Glazed assembly for transmitting a data stream

Abstract

The present invention relates to a glazed assembly for transmitting a data stream, the assembly comprising a transmitter and a receiver, wherein the transmitter comprises a first glazing unit and an exciter, the exciter being configured to convert a first electrical signal carrying data into a first mechanical vibration and being fixedly mounted on the first glazing unit, wherein the first glazing unit is configured to convert the first mechanical vibration into an acoustic wave, and wherein the receiver is configured to receive the acoustic wave and to convert the acoustic wave into a second electrical signal carrying the data.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Glazed assembly for transmitting a data stream Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications, in particular the field of methods for transporting a data stream in a vehicle. State of the art [2] When operating a vehicle, it is necessary to transport data, including digital data, between different modules of the vehicle. [3] For this purpose, it is known to arrange electrical cables for the transport of electrical signals in the vehicle. However, this solution is cumbersome and requires designing all the parts of the vehicle in such a way as to allow the passage of these cables, which complicates the manufacture of the vehicle. [4] For this purpose, it is known to install wireless communication means in the vehicle. For example, it is known to use radio waves, for example according to the WIFI protocol or according to a 5G standard. It is also known to use light to transport data in a vehicle using LIFI technology. [5] However, the above methods require bulky radio wave or light receivers. In addition, the above methods result in high power consumption. Statement of the invention [6] An aim of the invention is to propose a device for transmitting a data stream making it possible to resolve at least in part the aforementioned problems of the prior art. [7] This aim is achieved within the framework of the present invention thanks to a glazed assembly for the transmission of a data stream, comprising a transmitter and a receiver, - the transmitter comprising a first glazing and an exciter, the exciter being configured to convert a first electrical signal carrying data into a first mechanical vibration, the exciter being fixedly mounted to the first glazing, the first glazing being configured to convert the first mechanical vibration into an acoustic wave, and - the receiver being configured to receive the acoustic wave and to convert the acoustic wave into a second electrical signal carrying the data. [8] The present invention is advantageously supplemented by the following characteristics, taken individually or in any of their technically possible combinations: [9] - the first mechanical vibration has a frequency included in the ultrasonic frequency range,

[0010] - the first mechanical vibration has a frequency between 20 kHz and 10 THz,

[0011] - the first mechanical vibration has a frequency within the range of audible frequencies,

[0012] - the first mechanical vibration has a frequency between 20 Hz and 20 kHz excluded,

[0013] - the receiver comprises a second glazing and a transducer fixedly mounted to the second glazing, the transducer being configured to convert a mechanical vibration of the second glazing into a second electrical signal,

[0014] - the exciter is a piezoelectric mechanical actuator,

[0015] - the transmitter comprises an electrical signal converter configured to convert an input electrical signal carrying the data into an output electrical signal carrying the data and having a frequency included in the ultrasonic frequency range and / or in the audible frequency range,

[0016] - the first glazing and the second glazing are separated by a distance of between 0.5 m and 10 m,

[0017] - the exciter comprises a connecting portion and a moving portion, the exciter being configured to drive movement between the connecting portion and the moving portion by electrical control.

[0018] Another aspect of the invention is a vehicle comprising a glazed assembly according to one embodiment of the invention, the first glazing being at least chosen from a windshield, a rear window and a side window of the vehicle.

[0019] Advantageously, the vehicle comprises a passenger compartment, and the receiver is fixedly mounted in the passenger compartment.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention is a method of transmitting a data stream implemented by a glazed assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising the following steps: - conversion by the exciter of the glass assembly of a first electrical signal carrying data into a first mechanical vibration, - conversion by the first glazing of the glazed assembly of the first mechanical vibration into an acoustic wave, - reception of the acoustic wave by the receiver of the glass assembly and conversion by the receiver of the acoustic wave into a second electrical signal carrying the data.

[0021] Advantageously, the first mechanical vibration has a frequency included in the ultrasonic frequency range.

[0022] Advantageously, the first mechanical vibration has a frequency within the range of audible frequencies. Description of figures

[0023] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and which must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

[0024] [ Fig .1 ] - Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle comprising a glazed assembly according to one embodiment of the invention,

[0025] [Fig.2] - Figure 2 schematically illustrates a vehicle comprising a glazed assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the receiver comprises a second glazing,

[0026] [Fig.3] - Figure 3 schematically illustrates a part of the transmitter comprising a first glazing and an exciter,

[0027] [Fig. 4] - Figure 4 schematically illustrates a method of transmitting a data stream according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Throughout the figures, similar elements have identical references. Definitions

[0029] The term "ultrasonic frequency range" means a frequency range between 20 kHz and 10 THz.

[0030] “Audible frequency range” means a frequency range between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0031] Referring to Figure 1, a glazed assembly 1 for the transmission of a data stream 2 comprises a transmitter 3 and a receiver 4.

[0032] The transmitter 3 comprises a first glazing 5 and an exciter 6. The exciter 6 is configured to convert a first electrical signal carrying data into a first mechanical vibration. The exciter 6 is fixedly mounted to the first glazing 5. The first glazing 5 is configured to convert the first mechanical vibration into an acoustic wave.

[0033] The receiver 4 is configured to receive the acoustic wave and to convert the acoustic wave into a second electrical signal carrying the data.

[0034] Thus, it is possible to transport data between two modules acoustically while simplifying the manufacture of the data telecommunication device. Indeed, by using the first glazing 5 as the emitting part of the acoustic wave, the manufacture of the device is simplified.

[0035] The first mechanical vibration can have a frequency in the ultrasonic frequency range. Thus, it is possible to transport data between two modules acoustically but inaudibly for a vehicle passenger while simplifying the manufacturing of the data telecommunication device.

[0036] The first mechanical vibration can have a frequency within the audible frequency range. Thus, it is possible to transport data between two modules acoustically in the vehicle while simplifying the manufacturing of the data telecommunication device and increasing the energy of the emitted acoustic wave.

[0037] With reference to Figure 2, the receiver 4 may comprise a second glazing 7 and a transducer mounted fixed to the second glazing 7. The transducer is configured to convert a mechanical vibration of the second glazing 7 into a second electrical signal. Thus, it is possible to greatly simplify the manufacture of the telecommunications device formed by the glazed assembly 1, by using both the first glazing 5 and the second glazing 7.

[0038] The exciter 6 may be a piezoelectric mechanical actuator. The piezoelectric part of the exciter 6 may be electrically connected to a module emitting an electrical signal carrying the data 2. Thus, the piezoelectric material can transform the electrical signal into a mechanical vibration which itself carries the data 2.

[0039] The transmitter 3 may comprise an electrical signal converter configured to convert an input electrical signal carrying the data 2 into an output electrical signal carrying the data and having a frequency in the ultrasonic and / or audible frequency range. This may be implemented, for example, by mixing the input electrical signal and an electrical signal defining a carrier, the frequency of the carrier being in the ultrasonic and / or audible frequency range. Thus, following the conversion into a mechanical vibration, the mechanical vibration may have a frequency in the aforementioned frequency range(s) while carrying the data 2.

[0040] Referring to Figure 3, the exciter 6 may comprise a connecting portion 9 and a moving portion 10. The exciter 6 may be configured to cause movement between the connecting portion 9 and the moving portion 10 by electrical control. Thus, the exciter 6 may convert an electrical signal into mechanical vibration. The exciter 6 may be a miniaturized circuit, for example a MEMS.

[0041] The first glazing 5 and the second glazing 7 are separated by a distance of between 0.5 m and 10 m, preferably between 1 m and 5 m. Thus, the acoustic amplitude necessary for the transmission of data is limited, so as to limit the energy consumption of the data transmission device.

[0042] With reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the first glazing 5 can be at least chosen from a windshield, a rear window and a side window of the vehicle 11. Thus, the manufacture of the glazed element 1 is simplified by the initial presence of the first glazing 5 in the vehicle 11.

[0043] The vehicle 11 comprises a passenger compartment. The receiver 4 is fixedly mounted in the passenger compartment.

[0044] With reference to Figure 4, another aspect of the invention is a method 400 for transmitting a data stream implemented by a glazed assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0045] The method 400 comprises a step 401 of conversion by the exciter 6 of the glazed assembly 1 of a first electrical signal carrying data into a first mechanical vibration.

[0046] The method 400 comprises a step 402 of conversion by the first glazing 5 of the first mechanical vibration into an acoustic wave.

[0047] The method 400 comprises a step 403 of reception of the acoustic wave by the receiver 4 of the glazed assembly 1 and conversion by the receiver 4 of the acoustic wave into a second electrical signal carrying the data.

[0048] Thus, it is possible to transport data between two modules acoustically while simplifying the manufacture of the data telecommunication device. Indeed, by using the first glazing 5 as the emitting part of the acoustic wave, the manufacture of the device is simplified.

[0049] Advantageously, the first mechanical vibration has a frequency in the ultrasonic frequency range. Thus, it is possible to transport data between two modules acoustically but inaudibly for a vehicle passenger while simplifying the manufacture of the data telecommunication device.

[0050] Advantageously, the first mechanical vibration has a frequency within the audible frequency range. Thus, it is possible to transport data between two modules acoustically in the vehicle while simplifying the manufacture of the data telecommunication device and increasing the energy of the emitted acoustic wave.

Claims

Claims

1. Glazed assembly (1) for the transmission of a data stream (2), comprising a transmitter (3) and a receiver (4), characterized in that: - the transmitter (3) comprises a first glazing (5) and an exciter (6), the exciter (6) being configured to convert a first electrical signal carrying data into a first mechanical vibration, the exciter (6) being fixedly mounted to the first glazing (5), the first glazing (5) being configured to convert the first mechanical vibration into an acoustic wave, and - the receiver (4) is configured to receive the acoustic wave and to convert the acoustic wave into a second electrical signal carrying the data.

2. Glazed assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first mechanical vibration has a frequency included in the ultrasonic frequency range.

3. Glazed assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first mechanical vibration has a frequency included in the range of audible frequencies.

4. Glazed assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the receiver (4) comprises a second glazing (7) and a transducer (8) mounted fixed to the second glazing (7), the transducer (8) being configured to convert a mechanical vibration of the second glazing (7) into a second electrical signal.

5. Glazed assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the exciter (6) is a piezoelectric mechanical actuator.

6. Glazed assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transmitter (3) comprises an electrical signal converter configured to convert an input electrical signal carrying the data into an output electrical signal carrying the data and having a frequency included in the ultrasonic frequency range and / or in the audible frequency range.

7. Glazed assembly (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, in which the first glazing (5) and the second glazing (7) are separated by a distance of between 0.5 m and 10 m.

8. Glazed assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the exciter (6) comprises a connecting part (9) and a movable part (10), the exciter (6) being configured to cause a movement between the connecting part (9) and the movable part (10) by electrical control.

9. Vehicle (11) comprising a glazed assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, the first glazing (5) being at least chosen from a windshield, a rear window and a side window of the vehicle.

10. A vehicle (11) according to claim 9, comprising a passenger compartment, and wherein the receiver is fixedly mounted in the passenger compartment. [Claim 1 1 ] Method (400) for transmitting a data stream implemented by a glazed assembly ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps: - conversion (401) by the exciter (6) of the glazed assembly (1) of a first electrical signal carrying data into a first mechanical vibration, - conversion (402) by the first glazing (5) of the glazed assembly (1) of the first mechanical vibration into an acoustic wave, - reception (403) of the acoustic wave by the receiver (4) of the glazed assembly (1) and conversion by the receiver (4) of the acoustic wave into a second electrical signal carrying the data. [Claim 1 2] Method (400) according to the preceding claim, in which the first mechanical vibration has a frequency included in the ultrasonic frequency range. [Claim 1 3] Method (400) according to the preceding claim, in which the first mechanical vibration has a frequency included in the range of audible frequencies.

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