Dual-pane window with improved wireless signal penetration

Abstract

A dual-pane window includes two glass substrates defining a gap therebetween. On the inner major surface of the first substrate, which faces the gap, there is a discontinuous low-emissivity (low-e) coating that is interrupted by multiple coating voids and covers the surface extensively in both length and width. On the outer major surfaces of both substrates, which are opposite the inner surfaces and do not face the gap, there are electrically continuous antennas. These antennas are positioned in such a way that they align with each other across the thickness of the window. Additionally, each antenna spans across at least two of the voids in the low-e coating, allowing for improved transmission of radio frequency signals through the window.

Description

DUAL-PANE WINDOW WITH IMPROVED WIRELESS SIGNAL PENETRATIONSummary

[0001] In some aspects of the present description, a dual-pane window is provided, the dualpane window including a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate, defining a gap therebetween. The window features a discontinuous low-emissivity coating with multiple coating voids on an inner major surface of the first glass substrate. There are two electrically continuous antennas, one on an outer major surface of each glass substrate, aligned along the thickness direction of the window. Both antennas extend across multiple coating voids in the low-emissivity layer.

[0002] In some aspects of the present description, an optical construction is provided, the optical construction including a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate with a gap between them. It has a first electrically continuous antenna and a second electrically continuous antenna on the outer major surfaces of the first and second glass substrates, respectively. These are aligned along the thickness direction of the construction. The construction demonstrates a higher average signal transmission percentage for RF signals when compared to an identical construction lacking the antennas, for angles of incidence from 0 degrees to about 60 degrees.

[0003] In some aspects of the present description, an optical construction is provided, the optical construction including a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate separated by a gap. It includes a first electrically continuous antenna and a second electrically continuous antenna on the outer major surfaces of the first and second glass substrates, respectively. The antennas are aligned along the thickness direction of the construction. For electromagnetic signals at a certain wavelength and incident at an angle greater than about 30 degrees, the construction has different signal transmission powers for horizontally and vertically polarized signals. The difference in transmission power between the two polarizations is less than that of a comparative construction without the antennas.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a typical wireless communication environment as seen by a modern rail transportation system in the art;

[0005] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a typical dual-pane window unit as seen in the art;

[0006] FIGS. 3 A and 3B illustrate a dual-pane window unit with improved wireless signal penetration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present description;

[0007] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate example antenna designs for use in a dual -pane window unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present description;

[0008] FIG. 5 is a graph of signal transmission vs. frequency for V-polarized signals for a dual-pane window unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present description;

[0009] FIG. 6 is a graph of signal transmission vs. frequency for H-polarized signals for a dual-pane window unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present description;

[0010] FIG. 7 is a graph of signal transmission vs. frequency for a typical dual-pane window unit with a low-emissivity coating as seen in the art; and

[0011] FIG. 8 is a graph of signal transmission vs. frequency for a dual-pane window unit with improved signal penetration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present description.Detailed Description

[0012] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present description. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0013] The present description relates to the field of transportation glazing technologies and specifically to the enhancement of wireless signal transmission through dual-pane windows in train environments. The systems and articles described herein address the critical need for consistent broadband access for passengers during their commute, a demand that is rapidly increasing with the proliferation of 5G mmWave technology and the expectation for continuous connectivity.

[0014] Traditionally, railway operators have relied on active repeater systems or local Wi-Fi installations to bolster signal reception within trains. However, these systems are fraught with challenges, including the need for frequent upgrades, licensing requirements for operating on specific frequencies, and the potential for interference with signals around the train's route. Moreover, the installation of antennas is often constrained by the limited space available on train roofs and the strict regulations governing the structure gauge of trains.

[0015] As a train is predominantly constructed from metallic structures impervious to radiowaves, the windows of the train represent the only viable pathway for signal penetration into the train's interior. To enhance passenger comfort, these windows are typically designed as a sandwich construction of laminated or tempered glass, with a low-emissivity (low-e) coating applied to the inside of the outer glass layer to improve thermal insulation. However, this metallization significantly attenuates mobile communication signals, leading to poor wireless connectivity, especially at high speeds where the attenuation is most pronounced.

[0016] Previous attempts to mitigate this attenuation have involved the use of frequency selective patterns etched into the low-e coating of train windows. While this approach has shown promise for signals perpendicular to the window, it fails to address the significant attenuation experienced at larger angles of incidence, particularly for certain signal polarizations. This limitation becomes increasingly problematic as mobile network operators deploy dedicated trackside cells to enhance network capacity along high-speed tracks, resulting in higher average angles of incidence for signals reaching the train.

[0017] The systems and articles disclosed herein present a solution to these challenges by introducing resonant conductive pattern antennas, such as bowtie or dipole patterns, applied to train windows. These antennas are designed to transmit specific frequency bands selectively through the windows, improving signal reception. The low-e coating layer, which is conductive and has been optimized to be transparent to at least certain radio frequency signals, works in conjunction with the antennas to selectively tune the reflection and transmission characteristics of dual-pane windows. This innovative approach overcomes the limitations of traditional dual-pane windows, enabling reliable signal transmission at any desired frequency by adjusting the dimensions of the resonant patches.

[0018] The present description represents a significant advancement over previous technologies by providing a system that does not require a ground plane, allowing for compatibility with RF transparent low-e coatings. The resonant conductive pattern is designed to work in tandem with these coatings, ensuring minimal impact on the window's thermal insulation properties while significantly enhancing wireless signal transmission. This solution is particularly advantageous for railway operators and train builders seeking to make trains as transparent to radio waves as possible, thereby eliminating or reducing the need for active repeater systems.

[0019] According to some aspects of the present description, a dual-pane window, includes a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate, defining a gap therebetween, a discontinuous low-emissivity (low-e) coating having a plurality of coating voids, the discontinuous low- emissivity coating disposed on and substantially coextensive in length and width with, an inner major surface of the first glass substrate, the inner major surface facing the gap, a first electrically continuous antenna disposed at a first location on an outer major surface of the first glass substrate, the outer major surface of the first glass substrate opposite the inner major surface of the first glass substrate and facing away from the gap, and a second electrically continuous antenna disposed on a second location on an outer major surface of the second glass substrate, the outer major surface of the second glass substrate facing away from the gap. In some embodiments, the first location and the second location are substantially aligned along a thickness direction of the dual-pane window (i.e., the two antennas are aligned on either side of the dual-pane construction). In someembodiments, the first electrically continuous antenna and the second electrically continuous antenna each extend across two or more of the coating voids in the discontinuous low-emissivity layer.

[0020] In some embodiments, the gap between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate may be filled with air. In some embodiments, the gap may be filled with a non-reactive gas (e.g., argon).

[0021] In some embodiments, the discontinuous low-emissivity layer may be substantially transparent to at least a first range of radio frequency signals. In some embodiments, the coating voids may divide the discontinuous low-emissivity layer into a plurality of electrically-isolated first portions of the discontinuous low-emissivity layer. In some embodiments, the coating voids may define a pattern of intersecting lines or curves. In some such embodiments, the first electrically continuous antenna and the second electrically continuous antenna may each extend across two or more of the electrically-isolated first portions, or across the pattern or intersecting lines or curves. In some embodiments, the dual-pane window may further include a second discontinuous low-emissivity coating having a second plurality of coating voids. In some such embodiments, the discontinuous low-emissivity coating may be disposed on and substantially coextensive in length and width with, an inner major surface of the second glass substrate, the inner major surface facing the gap.

[0022] According to some aspects of the present description, an optical construction, includes a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate, defining a gap therebetween, a first electrically continuous antenna disposed at a first location on an outer major surface of the first glass substrate, the outer major surface of the first glass substrate facing away from the gap, and a second electrically continuous antenna disposed on a second location on an outer major surface of the second glass substrate, the outer major surface of the second glass substrate facing away from the gap-

[0023] In some embodiments, the first location and the second location may be substantially aligned along a thickness direction of the dual-pane window. In some embodiments, the optical construction may have a first average signal transmission percentage, Tl, of an RF signal being transmitted through the optical construction, and a second comparative optical construction identical to the optical construction except it does not comprise a first electrically continuous antenna or a second electrically continuous antenna has a second average signal transmission percentage, T2, of the RF signal, such that Tl is greater than T2 for angles of incidence from 0 degrees to about 60 degrees of incidence. In some embodiments, Tl may be greater than T2 by at least 3 dB, or at least 5 dB, or at least 10 dB, or at least 15 dB, or at least 20 dB.

[0024] In some embodiments, the optical construction may further include a discontinuous low-emissivity coating having a plurality of coating voids. In some embodiments, the discontinuous low-emissivity layer may be substantially transparent to at least a first range of radio frequency signals.

[0025] In some embodiments, the discontinuous low-emissivity coating may be disposed on and substantially coextensive in length and width with, an inner major surface of the first glass substrate, the inner major surface facing the gap. In some embodiments, the coating voids may divide the discontinuous low-emissivity layer into a plurality of electrically-isolated first portions of the discontinuous low-emissivity layer. In some embodiments, the coating voids may define a pattern of intersecting lines or curves.

[0026] In some such embodiments, the first electrically continuous antenna and the second electrically continuous antenna may each extend across two or more of the coating voids in the discontinuous low-emissivity layer, or may each extend across two or more of the electrically- isolated first portions, or may extend across the pattern or intersecting lines or curves.

[0027] In some embodiments, the dual-pane window may further include a second discontinuous low-emissivity coating having a second plurality of coating voids. In some such embodiments, the discontinuous low-emissivity coating may be disposed on and substantially coextensive in length and width with, an inner major surface of the second glass substrate, the inner major surface facing the gap.

[0028] In some embodiments, the gap defined by the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate may be filled with air. In other embodiments, the gap may be filled with an inert gas cush as argon.

[0029] According to some aspects of the present description, an optical construction, includes a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate, defining a gap therebetween, a first electrically continuous antenna disposed at a first location on an outer major surface of the first glass substrate, the outer major surface of the first glass substrate facing away from the gap, and a second electrically continuous antenna disposed on a second location on an outer major surface of the second glass substrate, the outer major surface of the second glass substrate facing away from the gap. In some embodiments, the first location and the second location may be substantially aligned along a thickness direction of the dual-pane window (e.g., facing each other across the thickness of the window. In some embodiments, the gap may be filled with air, or with an inert gas such as argon.

[0030] In some embodiments, for electromagnetic signals at a first wavelength, Wl, and incident on the optical construction at an angle of incidence greater than about 30 degrees, the optical construction may have a first signal transmission power, Hl, for horizontally polarizedelectromagnetic signals, and a second signal transmission power, VI, for vertically polarized electromagnetic signals, and a second comparative optical construction identical to the optical construction except it does not comprise a first electrically continuous antenna or a second electrically continuous antenna may have a third signal transmission power, H2, for horizontally polarized electromagnetic signals, and a fourth signal transmission power, V2, for vertically polarized electromagnetic signals. In some embodiments, the difference between Hl and VI may be less than between H2 and V2 by at least about 3 dB, or at least about 5 dB, or at least about 7 dB. In some embodiments, VI may be greater than V2. In some embodiments, Hl may be within about 5 dB of H2.

[0031] In some embodiments, the optical construction may further include a discontinuous low-emissivity coating comprising a plurality of coating voids. In some such embodiments, the discontinuous low-emissivity coating may be disposed on and substantially coextensive in length and width with, an inner major surface of the first glass substrate, the inner major surface facing the gap.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first electrically continuous antenna and the second electrically continuous antenna may each extend across two or more of the coating voids in the discontinuous low-emissivity layer (i.e., may be sized such that their area extends across at least two of the voids.

[0033] In some embodiments, the coating voids may divide the discontinuous low-emissivity layer into a plurality of electrically-isolated first portions of the discontinuous low-emissivity layer. In some embodiments, the coating voids may define a pattern of intersecting lines or curves. In some embodiments, the discontinuous low-emissivity layer may be substantially transparent to at least a first range of radio frequency signals.

[0034] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is an illustration of a typical wireless communication environment as seen by a modern rail transportation system in the art. FIG. 1 shows a train on a track in a top view, receiving broadband / wireless signals from rural cell towers 50 and trackside cells 55. The train includes a number of railway cars 300, each of which may have a number of windows 100 (e.g., a typical dual-pane window, as described elsewhere herein). As most of a railway car 300 is built of metal components, the windows 100 remain the only viable path for radio waves to reach devices and users inside railway cars 300.

[0035] Traditionally, broadband access has been provided to trains via the placement of rural radio-based towers 50. These towers 50 broadcast signals at 360 degrees outward and are disposed as needed in locations designed to cover a wide coverage area.

[0036] As the demand for broadband services available within the train increases, railway operators have added dedicated trackside cells 55, which are placed quite close to the train tracksand broadcast signals at 180 degrees (toward the train only) rather than 360 degrees as the rural towers 50 do. The fact that these trackside cells 55 are located so close to the railroad tracks means that the signals coming from these trackside cells 55 will often be at a very high angle of incidence to the windows 100. For example, compare the angle of incidence, 91, of a typical signal from a rural tower 55 to the train compared to angle of incidence, 92, of a typical signal from a trackside cell 55. As will be explained elsewhere herein, these larger angles of incidence can be a problem for broadband signal penetration through windows 100.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a typical dual-pane window unit 100 as seen in the art. Typical train windows 100 have a dual-pane construction, with a first glass substrate (first window pane) 20a and a second glass substrate (second window pane) 20b spaced apart from each other and defining a gap 25 therebetween. Often, thermoplastic spacers 35 may be used to hold the first 20a and second 20b glass substrates apart, defining and sealing the gap 25 between the panes. Typically, air or an inert gas such as argon fills gap 25. In order to provide better thermal insulation for the dualpane window 100, a low-emissivity (low-e) coating 30 may be applied to at least one of the inner surfaces (e.g., surfaces 20a2 or 20b2 facing in toward gap 25) of first glass substrate 20a or second glass substrate 20b, or, in some embodiments, both surfaces 20a2 and 20b2. This low-e coating 30 will reject much of the incoming solar heat but allow visible light to pass through windows 100. Unfortunately, the low-e coating 30 often contains one or more layers of metal (e.g., silver), and this metallization of the glass can attenuate mobile communication signals significantly.

[0038] In order to reduce this signal attenuation, some manufacturers have begun etching or otherwise introducing a series of voids 32 into the low-e coating 30 to allow some radio frequency (RF) signals to be transmitted through the low-e coating 30. These voids 32 may be a pattern of “holes” (areas where the low-e material is removed) or a pattern of intersecting lines or curves. In some embodiments, for example, the voids may form an intersecting grid of lines (lines where the low-e material is removed or substantially reduced, e.g., very thin layer) which divide the discontinuous low-e layer into a number of electrically-isolated first portions (e.g., see the grid pattern of lines representing the voids 32 in FIG. 3B which create the electrically-isolated squares of low-e material in the pattern).

[0039] However, while the voids 32 allow for effective penetration of RF signals 58a which impinge on dual-pane window 100 with a substantially normal angle of incidence (i.e., substantially perpendicular to the surface 20a / 20b of window 100), signals 58b which impinge on window 100 at higher angles of incidence to surface 20a / 20b may be significantly attenuated, such that a much lower percentage of the signal is passed through window 100. For example, turning briefly to FIG. 7, and for a specific frequency of interest Fl in a range of frequencies of interest Rl, the plot of V-pol signal incident at 60 degrees to the window (the dashed line labeled60deg_V) shows a significant attenuation of signal compared to V-pol signal at 0 degrees incidence, and even more attenuation when compared to H-pol signal at 0 degrees. As both the V- pol and H-pol signals are used to carry / transmit information in a broadcast signal, it is important that the attenuation of V-pol and H-pol signals are as low as possible, and as similar to each other as possible.

[0040] FIGS. 3 A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of a dual-pane window unit of the present description with improved wireless signal penetration over the typical embodiment shown in FIG.2. The improved dual-pane window 200 of FIG. 3 A includes a first glass substrate 20a and a second glass substrate 20b, spaced apart from each other and defining a gap 25 therebetween. The gap 25 may in some embodiments be filled with air or an inert gas such as argon, and the gap 25 may be maintained and sealed by thermoplastic spacers 35 (or similar material). The first glass substrate 20a may have a first, outer window surface 20al, typically facing away from gap 25 and out toward an exterior of the vehicle, and a second, inner surface 20a2 facing the gap 25. In some embodiments, a discontinuous low- emissivity coating 30 having a plurality of coating voids 32 may be disposed on and substantially coextensive in length and width with, second, inner surface 20a2 of first glass substrate 20a. In some embodiments, a second discontinuous low-emissivity coating 30a having a plurality of coating voids 32 may also be disposed on and substantially coextensive in length and width with, second, inner surface 20b2 of second glass substrate 20b.

[0041] In some embodiments, a first electrically continuous antenna 40a may be disposed at a first location 42a on an outer major surface 20a 1 of first glass substrate 20a, and a second electrically continuous antenna 40b may be disposed on a second location 42b on an outer major surface 20b 1 of second glass substrate 20b. In some embodiments, first location 42a and second location 42b may be substantially aligned along a thickness direction (e.g., the aligned in the Z direction shown in FIG. 3A) of dual-pane window 200. In some embodiments, each of first 40a and second 40b electrically continuous antennas may extend across at least two of coating voids 32 in low-e coating 30 (and / or second low-e coating 30a, if present).

[0042] FIG. 3B shows dual-pane window 200 in a perspective view, with the thermoplastic spacers 35 removed for visual clarity, and to provide a better illustration of voids 32 in low-e coating 30. The first electrically continuous antenna 40a and second electrically continuous antenna 40b are shown disposed on first glass substrate 20a and second glass substrate 20b respectively (with second electrically continuous antenna 40b shown in dashed lines to indicated it is on the back surface 20b of dual-pane window 200. Antennas 40a and 40b are aligned with each other through the thickness direction (the z direction shown in FIG. 3B) and each extends across a plurality of voids 32 in low-e coating 30.

[0043] The actual shape / pattern of the first 40a and second 40b electrically continuous antennas may be configured to “tune” which desired frequencies may be optimally transmitted through dual-pane window 200. That is, the dimensions and shape of the antennas will determine the specific frequencies that will be transmitted, and to what extent, and thus various antenna configurations may be used based on the specific frequencies, bandwidth, and performances required for a specific application. FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate example embodiments of two different antenna designs for use in the dual-pane window unit of the present description. These figures are not intended to be limiting but show two examples that may be used for the improved signal penetration as described herein.

[0044] FIG. 4A, for example, shows a bow-tie antenna design 43 extending across a plurality (two or more) of voids 32 in low-e coating 30. FIG. 4B shows a more complex antenna design 45 similarly extending across a plurality of voids 32 in low-e coating 30. Any number of design variations may be used as described in the present description, including modifications in shape, size, configuration, and material.

[0045] FIGS. 5-8 provide plots of radio frequency signals showing the amount of signal transmission in decibels (dB) for several different angles of signal incidence and for various polarizations types of signal.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a graph of signal transmission vs. frequency for V-polarized signals for an embodiment of a dual-pane window unit according to the present description, comparing the amount of V-pol signal transmitted at various angles of incidence using the dual-pane windows of the present description versus traditional dual-pane windows (without the solution described herein). It should be noted that the plotlines for both the traditional “no solution” windows and the improved “solution” windows of the present description assume the presence of a discontinuous low-emissivity coating.

[0047] For example, each of the solid lines (which are labeled in the legend ending with “_3M”) show the transmission plots for angles of incidence ranging from 0 degrees (substantially perpendicular to the window surface) to 60 degrees, using the improved dual-pane windows of the present description. Each of the dashed lines shows the same transmission plots for the same angles of incidence for traditional dual-pane windows as exist in the art (without the solution described herein).

[0048] If a specific frequency of interest, Fl, is considered within a specific range of frequencies of interest, Rl, a comparison of the plotlines for the windows with the solution described herein (solid lines) versus the plotlines for windows without the solution (dashed lines) shows improved transmission of V-polarized signals at the frequency of interest Fl for almost all angles of incidence from 0 to 60 degrees. Compare, for example, point 80, which is the highestpoint of signal transmission for the windows featuring the solution described herein, with point 90, which is the highest point of signal transmission for the traditional windows, which do not feature the solution described herein.

[0049] FIG. 6 shows a similar plot of signal transmission vs. frequency comparing the transmission of H-polarized signals for an embodiment of a dual-pane window unit according to the present description (the “solution”) versus windows with traditional dual-pane windows (no solution). Again, looking at the same frequency of interest Fl in range of interest Rl, it can be seen that the transmission of H-pol signals using the “solution” described herein, while lower, is comparable to the transmission of H-pol signals for windows which do not use the solution (compare, for example, points 92 and 82). Even though the transmission strength of H-pol signals is slightly lower in this example for windows using the “solution” (the inclusion of aligned, electrically continuous antennas on either side of the windows) versus the traditional windows without the solution, a benefit can still be seen in the solution windows when looking at both H-pol and V-pol signal transmission strength as a whole.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a graph of signal transmission vs. frequency for a typical dual-pane window unit with a low-emissivity coating as seen in the art, without the antenna solution described herein. By contrast, FIG. 8 is a graph of signal transmission vs. frequency for an embodiment of a dualpane window unit with the improved signal penetration (the use of aligned antennas), according to the present description. Looking first and FIG. 7, there is a large difference, DI, or spread, between the full range of plots of H-pol and V-pol signals at the frequency of interest Fl, and significant attenuation at higher angles of incidence (e.g., greater than at least 30 degrees). Comparing these plots to the lines of FIG. 8, however, at the same frequency of interest Fl, there is a much tighter spread D2 between H-pol and V-pol signals, and less overall attenuation of signal, especially at higher angles of incidence. While DI ranges across nearly 11 dB of attenuation difference, D2 ranges across only about 7 dB. This is especially significant at higher angles of signal incidence.

[0051] Terms such as “about” will be understood in the context in which they are used and described in the present description by one of ordinary skill in the art. If the use of “about” as applied to quantities expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties is not otherwise clear to one of ordinary skill in the art in the context in which it is used and described in the present description, “about” will be understood to mean within 10 percent of the specified value. A quantity given as about a specified value can be precisely the specified value. For example, if it is not otherwise clear to one of ordinary skill in the art in the context in which it is used and described in the present description, a quantity having a value of about 1, means that the quantity has a value between 0.9 and 1.1, and that the value could be 1.

[0052] Terms such as “substantially” will be understood in the context in which they are used and described in the present description by one of ordinary skill in the art. If the use of “substantially equal” is not otherwise clear to one of ordinary skill in the art in the context in which it is used and described in the present description, “substantially equal” will mean about equal where about is as described above. If the use of “substantially parallel” is not otherwise clear to one of ordinary skill in the art in the context in which it is used and described in the present description, “substantially parallel” will mean within 30 degrees of parallel. Directions or surfaces described as substantially parallel to one another may, in some embodiments, be within 20 degrees, or within 10 degrees of parallel, or may be parallel or nominally parallel. If the use of “substantially aligned” is not otherwise clear to one of ordinary skill in the art in the context in which it is used and described in the present description, “substantially aligned” will mean aligned to within 20% of a width of the objects being aligned. Objects described as substantially aligned may, in some embodiments, be aligned to within 10% or to within 5% of a width of the objects being aligned.

[0053] All references, patents, and patent applications referenced in the foregoing are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in a consistent manner. In the event of inconsistencies or contradictions between portions of the incorporated references and this application, the information in the preceding description shall control.

[0054] Descriptions for elements in figures should be understood to apply equally to corresponding elements in other figures, unless indicated otherwise. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and / or equivalent implementations can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A dual-pane window, comprising: a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate, defining a gap therebetween; a discontinuous low-emissivity coating comprising a plurality of coating voids, the discontinuous low-emissivity coating disposed on and substantially coextensive in length and width with, an inner major surface of the first glass substrate, the inner major surface facing the gap; a first electrically continuous antenna disposed at a first location on an outer major surface of the first glass substrate, the outer major surface of the first glass substrate opposite the inner major surface of the first glass substrate and facing away from the gap; and a second electrically continuous antenna disposed on a second location on an outer major surface of the second glass substrate, the outer major surface of the second glass substrate facing away from the gap; wherein the first location and the second location are substantially aligned along a thickness direction of the dual-pane window; and wherein the first electrically continuous antenna and the second electrically continuous antenna each extend across two or more of the coating voids in the discontinuous low-emissivity layer.

2. The dual-pane window of claim 1, wherein the gap is filled with air.

3. The dual-pane window of claim 1, wherein the gap is filled with argon.

4. The dual-pane window of claim 1, wherein the discontinuous low-emissivity layer is substantially transparent to at least a first range of radio frequency signals.

5. The dual-pane window of claim 1, wherein the coating voids divide the discontinuous low- emissivity layer into a plurality of electrically-isolated first portions of the discontinuous low- emissivity layer.

6. The dual-pane window of claim 5, wherein the coating voids define a pattern of intersecting lines or curves.

7. The dual-pane window of claim 5, further comprising a second discontinuous low- emissivity coating comprising a second plurality of coating voids, the discontinuous low-emissivitycoating disposed on and substantially coextensive in length and width with, an inner major surface of the second glass substrate, the inner major surface facing the gap.

8. An optical construction, comprising; a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate, defining a gap therebetween; a first electrically continuous antenna disposed at a first location on an outer major surface of the first glass substrate, the outer major surface of the first glass substrate facing away from the gap; and a second electrically continuous antenna disposed on a second location on an outer major surface of the second glass substrate, the outer major surface of the second glass substrate facing away from the gap; wherein the first location and the second location are substantially aligned along a thickness direction of the dual-pane window; and wherein the optical construction has a first average signal transmission percentage, Tl, of an RF signal being transmitted through the optical construction, and wherein a second comparative optical construction identical to the optical construction except it does not comprise a first electrically continuous antenna or a second electrically continuous antenna has a second average signal transmission percentage, T2, of the RF signal, such that Tl is greater than T2 for angles of incidence from 0 degrees to about 60 degrees of incidence.

9. The optical construction of claim 8, wherein Tl is greater than T2 by at least 3 dB.

10. The optical construction of claim 8, further comprising a discontinuous low-emissivity coating comprising a plurality of coating voids, the discontinuous low-emissivity coating disposed on and substantially coextensive in length and width with, an inner major surface of the first glass substrate, the inner major surface facing the gap.

11. The optical construction of claim 10, wherein the first electrically continuous antenna and the second electrically continuous antenna each extend across two or more of the coating voids in the discontinuous low-emissivity layer.

12. The optical construction of claim 8, wherein the gap is filled with air.

13. The optical construction of claim 8, wherein the gap is filled with argon.

14. The optical construction of claim 10, wherein the discontinuous low-emissivity layer is substantially transparent to at least a first range of radio frequency signals.

15. The optical construction of claim 10, wherein the coating voids divide the discontinuous low-emissivity layer into a plurality of electrically-isolated first portions of the discontinuous low- emissivity layer.

16. The dual-pane window of claim 15, wherein the coating voids define a pattern of intersecting lines or curves.

17. An optical construction, comprising; a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate, defining a gap therebetween; a first electrically continuous antenna disposed at a first location on an outer major surface of the first glass substrate, the outer major surface of the first glass substrate facing away from the gap; and a second electrically continuous antenna disposed on a second location on an outer major surface of the second glass substrate, the outer major surface of the second glass substrate facing away from the gap; wherein the first location and the second location are substantially aligned along a thickness direction of the dual-pane window; and wherein, for electromagnetic signals at a first wavelength, Wl, and incident on the optical construction at an angle of incidence greater than about 30 degrees, the optical construction has a first signal transmission power, Hl, for horizontally polarized electromagnetic signals, and a second signal transmission power, VI, for vertically polarized electromagnetic signals, and a second comparative optical construction identical to the optical construction except it does not comprise a first electrically continuous antenna or a second electrically continuous antenna has a third signal transmission power, H2, for horizontally polarized electromagnetic signals, and a fourth signal transmission power, V2, for vertically polarized electromagnetic signals, such that the difference between Hl and VI is less than between H2 and V2 by at least about 3 dB.

18. The optical construction of claim 17, wherein VI is greater than V2.

19. The optical construction of claim 17, wherein Hl is within about 5 dB of H2.

20. The optical construction of claim 17, further comprising a discontinuous low-emissivity coating comprising a plurality of coating voids, the discontinuous low-emissivity coating disposed on and substantially coextensive in length and width with, an inner major surface of the first glass substrate, the inner major surface facing the gap; and wherein the first electrically continuous antenna and the second electrically continuous antenna each extend across two or more of the coating voids in the discontinuous low-emissivity layer.

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