Method and apparatus for information conveyance and distribution
First Claim
1. An apparatus for bidirectional conveyance of a spectrum of guided or focused information-carrying electromagnetic signals, including at least first inbound and outbound spectrums and second inbound and outbound spectrums, for distribution among end users, including at least first and second end users, said apparatus comprising:
- at least one propagation medium (“
PM”
); and
first and second propagation medium adapters (“
PMAs”
) coupled to said propagation medium.
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Abstract
The method and apparatus for information conveyance and distribution to bidirectionally focus or guide a wide spectrum of electromagnetic waves propagated over a possible variety of propagation media, including free space or wireless, surface wave, and cable or wired transmission lines. The apparatus communicates with information devices immediately adjacent to these media wherein the devices, which are not themselves part of the apparatus, may have electromagnetic access to one another. The apparatus maintains adequate signal to noise ratio and low distortion for a possible variety of different signal modulation and encoding types which it can support while permitting transparent, simultaneous communications among a variety of devices. Spread spectrum techniques may be used within the apparatus to mitigate propagation medium distortions and impairments as well as to control access and provide a means for securing information within the corridor and for obtaining revenue. Adapters may be employed to provide either full or half duplex access to the information devices which utilize it.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. An apparatus for bidirectional conveyance of a spectrum of guided or focused information-carrying electromagnetic signals, including at least first inbound and outbound spectrums and second inbound and outbound spectrums, for distribution among end users, including at least first and second end users, said apparatus comprising:
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at least one propagation medium (“
PM”
); and
first and second propagation medium adapters (“
PMAs”
) coupled to said propagation medium. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for bidirectional transmission of a spectrum of electromagnetic signals over a medium, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing a propagation medium;
coupling first and second propagation medium adapters to said propagation medium;
delivering a first inbound spectrum to said first propagation medium adapter, through said propagation medium, and to said second propagation medium adapter; and
delivering a first outbound spectrum from said second propagation medium adapter to a first end user. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24)
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25. A method for transparent, simultaneous, and bidirectional conveyance of a spectrum of focused or guided electromagnetic signals among end users, including at least first and second end users, comprising the steps of:
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providing at least one propagation medium (PM) suited for the intended environment of use, said PM selected from the group consisting of dielectric waveguide, conductive waveguide, coaxial transmission line, surface wave transmission line, and free space;
providing at least first and second propagation medium adapters (PMAs) for coupling at least one PMA to said PM between said PM and said end users, said PMAs selected from the group consisting of antennas, surfacewave launches, waveguide connectors, coaxial connectors, and electro/optical transducers;
delivering a first inbound spectrum to said first propagation medium adapter, through said propagation medium, and to said second propagation medium adapter;
delivering a first outbound spectrum from said second propagation medium adapter to the first end user;
delivering a second inbound spectrum to said second propagation medium adapter, through said propagation medium, and to said first propagation medium adapter; and
delivering a second outbound spectrum from said first propagation medium adapter to a second end user. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. An apparatus for transparent, simultaneous, and bidirectional conveyance of a spectrum of focused and/or guided electromagnetic signals among end users, including at least first and second end users, said apparatus comprising:
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at least one functional group of electronic components, each of said group in electromagnetic communication with at least one other functional group, if any, each of said functional groups including;
(a) at least one propagation medium (PM) selected from the group consisting of dielectric waveguide, conductive waveguide, coaxial transmission line, surface wave transmission line, and free space; and
(b) a first and second propagation medium adapter (PMAs) coupled to said PM and interposed between said PM and said end users, said PMAs selected from the group consisting of antennas, surfacewave launches, waveguide connectors, coaxial connectors, and electro/optical transducers;
a first inbound spectrum transmitted to said first propagation medium adapter, through said propagation medium, and to said second propagation medium adapter;
a first outbound spectrum from said second propagation medium adapter to a second end user;
a second inbound spectrum to said second propagation medium adapter, through said propagation medium, and to said first propagation medium adapter; and
a second outbound spectrum from said first propagation medium adapter to a first end user. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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Specification