Electromagnetic field communications system for wireless networks

• US 6,917,785 B2
• Filed: 02/04/2003
• Issued: 07/12/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cocomo MB Communications, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Cocomo MB Communications, Inc.
• Inventors: Chadwick, George G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Lee
• Assistant Examiner(s): WEST, LEWIS G
• Application Number:
  US10/358,743
• Publication Number:
  US 20030143945A1
• Time in Patent Office: 889 Days
• Field of Search: 455/93, 455/523, 455/3.01, 455/3.06, 455/41.1, 455/41.2, 455/9, 455/402, 455/899, 455/66, 340/310.01, 340/310.06, 340/310.08, 343/904, 333/227, 379/55.1
• US Class Current: 455/3.06
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/007 specially adapted for indoor communication
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/22 by structural association with other equipment or articles
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/2208 associated with components used in interrogation type services, i.e. in systems for information exchange between an interrogator/reader and a tag/transponder, e.g. in Radio Frequency Identification [RFID] systems methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns G06K7/00; record carrier for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K19/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/46 Electric supply lines or communication lines
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/526 Electromagnetic shields

Abstract

An Electromagnetic Field Communications System for Wireless Networks for producing an electromagnetic field within a structure is disclosed. The electromagnetic field is produced by using common conductive elements already present within virtually all pre-existing residential commercial, industrial buildings. These conductors, which may include electrical ground shields, wiring, pipes, sprinkler conduits or structural members, are excited with a signal, and become the cavity which contains the electromagnetic field. In preferred embodiments of the invention, signals are generated using the High Frequency, Very High Frequency and lower UHF bands (3 to 30, 30 to 300 and up to 400 MHz). The invention may be used to create a local area network inside the field and within the structure. Devices that include receivers tuned to the electromagnetic field may then be connected and networked. The system may be operated without causing interference to other conventional radio devices outside the structure in the HF band.

Claims

1. A method comprising the steps of:

generating a radio frequency signal;

feeding said frequency signal to a conductor;

said conductor being a conductive array existing within a structure;

creating a quasi-static non-propagating electromagnetic field within said structure, said electromagnetic field extending from said conductor in a manner such that said structure forms a cavity resonator; and

using said electromagnetic field to convey said radio frequency signal to a receiver generally located within said structure.

2. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said radio frequency signal is generated using the High Frequency band.

3. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said radio frequency signal is generated using the Very High Frequency band.

4. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said radio frequency signal is generated using a frequency band which does not generally cause interference outside said structure in the HF band.

5. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said radio frequency signal is fed to said conductor using a direct, hard-wired connection.

6. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said radio frequency signal is fed to said conductor by exciting said conductor with transmitted radio frequency energy.

7. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said conductor is an electrical wire.

8. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said conductor is a water pipe.

9. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said conductor is a structural member.

10. A method as recited in claim 1, comprising the additional steps of:

installing said receiver by inserting a conventional power plug into a conventional electrical socket; and

feeding said signal to said conductor through a third ground prong on said power plug.