Apparatus and related methods and uses

Abstract

The present invention discloses an apparatus including a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves in the operating frequency range of 400 MHz to 110 GHz. This apparatus includes a first lighting system. The first lighting system includes a lighting substrate forming a prismatic or cylindrical shape and including a first surface, a second surface, and at least one side surface facing the planar antenna system. The first surface is at a non-zero distance Dal from the planar antenna system, forming a space for circulating air within the space. The first surface is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system. The first lighting system further includes a light source, preferably an LED, arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a part of at least one side surface. The lighting substrate is designed to deflect light from the first surface and / or the second surface of the lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output. The present invention discloses related methods and uses.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus including a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves in the operating frequency range of 400 MHz to 110 GHz, and more particularly to an improved apparatus for constructing light-emitting illumination signs such as exit signs, fire extinguisher signs, emergency signs, building signs, store signs, etc., and / or for displaying the operating state of the apparatus.

[0002] Therefore, the present invention relates to a plurality of fields in which an apparatus including a planar antenna system is used.

Background Art

[0003] Mobile data traffic has been continuously increasing and has increased significantly with 5G, so mobile network operators are under CAPEX pressure. Higher frequency bands for 5G mean further challenges in coverage deployment, especially in high-density urban areas where capacity is required and strict EMF restrictions apply. Deploying small cells is said to be a good solution for capacity improvement that requires the installation of a large number of antennas to stably transmit and receive electromagnetic waves. However, many drawbacks limit the deployment of small cells. First, it is very difficult to find a location for the new antennas. Second, it is costly to bring fiber and electricity outdoors. Finally, urban regulations may limit the viability of small cells.

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years, with the miniaturization and the introduction of IoT and Wi-Fi 6E, antennas are installed inside single-story buildings. When installing an antenna inside a building, it is necessary to select an appropriate positioning of the antenna so that electromagnetic waves can be stably transmitted and received while preventing deterioration of the building's exterior appearance.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 5,322,143 describes a planar antenna having three conductive layers of a patch network, a ground, and a feeding network. The planar antenna can be integrated into the facade of a building by using a glass panel as a carrier. The problems associated with such a planar antenna are that, for integration into the facade, at least electrical connection, installation, and maintenance are complicated, and management is impossible if the facade is on a building. In addition, the performance parameters of the planar antenna are limited by the thickness of the components of the facade such as the glass panel, spacers, etc.

[0006] International Publication No. 2022 / 101498 pamphlet describes a planar antenna that is transparent and can be attached indoors, for example, on a wall or in front of a window, and / or outdoors, for example, in front of a window of a building, with little aesthetic impact on the surrounding environment. International Publication No. 2022 / 101507 pamphlet describes a system for attaching a planar antenna to the front of a window.

[0007] However, the planar antenna cannot display its operating state or any other function as a sign.

[0008] In addition, such additional functionality should not have an undesirable impact on either the heat dissipation of the planar antenna or the light-emitting performance of the planar antenna.

[0009] Finally, it is extremely important that the assembly can still be seamlessly integrated into its surrounding mounting environment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus including a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves in the operating frequency range of 400 MHz to 110 GHz.

[0011] The solution defined in the first aspect of the present invention is based on the apparatus including a first lighting system. The first lighting system includes a lighting substrate including a first surface, a second surface, and at least one side surface facing the planar antenna system, which forms a prismatic or cylindrical shape. The first surface is at a non-zero distance Dal from the planar antenna system, forms a space, and circulates air within the space. The first surface is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system. The first lighting system further includes a light source, preferably an LED, arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a part of at least one side surface.

[0012] The solution defined in the first aspect of the present invention is also based on the first lighting substrate being designed to deflect light from the first surface and / or the second surface of the lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output.

[0013] According to the present invention, an architect or building owner, a municipal authority, or any person can, for example, display the operating state of a planar antenna using light display means or incorporate other functions for using the planar antenna as a sign into the planar antenna.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a first lighting system for displaying the operating state of an apparatus including a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves in the operating frequency range of 400 MHz to 110 GHz. The first lighting system includes a lighting substrate including a first surface, a second surface, and at least one side surface facing the planar antenna system, which forms a prismatic or cylindrical shape. The first surface is at a non-zero distance Dal from the planar antenna system, forms a space, and circulates air within the space. The first surface is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system. The first lighting system further includes an LED arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a part of at least one side surface. The lighting substrate is designed to deflect light from the first surface and / or the second surface of the lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output.

[0015] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of an apparatus for constructing a light-emitting illumination sign, the apparatus including a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves in the operating frequency range of 400 MHz to 110 GHz, and a first illumination system, the first illumination system including an illumination substrate forming a prismatic or cylindrical shape and including a first surface, a second surface, and at least one side surface facing the planar antenna system, the first surface being at a non-zero distance Dal from the planar antenna system, forming a space for circulating air therein, the first surface being substantially parallel to the planar antenna system, the first illumination system further including LEDs arranged to emit light into the illumination substrate from at least a part of at least one side surface, the illumination substrate being designed to deflect light from the first surface and / or the second surface of the illumination substrate to provide a diffused light output.

[0016] It should be noted that the present invention relates to all possible combinations of the features described in the claims or the described embodiments.

[0017] It should be understood that the following description relates to building applications, but the present invention may also be applicable to other fields such as automotive or transportation applications.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] Hereinafter, this and other aspects of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings showing embodiments for various exemplifications of the present invention provided for illustrative purposes and not by way of limitation. The drawings are schematic representations and their scales are not accurate. The drawings are in no way intended to limit the present invention. Further advantages will be described by way of example.

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] This specification for a particular embodiment includes various modifications, equivalent forms, and / or alternative forms of the corresponding embodiment. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar components.

[0025] As used herein, spatial or directional terms such as "inner", "outer", "upper", "lower", "above", and "below" relate to the present invention as shown in the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the present invention can assume various other orientations, and thus such terms should not be regarded as limiting. Further, all numbers expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, processing parameters, amounts of components, reaction conditions, etc. used in this specification and the claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values set forth in the following specification and claims are approximate and may vary depending on the desired characteristics sought to be obtained by the present invention. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the expression "substantially" means within 10%, preferably within 5%.

[0026] Furthermore, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to include the numerical values at the beginning and end of the range and all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range expressly stated as "1 to 10" is to be considered to include all sub-ranges from the minimum value of 1 to the maximum value of 10 (including both end values), i.e., all sub-ranges starting from a value of 1 or more, such as 1 to 6.1, and ending at a value of 10 or less, such as 5.5 to 10. Further, as used herein, the terms "adhered to cover" or "provided to cover" mean adhered or provided thereon, but not necessarily in surface contact therewith. For example, a coating "adhered to cover" a substrate does not exclude the presence of one or more other coating films of the same or different composition disposed between the adhered coating and the substrate.

[0027] When the term "comprising" is used in this specification and the claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. When an indefinite or definite article is used and it refers to the singular form, e.g., "a" or "an", this includes the plural form of that noun unless specifically stated to the contrary. In this specification, "configured (or set) to" can be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for", "capable of", "modified to", "made to", "able to", or "designed to" in the context of hardware and software depending on the situation. In any situation, the expression "a device configured to" can mean that the device is "able to" perform together with other devices or components.

[0028] Furthermore, in this specification and the claims, terms such as first, second, etc. are used to distinguish similar elements and do not necessarily indicate an order in any time, space, rank, or other way. Terms used in this way are interchangeable in appropriate circumstances, and it should be understood that the embodiments of the invention described in this specification can operate in an order other than that described or illustrated in this application. When a component (e.g., a first component) is described as being "connected (functionally or communicatively) to" or "coupled to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that the component can be directly connected to the other component or can be connected to the other component through yet another component (e.g., a third component).

[0029] The object of the present invention is to improve the above-mentioned problems, to integrate the outdoor 4G and 5G network densification and the antenna system into other functions such as signage and display lighting, and to remove the barriers to 5G private networks and WLAN when they need to be seamlessly attached to their surrounding environments.

[0030] In particular, the object of the first aspect of the present invention is to construct a device that can be used as a light-emitting illumination sign such as an exit sign, a fire extinguisher sign, an emergency sign, a building sign, a store sign, etc., and / or can be used to indicate the operating state of the device.

[0031] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to a device (1) including a planar antenna system (2) designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves in the operating frequency range of 400 MHz to 110 GHz.

[0032] The planar antenna system usually has a width and / or length of 20 mm to 900 mm, such as a rectangular shape of 210 mm×250 mm, a rectangular shape of 150 mm×160 mm, or a rectangular shape of 255 mm×500 mm, etc., depending on the operating frequency, the number of elements the planar antenna system has, and / or the transparent design.

[0033] Preferably, the planar antenna system operates for 4G and / or 5G which means the wavelength of the frequency of 690 MHz to 110 GHz and / or Wi-Fi which means the wavelength of the frequency of 2.4 GHz to 7.2 GHz.

[0034] The device (1) includes a first lighting system (3).

[0035] According to the present invention, the first lighting system includes a lighting substrate (5) and a light source (4). The light source is preferably an LED (4).

[0036] The lighting substrate includes a first surface, a second surface, and at least one side surface. The first, second, and at least one side surface form a prismatic or cylindrical shape. Whether it is a prismatic shape or a cylindrical shape depends on the shape of the first and second surfaces. It should be understood that the first and second surfaces have the same shape. In some embodiments, for example, when chamfering, the surface sizes of the first and second surfaces may be different, which means that the angle between the adjacent side surface and the first or second surface is other than 90°.

[0037] According to the present invention, the prismatic shape is based on the shape on the first and second surfaces, and the first and second surfaces have a rectangular shape and can form a rectangular parallelepiped, a polygon, a hexagonal shape, etc. according to specific uses and desired designs. In such an embodiment, the lighting substrate includes several side surfaces.

[0038] According to the present invention, the first surface faces the planar antenna system, which means that the planar antenna system is installed in front of the first lighting system. The first surface is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system.

[0039] The term "in front" refers to a part of the lighting system facing the planar antenna system. Therefore, the planar antenna system faces at least a part of the lighting system, and in particular, the first surface faces the planar antenna system.

[0040] According to the present invention, the first lighting system further includes a light source, preferably an LED, arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a part of at least one side surface.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the LED can be arranged on a part of at least one side surface, which means that the LED emits light into the lighting substrate from a part of at least one side surface.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the LED can be arranged to emit light from the whole or a part of several side surfaces, especially in embodiments where the lighting substrate has several side surfaces.

[0043] When the switch is turned on, turned off, and / or during operation, the LED emits an electromagnetic field, which can be an obstacle to the operation of the planar antenna system installed near the LED by changing the performance and / or parameters of the planar antenna system. To reduce or further eliminate these obstacles, the first surface is at a non-zero distance Dal from the planar antenna system, forming a space and circulating air in the space.

[0044] According to the present invention, heat generated by a light source and a planar antenna system can be dissipated better, and thus a higher density of light sources and / or a higher output light source can be embedded in the device. In fact, for the good and efficient operation of most light sources (e.g., LEDs), the temperature in the environment around the light source should be controlled to be lower than a temperature threshold (above which the intensity or efficiency of the light source begins to decrease). Most light sources generate heat by their power supply during operation. The greater the power supplied to the light source, the more heat is generated. Furthermore, the higher the density of light sources in the environment, the more heat is generated in that environment. In fact, as a result of preliminary tests, in the case of such a glass lighting panel where the light source is an LED, it has been found that the ambient temperature around the LED can reach 60°C, which significantly shortens its lifespan.

[0045] To avoid overheating between the planar antenna system and the LED, the non-zero distance between the first surface and the planar antenna system is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably, the non-zero distance between the first surface and the planar antenna system is preferably 3 mm or more, and even more preferably, the non-zero distance between the first surface and the planar antenna system is preferably 5 mm or more.

[0046] To achieve a thin device and at the same time optimize the management of overheating, the non-zero distance between the first surface and the planar antenna system is preferably 30 mm or less, more preferably, the non-zero distance between the first surface and the planar antenna system is preferably 20 mm or less, and even more preferably, the non-zero distance between the first surface and the planar antenna system is preferably 10 mm or less.

[0047] Hereinafter, the expression "defect" includes any kind of surface defect such as scratches, streaks, protrusions, unevenness, streaks, convex parts, slits, holes, grooves, concave parts, etc. The defect can be at the microscopic level. The defect can also be visible to the naked eye.

[0048] The lighting substrate can be protected by a layer on the front surface of the first side and / or the front surface of the second side to reduce the risk of defect occurrence.

[0049] According to the present invention, the lighting substrate is designed to deflect the light emitted from the first surface and / or the second surface of the first lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output. Preferably, this has at least partial light diffusibility to deflect the light. To reduce the problems caused by more direct illumination from a point light source, the light can be spread or diffused more widely. Also, local refraction of the light beam propagating through the defects of the substrate can be avoided. Thus, the uniformity of the light generated on the surface of the device and the overall aesthetics of the device are improved or maintained.

[0050] Preferably, the lighting substrate is an organic glass substrate.

[0051] For example, the organic glass substrate is a poly(methyl methacrylate) layer, more specifically a poly(methyl methacrylate) (hereinafter referred to as PMMA) layer embedded with colorless diffusing particles that diffuse light forward therein. For example, the width of the organic glass substrate is 2 mm to 10 mm or less. Such a thin organic glass substrate can be used so that the substrate is held and possibly suspended without buckling occurring. For example, the organic glass layer is a Plexiglas Endlighten T with a thickness of 8 mm sold by EVONIK Industries, grade number 0N001. The refractive index of this PMMA is 1.491 according to the measurement using ISO 489. According to other embodiments, the organic glass layer has particles embedded only in a part of its volume, for example, only in the central part of the substrate. The CTE of PMMA is 70 to 77×10−6 / K−1. Different particle concentrations can also be used and adapted to the dimensions of the device.

[0052] Therefore, due to the presence of diffusing particles in the intermediate organic glass substrate, the organic glass substrate diffuses the light emitted by the light source (LED), and then deflects the light emitted by the LED from the first surface and / or the second surface of the first lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output.

[0053] Examples of additives for making the organic glass layer diffusible may include inorganic particles such as glass, silica, mica, synthetic mica, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, talc, montmorillonite, kaolin clay, bentonite, hectorite, metal oxide particles such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide, tin oxide, alumina, or organic polymer particles such as acrylic beads, styrene beads, benzoguanamine, silicone.

[0054] Higher diffusibility can be obtained by roughening the light-emitting surface, which can be achieved by cutting or blasting using a saw or an automatic cutter (e.g., NC router), surface polishing using a grinder, embossing, etc. In the case of blasting, particles are adhered onto the surface of the organic glass layer, the intermediate layer or the glass substrate using a high-speed blasting machine, and random protrusions and depressions are formed, so that the formed surface can be used as the light-emitting surface. In the case of polishing, the surface is polished using a grinder, for example, with a file.

[0055] The light source is colored and can be arranged such that color mixing occurs to optionally achieve a uniform white. The relative levels of the colors can be controlled to control the color temperature as needed. The light source can also emit light in the ultraviolet or infrared spectrum. This device can be incorporated into buildings, windows, mirrors, backlights for display systems, and others. Rows of panels can be configured to illuminate a larger area.

[0056] Other variations can also be envisioned within the scope of the claims.

[0057] Preferably, a part of the side surface or the side surface where the light source does not emit light is at least partially covered by a reflective strip designed to reflect light onto the illumination substrate.

[0058] The basic methods for assembling / manufacturing the glass used in this and other embodiments without using the novel features of the present invention are well known in the window / double-glass industry.

[0059] According to the present invention, the first surface and / or the second surface of the lighting substrate is / are partially processed, preferably partially etched, so as to emit light in a predetermined shape.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the planar antenna system can be an antenna system installed on a PCB material. In such embodiments, the planar antenna system is not transparent, i.e., it is opaque.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the planar antenna system is at least partially transparent, and preferably, the planar antenna system is a transparent planar antenna system that enables seamless indoor or outdoor installation in accordance with urban landscape regulations.

[0062] The term "transparent" represents a property indicating an average TL (light transmission) of visible light that transmits through the material in the visible spectrum of at least 1%. Preferably, transparency relates to a TL property of at least 10%. More preferably, transparency represents at least 50% TL. Ideally, transparency represents at least 70% TL.

[0063] According to the present invention, the transparent planar antenna system can be made from a layer of a dielectric material, such as glass, polymer-based, air gap, etc., and conductive elements forming the planar antenna system. The dielectric panel is a panel that does not have conductivity.

[0064] For example, the transparent planar antenna system is the antenna described in Pamphlet of International Publication No. 2022101498.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the device may include a second lighting system. The second lighting system includes a lighting substrate, and the lighting substrate includes a first surface, a second surface, and at least one side surface that form a prismatic or cylindrical shape and face the planar antenna system. The first surface is at a non-zero distance Dal2 from the planar antenna system and is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system. The second lighting system further includes a light source, preferably an LED, arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a part of at least one side surface.

[0066] According to some preferred embodiments, the device includes means for holding the planar antenna system and the lighting system substantially parallel. This means holds the first surface at a non-zero distance Dal (Dal2) from the planar antenna system.

[0067] By this means, it may be possible to attach the device to a stationary object such as a building or a wall, partition, ceiling, window, etc. of a moving object such as an automobile, vehicle, train, boat, etc.

[0068] This means can hold any corner, upper side surface or other part of the device.

[0069] By this means, the cables of the planar antenna system and the light source can be hidden.

[0070] When the intermediate organic glass substrate (5 / 105) is PMMA, this means is preferably made of PMMA material so as to have the same CTE at least for the part in contact with the lighting system.

[0071] Figures 1 and 2 show a device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The device 1 includes a planar antenna system 2 and a lighting system 3. The lighting system includes a light source 4, preferably an LED, and a lighting substrate 5 including a first surface 51 and a second surface 52.

[0072] In such an embodiment, the planar antenna system 2 has an overall rectangular parallelepiped shape extending along a plane P defined by a longitudinal axis X and a vertical axis Z, which has a width Wa measured along the longitudinal axis X, a thickness Ya measured along the Y axis, and a height Za measured along the vertical axis Z.

[0073] In such an embodiment, the lighting substrate 5 has an overall rectangular parallelepiped shape extending along a plane P defined by a longitudinal axis X and a vertical axis Z, which has a width Xp measured along the longitudinal axis X, a thickness Wp measured along the Y axis, and a height Zp measured along the vertical axis Z. The lighting substrate thus has four side faces 53, 54, 55, 56.

[0074] In such an embodiment, the light source 4 has an overall rectangular parallelepiped shape extending along a plane P defined by a longitudinal axis X and a vertical axis Z, which has a width WI measured along the longitudinal axis X, a thickness YI measured along the Y axis, and a height ZI measured along the vertical axis Z.

[0075] Preferably, the light source is a linear array of a plurality of dot-shaped LEDs.

[0076] In some embodiments, the height of the planar antenna system can be made smaller than the height of the lighting substrate (Za < Zp) in order to hide the planar antenna system and at the same time provide good illumination.

[0077] In some embodiments, the height of the planar antenna system can be made substantially equal to the height of the lighting substrate (Za ≒ Zp) for ease of handling. Preferably, depending on the specific application, the difference between the height of the planar antenna system and the height of the lighting substrate is less than 5%, and more preferably, the difference between the height of the planar antenna system and the height of the lighting substrate is less than 1%.

[0078] The first face 51 is parallel to the plane P and substantially parallel to the planar antenna system 2.

[0079] The first surface 51 is at a non-zero distance Dal from the planar antenna system 2, forms a space, and circulates air within that space.

[0080] In such an embodiment, the light source 4 is arranged to emit light into the illumination substrate from at least a part of the side surfaces 54. Preferably, the side surfaces 54, 55, 56 are covered by reflective strips designed to reflect light onto the illumination substrate.

[0081] The planar antenna system can emit light in any direction through the illumination panel on the opposite side or both sides depending on the specific application.

[0082] The planar antenna system can be transparent, partially transparent, or opaque depending on the desired application and the size and emission direction of the illumination system.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the illumination substrate 5 can be designed to deflect light from at least the first surface of the illumination substrate to provide a diffused light output. The light passes through the planar antenna system. In such a particular embodiment, the planar antenna system is a transparent planar antenna system.

[0084] Due to the non-zero distance Dal, the diffused light is not scattered by the material of the transparent planar antenna system. The material of the conductor of the antenna can be realized by screen printing, inkjet printing, deposition, adhesive wire, copper foil, copper mesh, or others.

[0085] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment, and the apparatus 101 includes an illumination substrate 105 having a first surface 1051 and a second surface 1052, and a second illumination system 103 including a light source 104, preferably an LED.

[0086] In such an embodiment, the lighting substrate 105 of the second lighting system has an overall shape of a rectangular parallelepiped extending along a plane P defined by a longitudinal axis X and a vertical axis Z, which has a width Wp2 measured along the longitudinal axis Xp2, a thickness Ta measured along the Y axis, and a height Hp2 measured along the vertical axis Z. The lighting substrate thus has four side surfaces 1053, 1054, 1055, 1056.

[0087] The first surface 1051 of the second lighting system is parallel to the plane P and substantially parallel to the planar antenna system 2.

[0088] The first surface 1051 of the second lighting system is at a non-zero distance Dal2 from the planar antenna system 2, forming a space and allowing air to circulate within that space.

[0089] It should be understood that the first surface is the surface facing the planar antenna system.

[0090] In such an embodiment, the light sources 4, 104 are arranged to emit light into the lighting substrates 5, 105 respectively from at least a part of the side surfaces 54, 1054. Preferably, the side surfaces 54, 55, 56, 1054, 1055, 1056 are covered by reflection strips designed to reflect light into the lighting substrates.

[0091] In such an embodiment, the planar antenna system can be transparent, partially transparent or opaque depending on the desired application and depending on the size and emission direction of the lighting system, because it emits light on both sides of the planar antenna system.

[0092] Such an embodiment can also produce specific color effects depending on the desired application and / or can provide a clear display to the user. For example, the lighting substrate can have different surface treatments for diffusing different texts, logos or others to inform the user about the antenna, a specific sign or other operating states.

[0093] Figure 4 shows some embodiments in which the second lighting system 103 is present and the planar antenna system faces the same side as the lighting system 3.

[0094] In some embodiments where the planar antenna system emits light through other mounting media such as a lighting substrate and a plate glass, the width of the lighting substrate and / or the material of the lighting substrate and / or the distance between the lighting substrate and the mounting medium can be designed as an interface layer and / or a polarizing plate and / or a beam shaping element for compensating the radio frequency attenuation of the mounting medium and maintaining the gain of the antenna system at a desired level. Accordingly, the lighting substrate may further include dielectric and conductive layers.

[0095] Figures 5 and 6 show some embodiments in which the device 1 includes means 70 for attaching the device to the wall 70 via a fixing element 72.

[0096] In such embodiments, the means includes a separating element 71, which is designed to separate the lighting system 3 from the planar antenna system 2 and maintain a non-zero distance Dal between the first surface 51 and the planar antenna system.

[0097] The means may also include a rotating element 73, which is designed to direct the lighting system and the planar antenna system in a specific direction and emit light in this specific direction.

[0098] In Figure 5, the planar antenna system can be opaque, partially transparent or transparent and mainly emits light through the lighting substrate.

[0099] In Figure 6, the planar antenna system is partially transparent or transparent and mainly emits light in the opposite direction from the lighting substrate. In such embodiments, the lighting substrate can be designed, for example, by adding a metal coating to the second surface or attaching a metal layer to the second surface so that the lighting substrate reflects or absorbs the radiation of the planar antenna system towards the lighting system and the radiation in the direction opposite to the wall is optimized.

[0100] In such an embodiment, this means includes a separation element 71, which is designed to separate the lighting system 3 from the planar antenna system 2 and maintain a non-zero distance Dal between the first surface 51 and the planar antenna system.

[0101] Figures 7 and 8 show some embodiments in which the device 1 includes means 80 for attaching the device to the ceiling 85 via a fixing element 82.

[0102] In such an embodiment, this means includes a separation element 81, which is designed to separate the lighting system 3 from the planar antenna system 2 and maintain a non-zero distance Dal between the first surface 51 and the planar antenna system.

[0103] This means may also include a rotation element 83, which is designed to direct the lighting system and the planar antenna system in a specific direction and emit light in this specific direction.

[0104] In such an embodiment, the planar antenna system can be opaque, partially transparent or transparent, and mainly emits light through and / or on the opposite side of the lighting substrate.

[0105] In such an embodiment, this means includes a separation element 71, which is designed to separate the lighting system 3 from the planar antenna system 2 and maintain a non-zero distance Dal between the first surface 51 and the planar antenna system.

[0106] According to the present invention, as shown in Figures 9, 10, and 11, the device can be attached to the front of the window. The window can be used to close an opening in a stationary object such as a building or an opening in a movable object such as a train or a boat.

[0107] The window is usually a double-pane window in order to increase the thermal performance of the window.

[0108] A multi-layer window may have at least partial transparency for visible wavelengths and for natural or artificial light for visibility purposes. The multi-layer window is manufactured from a plurality of panels separated by at least one intermediate layer forming a plurality of interfaces. Thus, the panels may be separated by a gas-filled space and / or a polymer intermediate layer.

[0109] In some embodiments, the multi-layer window may have at least two glass panels separated by a spacer that allows the creation of a space filled with a gas, such as argon, to improve the insulation of the multi-layer window, thereby creating an insulating multi-layer window. The present invention is not limited to devices used on multi-layer windows having two panels. The devices and methods of the present invention are suitable for any multi-layer window, such as double-layer windows, triple-layer windows, etc.

[0110] In some embodiments, the glass panel may be a laminated multi-layer window, such as for reducing noise and / or ensuring intrusion security. The laminated glazing has panels maintained by one or more intermediate layers positioned between the glass panels. The intermediate layer is typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) whose rigidity can usually be tuned. These intermediate layers are joined together in such a way as to prevent the glass from shattering into large sharp pieces even when broken, maintaining the glass panels.

[0111] The panel of the multi-layer window can be manufactured from glass, polycarbonate, PVC, or any other material used for windows mounted on stationary or movable objects.

[0112] Typically, the material of the panel of the multi-layer window is, for example, soda-lime silica glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, or other materials such as thermoplastic polymers or polycarbonates, which are particularly known for automotive applications. References to glass throughout the present application should not be construed as limiting.

[0113] The multi-layer window can be manufactured by known manufacturing methods such as the float method, the fusion method, the redraw method, the press molding method or the pressing method. From the viewpoints of productivity and cost, it is preferable to use the float method as the manufacturing method of the multi-layer window.

[0114] Each panel can be independently processed and / or colored, etc. in order to improve aesthetics, heat insulation performance, safety, etc., and / or can have different thicknesses. The thickness of the multi-layer window is set according to the requirements of the application.

[0115] The multi-layer window can be any known window used in situ. For example, the multi-layer window can perform processing, i.e., annealing, tempering, etc. in order to respect the specifications of security and anti-theft requirements. The window can be independently clear glass or tinted glass, and can be tinted by a specific composition of the glass or by the application of, for example, a further coating or a plastic layer. The window can have any shape to fit an opening such as a rectangular shape in a plan view by using known cutting methods. As a method of cutting the multi-layer window, for example, a method in which laser light is radiated onto the surface of the multi-layer window so as to cut the multi-layer window or a method in which a cutter wheel cuts mechanically can be used. The multi-layer window can have any shape to fit applications such as, for example, the front glass, side light, sunroof of an automobile, the lateral glazing of a train, the window of a building, etc.

[0116] The shape of the multi-layer window in a plan view is usually rectangular. Depending on the application, the shape is not limited to a rectangle, and can be trapezoidal especially in the case of the front glass or backlight of a vehicle, can be triangular especially in the case of the side light of a vehicle, and can be circular or similar thereto.

[0117] In addition, the multi-layer window can be assembled within a frame or attached within a double-skin facade, an automobile body or any other means capable of maintaining the multi-layer window. Some plastic elements can also be fixed on the multi-layer window to ensure the sealing property against gas and / or liquid, to ensure the fixation of the multi-layer window, or to add external elements to the multi-layer window. In some embodiments, a masking element such as an enamel layer can be added to a portion of the periphery of the multi-layer window.

[0118] For the purpose of thermal comfort inside a stationary or movable object, a coating system can be present on one interface of the multi-layer window. This coating system generally uses metal-based layers, and infrared light is highly refracted by this type of layer. Such a coating system is usually used to achieve a low-energy multi-layer window.

[0119] In some embodiments, the coating system can be a heatable coating applied on the multi-layer window, for example, to add a defrosting and / or anti-fogging function and / or to reduce the heat accumulation inside a building or a vehicle, or to maintain the inner heat during cold periods. However, the coating system is thin and mainly transparent to the eye.

[0120] Normally, the coating system covers most of the surface of the interface of the multi-layer window.

[0121] The coating system can be manufactured from layers of various materials, and at least one of these layers has conductivity. For example, in some embodiments such as those in automobile window sealing, the coating system can have conductivity over most of one main surface of the multi-layer window. This can cause problems such as heating points if the portion where the coating is peeled off is not well designed.

[0122] A suitable coating system is, for example, a conductive film. A suitable conductive film is, for example, a laminate film obtained by laminating in order a transparent dielectric, a metal film and a transparent dielectric, ITO, fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) or the like similar thereto. A suitable metal film can be, for example, a film containing at least one selected from the group consisting of Ag, Au, Cu and Al as a main component.

[0123] The coating system can have a metal-based low-emissivity coating system. Such a coating system is generally a thin-layer system having one or more functional layers, such as two, three or four, based on an infrared radiation reflecting material and at least two dielectric coatings, and each functional layer is surrounded by a dielectric coating. The coating system of the present invention can specifically have an emissivity of at least 0.010. The functional layer is generally a layer of silver having a thickness of several nanometers, mostly about 5 to 20 nm. The dielectric layer is generally transparent and is made from one or more layers of metal oxides and / or nitrides. These various layers are deposited using a vacuum deposition technique generally referred to as "magnetron sputtering", such as magnetic field-assisted cathode sputtering. In addition to the dielectric layer, each functional layer can be protected by a barrier layer or improved by deposition on a wetting layer.

[0124] In some embodiments, in order to maximize the transmission and reception of the antenna system on the front surface of the window having the coating system, a coated-peeled portion can be generated on the front surface of the antenna so as to reduce the attenuation caused by the coating system.

[0125] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the device is a light-emitting illumination sign such as an exit sign, a fire extinguisher sign, an emergency sign, a building sign, a store sign, etc., and / or is for displaying the operating state of the device.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first surface and / or the second surface are partially etched with a specific design, and the light source emits light of a predetermined color to illuminate the etched portion with the desired color. In such embodiments, the light source can illuminate and diffuse light that results in a single-color output through the partial etching. The device is illuminated with single-color light. It should be understood that the color can be changed by changing the color of the light source.

[0127] In some embodiments, a decorative layer, such as an inkjet printing layer, is attached to the first surface and / or the second surface. The white light source enables the decorative layer to be illuminated with the correct desired color by the colored decorative layer. In such a case, the device is illuminated with colored light.

[0128] In some embodiments, a decorative layer, such as an inkjet printing layer, is attached to the first surface and / or the second surface, and partial etching is performed on the first surface and / or the second surface to obtain a specific effect and combine single-color and multi-color effects.

[0129] According to the present invention, the operating state can be combined with a specific sign such as an exit sign. Light colors can be used when the Rayleigh antenna system is not in use, and bright colors can be used during the use of the planar antenna system, so that the sign can be visible to the user even when the antenna system is not in the usage mode. Instead of light and bright colors, other colors can also be used to indicate the operating state of the planar antenna system.

[0130] One embodiment provides for the use of a first lighting system to display the operating state of a device that includes a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves in the operating frequency range of 400 MHz to 110 GHz. The first lighting system includes an illumination substrate that forms a prismatic or cylindrical shape and includes a first surface, a second surface, and at least one side surface facing the planar antenna system. The first surface is at a non-zero distance Dal from the planar antenna system, forms a space, and circulates air within the space. The first surface is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system. The first lighting system further includes LEDs arranged to emit light into the illumination substrate from at least a portion of at least one side surface. The illumination substrate is designed to deflect light from the first surface and / or the second surface of the illumination substrate to provide a diffused light output.

[0131] One embodiment provides for the use of a device according to the first aspect of the present invention to construct a light-emitting lighting sign. The device includes a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves in the operating frequency range of 400 MHz to 110 GHz and a first lighting system. The first lighting system includes an illumination substrate that forms a prismatic or cylindrical shape and includes a first surface, a second surface, and at least one side surface facing the planar antenna system. The first surface is at a non-zero distance Dal from the planar antenna system, forms a space, and circulates air within the space. The first surface is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system. The first lighting system further includes LEDs arranged to emit light into the illumination substrate from at least a portion of at least one side surface. The illumination substrate is designed to deflect light from the first surface and / or the second surface of the illumination substrate to provide a diffused light output.

Claims

1. A device (1) comprising a planar antenna system (2) designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves in the operating frequency range of 400 MHz to 110 GHz, the device comprises a first illumination system, the first illumination system comprising an illumination substrate having a first surface facing the planar antenna system, a second surface and at least one side surface forming a prismatic or cylindrical shape, the first surface being at a non-zero distance Dal from the planar antenna system and forming a space for allowing air to circulate in the space, the first surface being substantially parallel to the planar antenna system, the first illumination system further comprising a light source, preferably an LED, arranged to emit light from at least a portion of the at least one side surface into the illumination substrate; the illumination board is designed to deflect the light from the first surface and / or the second surface of the illumination board to provide a diffuse light output. A device (1) characterized by:

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the illumination substrate is an organic glass substrate.

3. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the organic glass substrate is made from poly(methyl methacrylate) embedded with colorless diffusing particles.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first side and / or the second side of the illumination substrate are partially treated, preferably partially etched.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the planar antenna system is at least partially transparent.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device comprises a second lighting system.

7. 1. Use of a first illumination system for indicating an operating status of a device including a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves in an operating frequency range of 400 MHz to 110 GHz, the first illumination system comprising an illumination substrate having a first surface, a second surface and at least one side surface facing the planar antenna system, forming a prismatic or cylindrical shape, the first surface being at a non-zero distance Dal from the planar antenna system and forming a space for allowing air to circulate within the space, the first surface being substantially parallel to the planar antenna system, the first illumination system further comprising an LED arranged to emit light into the illumination substrate from at least a portion of the at least one side surface, the illumination substrate being designed to deflect the light from the first surface and / or the second surface of the illumination substrate to provide a diffused light output.

8. 1. Use of an apparatus for constructing a luminous illuminated sign, the apparatus comprising: a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves in an operating frequency range of 400 MHz to 110 GHz; and a first illumination system, the first illumination system comprising an illumination substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and at least one side surface facing the planar antenna system, forming a prismatic or cylindrical shape, the first surface being at a non-zero distance Dal from the planar antenna system and forming a space to allow air to circulate within the space, the first surface being substantially parallel to the planar antenna system, the first illumination system further comprising LEDs arranged to emit light into the illumination substrate from at least a portion of the at least one side surface, the illumination substrate being designed to deflect the light from the first surface and / or the second surface of the illumination substrate to provide a diffused light output.

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