A panel system configured to allow for adjustable positioning of IoT devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to an IoT-based panel system for fabricating a panel integrated with a cable module for connecting IoT devices. The IoT-based panel system (100) includes a support panel (200), at least one mounting module (300) mounted on the support panel (200) for mounting IoT devices, at least one cable track (350) formed on at least one edge of the mounting module (300) for supporting the cable module (400), and a cable module (400) mounted on the cable track (350), the cable module (400) including at least one cable (402) and at least one junction unit (404), and the cable module (400) is fully or partially mounted within the cable track (350) for transmitting power and signals to a predetermined direction and a predetermined location of the IoT device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an IoT-based panel system for creating panels integrated with cable modules for connecting IoT devices, especially in the architectural field. [Background technology]

[0002] A house or building structure always comprises walls made of brick and concrete. The walls can be decorated with tiles, wood, or paint for interior design purposes. The installation and demolition of walls requires construction performed by professional engineers. This consumes a long time with high labor costs. When a homeowner needs to renovate the house, the walls need to be demolished and may not be recyclable or reusable. In addition, dust from the demolition is considered contaminated waste.

[0003] Today, to reduce the use of concrete, walls are being developed that use frames and are covered with panel plates. These walls are also being integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) devices to provide residents with smart home amenities. Currently, devices such as sensors, touchscreen displays, speakers, or smart appliances are installed in walls by attaching them to a power supply with screws and wiring. These devices require drilling into the wall for installation, creating unsightly and unattractive interior marks on the wall, causing inconvenience to homeowners. If homeowners want to remove the devices, the drilled holes must be filled and repainted. Furthermore, the electronic wiring connections of these IoT devices require skilled technicians to select the correct cables for installation. These cables sometimes have different types of communication protocols. These cables cause complex connections, are difficult to replace, and result in multiple cables that are clearly visible on the wall. Therefore, panel systems that can replace traditional walls are being developed. Panel systems are designed and assembled to replace walls, floors, or ceilings without the need for skilled technicians. Also, the panel plates of the system can be disassembled, reinstalled, and reused without using hand tools and without having to worry about construction and collapse issues. Additionally, the panel plates of the system may be embedded into the wall along with IoT devices with a redesigned electrical system to facilitate and accommodate the homeowner's lifestyle without causing any damage to the wall.

[0004] However, building the above panel system requires support plates and unique cables for system connection. The standard connection cables available on the market include commonly used electrical cables. These electrical cables are embedded in conventional walls, making it impossible to integrate the entire panel system through one type of cable. This does not solve the technical problems of the panel system.

[0005] US9487949B2 discloses a panel wall system for adaptable partition arrangements to fit a wide variety of spaces and user preferences. The partition panels are connected in different configurations to form a wall. The partition panels are durable and can be easily disassembled and reassembled into alternative configurations to meet user requirements. The panel wall system includes a frame formed by assembling multiple vertical and horizontal frame members, and multiple panel members attached to and covering the frame via latching mechanisms. The panel members may be of different sizes. Additionally, the panel wall system further includes a power block for installing electronic devices on the panel system. The power block's distribution cables are routed through the vertical and horizontal frame members. However, the patent does not mention fully or partially integrating a cable module with cables and junction units into the panel system to transmit both power and signals to predetermined locations of IoT devices. The panel system is designed to allow for adjustable positioning of IoT devices.

[0006] US20180343741A1 discloses array connection of rigid-flex printed circuit boards (PCBs) in electronic devices by using flexible PCBs formed into flexible connectors as straight or four-way junctions. Each connection component includes a power supply pin (VCC), a ground pin (GND), and multiple signal lines for data communication. This flexible PCB is used as a replacement for conventional cables to connect connection components in a limited space with closely positioned electronic devices. The flexible PCB may have a multi-layer structure to carry the necessary communication signals, including one or more conductor layers, typically copper, separated by insulating layers such as glass, epoxy, or polyimide. For example, in a four-layer PCB with three intervening insulating layers, the outer copper layer can be coated with a protective layer to protect against corrosion. However, this does not teach the application of full or partial arrangement of cable modules installed in a panel system. The panel system is designed to allow IoT devices to be adjustably positioned and connected to the cable modules for simultaneous functionality.

[0007] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, the present invention develops an IoT-based panel system that replaces conventional architecture and functionality with a panel system that accommodates cable modules for connecting IoT devices. The panel system is designed to allow for adjustable positioning of IoT devices, allowing users to move IoT devices to any position on the panel whenever needed. This contrasts with current systems in which IoT devices must be fixed in position solely through electrical wiring. Additionally, the cable modules include cables and junction units with specific pins on connecting components to provide circuits that effectively connect IoT devices across the system. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In today's digital world, IoT devices are widely used and becoming more common among consumers. IoT devices, including display devices (e.g., televisions, etc.), video projectors, audio systems, and electrical appliances (e.g., one or more lights, air conditioners, fans, kitchen devices), need to be installed in homes or living rooms (e.g., rooms in a house, condominium, apartment, or hotel room, theater room, showroom, etc.) to create a smart room for living, gaming, or other activities. In addition, users may want to redesign and rearrange such devices in their homes / rooms by moving devices from one location to another and by installing additional devices to support their needs. Existing panel systems are only cement-based panels with electrical wiring systems embedded in some parts of the panels, which cannot adequately address such needs due to many limitations, such as the need to drill and hide walls for installation, and the need for additional wiring on the wall to transmit signals between multiple devices. Therefore, the present invention has been developed to address such problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to an IoT-based panel system for fabricating a panel integrated with a cable module for connecting IoT devices. The IoT-based panel system (100) includes: a support panel (200); at least one mounting module (300) mounted on the support panel (200) for mounting an IoT device thereon; at least one cable track (350) formed on at least one edge of the mounting module (300) for supporting a cable module (400); a cable module (400) installed in the cable track (350), the cable module (400) comprising at least one cable (402) and at least one junction unit (404); The cable module (400) is installed completely or partially within the cable track (350) in a predetermined orientation to transmit power and signals to an adjustable, predetermined location of the IoT device.

[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, example embodiments, and their advantages, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like features, and in which: The following figures show perspective views of example embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an IoT-based panel system (100) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1a and 1b are perspective views of a support panel (200) and a support panel (200) with an additional panel (202), respectively, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 shows an example of an onboard module (300) according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. [Figure 4] 1 shows a cable module (400) installed in a cable track (350) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 4 shows an example of a cable (402) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 illustrates an example of a junction unit (404) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 4 shows an example of a connecting piece (406) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 shows an exemplary structure of a cable (402) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]4 illustrates an exemplary structure of a junction unit (404) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Like reference numerals may be used to refer to like elements in the figures for convenience, however, each of the various example embodiments may be considered to be a separate variant. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present disclosure relates to an IoT-based panel system (100) that allows users to adjust IoT devices mounted on the IoT-based panel system (100) from one position to another, thereby providing users with additional flexibility, convenience, and safety. The IoT-based panel system (100) is configured to transmit power and signals to any IoT device installed at any position on the IoT-based panel system (100). The panel system (100) can be configured to systematically support connections with multiple IoT devices, including display devices (e.g., televisions, etc.), video projectors, audio systems (e.g., one or more speakers), and other electrical devices (e.g., one or more lights, air conditioners, fans, kitchen devices). As such, the panel system (100) can be installed not only in residential rooms (e.g., rooms in a house, condominium, apartment, or hotel), but also in theater rooms, showrooms, exhibition rooms, or event rooms. Additionally, the IoT-based panel system (100) can be used as a room divider or a standalone panel, such as a display stand mockup.

[0014] Any embodiment shown herein is meant to include its application to other embodiments of the invention unless otherwise stated.

[0015] Technical or scientific terms used herein have definitions as known to those of ordinary skill in the art unless otherwise specified.

[0016] Any tools, instruments, methods, or chemicals named herein refer to tools, instruments, methods, or chemicals commonly used by those skilled in the art, unless expressly stated to be tools, instruments, methods, or chemicals unique only to this invention.

[0017] The use of the singular noun or pronoun with the term "comprising" in any claim or specification means "one," but can also refer to "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one."

[0018] All components and / or methods disclosed in this application, as well as the claims, are intended to cover embodiments from any operation, performance, modification, or adjustment without any experimentation that significantly differs from the present invention. These embodiments are deemed to result in objects having the same utility or to be substantially similar to the present invention by those skilled in the art, whether specifically recited in the claims or not. Therefore, objects similar to the present invention or objects that can be substituted for the present invention, including those with minor modifications or adjustments that would be obvious to those skilled in the art, should be construed as being within the spirit, scope, and concept of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0019] Throughout this application, the word "about" refers to any numerical value referred to herein and to a numerical value that may vary or deviate due to the error of the equipment, method, or user of the equipment or method.

[0020] Example aspects will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure and which illustrate example embodiments that may be used. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the terms "example embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," and "present embodiment" do not necessarily refer to a single embodiment. They, or various example embodiments, may be readily combined and / or interchanged without departing from the scope or spirit of the example embodiments. Furthermore, the terminology used in this disclosure and the appended claims is merely for the purpose of describing example embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. In this regard, as used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the term "in" may include "in" and "on." The terms "a," "an," and "the" may refer to the singular and plural, respectively. Furthermore, as used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the term "by" may also mean "from," depending on the context. The term "if" can also mean "when" or "on," depending on the context. The term "and / or" refers to and can include any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0021] The term IoT device, as used in this disclosure, includes all electrical appliances that may or may not need to be connected to the Internet, such as display devices (e.g., televisions, touchscreen displays, etc.), video projectors and audio systems, closed-circuit television (CCTV), surveillance cameras, solar cells, solar panels, chargers, water dispensers, air purifiers, and any general electrical appliances (e.g., one or more lights, light measurement controllers, air conditioners, fans, kitchen devices, etc.). IoT devices can be connected to the IoT-based panel system (100) and transmit either power or signals, or both, from the cable module (400) of the IoT-based panel system (100). Furthermore, IoT devices may be mounted on the IoT-based panel system (100) without transmitting power or signals to the cable module (400) of the IoT-based panel system (100).

[0022] As used herein, the terms "connect," "connecting," "connected," "connected," "connectedly," "mount," "mounted," "mounted," "attached," "mounting," and "attached" are intended to be interpreted interchangeably and broadly to mean being in direct connection with or in connection through one or more elements, regardless of whether power and / or signals are transmitted between such elements.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, the breadth and scope of the present invention should be defined only in accordance with the claims issuing from this disclosure and their equivalents.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the IoT-based panel system (100) includes: a support panel (200); at least one mounting module (300) mounted on the support panel (200) for mounting an IoT device thereon; at least one cable track (350) formed on at least one edge of the mounting module (300) for supporting a cable module (400); A cable module (400) installed in the cable track (350), the cable module (400) comprising at least one cable (402) and at least one junction unit (404). The cable module (400) is installed completely or partially within the cable track (350) in a predetermined orientation to transmit power and signals to an adjustable, predetermined location of the IoT device.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the number of mounting modules 300 is equal to or greater than the number of IoT devices, and the mounting modules 300 are adjustably installed at predetermined positions according to the adjustable predetermined positions of the IoT devices.

[0026] In another exemplary embodiment, a predetermined orientation of the cable module (400) is configured to align with a predetermined position of the mounting module (300).

[0027] In another exemplary embodiment, the IoT-based panel system (100) further comprises at least one additional panel (202) attached back to back to the support panel (200).

[0028] In another exemplary embodiment, the IoT-based panel system (100) further comprises a fastening means (206) for securely attaching the support panel (200) to the add-on panel (202).

[0029] In another exemplary embodiment, the fastening means (206) comprises at least one vertical fastening means (206a) and at least one horizontal fastening means (206b).

[0030] In another exemplary embodiment, the support panel (200) and the additional panel (202) are the same size or different sizes.

[0031] In another exemplary embodiment, the IoT-based panel system (100) further comprises an insulating material (204) disposed between the support panel (200) and the additional panel (202).

[0032] In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the cable (402) and the junction unit (404) are printed circuit boards (PCBs).

[0033] In another exemplary embodiment, the cable (402) Two connection parts (406) located at both ends of the cable (402); a first conductive material layer (502); an insulating layer (503) attached below the first conductive material layer (502); a second conductive material layer (504) attached below the insulating layer (503) and comprising a ground plane and a power plane;

[0034] In another exemplary embodiment, the cable (402) further comprises a mask layer (510) disposed on the first conductive material layer (502) and the second conductive material layer (504) to prevent oxidation of the conductive materials.

[0035] In another exemplary embodiment, the junction unit (404) comprises: At least three connection pieces (406) located at the ends of the junction unit (404); a first layer of conductive material comprising a power plane; an insulating layer (603) attached below the first conductive material layer (602); a second conductive material layer (604) attached below the insulating layer (603) and comprising a ground plane;

[0036] In another exemplary embodiment, the junction unit (404) further comprises a mask layer (610) disposed on the first conductive material layer (602) and the second conductive material layer (604) to prevent oxidation of the conductive materials.

[0037] In another exemplary embodiment, the junction unit (404) further comprises at least one circuit switching unit (620) configured to switch signal paths on the junction unit.

[0038] In another exemplary embodiment, the connection piece (406) comprises at least one pin of a voltage common collector (VCC), at least one pin of a ground (GND), and at least one pin of a signal.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the connection element (406) comprises a 3-pin voltage common collector (VCC), a 4-pin ground (GND), and a 4-pin signal.

[0040] In another exemplary embodiment, the signal type is selected from RS-232, RS-422, RS-423, RS-485, I2C, Ethernet, SDI-12, 1-wire, or a combination thereof.

[0041] In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the signal type is RS-485.

[0042] It should be understood that the examples of the present invention described below are presented only as illustrative and exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and therefore the breadth and scope of the present invention should be defined only in accordance with the claims issuing from this disclosure and their equivalents.

[0043] Example embodiment These example embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an IoT-based panel system (100) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The IoT-based panel system (100) includes a support panel (200), at least one mounting module (300) installed on the support panel (200) for mounting IoT devices thereon, at least one cable track (350) located at the edge of the mounting module (300) for supporting the cable module (400) (as shown in FIG. 2), and the cable module (400) installed on the cable track (350). The cable module (400) is configured to transmit power and signals to the IoT device. Multiple IoT-based panel systems (100) may be assembled adjacent to each other in series to form a larger-sized panel, such as a wall, ceiling, or floor. Additionally, the IoT-based panel system (100) may be installed on a conventional wall of a building to retrofit the conventional wall with the functionality of the IoT-based panel system (100). The IoT-based panel systems (100) may also be arranged to form angles ranging from 5 to 180 degrees. As a result, the IoT-based panel systems (100) can form corners and / or rooms of any shape depending on the user's purpose. For example, a first IoT-based panel system (100) may be arranged to form a wall on one side (first side) of a room. A second IoT-based panel system (100) may be arranged to form a wall on the adjacent side (second side) of the first side to create a corner for mounting any IoT device.

[0045] The mounting modules 300 are installed on the support panel 200 according to predetermined positions for mounting IoT devices. At the predetermined positions, there are gaps between the mounting modules 300, forming cable tracks 350. These gaps are used to arrange the cable tracks 350 for supporting the installation of the cable modules 400. The cable modules 400 include at least one cable 402 and at least one junction unit 404, which connect the cables in an array-connected manner for transmitting power and signals. After the installation of the IoT-based panel system 100 is completed, the user supplies and mounts IoT devices on the mounting modules 300 and connects them to the cable modules 400 in a plug-and-play manner. Furthermore, the cables 402 and junction units 404 are preferably formed by printed circuit boards (PCBs), which connect to the IoT devices and transmit power and signals through the PCB, rather than through traditional cable connection components. All IoT devices can be controlled and function simultaneously.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a support panel (200) and an additional panel (202) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The additional panel (202) is attached back to back to the support panel (200). Each support panel (200) may include at least one hole (212) for holding a mounting module (300) and at least one reference line (214) for predetermining the position of the mounting module (300) to be installed. The support panel (200) is designed to be rectangular with specific dimensions, such as a length ranging from 600 to 3000 mm, a width ranging from 200 to 1200 mm, and a thickness ranging from 30 to 300 mm.

[0047] In use, the support panel (200) and the additional panels (202) can be different sizes in both length and width. However, typically, the length of the support panel (200) corresponds to the height of the installation room. When a user positions the support panel (200) to fit the height of the installation room, multiple smaller additional panels (202) may be used and assembled to fit the dimensions of the support panel (200).

[0048] The IoT-based panel system (100) further includes at least one vertical fastening means (206a) and at least one horizontal fastening means (206b), which are secured between the support panel (200) and the add-on panel (202) to reinforce the IoT-based panel system (100). The fastening means (206) may be mechanical components such as mounting tracks or lock bolts. The IoT-based panel system (100) may also include an insulating material (204) between the support panel (200) and the add-on panel (202) to act as a fire retardant and / or to prevent heat loss and sound intrusion. The insulating material (204) may be selected from aerogel, poly(methyl cyanoacrylate), polyurethane, fiberglass, or a combination thereof.

[0049] The support panels (200) and add-on panels (202) are not limited to rectangular shapes. Other geometric shapes, such as triangular, circular, trapezoidal, and honeycomb shapes, can also be used, as long as the support panels (200) and add-on panels (202) can be assembled and connected in multiple ways to efficiently construct the IoT-based panel system (100) without limiting the scope of the present invention. The materials for the support panels (200) and add-on panels (202) may be independently selected from aluminum, fiberglass, steel, stainless steel, cast iron, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), wood, reinforced rubber, tempered glass, multilayer materials, or combinations thereof. They are required to be strong, durable, and lightweight, suitable for installation without heavy tools.

[0050] FIG. 3 shows an example of a mounting module 300. The mounting module 300 may be a one-piece structure located on one side of the support panel 200 (FIG. 3a). One side of the structure is installed on the support panel 200, and the other side has mounting means for mounting an IoT device thereon. Similarly, the mounting module 300 may be configured to be located on an add-on panel 202 to mount an IoT device. Using the mounting means, a user can mount an IoT device to the IoT-based panel system 100 via the mounting module 300 without the need to use tools (e.g., drills and wall screws) to assist with the mounting. This makes the installation of IoT devices on the IoT-based panel system 100 safer. Alternatively, multiple mounting modules 300 (FIG. 3b) may be placed on many or all sides of the support panel 200 to add more mounting positions for effectively mounting multiple IoT devices.

[0051] The number of mounting modules 300 may be equal to or greater than the number of IoT devices. The mounting modules 300 are adjustably positioned so that they are installed at predetermined positions according to the adjustable predetermined positions of the IoT devices. To support the installation of more IoT devices in the future, one or more mounting modules 300 may be installed on the support panel 200. The mounting modules 300 may be installed at positions according to the predetermined positions of the IoT devices. For example, the mounting modules 300 may be completely installed on the support panel 200 at the predetermined reference line 214. In actual use, since a user can attach one IoT device to any position on the mounting modules 300, these mounting modules 300 do not need to install all IoT devices thereon. Therefore, a user can select a predetermined position to install an IoT device and adjust the position independently.

[0052] When the mounting modules 300 are installed in an array with gaps on the support panel 200, multiple gaps are created. Depending on the thickness of the mounting modules 300, these gaps are formed into rectangular tracks to be used as cable tracks 350 for supporting the cable modules 400. In additional cases, the cable tracks 350 can be formed by creating track grooves on the support panel 200, such as rectangular grooves, oval grooves, V-grooves, J-grooves, U-grooves, oblique grooves, or combinations thereof. The cable tracks 350 may also include additional liner cables, such as rubber, plastic, metal, or aluminum liners, embedded within the cable tracks 350 to protect against short circuits between the cables 402 and the material of the support panel 200. The cable tracks 350 may have a width of 5 to 50 mm and a depth of 10 to 50 mm, or may be based on the dimensions of the cables 402.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, a cable module 400 installed in the cable track 350 includes at least one cable 402 and at least one junction unit 404. Each cable 402 is positioned at an edge of the mounting module 300, while each junction unit 404 is positioned at a corner of the mounting module 300. These cables 402 and junction units 404 are connected in an array or in any configuration, such as a horizontal, vertical, square, circular, or combination thereof, according to the layout of the reference lines 214. Furthermore, the cables 402 and junction units 404 may be connected to each other to form angles ranging from 5 to 180 degrees to route the cables 402 to any desired location. Once the cable module 400 is installed in the cable track 350, an external power source is connected to the cable module 400 to provide power.

[0054] The cable module (400) is installed completely or partially in a predetermined direction within the cable track (350) to transmit power and signals to adjustable predetermined positions of the IoT device. The predetermined direction of the cable module (400) is configured to systematically align with the predetermined position of the mounting module (300). For optimal cost savings, the cable module (400) may be designed with a layout having the shortest direction.

[0055] For example, the cable modules 400 may be installed in all the cable tracks 350 to support a large number of IoT devices installed in an entertainment room, game room, exhibition room, etc. Additionally, the cable modules 400 may be fully installed in all the cable tracks 350 to support additional IoT devices to be installed in the future. Alternatively, the cable modules 400 may be installed in some of the cable tracks 350 (partial installation) to support only a limited number of IoT devices to reduce costs. For example, if a user wants to install only three IoT devices, partial installation of the cable modules 400 is sufficient.

[0056] Figure 5 shows a cable 402. The cable 402 has two connection pieces 406 located thereon for connecting to a junction unit 404. The cable 402 is used to transmit power and signals throughout the IoT-based panel system 100. The cable 402 may be 100-1000 mm in length and 10-50 mm in width.

[0057] 6 shows a junction unit (404) having at least three connection pieces (406) that can be formed as a three-way or four-way junction for connecting the junction unit (404) to a cable (402). The junction unit (404) can be 10 to 500 mm long and 10 to 500 mm wide to accommodate the cable.

[0058] An example of a connection piece (406) is shown in FIG. 7. The example includes 7 pins, 3 pins for voltage common collector (VCC), 4 pins for ground (GND), and 4 pins for signal. The voltage of VCC can be either 5V DC, 12V DC, or 24V DC. The signals can be RS-232, RS-422, RS-423, RS-485, I 2The cable 402 and junction unit 404 may be configured to support up to 100 IoT devices simultaneously, depending on the number of IoT devices a user requires.

[0059] 8 shows an example of the structure of a cable (402). The cable (402) is formed by a printed circuit board (PCB) with two connection parts (406), at least two conductive material layers, namely a first conductive material layer (502) and a second conductive material layer (504) with a ground plane and a power plane, positioned below the first conductive material layer (502) by being attached with an insulator (503), and a mask layer (510) disposed on the first conductive material layer (502) and the second conductive material layer (504) to prevent oxidation of the conductive material.

[0060] 9 shows an example structure of a junction unit (404). The junction unit (404) is formed by a printed circuit board (PCB) having at least three connection components (406) protruding from the junction unit (404), at least two conductive material layers, namely, a first conductive material layer (602) having a power plane and a second conductive material layer (604) having a ground plane, which are positioned below the first conductive material layer (602) by being attached with an insulator (603), and a mask layer (610) disposed on the first conductive material layer (602) and the second conductive material layer (604) to prevent oxidation of the conductive material. The junction unit (404) further includes at least one circuit switching unit (620) configured to switch a signal path on the junction unit.

[0061] Conductive materials allow electrons to flow through the layers to carry the current of a circuit. Examples of conductive materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, copper alloys, tungsten, tungsten alloys, gold, gold alloys, silver, silver alloys, or combinations thereof. The insulators disclosed in exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to layers of insulation of the same size as the conductive material layers. The insulator can also be an intervening material used to separate two conductive material layers to prevent short circuits. The insulator can be a material such as, but not limited to, fiberglass epoxy laminate, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or other materials that are coated, sprayed, painted, airbrushed, or glued onto the conductive material layers to act as electrical protection.

[0062] Additionally, the cable 402 and junction unit 404 may be shielded with an additional polymer coating (e.g., PVC) to prevent short circuits and filter electromagnetic waves that may interfere with data communication. The cable 402 and junction unit 404 described herein with respect to a PCB having two layers is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. As described in the technical concept of this embodiment, increasing or decreasing the number of PCB layers for the IoT-based panel system 100 can be adjusted and is not considered to depart from the scope of the present invention.

[0063] Although this disclosure describes a printed circuit board (PCB) for transmitting power and / or signals to an IoT device, those skilled in the art should understand that the cable (402) and junction unit (404) may also be other types of electrical cables capable of transmitting power and / or signals to an IoT device, such as coaxial cables, communication cables, direct-buried cables (DBCs), flexible cables, heliax cables, etc.

[0064] How to Install an IoT-Based Panel System (100) For better understanding, an exemplary method for installing an IoT-based panel system (100) for use as a wall panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps: i) assembling support panels (200) to form a wall; ii) locating the mounting module (300) on the reference line (214) and placing the mounting module (300) on the support panel (200) at a location where the cable track (350) is located at the edge of the mounting module (300); iii) installing the cable (402) in the cable track (350); iv) installing junction units (404) at the junctions between the horizontal cable tracks (350) and the vertical cable tracks (350) and then connecting the junction units (404) to the cables (402) until the junction units (404) and the cables (402) are arrayed as a cable module (400); v) mounting the IoT device onto the mounting module (300); vi) connecting the cable module (400) to an IoT device.

[0065] Without intending to limit any scope of the present invention, the IoT device may be selected from a battery storage unit, a data storage unit, a camera, a microphone, a speaker, a light, a spotlight, a sound and light measurement controller, a wireless controller, a monitor, a touch screen display, a VR controller, a VR display, a projector, a television, a kitchen appliance, a solar cell, a solar panel, a computer controller (such as a joystick and a game wheel), a mobile controller, a charger, a water dispenser, an air purifier, a cooling fan, an electric fan, an air conditioning unit, a heater, a heat transfer unit, an infrared laser light, or any kind of sensor (e.g., temperature sensor, humidity sensor, force sensor, Hall sensor), or any structural material with an embedded electronic board, or any kind of IoT device having the same connecting parts for connecting with the aforementioned cable or junction unit of the present invention.

[0066] All embodiments of the IoT-based panel system (100) disclosed in this document are not limited to building walls, they are also intended to build walls, partitions, ceilings, and floors for homes, offices, conference rooms, educational places, game rooms, VR rooms, hologram rooms, hospitals, operating rooms, robotics rooms, test / laboratories, containers, any kind of building, or any type of construction that includes walls, ceilings, and floors.

[0067] The IoT-based panel system (100) can also adjust / modify the materials of any components to suit the local environment and atmosphere, whether it is used in normal atmosphere, below sea level where corrosion-resistant materials are required, or in outer space (extremely high vacuum) where lightweight and very strong materials are required. Material properties may vary and are expected by those skilled in the art. However, the components and functionality will not deviate from the scope of the present invention.

[0068] While one embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated and described, it will be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0069] Various embodiments in accordance with the disclosed principles have been described above. However, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the example embodiments described in this disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the claims and their equivalents issuing from this disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described advantages and features provided in the described embodiments do not limit the application of the claims so issued to processes and structures that achieve any or all of the above-described advantages.

[0070] Best mode or preferred embodiment of the present invention The best mode or preferred embodiment of the invention is as provided in the description of the invention.

Claims

1. An IoT-based panel system (100), a support panel (200); at least one mounting module (300) installed on the support panel (200) for mounting an IoT device thereon; at least one cable track (350) formed on at least one edge of the mounting module (300) for supporting a cable module (400); A cable module (400) installed in a cable tracking (350), the cable module (400) comprising at least one cable (402) and at least one junction unit (404); Here, the cable module (400) is installed completely or partially within the cable track (350) to transmit power and signals in a predetermined direction and to a predetermined location of the IoT device.

2. 2. The IoT-based panel system (100) of claim 1, wherein the number of the mounting modules (300) is equal to or greater than the number of the IoT devices, and the mounting modules (300) are adjustably installed at predetermined positions according to the adjustable predetermined positions of the IoT devices.

3. The IoT-based panel system (100) of claim 1, wherein the predetermined orientation of the cable module (400) is configured to align with the predetermined position of the mounting module (300).

4. The IoT-based panel system (100) of claim 1, further comprising at least one additional panel (202) attached to a back of the support panel (200).

5. The IoT-based panel system (100) of claim 4, further comprising a fastening means (206) for securely attaching the support panel (200) to the additional panel (202).

6. 6. The IoT based panel system (100) of claim 5, wherein the fastening means (206) comprises at least one vertical fastening means (206a) and at least one horizontal fastening means (206b).

7. The IoT-based panel system (100) of claim 4, wherein the support panel (200) and the additional panel (202) are of the same or different sizes.

8. The IoT-based panel system (100) of claim 4, further comprising an insulating material (204) provided between the support panel (200) and the additional panel (202).

9. The IoT-based panel system (100) of claim 1, wherein the cable (402) and the connection unit (404) are a printed circuit board (PCB).

10. The cable (402) Two connection pieces (406) located at either end of the cable (402); a first layer of conductive material (502); an insulating layer (503) attached below the first layer of conductive material (502); 10. The IoT-based panel system of claim 1, wherein a second conductive material layer is attached below the insulating layer, the second conductive material layer comprising a ground plane and a power plane.

11. 11. The IoT-based panel system of claim 10, wherein the cable further comprises a mask layer disposed on the first conductive material layer and the second conductive material layer to prevent oxidation of the conductive material.

12. The joining unit (404) At least three connection parts (406) located at the ends of the junction unit (404); a first conductive material layer (602), the first conductive material layer (602) including a power plane; an insulating layer (603) attached below the first layer of conductive material (602); 10. The IoT-based panel system of claim 1, wherein a second conductive material layer is attached below the insulating layer, the second conductive material layer comprising a ground plane.

13. 13. The IoT-based panel system (100) of claim 12, wherein the joining unit (404) further comprises a mask layer (610) disposed on the first conductive material layer (602) and the second conductive material layer (604) to prevent oxidation of the conductive material.

14. The IoT-based panel system (100) of claim 12, wherein the junction unit (404) further comprises at least one circuit switching (Link) unit (620) configured to switch a signal path on the junction unit.

15. 13. The IoT-based panel system (100) of claim 10 or 12, wherein the connection portion (406) comprises at least one pin of a voltage common collector (VCC), at least one pin of a ground (GND), and at least one pin of a signal.

16. 16. The IoT-based panel system (100) of claim 15, wherein the connections (406) include a 3-pin voltage common (VCC), a 4-pin ground (GND), and a 4-pin signal.

17. 16. The IoT based panel system (100) of claim 15, wherein the type of signal is selected from RS-232, RS-422, RS-423, RS-485, I2C, Ethernet, SDI-12, 1-wire, or a combination thereof.

18. The IoT-based panel system (100) of claim 17, wherein the type of signal is RS-485.

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