HB2O Relay Through-Window RF Signal Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-band 5G radiofrequency signals struggle to pass through typical building structures like low-emissivity glass windows, limiting their deployment in homes, offices, and vehicles due to their short range and inability to penetrate these materials.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a pair of high-band-to-optical (HB2O) relays on either side of a window, which convert high-band radiofrequency signals to optical signals that can pass through the window, allowing communication between networks on either side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high-band 5G radiofrequency signals are used to achieve gigabit-per-second download speeds, then data transmission speed is improved, but the ability to pass through building structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical signal as an intermediary carrier to transfer data through the window. The system converts RF signals to optical signals that can pass through Low-E glass, then converts them back to RF signals on the other side, using the optical signal as a mediator to overcome the blocking effect of building structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct electromagnetic RF signal transmission mechanism with an optical signal transmission mechanism. By substituting the RF frequency range with optical frequencies, the system exploits the different interaction properties of light with Low-E glass compared to radiofrequency waves, enabling penetration where direct RF transmission fails
2Quantity of substance
If millimeter-wave frequencies between 24.250 GHz and 52.600 GHz are used, then bandwidth capacity is improved, but range and penetration capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical signals as an intermediary to extend the effective range of millimeter-wave communications through building structures. The optical carrier enables the signal to traverse the window barrier, effectively extending the communication range into areas previously inaccessible to direct millimeter-wave signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the signal from millimeter-wave range to optical range for transmission through the window, then converts back to millimeter-wave. This parameter transformation allows the signal to maintain high bandwidth capacity while overcoming the range limitation imposed by building structures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable communication across windows by converting high-band RF signals to optical signals that can traverse the window, effectively extending the range of high-band 5G networks into previously inaccessible areas.
Implementation Method 1
One of the relays receives a high-band radiofrequency (HB-RF) communication signal that is unable to pass through the window and converts the HB-RF communication signal to an optical communication signal
Implementation Method 2
As the window is substantially transparent to visible-spectrum light, the optical communication signal can pass through the window
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for relaying of high-band radiofrequency communications through a window that would otherwise partially or completely block the communications. For example, embodiments include a pair of high-band-to-optical (HB2O) relays mounted on either side of a window. One of the relays receives a high-band radiofrequency (HB-RF) communication signal that is unable to pass through the window and converts the HB-RF communication signal to an optical communication signal. As the window is substantially transparent to visible-spectrum light, the optical communication signal can pass through the window. The optical communication signal is transmitted through the window to the other HB2O relay, and the other HB2O relay converts back to a HB-RF communication signal. Thus, HB-RF networks on either side of the window can be communicatively coupled via the optical communications provided by the pair of relays.