Integrated Embedded-Sensor Distributed Antennas for Lower System Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building automation systems face complexity due to the lack of integration of wireless communication enhancement and sensing technologies, particularly in smart buildings, which complicates the connection and management of devices and RF signal quality.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system for communication and sensing that includes distributed antennas with embedded sensors, generating a digital map view of a building based on sensor data from these antennas, allowing users to select and display relevant data through a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless mesh networking techniques (ZigBee, BLE) and wired techniques (PLC) are used to connect building automation devices, then device connectivity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines building automation devices with RF signal distribution points into integrated nodes. Each antenna serves dual purposes: distributing RF signals to enhance wireless communication coverage and collecting sensor data from the environment. This merging eliminates the need for separate wiring infrastructures for automation devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed antenna system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: RF signal distribution, data collection from embedded sensors, and providing communication pathways for building automation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems needed, thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate systems are used for building automation and RF signal quality enhancement, then system specialization is improved, but integration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges building automation functionality with RF signal distribution by embedding sensors within the antenna structures. This integration allows both specialized functions (RF enhancement and environmental sensing) to coexist within a unified infrastructure, eliminating the need for complex inter-system connections and data protocols.
3Measurement precision
If distributed antennas with embedded sensors are integrated into the signal distribution network, then sensing capability is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal distribution network is enhanced to serve dual purposes: traditional RF signal distribution and sensor data collection. By utilizing existing network infrastructure for both functions, the patent avoids creating a separate complex sensor network, thereby improving sensing capability without proportionally increasing network complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for communicating and sensing for distributed antennas associated with a building. Each of a number of antennas distributed geographically within the building include one or more sensors, each of the one or more sensors being configured to sense an environmental condition associated with the building and generate sensor data. A sensor processor is configured to receive the sensor data and generate a digital map view of a portion of the building based on locations of the plurality of antennas, the map view including a digital representation of the sensor data.