WO2023232578A1

WO2023232578A1 - Apparatus and associated methods and uses

Info

Publication number: WO2023232578A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/063885
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mohsen YOUSEFBEIKI; Rafik ADDACI; Marco VENEZIANO
Original assignee: Agc Glass Europe
Priority date: 2022-05-30
Filing date: 2023-05-24
Publication date: 2023-12-07

Abstract

The present invention discloses an apparatus comprising a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves at a range of working frequencies comprised between 400 MHz and 110 GHz. The apparatus comprises a first lighting system. The first lighting system comprises a lighting substrate comprising a first face, facing the planar antenna system, a second face and at least a lateral face forming a prismatic or cylindrical shape. The first face is at a non-zero distance, Dal, from the planar antenna system creating a space to let air circulating into the space. The first face is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system. The first lighting system further comprises a light source, preferably LEDs, that is arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a portion of the at least a lateral face. The lighting substrate is designed to deflect the light out of the first and / or the second face of the lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output. The present invention discloses the associated method and uses.

Description

Apparatus and associated methods and uses

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves at a range of working frequencies comprised between 400 MHz and 110 GHz, in general and, more specifically, to an enhanced apparatus to build a radiating illuminating sign such as an exit sign, an fire distinguisher sign, a first aid sign, a building signage, a shop signage or alike and/or to indicate the operational status of the apparatus.

[0002] Thus, the invention concerns multiple domains where an apparatus comprising a planar antenna system is used.

Background Art

[0003] Mobile data traffic is increasing continuously and will boom significantly with 5G, putting mobile network operators under CAPEX pressure. Higher frequency bands for 5G mean more challenges for coverage deployment, especially in dense urban areas where capacity will be needed and strict EMF limitations apply. The deployment of small cells are described as a good solution for capacity improvement which requires to install a large number of antennas in order to stably perform electromagnetic wave transmission and reception. However, many drawbacks limit the deployment of small cells. First, it is very difficult to find location for new antennas. Second, bringing fiber and electricity outdoor is costly. Finally, urbanistic regulations may limit possibilities for small cells.

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years with miniaturization and the introduction of loT and Wi-Fi 6E, antennas are increasingly installed in buildings. When installing the antenna in the building, it is necessary to select the proper placement of the antenna so that electromagnetic waves can be transmitted and received stably while preventing the appearance of the building from being impaired.

[0005] US 5,322,143 describes a planar antenna having three conductive layers: a patch network, a ground and feeding network. The planar antenna can be integrated into a facade of a building using the glass panel as a carrier. The issue with such planar antennas, because integrated into the facade, is that at least the electrical connection, the installation and the maintenance is complicated and impossible to manage once the fapade is on the building. On top of that, performance parameters of the planar antenna is limited by thicknesses of the components of the fapade, such as glass panels, spacers,...

[0006] WO2022101498 describes a planar antenna which is transparent and can be installed indoors, for instance on the wall or in front of the window, and I or outdoors, for instance in front of a window of the building, with a minimum aesthetical impact on the surrounding environment. W02022101507 describes a system to install a planar antenna in front of a window.

[0007] However, planar antennas are not able to indicate their operational status or any other functionalities as a signage.

[0008] In addition, such added functionalities must impact neither the heat dissipation of the planar antenna nor the radiating performance of the planar antenna in an undesired way.

[0009] Finally, it is crucial that the assembly can be still integrated seamlessly into its surrounding installation environment.

Summary of invention

[0010] The present invention relates, in a first aspect, to an apparatus comprising a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves at a range of working frequencies comprised between 400 MHz and 110 GHz.

[0011] The solution as defined in the first aspect of the present invention is based on that the apparatus comprises a first lighting system. The first lighting system comprises a lighting substrate comprising a first face, facing the planar antenna system, a second face and at least a lateral face forming a prismatic or cylindrical shape. The first face is at a non-zero distance, Dal, from the planar antenna system creating a space to let air circulating into the space. The first face is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system. The first lighting system further comprises a light source, preferably LEDs, that is arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a portion of the at least a lateral face.

[0012] The solution as defined in the first aspect of the present invention is also based on that the lighting substrate is designed to deflect the light out of the first and I or the second face of first lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output. [0013] The invention permits to an architect or a building owner, the city authorities or anyone to integrate other functionalities into planar antennas, for example, to display the operational status of the planar antenna using a light indicator or to use a planar antenna as a signage.

[0014] The present invention relates, in a second aspect, to an use of first lighting system to indicate the operational status of an apparatus comprising a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves at a range of working frequencies comprised between 400 MHz and 110 GHz; the first lighting system comprises a lighting substrate comprising a first face, facing the planar antenna system, a second face and at least a lateral face forming a prismatic or cylindrical shape; the first face is at a non-zero distance, Dal, from the planar antenna system creating a space to let air circulating into the space; the first face is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system; the first lighting system further comprises LEDs that are arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a portion of the at least a lateral face; the lighting substrate being designed to deflect the light out of the first and I or the second face of the lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output.

[0015] The present invention relates, in a second aspect, to an use of an apparatus to build a radiating illuminating sign, the apparatus comprising a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves at a range of working frequencies comprised between 400 MHz and 110 GHz and a first lighting system; the first lighting system comprises a lighting substrate comprising a first face, facing the planar antenna system, a second face and at least a lateral face forming a prismatic or cylindrical shape; the first face is at a non-zero distance, Dal, from the planar antenna system creating a space to let air circulating into the space; the first face is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system; the first lighting system further comprises LEDs that are arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a portion of the at least a lateral face; the lighting substrate being designed to deflect the light out of the first and I or the second face of the lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output.

[0016] It is noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of features recited in the claims or in the described embodiments. [0017] The following description relates to building applications but it’s understood that the invention may be applicable to others fields like automotive or transportation applications.

Brief description of the drawings

[0018] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing various exemplifying embodiments of the invention which are provided by way of illustration and not of limitation. The drawings are a schematic representation and not true to scale. The drawings do not restrict the invention in any way. More advantages will be explained with examples.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a 3D schematic view of an apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of an apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG.7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11 are a schematic sectional view of an apparatus according to some embodiments of the invention.

Detailed description

[0024] In this document to a specific embodiment and include various changes, equivalents, and I or replacements of a corresponding embodiment. The same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0025] As used herein, spatial or directional terms, such as "inner", "outer", "above", "below", "top", "bottom", and the like, relate to the invention as it is shown in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention can assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Further, all numbers expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, processing parameters, quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and the like, 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 values set forth in the following specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, expression “substantially” mean to within 10%, preferably to within 5%.

[0026] Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to be inclusive of the beginning and ending range values and to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more, e.g. 1 to 6.1 , and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 5.5 to 10. Further, as used herein, the terms "deposited over" or "provided over" mean deposited or provided on but not necessarily in surface contact with. For example, a coating "deposited over" a substrate does not preclude the presence of one or more other coating films of the same or different composition located between the deposited coating and the substrate.

[0027] Where the term “comprising” is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun e.g. "a" or "an", "the", this includes a plural of that noun unless something else is specifically stated. In this document, "configured to (or set to)" may be interchangeably used in hardware and software with, for example, "appropriate to", "having a capability to", "changed to", "made to", "capable of', or "designed to" according to a situation. In any situation, an expression "device configured to do" may mean that the device "can do" together with another device or component.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms first, second and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. When it is described that a constituent element (e.g., a first constituent element) is "(functionally or communicatively) coupled to" or is "connected to" another constituent element (e.g., a second constituent element), it should be understood that the constituent element may be directly connected to the another constituent element or may be connected to the another constituent element through another constituent element (e.g., a third constituent element).

[0029] It is an object of the present invention to alleviate the above described problems and to remove the barriers to outdoor 4G and 5G network densification as well as 5G private networks and WLANs when antenna systems need to be integrated with other functionalities such as signages and indicator lights but still need to be installed seamlessly onto their surrounding environment.

[0030] Especially, the object of the first aspect of the present invention is to build an apparatus that can be used as a radiating illuminating sign such as an exit sign, an fire distinguisher sign, a first aid sign, a building signage, a shop signage or alike and/or that can be used to indicate the operational status of the apparatus.

[0031] According to a first aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an apparatus (1) comprising a planar antenna system (2) designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves at a range of working frequencies comprised between 400 MHz and 110 GHz.

[0032] The planar antenna system has typically a width and / or a length comprised between 20 mm to 900 mm for example a rectangular shape of 210 mm x 250 mm, a rectangular shape of 150 mm x 160 mm or rectangular shape of 255 mm x 500 mm depending of the operating frequencies, the number of elements comprised in the planar antenna system and I or the transparency design.

[0033] Preferably, the planar antenna system works for 4G and I or for 5G, meaning wavelengths with frequencies from 690 MHz to 110 GHz, and/or for Wi-Fi, meaning wavelengths with frequencies from 2.4 GHz to 7.2 GHz.

[0034] The apparatus (1) comprises a first lighting system (3).

[0035] According to the invention, the first lighting system comprises a lighting substrate (5) and a light source (4). The light source is preferably LEDs (4).

[0036] The lighting substrate comprises a first face, a second face and at least a lateral face. The first, second and the at least a lateral faces are forming a prismatic or cylindrical shape. The shape of the prismatic or cylindrical shape depends to the shape of the first and second faces. It is understood that the first and the second faces have the same shape. In some embodiments, in case of chamfering for example, dimensions, sizes of the surface of the first face and second face can be different; meaning that the angle between adjacent lateral face and the first or the second face is different than 90°.

[0037] According to the invention, the prismatic shape been based on the shape of the first and second faces, said first and second faces can have a rectangular shape to form a rectangular parallelepiped, a polygonal shape, a hex-like shape, or alike depending on the specific application and desired design. In such embodiments, the lighting substrate comprises several lateral faces.

[0038] According to the invention, the first face is facing the planar antenna system meaning that the planar antenna system is placed in front of the first lighting system. The first face is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system.

[0039] The term “in front of” denotes that a part of the lighting system is facing the planar antenna system, thus the planar antenna system is facing at least a part of the lighting system especially the first face is facing the planar antenna system.

[0040] According to the invention, the first lighting system further comprises a light source, preferably LEDs, that is arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a portion of the at least a lateral face.

[0041] According to some embodiments, LEDs can be arranged on a portion of the at least a lateral face meaning that LEDs emit light into the lighting substrate from a part of the at least a lateral face.

[0042] According to some embodiments, LEDs can be arranged to emit from the whole or a part of a lateral face especially in embodiments in which the lighting substrate comprises several lateral faces.

[0043] LEDs when switched on, switched off and/or in operation emit an electromagnetic field that can disturb the operation of a planar antenna system placed near said LEDs by changing the performances and/or parameters of the planar antenna system. To reduce or even resolve these disturbances, the first face is at a non-zero distance, Dal, from the planar antenna system creating a space to let air circulating into the space.

[0044] The invention allows for a better dissipation of heat generated by the light source(s) and the planar antenna system and then allows to embed in the apparatus higher densities of light sources and/or higher power light source(s). As a matter of fact, for a good and efficient functioning of most of the light sources (such as LEDs for instance), temperature in the environment around the light sources shall be controlled to be inferior to a temperature threshold (above which the light source intensity or efficiency starts to decrease). Most of the light sources generate heat when functioning due to their electric powering. The higher the electrical power supplied to the light source, the more heat is generated. Moreover, the higher the density of light sources in an environment, the more heat is generated in that environment. As a matter of fact, preliminary tests have shown that, in such glass lighting panel where the light sources are LEDs, the ambient temperature of the LEDs can be up to 60°C, which greatly reduces their lifetime.

[0045] The non-zero distance between the first face and planar antenna system is preferably equal to or greater than 1 mm, more preferably the non-zero distance between the first face and planar antenna system is preferably equal to or greater than 3 mm and even more preferably the non-zero distance between the first face and planar antenna system is preferably equal to or greater than 5 mm to permit to avoid the overheat between the planar antenna system and the LEDs.

[0046] The non-zero distance between the first face and planar antenna system is preferably smaller than or equal to 30 mm, more preferably the non-zero distance between the first face and planar antenna system is preferably smaller than or equal to 20 mm and even more preferably the non-zero distance between the first face and planar antenna system is preferably smaller than or equal to 10 mm to have a thin apparatus while optimizing the management of the overheat.

[0047] In the following, the expression default encompasses all kind of surface default such as scratches, stripes, protrusion, roughness, striates, projections, slits, puncture, groove, depression, ... The defects can be microscopic. The defects can be macroscopic.

[0048] The lighting substrate can be protected by a layer in front of the first face and/or in front of the second face to reduce risk of defects.

[0049] According to the invention, the lighting substrate is designed to deflect the light out of the first and I or the second face of first lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output. Preferentially, it is at least partially light diffusive to cause the light to be deflected. The light can be spread or diffused more widely to reduce problems caused by more direct illumination from point sources. And then local refraction of the light beam propagating through defects in the substrate can be avoided. Then, the uniformity of the light generated at the surface of the apparatus and the overall aesthetics of the apparatus are improved or are kept.

[0050] Preferably, the lighting substrate is an organic glass substrate.

[0051] For instance, the organic glass substrate is a Poly(methyl methacrylate) layer and more particularly a Poly(methyl methacrylate) (hereafter referenced PM MA) layer embedding colorless diffuser particles which cause the light to diffuse forwards. For instance, the organic glass substrate has a width that is comprised between 2 mm to 10 mm or even lower. Such thin organic glass substrates can be used due to the fact that said substrate is maintained and potentially suspended and then no buckling occurs. For instance, the organic glass layer is a layer of Plexiglas Endlighten T, Grade number 0N001 , 8mm thickness that is sold by the company EVONIK Industries. The refractive index of this PMMA is 1.491 measured using ISO 489. According to another embodiment, the organic glass layer embeds particles only on a part of its volume, for instance only in a central part of that substrate. The GTE of the PMMA is comprised between 70 and 77.10-6/K-1. Different particle concentrations can be used and can be adapted to the dimensions of the apparatus.

[0052] Then, thanks to the presence of the diffuser particles in the intermediate organic glass substrate, the organic glass substrate cause the light emitted by the light sources (LEDs) to diffuse and then deflects the light emitted by the LEDs out of the first and I or the second face of first lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output.

[0053] Examples of additives to make the organic glass layer diffusive can encompass inorganic particles of glass, silica, mica, synthetic mica, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, talc, montmorillonite, kaolin clay, bentonite, hectorite, etc., metal oxide particles of titanium oxide, zinc oxide, tin oxide, alumina, etc., or organic polymer particles of acrylic beads, styrene beads, benzoguanamine, silicone, etc.

[0054] More diffusion can be obtained by surface roughening of a light-emitting face accomplished by cutting using a saw or an automatic cutter (for example, an NC router) or by blasting, surface grinding using a grinder, emboss forming, etc. In the case of blasting, particles are applied using a high-speed blasting machine over the surface of the organic glass layer, the interlayers or the glass substrates to form random projections and depressions, and the thus formed surface can be used as the light-emitting face. In the case of grinding, a grinder using, for example, a file is used to grind the surface.

[0055] The light sources can be colored, and optionally arranged so that there is color mixing to achieve a uniform white. The relative levels of the colors can be controlled to control the color temperature if desired. The light sources can also emit in the ultraviolet or infrared spectrum. The apparatus can be incorporated into buildings, windows, mirrors, backlights for display systems and so on. Arrays of the panels can be built up to illuminate larger areas.

[0056] Other variations can be envisaged within the scope of the claims.

[0057] Preferably, the portion of the lateral face or a lateral face without a light source emission is at least partially covered by an reflective strip designed to reflect light back into the lighting substrate.

[0058] Basic methods for assembling/manufacturing glass, without the novel features of the present invention, for use in this and other embodiments are well-known in the window/double glazing industry.

[0059] According to the invention, the first face and/or the second face of the lighting substrate is partially treated, preferably partially etched to emit the light with a defined shape.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the planar antenna system can be an antenna system placed on a PCB material. In such embodiments, the planar antenna system is not transparent, meaning opaque.

[0061] In preferred embodiments, the planar antenna system is at least partially transparent, preferably the planar antenna system is a transparent planar antenna system, to enable seamless indoor or outdoor placement in line with urban aesthetics constraints.

[0062] The term "transparent" denotes a property illustrating the average TL (light transmission) of visible light transmitted through a material in the visible spectrum of at least 1 %. Preferably, transparent relates to a TL property of at least 10%. More preferably, transparent denotes a TL of at least 50%. Ideally, transparent denotes a TL of at least 70%. [0063] A transparent planar antenna system, according to the present invention, can be made of layers of dielectric material, such as glass, polymer-based, air gap or alike and conductive elements forming an planar antenna system. A dielectric panel is a panel that is not electrically conductive.

[0064] For instance, a transparent planar antenna system is an antenna as described in the international publication WO2022101498.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise a second lighting system. The second lighting system comprises a lighting substrate, the lighting substrate comprises a first face, facing the planar antenna system, a second face and at least a lateral face forming a prismatic or cylindrical shape; the first face is at a non-zero distance, Dal2, from the planar antenna system and is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system; the second lighting system further comprises a light source, preferably LEDs, that is arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a portion of the at least a lateral face.

[0066] According to some preferred embodiments, the apparatus comprises a means to maintain the planar antenna system and the lighting system(s) substantially parallel. The means maintains the first face(s) at a non-zero distance(s), Dal, (Dal2), from the planar antenna system.

[0067] The means can permits to attach the apparatus to a wall, partition, ceiling, window or alike of a stationary object, such as a building, or of a mobile object, such a car, a vehicle, a train, a boat,...

[0068] The means can maintain corners, the top lateral face, or any other part of the apparatus.

[0069] The means can permits to hide cables of the planar antenna system and the light source.

[0070] In case the intermediate organic glass substrate (5/105) is PMMA, the means is preferably made from PMMA material in order to have the same GTE at least for the part in contact with the lighting system.

[0071] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate a first embodiment of an apparatus 1 according to the invention. The apparatus 1 comprises a planar antenna system 2 and a lighting system 3. The lighting system comprises a light source 4, preferably LEDs, and a lighting substrate 5 comprising a first face 51 and a second face 52. [0072] In such embodiments, the planar antenna system 2 has a generic shape of a rectangular parallelepiped extending along a plane, P, defined by a longitudinal axis, X, and a vertical axis, Z; having a width, Wa, measured along the longitudinal axis, X, a thickness Ya measured along the Y-axis and a height, Za, measured along the vertical axis, Z.

[0073] In such embodiments, the lighting substrate 5 has a generic shape of a rectangular parallelepiped extending along a plane, P, defined by a longitudinal axis, X, and a vertical axis, Z; having a width, Xp, measured along the longitudinal axis, X, a thickness Wp measured along the Y-axis and a height, Zp, measured along the vertical axis, Z. The lighting substrate has then four lateral faces 53, 54, 55, 56.

[0074] In such embodiments, the light source 4 has a generic shape of a rectangular parallelepiped extending along a plane, P, defined by a longitudinal axis, X, and a vertical axis, Z; having a width, Wl, measured along the longitudinal axis, X, a thickness Yl measured along the Y-axis and a height, Zl, measured along the vertical axis, Z.

[0075] Preferably, the light source is a linear array of punctual LEDs.

[0076] In some embodiments, the height of the planar antenna system can be smaller than the height of the lighting substrate (Wa < Wp) to hide the planar antenna system while having a good illumination.

[0077] In some embodiments, the height of the planar antenna system is substantially equals to the height of the lighting substrate (Wa s Wp) to have an easy handling and depending on the specific application, preferably the difference between the height of the height of the planar antenna system and the heigh of the lighting substrate is less than 5 % and more preferably the difference between the height of the height of the planar antenna system and the heigh of the lighting substrate is less than 1 %.

[0078] The first face 51 is parallel to plane P and substantially parallel to the planar antenna system 2.

[0079] The first face 51 is at a non-zero distance, Dal, from the planar antenna system 2 creating a space to let air circulating into the space.

[0080] In such embodiments, the light source 4 are arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a portion of the lateral face 54. Preferably lateral faces 54, 55, 56 are covered by an reflective strip designed to reflect light back into the lighting substrate.

[0081] The planar antenna system can emit in any direction, through the lighting panel, on the other side or on both sides, depending on the specific application.

[0082] The planar antenna system can be transparent, partially transparent or opaque depending on the desired application and depending on sizes and emission direction of the lighting system.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the lighting substrate 5 can be designed to deflect the light out of at least the first face of the lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output. The light is passing through the planar antenna system. In such specific embodiments, the planar antenna system is a transparent planar antenna system.

[0084] Thanks to the non-zero distance, Dal, the diffused light is not scattered by the material of the transparent planar antenna system. The material of conductors of the antenna can be realized by screen-printing, inkjet printing, deposition, glued wire, copper foil, copper mesh, or alike.

[0085] FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment where the apparatus 101 comprises a second lighting system 103 comprising a lighting substrate 105, having a first face 1051 and a second face 1052, and a light source 104, preferably LEDs.

[0086] In such embodiments, the lighting substrate 105 of the second lighting system has a generic shape of a rectangular parallelepiped extending along a plane, P, defined by a longitudinal axis, X, and a vertical axis, Z; having a width, Wp2, measured along the longitudinal axis, Xp2, a thickness Ta measured along the Y-axis and a height, Hp2, measured along the vertical axis, Z. The lighting substrate has then four lateral faces 1053, 1054, 1055, 1056.

[0087] The first face 1051 of the second lighting system is parallel to plane P and substantially parallel to the planar antenna system 2.

[0088] The first face 1051 of the second lighting system is at a non-zero distance, Dal2, from the planar antenna system 2 creating a space to let air circulating into the space.

[0089] It is understood that the first face is the one facing the planar antenna system.

[0090] In such embodiments, the light sources 4, 104 are arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate respectively 5, 105 from at least a portion of the lateral face 54, 1054. Preferably lateral faces 54, 55, 56, 1054, 1055, 1056 are covered by an reflective strip designed to reflect light back into the lighting substrate.

[0091] In such embodiments, the planar antenna system can be transparent, partially transparent or opaque depending on the desired application and depending on sizes and emission direction of the lighting systems because lights are emitting on both sides of the planar antenna system.

[0092] Such embodiments can also create specific colour effects depending on the desired application and I or can give clear indications to an user. For example, the lighting substrates can have different surface treatment to diffuse different texts, logo, or alike to give a user the working state of the antenna, the specific sign or alike.

[0093] FIG. 4 illustrates some embodiments where a second lighting system 103 is present and facing the same side of the planar antenna system as the lighting system 3.

[0094] In some embodiments in which the planar antenna system is emitting through the lighting substrate and another installation medium like a glazing, the width of the lighting substrate and/or material of the lighting substrate and/or the distance between the lighting substrate and the installation medium can be designed to act as an interface layer to compensate the radio-frequency attenuation of the installation medium and to maintain the gain of the antenna system at a desired level and/or as a polarizer and/or as a beam shaping element. Accordingly, the lighting substrate can further comprise dielectric and conductive layers.

[0095] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate some embodiments where the apparatus 1 comprises a means 70 to attach the apparatus on a wall 70 via a fixing element 72.

[0096] In such embodiments, the means comprises a separating element 71 that is designed to separate the lighting system 3 from the planar antenna system 2 to keep the non-zero distance, Dal between the first face 51 and the planar antenna system.

[0097] The means can also comprises a rotating element 73 designed to orientate the lighting system and the planar antenna system in a specific direction to emit in this specific direction.

[0098] In FIG. 5, the planar antenna system can be opaque, partially transparent or transparent and emits mainly through the lighting substrate.

[0099] In FIG. 6, the planar antenna system is partially transparent or transparent and emits mainly in the opposite direction from the lighting substrate. In such an embodiment, the lighting substrate can be designed, for instance by adding a metallic coating on the second face or by attaching a metallic layer onto the second face, such that the lighting substrate reflects or absorbs the radiation of the planar antenna system toward the lighting system to optimize the radiation in the direction opposite to the wall.

[00100] In such embodiments, the means comprises a separating element 71 that is designed to separate the lighting system 3 from the planar antenna system 2 to keep the non-zero distance, Dal between the first face 51 and the planar antenna system.

[00101] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate some embodiments where the apparatus 1 comprises a means 80 to attach the apparatus on a ceiling 85 via a fixing element 82.

[00102] In such embodiments, the means comprises a separating element 81 that is designed to separate the lighting system 3 from the planar antenna system 2 to keep the non-zero distance, Dal between the first face 51 and the planar antenna system.

[00103] The means can also comprises a rotating element 83 designed to orientate the lighting system and the planar antenna system in a specific direction to emit in this specific direction.

[00104] In such embodiments, the planar antenna system can be opaque, partially transparent or transparent and emits mainly through the lighting substrate and/or on the other side.

[00105] In such embodiments, the means comprises a separating element 71 that is designed to separate the lighting system 3 from the planar antenna system 2 to keep the non-zero distance, Dal between the first face 51 and the planar antenna system.

[00106] According to the invention and as illustrated in FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 , the apparatus can be mounted in front of a window. The window can be used to close an opening of the stationary object, such as a building, or to close an opening of the mobile object, such a train, a boat,...

[00107] Windows are usually multi-glazed windows to increase thermal performances of the window.

[00108] The multi-glazed window can be at least partially transparent to visible waves for visibility, and natural or artificial light. The multi-glazed window is made of multiple panels separated by at least one interlayer, forming multiple interfaces. The panels therefore can be separated by a space filled with gas and / or by a polymeric interlayer. [00109] In some embodiments, the multi-glazed window can comprise at least two glass panels separated by a spacer allowing to create a space filled by a gas like Argon to improve the thermal isolation of the multi-glazed window, creating an insulating multi-glazed window. The invention is not limited to apparatus for use on multiglazed window having two panels. The apparatus and method of the present invention are suitable for any multi-glazed window such as double, triple glazed windows.

[00110] In some embodiments, the glass panel can be a laminated multi-glazed window such as those to reduce the noise and I or to ensure the penetration safety. The laminated glazing comprises panels maintained by one or more interlayers positioned between glass panels. The interlayers are typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) for which the stiffness can be tuned. These interlayers keep the glass panels bonded together even when broken in such a way that they prevent the glass from breaking up into large sharp pieces.

[00111] Said panels of the multi-glazed window can be made of glass, polycarbonate, PVC or any other material used for a window mounted on a stationary object or on a mobile object.

[00112] Usually, the material of the panels of multi-glazed window is, for example, soda-lime silica glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass or other materials such as thermoplastic polymers or polycarbonates which are especially known for automotive applications. References to glass throughout this application should not be regarded as limiting.

[00113] The multi-glazed window can be manufactured by a known manufacturing method such as a float method, a fusion method, a redraw method, a press molding method, or a pulling method. As a manufacturing method of the multi-glazed window, from the viewpoint of productivity and cost, it is preferable to use the float method.

[00114] Each panel can be independently processed and I or colored, ... and I or have different thickness in order to improve the aesthetic, thermal insulation performances, safety,... The thickness of the multi-glazed window is set according to requirements of applications.

[00115] The multi-glazed window can be any known window used in situ. For example, the multi-glazed window can be processed, ie annealed, tempered,... to respect the specifications of security and anti-thief requirements. The window can independently be a clear glass or a colored glass, tinted with a specific composition of the glass or by applying an additional coating or a plastic layer for example. The window can have any shape to fit to the opening such as a rectangular shape, in a plan view by using a known cutting method. As a method of cutting the multi-glazed window, for example, a method in which laser light is irradiated on the surface of the multi-glazed window to cut the multi-glazed window, or a method in which a cutter wheel is mechanically cutting can be used. The multi-glazed window can have any shape in order to fit with the application, for example a windshield, a sidelite, a sunroof of an automotive, a lateral glazing of a train, a window of a building,...

[00116] The shape of the multi-glazed window in a plan view is usually a rectangle. Depending of the application, the shape is not limited to a rectangle and may be a trapeze, especially for a windshield or a backlite of a vehicle, a triangle, especially for a sidelight of a vehicle, a circle or the like.

[00117] In addition, the multi-glazed window can be assembled within a frame or be mounted in a double skin fapade, in a carbody or any other means able to maintain a multiglazed window. Some plastics elements can be fixed on the multi-glazed window to ensure the tightness to gas and I or liquid, to ensure the fixation of the multi-glazed window or to add external element to the multi-glazed window. In some embodiments, a masking element, such as an enamel layer, can be added on part of the periphery of the multi-glazed window.

[00118] For thermal comfort inside the stationary object or mobile object, a coating system can be present on one interface of the multi-glazed window. This coating system generally uses a metal-based layer and infrared light is highly refracted by this type of layer. Such coating system is typically used to achieve a to a low-energy multiglazed window.

[00119] In some embodiment, the coating system can be a heatable coating applied on the multi-glazed window to add a defrosting and / or a demisting function for example and I or to reduce the accumulation of heat in the interior of a building or vehicle or to keep the heat inside during cold periods for example. Although coating system are thin and mainly transparent to eyes.

[00120] Usually, the coating system is covering most of the surface of the interface of the multi-glazed window. [00121] The coating system can be made of layers of different materials and at least one of these layers is electrically conductive. In some embodiments, for example in automotive windshields, the coating system can be electrically conductive over the majority of one major surface of the multi-glazed window. This can causes issues such as heated point if the portion to be decoating is not well designed.

[00122] A suitable coating system is for example, a conductive film. A suitable conductive film, is for example, a laminated film obtained by sequentially laminating a transparent dielectric, a metal film, and a transparent dielectric, ITO, fluorine-added tin oxide (FTO), or the like. A suitable metal film can be , for example, a film containing as a main component at least one selected from the group consisting of Ag, Au, Cu, and Al.

[00123] The coating system may comprise a metal based low emissive coating system. Such coating systems typically are a system of thin layers comprising one or more, for example two, three or four, functional layers based on an infrared radiation reflecting material and at least two dielectric coatings, wherein each functional layer is surrounded by dielectric coatings. The coating system of the present invention may in particular have an emissivity of at least 0.010. The functional layers are generally layers of silver with a thickness of some nanometers, mostly about 5 to 20nm. The dielectric layers are generally transparent and made from one or more layers of metal oxides and I or nitrides. These different layers are deposited, for example, by means of vacuum deposition techniques such as magnetic field- assisted cathodic sputtering, more commonly referred to as "magnetron sputtering". In addition to the dielectric layers, each functional layer may be protected by barrier layers or improved by deposition on a wetting layer.

[00124] In some embodiments, to maximize the transmission and the reception of the antenna system in front of a window having a coating system, a decoated portion can be made in front of the antenna to alleviate attenuation due to the coating system.

[00125] According to some embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is a radiation illumination sign, such as an exit sign, an fire distinguisher sign, a first aid sign, a building signage, a shop signage or alike and/or to indicate the operational status of the apparatus. [00126] In some embodiments, the first and/or the second face is partially etched with a specific design and the light source emits the light in a defined color to illuminate the etched portion with the desired color. In such embodiments, the light source permits to illuminate and diffuse the light through the partial etching in a single output color. The apparatus illuminates with a single color of light. It is understood that the color can be change by changing the color of the light source.

[00127] In some embodiments, a decorative layer(s), for example an inkjet printing layer(s), is applied on the first and/or on the second face. A whiten light source permits to illuminate the decorative layer with the correct and desired color due to the colored decorative layer. In such case, the apparatus illuminates with a coloured light.

[00128] In some embodiments, a decorative layer(s), for example an inkjet printing layer(s), is applied on the first and/or on the second face and a partial etching is applied on the first and/or on the second face to have a specific effect and combining single and multiple colored effects.

[00129] According to the invention, it is possible to combine the operational status with a specific signage such as an exit signage. A light color can be used when the planar antenna system is not in use and a bright color can be used when the planar antenna system is in use that permits to a user to see the signage even if the antenna system is not in use mode. Instead of light and bright color, it is understood that another color can be used to indicate operational status of the planar antenna system.

[00130] An embodiment provides a use of a first lighting system to indicate the operational status of an apparatus comprising a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves at a range of working frequencies comprised between 400 MHz and 110 GHz; the first lighting system comprises a lighting substrate comprising a first face, facing the planar antenna system, a second face and at least a lateral face forming a prismatic or cylindrical shape; the first face is at a non-zero distance, Dal, from the planar antenna system creating a space to let air circulating into the space; the first face is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system; the first lighting system further comprises LEDs that are arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a portion of the at least a lateral face; the lighting substrate being designed to deflect the light out of the first and I or the second face of the lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output. [00131] An embodiment provides a use of an apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention to build a radiating illuminating sign, the apparatus comprising a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves at a range of working frequencies comprised between 400 MHz and 110 GHz and a first lighting system; the first lighting system comprises a lighting substrate comprising a first face, facing the planar antenna system, a second face and at least a lateral face forming a prismatic or cylindrical shape; the first face is at a non-zero distance, Dal, from the planar antenna system creating a space to let air circulating into the space; the first face is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system; the first lighting system further comprises LEDs that are arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a portion of the at least a lateral face; the lighting substrate being designed to deflect the light out of the first and I or the second face of the lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output.

Claims

Claim 1. Apparatus (1) comprising a planar antenna system (2) designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves at a range of working frequencies comprised between 400 MHz and 110 GHz, the apparatus is characterized in that the apparatus comprises a first lighting system; the first lighting system comprises a lighting substrate comprising a first face, facing the planar antenna system, a second face and at least a lateral face forming a prismatic or cylindrical shape; the first face is at a non-zero distance, Dal, from the planar antenna system creating a space to let air circulating into the space; the first face is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system; the first lighting system further comprises a light source, preferably LEDs, that is arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a portion of the at least a lateral face; and in that the lighting substrate is designed to deflect the light out of the first and I or the second face of the lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output.

Claim 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the lighting substrate is an organic glass substrate.

Claim 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the organic glass substrate is made of Poly(methyl methacrylate) embedding colorless diffuser particles.

Claim 4. Apparatus according to any preceding claims, wherein the first face and/or the second face of the lighting substrate is partially treated, preferably partially etched.

Claim 5. Apparatus according to any preceding claims, wherein the planar antenna system is at least partially transparent.

Claim 6. Apparatus according to any preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises a second lighting system.

Claim 7. Use of a first lighting system to indicate the operational status of an apparatus comprising a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves at a range of working frequencies comprised between 400 MHz and 110 GHz; the first lighting system comprises a lighting substrate comprising a first face, facing the planar antenna system, a second face and at least a lateral face forming a prismatic or cylindrical shape; the first face is at a non-zero distance, Dal, from the planar antenna system creating a space to let air circulating into the space; the first face is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system; the first lighting system further comprises LEDs that are arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a portion of the at least a lateral face; the lighting substrate being designed to deflect the light out of the first and I or the second face of the lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output.

Claim 8. Use of an apparatus to build a radiating illuminating sign, the apparatus comprising a planar antenna system designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves at a range of working frequencies comprised between 400 MHz and 110 GHz and a first lighting system; the first lighting system comprises a lighting substrate comprising a first face, facing the planar antenna system, a second face and at least a lateral face forming a prismatic or cylindrical shape; the first face is at a non-zero distance, Dal, from the planar antenna system creating a space to let air circulating into the space; the first face is substantially parallel to the planar antenna system; the first lighting system further comprises LEDs that are arranged to emit light into the lighting substrate from at least a portion of the at least a lateral face; the lighting substrate being designed to deflect the light out of the first and I or the second face of the lighting substrate to provide a diffused light output.