Transparent Phased Array Antenna for Window Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In urban environments with high subscriber density, conventional wireless antenna setups are obstructive and require manual aiming, occupying valuable window space and increasing installation complexity due to the need for manual repositioning for optimal signal focusing.
Innovation Solution
A transparent wireless node with microstrips or conductive circuits on a transparent substrate, featuring a phased array antenna system that allows for electronic beam steering and Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) techniques, enabling unobtrusive window mounting and automatic signal alignment without manual aiming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional opaque antennas are mounted in windows, then signal transmission is achieved, but visual obstruction increases and aesthetic appeal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies transparency to the antenna structure, transforming it from an opaque obstructive object to a transparent one that allows light passage. The transparent substrate with integrated antenna elements changes the visual appearance from blocking to non-obstructive, while maintaining full signal transmission capability through the transparent materials and design.
2Measurement precision
If manual aiming is used to optimize signal direction, then installation precision can be achieved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic beam forming and electronic steering capabilities that allow the antenna system to self-align and optimize signal transmission without manual intervention. The system automatically adjusts beam direction and focuses signals, eliminating the need for manual aiming while maintaining high precision alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical aiming with electronic beam forming and digital signal processing. Instead of physically adjusting antenna orientation, the system uses electronic phase control and signal processing to achieve precise directional transmission, substituting mechanical adjustment with electronic control.
3Productivity
If directional beam forming is implemented, then signal capacity and quality improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single transparent antenna unit: signal transmission, beam forming, electronic steering, and automatic alignment are all combined in one device. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high network capacity while avoiding the need for separate complex subsystems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electronic phase and amplitude parameter control to achieve beam forming and directional transmission. By dynamically adjusting electrical parameters (phase shifts, amplitude weights) rather than physical structure, the system achieves high capacity transmission with flexible, reconfigurable control that reduces overall system complexity.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, high-capacity wireless network by minimizing visual obstruction and simplifying installation, as the transparent antenna system can be hung in windows without obstructing the view and automatically adjusts its beam direction for optimal signal transmission and reception.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-element transparent directional antenna includes a plurality of antenna elements arranged on a surface of the substrate for providing beamforming to a resulting signal transmitted from the antenna elements
Implementation Method 2
Each subscriber employs a configuration for communication 'upstream' to the ISP and 'downstream' to other subscriber nodes. Each subscriber node includes a router and one or more radios with directional antennas for communication with adjacent nodes
Implementation Method 3
Mounting in or near windows works well because, in general, RF signals are not severely attenuated by ordinary window glass
Implementation Method 4
High density, high capacity, networks are formed using directional antennas with either fixed aiming or electronic beam forming and beam steering with directional beams used to reduce received interference and significantly increase total capacity (via spatial reuse of available spectrum)
Data Source
AI summary
An urban environment having many subscribers in close proximity is interconnected by a line of sight wireless network such that individual subscribers connect to an ISP backbone or hub directly or indirectly through other subscribers in the wireless network. A set of subscribers therefore form a multi-node mesh network of line-of-sight adjacency. In an urban environment, line-of-sight adjacency between buildings is facilitated by window placement of transparent directional antennas. High density, high capacity, networks are formed using the transparent directional antennas where transparency facilitates window mounting and directionality reduces received interference and increases capacity. Each subscriber employs a configuration for communication “upstream” towards the ISP and “downstream” to other subscriber nodes. Each subscriber node includes one or more radios for communication upstream and downstream, a router, and a transparent directional antenna for communication with adjacent nodes.