System and method for increasing the channel capacity of HVAC ducts for wireless communications in buildings
First Claim
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1. A system for transmitting wireless communications within ductwork, comprising:
- a plurality of transmitter devices for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation, said transmitter devices comprising a transmitter array, wherein the transmitter devices are configured to introduce the electromagnetic radiation using multiple propagation modes;
a plurality of receiver devices for detecting the electromagnetic radiation within the ductwork, said receiver devices comprising a receiver array; and
a distribution circuit in communication with the transmitter array for merging the contents of one or more data channels into a plurality of data streams for processing the data streams to generate corresponding communication signals suitable for wireless transmission, and for transmitting the communication signals to the transmitter array.
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Abstract
A system for transmitting wireless communications within ductwork. The system includes a plurality of transmitter devices for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation, said transmitter devices comprising a transmitter array, wherein the transmitter devices are configured to introduce the electromagnetic radiation using multiple propagation modes. The system also includes a plurality of receiver devices for detecting the electromagnetic radiation within the ductwork, said receiver devices comprising a receiver array.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A system for transmitting wireless communications within ductwork, comprising:
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a plurality of transmitter devices for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation, said transmitter devices comprising a transmitter array, wherein the transmitter devices are configured to introduce the electromagnetic radiation using multiple propagation modes;
a plurality of receiver devices for detecting the electromagnetic radiation within the ductwork, said receiver devices comprising a receiver array; and
a distribution circuit in communication with the transmitter array for merging the contents of one or more data channels into a plurality of data streams for processing the data streams to generate corresponding communication signals suitable for wireless transmission, and for transmitting the communication signals to the transmitter array. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A system for transmitting wireless communications within ductwork, comprising:
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means for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation, said means for introducing comprising a transmitter array, wherein the transmitter array is configured to introduce the electromagnetic radiation using multiple propagation modes;
means for detecting the electromagnetic radiation within the ductwork, said means for detecting comprising a receiver array; and
means for merging the contents of one or more data channels into a plurality of data streams, for processing the data streams to generate corresponding communication signals suitable for wireless transmission, and for transmitting the communication signals to the transmitter array.
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19. A method for transmitting wireless communications within ductwork, comprising:
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introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork using a plurality of transmitter devices such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation, said transmitter devices comprising a transmitter array, wherein the transmitter array is configured to introduce the electromagnetic radiation using multiple propagation modes;
detecting the electromagnetic radiation using a plurality of receiver devices within the ductwork, said receiver devices comprising a receiver array;
merging the contents of one or more data channels into a plurality of data streams;
processing the data streams to generate corresponding communication signals suitable for wireless transmission; and
transmitting the communication signals to the transmitter array.
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20. A system for transmitting wireless communications within ductwork, comprising:
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a plurality of transmitter devices for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation, said transmitter devices comprising a transmitter array, wherein the transmitter devices are configured to introduce the electromagnetic radiation using multiple propagation modes;
a plurality of receiver devices for detecting the electromagnetic radiation within the ductwork, said receiver devices comprising a receiver array; and
a combination circuit for receiving communication signals from the receiver array, for processing the communication signals to generate a plurality of data streams, and for extracting from the data streams one or more data channels.
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21. A system for transmitting wireless communications within ductwork, comprising:
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means for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation, said means for introducing comprising a transmitter array, wherein the transmitter array is configured to introduce the electromagnetic radiation using multiple propagation modes;
means for detecting the electromagnetic radiation within the ductwork, said means for detecting comprising a receiver array; and
means for receiving communication signals from the receiver array, for processing the communication signals to generate a plurality of data streams, and for extracting from the data streams one or more data channels.
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22. A method for transmitting wireless communications within ductwork, comprising:
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introducing electromagnetic radiation into the ductwork using a plurality of transmitter devices such that the ductwork acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation, said transmitter devices comprising a transmitter array, wherein the transmitter array is configured to introduce the electromagnetic radiation using multiple propagation modes;
detecting the electromagnetic radiation using a plurality of receiver devices within the ductwork, said receiver devices comprising a receiver array;
receiving communication signals from the receiver array;
processing the communication signals to generate a plurality of data streams; and
extracting from the data streams one or more data channels.
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Specification