JP3628548B2 - Signal relay device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a signal relay device for transmitting a high-bandwidth signal through a building. In particular, the present invention relates to a signal repeater having a configuration in which the installation location of the signal repeater can be easily set.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Television broadcast signals such as terrestrial and satellite broadcast waves are received by an outdoor antenna, and are electrically connected to each room by cables to transmit signals. However, the cable connection required a through-hole in the building wall, and construction for that purpose was necessary. In addition, the aesthetics of the building may be unfavorable.
[0003]
In order to solve the above problem, a relay antenna is installed against the window glass, which is a non-conductive part of the building, and the intermediate frequency signal repeater for satellite broadcast reception provides information without providing a through-hole on the outer wall of the building. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 4-172788 discloses a method for performing the transmission.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the case of the window glass shown in the prior art, since it is transparent, it is easy to install it against the relay antenna, but a structure such as a wall, a floor, or a ceiling between general rooms Since it is opaque, it has been very difficult to install in a position that opposes, and it is impossible to install in a position that opposes exactly.
[0005]
Also, in the case of window glass, since it is a homogeneous material, radio waves are transmitted in the same way no matter where it is installed, but there is no problem in transmitting signals through buildings. In addition, there are obstacles that interfere with radio wave transmission by reflecting or absorbing radio waves such as metal structures (bolts, etc.), power line wiring, house frames, frame reinforcements, etc. There was a problem that accurate signal relaying could not be performed due to interference.
[0006]
As an example, in the case of a general Japanese house, the framework structure shown in FIG. 7 can be seen. In this configuration, the frame reinforcing member 505 of the column 501 exists in the wall, and an area that does not transmit radio waves is generated. Since the reinforcing material 505 is not visible from the table, it is very difficult to avoid the reinforcing material 505 and install the relay antenna against the relay antenna.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to provide a signal relay device that can be installed at a position where the relay antenna is opposed to each other accurately, and that can be installed avoiding obstacles that interfere with radio wave transmission.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The signal relay device of the present invention detects the strength of radio waves received by the antenna on the receiver side in a signal relay device that transmits radio signals using a transmission / reception antenna that is mounted with a building sandwiched against it. It has the means to do.
[0009]
Here, the building in which the transmission / reception antenna is installed is preferably a flat portion such as a wall, ceiling, or floor of a room.
[0010]
Since the antenna can be positioned by detecting the intensity of the radio wave, it can be accurately installed at the position where the radio wave intensity is maximum. When positioning is performed while viewing a TV image, the received radio wave of the TV is adjusted by an auto gain controller (AGC) and then output to the TV screen. Since it does not appear, it is very difficult to accurately place it in the position where it opposes.
[0011]
Further, the frequency of the radio wave used is preferably 10 GHz to 90 GHz. At low frequencies, such as 1 to 2 GHz, it is difficult to place the antenna accurately at the opposite position due to the large amount of radio waves, and it is easily affected by other radio frequencies such as mobile phones. Installation is difficult. Since the frequency of 10 GHz to 90 GHz has high directivity and high straightness, the system can be used with the minimum output by performing the alignment accurately, and interference with other systems can be minimized. As an effect, this frequency band has an advantage that the attenuation in space and the attenuation in wood are relatively large, and the leaked radio wave is less likely to interfere with other systems. In particular, a radio frequency of 60 GHz is an optimum frequency for indoor data transmission from the viewpoint of directivity.
[0012]
The signal relay device according to the present invention is characterized in that the means for detecting the intensity of the radio wave received by the antenna on the receiver side has a portion that displays at least one of sound, light, and an image.
[0013]
In the display by light, it is preferable to display the radio field intensity by the intensity of light, the pitch of blinking, the number of lighting parts, and the color. In particular, in the case of light, there is an advantage that it is possible to easily check whether there is a change in the transmission conditions due to a change in the environment by continuing the display after the installation, and to change the installation position as necessary.
[0014]
Display by image enables accurate position setting by digitizing radio wave intensity and displaying it on the TV screen. Also, by displaying the spectrum of the frequency band of the transmission signal, the presence or absence of multipath interference Can be displayed, and a more appropriate antenna position can be set.
[0015]
The sound display is preferably sound intensity, pitch, pulse sound pitch, or the like. In particular, when adjusting the position of the transmitting antenna, the receiving antenna part is often not visible, so if it is displayed with sound, it is usually possible to hear the sound over the wall, making it easier to install the antenna. Become. Moreover, even in the case of installation of a receiver, the installation can be performed even when it cannot be visually observed in the case of installation by groping such as a gap in furniture.
[0016]
Moreover, it is possible to combine the above advantages by combining them, and it is possible to install and operate a more appropriate and stable repeater.
[0017]
The signal relay apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that at least either the antenna on the receiver side or the transmitter side is an antenna capable of changing directivity.
[0018]
When placing the antenna of the signal relay device through the building at a position that opposes, initially weaken the antenna directivity, perform rough alignment, and then gradually increase the directivity, fine By performing the alignment, the alignment can be performed easily and accurately. In the end, it is preferable to use the antenna with as high directivity as possible. This is because it is preferable to minimize interference to other systems by transmitting with the minimum power as described above.
[0019]
The signal relay device of the present invention is characterized in that a radio wave shield is disposed around the antenna of the signal relay device.
[0020]
As the radio wave shield, a radio wave absorber that absorbs radio waves or a radio wave reflector that reflects radio waves can be used. Or you may use combining these.
[0021]
Multipath is generated by the multiple reflection of radio waves by the casing other than the antenna of the repeater, and there is a place where the radio waves weaken at a position slightly deviated from the position where the transceiver is opposed to the front, making alignment difficult In some cases, the alignment can be easily and accurately performed by absorbing the reflected wave with the radio wave absorber. As another effect, there is an effect of preventing leakage of radio waves to the outside and preventing interference from the outside. In that case, the effect can be further increased by combining the radio wave absorber and the radio wave reflector.
[0022]
The signal relay device of the present invention is characterized in that a transmitting antenna or a receiving antenna is built in a surface in contact with a television building, and the position of the built-in transmitting antenna or receiving antenna can be changed.
[0023]
The surface in contact with the building refers to the rear surface of a wall-mounted television or the bottom surface of a stationary television. Naturally, in the case of the back of a wall-mounted television, the antenna of the repeater is opposed to the repeater in the next room, and in the case of the bottom of the stationary television, it is opposed to the repeater in the room below the floor. In the case of a wall-mounted television, there may be cases where both opposing repeaters are built in the television.
[0024]
This eliminates the need for cable wiring to the relay device, reduces signal transmission loss, and does not impair the view of the room due to cable routing. In other words, when the transmitter side is built in the television, the signal is used on the television, so the repeater can use the signal as it is. When the receiver side is built in the television, Since the signal is transmitted, the view of the room with the television can be maintained well. Further, since the positions of both built-in antennas can be moved without moving the TV, it is possible to install the antennas while avoiding obstacles in the building.
[0025]
In addition, the radio wave shield around the antenna may be installed on the surface in contact with the TV building, which makes it possible to install the radio wave shield more widely without harming the landscape, and to prevent interference and interference. The effect is great.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0027]
In order to transmit a high-speed broadband signal, a millimeter wave in the 60 GHz band (usually 59 to 64 GHz) was used as a high radio frequency in the following embodiments. The millimeter wave in the 60 GHz band is highly absorbed by oxygen and hydrogen, and is prepared to be cut off between adjacent houses, and is a suitable frequency for transmission between rooms.
[0028]
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of a signal relay device of the present invention. A signal repeater and its peripheral devices are shown that transmit radio signals using an antenna mounted so as to oppose each other across the wall of the room. The wall 109 of the room is composed of buildings 110, and between the buildings 110 are almost hollow, but there are wall reinforcements 502 that are obstacles that do not transmit radio waves. In addition to reinforcing materials, metal structures (such as bolts), power line wiring, and house frameworks that interfere with radio wave transmission by reflecting or absorbing radio waves are obstacles.
[0029]
The satellite broadcast is received by the BS antenna 120 and the CS antenna 121, converted into an intermediate frequency band of 1 to 2 GHz by the block converter 107, and then wired to the transmitter 101 of the signal relay device by the coaxial cable 123.
[0030]
The data transmitted to the transmitter was converted from the 1-2 GHz band to the 60 GHz band (59-64 GHz) by the up-converter 103 and transmitted from the transmitting antenna 105 to the receiver 102. Data received by the receiving antenna 106 was converted into an intermediate frequency of 1 to 2 GHz band by the down converter 104, sent to the block converter 108 by the coaxial cable 123, where it was converted into each signal, and transmitted to each TV receiver. The receiver 102 is provided with a portion 111 for displaying the radio wave intensity in order to know the intensity of the radio wave received by the receiving antenna.
[0031]
As the portion 111 for displaying the strength of the radio wave, the strength of the radio wave can be understood from the volume of the sound. The reception antenna may be installed easily so that the sound is maximized, and the installation can be performed while avoiding the obstacle 502 in the building. In addition, the transmission antenna can be easily adjusted by setting the volume so that it can be heard over the wall. In addition, it can be installed in places that cannot be seen, such as gaps in furniture, and the installation range has been widened.
[0032]
In addition, since the optimum transmission condition of radio waves can be known without looking at a screen of a TV or the like, the antenna can be installed without moving each time. The antenna can be installed even when the TV image is not captured or the radio wave intensity is reduced to such an extent that the image is not disturbed.
[0033]
As described above, when deciding the installation location of the repeater integrated with the antenna, when the installation location is moved, the radio wave intensity at that time can be known, so the antenna can be installed accurately and easily at a position that opposes It became.
[0034]
In this embodiment, the intensity of sound is used. However, the installation can be easily performed even in the case of a pulse period or a change in height.
[0035]
(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, sound is used as the portion 111 for displaying the strength of radio waves. However, an example in which light is used instead of sound will be described. The overall apparatus configuration is the same as in FIG.
[0036]
FIG. 2A shows an LED display example when a level meter using LEDs is used. In FIG. 2A, the LEDs are lit up to a line with a radio field intensity of 131, and the radio field intensity is 4 mW. At the same time, the maximum radio field intensity is always stored and the intensity position is lit. In FIG. 2A, 132 indicates the maximum radio field intensity, and the maximum radio field intensity up to now is 7 mW.
[0037]
When the radio wave intensity at a point X mm away from the front position of the transmitting antenna along the surface of the wall was measured, it was as shown in FIG. 2B when the wall thickness was 300 mm. The vertical axis in FIG. 2B represents the difference between the maximum value and the maximum gain on the front surface of 0 dB. There was a point where the radio wave intensity increased at a distance of about 50 mm, 70 mm, 90 mm from the front position of the transmitting antenna, but the maximum radio wave intensity is always displayed, so that the antenna can be easily installed at the optimum position. I was able to. Moreover, by continuously displaying the maximum radio field intensity with a level meter, changes in transmission conditions can be seen at a glance, and the setting position can be adjusted as necessary.
[0038]
In the said embodiment, although LED was used as a luminescent material, the same result was obtained even if it used other materials, such as a light bulb. Similar results were obtained when the radio wave intensity was displayed by using the intensity of light or the blinking period of light instead of displaying it with an LED level meter.
[0039]
Further, the numerical value of the radio wave intensity may be displayed as a TV image. In this case, the actual radio wave intensity can be known more accurately and can be installed more accurately.
[0040]
In addition to the LED level meter display, the sound display used in Embodiment 1 may be used in combination. Although it was impossible to make adjustments on the transmitter side using only the LED level meter, the radio wave intensity can be seen even when the sound changes, so it can be adjusted while listening to the sound over the building, making it more accurate and easy. Installation can be performed. In addition, when using the signal relay device after adjustment, the sound used for positioning is erased and used, so in the case of display by sound, the change in transmission conditions during use was not known. It can be confirmed at a glance by the level meter, and the set position can be adjusted as necessary.
[0041]
(Embodiment 3)
Next, an example in which alignment is performed accurately by changing the directivity of the transmitting antenna will be described.
[0042]
FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a signal repeater that transmits a radio wave signal using an antenna attached so as to oppose the wall 109 of the room and its peripheral devices. The overall configuration diagram is the same as FIG. Data transmitted from the coaxial cable 123 to the transmitter 201 of the signal relay apparatus is transmitted to the receiver 102 through the wall, and further transmitted from the coaxial cable 123.
[0043]
The directivity of the radio wave output from the transmitter 201 can be changed. A detailed diagram of the configuration of the transmitter 201 used here is shown in FIG. A lens 210 is installed in front of the transmission antenna 205. At radio frequencies as high as about 60 GHz, radio waves behave like light, and the directivity can be changed by changing the distance between the transmitting antenna 205 and the lens 210. Actually, the directivity can be changed by gradually moving the position of the antenna 205 from the B point to the A point. The directivity of radio waves may be changed using a phased array antenna.
[0044]
The beam width is indicated by an angle α. The beam width is generally defined at a position that is −3 dB lower than the maximum Gain. However, in this embodiment, no problem occurs in data transmission at the position −3 dB lower, so that the beam width decreases −10 dB from the maximum Gain. In particular, the angle between the angle and the line formed by connecting the position and the center of the antenna is expressed as α. When the directivity of the transmitting antenna 205 could not be changed and was small (FIG. 3C), the initial positioning was very difficult. However, the position of the receiving apparatus 102 was roughly determined by widening the beam width to 140 °. (FIG. 3 (a)) As a result of adjusting the position of the antenna so as to maximize the radio wave intensity while gradually reducing the beam width, the antenna could be installed at the optimum position (FIG. 3 ( b)).
[0045]
Since the directivity can be changed, the initial positioning can be easily performed, and the apparatus can be installed in a short time. Further, in actual use after alignment, more accurate data transmission can be performed by readjusting the directivity so as to reduce unnecessary radio waves between the signal relay apparatuses.
[0046]
(Embodiment 4)
Next, an example where a radio wave shield is arranged around the signal repeater will be described.
[0047]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a signal repeater that transmits radio signals using antennas 105 and 106 that are mounted so as to oppose each other across the wall 109 of the room and its peripheral devices. The device configuration was such that data was transmitted to the transmitter 101 of the signal relay device by radio waves.
[0048]
Data was transmitted to the transmitter from the 1-2 GHz band to 60 GHz by the up-converter 103 and transmitted from the transmission antenna 105 to the receiver 102. The data received by the receiving antenna 106 was converted into an intermediate frequency of 1 to 2 GHz band by the down converter 104, and data was transmitted to the TV by radio waves.
[0049]
The receiver 102 is provided with a portion 111 for displaying the intensity of radio waves received by the receiving antenna. A radio wave shield 301 is disposed around the transmission antenna 105 and the reception antenna 106. The radio wave shield 301 is configured such that a radio wave absorber made of a water-absorbing resin sealed with a gel is placed on the building side, and a radio wave reflector made of a metal plate is placed on the room side.
[0050]
Since the radio wave shield 301 is installed, it is possible to reduce the irregular reflection of unnecessary radio waves in the building, to reduce the invasion of unnecessary waves from the outside area into the building, and to reduce the leakage of unnecessary waves to the outside. The accuracy of radio field intensity measurement during positioning of the signal relay device has been improved, and accurate positioning has become easier. In addition, accurate data transmission can be performed by reducing unnecessary waves.
[0051]
Similar results were obtained even when wood board was used as the radio wave absorber. The radio wave reflector may be any conductive material and may be a mesh.
[0052]
In this embodiment, data is transmitted wirelessly to the signal relay device, and then wirelessly transmitted to the TV after the relay. However, even when using the wireless radio wave, positioning is easily and accurately performed. The signal was relayed in the same manner as when the coaxial cable was used as shown in FIG. As another effect, the use of wireless radio waves eliminates the need for wiring to the signal relay device and does not impair the view of the room.
[0053]
Although an example was shown in which data was transmitted to a signal relay device using radio waves, unnecessary radio waves inside the building were reduced and accurate positioning could be performed easily even if data transmission was performed using a coaxial cable. .
[0054]
In addition, when positioning is performed by changing the directivity of the transmitting antenna as in the third embodiment, interference and reflection of unnecessary radio waves are reduced, the accuracy of measuring the strength of positioning radio waves is increased, and the installation of the apparatus is improved. It became easier.
[0055]
The thickness of the building 111 of this embodiment was 10 mm, and the radio wave attenuation at 60 GHz was −8 dBm. However, the antenna can be similarly installed using a signal in the range of 10 to 90 GHz. It was.
[0056]
(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing another embodiment of the signal relay device of the present invention. FIG. 5A shows an overall view of an example in which the receiver 102 of the signal relay device is built in the wall-mounted TV 401, and FIG. 5B shows a rear view of the wall-mounted TV 401. The transmitter 101 and the wall-mounted TV 401 were installed so that the antenna was installed against the wall 109 of the room. The configuration of the signal relay device is the same as that in FIG.
[0057]
Data was transmitted from the transmitter 101 of the signal relay apparatus to the receiver 102 built in the wall-mounted TV 401, and the received radio waves were directly transmitted to the wall-mounted TV 401. The position of the receiver 102 built in the wall-mounted TV 401 can be changed within the range of the size 402, and a radio wave shield 301 is provided around the receiver 102.
[0058]
Wiring to the wall-mounted TV is no longer necessary, and the room landscape can be maintained. Since the position of the receiver 102 can be changed, even if there is an obstacle 502 in the building, the antenna can be easily installed by moving the receiver 102 without moving the wall-mounted TV 401 and avoiding the building. Could be done.
[0059]
In addition, the radio wave shield 301 can be installed more widely without impairing the scenery of the room, and by installing it widely, unnecessary waves can be effectively reduced and the positioning of the signal relay device can be performed accurately and easily. I was able to. As another effect, accurate data transmission could be performed.
[0060]
In the present embodiment, the spectrum of the frequency band of the radio signal may be displayed on the TV screen to display the presence / absence of reception failure due to multipath, or the radio wave intensity may be digitized and displayed. More accurate alignment can be performed.
[0061]
Similarly, when both signal relay devices are built in the wall-mounted TV and the signal relay devices are installed so as to oppose each other, it is possible to avoid 502 and easily install the antenna and perform accurate signal relay. did it.
[0062]
(Embodiment 6)
Next, FIG. 6 shows an embodiment for transmitting data between different floors using a signal relay device. The receiver 102 of the signal relay device is built in the TV 410, and the transmitter 101 is installed on the ceiling 416. The position of the built-in receiver 102 is variable, and providing a radio wave shield around the receiver 102 is the same as in FIG.
[0063]
A Japanese house is generally composed of columns 411 and 418, a floor plate 412 and a tatami 413 forming a framework. Since the signal strength indicator is on, the signal relay device could be installed easily. In addition, even when there is a pillar such as 418 serving as an obstacle for shielding radio waves, the signal relay device can be easily installed at the optimum position by avoiding the pillar without moving the TV 410. As another effect, since no wiring from the receiver to the TV is required, data loss in the wiring is eliminated, and more accurate data transmission can be performed.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
According to the signal repeater of the present invention, it is possible to easily install an antenna at a position that opposes even in a situation where the position of each antenna of the repeater cannot be grasped at the same time.
[0065]
Since the radio field intensity can be detected and the maximum radio field intensity is known, the antenna can be installed at the position where the radio field intensity is maximum.
[0066]
In addition, by placing a radio wave shield around the antenna, multiple reflections of unwanted waves inside the building, leakage of radio waves outside the building, and leakage of radio waves from outside to the building are reduced. Strength measurement accuracy is improved, and alignment can be performed easily and accurately.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a signal relay device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example using light of the present invention and a radio wave intensity distribution.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of changing the directivity of the antenna of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example when a radio wave shield is arranged around the signal repeater of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a wall-mounted TV in which the receiver of the signal relay device of the present invention is built.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data transmission between different floors using the signal relay device of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a framework structure of a general Japanese house.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101, 201 ... Transmitter 102 ... Receiver 103 ... Up converter 104 ... Down converter 105, 205 ... Transmission antenna 106 ... Reception antenna 109 ... Room wall 110 ... Building 111 ... Part 131 which shows electric field strength ... LED lighting part 132 ... LED lighting portion 210 indicating maximum radio wave intensity ... Lens 301 ... Radio wave shield 310 ... Antenna 401 ... Wall-mounted TV
410 ... TV
411, 418, 501 ... pillar 502 ... obstacle 505 ... reinforcing material

Claims (11)

In a signal relay device that transmits a radio wave signal using a transmission / reception antenna that is mounted across a building so as to be opposed,
It has a means to detect the strength of the radio wave received by the receiver antenna,
The frequency of the radio wave is 10 GHz to 90 GHz ,
A signal relay apparatus characterized in that at least either the antenna on the receiver side or the transmitter side is an antenna capable of changing directivity . The signal relay device according to claim 1, wherein the radio wave is a millimeter wave of 60 GHz band. In a signal relay device that transmits a radio wave signal using a transmission / reception antenna that is mounted across a building so as to be opposed,
It has a means to detect the strength of the radio wave received by the receiver antenna,
The transmitter is designed to receive data transmission via radio waves ,
A signal relay apparatus characterized in that at least either the antenna on the receiver side or the transmitter side is an antenna capable of changing directivity . In a signal relay device that transmits a radio wave signal using a transmission / reception antenna that is mounted across a building so as to be opposed,
It has a means to detect the strength of the radio wave received by the receiver antenna,
The frequency of the radio wave is 10 GHz to 90 GHz,
A signal relay apparatus comprising a transmission antenna or a reception antenna built in a surface in contact with a building of a television, and a position of the built-in transmission antenna or reception antenna being changeable . 5. The signal relay device according to claim 4 , wherein the radio wave is a millimeter wave of 60 GHz band . In a signal relay device that transmits a radio wave signal using a transmission / reception antenna that is mounted across a building so as to be opposed,
It has a means to detect the strength of the radio wave received by the receiver antenna,
The transmitter is designed to receive data transmission via radio waves,
A signal relay apparatus comprising a transmission antenna or a reception antenna built in a surface in contact with a building of a television, and a position of the built-in transmission antenna or reception antenna being changeable . 7. The signal relay device according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the antenna on the receiver side or the transmitter side is an antenna capable of changing directivity . In a signal relay device that transmits a radio wave signal using a transmission / reception antenna that is mounted across a building so as to be opposed,
It has a means to detect the strength of the radio wave received by the receiver antenna,
A signal relay apparatus characterized in that at least either the antenna on the receiver side or the transmitter side is an antenna capable of changing directivity . In a signal relay device that transmits a radio wave signal using a transmission / reception antenna that is mounted across a building so as to be opposed,
It has a means to detect the strength of the radio wave received by the receiver antenna,
A signal relay apparatus comprising a transmission antenna or a reception antenna built in a surface in contact with a building of a television, and a position of the built-in transmission antenna or reception antenna being changeable . The means for detecting the intensity of the radio wave received by the antenna on the receiver side has a portion that displays at least one of sound, light, and an image. Signal relay device. The signal relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a radio wave shield is disposed around an antenna of the signal relay device.

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