JP2002271226A - Ceiling tile transmitter and receiver system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem of the need for considering that digital electronic equipment should be introduced, at designing of a building due to the spread of such electronic equipment. SOLUTION: A ceiling tile transmitter and receiver system is provided with at least one transmitter/receiver located in a ceiling panel during or after the ceiling panel manufacturing process. In one embodiment, one or more pockets of variable size and shape are formed on the surface of the ceiling panel, during or after the ceiling panel manufacturing process, and a transmitter/receiver, for example, an RF(radio frequency) antenna is rigidly fixed in the pocket. In another embodiment, the transmitter/receiver is embedded in the front side (lower surface) of the ceiling tile, and a 'scrim' covering is placed over the transmitter/receiver to secure it at a prescribed position. The transmitter/ receiver can be embedded inside the ceiling tile or rigidly fixed on the upper, lower, or side surface of the ceiling tile.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, there has been an increasing need to improve design flexibility in building design or improvement work.
With the widespread use of digital electronic devices, building designs are now digital communication, Internet connection, LAN connection,
It is necessary to take in equipment such as an increasing voice communication function.
Similarly, more and more electrical appliances, such as security appliances, acoustic appliances, call appliances, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HV)
AC) Fixtures, lighting fixtures and air conditioning systems are digitally controlled. These technologies are increasingly focusing on building designs, including communication bus systems between various appliances and a central control system.

[0002] Building management systems for controlling these appliances are also evolving. Computer control is now the basis of building management systems. This paved the way for measurement and control of the appliance. With the addition of computer control, enormous savings in energy costs are achieved in that the turning on or off of the device or the adjustment of the appliances is based on the needs of the user or even those expressed by the user. Further, the building management function can be executed from outside the building by remote control of the system.

[0003] The building management system includes various appliances for building service functions, a control system for controlling and regulating these appliances, and communications for signal communication between the control system and the appliances. A bus is included. Such systems are used for central management of building functions. For example, it is used for central management of lighting, heating and ventilation. The appliances include, for example, lighting fixtures, heating equipment, air conditioners or electrically movable window blinds. In office buildings and joint commercial and industrial buildings, central management of energy consuming services allows lighting or temperature levels to be adapted relatively easily to the demands that actually exist. This saves considerable energy and costs. Such a system allows accurate monitoring of energy consumption and accurate billing for users of multi-user buildings. Such a building management system may also be used for peak savings to meet power company requirements to maintain power consumption below a contracted maximum level.

[0004] Many building management systems have different capabilities, so that they have different transmitter / receivers in the same ceiling system and, more importantly, these different transmitter / receivers. Will have different ways of integrating For example, one communication system may require one frequency setting while another communication system requires a completely different frequency setting. Similarly, one communication system may require one power or gain while another communication system may require completely different power or gain. Since the antenna gain is related to the size of the antenna, if a larger gain is required, the size of the antenna increases.

[0005] Aesthetics have become of major importance in building ceiling systems. Many ceiling manufacturers offer a wide variety of designs and colors for suspended ceilings.

In addition, many appliances are mounted on ceiling panels or ceiling suspension grids,
Or hanging from them. Unfortunately, today, theft and vandalism are a problem, and occasionally smoke detectors, fire alarms, lighting fixtures, etc. can be destroyed.

[0007] In known systems, the local controller and the appliances are connected by wires to a communication bus. This is a disadvantage in modern office or commercial condominium buildings, as the spatial layout often changes. Changes in spatial layout almost always require the replacement of appliances and often require breaking internal walls and rebuilding. In order to realize a flexible floor layout at low cost, it is necessary to minimize wiring in the wall. However, it is also essential that the building user have full control over the location of the fixture. Therefore, it is unacceptable that the device can only be placed in place. In current systems, a hardwired communication bus is used to connect multiple local room wireless transmission / reception systems. These wireless transmission / reception systems are used for communication between buses and room appliances. However, communication bus systems are still in a "hard-wire" configuration. This leads to reduced flexibility, as the number of square feet in a room may change over time. Therefore, the transmitter / receiver and the hardwire communication bus also need to be changed or rerouted. Rerouting or changing the current transmitter / receiver system requires modification of the ceiling panels (perforation / punching / cutting) and replacement of ceiling tiles incorporating the transmitter / receiver.

[0008] If the transmitting / receiving device is suspended from the ceiling panel, there is another problem that the appearance is not good. After much design and expense has been invested in the ceiling panel system, a rod or bowl antenna system is added to the ceiling panel so that the ceiling panel can communicate with the underlying appliances. However, little consideration has been given to the antenna and ceiling panel joining system from the viewpoint of interior aesthetics.

[0009] Another problem that has arisen in the industry is vandalism and theft. If the device is visible to the naked eye, it is more likely to be tampered or removed.

Yet another problem arises when designing ceiling tile panels that can integrate antennas of different sizes. In manufacturing and selling ceiling tiles, the process must be flexible to accommodate all of the different part numbers depending on the transmitter / receiver.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The basic concept of the present invention is to glue or embed at least one transmitter / receiver into a ceiling panel during or after the ceiling panel manufacturing process. The inventive concept includes a number of related embodiments. In a first embodiment, at least one pocket has
Behind the ceiling panel, which can be changed in size and shape, is provided by a ceiling panel manufacturing process, and a transmitter / receiver, for example, an RF antenna, is firmly fixed in a pocket after the ceiling panel is manufactured.

In another embodiment, the transmitter / receiver is embedded on the front side of the ceiling tile and a "scrim" cover is placed thereon. The transmitter / receiver may be embedded inside the ceiling tile or may be rigidly fixed to the top or side of the ceiling tile. The transmitter / receiver can also be embedded in the front of the ceiling tile. In this case, the transmitter augments or is integrated into the overall aesthetic of the ceiling tile. Various combinations of these embodiments can also be used with one ceiling tile.

[0013] Another concept of the present invention has a manufacturing aspect. There are several different ceiling tile manufacturing processes that can be used to embed the transmitter / receiver. A heat resistant "position lock" structure compatible with ceiling tiling can also be provided, which can later be removed for mounting the transmitter / receiver.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In a first embodiment of the present invention, at least one pocket is created on the underside of the ceiling panel during the ceiling panel manufacturing process. In so doing, each pocket can be of different sizes and shapes, and the antenna or other electronic components are firmly fixed in these pockets after the ceiling panel manufacturing process. FIG. 1 shows a cross section of a ceiling tile 1 with a back surface (facing the plenum) 10 and a front surface (facing the room) 20. Throughout this description, the terms “back side” and “top side” are used interchangeably. Similarly, "front surface" and "lower surface" are used interchangeably. In the figure, pockets 2, 3 and 4 are depicted. These pockets
Width, to accommodate the various sizes and shapes that the transmit / receive antenna or other electronic device to be inserted may have
Made with different dimensions in length and depth.

After the ceiling tile is completely manufactured, the pockets 2, 3, and 4 can be cut using a ceiling tile router. These pockets can also be stamped on the backside after the ceiling tiles have been wet manufactured. Alternatively, these pockets can also be defined by placing a ceramic stator during the ceiling tile molding process, so that the ceiling tile is wet molded and then cured. When the ceiling tile dries, the ceramic stator is removed. The above methods are just some possible ways to create these pockets.

FIG. 2 shows a ceiling tile 1 with an antenna 50 having a conductor 60. This antenna 50
Has a conductor 60 and can be used for transmitting or receiving radio frequency (RF) signals. This antenna is arranged in a pocket 2 of a ceiling tile 1. The pocket is designed to accommodate any of a variety of sizes and shapes of antennas to be placed in the pocket. These antennas can be easily glued or clamped into pockets. The conductors are usually coaxial with connectors for easy connection.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the transmitter / receiver is embedded on the front side of the ceiling tile, and a "scrim" cover is placed thereon. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3 by a ceiling tile 1 having an upper surface 203 and a lower surface 202. This structure is shown opposite to the structure shown in FIGS. Figure 1
In FIGS. 2 and 3, the back side of the ceiling tile is facing up, while in FIG. 3, the front side of the ceiling tile is facing up. Pockets 30 and 31 are shown and are made as before. The antenna 50 is located / fixed in the pocket 30 and the conductor 51 is routed through the underside of the ceiling tile. A hole is formed from the pocket to the back of the ceiling tile by a drill or other means. The scrim 201 is a covering laid and adhered to the front surface 203 of the ceiling tile 1, and is usually used for an aesthetic ceiling tile. As you can see, this scrim covers both the ceiling tile 1 and the antenna 50.

In mass production of ceiling tiles, many pockets are formed in the ceiling tiles, but unlike the above discussion, no antenna may be inserted. In the example of FIG. 3, the scrim also covers an empty pocket 31. If some pockets are too wide or too deep to cover efficiently without the scrim, or if the scrim in that part cannot be covered efficiently without deformation, An antenna structure is located in the pocket. The antenna is bonded together with the dummy structure, if any.

In a third embodiment of the invention, the transmitting / receiving device is embedded inside a ceiling tile. As shown in FIG. 4, in one application, the antenna 50 in the pocket 2 with the protruding wires 60 is effectively located in the ceiling tile 1 with the back surface 10 and the front surface 20. Can be embedded. Note that the protruding wires 60 protrude from the back surface 10. This embodiment completely protects the antenna from any external sources of mechanical damage,
In addition, the antenna or device is protected from the environment, such as moisture received from ceiling tiles.

An antenna or device is sealed during part of the ceiling tile manufacturing process if the maximum temperature of the ceiling tile manufacturing process is below the limit that the antenna can withstand. During normal ceiling tile production, temperatures often reach 350 ° C. The semiconductor process used to form the antenna is typically above 350 ° C. level, and the thermoset adhesive used to secure the remaining antenna structure is at 350 ° C., the limit of the ceiling tile process. It can be higher than C.

Another way to completely seal the antenna is to form a deep pocket in the ceiling tile as shown in FIG. The antenna is then fixed in this deep pocket, followed by filling the remaining openings with ceiling tile padding. This padding is adhered to the antenna or forms a cured paste on the antenna.

In another embodiment of the invention, the transmitter / receiver is rigidly fixed to the top or side of the ceiling tile. As shown in FIG. 5, the antenna or device 50 is fixedly secured to the back surface 10 of the ceiling tile 1 by adhesive, clamps or other means. As shown in FIG. 6, the antenna 50 is firmly fixed to the side of the ceiling tile 1 by a clamp or other means.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the transmitter is coated on the front side of the ceiling tile, wherein the transmitter enhances the overall aesthetics of the ceiling tile, or Is integrated into a beautiful aesthetic. 7 and 8 show a ceiling panel 1 having a back surface 10 and a front surface 20. FIG. Decorative surface features 30 are shown on the front surface for aesthetic appeal. Aesthetic surface features are intentionally missing, as can be seen in the area 40 on the front surface 20. As depicted in FIG.
The antenna or device 50 is located / fixed in the area 40 exactly where the surface features are to be defined. The antenna is coated as seen as surface features. The conductor 40 is shown passing from the front surface 10 to the back surface 20 which is hidden from view.

The ceiling tiles described herein /
The receiving system can be incorporated into a wireless communication surface that provides connectivity guarantees to the device. Such devices range from appliances to computer clients (workstations, laptops, handheld devices, etc.). In wireless communication systems, RF antennas, transceivers and receivers can be embedded or mounted in ceiling tiles.

As described herein, the transmitter / receiver can be embedded in a ceiling tile. Components of the transmission / reception system include a small antenna, a single chip transceiver, a sensor, a power source, a microprocessor, and so on. This transmission / reception system has 1
In one advantageous embodiment, an omnidirectional multistrip antenna is used. The omnidirectional multistrip antenna has an annular field pattern and provides omnidirectional coverage in any plane around the long axis of the antenna, and in any plane parallel to this long axis. Provide two lobes. An omnidirectional fresh air loaded patch element antenna as well as such a microstrip antenna can be used for different frequencies and for different application requirements. One example of an antenna that can be used is a microsphere omnidirectional microstrip antenna available from Xertex Technologies.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the manufacture of ceiling tiles incorporating a transmitting / receiving device that is embedded or attached during or after the production of the ceiling tile, the present invention relates to a transmitting / receiving device. Is equally applicable to mounting on a ceiling tile that already exists.
Providing a refurbishment kit to a building supplier, building contractor or other interested parties directly for this purpose is an easy extension. The refurbishment kit includes the tools and additional hardware necessary to form a pocket in an existing ceiling tile so that the transmitter / receiver can be adjusted or the transmitter / receiver can be pocketed. Or it can be fixedly attached to the surface of the ceiling tile.

Furthermore, an equivalent of any means having corresponding structure, material, operation and the functional requirements recited in the claims may be combined with other claimed requirements to achieve said function. Such structures, materials and operations are included as specifically claimed.

Although the present invention has been shown and described with particular reference to advantageous embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, which differ in shape and detail, will be within the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be appreciated that this is possible without departing from

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a ceiling tile with a pocket formed or cut on its back side to securely fasten an antenna or other electronics in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a ceiling tile with a pocket formed on the back side for enclosing a transmitter / receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a ceiling tile having a pocket formed on a back surface for enclosing a transmitting / receiving device and a scrim cover for attaching to a front surface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a transmitter / receiver embedded in a ceiling tile, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a transmitter / receiver rigidly fixed to the back of a ceiling tile, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a transmitter / receiver rigidly fixed to the side of a ceiling tile, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a ceiling tile having a plurality of surface features located on a front surface of the ceiling tile, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a transmitter / receiver coated on the front side of a ceiling tile according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ceiling tile 2 Pocket 3 Pocket 4 Pocket 10 Back surface 20 Front surface 30 Pocket 31 Pocket 50 Antenna 51 Conductor 60 Conductor 201 Scrim 202 Lower surface 203 Upper surface

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2E110 AA40 AB03 AB23 BA12 BC15 5K011 AA05 AA06 DA17 JA00 KA01

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. A ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system for transmitting and receiving an electromagnetic signal in a defined area of a building space, wherein the ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system includes a lower surface, an upper surface, and a plurality of side surfaces. At least one surface has a ceiling tile that has been modified to allow insertion of a transmitter / receiver, and at least one transmitter / receiver that is inserted into the at least one modified surface. Ceiling tile sending / receiving system. 2. The ceiling tile according to claim 1, wherein the at least one surface has been modified by forming at least one pocket recess in the at least one surface to allow insertion of a transmitter / receiver. Transmission / reception system. 3. The transmitting / receiving device is fixedly mounted in a pocket on an upper surface of the ceiling tile.
The ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system according to claim 2. 4. The ceiling tile transmission / reception system according to claim 2, wherein the transmission / reception device is fixedly mounted in a pocket on a lateral side surface of the ceiling tile. 5. The transmitting / receiving device is fixedly mounted in a pocket on a lower surface of the ceiling tile,
The ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system according to claim 2, further comprising a scrim cover that covers the entire lower surface of the ceiling tile. 6. The ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pocket recesses formed in said at least one surface for inserting said transmitting / receiving device. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic signal is a radio frequency (RF) signal, and the transmitting / receiving device is an RF antenna.
The ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system according to claim 1. 8. The ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system according to claim 7, wherein the RF antenna is a microstrip antenna. 9. The ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system according to claim 7, wherein the RF antenna has an omnidirectional outdoor load patch element. 10. The ceiling tile transmission / reception system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission / reception device is arranged on a plane formed by a lower surface of the ceiling suspension system. 11. The ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one transmitting / receiving device includes one or more small antennas, a single chip transceiver, an electromagnetic sensor, a power source, and a microprocessor. 12. A ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals within a defined area of a building space, the ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system comprising a lower surface, an upper surface, and a plurality of lateral surfaces. A ceiling tile transmission / reception system, comprising: a ceiling tile; and at least one transmission / reception device embedded inside the ceiling tile. 13. The ceiling tile transmission / reception according to claim 12, wherein the transmission / reception device is embedded adjacent to the lower surface and further has a scrim cover covering the entire lower surface of the ceiling tile. system. 14. The ceiling tile transmission / reception system according to claim 12, wherein the transmission / reception device is sealed inside the ceiling tile during a manufacturing process. 15. The transmitting / receiving device is embedded in the ceiling tile with an adhesive, and the adhesive is
The ceiling tile transmission / reception system according to claim 12, wherein a filling of the ceiling tile is bonded to the transmission / reception device to cover an opening formed in the ceiling tile. 16. The electromagnetic signal may be a radio frequency (RF) signal.
13. The ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system according to claim 12, wherein the transmitting / receiving device is a signal, and the transmitting / receiving device is an RF antenna. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the RF antenna is a microstrip antenna.
Receiving system. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the RF antenna comprises an omnidirectional outdoor load patch element. 19. The ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system according to claim 12, wherein said at least one transmitting / receiving device comprises one or more miniature antennas, a single chip transceiver, an electromagnetic sensor, a power source and a microprocessor. 20. A method for manufacturing a ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals in a defined area of a building space, wherein the ceiling tile is installed for installing a transmitting / receiving device. Forming at least one pocket recess on any of the exterior surfaces of any of the above, wherein the transmitting / receiving device is fixedly mounted in at least one pocket recess formed on said exterior surface. A method for making a tile sending / receiving system. 21. A method for fabricating a ceiling tile transmission / reception system according to claim 20, wherein said transmission / reception device is fixedly mounted in a pocket recess on an upper surface of said ceiling tile. 22. The method for making a ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system according to claim 20, wherein the transmitting / receiving device is fixedly mounted in a pocket recess on a lateral side of the ceiling tile. 23. The transmitting / receiving device is fixedly mounted in a pocket recess on a lower surface of the ceiling tile,
21. The method for fabricating a ceiling tile sending / receiving system according to claim 20, further comprising bonding a scrim cover to the entire lower surface of the ceiling tile. 24. The ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system according to claim 20, further comprising forming a pocket recess on the exterior surface of the ceiling tile by cutting a pocket using a ceiling tile router. Way for. 25. The method of claim 20, further comprising stamping a pocket on the exterior surface after the ceiling tile is wet manufactured to form a pocket depression.
A method for making the described ceiling tile sending / receiving system. 26. A pocket recess formed by placing a ceramic pocket position fixing means during the formation and curing of said ceiling tile, said ceramic position fixing means being formed after said ceiling tile dries. 21. A method for making a ceiling tile transmitting / receiving system according to claim 20, wherein the method comprises: 27. The transmitting / receiving device includes one or more small antennas, a single chip transceiver, an electromagnetic sensor, a power source, and a microprocessor.
A method for making a ceiling tile sending / receiving system according to claim 20.