Antenna systems for controlled coverage in buildings

Abstract

To provide antenna systems for controlled coverage in buildings where a data communications network in a building includes one or more external antennas.SOLUTION: At least one of external antennas (rooftop donor antennas 905) is disposed on a roof or exterior of a building disposed in or associated with a window, a sky sensor 907, or a digital architectural element 923. The one or more external antennas are coupled to a network infrastructure of the building via one or more data carrying lines 919 and / or wireless links and are configured for communication with an external wireless network. The network infrastructure includes one or more data carrying lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel 913. And, at least one of the external antennas is configured for communication with an external wireless network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9C

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Incorporation by Reference The PCT application form is submitted simultaneously with this specification as part of this application. As specified in the PCT application form submitted simultaneously, each application for which this application claims benefit or priority is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes into this specification.

Background Art

[0002] Not only is high data rate wireless connectivity expected to become necessary, but as it becomes necessary, buildings must not only enable the transmission of wireless signals, but also facilitate such transmission. This is particularly true when wireless connectivity migrates to higher frequency carrier bands, such as in the case of 5G wireless networks.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some implementations, a data communication network within a building includes one or more external antennas. At least one of the external antennas is disposed on the roof or outdoors of the building and is associated with a window, a sky sensor, or a digital building element. The one or more external antennas are coupled to the building's network infrastructure via one or more data carrier lines and / or wireless links. The network infrastructure includes one or more data carrier lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel.

[0004] In some examples, at least one of the external antennas can be configured for communication with an external wireless network.

[0005] In some examples, the network infrastructure can include one or more building network antennas and associated radios installed within and / or on the building and configured to provide a wireless data connection within the building and / or adjacent to the building.

[0006] In some examples, the radio may be configured to provide Wi-Fi (registered trademark), CBRS, or cellular wireless data connection inside a building and / or adjacent to the building.

[0007] In some examples, one or more external antennas may include one or more donor antennas configured for communication with an external cellular network.

[0008] In some examples, at least one control panel may be configured to connect to an external cellular network via a backhaul with high-speed cables.

[0009] In some examples, one or more data carrier lines of the network infrastructure may support data communication of 1 Gb / second or more.

[0010] In some examples, at least one of the control panels may be coupled to one or more window controllers for connection to one or more IGUs.

[0011] In some examples, at least one of the external antennas disposed within or associated with a digital building element may include a radiating element disposed outside the building coupled to an electrical connector disposed inside the building via a pass-through facility. In some examples, the pass-through facility may be configured to provide a weathertight seal between the inside and outside of the building. In some examples, the pass-through facility may include an electrical connection between the electrical connector and the radiating element. In some examples, the electrical connector may be configured to connect to the network infrastructure of the building.

[0012] According to some implementations, a method for providing a connection to an external wireless network is to communicate with the external wireless network using one or more external antennas, at least one of which is disposed within or associated with a sky sensor or digital building element that includes a sensor assembly on the roof or outdoors of a building, and to transmit data between the one or more external antennas and the building's network infrastructure using one or more data carrier lines and / or wireless links. The network infrastructure includes one or more data carrier lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel.

[0013] In some examples, the network infrastructure includes one or more building network antennas and associated radios installed within and / or on the building, and the method may include one or more building network antennas that provide a wireless data connection inside and / or adjacent to the building.

[0014] In some examples, the method may further include associated radios that provide Wi-Fi®, CBRS, or cellular wireless data connections inside and / or adjacent to the building.

[0015] In some examples, the one or more external antennas may include one or more donor antennas that communicate with an external cellular network.

[0016] In some examples, the method may further include at least one control panel that communicates with an external cellular network via a backhaul with a high-speed cable.

[0017] In some examples, the method may include, when the operating parameter is frequency or power, assigning an antenna and / or a wireless protocol to an antenna and / or a radio before changing the operating parameter.

[0018] In some examples, the method may further include sequentially changing the operating parameter of each of the antennas and / or radios and simultaneously measuring the signal strength in other antennas and / or radios as a function of the changed parameter, and selecting a value of the operating parameter for each of the antennas and / or radios based on the measured signal strength.

[0019] According to some implementations, the system includes a plurality of antennas and / or radios distributed within a building and at least one logic device. The at least one logic device includes logic for configuring the plurality of antennas and / or radios by supplying power to the antennas and / or radios, changing at least one operating parameter of at least one of the antennas and / or radios, simultaneously measuring the signal strength in other antennas and / or radios as a function of the changed operating parameter, and selecting a value of the operating parameter for at least one of the operations of the antennas and / or radios based on the measured signal strength.

[0020] In some examples, the logic for configuring the plurality of antennas and / or radios may further include determining the location of each of the antennas within the building.

[0021] In some examples, the operating parameter may be an antenna and / or a wireless protocol, frequency, or power.

[0022] In some examples, the logic for configuring multiple antennas and / or radios may include assigning an antenna and / or radio protocol to an antenna and / or radio before changing an operating parameter, where the operating parameter is frequency or power.

[0023] In some examples, the logic may further include sequentially changing the operating parameter of each antenna and / or radio and simultaneously measuring the signal strength at other antennas and / or radios as a function of the changed parameter, and selecting a value of the operating parameter for each antenna and / or radio based on the measured signal strength.

[0024] In some examples, at least one logic device can be a local logic device or a remote logic device.

[0025] According to some implementations, a data communication network within a building includes one or more antennas inside the building, one or more antennas outside the building, and a wired or wireless connection between at least one external antenna and at least one internal antenna. The at least one external antenna is communicatively coupled to an external cellular network. The at least one internal antenna is configured to transmit a wireless signal received by the external antenna from the external cellular network to one or more locations inside or proximate to the building. The data communication network is configured to control wireless coverage to the one or more locations.

[0026] In some examples, some of the one or more locations can be inside the building and other of the one or more locations can be outside the building.

[0027] In some examples, at least one of the external antennas can be coupled to the building's network infrastructure via one or more data carrier lines and / or wireless links, and the network infrastructure can include one or more data carrier lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel.

[0028] In some examples, multiple internal antennas can be distributed within the building.

[0029] In some examples, the network infrastructure can have a vertical data plane between building floors and a horizontal data plane throughout a single floor or multiple adjacent floors. In some examples, the vertical data plane includes multiple control panels and high-capacity data carrier lines.

[0030] In some examples, the building can include at least one rooftop donor antenna configured to communicate with an external cellular network via a physical electrical or optical line, and at least one control panel. In some examples, the rooftop donor antenna can be configured to provide a downlink to the building to provide wireless services to occupants and / or indoor devices.

[0031] These and other features and embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Introduction Certain disclosed embodiments provide a network infrastructure that can be utilized for various purposes, such as providing broadband wireless communication services to building occupants and / or users outside the building. In the latter case, the network infrastructure may cooperate with the infrastructure of a cellular service provider or function as a replacement for a part of that infrastructure. This network infrastructure is optionally provided within a building that includes electrically switchable windows. In some cases, examples of components included with the network infrastructure include a high-speed backhaul, such as cables and switches, physical antennas, and transceivers or radios.

[0034] This disclosed network infrastructure can provide additional coverage inside the building (in addition to that provided by the cellular service provider itself) and / or provide or supplement the capabilities of the cellular service provider to provide coverage and capacity outside the building, typically near the building, e.g., within about 100 meters from the building, and in some cases, within the premises wiring. In some cases, the building and the associated network infrastructure may also function as a cellular tower.

[0035] High-speed, high-frequency communication protocols, such as 5G, face numerous challenges before they are widely adopted and become popular. For example, compared to lower-frequency communication bands, higher-frequency bands require more antennas. For instance, it is estimated that to deploy 5G cellular service in a given area, more than twice the number of antennas required to provide the same level as 4G cellular service are needed. Some of those antennas can be provided on a building or a part of a building.

[0036] Consider an example of providing 5G or other wireless coverage in an urban canyon, such as roads in a metropolitan area like Manhattan, New York, or Singapore. In 5G services, many antennas are required to provide appropriate coverage and appropriate capacity. Public spaces such as utility poles where communication providers can deploy antennas to provide appropriate 5G coverage and capacity are insufficient. For this purpose, private buildings spanning the urban canyon provide locations for 5G antennas.

[0037] Unfortunately, 5G and other high - frequency protocols are susceptible to attenuation. 5G communications (especially in those high - frequency bands such as the range of about 6 - 30 GHz) are particularly susceptible to attenuation by steel - reinforced concrete in walls, aluminum - clad insulation in building walls and floors, low - dielectric films on glass, and, in some cases, conductive structures such as electrochromic devices on glass. To address this, active elements such as repeaters can be provided within the building. For example, a cellular repeater can be disposed above or near walls, windows, floors, and / or ceilings that attenuate wireless signals.

[0038] Note that when describing the cellular protocols disclosed herein, 5G is often used as an example. However, the disclosed embodiments relate to any wireless communication protocol, or combination of protocols.

[0039] Functions: The communication infrastructure described herein can provide various functions, some of which are listed here.

[0040] 1. Some of the systems described herein are configured to selectively block and transmit wireless signals in a controllable manner. In various embodiments, the system is configured such that the transmission of wireless communication is fully controlled based on location, time, and / or other criteria. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by using a controllable active element that converts and retransmits the signal. For example, the receiving antenna is oriented in a direction on one side of a wall or window, and the transmitter antenna is oriented generally in the opposite direction on the other side of that wall or window. The active element between the receiver and the transmitter includes one or more transceivers or other signal converters. The element transmits the signal when it is on or in an active state and does not transmit the signal when it is off or in an inactive state. In some embodiments, the active element that receives and automatically retransmits a wireless communication signal is a repeater. This repeater can amplify the signal and / or, in other cases, transmit the signal to a location where the signal would not otherwise be received.

[0041] A repeater or other active element can include a particular combination of antennas, having one type of antenna inside a building and a different type of antenna outside the building (or on the opposite side of an interior wall or window). In connection with the description of the various antenna types herein, some embodiments employ a handle antenna outside the building coupled to one of the other antennas inside the building (e.g., a microstrip antenna). In some implementations, one or both of the antennas are disposed on a standoff feature such as a beauty cap.

[0042] Electrochromic windows can provide signals that block in the range of 10 - 20 dB of insertion loss depending on the transmission frequency, and it has been observed that greater losses occur at higher frequencies. For this reason, some embodiments use a wireless repeater or a repeater to avoid such blocking by the electrochromic window. In some embodiments, such a repeater is disposed on or in proximity to the IGU.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the window or wall includes a layer or structure that completely blocks wireless transmission over a specific spectral range. In one example, the blocking layer completely covers one surface of the light, e.g., surface 3 of the IGU. Examples of window blocking structures are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 709,339, filed September 19, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A security system employing repeaters can employ walls and windows that effectively block the transmission of electromagnetic signals in specific regions of the spectrum, e.g., at least the 5G region.

[0044] The signal repeater or retransmitter need not directly retransmit the wireless signal across the wall or window. In some cases, it can selectively transmit the wireless signal through the building to one or more locations remote from where the signal was received. It can use a wired network that implements a protocol such as Ethernet (registered trademark) to carry the received signal. For example, an externally generated wireless signal is received by a sensor on the roof of the building or on an exterior wall, from where it is transmitted via wire to a remote location within the building, such as ten floors below the roof or even to the basement.

[0045] In some cases, the retransmission system transmits a cellular signal (or other suitable wireless signal) to a selected location in a selected building at a selected time, and that signal may be delayed from when the wireless signal was first received. In other words, the communication can be stored (e.g., in a buffer) and / or delayed and then retransmitted. This retransmission can be performed regardless of where and when the communication embodied in the cellular signal is received.

[0046] 2. Since a very large number of 5G antennas are expected to require appropriate coverage and capacity in building-dense areas such as the center of a particular metropolis, deploying 5G antennas on the outdoor part of a building can complement the data transmission and antenna infrastructure of a cellular carrier's network. In some cases, such antennas can be connected to a broadband network infrastructure such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) network infrastructure within a building. An exemplary, complete or partial wired network infrastructure for supporting such 5G applications is described in WO2019 / 246497, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0047] Various antenna arrangements can be deployed to support 5G cellular and other communication services. Both coverage and capacity can be considered when designing a wireless communication infrastructure. Coverage can be addressed by providing various antennas arranged to obtain maximum effect for providing cellular service in a defined area. Capacity can be addressed by having broadband data transmission lines and switches. Some examples of high-capacity infrastructure are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 246497, which has previously been incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. Capacity can also be addressed by providing multiple antennas within a defined area.

[0048] In certain embodiments, individual antennas are dedicated to a particular protocol and each antenna has its own baseband radio. For example, one or more antennas can be designed for use in a Citizen Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), including a CBRS baseband radio. Note that in the United States, CBRS is a 150 MHz wide broadcast band in the 3.5 GHz band (3550 MHz to 3700 MHz) and can be used to provide wireless services not authorized by the Federal Communications Commission. Other antennas and associated baseband radios can be provided for cellular communications according to a particular protocol. The required baseband radios can be installed in various locations within a building, for example, including within digital building elements.

[0049] Various embodiments support multiple frequency bands and / or multiple protocols. Examples include various wireless networks, including cellular (such as 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.), Wi-Fi®, CBRS, as well as related applications such as WLAN and Voice over WLAN. In some cases, a given antenna or combination of antennas, and sometimes associated transmitters and / or receivers, are protocol independent. For example, Carrier A and Carrier B can use different radios and / or protocols, some of which can be defined by the Multimedia over Coaxial Alliance (MoCA). In some cases, a similar antenna structure can be used to transmit and / or receive signals for multiple protocols.

[0050] A particular infrastructure includes devices for indoor communication (within a building) via a 5G protocol without supporting Wi-Fi®. Since 5G is limited to relatively narrow lines of sight, many 5G antennas must be deployed throughout the building. These can be placed in locations where Wi-Fi® antennas typically reside. In some facilities, 5G will have sufficient bandwidth and coverage to provide all the functions currently offered by Wi-Fi®.

[0051] Switchable Windows, IGUs, and Window Networks In various embodiments, but not all embodiments, the building network infrastructure supports a control system for one or more switchable windows, such as electrochromic windows. The disclosed embodiments focus on electrochromic windows (also called optically switchable windows, switchable windows, and smart windows), but the concepts disclosed herein can be applied to other types of switchable optical devices, including, for example, liquid crystal devices and suspended particle devices. For example, liquid crystal devices or suspended particle devices can be incorporated into some or all of the disclosed implementations rather than electrochromic devices.

[0052] Switchable Windows A switchable window (sometimes referred to as a switchable window) is a window that exhibits a controllable and reversible change in optical properties when a stimulus, such as an applied voltage, is applied. By using a switchable window to regulate the transmission of solar energy and thus the heat load on the interior of a building, the lighting conditions and temperature within the building can be controlled. The control can be manual or automatic and can be used to maintain the comfort of the occupants while reducing the energy consumption of the heating, air conditioning, and / or lighting systems. In some cases, the switchable window can respond to environmental sensors and user controls. In this application, the switchable window is most often described with reference to an electrochromic window located between the interior and exterior of a building or structure. However, this need not be the case. The switchable window can operate using a liquid crystal device, a suspended particle device, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device (such as a microshutter), or any currently known or later developed technology configured to control light transmission through the window. A window having a MEMS device for switching is further described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 443,353, filed May 15, 2015, entitled "MULTI-PANE WINDOWS INCLUDING ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES AND ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS DEVICES", which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some cases, the switchable window can be located within a building, for example, between a conference room and a corridor. In some cases, the switchable window can be used in automobiles, trains, airplanes, and other vehicles in place of a passive or non-switchable window.

[0053] Electrochromic (EC) device coating - An electrochromic device coating (sometimes referred to as an electrochromic device (ECD)) is a coating that includes at least one layer of an electrochromic material that exhibits a change from one optical state to another when a potential is applied across the ends of the EC device. The transition of the electrochromic layer from one optical state to another can be caused by reversible ion insertion (e.g., by intercalation) into the electrochromic material and the corresponding injection of charge-balancing electrons. In some examples, some of the ions responsible for the optical transition are irreversibly bound within the electrochromic material. In many EC devices, some or all of the irreversibly bound ions can be used to compensate for "hidden charges" within the material.

[0054] In some implementations, suitable ions include lithium ions (Li+) and hydrogen ions (H+) (i.e., protons). In some other implementations, other ions may be suitable. For example, the intercalation of lithium ions into tungsten oxide (WO 3-y (0 < y ≦ about 0.3)) changes the tungsten oxide from a transparent state to a blue state. An EC device coating as described herein is disposed within the visible portion of a tintable window, and as a result, the tinting of the EC device coating can be used to control the optical state of the tintable window.

[0055] A schematic cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device 100 according to some embodiments is shown in FIG. 1. The EC device coating is attached to a substrate 102, a transparent conductive layer (TCL) 104, an electrochromic layer (EC) 106 (which may also be referred to as a cathode coloring layer or a cathode coloration layer), an ion conducting layer or region (IC) 108, a counter electrode layer (CE) 110 (which may also be referred to as an anode coloring layer or an anode coloration layer), and a second TCL 114. Elements 104, 106, 108, 110, and 114 are collectively referred to as an electrochromic stack 120. A voltage source 116 operable to apply a potential across the ends of the electrochromic stack 120 causes, for example, a transition of the electrochromic coating from a clear state to a colored state. In other embodiments, the order of the layers is reversed with respect to the substrate. That is, the layers are in the following order: substrate, TCL, counter electrode layer, ion conducting layer, electrochromic material layer, TCL.

[0056] In various embodiments, the ion conductor region 108 can be formed from a portion of the EC layer 106 and / or from a portion of the CE layer 110. In such embodiments, the electrochromic stack 120 can be deposited to include a cathodically coloring electrochromic material (EC layer) that physically contacts directly an anodically coloring counter electrode material (CE layer). The ion conductor region 108 (also sometimes referred to as an interface region or an ion-conductive substantially electronically insulating layer or region) can in this case be formed, for example through heating and / or other processing steps, at the location where the EC layer 106 and the CE layer 110 are in contact. Electrochromic devices fabricated without depositing a specific ion conductor material are further contemplated in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 462,725, filed May 2, 2012, entitled “ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the EC device coating can also include one or more additional layers such as one or more passive layers. For example, the passive layer can be used to improve certain optical properties, to provide wetting, or to provide scratch resistance. These passive layers or other passive layers can also function to seal the EC stack 120. Additionally, various layers including transparent conductive layers (such as 104 and 114) can be treated with an anti-reflection layer or a protective oxide or nitride layer.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the electrochromic device is configured to reversibly cycle between a transparent state and a colored state. In the clear state, a potential is applied to the electrochromic stack 120 such that the available ions in the stack that can color the electrochromic material 106 are primarily present in the counter electrode 110. When the potential applied to the electrochromic stack is reversed, the ions are transported across the ion conducting layer 108 to the electrochromic material 106, causing the material to enter the colored state.

[0058] References to transitions between a transparent state and a colored state are non-limiting and are meant to suggest only one example among many possible electrochromic transitions. Unless otherwise specified herein, whenever a reference is made to a transparent-to-colored transition, the corresponding device or process encompasses other optical state transitions such as non-reflective-to-reflective, transparent-to-opaque, etc. Further, the terms "clear" and "bleach" refer to an optically neutral state that is, for example, uncolored, transparent, or translucent. Still further, unless otherwise specified herein, the "color" or "coloration" of an electrochromic transition is not limited to any particular wavelength or wavelength range. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the associated optical transitions are governed by the selection of appropriate electrochromic and counter electrode materials.

[0059] In certain embodiments, all of the materials that make up electrochromic stack 120 are inorganic, solid (i.e., in a solid state), or both inorganic and solid. Inorganic materials provide the advantage of a highly reliable electrochromic stack that can function for extended periods because organic materials tend to degrade over time, especially when exposed to heat and UV light, such as in the case of tinted building windows. Solid-state materials also provide the advantage of no containment and leakage issues, as is common with liquid-state materials. It is to be understood that any one or more of the layers within the stack may contain some amount of organic material, but in many implementations, one or more of the layers contain little or no organic material. The same can be said for small amounts of liquid that may be present in one or more of the layers. It is also to be understood that solid-state materials can be deposited or formed by processes that employ a liquid component, such as certain processes using sol-gel or chemical vapor deposition.

[0060] Figures 2A and 2B show cross-sectional views of an exemplary switchable window embodied within an insulating glass unit (IGU) 200 according to some implementations. Generally speaking, unless otherwise stated, the terms "IGU", "switchable window", and "optically switchable window" are used interchangeably. This descriptive convention is generally used because, for example, it is well known and because it may be desirable to function the IGU as an underlying configuration for holding an electrochromic pane (also called a "light") when provided for installation within a building. The IGU light or pane can be a multi-substrate configuration such as a single substrate or a laminate of two substrates. IGUs, particularly those having a double or triple pane configuration, can offer several advantages over other single pane configurations. For example, a multi-pane configuration can provide improved insulation, soundproofing, environmental protection, and / or durability when compared to a single pane configuration. A multi-pane configuration can also provide improved protection for an ECD because, for example, an electrochromic film, as well as associated layers and conductive interconnects, can be formed on the inner surfaces of the multi-pane IGU and protected by an inert gas fill within the inner volume 208 of the IGU. The inert gas fill provides at least part of the (thermal) insulation function of the IGU. An electrochromic IGU adds heat blocking ability by virtue of the effectiveness of a switchable coating that absorbs (or reflects) heat and light.

[0061] Figure 2A shows an exemplary implementation of an IGU 200 that includes a first pane 204 having a first surface S1 and a second surface S2. In some implementations, the first surface S1 of the first pane 204 faces an external environment such as the outdoors or an external environment. The IGU 200 also includes a second pane 206 having a first surface S3 and a second surface S4. In some implementations, the second surface S4 of the second pane 206 faces an indoor environment such as the inside of a home, building, or vehicle, or a room or passenger compartment within a home, building, or vehicle.

[0062] In some embodiments, each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 is at least transparent or translucent to light within the visible spectrum. For example, each of the panes 204 and 206 can be formed of a glass material, particularly architectural glass, or other shatter-resistant glass materials such as, for example, silicon oxide (SiO x )-based glass materials. As a more specific example, each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 can be a soda-lime glass substrate or a float glass substrate. Such glass substrates can be composed of, for example, about 75% silica (SiO 2 ), along with Na 2 O, CaO, and some minor additives. However, each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 can be formed of any material having suitable optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. For example, other suitable substrates that can be used as one or both of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 include plastic materials, semi-plastic materials, thermoplastic materials (e.g., poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, polycarbonate, allyl diglycol carbonate, SAN (styrene acrylonitrile copolymer), poly(4-methyl-1-pentene), polyester, polyamide), or mirror materials, along with other glass materials. In some embodiments, each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 can be strengthened, for example, by annealing, heating, or ion strengthening.

[0063] Generally, each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206, and the IGU 200 as a whole, is a rectangular parallelepiped. However, in some other implementations, other shapes are conceivable and may be desired (e.g., circular, elliptical, triangular, curved, convex or concave shapes). In some specific implementations, the length “L” of each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 can be in the range of approximately 20 inches (in.) to approximately 10 feet (ft.), the width “W” of each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 can be in the range of approximately 20 inches to approximately 10 feet, and the thickness “T” of each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 can be in the range of approximately 0.3 millimeters (mm) to approximately 10 mm (however, smaller and larger, other lengths, widths, or thicknesses are possible and may be desired based on the requirements of a particular user, manager, administrator, builder, designer, or owner). In an example where the thickness T of the substrate 204 is less than 3 mm, typically, the substrate is laminated to an additional substrate that is thicker and thus protects the thinner substrate 204. Further, the IGU 200 includes two panes (204 and 206), but in some other implementations, the IGU can include three or more panes. Further, in some implementations, one or more of the panes can itself be a laminated structure of two, three or more layers or sub-panes.

[0064] The first pane 204 and the second pane 206 are spaced apart from each other by a spacer 218, which is typically a frame structure and forms an internal volume 208. In some implementations, the internal volume is filled with argon (Ar), while in some other implementations, the internal volume 108 can be filled with another noble gas (e.g., krypton (Kr) or xenon (Xe)), another gas (non-noble gas), or a gas mixture (e.g., air), etc. By filling the internal volume 208 with a gas such as Ar, Kr, or Xe, the conductive heat transfer through the IGU 200 can be reduced due to the low thermal conductivity of these gases, and the sound insulation can be enhanced due to their large atomic weights. In some other implementations, air or other gas can be removed from the internal volume 208 to make it empty. The spacer 218 generally determines the height "C" of the internal volume 208, i.e., the space between the first pane 204 and the second pane 206. In FIG. 2A, the thicknesses of the ECD, the sealing materials 220 / 222, and the busbars 226 / 228 are not to scale, and these components are typically extremely thin but are exaggerated here for ease of explanation only. In some implementations, the spacing "C" between the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 ranges from about 6 mm to about 30 mm. The width "D" of the spacer 218 can range from about 5 mm to about 25 mm (however, other widths are also possible and may be desirable).

[0065] Although not shown in the cross-sectional view, the spacer 218 is generally a frame structure formed around all sides of the IGU 200 (e.g., the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the IGU 200). For example, the spacer 218 can be formed from a foam or plastic material. However, in some other implementations, the spacer can be a metal or other conductive material, such as a metal tube or groove structure having at least three sides for sealing to each of the substrates, as well as one side as a surface for supporting and separating the lights and applying the sealing material 224. The first primary seal 220 adheres and seals the spacer 218 to the second surface S2 of the first pane 204. The second primary seal 222 adheres and seals the spacer 218 to the first surface S3 of the second pane 206. Depending on the implementation, each of the primary seals 220 and 222 can be formed of an adhesive sealing material such as polyisobutylene (PIB), for example. In some implementations, the IGU 200 further includes a secondary seal 224 that seals the boundary around the entire IGU 200 outside of the spacer 218. For this purpose, the spacer 218 is fitted at a distance “E” from the edges of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206. The distance “E” can be in the range of approximately 4 mm to approximately 8 mm (although other distances are possible and may be desirable). In some implementations, the secondary seal 224 can be formed of an adhesive sealing material such as a polymer material that adds a structural support to the assembly, such as, for example, a water-resistant and similar structural sealing material that forms a silicone, polyurethane, and waterproof seal.

[0066] In the implementation form shown in FIG. 2A, the ECD 210 is formed on the second surface S2 of the first pane 204. In some other implementation forms, the ECD 210 can be formed on another suitable surface, for example, the first surface S1 of the first pane 204, the first surface S3 of the second pane 206, or the second surface S4 of the second pane 206. The ECD 210 includes an electrochromic ( "EC") stack 212, and the electrochromic stack itself can include one or more layers as described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0067] Window controller The window controller can be associated with one or more colorable windows and is configured to control the optical state of the window by applying a stimulus to the window, for example, by applying a voltage or current to the EC device coating. The window controllers described herein can have many sizes, forms, and positions with respect to the optically switchable windows they control. Typically, the controller can be attached to the IGU or laminated lite, but the controller can also be present within the frame that houses the IGU or laminate, or even in a separate location. As described above, the colorable window can include one, two, three or more individual electrochromic panes (electrochromic devices on a transparent substrate). Also, the individual panes of the electrochromic window can have an electrochromic coating with independently colorable zones. A controller as described herein can control all electrochromic coatings associated with such windows, whether the electrochromic coating is a monolithic structure or a layered arrangement.

[0068] If not directly attachable to a colorable window, IGU, or frame, the window controller is typically positioned in the vicinity of the colorable window. For example, the window controller can be adjacent to the window, on a surface of one of the lights of the window, within a wall adjacent to the window, or within the frame of a self - contained window assembly. In some embodiments, the window controller is an "in situ" controller. That is, the controller is part of the window assembly, IGU or laminate, is matched with the electrochromic window, and need not be installed on - site. For example, the controller moves with the window as part of the assembly from the factory. The controller may be installed within the window frame of the window assembly, or may be part of an IGU or laminate assembly attached on or between the panes of the IGU, or on the pane of the laminate. If the controller is located in the visible portion of the IGU, at least a portion of the controller can be substantially transparent. Further examples regarding controllers on glass are provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 951,410, entitled "SELF CONTAINED EC IGU", filed on November 14, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the localized controller can be provided as a plurality of parts, with at least one part (e.g., a memory component storing information regarding an associated electrochromic window) provided as part of the window assembly, and at least one other part configured to mate with at least one part that is spaced apart and is part of the window assembly, IGU, or laminate. In certain embodiments, the controller is not within a single housing, but rather can be an assembly of interconnected parts that are spaced within, for example, the secondary seal of the IGU. In other embodiments, the controller is a compact unit within, for example, a single housing, or within two or more components that combine a dock and a housing assembly, and the compact unit is adjacent to the glass but not within the visible region, or is attached on the glass within the visible region.

[0069] In one embodiment, the window controller is incorporated within or on the IGU and / or window frame, or at least within the same building as the window, prior to the installation of the switchable window. In one embodiment, the controller is incorporated within or on the IGU and / or window frame prior to leaving the manufacturing facility. In one embodiment, the controller is incorporated within the IGU substantially within the secondary seal. In another embodiment, the controller is partially, substantially, or entirely incorporated within the outer periphery defined by the primary seal between the sealing separator and the substrate, within or on the IGU.

[0070] The controller may be part of the IGU and / or window assembly and may move, for example, with the IGU or window unit. If the controller is part of the IGU assembly, the IGU may carry the logic and features of the controller.

[0071] In the event that the characteristics of the electrochromic device change over time (e.g., due to degradation), the characteristic function can be used to update the control parameters used, for example, to drive the coloring state transition. In another example, if already installed within the electrochromic window unit, the logic and features of the controller can be used to calibrate the control parameters to match the intended installation, and if already installed, the control parameters can be recalibrated to match the performance characteristics of the electrochromic pane.

[0072] In other embodiments, rather than being pre-associated with a window, for example, a dock component having parts that are generic to any electrochromic window is associated with each window at the factory. After window installation, or in other scenarios, a second component of the controller is combined with the dock component to complete an electrochromic window controller assembly. The dock component can include a chip that is programmed at the factory with the physical characteristics and parameters of a particular window to which the dock is to be attached (e.g., facing the interior of a building after installation, sometimes on a surface called surface 4 or "S4"). The second component (sometimes also called a "carrier", "casing", "housing", or "controller") mates with the dock, and when powered, the second component can read the chip and configure itself to supply power to the window according to the particular characteristics and parameters stored in the chip. In this way, a shipped window only needs to have its associated parameters stored in a chip integral to the window, while more sophisticated circuits and components can be combined later (e.g., shipped separately, attached by a window manufacturer after a glazier installs the window, and subsequently commissioned by the window manufacturer). Various embodiments are described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the chip is included in a wire or wire connector attached to the window controller. Such a wire with a connector is sometimes called a lead wire.

[0073] As examined, an "IGU" includes two (or more) substantially transparent substrates, e.g., two glass panes, in which case at least one substrate includes an electrochromic device disposed thereon, and the panes have a separator disposed therebetween. The IGU is typically hermetically sealed and has an internal region isolated from the ambient environment. A "window assembly" can include an IGU or, e.g., a stand-alone laminate, and includes electrical leads for connecting the IGU or laminate to one or more electrochromic devices to a voltage source, switch, etc., and can include a frame for supporting the IGU or laminate. The window assembly can include a window controller as described herein and / or components of the window controller (e.g., a dock).

[0074] As used herein, the term outboard means closer to the external environment, while the term inboard means closer to the interior of the building. For example, in the case of an IGU having two panes, the pane placed closer to the external environment is called the outboard pane or outer pane, while the pane placed closer to the interior of the building is called the inboard pane or inner pane. As illustrated with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the different surfaces of the IGU can be referred to as S1, S2, S3, and S4 (assuming an IGU with two panes). S1 refers to the surface facing the outside of the outboard lite (i.e., the surface that a person standing outside can physically touch). S2 refers to the surface facing the inside of the outboard lite. S3 refers to the surface facing the outside of the inboard lite. S4 refers to the surface facing the inside of the inboard lite (i.e., the surface that a person standing inside the building can physically touch). In other words, the surfaces are labeled S1 - S4, counted from the outermost surface of the IGU towards the inside. This trend holds if the IGU includes three panes (S6 is the surface that can be physically touched by a person standing inside the building). In a particular embodiment using two panes, the electrochromic device (or other optically switchable device) is disposed on S3. In a particular embodiment, one or more of the surfaces have a structure for blocking the transmission of electromagnetic radiation. In FIG. 2B, this is illustrated as the “IMI” (shield stack of conductive layers) on S3. Additional aspects of the shield stack structure are presented in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 709,339, filed Sep. 19, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0075] Further examples of window controllers and their features are presented in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 449,248, entitled "CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS", filed on April 17, 2012, U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 449,251, entitled "CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS", filed on April 17, 2012, U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 334,835, entitled "CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES", filed on October 26, 2016, and International Patent Application No. PCT / US17 / 20805, entitled "METHOD OF COMMISSIONING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS", filed on March 3, 2017, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0076] Window control system When a building is equipped with colorable windows, the window controller can connect to each other and / or to other entities via a communication network sometimes referred to as a window control network or window network. Networks (e.g., wired or wireless power transfer and / or communication) and various devices (e.g., controllers and sensors) connected via the network are referred to herein as a window control system. The window control network can provide coloring instructions to the window controller and provide window information to a master controller or other network entities, etc. Examples of window information include the current coloring state or other information collected by the window controller. In some cases, the window controller has one or more associated sensors that provide sensed information via the network, including, for example, a photosensor, a temperature sensor, an occupancy sensor, and / or a gas sensor. In some cases, the information transmitted via the window communication network does not necessarily affect window control. For example, information received at a first window configured to receive a Wi-Fi® or LiFi signal can be transmitted via the communication network to a second window configured to wirelessly broadcast the information as, for example, a Wi-Fi® or LiFi signal. The window control network does not necessarily have to be limited to providing information for controlling colorable windows and can also transmit information for other devices that interface with the communication network, such as an HVAC system, a lighting system, a security system, a personal computing device, etc.

[0077] Figure 3 provides an example of a control network 301 of a window control system 300. The network can distribute control instructions and feedback and serve as a power distribution network. The master controller 302 communicates with and functions in conjunction with a number of network controllers 304, and each of the network controllers can address a plurality of window controllers 306 (sometimes referred to herein as leaf controllers) that apply a voltage or current to control the coloring state of one or more optically switchable windows 308. The communication controllers (304, 306, and 308) can exist via a wired connection (e.g., Ethernet®) or a wireless connection (e.g., Wi-Fi®, CBRS, cellular, or LiFi). In some implementations, the master controller issues high-level instructions (such as the final coloring state of the electrochromic window) to the network controllers, and then the network controllers communicate the instructions to the corresponding window controllers. Typically, the master controller is configured to communicate with one or more external networks 309. The window control network 301 can include any suitable number of distributed controllers with various capabilities or functions and is not necessarily arranged within the hierarchical structure depicted in FIG. 3. The network 301 can also be used as a communication network between distributed controllers (e.g., 302, 304, 306) that act as communication nodes to other devices or systems (e.g., 309).

[0078] In some embodiments, the externally facing network 309 is part of or connected to a building management system (BMS). The BMS is a computer-based control system that can be installed within a building to monitor and control the building's mechanical and electrical equipment. The BMS can be configured to control the operation of HVAC systems, lighting systems, power systems, elevators, fire systems, security systems, and other safety systems. The BMS is frequently used in large buildings and functions to control the environment within the building. For example, the BMS can monitor and control lighting, temperature, carbon dioxide levels, and humidity within the building. In doing so, the BMS can control the operation of furnaces, air conditioners, fans, vents, gas lines, water lines, etc. To control the building's environment, the BMS can turn these various devices on and off, for example, according to rules established by the building manager. One function of the BMS is to maintain a comfortable environment for building occupants. In some implementations, the BMS not only monitors and controls the building state but also optimizes the synergistic effects between various systems - for example, it can be configured to conserve energy and reduce building operating costs. In some implementations, the BMS can be configured using disaster response. For example, the BMS can initiate the use of backup generators and turn off water lines and gas lines. In some cases, the BMS has a more focused use - for example, simply controlling the HVAC system - while parallel systems such as lighting, tintable windows, and / or security systems operate stand-alone or interact with the BMS.

[0079] In some embodiments, network 309 is a remote network. For example, network 309 can operate in the cloud or on a device remote from a building having an optically switchable window. In some embodiments, network 309 is a network that provides information or enables control of an optically switchable window via a remote wireless device. In some cases, network 309 includes earthquake event detection logic. Further examples of window control systems and their features are presented in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 334,832, entitled "CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES," filed on October 26, 2016, and International Patent Application No. PCT / US17 / 62634, entitled "AUTOMATED COMMISSIONING OF CONTROLLERS IN A WINDOW NETWORK," filed on November 23, 2016, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0080] The illustrated embodiments show a window 308 and a window control network 301, but it should be understood that some embodiments do not include EC windows, or any other type of window that is optically switchable. Further, in certain embodiments, the network includes a controller, but the controller does not control the window. In some embodiments, the network has a topology similar to that depicted in FIG. 3, but it does not necessarily serve to control the window. Such a network can serve a variety of other purposes and may or may not include providing instructions for controlling the tint state of an optically switchable window or other building functions. In some cases, the network is initially deployed without optically switchable windows, but later such windows are installed and attached to the network. With or without window attachment, the network can provide a variety of functions unrelated to window control. For example, in certain embodiments, building facade (envelope) computing and power distribution systems are described, with or without switchable windows. Such systems can be installed early in the construction of a building and thus, when the building construction is complete and the building is occupied, can be used, for example, to complete construction and / or supply power and computing capabilities to an edge computing platform and / or the cloud that can be used by building occupants. See, for example, the consideration of PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US19 / 30467, filed May 2, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0081] It should be understood that the communication infrastructure disclosed herein may or may not provide an optically switchable window. In the latter case, i.e., when there is no window infrastructure, the network need not be connected to an electrically switchable window, include a window controller, and / or have logic for determining the appropriate optical state of the window.

[0082] Communication Infrastructure Components Building network infrastructures typically include various components such as antennas for receiving and / or transmitting wireless signals, high-speed switches or other network devices for coupling information between antennas and cables, and high-capacity links for carrying information between antennas.

[0083] High-capacity cables, twisted pair wires, or other data-carrying links can be employed. In certain embodiments, such links are configured to carry at least 1 gigabit per second Ethernet® communication, or at least 10 gigabit per second Ethernet® communication. In certain embodiments, such links are coaxial cables coupled to MoCA circuits, as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 803,324, filed on February 8, 2019, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0084] Regarding antennas, some of these may face the interior of the building (e.g., they are positioned and oriented to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals in the direction of a room or other interior portion of the building). In some cases, one or more antennas face outward away from the interior of the building. Such antennas can be positioned and oriented to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals (e.g., cellular signals) outside the building. Still, other antennas may be omnidirectional or nearly omnidirectional.

[0085] The network infrastructure can include one or more radios that cooperate with an antenna. Various radios can be employed for the various communication protocols adopted within a building. Those radios can include radio frequency (RF) radio chipsets from various vendors. The radio can employ one or more circuits for receiving a wireless signal from the antenna and providing an electrical signal to a cable that communicates in an appropriate format such as MoCA (see, e.g., the MoCA transceiver device sold by Maxlinear, Inc., of Carlsbad, California).

[0086] The network infrastructure described herein can provide services to various devices provided by building occupants and the building itself. Generally, the infrastructure can provide services to any device that uses communication. Examples include cellular phones, tablets, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, sensors, computers, displays, and the like.

[0087] In some cases, a building network infrastructure provides controlled transfer by having a receiver antenna outside the building and one or more retransmitter antennas inside the building. However, when the building works in cooperation with a wider geographical cellular communication infrastructure, the building may have one or more transmitter antennas outside the building and receiver antennas inside and / or outside the building. In certain embodiments, for example, an outdoor antenna disposed on the roof of a building is configured to interface with cellular communication such as 4G or 5G communication. Such an antenna can be integrated or used together with a sky sensor or a ring sensor having one or more air or weather sensors, as described in, for example, U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 287,646, filed on October 6, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In certain embodiments, the sky sensor or ring sensor includes a plurality of environmental sensors such as air sensors, radiation sensors (e.g., infrared sensors and / or visible spectrum light sensors), or other types of sensors. In some embodiments, one or more of these sensors are oriented or configured to capture information for determining and / or predicting the weather in the building. For example, optical sensors and / or infrared sensors can be used to determine cloud conditions (e.g., type, location, and amount of cloud cover), temperature, radiant flux, etc. Any of these parameters can be monitored over time and / or in multiple directions.

[0088] In some cases, some radiation sensors are azimuthally distributed around a horizontally or substantially horizontally oriented ring or other planar structure, facing outward away from the ring or other structure to which they are attached. In some embodiments, in addition to the azimuthally distributed sensors, a sky sensor or ring sensor includes one or more additional sensors that face upward or substantially upward to detect radiation coming from above. In various embodiments, a sky sensor or ring sensor is mounted on a building roof, where the amount sensed there can be used in routines for determining window tinting states and / or other building parameter settings. As more fully described herein, a sky sensor or ring sensor can include one or more antennas configured to transmit and / or receive cellular communications (e.g., 5G cellular communications). Unless otherwise specified, when this disclosure refers to an antenna mounted on a building roof, such an antenna can be implemented within a sky sensor or ring sensor.

[0089] As shown, a building network infrastructure can employ active coupling and transmission where an electromagnetic signal is received in one location, converted to digital or analog form, and then transmitted as an electromagnetic signal in another location. In some cases, a building network infrastructure includes components that serve as repeaters, which couple electromagnetic signals transmitted or received by antennas to data transmission of the building network infrastructure (wired or wireless).

[0090] Building network infrastructure components can be integrated at various levels within a building or building floor. In various embodiments, a building floor, or a portion of that floor, has a control panel with multiple lines extending therefrom for distributing signals to indoor antennas. In some cases, the network infrastructure is divided based on lease, and one or more tenants receive access to some network resources, while other tenants do not receive such access, while on the other hand, other tenants receive a different set of network services.

[0091] Figure 4A shows an example of a portion of a building communication infrastructure 401 within a room or other part of a building floor. Similar portions of the communication infrastructure may be replicated within other areas of the floor and across multiple floors within the building if they exist.

[0092] As illustrated in Figure 4A, the control panel 403 provides an interface between communication devices within the building infrastructure 401 and an external network 405 such as a wide area network, the Internet, one or more cloud-based storage, and / or processing resources. This control panel 403 may include various components for providing communication and power distribution resources to portions of the building's components. Examples of communication resources that may be provided within the control panel 403 include a master controller and / or a network controller. Examples of power distribution resources that may be included within the control panel 403 include transformers and interfaces for providing Class 1 or Class 2 power to window controllers and / or other devices within the network infrastructure. For more information regarding the control panel, as well as master and network controllers, see, for example, U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 365,685, filed November 30, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 365,685, filed October 26, 2016, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0093] The control panel 403 includes one or more devices configured to provide high-speed communication over one or more internal networks such as a network having a coaxial signal carrier line. For example, for this purpose, a MoCA device / interface can be employed. For example, reference is made to U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 803,324, filed on February 8, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. The control panel 403 can further include one or more devices configured to provide data and instructions to the window controller via a separate network such as a Controller Area Network (CAN). As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the control panel 403 can include a MoCA transceiver 404.

[0094] In the illustrated example, the conductive line 409 (e.g., a coaxial cable) is configured to carry high-speed communication (e.g., via Ethernet (R)) between the control panel 403 and one or more digital elements such as a digital wall interface and digital building element 411. Similarly, the conductive line 413 is configured to carry data and communication between the control panel 403 and one or more window controllers 415 (e.g., via a CAN bus) and is disposed along a portion of the building floor that houses the room walls, or infrastructure 401. In the illustrated example, each window controller 415 controls a related electrically switchable window 417. In some cases, a single window controller controls two or more electrically switchable windows.

[0095] In the illustrated example, the communication infrastructure 401 includes an externally facing antenna 419 configured to transmit and / or receive wireless communication signals between a location outside a building (or a portion of a building) and the portion of the building housing the infrastructure 401. As shown in the figure, a communication link 421 (wired or wireless) connects the antenna 419 to the control panel 403. As a result, for example, externally generated communication provided by a cellular signal can be coupled to the interior of the building, or a portion of the building, even if the cellular signal cannot penetrate the building's walls and windows.

[0096] In certain embodiments, one or more of the digital building elements 411 include respective antennas 423 that can be configured to provide communication such as Wi-Fi®, cellular (e.g., 5G), Bluetooth® etc. with a communication device in the building or a portion of the building. The digital building elements 411 can have various sensors, user interface devices, computing / processing devices, and / or acoustic devices. Aspects of the digital building elements are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 803,324, filed on February 8, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0097] To couple an antenna to Ethernet (R) communication such as MoCA protocol Ethernet (R) communication, various devices can be employed. Such devices can be placed, for example, within a control panel and / or within digital elements such as digital building element 411. In certain implementations, a single chip or transceiver device can be employed to convert an analog signal from the antenna to Gigabit Ethernet (R) communication provided via a coaxial cable, and vice versa. In other implementations, multiple integrated circuits may be required to perform such conversion. In one example, a suitable device has three ports, namely, one for a coaxial cable, for example, a port suitable for transmitting and receiving Gigabit Ethernet (R) communication according to the MoCA protocol, one for a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus (e.g., a PCI Express (PCIE) bus), and a third port for conventional Gigabit Ethernet (R) communication. In another example, a suitable device also has three ports, one for a coaxial cable and MoCA communication, and the other two ports for conventional Gigabit Ethernet (R) communication. Examples of suitable devices that provide such capabilities include the MxL3710 and MxL3712 produced by Maxlinear, Inc. of Carlsbad, California.

[0098] The control panel 403, or other elements of the building data communication network infrastructure, can function as a head end. In some implementations, the head end is configured to divide the transmission bandwidth into time slices, and each time slice is assigned to a specific customer (e.g., a specific device on the horizontal data plane). Time division multiplexing can be implemented with a specific guaranteed latency. In some implementations, the head end is configured to provide a point-to-multipoint connection. For example, this head end can serve each of a specific number (e.g., 31) of downstream clients. Each of these clients can participate in a separate conversation or session. In some implementations, the clients cannot talk to each other. This is based on the cable TV model.

[0099] A chip or other logic device designed or configured in this way functions, on one side, to interface with digital elements within the building network via a coaxial cable, participate in communication using the MoCA protocol, and, on the other side, to interface or convert between an analog antenna signal from an antenna and a digital Gigabit Ethernet (registered trademark) provided via one of the other communication links supported by another integrated circuit or device, using a PCIE or Gigabit Ethernet (registered trademark) port, i.e., a circuit or device that converts between Gigabit Ethernet (registered trademark) via coaxial and Gigabit Ethernet (registered trademark) via one of the two other ports, can interface with another integrated circuit or device that functions as a transceiver for this purpose.

[0100] Network backbone components can employ a network or data conversion chip that supports Gigabit Ethernet (registered trademark) communication via a coaxial cable, and a cable. As described above, the MoCA communication protocol can be employed for this purpose.

[0101] A simple block diagram of control panel 441 for a given floor of a building is illustrated in FIG. 4B. This control panel 441 can include a conventional 10 - 40 Gb / sec Ethernet® switch 443. The control panel 441 can also include a device 445 for interfacing with MoCA - compliant broadband Ethernet® over cables strung across an entire floor of a building (or across multiple floors). For example, InCoax of Järfälla, Sweden, supplies a MoCA transmitter that can receive a 10 Gb / sec input signal (Ethernet®) and transmit four 2.5 Gb / sec output signals (Ethernet®).

[0102] In the specific example of FIG. 4B, the control panel 441 supplies, for example, four MoCA lines 449 at a data rate exceeding 10 Gb / sec. In other words, this system supports, for example, 10 Gb / sec MoCA lines strung across an entire single floor. The control panel 441 also supplies four CAN lines 451.

[0103] The system can provide separate parallel trunks for each cable (e.g., eight trunks in this example), or in this example, can provide shared trunks such that there are a total of two or four trunks. The Ethernet (R) MoCA cable is a coaxial cable, e.g., a low-impedance coaxial cable such as an RG-6 or higher gauge cable used for CATV. The CAN bus connection can be implemented, for example, using a two-twisted pair cable having a total of five conductors. In one example, one twisted pair houses a high-gauge conductor (e.g., 14 gauge) for supplying DC power to the device, the second twisted pair houses an impedance-controlled conductor (e.g., 22 gauge) for CAN bus communication, and the last conductor is for grounding. In this example, the control panel can supply two networks (left and right in the figure), each of which has two or more trunks. For example, each trunk can include a MoCA cable and a CAN cable.

[0104] In various embodiments, the communication capabilities to fixed nodes such as window controllers or other computing hardware are provided via a draw from the trunk (drop cable). In some cases, only a few nodes on the floor require a cable drop that provides broadband communication capabilities. For example, as described elsewhere in this specification, some nodes can be suitably provided by a wireless connection such as that provided by one or more of the digital elements.

[0105] Note that the MoCA protocol uses two frequency bands, one in the frequency range below 700 MHz and the other in the frequency range above 700 MHz. In a particular network where the band below 700 MHz is not transmitting CATV signals or cellular phone signals, the network can include a transmitter having a band centered around approximately 500 MHz and is sufficient for about 3 gigabit / second Ethernet (registered trademark) capabilities. Also, this network can employ another device that operates at frequencies above 700 MHz (e.g., up to approximately 1455 MHz) and can also deliver Ethernet (registered trademark) performance of nearly 3 gigabits. Between these two devices, the network according to some embodiments can address up to approximately 126 endpoints (e.g., cellular phones and other wireless communication devices).

[0106] The MoCA standard uses time-domain modulation signals. Thus, when the network has relatively few devices (e.g., about 10 to 20 devices) using the network at any given instant, each device can effectively receive the full bandwidth (e.g., capabilities far exceeding 1 / 126 of 6 gigabits).

[0107] Either of the MoCA standards can be supported. For example, the system can support MoCA Mesh and MoCA Access (e.g., MoCA Access 2.5 or MoCA Access 3.0). MoCA Mesh is designed to support a mesh network, while MoCA Access is designed to support routing from a source to a destination. Both standards support 63 devices per network. Combining two MoCA channels can support 126 devices. For comparison, a CAN network can support 128 devices.

[0108] It should be understood that not all communication links of the backbone or other building network infrastructure necessarily have to be wired, and some may be wireless. For example, the lines 409 and 413 shown in FIG. 4A may be wired or wireless. Various wireless protocols such as cellular (4G, 5G, etc.), Wi-Fi®, and LiFi can be employed. An exemplary embodiment of integrating LiFi into a building network infrastructure is presented in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 827,674, filed on April 1, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It should also be understood that the antennas can be disposed at locations other than those illustrated in FIG. 4A. Various examples are considered elsewhere in this specification. For example, the antennas can be disposed directly on windows, window controllers, window frames, mullions, and / or any other type of structural element. Examples of antenna types are listed below. Among them are patch antennas, handle antennas, microstrip antennas, slotted coaxial antennas, and trough antennas.

[0109] Antenna (Integration within a Building) General The antennas described in this specification can be installed in various locations within a building. In some cases, the antenna is installed on a window surface such as any of the surfaces S1 - S4 of a dual - lite IGU. Refer to FIGS. 2A and 2B showing these surfaces. The antenna on the glass can be a transparent antenna. In some cases, the antenna is installed on a component associated with the window or IGU. Examples include an IGU spacer, a window frame part, a window controller attached to the window, or an IGU spacer. Refer to FIG. 2A and the related description of the IGU and associated components. In some cases, the antenna is attached to a structural element, which is typically a permanent element of the building such as an element provided during construction. Such elements can be permanent, i.e., not easily removable from the building. Examples include walls, partitions (e.g., office space partitions), doors, beams, stairs, exterior facades, moldings, mullions, and balusters. In various examples, the building's structural elements are located on the perimeter of the building or room. The structural element is optionally associated with one or more windows (e.g., mullions). In some cases, the antenna is installed on a fixture, which can be after the building construction and installation. Examples include some types of lighting, work area structures such as cubicles, ceiling tiles. In some cases, the antenna is installed on a non - fixed element such as a furniture product. Examples of furniture on which the antenna can be installed include desks, chairs, cabinets, artworks.

[0110] Examples of window components and related building structure elements where an antenna can be installed include a frame, a frame structure that surrounds and supports the entire window system including a head, side posts, and a sill, where the head is a horizontal portion forming the upper part of the window frame, the side posts form the sides of the window frame and contact or form part of the building's fixed portion (i.e., usually the windows do not contact on both sides), and the sill is a horizontal portion forming the bottom of the window frame, the frame structure, a side post liner, a strip that moves on the side of the window frame providing a sliding fit for the window sash, a grill, a decorative part that visually divides the window panel and shows the glass in multiple glass panes, a muntin, a thin piece of wood or other material that further divides the window (e.g., multiple small windows within a door), a mullion, and a major structural vertical or horizontal component that separates two or more windows while supporting them.

[0111] Muntins are usually not structural but decorative and can be oriented either horizontally or vertically. Mullions are vertical or horizontal elements that form a division between window or screen units and / or are used decoratively. When dividing adjacent window units, a mullion can provide a rigid support for the insertion of the window's glass panes. It can also provide a structural support for an arch or lintel above the window opening. The horizontal elements that separate the door head from the upper window are both the side posts of the head and the horizontal mullions, and are sometimes called "transoms". An example of a framework structure providing several mullions to support windows on a front outer wall or other building exterior structure is illustrated in FIG. 5. The illustrated network of mullions can provide a path for electrical and / or optical transmission lines and fibers, for example, in the illustrated framework structure, such as path 510. Those paths can also provide attachment points for attaching antennas, radios, controllers, sensors, etc.

[0112] Any of these elements can be colored or covered on top.

[0113] In certain embodiments, the antenna can be installed on a digital element such as a digital building element or a digital wall fixture. Digital building elements are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 803,324, filed on November 16, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Digital elements within a building can be attached at various locations such as on a wall.

[0114] The digital building element can include various sensors, processors (e.g., microcontrollers), network interfaces, and one or more peripheral device interfaces. Examples of sensors for the element can include optical sensors, which can optionally include image capture sensors such as cameras (visual or IR images), acoustic sensors such as voice coils or microphones, air quality sensors (particle sensors, gas sensors such as carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, etc.), and proximity sensors (e.g., certain IR and / or RF sensors). The network interface can be a high-bandwidth interface such as a gigabit (or faster) Ethernet interface. Examples of peripheral devices can include video display monitors, add-on speakers, mobile devices, battery chargers, etc. Examples of peripheral device interfaces can include standard specification Bluetooth modules, ports such as USB ports and network ports, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the port can include any of various dedicated ports for third-party devices.

[0115] In certain embodiments, the digital building element functions in conjunction with other hardware and software provided for an optically switchable window system (e.g., a display on a window). In certain embodiments, the digital building element includes a window controller, or other controllers such as a master controller, a network controller, etc.

[0116] In certain embodiments, a digital building element includes one or more signal generating devices such as speakers, light sources (e.g., and LEDs), beacons, antennas (e.g., Wi-Fi® or cellular communication antennas), etc. In certain embodiments, the digital building element includes an energy storage component and / or an ambient power generation component. For example, the element can include one or more batteries or capacitors as an energy storage device. Such an element can additionally include a solar cell. In one example, the digital building element has one or more user interface components (e.g., a microphone or a speaker), and one or more additional sensors (e.g., a proximity sensor), and a network interface for broadband communication.

[0117] In various embodiments, the digital building element is designed or configured to be attached to or juxtaposed with a structural element of a building. In some cases, the digital building element has an appearance that harmonizes with the associated structural element. For example, the digital building element can have a shape, size, and color that harmonize with the associated structural element. In some cases, the digital building element may not be readily visible to the building occupants, e.g., the element is fully or partially camouflaged. However, such an element can interface with other non-mixing components such as video display monitors, touchscreens, projectors, etc.

[0118] The building structural elements to which digital building elements can be attached can include any of a variety of building structures. In certain embodiments, the building structure to which the digital building element is attached is a structure that is installed during the construction of the building, and in some cases, at the beginning of the building's construction. In certain embodiments, the building structural element for the digital building element is an element that functions as a building structure function. Such elements can be permanent, i.e., not easily removable from the building. Examples include walls, partitions (e.g., partitions in office spaces), doors, beams, stairs, facade walls, moldings, pilasters, and balustrades, among others. In various examples, the building structural element is disposed on the periphery of the building or room. In some cases, the digital building element is provided as a separate modular unit or box that attaches to the building structural element. In some cases, the digital building element is provided as the facade wall of the building structural element. For example, the digital building element can be provided as a cover for a pilaster, balustrade, or part of a door. In one example, the digital building element is disposed within or on a pilaster. When the digital building element is attached to the pilaster, it is bolted to or attached to the rigid portion of the pilaster. In certain embodiments, the digital building element can snap onto the building structural element. In certain embodiments, the digital building element functions as a molding, e.g., a crown molding. In certain embodiments, the digital building element is modular, i.e., it functions as a module for a larger system such as a computing system that employs a communication network, a power distribution network, and / or external video displays and / or other user interface components.

[0119] In some embodiments, the digital building element is a digital pilaster designed to be deployed over some, but not necessarily all, of the pilasters in a room, floor, or building. In some cases, the digital pilasters are arranged regularly or periodically. For example, the digital pilasters can be deployed every six pilasters.

[0120] In certain embodiments, in addition to broadband network connections (ports, switches, routers, etc.) and a housing, the digital building element includes a plurality of the following digital and / or analog components. The camera can include sensors and processing logic for imaging features in the visible, IR (see use of thermal imaging devices below), or other wavelength regions, and various resolutions above HD are possible. Proximity or motion sensors - In some cases, this sensor is an infrared sensor, e.g., an IR sensor. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is a radar or radar-like device that uses a ranging function to detect distances from and between objects. The radar sensor can also be used to distinguish densely populated occupants via detection of biometric functions, e.g., detection of different breathing movements. When using a radar or radar-like sensor, better operation can be facilitated when there are no obstacles or when it is placed behind the plastic case of the digital building element. Occupancy sensors - In one embodiment, the occupancy sensor can include a multi-pixel thermal imaging device, and when configured using appropriate computer-implemented algorithms, the multi-pixel thermal imaging device can be used to detect and / or count the number of occupants in a room. In one embodiment, data from the thermal imaging device or thermal camera correlates with data from the radar sensor to provide a better level of reliability in certain decisions being made. In embodiments, measurements from the thermal imaging device can be used to evaluate other thermal events at a particular location, e.g., changes in air flow caused by open windows and doors, the presence of intruders, and / or fires. Regarding color temperature sensors, these can be used to analyze the spectrum of lighting present at a particular location and provide an output that can be used to effect changes in that lighting as needed or desired, e.g., to improve the health or mood of the occupants. Regarding biometric sensors (fingerprint, retina, face recognition), any of these can be provided as a stand-alone sensor or integrated with another sensor such as a camera. Speakers (these may be relatively small, e.g., approximately 1 inch from end to end) Power amplifier for speakers - In some embodiments, the speaker and amplifier are collectively configured as a soundbar, i.e., a rod-shaped device that houses multiple speakers. The device may be designed or configured to provide high-fidelity sound. Microphone (sometimes with an associated equalizer) - In some embodiments, logic for processing microphone signals (e.g., an equalizer and / or a primary processor device) detects acoustic signals that are generated by the speaker but reflected off the walls or objects in the room, and that logic automatically adjusts the speaker output to correct for frequency variations, echoes, and other factors that adversely affect the user's perception of sound. The microphone, logic, and speaker can also be configured to operate in concert to cancel ambient noise, or white noise. An air quality sensor (optionally measuring one or more of the following air components, i.e., volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, particles) can be used in conjunction with HVAC control to control air circulation. A hub can be provided for connecting power and / or data to sensors, speakers, microphones, etc. This hub may be a USB hub, a Bluetooth® hub, etc. This hub can include one or more ports such as a USB port, an HDMI® port, etc. Alternatively, or in addition, the element can include a connector dock for external sensors, lighting fixtures, peripheral devices (e.g., cameras, microphones, speakers), network connections, power supplies, etc. A video driver for a display (e.g., a transparent OLED device) on or near the IGU is associated with the building element. The driver may be coupled either wired or optically. For example, an optical signal may be emitted into the window by optical transmission and focused on a switchable Bragg grating including a display with an optical engine and a lens that, for example, passes through the glass and travels perpendicular to the line of sight. Wi-Fi (R) access point The antenna can be part of the Wi-Fi (R) access point or can serve a different purpose. In certain embodiments, the building element itself, or a faceplate covering all or part of the building element, functions as the antenna. Various approaches can be employed to insulate the building element and transmit or receive with directionality. Alternatively, a prefab antenna may be used, or a window antenna as described in PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US17 / 31106 filed on May 4, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In certain embodiments, the Wi-Fi (R) access point is configured to provide communication via the IEEE802.11AT standard. Location information service via a beacon or other mechanism A power source such as an energy storage device (e.g., a rechargeable battery or capacitor). In some implementations, an ambient power generation device, e.g., a solar cell or a panel of solar cells, is included. This enables the device to be self-powered or partially self-powered. The light collection device can be made transparent or opaque depending on the mounting location. For example, a solar cell can be mounted outdoors on a digital facade and cover it partially or entirely, while a transparent solar cell can cover a display or user interface (e.g., a dial, buttons, etc.) on a digital building element. A light source (e.g., an LED) is configured with a processor to emit light under certain conditions such as signal transmission when the device is in an active state. The processor is configured to provide various embedded or non-embedded applications. The processor may be a microcontroller. In certain embodiments, the processor is a low-power MCU (Mobile Computing Unit) with memory and is configured to execute a lightweight and secure operating system that provides applications and data. In certain embodiments, the processor is an embedded system, a system-on-chip, or an expansion function. Auxiliary processing devices such as an image processing unit, or an equalizer or other acoustic processing device, are configured to interpret acoustic signals.

[0121] The features of the building can have one or more antennas. These can be pre-constructed and attached to the element or incorporated within the element, either on the internal surface of the element or anywhere within the element. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the antenna can be fabricated such that the structure of the digital building element or building structure element functions as an antenna component. For example, a standing conductive metal piece can function as an antenna element or a ground plane. In some embodiments, a portion of the digital building element or building structure element is removed (or added), such that the remaining portion functions as an adjusted antenna element. For example, a portion of a standing can be punched out to provide an adjusted antenna element. By connecting a coaxial or other cable to the element and an RF transmitter or receiver, the building structure element and / or associated digital building element can function as an antenna element. The antenna component may need to be designed with an impedance (e.g., about 50 ohms) that matches the impedance of, for example, an RF transmitter.

[0122] Depending on the structure, the antenna element can function as a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) antenna, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) antenna, a cellular communication antenna (4G, 5G, etc.). The antenna can be, for example, a patch antenna, a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, or other examples as presented below. The antenna can be configured to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals in any suitable wavelength range. Examples of antenna components that can be used in an optically switchable window system are described in PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US17 / 31106, filed on May 4, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0123] Figure 6A shows a cross-sectional view (looking down) of a mullion 601 with adjacent IGU603 of a typical configuration that can be equipped with one or more antennas. As shown in the figure, the mullion 601 has a structural cavity 605. The mullion 601 is spanned by the IGU603.

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, the mullion 601 has a hole 607 in which power and communication lines 615 (sometimes called leads) are disposed from an optically switchable window within the IGU603 to the structural cavity 605 of the mullion where it can be connected to a drop line or a trunk (not shown). After the lead or other line is fed through the hole, a sealing material can be applied to the hole.

[0125] In the illustrated example, the pressure plate 609 is screwed or attached to the mullion 601 and pressed against edge points on two adjacent IGUs spanning the mullion. There can be several pressure plates disposed around the perimeter of the IGU and spaced apart from each other, for example, by about 2 feet (60 cm). Refer to Figure 6B for a front view of an IGU having a plurality of pressure plates disposed around its perimeter. The gasket 611 seals points on adjacent IGUs against the mullion 601 when the pressure plate 609 engages the mullion.

[0126] The pressure plate will be visible from the outside of the building without a cover. The beauty cap 613 functions to cover separate pressure plates on the mullion 601 between two IGUs 603. A single beauty cap can hide multiple pressure plates. The beauty cap 613 hides the pressure plate 609 so that the area between the IGUs appears continuous. The beauty cap can be attached in various ways, such as by snapping. Depending on the window size, the beauty cap may be relatively long, for example, up to about 20 feet in length. An antenna, such as a trough antenna or a handle antenna (described below), can be attached on the beauty cap 613. In one example, the trough antenna functions as, for example, the beauty cap 613 itself.

[0127] Figure 6C shows an example of an H-shaped beauty cap 613C configured to both cover a pressure plate attached to a mullion and provide an outward-facing trough antenna or other antenna.

[0128] ​It will be appreciated that an outward-facing antenna radiating element may need to be electrically coupled to an internal feed line. Also, in certain contexts, it will be appreciated that it may be advantageous to install, upgrade, and / or maintain an outward-facing antenna from within the interior of a building. In some embodiments, those feed lines can be configured to pass through a standoff and / or a beauty cap. Accordingly, a pass-through facility including a weather seal can be envisioned between the outside and inside of a building. FIG. 6D shows a simplified example of an antenna assembly 650 including such a pass-through facility. First, referring to Detail A, in the illustrated example, the antenna assembly is configured to include, in an outdoor portion, a radiating element 651. The indoor portion of the radiating element 651 is coupled to a pass-through portion 652 via an articulated link 653. The articulated link 653 can provide one or two axes of rotation about which the radiating element 651 can be articulated either manually or by an actuation device (not shown). The pass-through facility 652 is composed of flanges 656(i) and 656(o), each flange having an associated sealing member (e.g., an O-ring) 655(i) and 655(o). The indoor end of the coupling facility is coupled to an electrical connector 657, which can be electrically coupled to the radiating element 651 and to an electrical feed line (not shown) from a network building infrastructure. The electrical connector 657 can be a coaxial connector in some embodiments.

[0129] The antenna assembly 650 can be configured to be installed in the mullion 601, similar to that shown in FIG. 6A. Referring to Detail B, it can be observed that it is coupled to the IGU 603 via the gasket 611, and the mullion 601 therebetween includes a structural cavity 605 and is composed of access holes 620 and 621. Detail C shows an example of installing the antenna assembly 650 in the mullion 601. As a result, the radiating element 651 protrudes outside the building, while the electrical connector is easily accessible inside the building. The sealing members 655(i) and 655(o) can be configured, together with the gasket 611, to provide a weather seal between the outside and inside of the building. In Detail C, the radiating element 651 is illustrated as having a major axis generally aligned with the pass-through facility. In Detail D, the radiating element 651 is illustrated as being articulated around the articulated link 653, and as a result, the radiating element forms an acute angle with respect to the horizontal.

[0130] In the example shown by FIG. 6D, the beauty cap (e.g., the beauty cap 613 in FIG. 6A) is omitted for clarity, but it will be understood that a beauty cap can be assumed. In some implementations, some or all of the radiating elements 651 protrude outside the beauty cap. In some implementations, the radiating elements 651 may not protrude outside the beauty cap. In such implementations, the beauty cap can be configured to avoid substantial attenuation of RF signals in at least some directions by the selection of the cap material and / or geometric shape. In some implementations, a generally metallic beauty cap can include low-attenuation gaps, holes, or sections, which can be covered by a "patch" of non-metallic material in locations close to the radiating elements.

[0131] In some implementations, the radiating element 651 may be very small compared to, for example, the typical width of a mullion. For example, an array of 5G-compatible multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antennas can be conveniently accommodated on the inner or outer surface of a beauty cap designed to normal size. In such an implementation, the through-pass facility 652 can be configured to accommodate, for example, a number of electrical feed lines from a 4×4 or 8×8 array of MIMO antennas. In some implementations, the radiating element can have a form factor such that it can be mounted within a frame system in a manner similar to a conventional glass laminate. In other implementations, the radiating element can be laminated on the glass of an IGU light. In still other implementations, the radiating element can be configured to have a form factor similar to that of a standard mullion and / or beauty cap.

[0132] Figure 6E shows a further example of a weatherproof pass-through contemplated by the present disclosure, which provides an electrical pass-through from the indoor portion of the mullion to the outdoor side of the IGU without compromising the integrity of the building's glass panel recessing system. In the example contemplated by Figure 6E, the mullion 601 spanning the IGU 603 is coupled to a flexible sealing element 667. As shown in detail E, prior to the installation of the antenna structure 661 (and / or after the removal of the antenna structure 661), the spring-like elements 665(i) and 665(o) can compress the seal element 667 towards the closed position. As shown in detail F, when the antenna structure 651 is installed (advantageously from the inside of the building), the sealing element 667 expands to conform to the antenna structure and presses the spring-like elements 665(i) and 665(o) radially outwards. The sealing element 667 can provide a weathertight seal, for example, to prevent the ingress of moisture into the mullion 601. Although omitted for clarity of illustration, the antenna structure 661 can include one or more articulated links similar to the articulated link 653 of Figure 6D, which enable the radiating elements of the antenna structure 601 to be at a desired angle relative to the IGU 603. Thus, the antenna radiating elements can still be disposed on the outside of the building during installation, and the installation is only affected from the inside of the building.

[0133] Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the pedestal can accommodate an array of antenna radiating elements, such as a MIMO array, or a series of discrete radiating elements spaced apart and aligned along a pedestal oriented horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Referring to FIGS. 6F and 6G, in some examples, the beauty cap can be configured to seal the volume 614. The radiating elements (not shown) can be disposed on the outer or inner surface of the beauty cap or within the volume 614. Such radiating elements can be hidden, for example, from the view of an observer outside the building. In FIG. 6F, the flat portion of the beauty cap 613F can provide a mounting space for any number of radiating elements disposed inside or outside the flat portion. In an alternative embodiment, FIG. 6G shows that the beauty cap 613G can be configured in a curved manner (in the illustrated example, substantially hemispherical), such that the radiating elements disposed thereon have various orientations with respect to the IGU 603. Advantageously, such a configuration can enhance the effective antenna coverage relative to a configuration in which each radiating element is oriented to face in a common direction.

[0134] Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the radiating elements can be disposed in the same plane or disposed to protrude minimally from the outer surface of the beauty cap 613 so as to minimize the impact on the aesthetic appearance of the building structure.

[0135] In certain embodiments, the pedestal is equipped with multiple outward-facing antennas, such as two or more or three or more such antennas. In some implementations, two or more outward-facing antennas are separated from each other vertically along the vertical pedestal. In some implementations, two or more outward-facing antennas are separated from each other horizontally along the horizontal pedestal. In certain embodiments, the two or more outward-facing antennas are configured to provide redundancy in the event that one of them fails, which redundancy may otherwise require high cost and / or complex replacement. In some cases, the two or more outward-facing antennas are configured to provide complementary roles, such as complementary frequency ranges and / or complementary coverage volumes.

[0136] In some embodiments, the pedestal or cavity therein that houses a radio or other electronic instrument associated with the antenna radiating element functions as a heat sink for the electronic device. In some implementations, the radio, or other associated electronic instrument, is maintained in proximity to the antenna radiating element. For example, the electronic instrument can be disposed within about 1 meter, or within about 0.5 meter, of the radiating element.

[0137] The antenna can be oriented horizontally, vertically, or obliquely within a building. These directions can refer not only to the physical orientation of the antenna along its main axis, but also in addition to or alternatively to the orientation of signal strength or polarization (transmitted or received by the antenna). In certain embodiments, the antenna is attached to a vertically oriented building structural element or other building feature. For example, the antenna can be attached to a vertically oriented digital building element that extends up to the ceiling. Such an antenna can extend vertically along the length of the digital building element (e.g., the axis of the longest dimension of the antenna that is substantially parallel to the vertical direction), and when facing the ceiling, can change direction and extend horizontally (e.g., its antenna elements have a T-shaped or L-shaped configuration). In certain embodiments, the antenna is mounted horizontally and provides a horizontally directed radiation pattern that extends into a room where building occupants normally work and / or communicate.

[0138] For cellular applications (example) Since 5G is a high-frequency protocol, 5G signals cannot travel far and cannot penetrate many substances. Therefore, 5G communication may sometimes require a clear line of sight between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna. Naturally, cellular infrastructure and service providers are facing the challenge of introducing 5G communication into buildings. In certain embodiments of the present specification, one or more antennas are provided on the roof of a building, and such antennas function as gateways for cellular communication to the building. In some implementations, the antennas placed on the roof may be the only or most important point for cellular service to the building. The location of the roof can offer various advantages. For example, in some implementations, the roof antenna is accessible from 360 degrees (compared to an antenna mounted on the front outer wall that can only see 90 degrees). Furthermore, the roof of a building usually has relatively few signal attenuation obstacles such as trees. Still further, the roof usually has sufficient space available to accommodate antennas and provides an acceptable aesthetic compromise.

[0139] A roof antenna configured as a gateway for cellular communication (e.g., 5G communication) with a building can open various communication paths. For example, the roof antenna can be configured to receive a cellular signal and rebroadcast it to the building for in-building coverage. This can be achieved using a wired or wireless connection with other communication nodes (e.g., digital building elements) within the building. In some cases, the roof cellular antenna is configured to transmit cellular communication to one or more other antennas that are within or on the same building where the roof antenna is installed. For example, the roof antenna can be configured to rebroadcast cellular communication to a roof-mounted sensor that houses a different cellular antenna. In another example, the roof antenna is configured to retransmit a signal (bidirectional) between antennas mounted on the front outer wall of the building. In some cases, the roof antenna is configured to communicate cellularly with one or more external communication nodes, such as a standalone cell tower or a cell tower of a nearby building.

[0140] In certain embodiments, one or more roof antennas can be included within a structure having one or more sensors. Examples of such sensors are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 287,646, filed on October 6, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some cases, the roof antenna is provided within a roof-mounted antenna tower that can be separated from the sensor assembly. In some cases, the antenna tower has a relatively sufficient height (e.g., about 5 meters or more above the roof), and its structure is optimized for transmitting and receiving cellular communication.

[0141] A single roof antenna or multiple roof antennas can be deployed and configured to transmit and / or receive cellular signals. When deploying roof antennas, factors such as size, location, redundancy, etc. may be taken into consideration. If the roof antenna is part of a roof sensor, its deployment can be selected to optimize the combination of cellular signal reception and sensing capabilities (to determine the empty state and address weather conditions that will affect the determination of window tinting). In some implementations, a cellular roof antenna supports cellular services from multiple carriers, and each of those carriers may have its own transceiver.

[0142] Figure 7 shows the features of a network building infrastructure 701 that uses a roof-mounted antenna 703 to receive and / or transmit wireless signals. Antenna 703 can function as a bridge or gateway between network building infrastructure 701 and an external cellular communication node such as a cell tower. In the illustrated embodiment, antenna 703 is coupled to the rest of network building infrastructure 701 via conductive line 705. In an alternative embodiment, antenna 703 is coupled to the rest of network building infrastructure 701 via one or more wireless links. As shown, line 705 electrically connects antenna 703 to control panel 707. A transceiver may be provided within antenna 703 or control panel 707. Control panel 707 includes an input power line 709 and one or more communication connections to an external network or internal backbone such as optical fiber connection 711 and Ethernet® connection 713 in the illustrated example.

[0143] The control panel 707 can be configured to provide power and data to the window controller 715 via the power insertion line 717, the main line 719, and the drop line 721. Various connectors and terminators can be used as shown in the figure. The window controller 715 supplies power to control the coloring state of the electrically switchable devices within the IGU 723. The window controller 715 is connected to the IGU 723 via the IGU connection line 725 and the IGU lead line 727.

[0144] Three exemplary use cases for constructing outdoor antennas are illustrated in FIGS. 8A - 8C. In FIG. 8A, two roof-mounted antennas 803 and 805 are within each other's line of sight. Either or both of them can function as (a) a cellular tower of a particular telecommunications carrier (e.g., Sprint 5G), and / or (b) a gateway for cellular services within a related building (e.g., building 807 or 809 on which the roof antenna is mounted). Buildings 807 and 809 can be placed reasonably close to each other, for example, within a neighborhood or within a single city block.

[0145] In FIG. 8B, the roof-mounted antenna 811 is within the line of sight of an antenna 813 on or near the front outer wall of another building 817. The antenna 813 has an associated radio 815 configured to receive cellular communications (e.g., 5G communications) and convert them into digital (or analog) communications for delivery over the building's network infrastructure. The associated radio includes, for example, a broadband line 819 and an antenna 821 and is optionally configured to transmit and / or receive Wi-Fi® or 5G cellular communications. Details of the network infrastructure such as the control panel and the Wi-Fi® transceiver are omitted for clarity. Note that the one or more frequency bands employed by the antenna 821 need not be the same as those used by the roof-mounted antenna 811.

[0146] Yet another use case is illustrated in FIG. 8C, which provides cellular coverage outside building 833. The relevant cellular infrastructure includes an antenna 831 mounted within or on the outer wall of building 833 and configured to transmit and receive cellular signals (e.g., 5G signals) outside building 833. Antenna 831 can be configured to utilize a specific network infrastructure of building 833, including a radio 835 connected to a high-speed communication backbone including cable 837. Antenna 831 can be used as a component of a cellular carrier's infrastructure and can provide cellular service outside building 833.

[0147] In some views, as described herein, the building network infrastructure can be regarded as a platform having a plurality of sockets, each of which can receive components that can be configured for a wireless communication protocol. Examples of such protocols include Wi-Fi®, CBRS wireless, small cells (e.g., microcells or femtocells), carrier-specific protocols, and carrier-agnostic cellular services such as vRAN (virtual radio access network). The platform can be, for example, a network infrastructure including other network devices that can operate with a data transmission cable of sufficient gauge (coaxial, UTP, fiber optic, etc.), high-speed switches, routers, and / or one or more network protocols (e.g., Ethernet®, Fibre Channel, MoCA, etc.), antennas, radios, etc.

[0148] Figures 9, 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate the components of a high-speed building data communication network, which include a distributed antenna system and components that interface with one or more communication service provider systems. In certain embodiments, the building network infrastructure has a vertical data plane (between building floors) and a horizontal data plane (across all of a single floor or multiple adjacent floors). In some cases, the horizontal and vertical data planes have the same or similar data-carrying capabilities and components. In other cases, these two data planes have different data-carrying capabilities. For example, the vertical data plane can accommodate components for higher data transmission rates and / or bandwidths. In one example, the vertical data plane includes components that support Ethernet® transmission at 10 gigabits per second or more (e.g., using UTP wire and / or fiber optic cable), whereas the horizontal data plane includes components that support Gigabit Ethernet® transmission at about 1 gigabit per second via coaxial cable. In some cases, the horizontal data plane supports data transmission via the MoCA 2.5 or MoCA 3.0 standard. In certain embodiments, the inter-floor connection in the vertical data plane uses a control panel with a high-speed Ethernet® switch. These same control panels communicate with nodes on a given floor via MoCA interfaces and associated coaxial cables on the horizontal data plane. The horizontal and vertical data planes within a single building structure are illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 9C.

[0149] Data transmission, and in some embodiments voice services, can be provided within a building via wireless communication among building occupants. However, this can be problematic even in the case of relatively low-frequency protocols such as 3G or 4G cellular, due to partial attenuation caused by building structures such as walls, floors, ceilings, and windows. This attenuation becomes more severe in the case of higher-frequency protocols such as 5G. To address this issue, buildings may sometimes be equipped with components that function as gateways or ports for cellular signals. Such gateways couple to the building's indoor infrastructure that provides wireless services via indoor antennas and other infrastructure implementing Wi-Fi (registered trademark), small cell services (e.g., via microcell or femtocell devices), CBRS, etc. Gateways or entry points for such services can include high-speed cables (usually underground) from a communications carrier's telephone exchange and / or wireless signals received by antennas located at various locations outside the building (e.g., donor antennas or sky sensors on top of the building's roof). The high-speed cable to the building is sometimes referred to as a "backhaul".

[0150] Figures 9 and 9C illustrate various views of components of a distributed antenna system within a building. Figure 9C illustrates the building exterior and various antennas that participate in communication outside the building and / or facilitate communication inside the building. Figure 9 emphasizes a control panel that facilitates distribution of wired signals floor by floor, or a similar indoor network. Some functions of the control panel were described above with reference to Figures 4A and 4B.

[0151] Figures 9 and 9C show components that enable a building service network to wirelessly interface with one or more communication service provider systems. As a connection point, in the illustrated example, the building includes a plurality of rooftop donor antennas 905 and sky sensors 907 for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. The building also has at least one control panel 913 configured to connect to a provider's telephone exchange 911 via a physical line 909 (e.g., an optical fiber such as a single-mode optical fiber). This control panel 913 can include, for example, hardware and / or software configured to provide the functions of a signal source carrier head end, a fiber distribution head end, and a bidirectional amplifier or repeater. Collectively, the rooftop donor antennas 905, sky sensors 907, and control panel 913 enable building occupants and / or devices to access the communication service provider's wireless system. Each of these interface elements can provide access to several variations, such as the systems of the same service provider, the systems of different service providers, or two interface elements providing access to the system of one provider and different interface elements providing access to the system of a second provider.

[0152] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the vertical data plane can include a plurality of control panels 917 and high-capacity data carrier lines 919 such as single-mode optical fibers or UTP copper wires of sufficient gauge. In some embodiments, separate control panels 917 are provided for each floor. In some embodiments, one high-capacity line directly connects the control panel 917 in the top floor to the control panel 913 in the bottom floor. Note that the control panel 917 is directly connected to the rooftop antenna 905 and / or sky sensor 909, while the control panel 913 is directly connected to the service provider telephone exchange 911.

[0153] As shown in the figure, referring further to FIG. 9, the horizontal data plane can include one of the control panels 917 (or 913 on the ground floor) and a data transport line including the trunk line 921. In certain embodiments, the trunk line is made of a coaxial cable. The control panel can be configured to provide data on the trunk line 921 via a protocol such as MoCA. Each horizontal data plane can provide high-speed network access to one or more digital elements 923 (e.g., digital building elements as described elsewhere in this specification) and / or antennas 925, some or all of which can optionally be integrated with the digital elements 923. The antennas 925 (and associated radios, not shown) can be configured to provide wireless access according to any of a variety of protocols, including, for example, cellular (e.g., one or more frequency bands around 28 GHz), Wi-Fi® (e.g., one or more frequency bands at 2.4, 5, and 60 GHz), CBRS, etc. The drop line (e.g., drop line 927) can connect the digital element 923 to the trunk line 921. In some embodiments, the horizontal data plane is deployed on a single floor of a building.

[0154] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 9A, one or more donor antennas 905 can be connected to the control panel 917 via a high-speed line (e.g., single-mode optical fiber or copper) 929. In the example shown, the control panel can be located within the upper floor of the building. Also, as shown, the connection to the donor antenna 905 can be via one or more vRAN radios 915 and coaxial cables.

[0155] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 9B, the communications service provider telephone office 911 is connected to the grounded floor control panel 913 via a high-speed line 909 (e.g., an optical fiber that provides service as part of a backhaul). This entry point of the service provider into the building is sometimes referred to as the main entry point (MPOE), and the main entry point can be configured to deliver both voice and data traffic to the building.

[0156] As shown in the figure, in certain embodiments, one or more cellular service gateways employ vRAN. vRAN technology, for example, virtualizes baseband functions on server hardware. The components of vRAN can be radios that can support the communication protocols of multiple different telecommunications carriers, but typically only one at a time. For example, an antenna and associated vRAN can be configured to transmit and receive data for one telecommunications carrier (e.g., ATT) at a time, and can be reconfigured to transmit and receive data for a different telecommunications carrier (e.g., T-Mobile) at different times. Among the carrier-specific parameters that can be set in the vRAN radio are carrier frequencies (e.g., the assigned carrier-specific spectrum near 800 MHz and 1.2 GHz), modulation modes, data packing (e.g., CDMAv, GSM (registered trademark)), encryption protocols, quality of service, etc. A radio configured to implement vRAN can accommodate configurable logic (programming, firmware, etc.) to facilitate conversion from a first parameter set for one telecommunications carrier to a second parameter set for a different telecommunications carrier. To expand with the increasing total cellular traffic in a building, additional antennas and vRAN radios can be deployed in the building. If the total traffic of one telecommunications carrier slightly increases or decreases, the vRAN radio can be reconfigured to rebalance the overall cellular telecommunications carrier-specific infrastructure within the building. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 9A, each of the plurality of rooftop antennas 905 can have its vRAN radio 915 configured to carry the wireless traffic of a particular telecommunications carrier. A donor antenna and / or a sky sensor antenna can communicate via vRAN.

[0157] In various implementations, the vRAN radio depends on a set of commands to manage the radio. Individual management can be provided for each cellular telecommunications carrier supported by the antenna and vRAN radio. This management communication can be provided within a dedicated or shared line to the vRAN radio.

[0158] The antenna in the rooftop antenna 905 and / or the sky sensor 907 can be configured to function as a donor antenna. Donor antennas are typically used to provide point-to-point wireless connections to the services of cellular communication carriers within a specific geographical area. Those donor antennas can communicate with each other and / or with a dedicated cell tower for a given cellular communication carrier. A cellular communication carrier can extend the range of its cellular communication services from a specific tower without having to build a new tower. Those donor antennas can also address changing situations that have a significant adverse impact on wireless cellular communication, such as shadows blocked by new buildings, trees, etc. Those donor antennas can address such challenges by providing a new path between the dedicated tower and the transceiver of the wireless service or other consumers. In some cases, the donor antenna can also provide a downlink into the building by connecting to the telephone exchange of the cellular communication carrier and / or to an internal antenna within the building via a wired cable link to provide wireless services to the occupants and / or in-building devices. In the former case, the donor antenna can simply use the vertical data plane of the building, and in the latter case, the donor antenna can use the braided vertical and horizontal data planes.

[0159] When a building is located in an area without a physical line from the communication carrier's telephone exchange to the building, cellular service to the building may need to rely on one or more donor antennas on neighboring buildings and one or more donor antennas on the building itself. Those donor antennas can function as a gateway for cellular service to the building itself.

[0160] In some embodiments, all nodes within a building (e.g., antennas and associated radios) are configured for the same service. For example, a single telecommunications carrier provides service throughout the building. The telephone exchange and donor antenna provide cellular service throughout the building, and in some cases, to some indoor antennas on multiple floors of the building. This would seem to be unproblematic as long as the building is comfortably using the service of a single telecommunications carrier. However, if the building management decides to switch to the cellular service of another telecommunications carrier, the new carrier will install its own carrier-specific hardware within the building. Options include using multiple small cell systems within the same building and using vRAN technology to enable communication via multiple telecommunications carriers.

[0161] Historically, small cell carrier services (e.g., microcells and femtocells) have relied on lines that connect small devices via backhaul connections. Such services otherwise provided wireless access to handsets with restricted access, for example, due to remoteness or building attenuation. This service carried data over a wire using a network communication protocol such as TCP / IP. A given small cell service is typically limited to a single telecommunications carrier.

[0162] In some cases, the small cell system becomes available in a building, at least in part, via one or more antennas within a sky sensor. Reference is made to that disposed on or associated with an air-facing multi-sensor device. Such an air-facing multi-sensor device is described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 287,646, filed on October 6, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and may be referred to herein as a "sky sensor." The use of a sky sensor can provide other advantages, such as facilitating cellular coverage for an (geographically) increased area, in a manner similar to the mode described above for a donor antenna. In some cases, the small cell system becomes available in a building, at least in part, via one or more donor antennas.

[0163] In a large city where high-capacity high-speed optical fibers are widely deployed (e.g., via a utility), the need for a donor antenna decreases as long as the optical fiber at least functions as a link for wireless services between buildings. In the development of cellular service to a geographical area, the service can be initially provided by a RAN, in which case a single carrier provides the service and all data is transmitted wirelessly. In the next development, local services within the geographical area may be provided by a vRAN service. This occurs when additional carriers enter the market but there is still no available high-speed optical fiber for transmitting data. The next stage of development may occur when high-speed optical fiber becomes available within the geographical area. At this point, cellular service may become available via a small cell service, in which case an individual small cell infrastructure is provided for each carrier within a building. Antennas within one or more sky sensors, and / or donor antennas, can facilitate this service.

[0164] In some building communication systems, data or voice information is transmitted and received from the building using one protocol, but is delivered to building occupants or made available to building occupants using a different protocol. Such a system can be employed, for example, when a specific cellular protocol such as 5G is not deployed within the building, but is used by the building to communicate with a communication carrier or other wireless communication systems outside the building. As described elsewhere in this specification, outdoor antennas can be deployed on the roof of the building, for example, via one or more rooftop antennas and / or sky sensors.

[0165] In certain embodiments, wireless communication between a building and one or more other communication structures outside the building (e.g., a cell tower, or another building equipped with a rooftop antenna) is performed using a first protocol operating at one frequency, whereas communication within the building is performed using one or more section protocols operating at one or more other frequencies. In some embodiments, the frequency of the protocol used by the building to communicate outside the building is executed at a higher frequency than the communication within the building made available to building occupants. For example, the 5G cellular protocol can be used for communication between the building and an external communication structure (e.g., a cell tower), whereas 4G, Wi-Fi® (including 2.4, 5, and 60 GHz standards), CBRS, or other protocols are used for communication within the building. In some cases, communication within the building is at least partially distributed via a wired infrastructure such as a coaxial cable using the MoCA protocol, or an unshielded twisted pair cable using conventional Ethernet®. Additionally, a multi-protocol system can use a repeater or other similar structure having a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving 5G (or other first protocol) wireless communication outside the building, and a second transceiver for transmitting and receiving Wi-Fi®, CBRS, or other second protocol wireless communication inside the building, as described.

[0166] Using such an approach, it is possible to bring communications delivered into a building via a very high frequency signal (e.g., 5G), and avoid re-broadcasting those communications at the same frequency at thousands of potential locations within the building. In certain embodiments, communication signals outside the building (but including the building) are made via 5G at wavelengths around 30 - 300 GHz or near thereto, but these signals are re-broadcast within the building as 3.5 GHz CBRS signals. As described at the World Wide Web site fiercewireless.com / wireless / next-release-cbrs-specs-will-support-5G, CBRS can be made compatible with 5G. Thus, buildings that support or rely on the 5G protocol do not need to provide 30 - 300 GHz signals indoors in the building.

[0167] The dual protocol approach described above can be particularly appropriate when windows, walls, and / or other building structures block or significantly attenuate 5G signals, effectively preventing 5G communications from entering directly into the building.

[0168] In some cases, windows and other building structures can be modified or manufactured in a way that blocks substantially all electromagnetic radiation, at least within a particular frequency range, such that a room, area of a building, or the entire building is effectively contained within the category of a Faraday cage. For an explanation of examples of structures that substantially block particular electromagnetic radiation, see U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 709,339, filed September 19, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In certain embodiments, such structures are designed or adjusted to block the frequencies of one protocol (e.g., 5G) while allowing the frequencies of other protocols to pass through, and such structures are deployed on windows or other building structures to support a multi-protocol system.

[0169] Accordingly, in certain embodiments, a rooftop antenna or other outdoor antenna interfaces with 5G cellular from outside the building, whereas a wired and / or indoor antenna interfaces with building occupants via a non-5G protocol. Also, when indoor antennas and radios are used (as opposed to wired), the antenna / radio can communicate at frequencies below 5G, e.g., below about 10 GHz. In such cases, examples of suitable internal communications include 4G and 3G cellular, Wi-Fi®, CBRS, etc. In some cases, indoor communications are at least partially performed via wired and / or via LiFi. Exemplary implementations of a system for LiFi communication with a building are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 827,674, filed Apr. 1, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0170] In certain embodiments, a building communication system includes infrastructure for providing wireless communication within a building via a band authorized for a plurality of cellular service providers (e.g., Verizon, Sprint, etc.) (e.g., authorized by a communications agency such as the U.S. Federal Communications Commission), and optionally, in combination with an unlicensed band such as the CBRS band, uses those bands within the building. In certain embodiments, the building communication infrastructure can function as a gateway that can be licensed or leased by a cellular service provider to facilitate cellular communication indoors in the building via their FCC-authorized bands. As described elsewhere, a cellular service provider can use the building communication system infrastructure to complement its existing system.

[0171] Antenna (Transmission and Reception Characteristics) Radiation Pattern To cover a specific area of a building, such as a floor, lobby, or room within a floor, the radiation pattern transmitted or received by a given antenna can be shaped and sized. The horizontal and vertical coverage can be controlled by the design of the antennas within the building and their location. In certain embodiments, the radiation pattern of the antenna has an approximately hemispherical shape. In some cases, such a pattern is suitable for covering the entire side of a building or multiple floors. However, in some buildings, there are metal structures (e.g., corrugated metal plates) between floors, and such structures can significantly attenuate any radiation signal passing vertically between floors. Along with this or other considerations, the radiation pattern of the antenna can be flat or fan-shaped in the horizontal direction. Such a pattern can be effective in covering a single floor or a portion of a floor. Such a pattern consumes relatively less power in signals directed vertically, which power might otherwise be attenuated by constructing structures within the floor or ceiling. In certain embodiments, the antenna is designed such that the horizontal shape or angular spread of its radiation pattern is limited (e.g., 90 degrees to 180 degrees). In certain embodiments, the antenna generates a heart-shaped radiation pattern.

[0172] In certain embodiments, the shape of the radiation pattern is controlled using two or more antennas spaced apart from each other (e.g., placed on opposite walls of a room or floor). Two spaced-apart antennas can provide a maximum output distribution, for example, at the front and rear of a virtual line connecting the two antennas.

[0173] Various features of the antenna design have a significant impact on the shape of the radiation pattern. Examples include (i) the overall shape of the antenna element conductor (linear, lobed, corrugated, handle-shaped, strip-shaped, etc.), (ii) any slots or holes within the conductor, (iii) whether a ground plane is used, and the like.

[0174] In some implementations, the building antenna is provided with a transceiver that can generate signals only within a limited range. For example, the signals effectively propagate only within a limited distance, such as about 10 meters or less. Such a transceiver and associated antenna within a limited range can have the advantage of operating outside areas subject to certain regulatory restrictions, such as those of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. Such an antenna can be particularly useful for transmitting and receiving signals within the indoor area of a building.

[0175] Polarization: Radio waves radiated from an antenna often have a specific polarization. Similarly, a receiving antenna may be preferentially sensitive to radio waves of a specific polarization. Radiation emitted or received from a building antenna may have a preferred polarization, such as linear polarization or circular polarization. A linearly polarized signal can be, for example, horizontally polarized or vertically polarized. Terrestrial ionospheric noise is generally oriented vertically. Therefore, many conventional outdoor antennas mainly transmit and receive horizontally polarized signals. However, within a building, the influence of ionospheric noise is not so significant. Therefore, non-horizontal polarized signals may be acceptable.

[0176] Frequency: A building antenna can transmit and receive signals at a single frequency or multiple frequencies, for example, any one or more of Wi-Fi (registered trademark), 4G cellular, 5G cellular, and millimeter-wave frequency bands. In certain antenna implementation forms, transmission or reception in multiple frequency bands is required, in which case the system can include either a single antenna capable of transmitting and / or receiving signals at multiple required frequencies or multiple single-frequency band antennas, each of which is configured to transmit and receive signals at one of the required frequencies. In the latter case, the system can employ group antennas such as an array of dense antennas, in which case each antenna is configured to transmit / receive at its own frequency. Each such antenna also requires its own connector and cable, which can be run in parallel with each other, and in some cases, each such antenna requires its own transceiver. Another use for using multiple antennas operating under the control of different transceivers is the multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) configuration used by certain cellular protocols. MIMO antenna designs are sometimes used to support wide bandwidths. By providing multiple channels or frequencies for input and output, there is a higher likelihood of having a good connection to ambient wireless communication signals, such as 3G, 4G, 5G cellular signals, or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) signals, with the antenna and associated hardware.

[0177] When using a multi-frequency antenna, the antenna and its transceiver only require a single cable, thus reducing the number of cables or lines that need to be installed and maintained. In one example, a multi-frequency antenna transmits / receives signals over a wide range, for example, from about 700 MHz to about 60 GHz, at various frequencies, for example, 2 to 5 frequency bands.

[0178] Antenna (type example) General Antennas used within a building to provide the networks or service functions described herein can have any of a variety of designs. Some examples are provided below. Other examples are presented in the following patent applications, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US17 / 31106, filed May 4, 2017 (PCT Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 192881), U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 287,646, filed October 6, 2016 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0122802), and PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US18 / 29460, filed May 25, 2018 (PCT Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 200740).

[0179] Patch antenna Patch antennas can be mounted on the light surface. They can be provided as flat patches of conductive material that are on the window surface and oriented substantially parallel to the window surface. For example, see the examples provided in FIGS. 10A - 10D. Such antennas can be provided indoors or outdoors facing both sides of the window. For example, in a dual-pane IGU, such an antenna can be disposed on any of the four light surfaces. In certain embodiments, the patch antenna is disposed on surface 3 or 4 of the IGU. In certain embodiments, a ground plane (not shown) is provided. In some implementations, the ground plane is provided as a layer of transparent conductive material (e.g., indium tin oxide), or a conductive surface such as a very thin mesh of conductive lines or curves on a surface parallel to the patch antenna (e.g., on the light surface of the IGU that includes the patch antenna) that is not perceptible to the human visual sense. Various examples of window patch antennas are described in Patent Application No. PCT / US17 / 31106, filed May 4, 2017 (PCT Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 192881), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0180] Figure 10A shows a layout in which a patch antenna element 1001A is on a glass or other window substrate 1003A on an upper panel. Note the shape of this patch - rectangular with wing - like features that are connected on the patch and have a defined spacing - which affects various characteristics of the radiation emitted from the patch antenna. Examples of such characteristics include the number and location of frequency bands, the width of such bands, polarization, and the intensity distribution of the radiation emitted and / or received by the antenna. For example, the rectangular spacing may correspond to the wavelength of the emitted or received radiation. An electrical connector is shown at the lower left of the antenna. The lower panel of FIG. 10A shows the radiation intensity profile of the patch antenna 1001A element. The first curve 1010A represents the radiation intensity distribution of the antenna in the y - z plane, and the second curve 1020A represents the radiation intensity distribution of the antenna in the x - y plane. In both cases, 0 degrees corresponds to the direction of the y - axis. In the illustrated example, these curves have been generated assuming that the sheet resistance of the patch is approximately 1 ohm / square. In a particular embodiment, the illustrated patch antenna transmits and / or receives radiation at a center frequency of approximately 5 GHz.

[0181] Figure 10B shows the layout of patch antenna element 1001B on the upper panel on glass or other window substrate 1003B. Similar to the patch design of antenna element 1001A, note that the shape of antenna element 1001B - its multiple, separate rectangular features that are connected on the patch and have defined spacing - affects various characteristics of the radiation emitted from the patch antenna. Examples of such characteristics include the number and location of frequency bands, the width of such bands, polarization, and the intensity distribution of the radiation emitted and / or received by the antenna. For example, the spacing between the rectangular features may correspond to the wavelength of the emitted or received radiation. Antenna element 1001B can be provided with or without a ground plane. An electrical connector is shown at the lower left of the antenna. The lower panel of Figure 10B shows the radiation characteristics of the patch antenna 1001B element. The first curve 1010B represents the radiation intensity distribution of the antenna in the y-z plane, and the second curve 1020B represents the radiation intensity distribution of the antenna in the x-y plane. In both cases, 0 degrees corresponds to the direction of the y-axis. As in the previous example, these curves have been generated assuming that the sheet resistance of the patch is approximately 1 ohm / square. In a particular embodiment, the illustrated patch antenna transmits and / or receives radiation at a center frequency of approximately 2.4 GHz.

[0182] Figure 10C shows the layout of the patch antenna element 1001C on the upper panel on glass or other window substrate 1003C. Similar to the patch designs of antenna elements 1001B and 1001A, note that the shape of antenna element 1001C - which is formed slightly differently in two of its parts and has generally rectangular features connected on the patch with a defined spacing - affects the various characteristics of the radiation emitted from the patch antenna. Examples of such characteristics include the number and location of frequency bands, the width of such bands, polarization, and the intensity distribution of the radiation emitted and / or received by the antenna. For example, the spacing of the rectangular features may correspond to the wavelength of the emitted or received radiation. Antenna element 1001C can be provided with or without a ground plane. An electrical connector is shown at the lower left of the antenna. The lower panel of Figure 10C shows the radiation characteristics of the patch antenna 1001C element. The first curve 1010C represents the radiation intensity distribution of the antenna in the y-z plane, and the second curve 1020C represents the radiation intensity distribution of the antenna in the x-y plane. In both cases, 0 degrees corresponds to the y-axis. As in the previous examples, these curves have been generated assuming that the sheet resistance of the patch is approximately 1 ohm / square. In a particular embodiment, the illustrated patch antenna transmits and / or receives radiation at a center frequency of approximately 2.4 GHz.

[0183] Figure 10D shows the layout of antenna element 1001D on a glass or other window substrate 1003D. Note that the complex grid structure of antenna element 1001D has more than 10 segments with different widths and angles relative to each other. This grid structure affects various characteristics of the radiation emitted from the patch antenna. Examples of such characteristics include the number and location of frequency bands, the width of such bands, polarization, and the intensity distribution of the radiation emitted and / or received by the antenna. Antenna element 1001D can be provided with or without a ground plane. In certain embodiments, the illustrated patch antenna transmits and / or receives radiation at multiple frequencies. In certain embodiments, this is achieved by having different transceivers connected to electrically isolated elements of different grids (e.g., individual antenna elements on the plane of a dielectric substrate that are not in electrical contact with each other).

[0184] Figure 11 shows the radiation pattern of an exemplary monopole antenna formed on the identified surface of a two-light IGU. EC represents "electrochromic", "Ant" represents "antenna", "GP" represents "ground plane", and "TCO" represents "transparent conductive oxide" (e.g., indium tin oxide). All of these may be provided as a layer or sub-layer on the identified light surface of the IGU.

[0185] Trough antenna Figures 12A - 12C show a trough antenna 1201 having two main components, namely, a conductive antenna element 1209 with a convoluted shape and an outer case 1203. Figure 12A provides a perspective view of the entire antenna with the walls of the outer case 1203 being transparent. Figure 12B provides a cross-sectional view of the antenna in the x - z plane. Finally, Figure 12C provides an end view in the y - z plane at the end of the antenna, where in this case, a conductor (for electrical coupling to a transmitter and / or receiver) is connected to the antenna element 1209.

[0186] The outer case 1203 of the antenna is provided in two parts. The first part 1205 is conductive and functions as a ground plane, and is a partially enclosed structure (for example, a generally bathtub-shaped part). The second part 1207 covers the opening of the first part and is made of a material that is more transparent (compared to the first part) to electromagnetic radiation at the frequency of the antenna. The second part 1207 may be optional.

[0187] Inside the trough-shaped outer case 1203 is a generally serpentine-shaped conductor 1209, which is sometimes referred to herein as an antenna element. In certain embodiments, the antenna element 1209 has a generally undulating or wavy shape and includes one or more peaks and one or more valleys. In some cases, the antenna element 1209 has at least two peaks and at least two valleys. In various embodiments, those peaks and / or valleys have a generally square or rectangular shape, and, for example, collectively, they can have a generally rectangular wave shape. Other embodiments can use curved, triangular, or other polygonal peaks and / or valleys. During transmission or reception, signals propagate through this conductor.

[0188] A conductive ridge or septum 1211 runs longitudinally through the trough and divides the conductor 1209 into two parts or sections, 1210A and 1210B. The shape, size, and relative orientation of the conductor elements, particularly the septum 1211, and the sections 1210A and 1210B determine the frequency band, polarization, and / or intensity distribution of the emitted and / or received radiation. For example, the shape of the sections 1210A and 1210B determines a particular pattern of constructive and destructive interference that generates a particular shape and frequency of electromagnetic radiation propagating into the adjacent space. Depending on the conductor shape, the radiation intensity pattern can be fan-shaped, hemispherical, heart-shaped, cylindrical, etc. The shape and size of the conductor also determine the frequency distribution and polarization at which the antenna transmits / receives signals. The trough-shaped outer case 1203 (the part not occupied by the serpentine conductor) is optionally filled with a dielectric material.

[0189] In some implementations, the peaks and valleys of portion 1210A are separated from each other by approximately the wavelength of the emitted or received waves. Similarly, the peaks and valleys of portion 1210B can be separated from each other by approximately the wavelength of the emitted or received radiation, in which case they can be oriented with a phase shift of approximately 180 degrees relative to the peaks and valleys of 1210A. The signals transmitted or received at portions 1210A and 1210B can accordingly be out of phase by approximately 180 degrees. As a result, the resulting structure can generate a generally flat or fan-shaped radiation intensity profile that propagates generally in the z direction. By shifting the radiation source that is driven or received to a wavelength that is slightly smaller or larger than the wavelength defined by portions 1210A and 1210B, the radiation intensity profile can be shifted slightly in the positive or negative x direction depending on the direction of the wavelength offset. In certain embodiments, the trough antenna 1201 radiates radiation that is polarized generally in the x direction.

[0190] The trough antenna 1201 includes a feed point 1213 disposed at one of the bottom ends of the trough-shaped outer case 1203 for attaching a conductive antenna element 1209 to a conductive wire that connects to a transceiver. Another wire connects the first portion 1205 of the trough to ground. In certain embodiments, a single coaxial cable is employed using the outer conductor (which is grounded) of the cable connected to the first portion 1205 and the center conductor connected to the generally serpentine-shaped conductor 1209.

[0191] In various embodiments, the antenna element 1209 is made of metal or other highly conductive materials. Examples include aluminum, copper, brass, etc. In various embodiments, the first portion 1205 of the outer case 1203 is made of a conductive material such as aluminum, copper, brass, etc. In various embodiments, the second portion 1207 of the outer case 1203 is made of a dielectric material. Examples include glass, polymers, and ceramics. The trough antenna can be constructed to be durable even when facing other environmental problems such as direct sunlight exposure, wind, rainfall, extreme temperature variations, and vibration and / or dust and other particles.

[0192] The trough antenna can be positioned at various locations inside or on a building. Generally, the trough antenna can be installed at any of the antenna locations described above. In some embodiments, the trough antenna can be positioned outdoors on a building. In some embodiments, the trough antenna can be installed on architectural elements such as parapets, sills, or ceilings, or on IGUs or windows. In the case of a parapet, the trough antenna can be installed in a slot in the parapet or other architectural elements of the building.

[0193] In certain embodiments, the longest dimension of the trough antenna is about 5 - 50 cm, or about 10 - 40 cm. In some such embodiments, the remaining dimensions can be about 2 - 20 cm.

[0194] The transmitted signal emanates from an opening within the partially enclosed structure 1205 of the trough antenna. Alternatively, if the trough antenna is configured to receive signals, the signal is received through the opening. In certain embodiments, the signal emitted (or received) from this opening has a flat fan-shaped pattern, which is generally planar in shape and generally parallel to the long axis of the antenna. Depending on the orientation of the attached antenna, the fan-shaped signal can be oriented horizontally. However, the size and shape of the coiled conductor allow for alternative signal patterns such as a heart-shaped pattern, a partial hemisphere, a cylinder, etc. In certain embodiments, the emitted signal is polarized in the direction of the long axis of the antenna; for example, the antenna can emit horizontally polarized radiation.

[0195] In various embodiments, the trough antenna can be configured to operate in only a single frequency band. Thus, in the particular implementation of the trough antenna shown in FIGS. 12A - 12C, the conductive antenna element 1209 is configured to transmit and / or receive signals in only a single frequency band. If a system can support multiple protocols (e.g., 4G and 5G cellular protocols), the system can use multiple trough antennas within a room or other service area, with one trough antenna per frequency of interest. In certain embodiments, the trough antenna is designed or configured to transmit or receive radiation in a frequency range of approximately 700 MHz to 60 GHz. In certain embodiments, the trough antenna is designed or configured to transmit or receive radiation in a frequency range of approximately 700 MHz to 6 GHz. In certain embodiments, the trough antenna is designed or configured to transmit or receive radiation in a frequency range of approximately 6 GHz to 30 GHz.

[0196] Handle antenna As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the handle antenna includes a handle-shaped antenna element 1301. FIG. 13A provides a perspective view of the handle antenna including the antenna element and a ground plane 1307 to which the antenna element is attached. FIG. 13B shows a side view in the y-z plane, showing an exemplary profile of the handle-shaped antenna element 1301 together with the ground plane 1307 and the support substrate 1305. The handle-shaped antenna element 1301 can be mechanically attached to any of a variety of substrates such as various building structures such as building elements. In certain embodiments, the handle antenna has a conductive connector for feeding an RF signal to the handle-shaped antenna element (e.g., via the center conductor of a coaxial cable). Refer to the connector 1303 at the lower left of the handle antenna element 1301 in FIG. 13B. Electrical energy within the antenna element 1301 can propagate within a loop, or a portion of a loop.

[0197] In some implementations, the antenna element (handle) 1301 is seated in front of the ground plane 1307. The ground plane may be, for example, a separate layer providing the antenna element, or may be a conductive portion of a building element such as a stud, a beauty cap, or other conductive structure to which the antenna element is attached. Such a ground plane may be connected to a second conductor, which is connected to an electrical ground such as the outer conductor of a coaxial cable. In certain embodiments, the antenna element 1301 is connected to ground at one end of the element, e.g., at connection point 1309.

[0198] In some cases, one or more inverted-F antennas are used in the manner of the handle antennas described herein. In fact, in various embodiments, the handle antenna is in the form of an inverted-F antenna. The inverted-F antenna can have a monopole antenna element oriented substantially parallel to the ground plane. One end of the antenna element is connected to ground, and an electrical signal is supplied to an intermediate point of the antenna element located at a distance from the ground end. In certain embodiments, the inverted-F antenna is a planar inverted-F antenna. In some cases, the inverted-F antenna is a planar patch inverted-F antenna.

[0199] The shape, dimensions, and thickness of the handle-shaped antenna element 1301 at least partially determine the frequency at which the antenna transmits and / or receives electromagnetic radiation, as well as the characteristics of the antenna's radiation pattern. Generally, the handle-shaped antenna element 1301 is substantially flat (in the y-z plane in FIGS. 13A and 13B) and has a non-linear (e.g., wave-like) profile.

[0200] In certain embodiments, the handle-shaped antenna element 1301 has a slot, hole, or other region (not shown) without material inside the antenna element when viewed in the y-z plane of FIG. 13B. These regions, in combination with the outer shape or profile of the handle, can affect antenna parameters such as the number and location of frequency bands, the width of such bands, polarization, and the intensity distribution (radiation pattern) of the antenna.

[0201] In addition to the connection points 1303 and 1309 shown in FIG. 13B, the antenna element can be attached to the substrate 1305 at one or more additional locations as needed to ensure that the antenna is firmly and robustly attached to the substrate.

[0202] In some implementations, the antenna structure includes a plurality of handles, each having its own handle profile (and optionally an internal hole). Collectively, the handles of such a structure provide a multi - frequency antenna. In some cases, the frequency span of the multi - handle antenna is very large, for example, about 700 MHz to 30 GHz. As an example, one or more handle antennas may resonate in one or more frequency bands including about 700 MHz, about 900 MHz, about 2.1 GHz, and in one or more bands from about 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz.

[0203] The handle antenna can be positioned at various locations within or on a building, such as indoors or outdoors of the building. Assuming a rugged structure of the handle antenna, it can be properly fixed outdoors of the building. In certain embodiments, the handle antenna is disposed on a building element. For example, the antenna is bolted or screwed into the building element. In some implementations, holes are drilled through a mullion to supply leads or other wires / cables from an optically switchable window to a window network. The same hole or a similar hole can be used to fix the handle antenna to the mullion. In fact, such holes within a mullion or other building elements can be used to fix any of the antennas described herein to the building element. As described above in relation to FIG. 6C, the mullion can have an H - shaped beauty cap having a cavity capable of accommodating the antenna. In one example, the handle antenna is within that cavity. To protect and hide the antenna, the cavity can be filled with a plastic resin or other material that hides the antenna but is transparent to the signals received and transmitted by the antenna. Thus, the frame or mullion looks the same as any other, with little or no indication that it houses an antenna.

[0204] The handle antenna may be relatively smaller than the trough antenna discussed above. In certain embodiments, the handle antenna is about 50 to 500 mm (e.g., about 100 to 300 mm) in its longest dimension (e.g., the x direction). In certain embodiments, the height (dimension in the z direction) of the handle antenna is about 10 to 400 mm (e.g., about 40 to 100 mm).

[0205] A single handle antenna can be designed to emit or receive in one or more frequency bands. As long as the antenna structure accommodates antenna elements of multiple handle shapes of different shapes and / or sizes, the antenna structure can transmit and / or receive signals at multiple frequencies. In such cases, the handle antenna can support multiple protocols (e.g., 4G and 5G), and a single one of these antenna structures can be used within a room or other service area. As an example, one or more handle antennas may resonate in one or more frequency bands including the center frequencies of bands of about 700 MHz, about 900 MHz, about 2.1 GHz, and about 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz.

[0206] In certain embodiments, each of the multiple frequency bands is provided by a separate one of the handle-shaped antenna elements. This approach may be appropriate when a single handle antenna cannot cover frequencies over a wide enough range, or when different frequency bands are associated with different communication protocols and each of them requires its own transceiver. It may also be appropriate in the case of communication protocols that use multiple antenna formats such as the multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) format used in some cellular communication protocols (e.g., 5G MIMO).

[0207] Each of the plurality of antenna elements can be manufactured from a separate wafer or other substrate, and the thin and flat substrates can be stacked side by side. However, the individual handles can have unique profiles and / or sizes and can be adjusted for various frequencies. In one example, the antenna has at least four different flat handle antenna elements, each having a unique shape and each having its own frequency band, but each is relatively thin (e.g., having a thickness of about 0.1 to about 2 centimeters). Each of these individual elements can be provided side by side. Each of the handles can be coupled together such that the handles operate as a monolithic structure collectively.

[0208] Coaxial Antenna with Slot As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the coaxial antenna with slot 1401 includes a printed circuit board or similar substantially planar structure 1403, and a case 1405 made of or including a conductive material. FIG. 14A provides a perspective view of the coaxial antenna with slot including the structure 1403 and the case 1405. FIG. 14B shows a side view in the x-y plane and also shows the planar structure 1403 and the case 1405. In a particular embodiment, the coaxial antenna with slot 1401 has a conductive connector 1415 for providing an RF signal to the planar structure 1403 (e.g., via the center conductor of a coaxial cable).

[0209] As mentioned, the element 1403 can be implemented as a printed circuit board or other substantial planar structure. It can include a single conductive layer or two conductive layers separated by an insulating layer. The combination of the planar structure 1403 and the surrounding case 1405 can effectively form a waveguide, and in some ways, the planar structure 1403 and the case 1405 can function as the inner and outer conductors of a coaxial cable. In various embodiments, the planar element 1403 has various slots that help adjust the characteristics of the radiation emitted from the element.

[0210] In certain embodiments, element 1403 includes two substantially planar conductive layers. The separation of these conductive layers, and the cross-section of these layers can be adjusted to provide a specific impedance. Both of these layers can be patterned. However, typically there is a single feed line to element 1403. This feed line can be split and provided to conductive elements associated with each of the slots within element 1403, for example.

[0211] As shown in the figure, circuit board 1403 has slots 1411 that help regulate power distribution. Depending on the different locations, as well as the size and shape of the slots, the frequency distribution, polarization, and shape of the output distribution of the emitted radiation are adjusted. For example, the individual feeds and the emitted outputs from regions adjacent to slot 1411 can be combined in phase to produce the desired shape of the emitted radiation. In certain embodiments, slots 1411 are spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the wavelength (or half-wavelength) of the emitted or received radiation.

[0212] As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the case at least partially surrounds a substantially planar structure 1403 and has an opening or slot 1413 that emits or receives outward from the antenna during operation. Further, as shown in the figure, case 1405 can also have ridges 1417 (defining grooves) for holding the substantially planar structure 1403.

[0213] In certain embodiments, the signal emitted (or received) from a slotted coaxial antenna has a fan-shaped pattern. However, the actual radiation pattern produced by any given slotted coaxial antenna is controlled by the slot design and the spacing between the slots of the conductors and the case within the printed circuit board. Depending on the orientation of the attached antenna, the signal can be oriented horizontally or vertically.

[0214] The coaxial antenna with slots may be relatively smaller than the trough antenna discussed above. In certain embodiments, the longest dimension of the coaxial antenna with slots is about 100 to 1000 mm (for example, about 300 to 800 mm).

[0215] The coaxial antenna with slots can be positioned at various locations inside and / or outside a building. In one example, the coaxial antenna with slots is disposed horizontally above or below a window, on a sill. In some cases, the coaxial antenna with slots is disposed on a structure not associated with a window. For example, the antenna can be installed on a ceiling tile, a wall of a private room, etc. In certain embodiments, the coaxial antenna with slots is provided horizontally at a relatively high height inside a room (for example, more than about 2 meters above the floor) and rotated to have a downwardly focused beam pattern. Thereby, the wireless signals within the area that can be utilized by building occupants are focused. In certain implementation forms, the horizontally oriented, downwardly focused coaxial antenna with slots is part of or installed within a digital building element such as a horizontal digital facade. When oriented horizontally, the coaxial cable with slots can be configured to generate a horizontally polarized signal.

[0216] In certain embodiments, the case 1405 functions as all or part of a building architectural element such as a facade, a railing, a digital building element housing, etc. For example, a part of a hollow conductive structure of a facade can function as a case.

[0217] Assuming the potential compact size of these antennas, many of those antennas can be disposed in locations spanning an entire room or other areas of a building. In that case, each of those antennas provides a narrow range of coverage, but collectively, they cover a wide area. In some implementations, a slotted coaxial antenna is equipped with a transceiver that generates signals within a limited range. For example, the signals effectively propagate only over a limited distance, such as up to about 10 meters. Such a limited-range transceiver has the advantage of not being subject to certain regulatory requirements as promulgated by the US Federal Communications Commission.

[0218] In one embodiment, a plurality of slotted coaxial antennas are disposed on the walls of a small room or other work area structures within an office space. The collective effect of the antennas can cover the work area using a range of coverage that is not sufficient for the signals to radiate outside the building or, in some cases, even outside the room.

[0219] In some cases, the mounted slotted coaxial antenna is horizontally oriented but tilted up and down by a small amount (e.g., about ±10 degrees). This can help generate a fan-shaped radiation pattern surrounding the area where the occupants are expected to be. For example, if the antenna is mounted at a height higher than most human heights, the antenna can be oriented to direct the radiation slightly downward from the horizontal.

[0220] In certain embodiments, the slotted coaxial antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive a single frequency band or a wideband signal.

[0221] Microstrip patch antenna In some buildings, a microstrip patch antenna may be employed. An example of such an antenna is illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B. The antenna element of the microstrip patch antenna may be a thin metal such as foil on a dielectric substrate such as a thin plastic substrate (e.g., having a thickness of about 2 mm or less). This structure does not necessarily need to include a ground plane. However, if the dielectric substrate is adhered or fixed to a conductive and grounding structure such as a stand or a beauty plate, it functions as an antenna.

[0222] The conductive structure of the antenna element can have various configurations such as monopole, dipole, and various patch antenna configurations, for example, those described in PCT published patent application No. PCT / US17 / 31106 filed on May 4, 2017 (publication number No. 2017 / 192881), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0223] In certain embodiments, the dielectric to which the antenna element of the microstrip antenna is attached is relatively resistant to the effects of UV radiation and other weathering. In certain embodiments, the metal strip disposed on top of the dielectric is relatively thick (e.g., 1 mm or more), and as a result, the metal strip does not easily wear away even when exposed to UV and other ambient conditions for an extended period of time. In some cases, the dielectric material is cut away in some or all of the areas outside the metal used for the antenna element.

[0224] As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the microstrip patch antenna 1501 can include a substantially flat conductive antenna element 1503 and a dielectric substrate 1505. FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the microstrip patch antenna 1501 mounted on a structural element or mounting portion 1507, and FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view in its x-y plane. In certain embodiments, the element 1507 is a conductive structure such as a beauty cap connected to ground, thereby being able to function as a ground plane for the antenna element 1503. In certain embodiments, the antenna element 1503 is a printed metal piece. The antenna element 1503 may be a suitable conductive material such as copper, aluminum, steel, etc. In certain embodiments, the rectangular or other relatively larger connection portions of the antenna element are spaced apart from each other by approximately the wavelength or half-wavelength of the radiation to be emitted or received.

[0225] The microstrip patch antenna may be relatively smaller than the trough antenna discussed above. In certain embodiments, the longest dimension of the microstrip patch antenna is about 100 - 1000 mm (e.g., about 300 - 800 mm).

[0226] In some cases, the microstrip patch antenna is configured to pierce or adhere onto building elements such as facades, beauty caps, or the surface of digital building elements. Since the microstrip patch antenna can be easily adhered to a conductive structure, there may be no need to drill holes or partially modify the building element to which the antenna adheres. Also, since the microstrip patch antenna is small enough and / or unobtrusive, it does not need to be hidden even when applied to a structural element or installation. In some embodiments, the microstrip patch antenna is embedded within a trough, which is either designed for the antenna or forms part of a structural element such as a building installation or beauty cap. In some cases, the microstrip patch antenna is vertically oriented at a building structural element or installation such as an IGU or a small room. In such cases, the antenna can be configured to emit and / or receive vertically polarized electromagnetic radiation. In some cases, the microstrip patch antenna is mounted facing outwards away from the building, similar to when it is attached to a beauty cap. In some cases, the microstrip patch antenna is mounted facing inwards towards the interior of the building, similar to when it is attached to a facade.

[0227] Similar to some other relatively small antennas, some microstrip patch antennas may generate signals within a limited range, for example, the signals effectively propagate only over a limited distance such as up to about 10 meters.

[0228] In certain embodiments, the microstrip patch antenna is mounted substantially horizontally (e.g., the y-direction is substantially vertical). In such cases, the antenna can be configured to emit and / or receive vertically polarized radiation.

[0229] Similar to coaxial antennas with slots, the relatively compact size of microstrip patch antennas allows many of these antennas to be placed in locations throughout a room or other areas of a building. Each antenna can provide a short range of coverage, but collectively, these antennas can cover a wide area. For example, a microstrip patch antenna can be equipped with a transceiver that generates a limited range of signals. For example, the signal can effectively propagate only over a limited distance, such as less than about 10 meters, thus avoiding being subject to certain regulatory requirements as promulgated by the Federal Communications Commission of the United States.

[0230] In some cases, multiple microstrip patch antennas are disposed on the walls of a small room or other work area structures within an office space. The collective effect of the antennas is that, using coverage, the work area can be covered using a range that is not sufficient for the signal to radiate out of the building or, in some cases, even out of the room.

[0231] In some cases, the mounted antennas are oriented horizontally as described above, but tilted up and down by a small amount (e.g., about ±10 degrees).

[0232] Self-configuring antenna structure (configuration and reconfiguration of antennas and transceivers) In certain embodiments, one or more antennas and their associated radios are installed without first assigning a specific protocol or, in some cases, even a frequency band. In some cases, the protocol and / or frequency band are assigned before, during, or immediately after installation, but the operating output is not yet assigned. During or after installation, the output, and optionally the protocol and / or frequency, are set by appropriate programming. The goal of this process can be to test for interference and reachability between individual antennas and, where appropriate, set the output levels for each radio.

[0233] In some implementations, the configuration or commissioning system determines the functions and / or operating parameters that will only be useful after a particular antenna and associated radios are installed. At that point, the radios are configured to incorporate the desired functions and / or parameters. The functions / parameters are then fixed until some change is needed or required, in which case the radios can be reconfigured.

[0234] In certain embodiments, this process occurs in two stages. In the initial stage, it is performed during or after installation, optionally after a detection phase, to determine which of the newly installed antennas have a particular reach based on the surrounding communication infrastructure and user load. Then, during normal operation, when the environment or situation changes, the antennas and transceivers can be reconfigured to adapt to the changing requirements or needs. For example, if a tree or other feature comes into view in front of an antenna, it may be necessary to increase the transceiver output of that antenna and / or reduce or alter the role of the antenna within the network infrastructure. Additionally, if the wireless traffic pattern changes, even for a short duration, the radio / antenna parameters can be adjusted, albeit temporarily, to accommodate such changes.

[0235] Logic for performing this self - configuration of antennas and their associated radios can be located (and executed) inside or outside of a building. In any case, this logic may be centralized or distributed among multiple processing nodes. In some cases, the logic responsible for self - configuring the antennas / radios is distributed among processing capabilities specialized for one function such as initial startup or configuration of the antennas and radios, and other logic is specialized for adjusting or adapting the radios to handle a changing environment. In certain embodiments, a local (inside - building) logic device such as a master network controller is used for this purpose. In other embodiments, a remote (outside - building) logic device, or a collection of devices (e.g., cloud - based resources) is used.

[0236] Among the parameters that can be adjusted or set in this process are the frequency of the antenna signal, the output of the transmitted antenna signal, and the communication protocol employed. These can be adjusted or set by modifying the set values within the transmitters and / or receivers used by the various antennas.

[0237] In one example, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16, the antenna configuration process 1601 begins by determining the location of all antennas within a building and the associated characteristics of the antennas at those locations. See block 1603. This is because the specific location information can be useful in determining how to configure the individual antennas. For example, if the antennas are on a lower floor, they may be more suitable for communicating with or providing service to cellular phone users outside the building and on the roads or plazas adjacent to the building. In contrast, antennas on the upper floors of a building may be more suitable for providing services associated with antennas of a cell tower and communicating with other distant communication nodes on the cellular network. In certain embodiments, placing the antennas is performed in a manner similar to a trial run of a window or window controller, as described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 727,258, filed on October 6, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some implementations, it is not necessary or required to know or determine the exact location of some or all of the antennas.

[0238] As a next step, the antennas are powered on and scanned across the frequencies available to those antennas to determine which other cellular or other wireless nodes on the network they can communicate with. See blocks 1605 and 1607. This scan is optionally performed for each antenna. For example, each antenna / radiator is scanned sequentially (block 1605), and adjacent antennas / radiators report on the interference of their transmitted and / or received signals as a function of the output (or other parameter adjustment at the adjacent antenna) (block 1607).

[0239] Using information regarding the location and capabilities of individual antennas to handle specific cellular or other wireless network requirements, the system determines how to set the parameters of specific radios among the individual radios throughout the building. See block 1609. Keeping this in mind, the system can be configured here to determine which parameters to give to which radios, e.g., which radios should transmit and receive at which frequencies and at what output levels. Once appropriate parameters are determined, the system being configured applies those parameters. See block 1611.

[0240] Optionally, during operation of the network / communication infrastructure, the system listens for or monitors usage patterns that are valuable enough to reconfigure the antennas for specific purposes such as the operation of the network, administrative decisions, and / or providing additional capacity or coverage for a particular user. For example, if many users suddenly appear along the road near the building during a protest or celebration, the system can deploy additional capacity to handle new requests on the cellular or other wireless infrastructure. Changing conditions can be detected in various ways, such as by regularly rescanning the antennas to know where they can connect, detecting a decrease in output or other performance, etc., for example, from news feeds.

[0241] In some cases, a schedule for rescan or inspection of the antenna characteristics is adopted. As an example, such a schedule can inspect the characteristics daily, weekly, monthly, annually, etc. If any condition suggesting different settings is detected, the system can adjust the parameters of one or more antennas. Note that the scan and reset operations may initially be performed using one type of computing infrastructure, while subsequent operations may be performed using a different computing infrastructure.

[0242] In certain embodiments, the radio / antenna self-configuration process is used within a building having at least about 10 radios / antennas installed for configuration. In certain embodiments, such a process is used within a building having at least about 50 or at least about 100 radios / antennas installed for configuration.

[0243] For example, a typical floor of a typical high-rise building may have approximately 200 windows and approximately 100 facades, many or all of which may have mounting antennas with associated radios. Due to such a large number of antennas and the associated potential for interference, the radios can be adjusted to ensure an effective transfer of a wireless connection (e.g., a cellular phone or Wi-Fi® signal) as a user moves within the building. The self-configuring network is designed such that the individual radios are appropriately configured to provide an orderly handoff, i.e., the radios provide good coverage within the building without interfering with each other.

[0244] In certain embodiments, most or all of the radios are SDRs (software definable radios), which can be components of a vRAN. The vRAN includes an application processor in front of the SDR. The SDR can have, for example, an available wide spectral band of about 20 MHz to 6 GHz. In some cases, the SDR supports any protocol in any frequency band from 20 MHz to 6 GHz.

[0245] In some implementations, vRAN includes two main components, namely, a head end (HE) and a number of remote software definable radio units (RRUs) supplied by the HE. In certain embodiments, the HE is implemented on one or more control panels such as the control panel 917 shown in FIG. 9, and the RRUs are implemented within digital architectural elements such as the element 923 also shown in FIG. 9. In certain embodiments, data is delivered from the control panel to the RRUs over coaxial cables implemented via the MoCA standard.

[0246] However, in other implementations, one or more of the RRUs can be used in systems that are stand-alone units not integrated with sensors or the like. Also, in some implementations, the HE is implemented on a remote base station or also implemented on the Internet via, for example, cloud resources.

[0247] FIG. 17A is a block diagram of an exemplary SDR / RRU. In this figure, data and outputs are provided from the HE to a wiring board or other component having a microcontroller and a programmable logic device (e.g., FPGA) or other high-performance processor. This component stores the operating parameters that define the operating characteristics of the RRU (e.g., radio protocol, frequency band, modulation mode, and transmit output). Also, that component executes software instructions for operating the radio for the associated data transmission. In certain embodiments, the FPGA or other processor is configured with a real-time operating system for processing raw data. It can be composed of a transmitter ID, a specific frequency, channel bandwidth, modulation, output, etc. The FPGA can be constructed from licenseable IP blocks such as an ARM A53 core for the RF processor and an ARM A9 application core for managing the RF section. In one example, the processor is an FPGA such as the ZYNQ7045 sold by Xilinx Inc. in San Jose, California.

[0248] The SDR can also include a radio chip that includes an RF power amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter. An example of a suitable radio chip is the AD9361 sold by Analog Devices Inc. of Norwood, Massachusetts. An example of a suitable and complete RRU is the USRP E320 sold by Ettus Research of Santa Clara, California.

[0249] FIG. 17B shows an exemplary stack of radios used for data transmission. As shown in the figure, many of the functions in the center of the stack are implemented in hardware for a hardware-based radio, while those same functions can be implemented in software for the SDR. The software components of the SDR can use open-source products such as GNU radios, or non-open-source software such as "Titanium Cloud" sold by Wind River Systems Inc. of Alameda, California.

[0250] An exemplary order of the self-configuring radio characteristics process is as follows. Assume that some or all of the radios on the floor of a multi-story building (for example, 100 of those radios exist) are assigned to a specific protocol and frequency band (for example, CBRS band 48). 1. Power on all 100 radios on the floor, send commands, and configure all radios according to a specific protocol / band (CBRS, band 48) using appropriate spectrum allocation, etc. In some embodiments, a field service technician or operator at a network operation center takes an action to command the radios that can operate with this protocol. In an alternative approach, an automated process selects the protocols, frequency bands, etc. of the various radios. In certain embodiments, a subset of antennas is selected for one frequency band and another subset is selected for a different frequency band. Generally, both the frequency band and the protocol are selected for each antenna / radio on the floor. In one example, different radios / antennas are selected for different cellular protocols. For example, in the 28 GHz band, some radios are selected for ATT and other radios are selected for Verizon. 2. A technician, operator, or automated logic sends commands to the radios to adjust their output power. This can be done in a brute-force manner. For example, sequentially, each radio gradually increases its output, say, up to 1 mW. 3. Examine each device to determine its signal strength, any interference that the device experiences with adjacent antennas, etc. 4. Based on 2 and 3, determine which radios should be set at which outputs (e.g., determine which radios should be activated and which radios should be called back). As an example, if a first antenna is placed in the center of the floor or the center of a room and is flanked by two other antennas (both adjacent antennas) approximately 180° apart, operations 2 and 3 can suggest that the first antenna can operate at a relatively high output. However, a second antenna placed in a corner of the floor or room and having adjacent antennas at approximately 90° positions can set the radio for the second antenna at a lower output compared to the output of the radio for the adjacent antennas.

[0251] Overall, this process can provide profiles of adjacency and signal strength. The output provided by individual antennas can be optimized based on the principle of "speaking only at the required volume". In some implementations, neither the exact position nor the determination of the antennas is necessary; only the adjacency relationship is required.

[0252] This process may consider heterogeneous radios, where there is a radio operating on one protocol and one or more other radios operating on one or more other protocols. For example, one of the four radios on a floor can be configured to implement CBRS, and the remaining three of the four radios on that floor can implement 5G cellular and operate at 28 GHz (multiple bands), and those radios can optionally be physically connected to an antenna (e.g., a donor antenna or a sky sensor) outside the building. The 5G cellular can be split between different carriers (e.g., Sprint vs. ATT), and each carrier has its own subset of antennas. Assuming that different radios can operate in different spectral regions and that these different radios may be adjacent to each other, they may not interfere with each other or at least have less significant impact than radios operating in the same part of the spectrum.

[0253] As shown in the figure, the configuration of the radios can be adjusted to balance in a way that takes into account the usage patterns of the occupants. The SDR control system for the floor antennas or other parts of the building can consider the traffic pattern as a function of time. By creating more available bands for the radios / antennas placed in the most needed locations in between, the bandwidth available to a particular one of those radios is adjusted.

[0254] Conclusion It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein can be implemented in the form of control logic using computer software in a modular or integrated manner. Based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein, those skilled in the art will know and understand other ways and / or methods for implementing the present invention using hardware and combinations of hardware and software.

[0255] Any of the software components or functions described in this application can be implemented as software code executed by a processor using any suitable computer language, such as Java®, C++, or Python®, for example, using conventional or object-oriented techniques. The software code may be stored as a series of instructions or commands on a computer-readable medium such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic media such as a hard drive or floppy disk, or optical media such as a CD-ROM. Any such computer-readable medium may be on or within just one computing device, or on or within different computing devices within a system or network.

[0256] Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the appended claims. Note that there are many alternative ways to implement the processes, systems, and devices of this embodiment. Further, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, one or more features from any embodiment can be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment. Also, further modifications, additions, or omissions can be made to any embodiment without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The components of any embodiment can be integrated or separated according to specific needs without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this embodiment should be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and the embodiments should not be limited to the details given herein. (Other possible items) [Item 1] A data communication network within a building having one or more external antennas, wherein at least one of said external antennas is disposed on the roof or outdoors of said building and is associated with a window, a sky sensor, or a digital building element, wherein said one or more external antennas are coupled to the network infrastructure of said building via one or more data carrier lines and / or wireless links, said network infrastructure comprising one or more data carrier lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel, a data communication network. [Item 2] The data communication network according to item 1, wherein at least one of said external antennas is configured for communication with an external wireless network. [Item 3] The data communication network according to item 1 or 2, wherein said network infrastructure comprises one or more building network antennas and associated radios installed within and / or on said building and configured to provide a wireless data connection inside and / or adjacent to said building. [Item 4] The data communication network according to item 3, wherein said radios are configured to provide a Wi-Fi (registered trademark), CBRS, or cellular wireless data connection inside and / or adjacent to said building. [Item 5] The data communication network according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein said one or more external antennas comprise one or more donor antennas configured for communication with an external cellular network. [Item 6] The data communication network according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein said at least one control panel is configured to connect to an external cellular network via a backhaul comprising a high-speed cable. [Item 7] The data communication network according to any one of Items 1 to 6, wherein the one or more data carrier lines of the network infrastructure support data communication of 1 Gb / second or more. [Item 8] The data communication network according to any one of Items 1 to 7, wherein the at least one control panel is coupled to one or more window controllers for connection to one or more IGUs. [Item 9] The data communication network according to any one of Items 1 to 8, including a radiating element disposed outside the building, wherein at least one of the external antennas disposed within the digital building element or associated with the digital building element is coupled to an electrical connector disposed indoors in the building via a pass-through facility. [Item 10] The data communication network according to Item 9, wherein the pass-through facility is configured to provide a weathertight seal between the inside and the outside of the building. [Item 11] The data communication network according to Item 9 or 10, wherein the pass-through facility includes an electrical coupling between the electrical connector and the radiating element. [Item 12] The data communication network according to Item 11, wherein the electrical connector is configured to connect to the network infrastructure of the building. [Item 13] A method for providing connection to an external wireless network, the method comprising: communicating with the external wireless network using one or more external antennas, wherein at least one of the external antennas is disposed within a sky sensor or digital building element including a roof or outdoor sensor assembly of a building or is associated with the sky sensor or digital building element; Transmitting data between the one or more external antennas and the building's network infrastructure using one or more data carrier lines and / or wireless links, wherein the network infrastructure comprises one or more data carrier lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel. [Item 14] The method according to item 13, wherein the network infrastructure comprises one or more building network antennas and associated radios installed within and / or on the building, and the method includes the one or more building network antennas that provide a wireless data connection inside the building and / or adjacent to the building. [Item 15] The method according to item 14, further including the associated radios that provide Wi-Fi (registered trademark), CBRS, or cellular wireless data connections inside the building and / or adjacent to the building. [Item 16] The method according to any one of items 13 to 15, wherein the one or more external antennas comprise one or more donor antennas that communicate with an external cellular network. [Item 17] The method according to any one of items 13 to 16, further including the at least one control panel that communicates with an external cellular network via a backhaul comprising a high-speed cable. [Item 18] The method according to any one of items 13 to 17, wherein the one or more data carrier lines of the network infrastructure support data communication at 1 Gb / second or more. [Item 19] The method according to any one of items 13 to 18, further including the at least one control panel that communicates with one or more window controllers for controlling one or more IGUs. [Item 20] The method according to any one of items 13 to 19, wherein at least one of the external antennas disposed within the digital building element or associated with the digital building element is coupled to an electrical connector disposed indoors in the building via a through facility and includes a radiating element disposed outdoors in the building. [Item 21] The method according to item 20, wherein the through facility is configured to provide a weathertight seal between the interior of the building and the exterior of the building. [Item 22] The method according to item 20 or 21, wherein the through facility includes an electrical coupling between the electrical connector and the radiating element. [Item 23] The method according to item 22, wherein the electrical connector is configured to connect to the network infrastructure of the building. [Item 24] A method of configuring a plurality of antennas and / or radios distributed within a building, the method comprising: powering the plurality of antennas and / or radios; changing at least one operating parameter of the plurality of antennas and / or radios and simultaneously measuring the signal strength in other antennas and / or radios as a function of the changed operating parameter; selecting a value of the operating parameter for operation of the at least one of the plurality of antennas and / or radios based on the measured signal strength. [Item 25] The method according to item 24, further comprising determining the location of each of the plurality of antennas within the building. [Item 26] The method according to item 24 or 25, wherein the operating parameter is an antenna and / or radio protocol, frequency, or power. [Item 27] The method according to any one of items 24 to 26, including assigning an antenna and / or a wireless protocol to the antenna and / or the wireless device before changing the operation parameter, wherein the operation parameter is a frequency or power. [Item 28] Sequentially changing the operation parameters of each of the plurality of antennas and / or wireless devices, and simultaneously measuring the signal strength in the other antennas and / or wireless devices as a function of the changed parameters; The method according to any one of items 24 to 27, further including selecting a value of the operation parameter for each of the plurality of antennas and / or wireless devices based on the measured signal strength. [Item 29] A system, A plurality of antennas and / or wireless devices distributed in a building, At least one logic device, and comprising: The at least one logic device is Supplying power to the plurality of antennas and / or wireless devices, Changing at least one operation parameter of at least one of the plurality of antennas and / or wireless devices, and simultaneously measuring the signal strength in the other antennas and / or wireless devices as a function of the changed operation parameter, and A system comprising logic for configuring the plurality of antennas and / or wireless devices by selecting a value of the operation parameter for the operation of the at least one of the plurality of antennas and / or wireless devices based on the measured signal strength. [Item 30] The system according to item 29, wherein the logic for configuring the plurality of antennas and / or wireless devices further includes determining the location of each of the plurality of antennas in the building. [Item 31] The system according to item 29 or 30, wherein the operation parameter is an antenna and / or wireless protocol, frequency, or power. [Item 32] The logic for configuring the plurality of antennas and / or radios includes assigning an antenna and / or a wireless protocol to the antenna and / or radio before changing the operating parameter, wherein the operating parameter is frequency or power, the system according to any one of items 29 to 31. [Item 33] The logic sequentially changes the operating parameters of each of the plurality of antennas and / or radios, and simultaneously measures the signal strength in the other antennas and / or radios as a function of the changed parameters, selecting a value of the operating parameter for each of the plurality of antennas and / or radios based on the measured signal strength, the system according to any one of items 29 to 32. [Item 34] The at least one logic device is a local logic device or a remote logic device, the system according to any one of items 29 to 33. [Item 35] A data communication network within a building, comprising one or more antennas inside the building, and one or more antennas outside the building, and a wired or wireless connection between at least one external antenna and at least one internal antenna, the at least one external antenna being communicatively coupled to an external cellular network, the at least one internal antenna being configured to transmit a wireless signal received by the external antenna from the external cellular network to one or more locations inside or proximate to the building, the data communication network being configured to control wireless coverage to the one or more locations, a data communication network. [Item 36] The data communication network according to item 35, wherein some of the one or more locations are inside the building and other locations of the one or more locations are outside the building. [Item 37] The at least one external antenna is coupled to the network infrastructure of the building via one or more data carrier lines and / or wireless links. The network infrastructure includes one or more data carrier lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel, and the data communication network according to item 35 or 36. [Item 38] The data communication network according to any one of items 35 to 37, wherein a plurality of internal antennas are distributed within the building. [Item 39] The network infrastructure has a vertical data plane between building floors and a horizontal data plane that is present on all of a single floor or multiple adjacent floors, and the data communication network according to item 37. [Item 40] The vertical data plane includes a plurality of control panels and high-capacity data carrier lines, and the data communication network according to item 39. [Item 41] The building includes at least one rooftop donor antenna configured to communicate with the external cellular network via a physical electrical or optical line, and at least one control panel, and the data communication network according to any one of items 35 to 40. [Item 42] The rooftop donor antenna is configured to provide a downlink to the building to provide wireless services to occupants and / or indoor devices, and the data communication network according to item 41.

Claims

1. a window for a building, the window having one or more lights and at least one mullion, the at least one mullion being disposed proximate an inner surface of the window and coupled to a pressure plate, the pressure plate being disposed proximate an outer surface of the window between the outer surface of the window and a beauty cap, the beauty cap including or associated with an antenna radiating element; Device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the antenna radiating element is disposed on an inner or outer surface of the beauty cap.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the beauty cap is configured in a curved manner such that two or more antenna radiating elements disposed thereon have diverse orientations relative to the one or more lights.

4. 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the antenna radiating element is positioned flush with an outer surface of the beauty cap or with minimal protrusion from the beauty cap.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the antenna radiating element is coupled to an electrical connector located inside the building via a pass-through facility.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the pass-through facility includes an electrical coupling between the electrical connector and the antenna radiating element.

7. 7. The apparatus of claim 5 or 6, further comprising at least one feed line electrically coupled to the antenna radiating element at a distal end, the at least one feed line having a proximal end adjacent the at least one mullion.

8. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one power feed line comprises a plurality of electrical power feed lines, and the pass-through facility is configured to accommodate the plurality of electrical power feed lines.

9. 9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the pass-through arrangement is configured to provide a weather-tight seal between an exterior of the building and an interior of the building.

10. 10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein an inner portion of the antenna radiating element is coupled to the pass-through facility via an articulating link.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the articulating link provides one or two axes of rotation about which the antenna radiating element can articulate.

12. 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the antenna radiating elements comprise an array of multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antennas.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the array of MIMO antennas comprises a 4×4 or 8×8 array of MIMO antennas.

14. 14. Apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the array of MIMO antennas is arranged on an inner or outer surface of the beauty cap.

15. 15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the antenna radiating element is associated with a trough antenna or a handle antenna mounted on the beauty cap.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the trough antenna comprises the beauty cap.

17. 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the beauty cap has an H-shaped configuration that covers the pressure plate while housing an outwardly facing trough antenna or other antenna.

18. 18. The device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the antenna radiating element protrudes outside the beauty cap.

19. 19. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the beauty cap is configured to avoid substantial attenuation of RF signals in at least some directions by selection of material and / or geometry of the beauty cap.

20. the beauty cap is typically made of metal and consists of a low attenuation gap, hole or section, in close proximity to the antenna radiating element, covered with a patch of non-metallic material; 20. The apparatus of claim 19.

21. (a) a window having one or more lights, each including at least two surfaces having an area configured for viewing through said window; and (b) a plurality of radiating elements disposed on a first light of the one or more lights, the plurality of radiating elements including an array of multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antennas; An apparatus comprising:

22. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the plurality of radiating elements are laminated to a glass of the first light.

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