WO2018148680A1 - Constant data connection system assembly and method of use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A constant data connection system assembly and method of use thereof. The constant data connection system of the present invention can be built into the striping system on the roadways or can be utilized as an antenna when included upon walls or structures of a building.

Description

CONSTANT DATA CONNECTION SYSTEM ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE

THEREOF

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to (a) U.S. Patent Appl. Serial No. 62/457,700, filed February 10, 2017, (b) U.S. Patent Appl. Serial No. 62/550,280, filed August 25, 2017, and (c) U.S. Patent Appl. Serial No. 62/624605, filed January 31, 2018. Each of these patent applications are entitled "Constant Data Connection System Assembly And Method Of Use Thereof," are commonly assigned the assignee and applicant of the present invention, and are incorporated herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] A telecommunications medium that can be utilized as a constant data connection and more particular utilizing the telecommunication medium on existing structures (such as road striping or walls and structure of a building) as a constant data connection.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a constant data connection system assembly and method of use thereof. The constant data connection system of the present invention can be built into the striping system on the roadways or can be utilized as an antenna when included upon walls or structures of a building.

[0004] In general, in one aspect, the invention features a system that includes a communications system. The communication system includes an antenna. The antenna includes a dielectric substrate having a first face and a second face. The dielectric substrate includes a dielectric material. The antenna further includes a ground plate connected to the first face of the dielectric substrate. The antenna further includes an electrically conductive material positioned in an antenna pattern on the second face of the dielectric substrate. The antenna pattern is positioned on the second face substantially along a longitudinal axis. The antenna is capable of conducting electricity that results in the creation a resonance frequency for the antenna and a voltage field that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The communication system further includes a power source electrically connected to the antenna.

[0005] Implementations of the invention can include one or more of the following features:

[0006] The communication system can further include a control system that is electrically connected to the antenna and power source and is operable to control the communication system.

[0007] The electrically conductive material of the antenna patterns can include a material selected from a group consisting of copper, nickel, silver, graphene, and combinations thereof.

[0008] The antenna can be installed on a roadway or on an exterior wall of a building.

[0009] The antenna can be installed on the roadway.

[0010] The communication system can be capable of communicating with communication devices located in or within vehicles traversing upon the roadway.

[0011] The system can be part of the road stripping of the roadway.

[0012] The antenna can be installed on the exterior wall of a building.

[0013] The antenna can be installed at street level of the building.

[0014] The antenna can be installed at an altitude of the building above street level of the building.

[0015] The antenna can be part of a tile arrangement that can be positioned on the exterior wall of the building.

[0016] The antenna can be part of a striping that can be positioned on the exterior wall of the building.

[0017] The system can further include a lighting system operatively connected to the power source.

[0018] The system can include a control system that is electrically connected to the lighting system that is capable of controlling the lighting system. [0019] The lighting system can include LEDs.

[0020] The antenna design can be a plurality of circles that are electrically connected to one another.

[0021] Adjacent circles in the plurality of circles can be partially overlapping one another.

[0022] The overlap of the adjacent circles can be between about 5% and 8%.

[0023] The plurality of circles can each be operable to be a magnetic loop capable of generating a capacitance and inductance that effectively cancels each other out.

[0024] The plurality of circles can be positioned in an offset pattern.

[0025] The offset pattern can be a repeating pattern of (a) a first circle positioned along the longitudinal axis, (b) a second circle adjacent to, and electrically connected to, the first circle, which second circle is positioned offset in a first direction from the longitudinal axis, (c) a third circle adjacent to, and electrically connected to, the second circle, which third circle is positioned along the longitudinal axis, and (d) a fourth circle adjacent to, and electrically connected to, the third circle, which fourth circle is positioned offset in a second direction from the longitudinal axis.

[0026] The amount of the offset can be between about 10% and about 20% of the outer diameter of the circles in the repeating pattern.

[0027] The amount of the offset can result in the circles of the repeating pattern to be substantially in phase when creating the voltage field.

[0028] The circles can have a ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of between about 1.1 to about 1.2.

[0029] The resonance frequency of the antenna can be between about 2.4 GHz and about 6.0 GHz.

[0030] The communication system can further a protective top surface. The protective top surface can be operable to protect the communication system. [0031] The protective top surface can have openings through which lights of the lighting system can emit light.

[0032] The power system can be selected from a group consisting of (a) a solar power system, (b) a battery power system, (c) an electrical power grid, and (d) combinations thereof.

[0033] In general, in another aspect, the invention features an antenna. The antenna includes a dielectric substrate having a first face and a second face. The dielectric substrate includes a dielectric material. The antenna further includes a ground plate connected to the first face of the dielectric substrate. The antenna further includes an electrically conductive material positioned in an antenna pattern on the second face of the dielectric substrate. The antenna pattern is positioned on the second face substantially along a longitudinal axis. The antenna is capable of conducting electricity that results in the creation a resonance frequency for the antenna and a voltage field that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0034] Implementations of the invention can include one or more of the following features:

[0035] The electrically conductive material of the antenna patterns can include a material selected from a group consisting of copper, nickel, silver, graphene, and combinations thereof.

[0036] The antenna design can be a plurality of circles that are electrically connected to one another.

[0037] Adjacent circles in the plurality of circles can be partially overlapping one another.

[0038] The overlap of the adjacent circles can be between about 5% and 8%.

[0039] The plurality of circles each can be operable to be a magnetic loop capable of generating a capacitance and inductance that effectively cancels each other out.

[0040] The plurality of circles can be positioned in an offset pattern.

[0041] The offset pattern can be a repeating pattern of (a) a first circle positioned along the longitudinal axis, (b) a second circle adjacent to, and electrically connected to, the first circle, which second circle is positioned offset in a first direction from the longitudinal axis, (c) a third circle adjacent to, and electrically connected to, the second circle, which third circle is positioned along the longitudinal axis, and (d) a fourth circle adjacent to, and electrically connected to, the third circle, which fourth circle is positioned offset in a second direction from the longitudinal axis.

[0042] The amount of the offset can be between about 10% and about 20% of the outer diameter of the circles in the repeating pattern.

[0043] The amount of the offset can result in the circles of the repeating pattern to be substantially in phase when creating the voltage field.

[0044] The circles can have a ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of between about 1.1 to about 1.2.

[0045] The resonance frequency of the antenna can be between about 2.4 GHz and about 6.0 GHz.

[0046] In general, in another aspect, the invention features a method of making a communication system on a roadway or an exterior of a building. The method includes selecting an above- described antenna. The method further include preparing the surface of the roadway or the exterior of the building for installation of the antenna. The method further includes installing the antenna upon the roadway or the exterior of the building. The method further includes electrically connecting the antenna to a power source and controller.

[0047] Implementations of the invention can include one or more of the following features:

[0048] The method can further include selecting a lighting system. The method can further include installing the lighting system upon the roadway or the exterior of the building. The method can further include electrically connecting the lighting system to the power source and the controller.

[0049] The lighting system can include LEDs. [0050] The power source can be selected from the group consisting of (a) a solar power system,

(b) a battery power system, (c) an electrical power grid, and (d) combinations thereof.

[0051] The resonance frequency of the antenna can be between about 2.4 GHz and about 6.0 GHz.

[0052] The communication system can be installed on the roadway.

[0053] The step of preparing the surface of the roadway can include creating a trench.

[0054] The method can further include positioning one or electrical cables within the trench to connect the controller and power source to the antenna.

[0055] The one or more electrical cables positioned within the trench can connect the controller and power source to the lighting source.

[0056] The antenna can be part of the road stripping of the roadway.

[0057] The step of installing the antenna upon the roadway can be performed with equipment used to stripe the roadway.

[0058] The communication system can be installed on the exterior of a building.

[0059] The antenna can be part of a material that is positioned on the exterior of the building in stripes.

[0060] The antenna can be part of a material that is positioned on the exterior of the building in tiles or slates.

[0061] The power source can include the electrical power grid being connected from an interior of the building.

[0062] In general, in another aspect, the invention features a method that includes using one of the above-described systems as a constant data connection system.

[0063] Implementations of the invention can include one or more of the following features:

[0064] The method can include communicating with an autonomous/connected vehicle that is moving upon a roadway. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] FIGS. 1A reflects an antenna pattern design for the antenna for use in present invention.

[0066] FIG. IB reflects an antenna structure that includes the antenna design of FIG. 1 A.

[0067] FIG. 2 reflects an antenna structure having an alternative antenna pattern.

[0068] FIG. 3 reflects an antenna structure having an alternative antenna pattern.

[0069] FIG. 4 reflects an antenna structure having an alternative antenna pattern.

[0070] FIG. 5 reflects an antenna structure having an alternative antenna pattern.

[0071] FIG. 6 reflects an antenna structure having an alternative antenna pattern.

[0072] FIG. 7A illustrates a test apparatus in which a test antenna is positioned in the flat orientation.

[0073] FIGS. 7B-7D are photographs of the test antenna and the test apparatus that was illustrated in FIG. 7A

[0074] FIG. 8A illustrates the test apparatus of FIG. 7 in which the test antenna is positioned in the perpendicular orientation.

[0075] FIGS. 8B-8D are photographs of the test antenna and the test apparatus that was illustrated in FIG. 7A

[0076] FIGS. 9A-9B are graphs that show the return loss and voltage standing wave ratio

("VSWR") plots generated using this apparatus shown in FIGS. 7A and 8A.

[0077] FIG. 10A is an illustration of a road that includes road stripe embodiments of the present invention.

[0078] FIG. 10B is an illustration of a top view of one of the road stripe embodiments shown in FIG. 10A

[0079] FIG. IOC is an illustration of an exploded view of the road stripe embodiment shown in FIG. 10B [0080] FIG. 11 is an example of a cut design used in a cut of a road for installing a road stripe embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] FIG. 12A is an illustration of a road that includes road stripe embodiments of the present invention.

[0082] FIGS. 12B-12C are illustrations of a cutout of one of the road stripe embodiments illustrated in FIG. 12A.

[0083] FIG. 12D is an illustration showing a perpendicular connection of the road stripe embodiments illustrated in FIG. 12A.

[0084] FIG. 12E is an illustration of the subsurface showing the backbone system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0085] The present invention is directed to a constant data connection system assembly and method of use thereof. The constant data connection system of the present invention can be built in place of painted striping system on the roadways. In other embodiments, the paint or coating can be utilized as an antenna when applied to a building or other structure.

[0086] There is a new name for such wired-up roads and buildings. For instance, on January 2, 2017, The Wall Street Journal article entitled "States Wire Up Roads as Cars Get Faster," reported that: "The first step for the states, which oversee the vast majority of big roads, will be deciding how to communicate with cars as an array of auto makers and tech companies independently develop autonomous-driving technology."

[0087] For roadways systems, such a communication system can be accomplished by adding the system (such as a planer or nano antenna system) to the durable road markings or "stripes," or coating over the existing striping system with a clear coat enriched with a substance or metal antenna system. This can be accomplished in any number of different ways. In some embodiments, the coating can be added existing striping. The coating can utilize nano antennas in a nano coating

8 material, densified with silver or other metallic nanomaterials (such as copper, aluminum, iron or graphene etc) Other coatings can be formed using a combination of paint and a nano coating. In some embodiments, a top coating with a durable finish can be utilized in conjunction with the striping or painted lines.

[0088] The particles utilized general can range from 20 nm to 10 microns, and more generally, are nano particles that are been 20 nm and 100 nm. The percent of particle/nano particles used are from 1 wt% to 50 wt% and more generally from 5 wt% to 15 wt%.

[0089] The system and method of the present invention can include a data network that in communication with the constant data connection via satellite connection or fiber-optic connection or a traditional network connection. As communications with a cellular network cannot be guaranteed to virtually any location, it is very limited in its ability with relation to the availability of cellular tower connectivity. Therefore, a satellite data infrastructure can be utilized to provide bandwidth to the striping infrastructure. In some embodiments, small radio and satellite uplinks can be placed along the roadway that would serve as the pipeline for the data and the fiberoptic backbone. This approach then couples the telecommunication medium to the satellite infrastructure. For optimal connectivity a hard line or fiber-optic connection is preferred however, it is not necessary to physically connect the uplink to the telecommunication medium. For instance, a beam antenna or narrow band microwave can be aimed at the telecommunication medium to deliver or receive the bandwidth. The connection can be (alternatively or in addition) a physical connection. Wi-Fi hotspot can also be emitted at each uplink position and a parking area for consumers to utilize the constant data connection system in a safe manner.

[0090] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention can utilize bandwidth from the cellular and local Wi-Fi networks (where and when available), including when placement of the uplink systems described above are not feasible. This could be a cellular augmentation network where

9 the cellular network is deficient and the constant data connection is available. This enables the ability to connect when the user is on the roadway, even when at the fringes of a cellular network. The constant data connection would then allow the user to connect to it and augment the cellular system.

[0091] The system can be utilized at various communication frequencies. These frequencies can be adjusted through modifications of the antenna system or manufactured material. Coating and striping contents and formulations (such as through the utilization of various metals and densities). By using different substrate materials such as aluminum or powdered iron (for instance depending upon how dense you need the stripe of the antenna) to accommodate the signal strength needed and the distance desired to transmit. In addition to roads, such stripping systems can be also applied on vertical surfaces (such as buildings or signs).

[0092] In some embodiments, solar power can be used to supply the needed power for the constant data connection network. A series of solar panels can be installed to create the needed power grid. By doing so the constant data connection system can be self-sufficient and not require AC power in a traditional manner. In other embodiments, the constant data connection does utilize traditional power sources or sources. For instance, AC or DC power connections can be utilized in cities when feasible. In other embodiments, the constant data connection can be independent of the power grid in all situations possible.

[0093] In some other embodiments, a kinetic energy recharging system that is capable of returning energy to the power grid can be utilized.

[0094] In some embodiments, the constant data connection network can be powered additionally or alternatively by the vehicles driving upon it.

10 [0095] In some embodiments, the signage on the road can include, and be a part of, the constant data connection network. For instance, signage on the road can be manufactured with an antenna system to enable it to be part of the network.

[0096] In some embodiments, the constant data connection network can be incorporated into safety features on the roadway for the impaired, such as by being able to establish/enhance brail and/or vibrational technologies to smart watches and wearable devices that are carried by the visually impaired by establishing/increasing connectivity of such devices and delivering rich data capabilities.

[0097] In some embodiments, a print wheel can be utilized to apply the telecommunication medium of the constant data connection. For instance, an inkjet printing system or a print wheel that is the width of the stripe and the type of stencil will determine its height. Such wheel would enable the use of various stencil patterns that make up a stenciled antenna pattern once it is sprayed down or otherwise applied to the roadway.

[0098] In some embodiments, miniature light-emitting diodes ("LEDs") can also be incorporated into the striping material of the present invention that can also be used as a visual communication medium, by then adding the reflective beads. This would further increase the illumination (such as for vehicle drivers or by the technology utilized in autonomous/connected vehicles).

[0099] These lights or LED system could also be used as a warning system of many types like danger Amber or Silver Alerts or animals, weather conditions or potential oncoming vehicle threat or road obstructions, and alternative modes of transportation, such as bikes and humans that may be on or by the roadway.

[0100] In other embodiments, a film of the telecommunication medium can be pre-printed, which can be applied, such as by applying and vulcanizing to the top of a painted stripe on a roadway.

11 [0101] In other embodiments, a fast drying, nano T2 concrete coating (enriched with silver, copper, aluminum, iron or other conductive material) can be used. The thin coating (generally around 1-2 mils when dry) will allow for a dense concentration of the additive in an even consistent layer and an extremely durable surface. A heat dry system may also be incorporated to shorten the cure times. For a thicker coating (such as when a higher conductive additive is needed or required or when road traffic cannot be suspended for dry time), a UV cured coating (4-6 mils dry) can be utilized.

[0102] The particles utilized general can range from 20 nm to 10 microns, and more generally, are nano particles that are been 20 nm and 100 nm. The percent of particle/nano particles used are from 1 wt% to 50 wt % and more generally from 5 wt% to 15 wt%.

[0103] For instance, a composition that can be used in the present invention can be made by utilizing silver nanoparticles in the range of 20 nm to 100 nm and adding them in a percentage of around 5% to the T2 product.

[0104] The particles can be added during synthesis while manufacturing the T2 product so that they become covalently bonded to the other components to form a new matrix that is more robust in terms of durability and adhesion, unlike added components to finished products which do not covalently bond and are more rapidly destroyed by UV degradation and moisture exposure and are also easily abraded away. The T2 product is a flexible glassification process of surfaces or could be characterized as a ceramic overlay as well. The glass like structure is formed from silicon dioxide and is cured through hydrolysis caused by exposure to atmospheric oxygen, humidity and hydrogen thus eliminating the need for an internally mixed curing agent such as an amine or isocyanate used in conventional coating systems such as; epoxies, urethanes or polyureas. The T2 product is environmentally friendly and low in VOC (volatile organic compound) content and is compliant under the EPA limits allowed.

12 [0105] Dry film thickness of such coatings is generally between 50 microns and 200 microns.

[0106] In some embodiments, the processes of applying the coating can be accomplished in one and the road can be put back into service immediately. Such processes can be used on new and existing roads.

[0107] In other embodiments, reflective beads (such as made from translucent polymer materials) can be made that incorporate the nano particles (silver, copper, aluminum, iron or other conductive material). For instance, the nano particles can be incorporated in transparent microspheres like those disclosed and taught in U.S. Patent No. 5,268,789, issued December 7, 1993, to Bradshaw.

[0108] Different types of reflective beads (i.e., nano antenna beads) can be made to accomplish tuning to desired frequencies. For instance, the nano antenna beads can be tuned to 2.4 GHz frequency by taking one or more types of metal particles to make the printed antenna system coefficient.

[0109] Such constant data connection system can be utilized in various ways, including the following:

[0110] Satellite data augmentation for the autonomous/connected vehicle industry.

[0111] Data communications network for the internet for Internet of Things ("IoT") devices.

[0112] Exact location for the 911 and first responded system, and amber alert system.

[0113] Delivery or mapping system for the Telematics Industry.

[0114] Toll measurement.

[0115] Augmentation system for GPS.

[0116] Cellular augmentation system, particularly where cellular networks have deficiencies in coverage.

[0117] In tunnels or construction sites where cellular connectivity is low or unavailable.

[0118] Exact location services that could immediately locate a vehicle or handset.

13 [0119] Smart horizontal and vertical surface signage.

[0120] A standalone cellular system.

[0121] Charging system for cars simultaneously powering the stripe.

[0122] When a vehicle of any type is driving on or around the road stripping of the present invention, the vehicle can utilize a kinetic type of charging system. Because the vehicle is in motion, this would permit taking advantage of the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle and the signal output of the road stripping to create a recharging system. This system will can also return energy to the power grid when it is possible. For instance, if you are in a densely populated area where numerous vehicles are using the system you could gather the energy and feed it back into the power grid. This system can also be another source of revenue for the system.

[0123] For instance, as autonomous/connected vehicles are driving upon the roadway, there is an increased need for such vehicles to be connectable to one another and to other information sources. By laying the antenna down directly on the roadway, this increases and enhances such connections.

[0124] Such composition can then be utilized in stripping/paint. The stripping/paint of the present invention can be applied directly to the roadway (such as by using stencils or other patterning techniques. It can be put in place of any of the traditional road stripping systems.

[0125] Alternatively, for roads, a stripe can be printed with a 3D printer (or other printing technology) that lays down the antenna and a filler to lock it into place.

[0126] For instance, a 3D printable composition material that includes within it coating materials. This can be printed upon paper, rubber, plastic, tape, or any number of materials. This yields a finished antenna system ready to be applied to the road or even walkways.

[0127] The roadways have several different challenges that for such installation process. In some embodiments, a vehicle that is equipped with a mobile printing system. This would be in the form

14 of a truck mounted system with measuring and printing capabilities. The constant antenna system of the present invention would be printed and placed on the roadway, when the stripe comes to an end or makes a turn of any kind it will be necessary to determine the needed pieces to continue and they can be produced in the field on a one-off basis. This will enable exact and precision antenna terminations and fiber-optic splices to be accomplished. This installation system can also be accomplished via satellite photography utilized to determine all the necessary turns and radius as well as termination points needed and they could be pre-loaded into the printing system, rep production ready and verified in the field at the time of application.

[0128] In other embodiments, the finished durable road marking materials can be created independent of the roadway and then transported and installed onto the roadway. The pre-made durable road marking and constant data system can be affixed to the road way with or without a tie coat material that will enhance the bond to the appropriate substrate (road) The pre-made substrate can also be laid on the road way using other techniques known in the art.

[0129] Once the pre-made substrate is laid on the roadway, this can be followed by another coating (a protective coating) applied to the top of the durable road stripe to protect it prior, concurrent, or after striping (a protective overcoat). This includes that the stripping is itself the protective coating. Accordingly, the process for laying this substrate can be incorporated into equipment utilized for paint stripping on roadways.

[0130] For instance, the antenna can be pre-printed and put into a roll, like tape. A variety of different types of antennas can then be pre-printed accurately and then manufactured into the pavement striping materials. This includes utilizing different metals (and different combinations of metals) being printed in a manner that would enable them to be tuned to a desired frequency or desired frequency range. A catalyzed vulcanization process could then be used to create a very

15 durable bond (such as a chemical or covalent bond) between the stripe paint and the antenna system.

[0131] Further, for instance, the antenna can be utilized in a thermoplastic based system. The antenna system would then be applied to the center or atop of a thermoplastic stripe in a similar manner. The antenna would be vulcanized inside of the stripe or on top of the thermoplastic stripe and then, optionally, a bond coat can be applied (including after reflective beads have been applied).

[0132] In some embodiments, the process includes the following:

(1) Spray a tie coat or primer to the pavement directly over or anywhere adjacent to where a road stripping is to occur. This material also may be reactive to existing product to enhance the vulcanization process.

(2) Apply the composition (such as the pre-printed substrate) to the roadway.

(3) Apply liquid/solid material as a finish or bond coat.

(4) Apply stripping paint or thermoplastic material.

(5) Concurrent with or following the applying the stripping paint or thermoplastic material, reflective beads can be injected into so that these are bound into the stripping paint or thermoplastic material and are visible at the surface.

[0133] Similar steps can be utilized for surface signage products and decorative signage of any kind.

[0134] A composition, such as set forth above, can be applied to the road stripe by manufacturing a printed stripe antenna using current flexography type of printing system. The antenna is then printed on a very thin substrate in various patterns with a metallic type of printing ink. This would produce the continuous stripe antenna system.

16 [0135] Flexography (often abbreviated to flexo) is a form of printing process which utilizes a flexible relief plate. It is essentially a modern version of letterpress which can be used for printing on almost any type of substrate, including plastic, metallic films, cellophane, and paper. It is widely used for printing on the non-porous substrates required for various types of food packaging (it is also well suited for printing large areas of solid color).

[0136] Once one has printed the antenna in a manner, one can then add it to a mounting material either a rigid or flexible substrate, that is designed for roadside application that can expand and contracting in its everyday environment, while remaining capable or maintaining RF connectivity. This would be accomplished by building flex points into the Antenna circuits as well as the fiberoptic system. It would also be necessary to build expansion joints or flex joints into the lighting system. Once the material is applied to the roadway substrate, additional material coatings could be used to further fortify the rigidity or flexibility to the finished product.

[0137] Once this antenna stripping has been installed to the roadway a communications system is necessary to deliver the data. This can be accomplished by operably connecting it to communication, such as a radio station (i.e., a set of equipment necessary to carry on communication via radio waves). Such communication equipment generally includes a receiver and/or transmitter, an antenna, and some computer controlling equipment necessary to operate them.

[0138] More broadly, a radio station includes the equipment and a building or roadside apparatus in which it is installed. Such a station can include several "radio stations" such as set forth above (i.e., several sets of receivers or transmitters installed in one building or roadside apparatus but functioning independently, and several antennas installed on a field next to the building or roadside apparatus). Such a radio station is more often referred to as a transmitter site, transmitter station, transmission facility or transmitting station. By way of example, the Bethany Relay

17 Station of the Voice of America had seven broadcast transmitters and could broadcast up to seven independent programs (even produced by different broadcasters) simultaneously, as well as several communications transmitters and receivers.

[0139] Once this communication system is in place, data can be communicated between such system and the road stripping. One way of doing so would be via a microwave transmission system. A microwave transmission is the transmission of information or energy by electromagnetic waves whose wavelengths are measured in small numbers of centimeter (i.e., microwaves). This part of the radio spectrum ranges across frequencies of roughly 1.0 gigahertz (GHz) to 300 GHz. These correspond to wavelengths from 30 centimeters down to 0.1 cm.

[0140] Another part of the system regards the power it requires to operate. This can be directly connected to a power source like a power line. However, at times these would be unavailable, such as in remote areas. In such circumstance and otherwise, solar power arrays can be utilized. These arrays can convert solar power energy from sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics ("PV"), or indirectly using concentrated solar power. Concentrated solar power systems can be utilized that use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. Photovoltaic cells can be used that convert light into an electric current using the photovoltaic effect.

Antenna Design and Materials

[0141] FIGS. 1A-1B and 2-6 are various patterns for the antenna of the present invention.

[0142] FIG. 1A is an antenna design 100 that utilizes circle patterns (a circle wave pattern design made up of circles 101), which circle patterns can be adjusted to reflect a different size and thickness as desired. For example, the circles 101 in antenna 100 have a radius of around 3/8 of an inch.

18 [0143] The antenna design 100 shown in FIG. 1A shown on antenna structure 102 illustrated in FIG. IB. Antenna structure 102 further includes a dielectric substrate 103 upon which the antenna design is positioned upon one face. For instance, the antenna design 100 can be printed upon the face of the dielectric substrate 103 (and thus the dielectric substrate is also sometimes referred to as printed circuit board or "PCB"). The antenna structure further has a ground plane that is created by adjusting the distance of the antenna and the ground layer. 104 that is on the opposite face of the dielectric substrate 103.

[0144] Such antenna design thus has some similarities to microstrip circuits known in the art.

[0145] Applicant discovered that this multiple circle design led to some unexpected and advantageous properties for the antenna. Due to the form of the individual circles, by properly controlling the ratio of the inner and out diameters of the circles, when an electric current is applied, it was discovered that the resulting inductance and capacitance would be effectively cancelled. Due to the movement of electrons, a magnetic field is created by this arrangement along the length of the circle, i.e., each of the individual circles became a magnetic loop.

[0146] FIG. 2 reflects a design similar to that of the antenna structure 102 shown in FIG. IB, which has some detailed parameters to show some overlap of the pattern {i.e., overlap of the circle pattern of circles 202 in the antenna design 201 of the antenna structure 200). As shown in FIG. 2, the circles 202 are made of copper having an inner diameter of 0.7500 inches and an outer diameter of 0.8500 inches {i.e., the thickness of the circle line is 50 mil). As the center of the adjacent circles 202 are located 0.8000 inches apart, there is an overlap of 50 mil between adjacent circles 202. Such antenna design 201 is positioned on PCB 203 (which is shown having dimensions of 9.0000 inches by 3.0000 inches).

19 [0147] In some embodiments, the overlap (between adjacent circles) can be between about 5% to about 8%, and more generally between about 6% to about 7% (based upon the outer diameter of the circles in the pattern).

[0148] FIG. 3 illustrates a square wave antenna pattern design 301 for antenna structure 300. The design pattern is square in that it runs at right angles at equal lengths 302 and 303. For example, lengths 302 and 303 can each be 1 inch in length. The antenna design 301 can be printed upon PCB 304 (made of a dielectric material).

[0149] FIG. 4 illustrates an antenna structure 400 having a circle wave pattern 401 and square wave pattern design 402 (i.e., the circle wave design 201 and the square wave pattern design 402 are being used in conjunction). These are positioned upon PCB 403. In some embodiments, the separation of the circle wave pattern 401 and the square wave pattern 402 can be between about 50% and 250% of the height of the patterns. For instance, for a PCB 403 having a dimension of 12 inches (for length 405) by 4.5 inches (for width 404), the width between the total width of the patterns can be 4 inches for circles in the circle wave pattern 401 having an 0.80000 outer diameter, and the squares in the square wave pattern 402 have a length of 1 inch.

[0150] FIG. 5 illustrates a diamond antenna pattern design 501 for an antenna structure 500. The distance of the lengths 502 and 503 are again equal (such as 1 inch in length). The diamond antenna pattern design 501 is positioned on PCB 504.

[0151] FIG. 6 illustrates an antenna 600 having an offset circle wave pattern design 612, in which the circles are alternating offset from the longitudinal axis of the pattern design which are positioned on PCB 606. As shown in FIG. 6, the longitudinal axis is in direction 610 (horizontal in FIG. 6) and the lateral axis is in direction 611 (perpendicular to direction 610 and vertical in FIG. 6). Starting at one of the circles in the pattern (circle 601) whose center is located on the longitudinal axis of antenna 600, the first adjacent circle along the longitudinal axis (circle 602)

20 would be offset in a first lateral direction a preset amount (distance 607). This preset amount can generally be between about 10% and about 20% of the outer diameter of the circles in the circle wave pattern design, and more generally between about 12 to about 15% of the outer diameter. The next adjacent circle along the longitudinal axis (circle 603) would be centered along the longitudinal axis. The next adjacent circle along the longitudinal axis (circle 604) would be offset in a second lateral direction the preset amount (distance 608). The second lateral direction would be in the opposite lateral direction of the first lateral direction (i.e., same magnitude by opposite direction). The next circle along the longitudinal axis (circle 605) would be centered along the longitudinal axis, which would be in the same position as circle 601 with the pattern then repeating itself along the length 609. While not shown, this offset pattern can be modified to provide for varied arrangements.

[0152] As noted above, the design of the circles resulted in them each being magnetic loops with the capacitance and inductance effectively cancelling out. As there is a velocity delay along the length of the wave pattern, this resulted in the circles being slightly out of phase. However, by offsetting the circles properly, this delay in phase could be compensated for resulting in a magnetic field being created at a desired resonance frequency and the creation of a voltage field in a perpendicular direction. I.e., for an antenna structure positioned a level surface (such as a road), the voltage field would be directed in a vertical (such as toward automobiles traveling over the road). This rendered this antenna particularly useful as a transmission line that radiates vertically relative to the length of the antenna.

[0153] As for the materials of these antennas, they can be made upon various dielectric substrates and the antenna pattern can be, for example, a metal, such as a printed antenna pattern on a substrate using a copper ink. This antenna pattern can alternatively or also include nickel, silver, graphene, etc.

21 [0154] In some embodiments, the antenna pattern can be made from, or include graphene. Using graphene for antenna patterns and other electromagnetic passives can bring significant benefit, such as extreme miniaturization, monolithic integration with graphene RF nano electronics, efficient dynamic tuning, and even transparency and mechanical flexibility.

[0155] In some embodiments, the antenna pattern can be printed upon the substrate utilizing a graphene ink. See, e.g., Huang X., "Binder-free highly conductive graphene laminate for low cost printed radio frequency applications," ^/?/?/. Phys. Lett. 2015 106, 203105.

[0156] The graphene can also be in the form of graphene oxide, and may include other materials, such as metals.

[0157] The thickness of the antenna pattern and its substrate can be varied, but generally it can be thin and flexible.

[0158] The frequencies can be in the range from about 2.4 GHz to about 6.0 GHz.

[0159] This antenna layer can then be covered with a printable layer which enables any number of finishes to be printed or applied.

[0160] The type of substrate used can depend upon the particular application. For example, if the system is to be used affixed to a building, the substrate further includes a composite plastic material, as well as concrete, wood composites, and metal substrates.

[0161] A test antenna 701 was constructed having the design shown in FIG. 6, the circles can have an outer diameter of 0.8750 inches with a line thickness of 0.05 inches (which is an inner diameter of 0.7750 includes). The horizontal distance (direction 610) between adjacent circles was 0.8155 inches, which resulted in some overlapping of the circles. The offset distances of the circles (distances 607 and 608) were each 0.1250 inches. And the length 609 of the offset circle wave pattern design 612 on the PCB 606 was greater than 12 inches. The antenna patterns was conductive ink (Loctite ECI1010 E&C) disposed upon extreme seal tape, and the ground plate

22 was copper. Spacing was added between the antenna pattern and the ground plate to tune the SI 1 (return loss). This was centered at 2.45 GHz with a spacing of 0.125 inches (using paper to add the additional thickness).

[0162] Measurements of this test antenna 701 performed using the test apparatus 700 shown in FIGS. 7A and 8A. Apparatus 700 includes a base 706 upon which test sample (or test antenna) 701 is positioned, with a 50-ohm load 702 at the end of the antenna strip of the test sample 701. A broadband horn antenna 704 is positioned by a separation 703 of 1 meter. The test sample 701 and the broadband horn antenna are both connected to a network analyzer 705 for analysis.

[0163] FIG. 7A illustrates the test apparatus 700 in which the test antenna 701 is positioned in the flat orientation. FIGS. 7B-7D are photographs of the test apparatus 700 with the test antenna 701 positioned in the flat orientation. FIG. 8A illustrates the test apparatus 700 in which the test antenna 701 is tested in the perpendicular orientation. FIGS. 8B-8D are photographs of the test apparatus 700 with the test antenna 701 positioned in the perpendicular orientation.

[0164] The return loss and voltage standing wave ratio (" VSWR") plots that were generated using this apparatus are shown in FIGS. 9A-9B. VSWR (antenna,frequency,zO) calculates and plots the voltage standing wave ratio of an antenna, over specified frequency range, and given reference impedance, zO.

[0165] The EUT antenna gain was computed from the measured path loss using the calculated free space path loss and reference horn antenna gain. TABLE 1 shows such data and calculated EUT antenna gain.

23 TABLE 1

Reflection/Lighting Component

[0166] In some embodiments, the system has a reflective and/or lighting component. For example, the lighting component can be a micro LED system built into or adjacent to the antenna system. This would enable many different options for the system. For example, this component would allow the system to act like a LED TV system or digital signage system on the outside of a building while simultaneously broadcasting and receiving large amounts of data.

[0167] This can be used for artistic and/or logo designs as well (either permanently or temporary installation of design).

[0168] For a roadway application, the LED system can be used to light the roadway, and to provide visual communication information. For instance, if there is an accident ahead, in addition to transmitting signals along the system to provide information to a connected vehicle, the system could light the roadway in yellow or red light to register that additional caution need be taken.

24 [0169] Thus, embodiments of the present invention, the system can be a dual system that simultaneously delivers high speed data and a visual communications system.

[0170] Because of the nature of in which embodiments of the present invention are to be deployed, sophisticated LED lighting systems can be employed. These LED's can perform in every weather extreme that can be imagined. Accordingly, the LED system may have to overcome obstacles such as, and including heat, cold, wet and dry.

[0171] In some embodiments, the LED system may include a plurality of very small encapsulated component LED's. The component LED's typically can be waterproof, capable of producing multiple colors (red, green, blue, white) and capable of withstanding the weather extremes. For example, the LEDs utilized by Panasonic for lighting inside of ovens can be used as the LEDs in embodiments of the present invention as they are capable of withstanding very hot temperatures.

[0172] The LED system can be wired in series or can be individually powered (such as battery powered) within the component itself. The LED system can also be powered with solar power, whether that be on the individual component level or as a system wide augmentation. Each LED can have a dome or cap that allows the emitted light to be seen through a whole punched into the pavement marking tape materials.

[0173] In some instances, embodiments of the present invention can be lighted with a fiber optic lighting system. A thin plastic channel with light emission lenses can be utilized. The lighting channel can be constructed of many types of materials such as nylon, polycarbonate or ABS products that are formed in a manner to create a channel for the fiber optic cables to be placed in. The top or capping layer of the optical lighting system can be constructed of similar material, however there can be a series of light emission points and magnification lenses molded into the cap. Those light emission points can be consistent with holes made in the durable road marking material, such as to allow the colored lights to be seen at the surface level of the road marking for

25 the road stripe embodiments). The fiber optic system can be lighted with a series of fiber optic illuminators, such as those utilized in the lighting and entertainment industry.

[0174] Typically, a fiber optic lighting system can be utilized when the system is less susceptible to more of the extreme environmental challenges.

Road Stripe Embodiments

[0175] The antenna system can be applied to a roadway, such as a highway structure. Generally, this can be done by a thermoplastic system, an epoxy-based system, or with a pre-made tape system (or some combination thereof).

[0176] For the thermoplastic system, the road is typically treated beforehand by grinding out or otherwise machining a trench upon which the road stripe will be positioned. This is particularly important in areas where there are poor weather conditions that would require equipment to periodically clear the roadway, such as a snow plow removing snow from the highway. By preparing a trench for the road stripping, the system can be flush with the roadway, and then not inadvertently damaged by such equipment.

[0177] Once the trench has been made, the trench can be treated with a spray that seals the trench and prepares it for the antenna, the antenna can then be laid down (such as using a master roll upon which the antenna is printed), a topical layer can then be placed on top of this (which can be thermoset), the lighting strip laid on top of that, and then the entire system is then sealed. The thermoset can be done, for example, based upon temperature or by focusing a UV light on the curable material. As the lighting strip will encounter road conditions (including being driven over by vehicles), the lighting strip (such as one with LEDs) must be non-crushable by such conditions, i.e., non-crushable LEDs, such as made by Rohinni. Optionally, the sealing material can include a reflective material or a reflective material can be added to the sealing material after they are

26 disposed, so that the final system has a reflective component. Such reflective components are made by 3M.

[0178] For the epoxy-based system, this is one in which no grinding out or trenching need be made. Rather, a curable material is first put on the roadway that need not be positioned in a trench, and then the process is done similar to described above for the thermoplastic system.

[0179] For the tape system, this can be performed with or without the trench. In this system, the complete system (such as having the antenna and lighting strip) are disposed upon a substrate (such as Mylar) that is flexible. This can then be put down (such as by rolling out the strip, and then, optionally, covered by a further sealing material. The tape system can optionally also have reflective materials already disposed on it, or these can be put in with the sealing material as discussed above.

[0180] Once the stripping is put down, it can thereafter be connected to a power source. For instance, the LED system will need to be connected to a power source. In some instances, there will be available power that are used for adjacent street lamps. However, in areas where this is not possible, these can then be connected to other types of power sources, including solar sources, and battery sources.

[0181] Moreover, the system can be connected to a fronthaul and backhaul system complete with sensors, processors, and other components for the system.

[0182] "Fronthaul" is defined as, in the centralized RAN telecommunications architecture, the fronthaul portion of the network includes the intermediate links between the centralized radio controllers and the radio heads (or masts) at the "edge" of a cellular network. In general it is coincident with the backhaul network, but subtly different. Technically, in a C-RAN the backhaul data is only decoded from the fronthaul network at the centralized controllers, from where it is then transferred to the core network. It includes dedicated fibers carrying data in

27 the CPRI or OBSAI format. This fiber network is either owned or leased by the mobile network operator. For example, in the UK, BT Openworld owns a majority of the fiber network to radio masts. There are proposals to modify Ethernet to make it more suitable for the Fronthaul network.

[0183] "Backhaul" is defined as, in the centralized RAN telecommunications architecture, the backhaul portion of the network includes the intermediate links between the core network, or backbone network and the small subnetworks at the "edge" of the entire hierarchical network. In contracts pertaining to such networks, backhaul is the obligation to carry packets to and from that global network. A non-technical business definition of backhaul is the commercial wholesale bandwidth provider who offers quality of service ("QOS") guarantees to the retailer. It appears most often in telecommunications trade literature in this sense, whereby the backhaul connection is defined not technically but by who operates and manages it, and who takes legal responsibility for the connection or uptime to the Internet or 3G/4G network.

[0184] It is through this that the LED system or Fiber Optic Lighting system can be controlled, and the antenna is attached to for transmission purposes.

[0185] FIGS. 10A is an illustration of two road stripe embodiments 1000 on a road surface 1004. Each of the road stripe embodiments 1000 is located between the shoulder of the road and the road side of the road. FIG. 10A also shows the lane markings 1011 and the central median lines 1010.

[0186] FIGS. lOB-lOC are, respectively, a top view and an exploded view of road stripe embodiment 1000, which is oriented between the shoulder 1006 and the road side 1005. The road stripe embodiment 1000 includes LEDs 1008 on a LED or fiber lighting system 1002, pavement marking tape 1012 (having LED diecut areas 1007 through which the LEDs 1008 can respectively be revealed at the surface of the road stripe embodiment 1000), pavement marking liner 1013, antenna 1001, extreme seal tape 1015, and liner 1016. Antenna 1001 (and the antenna system) and LED or fiber lighting system 1002 are electrically connected to a power source and fiber optics.

28 [0187] While FIG. 10B illustrates the road stripe embodiments 1000 on the shoulder/road boundaries, the road stripe embodiments can alternatively or additionally be utilized in the other road stripes, such as the lane markings 1011 or the central median lines 1010.

Assembly

[0188] The road stripe embodiment can be assembled by hand or machine (such as mass production though an automated lamination process. In general terms, the road stripe embodiment is a laminated product that can include the following materials and (described from the base or bottom layer to the top layer).

[0189] The first layer can be a seal tape (such as a 4 inch wide tape). This seal tape is a waterproof very high bonding seal tape. This is the base layer upon which all other layers will be bonded. The protective liner must be removed to expose the prepared clean surface for which the other elements will bond to. This surface should be kept as contaminant free as possible.

[0190] A PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or Mylar substrate (like DuPont Melinex ST506) can be used to print the antenna system onto. This antenna can be printed onto the PET or Mylar substrate with a conductive ink. Conductive ink is an ink that results in a printed object that conducts electricity. In some embodiments, the conductive ink is created by infusing graphite or other conductive materials into ink. An example would be Loctite ECIIOIO E&C.

[0191] Another layer is an adhesive transfer tape, such as 3M T2 or T3. This transfer adhesive can be applied to the Mylar on its non-conductive side. Generally, this is the shiny side that the conductive ink is not printed on. The liner can be removed, and the adhesive transfer tape can be applied to the entire bottom side of the Mylar antenna system. The liner should be removed from the conductive tape prior to it being affixed to the Mylar. There are typically two protective liners, one on each side. Either being removed results in exposing the adhesive it is protecting.

29 [0192] After the adhesive is applied to the Mylar antenna system, one protective layer should remain that can be removed when it is applied to the base seal tape layer. When preparing to affix the antenna system to the seal tape layer it is typically necessary to offset the antenna by one inch from the center of the seal tape. This is generally done to accommodate the LED or fiber optic lighting and its power system.

[0193] The antenna is typically aligned in a manner such that the furthest most swing in the antenna design is no less than about ¾ of an inch from the entire power system, whether the power system is printed to the Mylar or enclosed in a cabling system of its own that operates the LED or fiber optic lighting system. This can be done to prevent any interference with the power and the signal being sent from the antenna system or crossing of communications of any type.

[0194] This procedure results in a base seal tape with an antenna system affixed to it. This can then be affixed the LED or the Fiber Optic system. The LED system can be pre-manufactured into individual components and placed onto a reel to reel system for pic and placing on to the Mylar substrate with a printed power system adjacent to the antenna system. The circuitry for this design can be printed to the Mylar with a conductive ink utilizing similar procedures used to print the antenna circuit. This will allow for the placement of an LED at any given point on the road stripe embodiment during the manufacturing process. Such combinations in the road stripe embodiments provides solid lines and non-solid lines, which provides that the road stripe embodiments can be utilized to light any of the stripes or markings on the road.

[0195] The assembly process can further include punching a lighting layout into the durable road marking material with a whole punching system. This step allows the LED or fiber optic lens system to be installed, and can be performed similar to processes in the printing and lamination industries.

30 [0196] An adhesive transfer tape can be applied to the base or the bottom of the lighting system. The purpose of doing so is to hold the lighting system in place for the completion stages of the manufacturing process (either by hand or by machine). For example, the lighting system can be placed in the center of a 4 inch seal tape in a manner so when the pavement marking tape with its punched holes is affixed, they line up correctly and the LED's/optical lenses are visible, which is similar to processes in the printing and lamination industries.

[0197] The pavement marking tape material and the base layers of the road stripe embodiment components can be laminated. All materials can be checked for proper alignment before such lamination. This better insures that a maximum bond of the materials can be achieved, and the lighting system will be functional in the road stripe embodiment system.

[0198] When the alignments are correct, the pavement marking tape can be laminated to the other components. All of the components are permanently bonded together, and once the pavement marking tape has been applied, reversing this step is nearly impossible without damaging or contaminating the included materials and substrates. Once the materials have all been laminated together, they are typically compressed to ensure lamination into the final road stripe embodiment product.

[0199] Once the lamination process is completed the road stripe embodiment material can then be rolled onto its own service rolls. The length of those rolls and the packaging can vary based on size and desired purpose of the road stripe embodiment product.

Installation

[0200] In some embodiments, installing a road stripe embodiment can be follows. An initial steps involve pavement preparation steps. The road stripe embodiment in this example is a hybrid pavement marking tape system that utilizes traditional equipment and procedures to be installed. The road stripe embodiment is manufactured such that it is packaged into a service roll that can

31 be mounted onto a pavement installation tape machine similar to the model MMHTA-18 made by 3M.

[0201] When preparing the surface to install the road stripe embodiment system, a series of shallow channels can be cut or ground into the pavement with carbon steel or diamond head bits. This would be similar for concrete and asphalt. The equipment that can be used is manufactured by many companies such as MRL Equipment for driven equipment and Smith Manufacturing for a walk behind piece of equipment.

[0202] The tooling for such equipment however may change. This is a common step in the processes that is utilized in the thermoplastic installation system throughout the highway system. Existing preparation equipment and installation system can be utilized.

[0203] Generally, a cut is also made into the roadway that can be 4 inches wide and ¼ inch deep. At the very center of that 4 inch cut, it can be ¾ inch wide by 3/8 inch deep cut. Then in the center of that bottom ¾ inch cut is a 3/8 inch cut that is 3/8 inches in depth. The overall cut design is illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0204] This yields a trench that forms a "T." The reason and purpose for the trench is so that the fiber optic backbone system can be positioned under the road stripe embodiment.

[0205] The fiber that can be used can be packaged for installation. The fiber is packaged in a manner that allows any number of hybrid power and fiber optic (or just fiber optic bundles) to be positioned into a roll installation system that has a jacket around it that fits into the trench that again is located under the center of where the road stripe embodiment is to be positions. This arrangement can be made utilizing bundled cable manufacturing equipment. This fiber is loaded onto a service roll, which is then used to install the fiber into the trench by hand or by machine.

32 [0206] The process to install the road stripe embodiment (which can be laminated) over the trench, can be performed, for example, by the use of 3M's Motorized Manual Highway Tape Applicator (MMHTA-18). This is a manual application of the road stripe embodiment (which is laminated).

[0207] Alternatively, for example, highway application, the road stripe embodiment can be installed using a tape application vehicle (adjusted for the road stripe embodiment), which is an equipment-based installation of the road stripe embodiment system. Such types of vehicle have existed in the road striping industry for years and are known in the art.

[0208] By these processes, the road stripe embodiment systems can be installed in many different configurations. The example described above is a more traditional installation. Additionally, the road stripe embodiment system can be installed on a road surface with or without the LED or fiber optic lighting system. There are some instances that the road stripe embodiments can also be installed without the fiber optic backbone system, i.e., some of the components may not be necessary to accomplish the goals of the particular installation.

[0209] For instance, the installation may regard a golf cart track that is enclosed on a course and the purpose of the system is to provide the needed data for the electric golf cart and data services for the customers. While the system will still need the road stripe embodiment system to be able to provide the needed data, because of the number of clients is not great enough to justify the fiber optic for data delivery or backhaul. Since the fiber optics are not necessary, neither is the trench and thus there is not needed to groove the pavement. Furthermore, for such system, it may not also be necessary to provide a lighting system as the game is primarily played in daylight hours.

[0210] Another example would be an automotive repair center. The road stripe embodiment system can be installed into the parking lot of the repair facility. Again, there would be no need for the lighting components nor would the fiber optic backbone system be necessary. Although

33 the lighting could be useful for night parking (and it would definitely add to the esthetics), it is not required to make road stripe embodiments work for an autonomous parking system.

[0211] FIG. 12A is an illustration of a road 1200 that includes road stripe embodiments 1201a- 1201c of the present invention.

[0212] FIGS. 12B-12C are each illustrations of a cutout of road stripes embodiment 1201c that shows pavement marking tape 1202, LEDs 1203, and antenna 1204. The wiring 1205-1207 are respectively, various parts of the backbone system, i.e., the wiring for the controls for the antenna 1204, the wiring for controls the LEDs, and the power cables for the system, respectively. Such backbone system is located in the trench, as described above.

[0213] FIGS. 12D-12E are illustrations showing a perpendicular connection 1208 of the road stripe embodiments 1201a-1202c. In the perpendicular connection 1208, the backbone system is connected to station 1209. Station 1209 can provide power (via solar, battery, or power line sources) and controls.

[0214] FIG. 12E is an illustration of the subsurface showing the backbone system.

[0215]

Street Level Building Embodiments

[0216] In some embodiments, the system is used on buildings at street level. This can be done using tiles that have connections, such as at the center and at each apex, so that they connect when placed. Each tile is thus like a piece of a puzzle and can be built into many different configurations as large or small as the designer desires. All the tiles can connect via a small ribbon cable that attach them to one another providing connectivity to the others.

[0217] In some embodiments, these tiles can be made up of multiple different size and shapes. For instance, when one designs a system for the exterior of a building the antennas would need to

34 be specifically designed and placed for efficiency in communications with adjacent systems and consumers.

[0218] The antenna system can be arranged as discussed above with the antenna covered by some sort of sealing material. After installation, a sealing materials can also be applied.

[0219] Since the building will have nearby power source and equipment, the backhaul system can be positioned within.

Sky Level Building Embodiments

[0220] In some embodiments, the system is used well above street level. For example, as stripe similar to that described above for roadways, can be positioned on the side of a tall building and run vertically upward. This could make the entire building form an antenna (i.e., a piece of equipment). Hence, there would be better communication at higher altitudes, and the necessity for special equipment to be sourced within the building itself (such as to strengthen telecommunication signals) would be reduced. Furthermore, this could potentially change the nature of the building advantageously for certain taxation issues

[0221] Again, since the building will have nearby power source and equipment, the backhaul system can be positioned within.

Building Interior Embodiments

[0222] In some embodiments, the system can be used in an interior of a building. Such building interior embodiments can be made from the same or similar type of antenna system used in the road stripe embodiments or other building embodiments. For instance the antenna system includes an antenna made using conductive ink on Mylar and then mounted on a dielectric material. This Mylar antenna system can be cut into wide strips, such as a 1 inch wide strip. These can then be adhered to a communications and grounding system by applying adhesive transfer tape to the Mylar antenna system. The communications side or the side the antenna is printed on can be faced

35 in the upward position and the adhesive transfer tape applied to the bottom side of the Mylar antenna system. Once the adhesive is applied to the antenna it can now be affixed to a ribbon cable assembly. The antenna system should be adhered to the centermost area of the ribbon cable system. The liner from the adhesive transfer tape and antenna can be removed and then these are applied it to the ribbon cable system.

[0223] Once this step is performed, adhesive transfer tape can be applied to the top or broadcast side of the antenna system to ensure it stays in place when it is laminated to the vinyl or polyester protection layer. The protection layer can be any number of vinyl or polyester tape type products or films. These types of films are commonly used to wrap vehicles and are also used for colored striping on floors for various types of visual communication safety systems.

[0224] After the adhesive transfer tape has been applied to the antenna system, a lamination process can be performed and the antenna and hardline communications system can be bonded to the vinyl or polyester shielding material. This can be done so by aligning the communications and antenna system to the center of pieces of vinyl or polyester protective material that is wider than the overall antenna and communications system. For example, the pieces of vinyl or polyester protective material can be 1 inch wider than the overall antenna and communication system. I.e., a 3 inch piece of protective file can be applied when the overall antenna and communication system is 1 inch in width.

[0225] The building interior embodiments can be designed and utilized to take the place of a traditional distributed antenna system ("DAS"), which is a network of spatially separated antenna nodes connected to a common source via a transport medium that provides wireless service within a geographic area or structure. DAS antenna elevations are generally at or below the clutter level and node installations are compact. A distributed antenna system may be deployed indoors (an "iDAS") or outdoors (an "oDAS").

36 [0226] The antenna systems of the building interior embodiments can be connected (wirelessly or non-wirelessly) to the router system with the traditional connectors and routers being used in standard DAS systems.

[0227] By applying the communications system utilizing the building interior embodiments in place of the traditional DAS System, several advantages can be obtained. These include that communication types can have versatility, the antenna system can be much more efficient, and a more robust and highly secured wireless network can be obtained.

[0228] With respect to installation, existing DAS Router system and other general router systems can be used to connect the building interior embodiments systems to the Internet. In some embodiments of the building interior embodiments systems, only the nodes and antennas are being replaced in the wireless delivery system. Accordingly, many different types and configurations of internet router gear can be used.

[0229] Furthermore, installation of the building interior antenna and communications system can be installation to the subfloor of a new project. For example, if a VCT tile or carpeted floor is present, the building interior embodiment system can be applied to the subfloor prior to the finished flooring material being installed. By doing so, the building interior embodiment system could be virtually indestructible in normal conditions as it is being protected by the finished floor product. The building interior embodiment system can then generally be an invisible antenna and communications system that has requires little to no maintenance.

[0230] When installing the building interior embodiment systems, it can be very easy to install it to the very edges or outer most walls of any size room. For larger or ballroom type scenarios, the distances can be split equally and additional antenna systems can be used where needed or desired.

[0231] By making the layout system in a manner where there is little or no foot traffic on it, this can increase the longevity of the system. This characteristic is not common with the DAS antenna

37 technologies presently being utilized. To accomplish Wi-Fi and cellular support in the same space simultaneously and similar to building interior embodiments, this would require multiple systems to be put into place.

[0232] Accordingly, building interior embodiment systems can manage each of the cellular signal types and Wi-Fi frequencies at the same time. This can be done through programming of the media access controller ("MAC"). The cellular device can thus communicate to building interior embodiment systems in its native language, whether it be TDMA, CDMA, GSM, VOLTE, HSPA+, etc. The building interior embodiment system can then hear all of the frequencies. The building interior embodiment systems can then communication back to the device in Wi-Fi at 2.4GHz or 5.8 GHz, which are the Wi-Fi spaces.

Floating Stripe Embodiments

[0233] In some embodiments, the system can be used as a "floating" stripe or lighted speed bump for roads. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the floating stripe embodiment can be 72 inches long by 12 inches wide by 2.6 inches in height, which weighs approximately 52 pounds. There are generally holes (typically around 4 holes) for installation in the floating stripe embodiment. The floating stripe embodiment can also be fitted with end caps that are fitted with male joints that fit into channels on the floating stripe embodiments. The end caps can also be bolted in place on the concrete or asphalt, as the case may be.

[0234] The floating stripe embodiments can be modified in length and width and height to accommodate the desired system needs. For instance, to accomplish making some turns or curves with the floating stripe embodiments, it may be necessary to make shorter lengths. This could also require modifications to the fiber optic system and antenna system.

[0235] A channel can be cut into the top of the floating stripe embodiment that is similar to the trenches cut into the pavement to install the road stripe embodiments. The channel that can be

38 removed from the floating stripe embodiment can be used to accommodate the fiber optic system, antenna, and lighting system of the floating stripe embodiment. The floating stripe embodiment can be made in individual lengths and then connected together in a series whereas the data and power are transferred via a connection cable to the next in series as long as the project or situation requires.

[0236] Alternatively, the floating stripe embodiment can also be assembled in the field in a manner that would allow one continuous fiber optic line without breaks to be installed and connected at the beginning and the end of the given system. After the fiber optic system is safely installed the antenna and lighting systems can be installed.

[0237] Such floating stripe embodiment can be used in multiple ways. Again, it can be used as a lighted speed bump. Also, it can be oriented perpendicular to the road and existing road stripping systems, to allow rapid deployment of the present invention, as well as allowing the present invention to traverse bridges and elevated roadways. For instance, the present invention can be rapidly deployed in a natural disaster situation. I.e., the present invention could be utilized on almost any flat surface to create a wireless network system.

[0238] Still further uses include utilizing the floating stripe embodiments in rural areas where paved roads are not yet installed. The floating stripe embodiments could be installed into the ditches on either side of the road. This would enable most of the features of road stripe embodiments offered on paved roads to be available on almost any road.

[0239] Still further uses include using the floating stripe embodiment as a high speed data system for construction sites and mining. The mobility, reusable, and durable nature of the floating stripe embodiment render it well suited for construction sites and mining operations of all types. The floating stripe embodiment is capable of providing data solutions to any environment in almost and weather or environment.

39 Utility

[0240] Embodiments of the present invention can thus deliver a constant high-speed data source, such as for autonomous vehicles of all types, as well as augmentation for mobile devices and Internet of things ("IoT") devices. This constant data stream has significant advantage over the current cellular system as it is not effected by the traditional challenges that face cellular. The present invention can be in direct proximity with the vehicle and consumer and has no interference from competing cellular or data services. The present invention is also capable of delivering data at high rates at multiple frequencies simultaneously.

[0241] Presently, there is an anticipated value that is expected for each autonomous vehicle. That number is 4 Terabits. This number represents how much data will be used or consumed by each vehicle on a normal 1.5 hour daily average drive cycle. This number gets very astronomical when one considers even a small suburb let alone a major city with hundreds of thousands of vehicles. There is more reason for concern however, this number does not take into consideration all the mobile handsets and IoT devices that will need to share the network as well. The data consumption rates by 2020 are speculated to be double or more than we currently use.

[0242] Even just focusing upon one sector, such as law enforcement and first responders systems, the needs are significant. Those systems are going to need their own dedicated networks that are highly secured for city state and county operations just for traffic and camera systems alone. The system of the present invention can operate differently than existing systems known in the industry, it is highly secure, and does not require significant changes to any of the existing devices to utilize the system.

[0243] Accordingly, the present system can be utilized in this and many other ways.

[0244] For instance, the present invention can be used for connected and autonomous vehicle

("CAV") communications. The present invention provides an always-on communications

40 platform that is in constant handoff mode with the existing telecommunication infrastructure. Therefore, the present invention can have a primary function as a data system for CAV's.

[0245] The present invention, can also be used for augmentation for all cellular carriers. The present invention can be an open source network that can enable the augmentation of any of the existing carrier networks. Accordingly, if the present invention is installed on the roadway (i.e., the road stripe embodiments), this can obtain coverage in areas not currently covered (such as rural areas), and thus there can be a significant increase in systems capabilities geographically.

[0246] The present invention provides the ability to connect rural geographic areas to the larger cities via a fiber optic network. The present invention can be implemented in a different manner than traditional telecommunications networks such that it can connect all of the cities and towns in rural areas to a fiber optic network of the metropolitan areas.

[0247] The present invention provides for any city, county, or state to own and maintain their own fiber and wireless network. Because of the way present invention is designed, it enables any city, county, or state to own their own wireless network and fiber optic network. The people own all of the roads, therefore they are entitled to a share of the revenues developed therefrom.

[0248] The present invention can minimize the costs associated with striping roads. The present invention replaces the existing road striping system. The present invention is a long lasting durable road marking that does not require the same yearly maintenance as traditional striping. Therefore, those expenses are significantly decreased.

[0249] The present invention can adds a taxable service to the roadways. The present invention provides for an open source platform that can service all of the wireless needs of any city. By the same token, the present invention can also be used for transferring data from adjacent cities through their network and the present invention will also host a variety of MaaS applications and services that can be taxable services.

41 [0250] The present invention can give its owner the ability to create new goods and services around Transportations-as-a-Service ("TaaS") platforms. TaaS, also known as Mobility-as-a- Service ("MaaS"), describes a shift away from personally owned modes of transportation and towards mobility solutions that are consumed as a service. This is enabled by combining transportation services from public and private transportation providers through a unified gateway that creates and manages the trip, which users can pay for with a single account. Users can pay per trip or a monthly fee for a limited distance. The key concept behind MaaS is to offer both the travelers and goods mobility solutions based on the travelers' needs. MaaS is not limited to individual mobility; the approach can be applied to movement of goods, as well - particularly in urban areas.

[0251] The present invention can support entire city communications and traffic control systems without other carrier support. The present invention is capable of supplying all of the data need for a city that has installed its platform. For instance, the system is capable or supplying need for a city's traffic control system and all of its attached devices. The system is capable of doing all of these functions and support vehicles and cellular communications simultaneously.

[0252] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

42 [0253] It is also to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0254] The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, to the extent that they provide exemplary, procedural, or other details supplementary to those set forth herein. It will be understood that certain of the above-described structures, functions, and operations of the above-described embodiments are not necessary to practice the present invention and are included in the description simply for completeness of an exemplary embodiment or embodiments. In addition, it will be understood that specific structures, functions, and operations set forth in the above-described referenced patents and publications can be practiced in conjunction with the present invention, but they are not essential to its practice. It is therefore to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0255] While embodiments of the invention have been shown, and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the invention. The embodiments described and the examples provided herein are exemplary only, and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations and modifications of the invention disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the invention.

[0256] While embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the

43 invention. The embodiments described and the examples provided herein are exemplary only, and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations and modifications of the invention disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. The scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above.

[0257] The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, to the extent that they provide exemplary, procedural, or other details supplementary to those set forth herein.

[0258] Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a numerical range of approximately 1 to approximately 4.5 should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited limits of 1 to approximately 4.5, but also to include individual numerals such as 2, 3, 4, and sub-ranges such as 1 to 3, 2 to 4, etc. The same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value, such as "less than approximately 4.5," which should be interpreted to include all of the above-recited values and ranges. Further, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristic being described.

[0259] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter belongs. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed

44 subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.

[0260] Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms "a" and "an" mean "one or more" when used in this application, including the claims.

[0261] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0262] As used herein, the term "about," when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration or percentage is meant to encompass variations of in some embodiments ±20%, in some embodiments ±10%, in some embodiments ±5%, in some embodiments ±1%, in some embodiments ±0.5%, and in some embodiments ±0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed method.

[0263] As used herein, the term "and/or" when used in the context of a listing of entities, refers to the entities being present singly or in combination. Thus, for example, the phrase "A, B, C, and/or D" includes A, B, C, and D individually, but also includes any and all combinations and sub combinations of A, B, C, and D.

45

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system comprising a communications system that comprises:

(a) an antenna comprising

(i) a dielectric substrate having a first face and a second face, wherein the dielectric substrate comprises a dielectric material;

(ii) a ground plate connected to the first face of the dielectric substrate; and

(iii) an electrically conductive material positioned in an antenna pattern on the second face of the dielectric substrate, wherein

(A) the antenna pattern is positioned on the second face substantially along a longitudinal axis, and

(B) the antenna is capable of conducting electricity that results in the creation a resonance frequency for the antenna and a voltage field that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and

(b) a power source electrically connected to the antenna.

2. The system of Claim 1, wherein the communication system further comprises a control system that is electrically connected to the antenna and power source and is operable to control the communication system.

3. The system of Claim 1 , wherein the electrically conductive material of the antenna patterns comprises a material selected from a group consisting of copper, nickel, silver, graphene, and combinations thereof.

4. The system of any of Claims 1-3, wherein the antenna is installed on a roadway or on an exterior wall of a building.

5. The system of Claim 4, wherein the antenna is installed on the roadway.

6. The system of Claim 5, wherein the communication system is capable of communicating with communication devices located in or within vehicles traversing upon the roadway.

7. The system of any of Claims 5-6, wherein the system is part of the road stripping of the roadway.

8. The system of Claim 4, wherein the antenna is installed on the exterior wall of a building.

9. The system of Claim 8, wherein the antenna is installed at street level of the building.

10. The system of Claim 8, wherein the antenna is installed at an altitude of the building above street level of the building.

11. The system of any of Claims 8-10, wherein the antenna is part of a tile arrangement that can be positioned on the exterior wall of the building.

12. The system of any of Claims 8-10, wherein the antenna is part of a striping that can be positioned on the exterior wall of the building.

13. The system of any of Claims 1-12, wherein the system further comprises a lighting system operatively connected to the power source.

14. The system of Claim 13, wherein the system comprises a control system that is electrically connected to the lighting system that is capable of controlling the lighting system.

15. The system of any of Claims 13-14, wherein the lighting system comprises LEDs.

16. The system of any of Claims 1-15, wherein the antenna design is a plurality of circles that are electrically connected to one another.

17. The system of Claim 16, wherein adjacent circles in the plurality of circles are partially overlapping one another.

18. The system of Claimsl7, wherein the overlap of the adjacent circles is between about 5% and 8%.

19. The system of any of Claims 16-18, wherein the plurality of circles are each operable to be a magnetic loop capable of generating a capacitance and inductance that effectively cancels each other out.

20. The system of Claim 19, wherein the plurality of circles are positioned in an offset pattern.

21. The system of Claim 20, wherein the offset pattern is a repeating pattern of (a) a first circle positioned along the longitudinal axis, (b) a second circle adjacent to, and electrically connected to, the first circle, which second circle is positioned offset in a first direction from the longitudinal axis, (c) a third circle adjacent to, and electrically connected to, the second circle, which third circle is positioned along the longitudinal axis, and (d) a fourth circle adjacent to, and electrically connected to, the third circle, which fourth circle is positioned offset in a second direction from the longitudinal axis.

22. The system of Claim 21, wherein the amount of the offset is between about 10% and about 20% of the outer diameter of the circles in the repeating pattern.

23. The system of Claim 22, wherein the amount of the offset results in the circles of the repeating pattern to be substantially in phase when creating the voltage field.

24. The system of any of Claims 16-23, wherein the circles have a ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of between about 1.1 to about 1.2.

25. The system of any of Claims 1-24, wherein the resonance frequency of the antenna is between about 2.4 GHz and about 6.0 GHz.

26. The system of any of Claims 1-25, wherein the communication system further comprises a protective top surface, wherein the protective top surface is operable to protect the communication system.

27. The system of Claim 26, where the protective top surface has openings through which lights of the lighting system can emit light.

28. The system of any of Claims 1-27, wherein the power system is selected from a group consisting of (a) a solar power system, (b) a battery power system, (c) an electrical power grid, and (d) combinations thereof.

29. An antenna comprising:

(a) a dielectric substrate having a first face and a second face, wherein the dielectric substrate comprises a dielectric material;

(b) a ground plate connected to the first face of the dielectric substrate; and

(c) an electrically conductive material positioned in an antenna pattern on the second face of the dielectric substrate, wherein

(i) the antenna pattern is positioned on the second face substantially along a longitudinal axis, and

(ii) the antenna is capable of conducting electricity that results in the creation a resonance frequency for the antenna and a voltage field that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

30. The antenna of Claim 29, wherein the electrically conductive material of the antenna patterns comprises a material selected from a group consisting of copper, nickel, silver, graphene, and combinations thereof.

50

31. The antenna of any of Claims 29-30, wherein the antenna design is a plurality of circles that are electrically connected to one another.

32. The antenna of Claim 31, wherein adjacent circles in the plurality of circles are partially overlapping one another.

33. The antenna of Claim 32, wherein the overlap of the adjacent circles is between about 5% and 8%.

34. The antenna of any of Claims 31-33, wherein the plurality of circles are each operable to be a magnetic loop capable of generating a capacitance and inductance that effectively cancels each other out.

35. The antenna of Claim 34, wherein the plurality of circles are positioned in an offset pattern.

36. The antenna of Claim 35, wherein the offset pattern is a repeating pattern of (a) a first circle positioned along the longitudinal axis, (b) a second circle adjacent to, and electrically connected to, the first circle, which second circle is positioned offset in a first direction from the longitudinal axis, (c) a third circle adjacent to, and electrically connected to, the second circle, which third circle is positioned along the longitudinal axis, and (d) a fourth circle adjacent to, and electrically connected to, the third circle, which fourth circle is positioned offset in a second direction from the longitudinal axis.

37. The antenna of Claim 36, wherein the amount of the offset is between about 10% and about 20%) of the outer diameter of the circles in the repeating pattern.

38. The antenna of Claim 37, wherein the amount of the offset results in the circles of the repeating pattern to be substantially in phase when creating the voltage field.

39. The antenna of any of Claims 31-38, wherein the circles have a ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of between about 1.1 to about 1.2.

40. The antenna of any of Claims 31-39, wherein the resonance frequency of the antenna is between about 2.4 GHz and about 6.0 GHz.

41. A method of making a communication system on a roadway or an exterior of a building, wherein the method comprises:

(a) selecting an antenna of any of Claims 28-37;

(b) preparing the surface of the roadway or the exterior of the building for installation of the antenna;

(c) installing the antenna upon the roadway or the exterior of the building; and

(d) electrically connecting the antenna to a power source and controller.

42. The method of Claim 41, wherein the method further comprises:

(a) selecting a lighting system;

(b) installing the lighting system upon the roadway or the exterior of the building; and

(c) electrically connecting the lighting system to the power source and the controller.

43. The method of Claim 42, wherein the lighting system comprises LEDs.

44. The method of any of Claims 41-43, wherein the power source is selected from the group consisting of (a) a solar power system, (b) a battery power system, (c) an electrical power grid, and (d) combinations thereof.

45. The method of any of Claims 41-44, wherein the resonance frequency of the antenna is between about 2.4 GHz and about 6.0 GHz.

46. The method of any of Claims 41-45, wherein the communication system is installed on the roadway.

47. The method of Claim 46, wherein the step of preparing the surface of the roadway comprises creating a trench.

48. The method of Claim 47 further comprising positioning one or electrical cables within the trench to connect the controller and power source to the antenna.

49. The method of Claim 48, wherein the one or more electrical cables positioned within the trench connects the controller and power source to the lighting source.

50. The method of any of Claims 48-49, wherein the antenna is part of the road stripping of the roadway.

51. The method of Claim 50, wherein the step of installing the antenna upon the roadway is performed with equipment used to stripe the roadway.

52. The method of any of Claims 41-45, wherein the communication system is installed on the exterior of a building.

53. The method of Claim 52, wherein the antenna is part of a material that is positioned on the exterior of the building in stripes.

54. The method of Claim 52, wherein the antenna is part of a material that is positioned on the exterior of the building in tiles or slates.

55. The method of any of Claims 52-54, wherein the power source comprises the electrical power grid connected from an interior of the building.

56. A method comprising using the system of any of Claims 1-28 as a constant data connection system.

57. The method of Claims 56, wherein the method comprises communicating with an autonomous/connected vehicle that is moving upon a roadway.