film 40 extends throughout the periphery, the current flowing through the transparent conductive film 40 generates losses.

[0084] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, each hole portion 22 of the patch antenna 20 preferably has a rectangular shape. This configuration enables the hole portions 22 to be arranged without waste when the shape of the patch antenna 20 includes a set of rectangular shapes, thereby enhancing the transparency of the patch antenna 20.

[0085] Note that, in the antenna 1 of the present embodiment, each hole portion 22 of the patch antenna 20 may not have a rectangular shape. Figure 8 is a top perspective view showing the configuration of the antenna 1 according to Variant Example 1 of the embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 8 shown, each hole portion 22 of the patch antenna 20 may have a hexagonal shape.

[0086] This configuration enables the hole portions 22 to be arranged without waste inside the patch antenna 20, thereby enhancing the transparency of the patch antenna 20. Note that, in each of the variant examples described below, the ground plane 30 has a configuration similar to that of Figure 2 the embodiment shown.

[0087] In addition, in Modification 1, when the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave transmitted / received by the antenna 1 is represented by λ, setting the radius r of each hole portion 22 to a range represented by the inequality λ / 50 < r < λ / 50 enables good antenna characteristics to be achieved.

[0088] In addition, in Modification 1, when the width of each conductive path arranged between adjacent portions of the hole portion 22 is represented by w, setting the width w to a range represented by the inequality w / (√3r) < 0.3 makes it possible for the transmittance of the patch antenna 20 to be equal to or greater than 70%, thereby achieving high transparency.

[0089] Figure 9 is a top perspective view showing the configuration of the antenna 1 according to Modification 2 of the embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 9 shown, each hole portion 22 of the patch antenna 20 can have a triangular shape. This configuration enables the hole portions 22 to be arranged inside the patch antenna 20 without waste, thereby enhancing the transparency of the patch antenna 20.

[0090] Figure 10 is a top perspective view showing the configuration of the antenna 1 according to Modification 3 of the embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 10 shown, each hole portion 22 of the patch antenna 20 can have a circular shape. This configuration enables the hole portions 22 to be arranged inside the patch antenna 20 without waste, thereby enhancing the transparency of the patch antenna 20.

[0091] Note that the shape of each hole portion 22 in this embodiment is not limited to a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape, a triangular shape, and a circular shape, and can be any other shape (for example, a polygonal shape or an elliptical shape other than the above shapes). In addition, the shapes of the plurality of hole portions 22 are not limited to a single uniform shape, and can be a mixture of multiple shapes.

[0092] In addition, in this embodiment, the shape of each hole portion 32 of the ground plane 30 is not limited to Figure 2 the rectangular shape shown in, and can be one of the various shapes similar to those described so far for each hole portion 22.

[0093] [Effects]

[0094] The antenna 1 according to this embodiment includes a plate-like transparent dielectric member 10, a patch antenna 20, a ground plane 30, and a transparent conductive film 40. The patch antenna 20 is disposed on the front surface 11 of the transparent dielectric member 10 and includes hole portions 22 inside the patch antenna 20. The ground plane 30 is disposed on the back surface 12 of the transparent dielectric member 10 and includes hole portions 32 inside the ground plane 30. The transparent conductive film 40 is disposed on the hole portions 22 of the patch antenna 20.

[0095] This configuration enables the realization of an antenna 1 that has high transparency and can facilitate matching with a feeder.

[0096] Furthermore, in the antenna 1 according to the present embodiment, the transparent conductive film 40 is arranged to cover the hole portion 22 of the patch antenna 20.

[0097] This configuration enables the antenna 1 to be provided with reflection characteristics that are further similar to those of the antenna 101 having a patch antenna 20 including a uniform metal thin film.

[0098] Furthermore, in the antenna 1 according to the present embodiment, the hole portions 22 of the patch antenna 20 are arranged in multiple rows.

[0099] This configuration enables the antenna 1 to be provided with sufficient antenna characteristics even when the transparent conductive film 40 having a lower conductivity than metal is arranged inside the patch antenna 20.

[0100] Furthermore, in the antenna 1 according to the present embodiment, the patch antenna 20 includes a first conductive path and a second conductive path. The first conductive path is formed along the periphery of the patch antenna 20, and the second conductive path is formed inside the patch antenna 20 along the hole portion 22, and the hole portion 22 is arranged in multiple rows.

[0101] This configuration enables the antenna 1 to be provided with sufficient antenna characteristics even when the transparent conductive film 40 having a lower conductivity than metal is arranged inside the patch antenna 20.

[0102] Furthermore, the antenna 1 according to the present embodiment further includes a transparent conductive film 50 arranged in the hole portion 32 of the ground plane 30.

[0103] This configuration enables the antenna 1 to be provided with reflection characteristics similar to those of the antenna 101 having a ground plane 30 including a uniform metal thin film.

[0104] Furthermore, in the antenna 1 according to the present embodiment, the transparent conductive film 50 arranged in the hole portion 32 of the ground plane 30 is arranged to cover the hole portion 32.

[0105] This configuration enables the antenna 1 to be provided with reflection characteristics that are further similar to those of the antenna 101 having a ground plane 30 including a uniform metal thin film.

[0106] Furthermore, in the antenna 1 according to the present embodiment, the hole portions 22 of the patch antenna 20 each have a rectangular shape.

[0107] This configuration enables the hole portions 22 to be arranged without waste in the case where the shape of the patch antenna 20 includes a set of rectangular shapes, thereby enhancing the transparency of the patch antenna 20.

[0108] In addition, in the antenna 1 according to the present embodiment, each of the hole portions 22 of the patch antenna 20 has a hexagonal shape.

[0109] This configuration enables the hole portions 22 to be arranged without waste, thereby enhancing the transparency of the patch antenna 20.

[0110] In addition, in the antenna 1 according to the present embodiment, each of the hole portions 22 of the patch antenna 20 has a triangular shape.

[0111] This configuration enables the hole portions 22 to be arranged without waste, thereby enhancing the transparency of the patch antenna 20.

[0112] In addition, in the antenna 1 according to the present embodiment, each of the hole portions 22 of the patch antenna 20 has a circular shape.

[0113] This configuration enables the hole portions 22 to be arranged without waste, thereby enhancing the transparency of the patch antenna 20.

[0114] [Millimeter-wave sensor]

[0115] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a millimeter-wave sensor 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 11 shown, the millimeter-wave sensor 2 according to the present embodiment includes an antenna 1, a millimeter-wave band RF circuit 3, an ADC / DAC 4, a DSP 5, a power supply unit 6, and an input / output terminal 7.

[0116] In Figure 11 the millimeter-wave sensor 2 shown, the millimeter-wave signal that has been generated in the millimeter-wave band RF circuit 3 is radiated from the antenna 1 to the outside. In addition, the radiated millimeter-wave signal reaches the target measurement object and is reflected thereon, and the reflected millimeter-wave signal is received again by the antenna 1.

[0117] Due to the relative speed difference, the received millimeter-wave signal includes a Doppler signal. Therefore, the millimeter-wave sensor 2 extracts the Doppler signal by causing the millimeter-wave band RF circuit 3 to compare the received wave with the transmitted wave. In addition, the extracted Doppler signal is converted into a digital signal by the ADC (analog-to-digital converter) / DAC (digital-to-analog converter) 4 of the ADC / DAC 4.

[0118] The millimeter-wave sensor 2 detects the Doppler frequency by causing the DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 5 to perform a Fourier transform on the Doppler signal that has been converted into a digital signal. In addition, by analyzing the detected Doppler frequency, the millimeter-wave sensor 2 can calculate the relative motion state of the object under test, such as the relative speed.

[0119] In addition, the millimeter-wave sensor 2 can output the processing result of the DSP 5 through the input / output terminal 7. In addition, the millimeter-wave sensor 2 can also cause the DSP 5 to process the digital signal input through the input / output terminal 7, cause the DAC of the ADC / DAC 4 to convert the processed input signal into an analog signal, and cause the analog signal to be sent to the millimeter-wave band RF circuit 3.

[0120] In addition, the millimeter-wave sensor 2 according to the present embodiment uses the above antenna 1, and such a configuration enables the realization of the millimeter-wave sensor 2 that uses the antenna 1 having high transparency and capable of facilitating matching with the feeder.

[0121] Note that the effects described in this specification are only exemplary effects, and the effects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and may have other effects. In addition, the antenna 1 according to the above embodiment is not limited to the above situation of being used in the millimeter-wave sensor 2 and can be used in various other devices.

[0122] It should be noted that the present technology may also have the following configurations.

[0123] (1) An antenna, comprising:

[0124] A plate-shaped transparent dielectric member;

[0125] A patch antenna disposed on the front surface of the transparent dielectric member and including a hole portion inside the patch antenna;

[0126] A ground plane disposed on the back surface of the transparent dielectric member and including a hole portion inside the ground plane; and

[0127] A transparent conductive film disposed in the hole portion of the patch antenna.

[0128] (2) The antenna according to (1),

[0129] wherein the transparent conductive film is disposed to cover the hole portion of the patch antenna.

[0130] (3) The antenna according to (1) or (2),

[0131] wherein a plurality of hole portions of the patch antenna are arranged in multiple rows.

[0132] (4) The antenna according to (3),

[0133] Among them, the patch antenna includes a first conductive path and a second conductive path. The first conductive path is formed along the periphery of the patch antenna, and the second conductive path is formed along a plurality of hole portions inside the patch antenna.

[0134] (5) The antenna according to any one of (1) to (4) further includes:

[0135] A transparent conductive film disposed in the hole portion of the ground plane.

[0136] (6) The antenna according to (5),

[0137] wherein the transparent conductive film disposed at the hole portion of the ground plane is arranged to cover the hole portion of the ground plane.

[0138] (7) The antenna according to any one of (1) to (6),

[0139] wherein the hole portion of the patch antenna has a rectangular shape.

[0140] (8) The antenna according to any one of (1) to (6),

[0141] wherein the hole portion of the patch antenna has a hexagonal shape.

[0142] (9) The antenna according to any one of (1) to (6),

[0143] wherein the hole portion of the patch antenna has a triangular shape.

[0144] (10) The antenna according to any one of (1) to (6),

[0145] wherein the hole portion of the patch antenna has a circular shape.

[0146] (11) A millimeter-wave sensor includes:

[0147] A millimeter-wave band RF circuit that generates a millimeter-wave signal; and

[0148] An antenna that transmits / receives a millimeter-wave signal,

[0149] wherein the antenna includes

[0150] A plate-shaped transparent dielectric member,

[0151] A patch antenna disposed on the front surface of the transparent dielectric member and including hole portions inside the patch antenna,

[0152] A ground plane disposed on the back surface of the transparent dielectric member and including hole portions inside the ground plane, and

[0153] A transparent conductive film disposed in the hole portions of the patch antenna.

[0154] (12) The millimeter-wave sensor according to (11)

[0155] wherein the transparent conductive film is arranged to cover the hole portion of the patch antenna.

[0156] (13) The millimeter-wave sensor according to (11) or (12)

[0157] wherein the hole portions of the patch antenna are arranged in multiple rows.

[0158] (14) The millimeter-wave sensor according to (13)

[0159] wherein the patch antenna includes a first conductive path and a second conductive path, the first conductive path is formed along the periphery of the patch antenna, and the second conductive path is formed inside the patch antenna along a plurality of hole portions.

[0160] (15) The millimeter-wave sensor according to any one of (11) to (14) further includes:

[0161] a transparent conductive film arranged in the hole portion of the ground plane.

[0162] (16) The millimeter-wave sensor according to (15)

[0163] wherein the transparent conductive film arranged in the hole portion of the ground plane is arranged to cover the hole portion of the ground plane.

[0164] (17) The millimeter-wave sensor according to any one of (11) to (16)

[0165] wherein the hole portion of the patch antenna has a rectangular shape.

[0166] (18) The millimeter-wave sensor according to any one of (11) to (16)

[0167] wherein the hole portion of the patch antenna has a hexagonal shape.

[0168] (19) The millimeter-wave sensor according to any one of (11) to (16)

[0169] wherein the hole portion of the patch antenna has a triangular shape.

[0170] (20) The millimeter-wave sensor according to any one of (11) to (16)

[0171] wherein the hole portion of the patch antenna has a circular shape.

[0172] [List of reference symbols]

[0173] 1. Antenna

[0174] 2. Millimeter-wave sensor

[0175] 3. Millimeter-wave band RF circuit

[0176] 10. Transparent dielectric member

[0177] 11. Front side

[0178] 12. Back side

[0179] 20. Patch antenna

[0180] 21. Microstrip line

[0181] 22. Hole portion

[0182] 23. Feeding point

[0183] 30. Ground plane

[0184] 31. Conductive member

[0185] 32. Hole portion

[0186] 40. Transparent conductive film

[0187] 50. Transparent conductive film.

Claims

1. An antenna, comprising: A plate-shaped transparent dielectric member; A patch antenna disposed on the front surface of the transparent dielectric member and including a hole portion inside the patch antenna; A ground plane disposed on the back surface of the transparent dielectric member and including a hole portion inside the ground plane; And A transparent conductive film disposed only in the hole portion of the patch antenna, Wherein the patch antenna includes a first conductive path and a second conductive path, the first conductive path being formed along the periphery of the patch antenna, and the second conductive path being formed along a plurality of hole portions inside the patch antenna.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, Among them, The transparent conductive film is disposed to cover the hole portion of the patch antenna.

3. The antenna according to claim 1, Among them, The hole portions of the patch antenna are arranged in multiple rows.

4. The antenna according to claim 1, further comprising: A transparent conductive film disposed in the hole portion of the ground plane.

5. The antenna according to claim 4, Among them, The transparent conductive film disposed in the hole portion of the ground plane is disposed to cover the hole portion of the ground plane.

6. The antenna according to claim 1, Among them, The hole portion of the patch antenna has a rectangular shape.

7. The antenna according to claim 1, Among them, The hole portion of the patch antenna has a hexagonal shape.

8. The antenna according to claim 1, Among them, The hole portion of the patch antenna has a triangular shape.

9. The antenna according to claim 1, Among them, The hole portion of the patch antenna has a circular shape.

10. A millimeter-wave sensor, comprising: A millimeter-wave band RF circuit that generates a millimeter-wave signal; And An antenna that transmits / receives the millimeter-wave signal, Wherein the antenna includes: A plate-shaped transparent dielectric member, A patch antenna disposed on the front surface of the transparent dielectric member and including a hole portion inside the patch antenna, A ground plane disposed on the back surface of the transparent dielectric member and including a hole portion inside the ground plane, and A transparent conductive film disposed only in the hole portion of the patch antenna, Wherein the patch antenna includes a first conductive path and a second conductive path, the first conductive path being formed along the periphery of the patch antenna, and the second conductive path being formed along a plurality of hole portions inside the patch antenna.

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